Layne Beachley

Australian surfing icon Layne Beachley’s jewellery range is inspired by her first love — the sea. Here Layne talks about her new role as designer and her love of all things natural when it comes to jewellery.

How would you describe your personal jewellery style?
Quite simple. I don’t wear very elaborate jewellery, nor have I ever kept up with fashion so to have so many wonderful pieces to choose from in my range makes it a very easy for me to spice up my outfit and keep up with today’s ever-evolving fashions.

Do you have a favourite piece of personal jewellery?
My boyfriend (INXS guitarist Kirk Pengilly) just gave me a white gold ring with a beautiful green emerald — my birthstone — and two little white diamonds, which is one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. It’s not an engagement ring!

Does the jewellery you choose to wear reflect your mood?
Mostly, that’s why I really love the vibrant colours and the bold elements used throughout the range. From bright resins and colourful shells to big butterflies, frogs and crystal-encrusted sea horses, every piece reflects my mood and enhances my outfit.

Do you have a piece of jewellery you wear for good luck when you’re competing?
No, I’m not that superstitious.

Whose style do you admire?
Megan Gale, Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson. They are all beautiful, down-to-earth women who are elegant and natural.

How did your ‘beachley’ jewellery range first come about?
Bico contacted me and presented me with the opportunity to create a range that was beach-inspired and represented many of my personal characteristics — surf, colourful, bold, confident and natural.

What role do you play in the design of your jewellery range?
I provide Bico with design inspiration through elements of nature that appeal to me such as colour and shapes. I love sea horses, turtles, butterflies and flowers so Bico takes that information and runs with it, developing a fresh and funky range that I am very proud of. 

What does the future hold for your jewellery range?
We intend it to be available in all surf, fashion and boutique outlets in Australia and around the world. This current range is doing really well and there are still so many ideas to explore and develop that keep us all very excited about what will be created next.

What kind of feedback do you get from your fans about your jewellery range?
As usual, jewellery always looks better on than when it’s hanging, so I receive a lot of feedback about the boldness of colours such as the resin-filled shells and the funkiness of the designs. People really do like it, which is rewarding and exciting.

What are your favourite pieces from your jewellery range?
Cadassi — Venus Star, Actassi — Sea Horse, The Frog Medallion, and the love and majesty charm. I love the diversity and eclectic feel of every piece.

Will we soon see ‘beachley’ pieces with a little more ‘rock chick’ influence thanks to Kirk?
Only if Kirk agrees to wear them!