Tina De Suza
~ silversmith
~ vintage cutlery jeweller
About me ...
My name is Tina De Suza, and I'm an artisan creator.
Much of my work and creativity is rooted in transformation, storytelling, and the quiet beauty of objects that have already lived a life.
It brings me joy to upcycle original vintage silver-plated cutlery into timeless, wearable jewellery and small objects to treasure. Each piece begins with a carefully chosen fragment; a fork handle, a knife, an abandoned teaspoon - and is reimagined into something meaningful, personal, and enduring.
Some of my favourite creations are the spoon-handle bracelets with magnetic clasps, spoon rings, and pendants suspended from stainless steel ball chains that echo the charm of yesteryear. From my extensive collection of vintage cutlery, I select pairs of vintage teaspoon handles to transform into earrings - each pair finished with high quality solid sterling silver ear wires.
Beyond jewellery, I’m equally drawn to sculptural and functional pieces. Old hollow knife handles are given new life as fridge magnet vases - watertight, practical, and perfect for bringing a pop of flowery colour into the kitchen. Some of my knife handles end up as wearable lapel vases, designed to hold a living buttonhole for a special occasion, or as a quirky outfit addition.
Alongside my vintage pieces, I offer a limited selection of solid sterling silver seashell castings, inspired by the New Zealand coast. Periodically, I create hand forged sterling silver chains, rings, pendants and earrings. Most (if not all) of the sterling silver I use is recycled.
Everything I create celebrates reuse, craftsmanship, and the beauty of materials with history - objects thoughtfully remade to be worn, loved, and lived with once more.
My work is available through my online store, and from the stockists listed. As always, thank you so much for your support of another small NZ business!
Kind regards
Tina De Suza
