Launched in 2006, the Queen of Gems International Boulder Opal Jewellery Design Awards call upon jewellers to create original handmade pieces using boulder opal as a focal point.
The awards will be held in conjunction with the Winton Opal Tradeshow – the association’s yearly tradeshow – in July, and as its promotion officer, Leon Parry explained, “is an engaging way to promote opal”.
He said that the design competition – which is open to national and international designers – has been well-supported in previous years, with some entries coming from as far away as Japan. The 2011 winning piece “Monument Valley” was made by a Japanese designer.
There are four categories in total: student/novice design drawing; novice/non-professional jewellery piece; apprentice/student jewellery piece; and professional jewellery piece. A bursary for $300 will also be awarded to an entrant in the apprentice/student jewellery category.
The Winton Opal Tradeshow will take place from Friday 12 to Saturday 13 July, in Winton. Award-winners will be announced at the show.
Nominations close Tuesday 18 June and registration forms can be downloaded by visiting the association’s
website. There is no limit to the number of jewellery pieces entered, but each entry is subject to an entry fee.
Boulder opal is found in central and southwest Queensland, including areas such as Winton, Opalton, Quilpie and Yowah.
More reading: