30 November 2022

Riverina Made: Kristy-Lee Agresta's permanent jewellery that's welded onto your wrist

| Oliver Jacques
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Kristy-Lee Agresta seated making jewellery

Kristy-Lee Agresta will weld your jewellery onto you. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Ever lost an expensive bracelet? You probably need to visit Kristy-Lee Agresta’s jewellery shop, pick out something nice and let her pull out her laser and weld it onto your wrist.

Kristy-Lee is a dynamic young entrepreneur who has launched a creative co-working hub in Griffith, called the ROR [Rooms of Requirement] Space. It’s a multipurpose space on Yambil Street for those seeking semi-permanent art studios, meeting rooms, hot-desking and a spot to hang with like-minded creatives. ROR also hosts market days, where local creatives can sell their merchandise.

Region caught up with Kristy-Lee as part of our Riverina Made series.

Kristy-Lee Agresta standing outside her shop

Kristy-Lee Agresta outside her store. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Who are you and what is your business? Kristy-Lee Agresta and I have the business Kristy Lee Jewellery.

Where did you begin? About 15 years ago I did a Bachelor of Arts majoring in film in Sydney. From then I got work in the fashion industry and started designing stuff. That’s where it has grown from. I was [also] the first person to light my hair on fire in the CSU Jewellery Workshop.

What do you produce? Handmade jewellery in stone, silver and 14k gold. I do something that not many people do, which I call permanent jewellery. It is laser welded on. I use a micro-laser to join two joints together. I also host permanent jewellery parties, where a group of friends can come to our studio, where you’ll handpick from our selection of 14k gold filled and sterling silver chains to be ‘welded’ onto your wrist to create a seamless bracelet.

READ ALSO Riverina Made: Artist Maggie Deall and her Little Yellow House Gallery and Studio

Where can we buy your products? Online at kristylee.com.au. If you look up my name you will find me.

What should we buy for gifts this Christmas? Everyone loves my earrings. They are easy to wear and they are a good price point for gifts.

What’s your favourite product that you make? I’ve been making my necklace for the last six years.

Gold and silver necklaces

Kristy-Lee’s necklaces are her favourite product. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

How would you promote the Riverina? You can have the space, time and money to invest in your business. You can grow good businesses without having to spend a lot.

What’s your favourite coffee spot? Bertoldo’s Bakery.

READ ALSO Riverina Made: Food I Am is all about celebrating local flavours this Christmas

Coolest local thing you’ve ever bought? Di Tarr’s art. She’s another Griffith local artist, I bought some of her art, it’s really cool.

Who is another local producer/business you admire? Eliza, who designs the Cowboy Studio T-shirts, which are available at the ROR market days.

What do you want for Christmas? A vacuum cleaner.

Region Riverina is committed to celebrating our local producers and creatives and encourages everyone to buy local.

If you’re aware of someone who’s making something amazing, let us know!

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