The Mystery Box Bench Challenge was launched at the Sydney Fair in 2024. With serious prize money on offer, students from Design Centre Enmore (TAFE NSW) compete across three days – two qualifying stages on Saturday and Sunday, before the grand finale on Monday.
Each student is provided with a random assortment of materials to design and manufacture a piece of jewellery. Then, a red countdown clock and constant stream of interested onlookers put some of the industry’s developing jewellers’ skills to the test.
Expertise Events services manager Nick Fewtrell said the Sydney Fair was proud to continue developing the tradition and offering an avenue for the next generation of jewellers to make their mark.
“It’s an opportunity for the next generation of jewellers to showcase their skills in front of a wider audience. That’s an incredibly valuable platform, and we’ve actually been told that at least one of the previous contestants has been employed after appearing in the competition,” Fewtrell explained.
“That’s just an outstanding thing for us to hear. It’s quickly become a terrific part of the show, offering an engaging attraction for visitors all day. Because it runs across the three days, everyone has a chance to stop by and check it out at some stage, which is great.
“We’re really excited to see how all the contestants go this year.”
TAFE NSW head teacher of jewellery design, Gina Kind, previously told Jeweller that each student would depart the competition with valuable life skills.
“Everyone needs to learn to bounce back from challenges and to roll with the punches, and that’s precisely what these young jewellers have done," she said.
"If something goes wrong – and something will always go wrong, especially when you’re creating jewellery – you need to be able to remain calm and find a solution."
The winner of the 2025 Mystery Box Bench Challenge was Brielle Prince from Meg Maskell Fine Jewellery. Max Housden (Kristopher Graydon Jewellers) finished in second place.
The inaugural winner in 2024 was Solomon Gates, a third-year apprentice with Saffo Jewellery. Gates collected $2,500 in prize money. Runner-up was Lachlan George, a second-year apprentice from Evan’s Manufacturing Jewellery.
The Mystery Box Bench Challenge is made possible due to the support of Australian Jewellery Supplies, Palloys, Expertise Events, and the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA).
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