A journey from the Australian mines to fine jewellery

Mark Nuell’s story begins with the rugged landscapes of Australia’s Central Queensland Gemfields. As a child, he grew up surrounded by the raw beauty of gemstones, watching and following his father mine sapphires. Mark’s father, a passionate fossicker from the UK, had moved to Australia in the 1960s seeking adventure. His deep love for the land and its treasures led the family to Rubyvale, where they spent three decades unearthing sapphires, garnets, opals, and chalcedony. This is where Mark’s fascination with gemstones and jewellery was born.

Renowned gem cutter and goldsmith

Mark’s early exposure to the wonders of gemstones led him to pursue the art of lapidary. After spending six years cutting and polishing gemstones, he moved to Sydney to study jewellery design and making. Over the course of his 30-year career, Mark honed his skills as both a goldsmith and lapidary artist, specialising in turning rough gemstones into exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces. Mark’s talent for freeform gem cutting brings out the natural form and colour of each stone, making each creation a work of art in its own right.

Between sustainability and craftsmanship

Mark’s work continues to be shaped by his deep connection to the gemstone-rich lands of Australia. He maintains long-standing relationships with local miners in the Central Queensland Gemfields, which gives him exclusive access to some of the rarest and most beautiful sapphires in the world. His commitment to the craft and sustainable gemstones made him a sought-after jeweller, with a reputation that extends beyond borders. Mark regularly exhibits at leading contemporary jewellery fairs like the Goldsmith’s Fair and works on commissions from his studio at Cockpit Studios in London. Whether visiting his London studio or seeking a bespoke piece of jewellery, Mark’s creations reflect not only the skill of a master craftsman but also the enduring beauty of nature.