From Blueprints to Brilliance: The Inspiring Evolution of Alder Fine Jewellery
The story of Alder Fine Jewellery is not merely a tale of luxury and aesthetics; it is a masterclass in how heritage, sisterhood, and a background in heavy industry can converge to create something truly exceptional. While many jewelry brands are born in design studios, Alder was forged on the construction sites of Australia’s Gold Coast. It is a brand built on the belief that a piece of jewelry should be as structurally sound as a skyscraper and as emotionally resonant as a family heirloom.
Founders Mikela and Shani Alder have successfully translated the grit of the construction world into the glamour of fine jewelry, proving that the principles of great design—balance, integrity, and precision—are universal, whether one is working with steel beams or 18k gold.
A Legacy Forged in Steel and Gold
To understand Alder Fine Jewellery, one must first understand the Alder Group. For over two decades, the Alder family name has been synonymous with high-end construction and development on the Gold Coast. Growing up in an environment where “building something from the ground up” was both a literal and metaphorical reality, Mikela and Shani were immersed in the world of entrepreneurship from a young age.
Their father, Greg Alder, established a construction powerhouse known for its technical excellence and family-centric culture. He encouraged his three daughters—Talia, Mikela, and Shani—to dream boldly and work with a level of discipline that few can match. This “entrepreneurial family spirit” became the bedrock upon which the sisters would eventually build their own empire.
The Gold Coast Foundation: Where Entrepreneurship Meets the Ocean
Childhood for the Alder sisters was a vibrant mix of professional ambition and coastal serenity. Mikela, the middle sister, recalls a life defined by the rhythmic pull of the nearby ocean and the discipline of dance classes. These early memories are often reflected in the brand’s aesthetic today. In fact, Mikela’s first significant memory of jewelry involves her mother’s aquamarine pieces—the stones’ crystalline blue hues served as a constant reminder of their seaside upbringing and the timeless beauty of the natural world.
While the ocean provided inspiration, the family business provided the education. Shani, the youngest of the three, transitioned directly from high school into the workforce, eventually finding her stride within the family business. This immersion taught them that success is not a stroke of luck but a result of meticulous planning and unwavering standards.
The Pivot: From Construction Site to the Jewellery Bench
The transition from a multi-million dollar construction firm to a boutique jewelry brand might seem like a radical departure to an outsider. However, for Mikela and Shani, it was a natural evolution. By 2021, after years of contributing to the success of the Alder Group, the sisters felt a creative pull that their roles in finance and development couldn’t entirely satisfy.
At the end of 2021, they began the quiet, rigorous work of conceptualizing Alder Fine Jewellery. They didn’t just want to sell jewelry; they wanted to build a brand that carried the weight of their family name into a new industry. The brand officially debuted in September 2022, and its rise was nothing short of meteoric. By June 2023, the success of their online presence allowed them to open their flagship boutique, a milestone that cemented their status as serious contenders in the Australian luxury market.
Mikela Alder: The Strategic Heart and Financial Anchor
Mikela’s journey to becoming the co-founder of a jewelry brand was paved with balance sheets and tax codes. After graduating in 2018 with a degree in business and accounting, she rose through the ranks of the Alder Group to become its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Seven years in the high-stakes world of construction finance gave her a unique edge.
In the world of Alder Fine Jewellery, Mikela is the “engine.” She manages the operations, oversees the complex cash flows, and ensures that the brand’s trajectory remains aligned with its long-term goals. Her background in finance means that every decision made at Alder is backed by data and strategic intentionality. She brings the discipline of a CFO to the artistry of a jeweler, ensuring that the business is as healthy as the designs are beautiful.
Shani Alder: The Creative Visionary and Aesthetic Pulse
If Mikela is the engine, Shani is the soul and the navigator. During her time at the Alder Group, Shani served as a development officer and managed the company’s social media presence. This role allowed her to develop a keen eye for branding and a deep understanding of how to communicate a brand’s story to a modern audience.
As the creative visionary for Alder Fine Jewellery, Shani is responsible for the “feeling” of the brand. She translates their shared experiences and architectural interests into wearable art. Her ability to spot trends while maintaining a commitment to timelessness has been a key factor in the brand’s rapid growth. Together, the sisters maintain a harmonious balance: Shani dreams of the “what,” and Mikela calculates the “how.”
The Architectural Aesthetic: Designing with Meticulous Precision
The most striking feature of Alder Fine Jewellery is its design philosophy. Having spent years around blueprints and structural engineering, the sisters naturally gravitate toward “clean lines, architectural balance, and a meticulous attention to detail.”
When you look at an Alder piece—whether it is an engagement ring or a bold gold medallion—you can see the influence of their construction roots. There is a sense of “build” to the jewelry. The settings are secure, the proportions are mathematically satisfying, and the finish is flawless. They design each piece with the same intensity they would apply to a luxury residential development.
Clean Lines and Structural Integrity: The Construction Influence
“Architectural jewelry” is a term often used in the industry, but for the Alder sisters, it is a lived experience. Their designs avoid unnecessary clutter, focusing instead on the strength of the form.
- Symmetry: Many of their pieces feature a striking symmetry that provides a sense of calm and order.
- Durability: Just as a building is meant to last generations, Alder jewelry is “built to endure.” They prioritize the structural integrity of their settings to ensure that gemstones remain secure through a lifetime of wear.
- Minimalism with Purpose: Every curve and angle in an Alder design serves a purpose. There is no “decoration for decoration’s sake”; every element is intentional.
Sourcing the Soul: Ethical Gemstones and Vendor Relationships
A significant portion of the sisters’ time is spent “in the trenches” of the industry. They are personally involved in sourcing every gemstone and building direct relationships with vendors. This hands-on approach is a carryover from their construction days, where knowing your suppliers was the only way to guarantee the quality of your materials.
By hand-selecting natural diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones—like the aquamarines that remind them of home—they ensure that every piece meets their rigorous “Alder Standard.” This commitment to quality has earned them a loyal following among clients who value transparency and craftsmanship.
Bootstrapping a Dream: The Freedom of Independence
In an era where many luxury startups rely on heavy venture capital investment, Mikela and Shani have taken a different path. They have completely bootstrapped Alder Fine Jewellery, funding the venture entirely through their own resources and the success of the business itself.
This independence is a point of immense pride for the sisters. “We haven’t taken on any investment to date,” Mikela notes. This financial autonomy means that they don’t have to answer to shareholders who might prioritize profits over the brand’s vision. Every decision—from the choice of a specific diamond to the layout of their flagship store—is theirs alone. This “intentional direction” ensures that the brand remains an authentic reflection of their values.
The Alder FJ Atelier: A Sanctuary of Meaning in Armadale
While their roots are on the Gold Coast, the sisters chose the prestigious High Street in Armadale, Melbourne, for their flagship boutique. The space is designed to feel less like a traditional retail store and more like a sanctuary—an extension of a refined home where clients can explore jewelry in a relaxed, intimate environment.
The boutique serves as the physical manifestation of the brand’s ethos. It is a place where “meaningful connections” are made. Whether a client is looking for a bespoke engagement ring or a piece to mark a personal milestone, the experience at the Alder atelier is centered around the story the jewelry will tell. The sisters believe that the process of buying fine jewelry should be as memorable as the piece itself.
Preserving the Alder Name: A Legacy for Three Daughters
The decision to name the brand “Alder” was more than just a branding exercise; it was an act of cultural preservation. Growing up as three daughters in a family where the name wouldn’t traditionally be passed down through marriage, Mikela and Shani saw the jewelry brand as a way to carry their heritage forward.
“It honors our parents, our upbringing, and the entrepreneurial spirit we were raised with,” Shani explains. By naming the brand Alder, they have ensured that the family legacy continues to shine—not just in the buildings that line the Gold Coast skyline, but in the modern heirlooms worn by women around the world.
Jewelry as a Time Capsule: Connecting the Past to the Future
At its heart, Alder Fine Jewellery is about connection. It is the connection between two sisters who have worked side-by-side for nearly a decade. It is the connection between a daughter and the memories of her mother’s jewelry. And most importantly, it is the connection between a piece of art and the person who wears it.
Mikela and Shani believe that jewelry is the most beautiful way to carry meaning across generations. A ring is not just gold and stone; it is a time capsule of a moment, a person, or a dream. Through their architectural precision and their deep respect for heritage, the Alder sisters are not just making jewelry—they are building a legacy that is truly built to last.
