My Bench

My Bench: Meet Australia's Bench Jewellers

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While their artisan skills and creations are often awe-inspiring, bench jewellers are generally hidden away in the backrooms creating fine jewellery… that is until now.

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I N F O C U S

» Year 2026: Elevating craftsmanship to new heights
» Year 2025: Where learning never stops
» Year 2024: A celebration of creativity and craftsmanship
» Year 2023: Honouring skill, passion, and precision
» Year 2022: Shaping ideas into wearable art
» Year 2021: Resilience and innovation at the bench
» Year 2020: Crafting through challenges and change
» Year 2019: Inspired minds, extraordinary creations
» Year 2018: The artistry behind every masterpiece
» Year 2017: A showcase of dedication and design
» Year 2016: Where talent meets tradition
» Year 2015: The beginning of a creative journey

2026

MAY SPOTLIGHT
HANNAH SAXTON

Jewellery by Hannah Mimosa • Australia

• Age: 27
• Years in trade: 1
• Training: Certificate II Engineering (Jewellery), Certificate III Jewellery
• Love jewellery because: It brings people joy, and it’s such a fun and creative outlet. I love making gifts for family and friends with my skills in jewellery, and the options for creativity are endless.

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
SHANNON ELLIOTT

ThingsBecome • Fairfield West NSW

• Age: 35
• Years in trade: 2
• Training: Certificate 3 in Jewellery Manufacture
• Love jewellery because: It requires precision and perfectionism, creativity, combined with the challenge of getting everything correct. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands; however, it’s the challenge of jewellery that I really love.

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
MARIEON CUNNINGHAM

Sams Group Australia • Sydney NSW

• Age: 26
• Years in trade: 2
• Training: Certificate 3 in Jewellery Manufacture
• Love jewellery because: I love how so much work goes into something so small.

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
LEIGHTON MACLAREN PENMAN

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers • Castle Hill NSW

• Age: 30
• Years in trade: 5
• Training: Certificate 3 Jewellery Manufacture and Design
• Love jewellery because: I get to work with my hands creating or fixing jewellery everyday. It’s rewarding to complete a job and move on to the next project.

2025

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
OLENA KOVALEVSKA

Silver Daisy Gemstones • Sydney NSW

• Age: 45
• Years in trade: 2
• Training: Jewellery Manufacturing Certificate III
• Love jewellery because: A piece of jewellery is something that I can wear, admire its beauty, and remind myself that life is amazing. I would love for other people to feel the same way when they wear the jewellery that I create for them.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
BRIELLE PRINCE

Meg Maskell Fine Jewellery • Hornsby NSW

• Age: 21
• Years in trade: 2.5
• Training: TAFE & Apprenticeship
• Love jewellery because: It’s the perfect way to express yourself, and I’m lucky enough to be able to help people do exactly that.

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MAX HOUSDEN

Kristopher Graydon Jewellers • Wagga Wagga NSW

• Age: 29
• Years in trade: 3.5
• First job: Track cyclist
• Love jewellery because: It’s an opportunity to create something that means so much to someone, and that will be passed on through generations.

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
KATE RODGERS

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers • Castle Hill NSW

• Age: 24
• Years in trade: 6
• Training: Four-year jewellery apprenticeship
• Love jewellery because: I get to work on something new every day.

JULY SPOTLIGHT
FRANK PRISCHL

Elan Jewellers • St Ives NSW

• Age: 47
• Years in trade: 28
• Training: Certificate 3 Jewellery Manufacture and Design
• Love jewellery because: It is an incredible combination of structure and art and you create something meaningful for someone who will enjoy it forever.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
WILLIAM MASTERS

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers • Castle Hill NSW

• Age: 22
• Years in trade: 2
• Training: Second-year jewellery apprentice
• Love jewellery because: It is an incredible combination of structure and art and you create something meaningful for someone who will enjoy it forever.

MAY SPOTLIGHT
JAMES CLIFF

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers • Castle Hill NSW

• Age: 40
• Years in trade: 20
• Training: Certificate 3 Jewellery Manufacture and Design
• Love jewellery because: I get to work with my hands creating or fixing jewellery everyday. It’s also rewarding to finish a job and move on to the next thing.

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
NATHAN KIDDLE

Robert Cliff Master Jewellers • Castle Hill NSW

• Age: 42
• Years in trade: 25
• Training: Certificate 3 Jewellery Trade and Diploma in Gemmology
• Love jewellery because: It’s so fun to make pieces every day that people will cherish for a lifetime.

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
ARDA KARA

Fidda & Katina • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 36
• Years in trade: 6
• Training: On-the-job training at the family business
• Love jewellery because: Being a part of someone's journey to find that special piece and witnessing the sentimental value it holds for them is what makes it so fulfilling.

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
SHARON PORTER

Nina's Jewellery • Dunsborough WA

• Age: 49
• Years in trade: 34
• Training: Five-year jewellery apprenticeship
• Love jewellery because: I get to be creative every day and have immense pleasure seeing people wearing my art.

2024

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
LOUIS KLEIMEYER

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 33
• Years in trade: 2
• Training: Currently completing my apprenticeship with Artisans Bespoke Jewellers
• Love jewellery because: I get to make special pieces for my fiancé.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
MATTHYS SOLOMON

Nina's Jewellery • Dunsborough WA

• Age: 49
• Years in trade: 31
• Training: Bachelor's degree in Jewellery Design & Manufacture at Technikon Pretoria
• Love jewellery because: It makes me a precious metal engineer.

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT
HAZEL OXBOROUGH

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 34
• Years in trade: 13
• Training: Advanced diploma with Peter Minturn Goldsmith School Auckland
• Love jewellery because: It is wearable art. The materials are beautiful and unique, and the design possibilities are endless.

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
TAMMMY KEERS

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 46
• Years in trade: Almost 30
• Training: Bachelor of Jewelery Design UNI SA and Trade Apprenticeship
• Love jewellery because: It’s rewarding making beautiful pieces with unlimited opportunities and working with mother nature’s finest!

JULY SPOTLIGHT
BRIAN BRETHERTON

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 56
• Years in trade: 33 years
• Training: Trade Certificate in Jewellery, FGAA, Dip Dia Tech, DIP WT & Ass.
• Love jewellery because: The sense of accomplishment when you put 20 or more hours into a piece and the customers love our craft.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
PETER GERTLER

Peter Gertler Gold and Silversmith • South Melbourne VIC

• Age: 72
• Years in trade: 52 years
• First job: Self-employed
• Training: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Gold and Silversmithing Fellowship Diploma 1971-1974

MAY SPOTLIGHT
SHAY DALY

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 30
• Years in trade: 6 years
• First job: Bryant Family Jewellers
• Training: Masters in screen production animation

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
LANI WILLIAMS

Windfall Jewellery • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 39
• Years in trade: 12 years
• First job: Windfall Jewellery
• Training: Small courses in metalsmithing, jewellery making, wax-carving and gem-setting.

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
ALEX HAMILTON

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers • Paddington QLD

• Age: 55
• Years in trade: 36 years
• First job: Cabinet maker
• Love jewellery because: The endless possibilities of being creative with metals and gemstones.

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
SARAH LIM

Windfall Jewellery • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 37
• Years in trade: 6 years
• Training: Short courses - no formal qualifications.
• Other qualifications: Sales and insurance.

2023

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
KATE HIGGINS

Eli Speaks Jewellery • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 40
• Years in trade: 15 years
• Training: On-the-job training in Melbourne, Australia.
• First job: Svedia Jewellery.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
Carlo Romeo

Carlo Romeo Jewellers • Kewdale WA

• Age: 59
• Years in trade: 44 years
• Training: Jeweller at C&K Jewellers
• First job: C&K Jewellers

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SE-HOON WOOD

Soklich & Co. Jewellers • Perth WA

• Years in trade: 2 years
• Signature piece: Champagne
• Favourite gemstone: Opal
• Love jewellery because: You bring customers happiness. It’s always a great pleasure to see people’s reactions to the final product.

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
JAMES ANDREWS

James Andrews Jeweller • Subiaco WA

• Age: 43
• Years in trade: 27 years
• Training: Jewellery apprenticeship
• First job: Chris Andrews Jewellers

JULY SPOTLIGHT
MICHAEL PURDY

Soklich & Co. Jewellers • Perth WA

• Years in trade: 21 years
• Signature piece: Cocktail ring
• Favourite gemstone: Merelani garnet.
• Love jewellery because: It’s fun and rewarding to design and create something and then see it through to fruition.

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
DAVID STEPHENSON

Holloway Diamonds • Brighton VIC

• Age: 55
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Diploma in Gemmology and completed apprenticeship.
• Other qualifications: Apprentice at Holloway Diamonds

MAY SPOTLIGHT
ASH BRIGHT

Soklich & Co. Jewellers • Perth WA

• Years in trade: 17 years
• Signature piece: Pearl and diamond double bee ring
• Favourite gemstone: Ceylon sapphire/London blue.
• Love jewellery because: Nothing is static, there is always more to learn and always more ways to express true art.

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
HASSAN KAMKAR

Holloway Diamonds • Canterbury VIC

• Age: 49
• Years in trade: 25 years
• Training: Trade apprenticeship at Anthony's Jewellers
• Other qualifications: Diploma in Jewellery, Gemmology and Diamond Tech

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
GREG JOHN

Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 67
• Years in trade: 53 years
• Training: Apprenticeship
• First job: Apprentice for L.W. Designers

February SPOTLIGHT
ROBERT PEARCE

RJ Pearce Designer Jewellers • Perth WA

• Age: 59
• Years in trade: 36 years
• Training: Started lapidary at age of 12. Completed jewellery apprenticeship.
• First job: Jephcotts in Latrobe Valley, Victoria

2022

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
SERGIO BASSIL

Sergio Bassil Gem Setters • Sydney NSW

• Age: 64
• Years in trade: 46 years
• Training: Trained in Paris for 5 years, working with master diamond setters.
• Other qualifications: Diamond setting in Paris.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
ELEANOR HAWKE

Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 33
• Years in trade: 12 years
• Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT
• Other qualifications: Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Engineering

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JO MAKOHIN

Simon West Fine Jewellery • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 42
• Years in trade: 24 years
• Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT
• Signature piece: Platinum ring

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
YUKI MATHWIN

Abrecht Bird Jewellers • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 45
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship, certificate IV.
• Signature piece: Saturn's stone

JULY SPOTLIGHT
HARRY BASSIL

Bassil Creations • Sydney NSW

• Age: 37
• Years in trade: 17 years
• Training: Enmore Design Centre
• First job: Bassil Creations, working for my father Sergio Bassil

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
DANICA RODERICK

Nique Jewellery • Manly NSW

• Age: 35
• Years in trade: 13 years
• Training: Jewellery Apprenticeship with Southbank institute
• First job: Toowoomba Jewellers

MAY SPOTLIGHT
MUHAMMAD TAQI SHAKOOR

York Jewellers • Penrith NSW

• Age: 34
• Years in trade: 18 years
• Training: Certificate 3 in Jewellery Manufacture
• First job: Jeweller in Afghanistan

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
MARIO ORLANDO

Cristi's Jewellers • Penrith NSW

• Age: 74
• Years in trade: 53 years
• Training: No formal training, served as apprentice under my father
• First job: Rhon Rae Productions

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
NATHAN KETTLE

York Jewellers • Penrith NSW

• Age: 24
• Years in trade: 6 years
• Training: Cert 3 Jewellery Manufacture at NSW TAFE
• First job: York Jewellers

February SPOTLIGHT
DARREN NANCARROW

Diann Darling Jewellers • Engadine NSW

• Age: 49
• Years in trade: 33 years
• Training: Trade Certificate at Ultimo Technical College
• First job: Apprentice Jeweller

2021

DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT
COSIMO MIRARCHI

COSIMO • Sydney NSW

• Age: 37
• Years in trade: 16 years
• Training: Certificate III in jewellery trade and manufacturing at Enmore Design Centre
• First job: Diamond Factory Jewellers Chatswood

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
TROY O'BRIEN

Troy O'Brien Jewellery • Sydney NSW

• Age: 46
• Years in trade: 31 years
• Training: Apprenticeship through TAFE Ultimo; I apprenticed at Distell International with Albert and Peter Grech and with my uncle Peter Quinn
• First job: Distell International, 1990

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
ROBERTO MATTEI

Roberto Mattei Jewellery • Sydney NSW

• Age: 51
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Five years of jewellery school and a few years with the masters
• First job: Laboro Jewellery Workshop of Roberto Mattei, Rome, Italy 1997

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT
RicK SOUTHWICK

Rick Southwick Bespoke Jewellery • Sydney NSW

• Years in trade: 45 years
• Training: Trained under Graham Whitehead in London and Rob Gardner in Sydney
• First job: Lambert & Freed, Sydney NSW, 1978

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
ANDY McGee

Stelios Jewellers • Perth WA

• Age: 48
• Years in trade: 34 years
• Training: 7-year apprenticeship to obtain New Zealand Technical Certificate in Metalsmithing and Jewellery
• First job: After-school engraver at Skelts Jewellers in Invercargill, New Zealand in 1987

JULY SPOTLIGHT
Jim George

Rohan Jewellers • Perth WA

• Age: 72
• Years in trade: 55 years
• Training: Milton Technical College Apprenticeship
• First job: C R Roberts Jewellers

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
ANTHEA PLUG

Smales Jewellers • Subiaco WA

• Age: 28
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Perth TAFE Apprenticeship
• First job: Nina’s Jewellery Store, 2012–2018

MAY SPOTLIGHT
DAVID HOLLANDERS

Wild Trout Designer Jewellers • Sydney NSW

• Age: 53
• Years in trade: 37 years
• Training: Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire
• First job: Goldsmithing apprenticeship at Roy's Jewellers, Lancashire in 1983.

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
LAURIE MOFFATT

Laurence Moffatt Manufacturing Jewellers • Sydney NSW

• Age: 65
• Years in trade: 48 years
• Training: 4-year apprenticeship
• First job: Bernard Lowry Jewellers, 1973

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
MATTHEW ALEXANDER CROOKS

Matthew Alexander Jeweller • Brisbane QLD

• Age: 30
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: TAFE
• First job: Peter Gordon Jeweller

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
RICHELLE PERKS

Stephen Dibb Jewellery • Brisbane QLD

• Age: 30
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship
• First job: I started my apprenticeship in 2012 at Goldleaf Enterprises. This was my first job in the jewellery industry.

2020

DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT
LEON RAPER

Australian Diamond Company (ADC) • Melbourne, VIC

• Age: 56
• Years in trade: 30 years
• Training: Trade-qualified diamond setter (South Africa), Diploma of Jewellery & Object Design (Melbourne Polytechnic)
• First job: Apprentice diamond setter at Edward Ber in South Africa, 1981

NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT
D avid HOLLANDERS

Wild Trout Jewellers • Sydney, NSW

• Age: 53
• Years in trade: 37 years
• Training: Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture from Bradford & Ilkley College, Yorkshire.
• First job: Goldsmithing apprenticeship at Roy’s Jewellers, Lancashire in 1983.

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT
Ryan Haddrell

Clayfield Jewellers • Brisbane, QLD

• Age: 42
• Years in trade: 25 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship, and 21 years of learning every day.
• First job: Hungry Jacks kitchen hand! My first job in the jewellery trade was as an apprentice training under Mal Gray at Richardson’s Jewellers, then Doug Morris Jewellers shortly after.

AUGUST SPOTLIGHT
L AURIE MOFFATT

Laurence Moffatt Manufacturing Jewellers • Sydney, NSW

• Age: 64
• Years in trade: 47 years
• Training: 4-year apprenticeship
• First job: Bernard Lowry Jewellers, 1973

JULY SPOTLIGHT
MATTHEW ALEXANDER CROOKS

Matthew Alexander Jeweller • Brisbane QLD

• Age: 29
• Years in trade: 9 years
• Training: TAFE, Other Qualifications Certificate III in Business Management
• First job: Peter Gordon Jeweller

JUNE SPOTLIGHT
Richelle perks

Stephen Dibb Jewellery • Brisbane QLD

• Age: 29
• Years in trade: 8 years
• Training: Four-year apprenticeship began in 2012 at Goldleaf Enterprises
• First job: Goldleaf Enterprises

APRIL SPOTLIGHT
Steve Pallas

Steve Pallas Bespoke Jewellery • Melbourne VIC

• Age: 36
• Years in trade: 19 years
• Training: No formal training, I learnt from my father and previous business partner
• First job: Diamond Affaire

MARCH SPOTLIGHT
ZOË POOK

Zoë Pook Jewellery • Sydney NSW

• Age: 46
• Years in trade: 15 years
• Training: Higher National Certificate in Silversmithing & Jewellery from university in London, plus learning the tricks of the trade from two London jewellers
• First job: Ben Day Jewellery

FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT
MATTHEW ELY

Matthew Ely Jewellery • Sydney

• Age: 33
• Years in trade: 15 years
• Training: TAFE, and a year of study in London
• First job: York Jewellers

2019

	NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT NATALIE HANDLING Fairfax & Roberts, Sydney NSW • Years in trade: 29 years • Training: Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture & Design, London, six years • First job: Paragon Jewellers, London, 1996
	OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT GARY MOURADJALLIAN King Street Design • Sydney NSW • Age: 54 • Years in trade: 39 years • Training: Six months at TAFE, then dropped out. The rest self-taught and experience • First job: Started King Street Design with my brother Alan
	SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT GARY THYREGOD Gary Thyregod Jewellery • Sydney NSW • Age: 57 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: Sydney Technical College, four-year apprenticeship • First job: Henning Molgaard, 1979
	AUGUST SPOTLIGHT HAGOP BARSOUMIAN Jaxette Diamond Setting • Ultimo NSW • Age: 36 • Years in trade: 20 years • Training: Raphael Jewellery • First job: Martin Manufacturing Jewellery, 2001
	JULY SPOTLIGHT stephen dickins London Court • Perth • Age: 56 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: 4.5-year apprenticeship, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year Trade Certificate • First job: Max Wilson Jewellers in Palmerston North, New Zealand
	JUNE SPOTLIGHT alan linney Linneys • Perth • Age: 68 • Years in trade: 53 years • Training: Six-year apprenticeship and a year of gemmological studies • First job: Ron Brown, a manufacturing jeweller
	MAY SPOTLIGHT THOMAS MEIHOFER Thomas Meihofer Jewellery Design • Perth • Age: 58 • Years in trade: 31 years • Training: Apprenticeship in Switzerland • First job: Carlo Pagani Goldsmith
	APRIL SPOTLIGHT DAVID MURPHY David Murphy Jewellers • Perth • Age: 57 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Ringcraft Jewellers, 1978
	MARCH SPOTLIGHT BUDJ JONES Brinkhaus Jewellers • Perth • Age: 60 • Years in trade: 30 years • Training: On-the-job training • First job: Peter Meier Goldsmith in 1988
	FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT MARTIN LOVELL Lovells Jewellery Studio • Western Australia • Age: 57 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: Four-year apprenticeship followed by 39 years of learning • First job: Clausons Jewellers, Cairns

2018

	NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT DAVID MURPHY David Murphy Jewellers • Perth • Age: 57 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Ringcraft Jewellers in 1978
	OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT WILLIAM (BILL) WHITING Archer & Holland Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 63 • Years in trade: 47 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: P & LJ Donnelly in 1971
	SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT MARK DRAPER Bell & Brunt • Adelaide • Age: 39 • Years in trade: 19 years • Training: Jewellery Design degree at Uni SA/ Trade Jewellery Apprenticeship • First job: Nicholas Pike Jewellers
	AUGUST SPOTLIGHT CRAIG DODD Christopher Green Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 47 • Years in trade: 30 years • Training: On the job training with a diamond ring maker (John M Roberts) for 15 years • First job: John M Roberts Jewellers – Started in 1987
	JULY SPOTLIGHT DAVID MCINTOSH McIntosh Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 57 • Years in trade: 40 years • Training: Traditional four year apprenticeship • First job: Prouds Jewellers Adelaide in 1976
	JUNE SPOTLIGHT JON ASHFORD Charles Rose Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 56 • Years in trade: 39 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: S. Weintrop & Son, Johannesburg
	MAY SPOTLIGHT LAURA PIVOVAROFF Wishart Jewellers • Glenelg • Age: 22 • Years in trade: 6 years • Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture • Other qualifications: Diploma in Gemmology
	APRIL SPOTLIGHT CHRISTOPHER GREEN Christopher Green Jewellers • Adelaide • Age: 54 • Years in trade: 37 years • Training: On the job training with a diamond ring maker for fifteen years • First job: Diamond setter, diamond ring maker, designer, business owner, managing director
	MARCH SPOTLIGHT KOSTA THEOCHARI MDTdesign • Melbourne • Age: 32 • Years in trade: 16 years • Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture • First job: MDTdesign in 2003
	FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT ALFIE GRYG Allgem Jewellers • Perth • Age: 53 • Years in trade: 38 years • Training: Apprenticeship in jewellery manufacturing and opal cutting • First job: I’ve always worked in the family business, Allgem Jewellers

2017

	DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT DAN SHADWICK Shadwick's Fine Jewellery • Perth • Age: 43 • Years in trade: 26 years • Training: Apprenticeship in manufacturing jewellery and diamond setting • First job: Wensley's Goldsmiths of Fremantle, under Bob Shadwick
	NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT GRAHAM TIGHE Tighe Jewellery Studio • Midland, WA • Age: 54 • Years in trade: 36 years • Training: Goldsmith apprenticeship and a certificate in advanced diamond setting • First job: Three Castle Jewellers, Ireland
	OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT STELIOS PALIOUDAKIS Stelios Jewellers • Perth • Age: 36 • Years in trade: 20 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Milton Boston Jewellers
	SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT LAUREN CUMMING Jewellery by Lauren • Adelaide • Age: 32 • Years in trade: 11 years • Training: Bachelor of Technology • First job: Haskins Manufacturing Jewellers, South Africa
	AUGUST SPOTLIGHT PAUL HOGAN Hofstays House of Diamonds/Hogans Family Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: 57 • Years in trade: Too many! • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Hogans Family Jewellers
	JULY SPOTLIGHT ALAN LINNEY Linneys • Perth • Age: 67 • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Ron Brown (trade jeweller)
	JUNE SPOTLIGHT FERDINAND WOOLLEY FW Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: 42 • Years in trade: 24 years • Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture, as well as sitting next to talented jewellers • First job: J&C Jewellery Gallery
	MAY SPOTLIGHT DEAN HARRISON Ringleaders • Brisbane • Age: 47 • Years in trade: 31 years • Training: Apprenticeship • Other qualifications: The Tom Menzies Jewellers, Newcastle
	APRIL SPOTLIGHT MARION SCHWEITZER Marion Schweitzer Jewellers • Brisbane • Age: Don't be silly; never ask a woman her age • Years in trade: A long time • Training: Jewellery Apprenticeship, FGAA • First job: A local manufacturing jeweller based in Brisbane, QLD
	MARCH SPOTLIGHT HAMPAR ARZUMAN Baguette Diamond Setting • Australia • Age: 47 • Years in trade: A long time! More than 30 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
	FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT WAYNE PICKUP W & V Jewellers • Australia • Age: 69 • Years in trade: 52 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Ringcraft (Malcolm O'Hara)

2016

	DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT KEVIN BAHAR Diamond Rings Internationale • Melbourne • Age: 54 • Years in trade: 48 years • Training: Diamond setting apprenticeship • First job: A diamond setting workshop in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
	NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT VICK NACKASHIAN Vick Nackashian Fine Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 43 • Years in trade: 24 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Ken Gray Design
	OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT IAN MURRAY Ellissi • Melbourne • Age: If I told you I would have to kill you • Years in trade: 36 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Gemcraft Jewellers (UK)
	SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT PHILIP STEEL Philip Steel Jeweller • Adelaide • Age: 31 • Years in trade: 48 (too many!) • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: E Katz Manufacturing Jewellers
	AUGUST SPOTLIGHT FRANK ATHANASOPOULOS Timeless Gold Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 42 • Years in trade: 24 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Oscar Jewellery Manufacturing
	JULY SPOTLIGHT JAMES TYLER James Tyler Jewellery • Brisbane • Age: 46 • Years in trade: 30 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: GJ Coey Manufacturing Jewellers
	JUNE SPOTLIGHT STEPHANIE VELLA Jewellery by Stephanie • Australia • Age: 31 • Years in trade: 13 years • Training: Certificate III in jewellery • First job: Rob Bennett Jewellery
	MAY SPOTLIGHT HRATCH GHARIBIAN AJ Jewellery and Diamond Setter (sole trader) • Sydney • Age: 54 • Years in trade: 40+ years • Training: Jewellery apprenticeship • Other qualifications: Jeweller in Beirut, Lebanon
	APRIL SPOTLIGHT OK JIN JANG Jang's Jewellery • Sydney • Age: 61 • Years in trade: 15 • Training: Certificate III in jewellery manufacture at Design Centre Enmore and apprenticeship • First job: Primo Jewellery, 2003
	MARCH SPOTLIGHT BRETT STEWART Brett Stewart Jeweller • Melbourne • Age: 36 • Years in trade: 18 • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Rod Groves Jewellery, 1997
	FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT JEFF CROSS JMX Jewellery • Victoria • Age: 56 • Years in trade: 40+ years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Emil Braun

2015

	DECEMBER SPOTLIGHT PAUL BLIGH Peter W Beck • Ottoway • Age: 44 • Years in trade: 27 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Apprentice at a jeweller in Blackwood, SA
	NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHT DAVID MANSFIELD David Mansfield Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 45 • Years in trade: 27 years • Training: Apprenticeship • First job: Jeff Eyles Jewellery, 1988
	OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT RAY MCALISTER McAlister Jewellers • Melbourne • Age: 77 • Years in trade: 62 years • Training: Apprenticeship and self-taught • First job: Apprentice diamond setter at Wartmans Diamond setters, 1953
	SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT SARINA CUNNINGHAM E.A. Drew Manufacturing Jewellers/Sarinel Designer Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 35 • Years in trade: 13 years • Training: Apprenticeship at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic) • First job: Austgold Manufacturing Jewellers
	AUGUST SPOTLIGHT JENNA O'BRIEN Pilkington Jewellers/Jenna O'Brien Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 30 • Years in trade: 6 years • Training: Bachelor of fine art/gold and silversmithing, Advanced diploma of jewellery technology/jewellery design • First job: Pilkington Jewellers
	JULY SPOTLIGHT GEOFF BROWN Geogem • Sydney • Age: 58 • Years in trade: 42 years • Training: Apprenticeship, Sydney TAFE • First job: Rhon Rae Productions
	JUNE SPOTLIGHT LINDA SMITH Emil Braun/Linela Fine Jewellery • Melbourne • Age: 46 • Years in trade: 28 years • Training: Apprenticeship, complete trade school at Collingwood Technical College • First job: Silverado Jewellers
	MAY SPOTLIGHT DIKRAN MANJIAN Manjian Design Works • Sydney • Age: 35 • Years in trade: 18 years • Training: Apprenticeship - trained as a jeweller and diamond-setter in both eastern and western styles of manufacturing • Other qualifications: Gemmologist, FGAA
	APRIL SPOTLIGHT JADE PFEIFFER Peter W Beck • Ottoway • Age: 35 • Years in trade: 14 years • Training: Studied a bachelor of visual arts and a Certificate 4 in Jewellery • First job: Lone Star Steakhouse
	MARCH SPOTLIGHT VARTAN BAKALIAN BB Designer Jewellers • Newtown • Age: 32 • Years in trade: 18 years • Training: Private tutoring from age 14. Apprenticeship at Design Centre Enmore • First job: Hands-on work with master jeweller
	FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT SIMON GREW Grew & Co, Sydney • Sydney • Age: 36 • Years in trade: 18 years • Training: Apprenticeship, completed 2000 • First job: RJ & CR Pinn