7.1 quake jewellery collection launched

Christchurch jeweller and extreme adventurer launches 7.1 quake collection

Christchurch jeweller and extreme adventurer Holly Budge will launch the first 7.1 earthquake jewellery collection later this month.

Budge has jumped out of planes, parachuted over Mt Everest, ridden across Mongolia and now she is racing against time to produce a special earthquake jewellery collection, with 7.1% of all proceeds going to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

``My 7.1 collection has been inspired by the earthquake. I was so lucky to endure this force of nature with such little personal damage. But I know so many other people, businesses and families who have lost so much,'' Budge said today.

``I felt compelled to use my skills as a jewellery designer to produce a collection, not only to mark this event but to donate 7.1% of sales to the earthquake appeal and help the victims of this ordeal.''

Budge said the collection is symbolic of the events, emotions and changes she had seen in Christchurch in the last month since the earthquake. The theme running throughout the collection represents the earth's recurring tremors; vibrant semi-precious gemstones juxtaposed with raw stones representing change, and textured, handcrafted sterling silver interlinked chains representing community spirit and strength.

The 7.1 collection will launch at No.4 in Merivale, Christchurch, on October 21. 6-9pm

Budge set a collective world record by completing the longest horse race in the world across Mongolia last year. The 1000km derby involved 13 hours in the saddle every day for nine days. She believes equestrian events are more extreme than any other sport she has tried, including skydiving.

``Navigating through the Mongolian wilderness, overcoming a hazardous night in the mountains without water, losing one of my steeds and recovering another from sinking in a bog was all part of it. I drank fermented mare's milk and rode in temperatures fluctuating from 35 degrees to sub-zero.''

Two years ago Budge became the first woman to skydive over Mt Everest. She jumped out of the plane at 30,000ft and freefell past some of the world's highest mountains, in the space of a minute and landed at 12,500ft, the world's highest landing area.

``That was an incredible experience as I have always wanted to go the Himalayas and having the chance to skydive in this breath taking scenery was awesome. My other adventure on the horizon is to climb Mount Everest.''

Budge became just the third woman ever to work in Lake Taupo as a freefall camera flyer. She has made over 2000 jumps and still loves throwing myself out of perfectly good aeroplanes, with cameras strapped to her.

Early next year she heads off to the Llanganates National Park on an expedition in search of the lost Inca Gold.

``My jewellery is inspired by my adventures and life experiences, shared with people from many cultures. I have been making jewellery for more than 10 years with my mum Linda (based in Hampshire, England) and we set up www.spirit.midas.com four years ago.''

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