New host for RMIT jewellery auction

Posted August 10, 2010 | By Sonia Nair

Local jewellery expert Ronnie Bauer is to host RMIT’s annual Gold and Silversmithing Jewellery Auction.

Bauer is a Melbourne-based antique jewellery expert and consultant for many of Australia’s collecting institutions. He also operates the Bauer Gemmological Laboratories and will be chairing a session on the laser inscription of diamonds and other gemstones at the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney later this month.

The annual auction will give collectors the chance to bid for original, handmade works from both established and emerging jewellery designers.

Third-year RMIT student Inari Kiuru, who is organising the event alongside her senior class, said all pieces on display will be fine art jewellery, using old materials with a contemporary twist and resources such as plastic and wood.

Bauer’s presence as auctioneer at the annual RMIT exhibition is likely to add clout to the event, which has developed a reputation as a place to spot emerging industry talent.

“Apart from his professionalism, Ronnie Bauer’s weight of expertise includes his profound knowledge and experience in art and jewellery,” said Kiuru.

Bauer has supported RMIT in the past by sponsoring the Gold and Silversmithing program and funding annual student awards.

Members of the RMIT alumni and figures in the jewellery community have donated pieces for the auction, along with current RMIT gold and silversmithing students.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the end-of-year graduate exhibition, which will showcase the talent of RMIT’s gold and silversmithing students.

Earlier this year, Bauer created the ‘I give a damn. I give a gram’ campaign that urges jewellers to donate at least one gram of gold to raise money for impoverished people around the world that contribute to the jewellery production industry.

Bauer’s brainchild has been backed by UNESCO and the JAA, which will launch it at the International Jewellery Fair later this month.

RMIT’s annual Gold and Silversmithing Auction will be held on August 11 at the Order of Melbourne, Level 2/401 Swanston Street. The collection of work can be previewed from 6pm and the auction starts at 7pm.

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