The Thousands

Last time I was at Pieces of Eight Gallery I fell in love with a necklace and, I admit, I was afraid to ask the price. Luckily, I had fallen in love with something in my price range, and I am now the proud owner of a thought provoking, handmade amulet by Elfrun Lach.

Yoshiko Ikoma, ex-editor of Marie Clare Japan, predicts a future trend to be “the appreciation of craftsmanship and handskills; this is a reaction against fast fashion.” Pieces of Eight has been appreciating this since 2005 but, knowing she has some customers with budgets like mine, owner Melanie Katsalidis is launching a new shop Edition X.

Rather than only one-off pieces as at Po8, Edition X will feature items made in small editions. And the focus is on the affordable collectable. So it’s not just amazing jewellery but also homewares and small items that your future grandkids will want to get their hands on.

The North Fitzroy store is being freshly fitted out and Melanie says, “I’ve designed it with a little of dad’s input and lots of my own intuition! It features recycled wood and marine ply and a more dramatic feel than the old Pieces of Eight.” Edition X will be trading online from Saturday 5 November and the real-world store opens Friday 11 November.