Favourite things: Treasures to behold

James McCarty doesn't describe himself as a jewellery designer, but a "precious material architect and treasuresmith" and it's true that his pieces are often more objets d'art than mere jewellery. McCarty makes jewellery with a difference, mostly made-to-order, so each piece is personal and unique to the client.

His work has a quirky edge, from a bungy-jumping Jesus necklace to koru-patterned rings for men. After being inspired into the trade through his father, who ran Benchmark Jeweller, McCarty went on to hone his craft at the prestigious London Guildhall University, where he won several awards for his work - including a beautiful bracelet that he counts as one of his favourite things.

Now Auckland-based, with a store in Ponsonby, McCarty has gone on to work with local fashion labels including Hailwood, Kingan Jones and IPG. The treasuresmith talks us through his favourite things.

10 FAVOURITE THINGS

1 V6 Scimitar
My car - a gunmetal grey 1977 V6 Scimitar. Only 400 were ever made. I'm about as far away from a petrolhead as you get but beautiful design and superb handling capabilities transcend any requirement to know anything about how it works.

2 DC 3 Dakota Wingtip table
It takes centre stage in my workshop/showroom. With my jewellery display hanging from the ceiling above, it signifies a journey and something very functional and well made. It has seen a million miles and maybe even flew over you once.

3 Couch/swing
A piece I made for my shop. I wanted the space to be for sitting down and being relaxed, with an open feel. A swing with no legs was perfect and the very talented Todd Stevenson, from Powersurge, helped me to create a stylish, unique and functional piece. It's perfect for clients and friends who can't sit still.

4 Bracelet
This is the bracelet I designed and hand-made in my final year at London Guildhall University. Encrusted with 50 carats of diamonds, it weighs 30g, has 337 pieces, 592 solder joins and received awards from the university, Sir John Cass College and The British Jewellers Association. A work of art.

5 Steve Carr glass extinguisher
From Michael Lett Gallery. Made by the very element it must contain. Brilliant. I love art, it's in my name, the sizeable collection I have represents my life, history, character and feelings. I'm very fortunate to have many good friends who are artists, such as painter Evan Woodruffe and sculptor Grant Williams.

6 Two Rooms
A contemporary art exhibition venue run by my friend Jenny Todd and where I "discovered" the inspirational and stunning work of artist/photographer Megan Jenkinson and the strikingly detailed large installations of Elizabeth Thomson. Buy them.

7 Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
A very special place where I spent hundreds of weekends growing up, making lifelong friends, thousands of swims, hundreds of beach fires.

8 My website
A selection of pieces of fine jewellery I designed and made over the past 15 years for an incredible variety of people. I believe nobody is the same and the more people I meet, the more varied the jewellery. My website is a gallery of my talent and a range of different styles I have made. It's to give people confidence in my design capabilities and service. jamesmccarty.co.nz

9 TCB tortoiseshell sunglasses
One for the money, two for the show - my TCB tortoiseshell sunglasses in four different styles, bought for me by my twin sister when she visited Elvis Presley's Graceland. She rocks! I've collected sunglasses for many years. Each pair, whether from New York, Tokyo, Shanghai or New Zealand, has a story of its own.

10 Lake Taupo
One of the most beautiful and spiritual places in New Zealand. I had many amazing times when younger with family around Taupo. Cruising the Western Bays, swimming and picnics on the beach. There's nothing like walking up gleaming rivers through native bush beside volcanoes and catching the odd rainbow trout. Heaven.