Gianni & Carro
How did you first meet?
We first met at a close friend's housewarming in 2019. Caro knew a whole bunch of party goers. Gianni knew none. Late in the night, he had rooted-down by the fire pit before Caro joined with the age-old "have we met before?"*, leading to a bubbly and seamless 30 minute chat.
That night was the first meeting, but really our relationship ignited when three months later we ran into each other and, swept up, we spent the rest of the day together. The day led to lakeside chats, a sunset drive, and correctly guessing each other's favourite number.
NOTE - *Caro claims she actually did think they had met before.
What is something that surprised you about your partner?
Gianni - Something that still boggles my mind... her standard reading pace is >100 pp/hr! How!?!
Caro - Haha, yes I do read quickly! I was so surprised by how clean his car was. He was also so open and trusting - we went on a road trip to Sydney two weeks after we ran into each other that second time.
We worked on a very unique ceremonial piece. Can you tell us a bit about how you decided on your design.
Gianni - I wanted to combine elements of Caro's style and heritage. I know she's inspired by natural environments - their textures, tones, and organic treasures. I know she's connected to her Filipino heritage, her Australian homeland, and her Francophile pleasures. I wanted to represent all these in a unique piece for her. So to summarise the design choices:
South Sea Pearl - These beauties really only thrive in the waters of the Philippines and Australia. Also, being white is represents the star jasmine, the national flower of the Philippines.
Yellow Sapphire - The stone and circular cut represents the wattle, the national flower of Aus.
Blue Sapphire - The stone and marquise cut represent the iris, the national flower of France.
Textured band - The band evokes the organic textures of coral, rock-pools, and bark, all of which I know give Caro joy.
Three-pronged pearl setting - Caro's favourite number is 3!
The final design was partly inspired by a pearl ring I came across online from a Perth-based jeweller. Alice wonderfully built-upon this initial inspiration to help create a piece that both Caro and I now cherish.
Caro - When I saw the ring for the first time, I said, "it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" I still stand by this statement. Then I learned about how much thoughtfulness went into it and was completely blown away!
What were your first impressions of each other?
Caro - To be honest, I didn't speak to Gianni until the other group who were sitting at the fire had departed, because I remember thinking he was too handsome to approach. He had a great voice and even better stories. Our conversations were so free-flowing and wide-ranging that I was shocked we didn't already know each other. He was funny, warm, charming, and so very memorable.
Gianni - Gorgeous. Great story-teller. Engaging. Curious. I remember feeling we were seamlessly in-rhythm. She was in my thoughts plenty until we next met again three months later.
How did you choose your bespoke design for your partner?
Gianni - I embraced it as an opportunity to celebrate her particular style, influences, and heritage - and to demonstrate that I recognise and appreciate them! I was also excited by the prospect of creating something special and unique that would be forever in our lives together.
What is something that you are both looking forward to right now?
Gianni - Squeezing in surf trips together whenever we can!
Caro -And going for a week-long hike on the Great Ocean Walk later this month!