The Emirates Melbourne Cup will make its debut at the International Jewellery Fair (IJF) during a 'Winning Breakfast' from 8.30am on Saturday 27 August.
Hosted by metal services supplier Pallion, the event offers visitors the opportunity to meet the manufacturers of the trophy – Pallion subsidiary ABC Bullion – as well as officials from the Victoria Racing Club.
The solid 18-carat gold cup has been on a tour of rural, regional and metropolitan communities across Australia and New Zealand.
It weighs more than 3.2 kg, is valued at $175,000 and contains 44 pieces of gold that were mined, refined and hand spun in Australia over a 250-hour production process.
The trophy will also be on display throughout the three-day event, with Pallion CEO Andrew Cochineas emphasising the importance of the supplier’s involvement as well as showcasing its work to the industry.
“Pallion is committed to the preservation of the skills and craftsmanship of the Australian jeweller,” Cochineas said. “The Emirates Melbourne Cup has given us the opportunity to evidence that commitment.
“Indeed, it has allowed for the employment of new craftspeople to be educated in the age-old techniques necessary to produce the cups. In so doing, the skills are being handed down to future generations of Australian jewellers and artisans instead of being lost to foreign production.”
Pallion, which was awarded a five-year contract to produce the trophy in November 2015, has already started manufacturing the 2017 Melbourne Cup.
Commando is in town
Commando Steve, of Australia’s The Biggest Loser fame, will also make an appearance at the IJF.
The fitness trainer, whose real name is Steve Willis, will launch Garmin’s new range of multisport GPS smartwatches on Sunday 28 August from noon.
Garmin Australasia general manager Adam Howarth said Willis had been an ambassador since the beginning of 2015 and trains wearing the supplier’s Fenix 3 smartwatch.
“We believe he is the ideal person to represent this product – a watch that is both functional in its purpose and styled to be worn as a watch for any occasion,” Howarth explained.
“We are excited to have Steve attend this year’s fair to launch a new range of watches as we continue to expand our offering.”
As previously reported by Jeweller, a number of other initiatives have also been planned for the 2016 IJF including live demonstrations by WorldSkills Australia competitors and the Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Championships.
The IJF will run from Saturday 27 August to Monday 29 August at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.
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