As an early member of the Bone Stone Shell movement, Alan Preston was one of the first contemporary jewellers in New Zealand to use Pacific influences and expression in his work.  

Using gold and black-lipped oyster shell, paua and vau (hibiscus bark fibre), Preston creates breastplates, bangles, necklaces, brooches and earrings.  He also works with pearls, gold and silver and his "Startled Kiwi” brooches have become a true New Zealand icon.

He was the inaugural recipient of the Deane Award for Decorative Arts and Design.

Preston’s knowledge and ability in the cutting of shell enables him to produce beautiful wearable artworks and places his work in the historical context of New Zealand contemporary jewellery.  

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