Deadlines extended for diamond awards

Posted July 23, 2013 | By Emily Mobbs • Former Editor

Organisers have extended the registration deadline for one of the new categories in this year’s Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards.

Entries for the Emerging Talent category – said to encourage and nurture young design and jewellery talent – now will be accepted until Tuesday 30 July 2013, with finished entries due on Friday 16 August.

The biennial awards competition, sponsored by the Diamond Guild Australia (DGA), celebrates excellence in Australian diamond jewellery and is open to all designers and jewellers working within an Australian retail jewellery business.

Commenting on the decision to extend the deadline for the new category, DGA executive officer Melissa James told Jeweller: “We have received some entries but would love as many as possible to really showcase the new talent coming up through the ranks of the industry to the media and general diamond-buying public.

“We hope that offering this prestigious award specifically for the ‘up and coming’ members will help encourage new talent to enter, grow and further develop the Australian industry.”

The winner will receive national and online media exposure via Qantas’ inflight magazine The Australian Way – the award’s media partner – as well as a trophy and certificate in recognition of their achievement. In addition, they will have the unique title of inaugural winner of the Diamond Guild Australia Emerging Talent Award.

As Jeweller reported previously, this year’s competition has another new category, Daily Diamonds. According to James, the category that promotes the everyday wearability of diamonds has proven to be a popular addition.

She added that the number of entries received for the competition had already exceeded 2011. “It’s a great result in a challenging retail environment and is a testament to the strength of this design competition.”

Eligible jewellers or designers can register their interest in participating in the Emerging Talent category by visiting the DGA website.

James said all winners would be announced on 1 December 2013.

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