It is no surprise that Lynda Holt has become one of Australia's next generation of top young jewellery innovators. Lynda's fresh approach and eye for exotic and exquisite materials is not something learned but is in her blood. Born on Kiribati (pronounced kee-ree-bus), an idyllic island on the equator, Lynda and her four siblings spent their childhood days surrounded by the deep blue ocean with a billion fish swarming over the breathtaking coral. With balmy weather tempered by cool sea breezes life on Kiribati was laid back and visually inspiring.

Moving to Australia as a small child Lynda's love of fashion bloomed. Always inspired by her older sisters' escapades into the fashion of the day, Lynda became the household fashion critic judging the girls' outfits long before she could wear such pieces herself.

This childhood interest took on a more serious focus when Lynda enrolled in a fashion design course and then went on to study Millinery and flower making.

"That is what I was really interested in – getting a drab or ordinary outfit and giving it a quirky and fun twist with a headpiece or fabulous handmade flower."

It was then that Lynda started experimenting with larger jewellery pieces - specifically necklaces and bracelets. "Everything I see – large shells, sequined ribbons, leather, stones, glass, even beautiful teacups……. I think…..could I wear that? 9 times out of 10 the answer is yes…. which then leads to some very interesting and fun carpentry lessons with my father, as I learn to drill and file the different mediums."

Lynda's creations have always attracted attention. In the early days it was not unusual for her or her friends to be bombarded with questions when wearing pieces. "That's where it all started I guess, we would be out at a party or a bar and women would ask to buy the pieces we were wearing….and it's just gone from there. I now have clients in the states, UK, NZ, Europe and here at home."

Lynda's search for the unusual has led her to the four corners of the earth, and she is a regular at the Asian, Parisian, Italian and Indian bead markets.