The great and the good of the jewellery design industry descended on Doltone House in Sydney for a night of opulence and dazzling displays of designer jewellery as the event celebrated its 21st anniversary this year.
Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr hosted the extravaganza, which this year introduced a People’s Choice Award chosen by media sponsor Marie Claire’s readers, who voted online for their favourite piece. Models from the fashion bible strutted their stuff during the pre-dinner drinks reception, showing off the finalists’ one-off creations.
“Our readers voted in the 1000s,” said Frank, who also said this year saw “a record number of entries” for the awards overall.
Karin Adcock, managing director of Pandora, which was the event’s headline sponsor, presented the Grand Prix Award to Emily Snadden from Collins Jewellers in Hobart, Tasmania.
Adcock said the awards were “all about inspiring creativity and celebrating the ones we know as well as the new and upcoming designers.”
29-year-old Snadden, who also received the accolade for the Precious Metal category, told Jeweller she was “overwhelmed” to be picked for the award.
The winning design was an 18-carat yellow and white gold ‘Precious Limb Bangle’. The die-formed bangle had round brilliant-cut diamonds set as seed pods and was inspired by the folds, creases and wrinkles of the native Salmon Gum tree.
Snadden was awarded return airfares and accommodation to the Hong Kong International Jewellery Fair in March 2011.
Chia-an Cheng, who won in her category of 1st and 2nd Year Apprentice Design and Craftsmanship Award, edged out competitors to win the Leading Edge Jewellers Apprentice of the Year award for her The Memory piece. Cheng was awarded a cash price.
Both Snadden and Cheng will have the opportunity to enter their piece into the International Champion of Champions Design Competition. Winners of this accolade will be announced at a gala ball during the Hong Kong International Jewellery Fair next year.
Micheal and Dale Trenberth won the People’s Choice Award for their necklace Aqua Aurum.
Listed below are the winners of every category:
Grand Prix Award/Roy Worfold Perpetual Trophy: Emily Snadden for Precious Limb Bangle
Apprentice of the Year: Chia-an Cheng for The Memory
Precious Metal Design Award: Emily Snadden for Precious Limb Bangle
Silver Design Award: David Clayton for Flight #III
Coloured Gemstone Design Award: Roy Wilson for Catalyst
Pearl Design Award: Lynn Barker and Paul Taseff for Golden Carousel
Opal Design Award: Leon Parry for The Other Woman
Diamond Design Award (retail value below $5000): Steve Pallas for Outré
Diamond Design Award (retail value above $5001): Varoujan Djevahirdjian for Sunshine
CAD/CAM Award: Sarah Radloff for Templum
1st and 2nd Year Apprentice Design and Craftsmanship Award: Chia-an Cheng for The Memory
3rd and 4th Year Apprentice Design and Craftsmanship Award: Jade Harper for Dangerous Game
People’s Choice Award: Micheal and Dale Trenberth for Aqua Aurum