Our Story
For close to two decades, Nina and Cesar Cueva have supported independent Australian designers and artists, wholeheartedly celebrating the unique, the bespoke and the covetable.
Initially established by Nina and Cesar as Metalab in 2005, Courtesy of the Artist sits at the forefront of Australian contemporary jewellery and object design, with a distinctively modern aesthetic and a refreshing approach to creating everyday luxuries.
Representing a carefully curated list of designers and artists, the style range is like no other and moments of unexpected beauty abound.
Built upon the ideals of collaboration, exquisite materials and quality craftsmanship, Courtesy of the Artist provides a tailored experience for the curious seekers of authentic luxury and remarkable one of a kind design.
The home of custom jewellery design in Sydney, Courtesy of the Artist acts as a conduit between the customer and individual artists, delivering truly inspired pieces and future heirlooms to mark special occasions. Specialists in rare gemstones, and with access to one of the largest Australian sapphire collections, every resolved design is a sublime object of breathtaking beauty.
Courtesy of the Artist is located in The Strand Arcade, nestled amongst premium Australian brands within the majestic heritage building in central Sydney.
The retail space is regularly transformed for events and exhibitions, showcasing the ever-evolving catalogue, the dynamic range of represented creatives, and Nina and Cesar’s deep-set dedication to the contemporary design community in Sydney and beyond.
Cesar Cueva
Cesar is a multi-disciplinary creative with a signature of bold artistry and hard-edged geometry. His fine jewellery and object design practice is informed by industrial design and architectural technology training, combined with a specialisation in gold and silversmithing.
Attuned to finessing the tiny details in the junction between two components, Cesar also designs immersive exhibitions and retail spaces as the Creative Director of Courtesy of the Artist.
Cesar has exhibited in over sixty exhibitions locally and internationally and has presented as a guest judge for the National Contemporary Jewellery Award. He was honoured to design trophies for the Amnesty International Media Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards.
Nina Cueva
GEM CURATOR
The unique alchemy of Courtesy of the Artist boils down to Nina’s discerning eye, unrelenting charm and curating prowess. She is the client-facing dynamo and artisan liaison for our stable of talent and is also the force behind the Courtesy of the Artist’s covetable collection of rare gemstones.
Nina is a trusted and respected specialist who has built strong relationships with the hardworking fossickers of the Australian gem fields, resulting in a collection envied
by jewellers and retailers alike. For Nina, it’s about sharing the beauty of these precious materials. Each gem tells its own story, and as a match-maker between the gems and the client, Nina isn’t satisfied until true love transpires.
With a background in hospitality management and marketing, Nina brings welcoming energy to our Strand Arcade store. If it’s not her infectious laugh bringing the joy, it’s her striking floral arrangements and window displays drawing in the browsers.