“I used to design jewellery when I was younger, and as I got older my friends would ask for my help in designing their engagement rings and certain pieces of jewellery,” she recalls. She began ALINKA in 2015, and simply through word of mouth the business grew. And grew. In 2018, the brand became global and opened its first boutiques in Sydney’s Double Bay and Harvey Nichols in London.
“Prior to starting ALINKA I felt there weren’t many brands designing fine jewellery with an edge. You either had classic pieces that came with the craftsmanship, or trend driven costume jewellery which lacked the quality. I wanted to fill this gap. I wanted to create beautiful pieces which could be worn day in day out, and added a little edge to our everyday style, and I wanted these pieces to carry the same quality that I had come to expect of heritage brands,” says Alinka.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to layer jewels, she can layer like no other. And the beauty is, it still looks understated and chic (head over to the site, and you’ll see the brand’s approach is “more is more”). Every ALINKA piece is made in 18ct white, yellow or rose gold and the brand only works with high quality ethically sourced diamonds.
Here, we meet the Sydney-based mother of two to talk about her business and motherhood journey…
Can you tell us a little about how ALINKA started?
I studied Economics in St Petersburg in Russia and moved to the University of Sydney to complete my studies. After graduating, I worked with PWC as a chartered accountant and loved the corporate world, but I always wanted to run my own business.
Despite being very quantitative, I always had a creative side. I used to design jewellery when I was younger, and as I got older my friends would ask for my help in designing their engagement rings and certain pieces of jewellery. I started ALINKA in 2015, and through word of mouth, the business grew. In 2018 we opened our first boutiques in Double Bay, Sydney, and Harvey Nichols in London.
Have you always had a connection to jewellery and diamonds?
YES! I mean when I was younger it wasn’t diamonds, but rather coloured wire, which I borrowed from my father, who is a scientist. It was a much cheaper habit, but I was no less obsessed about the creative side. I’d make these crazy friendships rings and bracelets for my best friends which we would swap between us. I always had a fascination with jewellery. I love the sentimentality and story behind each piece – the memories they carry and the emotions they evoke. That’s why we buy them, because they forever capture a particular moment in time. I often say that we are in the business of selling emotions.
Diamonds are timeless and classic – they are the most desired gemstone. They are also my achilles heel! Each piece has its own unique character and mystery. It always made me sad when friends talked about these incredible pieces they have, which sit in a safe. I think jewellery is an extension of our personality, it is as important as wearing fabulous lingerie under a striking dress, or adding a beautiful pair of heels to a suit – it makes us walk taller, feel more confident, and add an extra dose of fabulousness.
Prior to starting ALINKA, I felt there weren’t many brands designing fine jewellery with an edge. You either had classic pieces that came with the craftsmanship, or trend driven costume jewellery which lacked the quality. I wanted to fill this gap. I wanted to create beautiful pieces which could be worn day in day out, and added a little edge to our everyday style, and I wanted these pieces to carry the same quality that I had come to expect of heritage brands. Every ALINKA piece is made in 18ct white, yellow, or rose gold. We only work with high quality ethically sourced diamonds. We make each style in black or white diamonds, and earrings are sold individually, allowing for endless versatility. I want women to be able to tap into their inner rebel one ear cuff at a time!
Your aesthetic is very monochrome, down to your nails, tell us how this came about?
Well, I’m Russian, so we often look at things in a black and white manner! Though as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised life has a lot of grey! I always appreciated the directness and simplicity of a monochromatic palette. White diamonds have a beauty and lightness to them, but I think black diamonds carry their own mystery, point of difference and appeal. Few brands work with black diamonds, however, I think they are perfect for those seeking a bolder, more daring look.
What inspires you?
Travel, adventure, the unknown – learning new things, opening my mind to new insights, and trying to be the best version of myself for myself, as well as my family and friends. I believe that happiness is a choice and I try to live by this every single day.
