COMMUNITY

An Editor’s Guide to Investing in Forever Jewellery with Justine Cullen

Style and cultural tastemakers are often not designated as such – the realm is so subjective that one person’s influence is often deemed more intangible.

Justine Cullen is the rare exception. A magazine editor (currently the editor-in-chief at InStyle Australia) with three decades of publishing experience on her resume, alongside countless industry awards, Justine’s contributions to the Australian creative landscape are extensive and undeniable.

As a trend insider in the truest sense of the moniker, who better to speak with about intentional purchasing, personal styling and cultivating a collection of forever talismans?

Let’s begin by acknowledging your impressive career over the past three decades. Currently editor-in-chief at InStyle Australia, what do you love most about your role?

What I really love about my job has always been the making of the thing - in my case, the crafting of a magazine. Being an editor-in-chief involves wearing a lot of hats - you are at any time a manager, a figurehead, a salesperson, a connector. It can be both just as glamorous as people assume, and much more tedious than they can imagine. But for me the bit I love the most is sitting around with the team and having an idea, bringing it to life, getting it on the page. The tangible nature of the work is very satisfying to me.

As someone that has achieved many things - is there a particular achievement that has stood out and you feel most proud of?

There are a few things I’m really proud of… winning awards like Editor of the Year. Magazine of the Year, and Cover of the Year (four times!). It’s also been such an honour to be given the opportunity to develop my own version of a legacy title from scratch twice in my career, once with ELLE and now with InStyle. But this is my 30th year in magazines (!!) and looking back I think the things I’m actually the most proud of are more general than any those things. To have had a career that’s lasted so long and to still feel creatively excited, to have worked so closely with so many incredible collaborators over that time, to have played a part in the careers of so many talented young women, and to be able to see them go on to achieve wonderful things of their own… I feel ridiculously proud of all of that.

In an industry that is always on, what do you do to unwind and disconnect?

I admit I’m not the best person to ask about unwinding or disconnecting - I’m not good at either. When I’m not on, I’m pretty much just lying face down on my sofa begging my husband through muffled screams to please bring me wine. I do love to travel though, and also the planning of travel - which is an underrated source of real long-term joy.

Let’s begin by acknowledging your impressive career over the past three decades. Currently editor-in-chief at InStyle Australia, what do you love most about your role?

What I really love about my job has always been the making of the thing - in my case, the crafting of a magazine. Being an editor-in-chief involves wearing a lot of hats - you are at any time a manager, a figurehead, a salesperson, a connector. It can be both just as glamorous as people assume, and much more tedious than they can imagine. But for me the bit I love the most is sitting around with the team and having an idea, bringing it to life, getting it on the page. The tangible nature of the work is very satisfying to me.

As someone that has achieved many things - is there a particular achievement that has stood out and you feel most proud of?

There are a few things I’m really proud of… winning awards like Editor of the Year. Magazine of the Year, and Cover of the Year (four times!). It’s also been such an honour to be given the opportunity to develop my own version of a legacy title from scratch twice in my career, once with ELLE and now with InStyle. But this is my 30th year in magazines (!!) and looking back I think the things I’m actually the most proud of are more general than any those things. To have had a career that’s lasted so long and to still feel creatively excited, to have worked so closely with so many incredible collaborators over that time, to have played a part in the careers of so many talented young women, and to be able to see them go on to achieve wonderful things of their own… I feel ridiculously proud of all of that.

In an industry that is always on, what do you do to unwind and disconnect?

I admit I’m not the best person to ask about unwinding or disconnecting - I’m not good at either. When I’m not on, I’m pretty much just lying face down on my sofa begging my husband through muffled screams to please bring me wine. I do love to travel though, and also the planning of travel - which is an underrated source of real long-term joy.

"To have worked so closely with so many incredible collaborators over that time, to have played a part in the careers of so many talented young women, and to be able to see them go on to achieve wonderful things of their own… I feel ridiculously proud of all of that."

You are celebrated for your witty and relatable approach to writing, not only the storytelling of your own life, but telling the stories of others. Have you always known you wanted to pursue a career in publishing?

According to the family lore, I found an old copy of Little Women at my grandmother’s house during the school holidays between kindergarten and year one and taught myself to read it. I wanted to be a writer like Jo March from then on, and eventually wanted to work in magazines as soon as I knew they existed. I still sometimes can’t believe that I manifested it into being.

You are in the business of storytelling and at Natalie Marie Jewellery, we believe that every piece of our jewellery holds a story. A motive. A memory. A milestone moment. Tell us, what does jewellery mean to you?

I do tend to think of a piece of jewellery almost as a talisman rather than just another accessory, which is probably why I don’t have a huge collection. Each piece feels a little bit precious, even if it’s inexpensive, so I wear it to death (or until I inevitably lose it, I’m a bit useless like that).

Do you have any pieces in your jewellery collection that you would consider an heirloom, or a piece that you intend to hand down?

My engagement/wedding ring is my most precious piece, it’s a French antique from the 1850s and I’m terrified of losing any of the stones. My children legitimately fight over who will get it when I die, which is dark but somehow sweet, I think? I also have a vintage Rolex from the year I was born. My husband is very into watches, not something I understood before he bought it for me but now that I have one I realise that a good watch does have magic powers. They’re like a suit of armour. And my gorgeous mother-in-law gave me a beautiful sapphire ring from her own mother’s collection. She’s a boy mum, like me, so I know how special it was for her to be able to pass it down to me.

You are celebrated for your witty and relatable approach to writing, not only the storytelling of your own life, but telling the stories of others. Have you always known you wanted to pursue a career in publishing?

According to the family lore, I found an old copy of Little Women at my grandmother’s house during the school holidays between kindergarten and year one and taught myself to read it. I wanted to be a writer like Jo March from then on, and eventually wanted to work in magazines as soon as I knew they existed. I still sometimes can’t believe that I manifested it into being.

You are in the business of storytelling and at Natalie Marie Jewellery, we believe that every piece of our jewellery holds a story. A motive. A memory. A milestone moment. Tell us, what does jewellery mean to you?

I do tend to think of a piece of jewellery almost as a talisman rather than just another accessory, which is probably why I don’t have a huge collection. Each piece feels a little bit precious, even if it’s inexpensive, so I wear it to death (or until I inevitably lose it, I’m a bit useless like that).

Do you have any pieces in your jewellery collection that you would consider an heirloom, or a piece that you intend to hand down?

My engagement/wedding ring is my most precious piece, it’s a French antique from the 1850s and I’m terrified of losing any of the stones. My children legitimately fight over who will get it when I die, which is dark but somehow sweet, I think? I also have a vintage Rolex from the year I was born. My husband is very into watches, not something I understood before he bought it for me but now that I have one I realise that a good watch does have magic powers. They’re like a suit of armour. And my gorgeous mother-in-law gave me a beautiful sapphire ring from her own mother’s collection. She’s a boy mum, like me, so I know how special it was for her to be able to pass it down to me.

As someone that has been at the centre of trends for decades, what are your top tips for investing in a piece that is timeless?

The key, I think, is to ignore trends altogether and choose pieces based on how they make you feel. Jewellery can inspire such an emotional reaction in people - let your gut tell you what you love, more than your eyes. As an example, right now it’s all about silver and I actually have to resist my brain telling me how good it looks. I know it doesn’t suit me.

How do you approach styling your everyday look? Is jewellery a finishing touch depending on the outfit, or a non negotiable?

I have enough trouble remembering to put my shoes on and grab my phone before I leave the house, so alas, I forget to wear jewellery (aside from my ring, which never comes off unless I’m at the beach) more often than I want to admit. When I do remember to put it on, I always feel my look is more complete, so I’d like to change this in the future!

You have recently added the Tiny Half Moon Ring and Six Stone Queenie Ring to your collection, what do these pieces mean to you?

I’d had my eye on the fine rings for such a long time and each piece means something - the Tiny Half Moon Ring because I’m a Cancerian and deeply ruled by the moon, the Six Stone Queenie Ring as there are six of us in our family. I love that my hands will tell a story, even if I’m the only one who can understand it.

As someone that has been at the centre of trends for decades, what are your top tips for investing in a piece that is timeless?

The key, I think, is to ignore trends altogether and choose pieces based on how they make you feel. Jewellery can inspire such an emotional reaction in people - let your gut tell you what you love, more than your eyes. As an example, right now it’s all about silver and I actually have to resist my brain telling me how good it looks. I know it doesn’t suit me.

How do you approach styling your everyday look? Is jewellery a finishing touch depending on the outfit, or a non negotiable?

I have enough trouble remembering to put my shoes on and grab my phone before I leave the house, so alas, I forget to wear jewellery (aside from my ring, which never comes off unless I’m at the beach) more often than I want to admit. When I do remember to put it on, I always feel my look is more complete, so I’d like to change this in the future!

You have recently added the Tiny Half Moon Ring and Six Stone Queenie Ring to your collection, what do these pieces mean to you?

I’d had my eye on the fine rings for such a long time and each piece means something - the Tiny Half Moon Ring because I’m a Cancerian and deeply ruled by the moon, the Six Stone Queenie Ring as there are six of us in our family. I love that my hands will tell a story, even if I’m the only one who can understand it.

"Choose pieces based on how they make you feel. Jewellery can inspire such an emotional reaction in people - let your gut tell you what you love, more than your eyes."

A milestone marker is a piece which has some tangible connection to a moment in time, not always in an obvious way – the beauty is often in the subtleties – the discreet connections that are solely yours. What are your Top 3 NMJ Picks for marking a moment in time?

In theory I like the idea of a push present (a woman who has just made a person at great physical sacrifice should be acknowledged!), but in the wild (ie social media) the flashiness and show-offiness of it really puts me off. However, I do love the idea of a piece of jewellery that has meaning and isn't just about carat weight, so the Sollune Necklace, with its message of solidarity in motherhood appeals.

Similarly, I don't think we celebrate friendship enough so the "soul friend" acknowledgement of the Cara Necklace is such a special idea.

And I love a signet ring. As my older boys prepare to leave home I've been meaning to design some sort of family crest or symbol they can wear on a ring and have us with them while they head into the next phase of their lives, although they'd probably roll their eyes at the idea.

A milestone marker is a piece which has some tangible connection to a moment in time, not always in an obvious way – the beauty is often in the subtleties – the discreet connections that are solely yours. What are your Top 3 NMJ Picks for marking a moment in time?

In theory I like the idea of a push present (a woman who has just made a person at great physical sacrifice should be acknowledged!), but in the wild (ie social media) the flashiness and show-offiness of it really puts me off. However, I do love the idea of a piece of jewellery that has meaning and isn't just about carat weight, so the Sollune Necklace, with its message of solidarity in motherhood appeals.

Similarly, I don't think we celebrate friendship enough so the "soul friend" acknowledgement of the Cara Necklace is such a special idea.

And I love a signet ring. As my older boys prepare to leave home I've been meaning to design some sort of family crest or symbol they can wear on a ring and have us with them while they head into the next phase of their lives, although they'd probably roll their eyes at the idea.

What future milestones would you consider marking?

I love anniversaries. Modern marriage is not easy and it takes a lot of work to stay connected and in love - I think there’s something so special about marking the achievement of each year together. I’d much rather celebrate that than yet another birthday…

Lastly, what does the rest of your year look like?

The last couple of years have been an intense whirlwind for me - starting a business, launching a magazine. What I genuinely want for 2024 is to find ways to live a slower life and take it all a bit easier. I want pleasure to win out over duty, to do a lot more navel gazing and think about a lot less logistics. Is that too much to ask?

What future milestones would you consider marking?

I love anniversaries. Modern marriage is not easy and it takes a lot of work to stay connected and in love - I think there’s something so special about marking the achievement of each year together. I’d much rather celebrate that than yet another birthday…

Lastly, what does the rest of your year look like?

The last couple of years have been an intense whirlwind for me - starting a business, launching a magazine. What I genuinely want for 2024 is to find ways to live a slower life and take it all a bit easier. I want pleasure to win out over duty, to do a lot more navel gazing and think about a lot less logistics. Is that too much to ask?