Peter Coombs: Designer, Jeweler, Metalsmith: Lisa is amazed at this craftsman at work in the Adelaide City region of South Australia
What's Elton John got to do with an Adelaide Jeweler? Plenty as it happens… Elton's trademark is the flamboyant spectacles he wears both on and off stage and that's where local jeweler, Peter Coombs comes in.
In his studio in suburban Payneham, Peter produces what he describes as beautiful and innovative pieces - from intricate fine jewelry to furniture and sculptures - and of course those 'out there' glasses as worn by Elton John…
Peter Coombs: "When everyone was going to Europe I decided that I really wanted to make a go of it and I figured the only place in the world where the sort of thing I was making might sell immediately was Hollywood…"
It was a bold move that paid off when Elton John saw some of his creations and the rest - as they say is history. Since then, this graduate of the South Australian School of Design has been making a name for himself around the world… and beyond - literally.
Peter's specially designed lapel badge, featuring Colonel William Light's plan of Adelaide has been around the earth 210 times courtesy of Adelaide Born astronaut, Andy Thomas. It's an appropriate outcome for the little boy, who grew up playing space ships in his backyard,
Peter Coombs: "It's a funny story and it goes back to when I was about six years old and we had a massive fig tree in our backyard at Henley Beach and I used to make what can only be described as controls panels for space ships - we'd build these multi-level forts and I'd always have these funny little panels in them. From there, my grandmother, who was a milliner in Scotland - I learnt to sew from her when I was about ten and just kept making things whether it was fabric or wood, as I got older I got into some metal."
In these days of modern mass-production, Peter longs for the days when individualism was celebrated much more than it is today.
Peter Coombs: "I used to love wandering around Prospect where my grand dad lived and every front gate was different because everybody put that little thing on their gate. I sort of dream one day that will become a reality again."
Peter's versatility sees his work in a variety of unlikely places for a jeweler. Take for example, the table in the VIP tasting room at Penfolds Magill Estate - it too is a Peter Coombs creation. From precious stone jewelry, to a solid silver pocket flask, pate knife, bottlestopper, even a handmade waiter's friend. Spectacles, chairs, tasting tables, an outer space connection - it makes you wonder - is anything this guy cant do?
Peter Coombs: "That's the interesting part for me I don't actually know what I'm doing next week. When there's a big job, some of them might take up to six weeks but after that it might go from something that was three metres down to something that was 20 millimetres and that's the beauty of it."
And the beauty is certainly evident in his creations. Peter takes commissions for private work for anything from fine jewelry to corporate and ceremonial pieces. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Peter Coombs Designer - Jeweller - Metalsmith
Ph: 0419 031 440Published 3rd May 2009
