The biennial Australasian Jewellery Awards offers emerging and experienced jewellery designers in Australia and New Zealand an opportunity to be recognised and celebrated for their craftsmanship, individuality and innovative thinking.
According to Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) CEO Ian Hadassin, although the purpose of jewellery has changed very little over time, the way it is designed and manufactured has evolved.
“With advancement in technology, designers have become more innovative and inspired, combining creativity and craftsmanship like never before. It’s an exciting era for jewellery and consumers who like to make a statement,” Hadassin said.
Two new categories, Men’s Jewellery and Accessories and Fantasy Bridal, have been introduced to this year’s program, bringing the total number of awards to 12.
For the 23 years the competition has been conducted, the Design Awards have given jewellers a platform to start or enhance their career in the industry, offering publicity and marketing opportunities.
Previous winners include jewellery designers John Calleija, Craig Peters, Jason Ree, Dean Walker, Thomas Meihofer and Emily Snadden.
Martyn Brown and Martin Linning of Townsville’s Jewellery By Design (JBD), who were jointly named JAA Jeweller of the Year in 2012 for their bangle, titled Undulation, commented that winning the competition had assisted them both professionally and personally.
“Winning the JAA Award has been one of JBD’s goals as a business for the last six years, so actually winning the award caps off the successes JBD has achieved in that time,” Linning told Jeweller.
In 2013, Brown and Linning received further recognition for their winning piece after being presented with the 2013 International Jewellery Design Excellence Craftmanship Award at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.
“The awards in Hong Kong illustrated to me how much we still have to grow and learn as a company to compete against the best in Australia and internationally,” Linning said.
Brown explained that winning the awards had also contributed towards his personal growth as a jeweller. “Winning these two awards has given me the confidence in my designing abilities, and the drive to continue entering these competitions. I want to continue to push myself to design and create new and unique pieces, whether for competitions or for my clients,” he said.
Linning and Brown intend to enter the 2014 JAA awards individually, adding that they have several design ideas already underway.
Changes to the program
In addition to the two new award categories, other changes this year include combining the opal and gemstone awards into one category as well as combining the two diamond categories.
The Jeweller of the Year winner will receive return flights to the 2015 Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and three nights’ accommodation in Hong Kong, up to the value of $2,000.
The winner will also be awarded a Gemmological Association of Australia scholarship for the first year of a diploma of Gemmology valued at $3,750, while the Apprentice/Student of the Year winners will receive $1,000.
In addition, each entrant will be given a Certificate of Entry as well as an image of their piece that can be used for marketing and promotion.
Senior award category winners will receive a customised trophy, certificate and promotion through the JAA’s international trade and media partners.
Submissions are open until 6 June 2014. Finalists will be notified by 30 June 2014, and the award presentation evening will be held on 1 September 2014 during the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney.
More information on the 2014 categories and entry guidelines are available on
the JAA’s website.