In 1984 the small town of Kununurra in the east Kimberley was dry, hot and still very much a man's wilderness. What on earth would it want with a European style diamond house?
The tourism potential of the area was yet to be realised but in true pioneering spirit Frauke was convinced she could set up her own jewellery business promoting diamonds from the nearby Argyle Diamond Mine, which is now the largest open cut mine in the world.
It was an idea most in the town were highly skeptical of and in honest outback fashion, didn't mind sharing their doubts.
"This was very much a man's town and certainly no space for aesthetics, feelings, women's movements or European style boutiques," Frauke said. "Women were housewives and if involved in the business then they were doing the bookwork for a business operated by a man."
Like most businesses, early beginnings were on a small scale - a jewellery exhibition at her home on Riverfarm Road with now leading jewellery designer Doris Brinkhaus, and a small showcase at a nearby giftware shop in 1989. But they were surprisingly well received and Frauke realised the huge potential awaiting her.
Today Frauke sells unique diamonds gifts to visitors from around the world, including stars such as Nicole Kidman who bought presents for friends and family while filming Baz Luhrmann’s Australia in the region last year.
At the Oscars next year Frauke’s jewellery may even make an appearance. Before Baz Luhrmann left the Kimberley she gave him a diamond encrusted boab broach for good luck.
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