TAKING inspiration from all corners of the world, avid jewellery collector Dee Abeynaike will exhibit her unusual pieces at the Monash Gallery of Art next month.

The Mulgrave resident has had a passion for tribal and traditional jewellery her whole life.

Abeynaike said she admired the way different cultural groups took inspiration from their landscape and made their jewellery as colourful and fun as possible.

"These people are some of the poorest and most disadvantaged in the world, and yet I've seen more smiles on their faces than everywhere else in the world combined.

"It amazes me that you can be in a country where nobody knows your name but someone invites you into their home for a mint tea and a talk.

"The kindness of strangers has truly touched my heart."

Abeynaike has also tried her own hand at designing jewellery, using recycled materials and appropriating older pieces into modern, distinctive designs. Since migrating from Sri Lanka in 1985, she has added to her collection with Australian-made items.

"I remember getting off the plane when it landed and seeing the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen in my entire life.

"When I close my eyes, I can still recall it perfectly. Australia is really a lucky country."

The exhibition will also feature portraits by Knox Photographic Society vice-president Ron Cork, who met Abeynaike at a previous exhibit and "went crazy" about the jewellery. He instantly offered to photograph Abeynaike modelling the items.

The exhibit is from February 14-April 26 at the Monash Gallery of Art, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill. Details: 95622433.