Unravelled Stories. Meet: Ebony from EB Jewellery

If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ebony Birks’ delicate jewellery in person, you’ll know they’re imbued with a certain energy that’s captivating. The founder, jeweller and designer of EB Jewellery creates thoughtful and fluid pieces inspired by “the natural world and modern influences” in her Brisbane studio.

Ebony’s Kamilaroi and Dunghutti culture shines through everything she creates, her work is a conversation between the past, present and future. As she says, “Sustainability is a continuous journey and there are always areas to improve on, it isn't always pretty but it's so important!”

Interview by Maggie Zhou

TSS: You make such beautiful, unique pieces. How did you get into jewellery making?

Ebony: When I left school, I was so unsure about what path I wanted to take. I was always interested in the fashion/creative industry so I tried uni and realised it wasn't for me. Luckily I fell into an internship that I thoroughly enjoyed and discovered I was really good at making jewellery. 

TSS: How does your Kamilaroi and Dunghutti culture influence your work?

Ebony: My artistic vision is rooted in my heritage, drawing inspiration from the natural world and modern influences. I strive to create pieces that tell a story, connecting the past with the present.

TSS: What environmental considerations do you have when creating your products? I’d love to hear more about your choice of material and made-to-order processes.

Ebony: In the beginning, I spent a lot of time trying to source materials and supplies within Australia that aligned with my values of sustainability. EB Jewellery uses metals refined by Australian company Pallion, which employs the Acidless Separation System to separate precious metals without acids, prioritising sustainability and environmental impact reduction. 

All tools and waste within my studio are either repurposed or disposed of correctly. The packaging is also sourced within Australia using recycled parcels and non-toxic tissue paper. When I run out of materials in between orders, I challenge myself to use what is laying around in the studio to make ends meet. Sustainability is a continuous journey and there are always areas to improve on, it isn't always pretty but it's so important!

TSS: I'd love to hear how you came to incorporate Aboriginal symbols into your pieces.

Ebony: Years ago, my sister sent me a research article about Kamilaroi symbols, sparking my deep dive into researching Aboriginal symbols. This journey became a way for me to learn, carry, and share knowledge through my jewellery making, reflecting the communal and sharing nature of being Aboriginal that means so much to me.

TSS: Can you tell us about some of your favourite jewellery pieces you've made so far?

Ebony: My favourite pieces will always have to be the 'Aboriginal Symbols' collection and my recent body of work 'Sculptured Water' which is currently exhibited at Artisan.

TSS: What's been the biggest challenge you've had to overcome in your career?

Ebony: The biggest challenge I've had to overcome in my career has been navigating financial struggles, especially in the current climate that doesn't support small or creative businesses. Additionally, the changes in social media have been tough; it's no longer just about the art but about how much you post and what's trending, which is a real shame. These financial and social media challenges have significantly detracted from my ability to focus on creating new designs and developing my business.

TSS: Who are some local artists and makers you admire?

Ebony: Norton Fredericks, Dylan Bolger, Arabella Walker, Keemon Williams, Christopher Bassi – to name a few!