December 8, 2011
It’s the annual conundrum that occurs every Christmas for many gift-givers - what do you give someone who has everything?
Well, wonder no more because KILO could be just what you're looking for.
KILO is a one-off, one kilogram, 14 cm-tall, gold bullion tiki statue. It has been created by prominent jewellery artist, Robinson Designer Goldsmith (RDG) which has forged a relationship with leading bullion provider, New Zealand Mint.
KILO is a quirky little character and could be the perfect gift for the hard-to-please bullion investor or perhaps someone who simply loves art, albeit in .9999-pure gold.
As his name suggests, KILO comprises one kilo of pure New Zealand gold bullion which has been recovered ethically from local deposits,” says RDG principal Ken Robinson.
His tongue and arms can be adjusted to portray different poses; his piu piu skirt sways just like the real thing, he wears Kiwi classic jandals on his feet and he’s got attitude to boot! The base is hallmarked and carries the KILO brand logo,” says Robinson.
The KILO project had its beginnings in mid-2010 after Mr Robinson’s twin son jewellers Michael and David began creating private artworks featuring renditions of a tiki-style character.
We spent at least a year conceptualising and designing the character and around three months actually hand-crafting 1.6kg of gold into the one-off design.
KILO was a quantum leap in faith and required traditional jewellery manufacturing to create a true work of art. We had to learn and practise new techniques exploring special fabrication methods and take a few risks.
The KILO project is the forerunner of an alliance forged between RDG and New Zealand Mint, who specialise in precious metal and custom minting internationally.
There is huge international demand for custom minting,” says Hayden Syers, Chief Operating Officer of New Zealand Mint. “We usually market our expertise in this area through our commemorative coins division, however we see KILO as having huge appeal to both bullion investors and collectors worldwide.
“And if Kilo is out of the price range for your present list this year, then you can look forward to the exciting and equally quirky jewellery collection we are collaborating with RDG on set for release in early 2012,” says Mr Syers.
Mr Robinson says development of unique one-off bullion art investment pieces is continuing with a number of designs already on the drawing board. “We have limited workshop time but we plan to schedule around four projects annually,” he says.
KILO is on display at the RDG studio in Takapuna and the purchaser also receives a full colour 32-page book recording the entire build process.
Ends
Issued for RDG and New Zealand Mint by Pead PR
Contacts:
Shuk Yin Liew, Pead PR, 09 918 5577, 021 141 9280, shuk@peadpr.co.nz
About RDG:
Robinson Designer Goldsmith (RDG) is a family owned and operated business founded in 1986 based in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2001 Ken Robinson and his twin sons David and Michael, opened an exclusive studio in Takapuna where they hand-make their unique jewellery. Every RDG jewel is handmade to the highest of standards, using the very best of materials, and proudly stamped with the RDG hallmark. RDG guarantees the gold used is ethically recovered in New Zealand and that all stones used are conflict free.
About New Zealand Mint:
New Zealand Mint has been minting legal tender commemorative coins, gold bullion and medallions for more than four decades. As New Zealand's only precious metal mint and one of the first world mints to adopt the .9999 standard for gold coin purity, New Zealand Mint prides itself on high quality design and production work. In 2009,New Zealand Mint opened the Bullion Exchange, the first of its kind in New Zealand which offers a comprehensive service for buying and selling gold and silver bullion as well as on-site insured storage. Leading the way with innovative, coloured, silver and gold commemorative coins, New Zealand Mint is known globally for quality and design excellence. New Zealand Mint also produces several ranges of jewellery that cater to many tastes and styles.
The Ultimate Christmas Gift (TVNZ)
