The standard of not just the design and innovation but particularly the craftsmanship in this year’s JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards was at an exceptional level, even by comparison to previous years according to industry stalwart, Peter Beck.
Apart from being the awards’ major sponsor, Beck should have a handle on the standard of the entries because he and his company have been involved with the awards in some capacity since their inception
“I was really impressed with the quality of the pieces, they were beautifully made, which means there are good tradesmanship skills being nurtured. The quality has always been good in previous years [awards] but particularly this year it seems to have jumped out at me,” Beck said.
He said it was great to see the excitement of the nominees and winners on the night, particularly the younger jewellers, as it highlighted the tremendous opportunities to promote themselves and what they’re trying to achieve.
“It might sound a bit corny, but I do believe in the future of the Australian jewellery industry and I do believe we should give all the support we can to those who put in the time and energy to enter the awards.
“Whether the pieces ever become commercial is a moot point, the awards are there to break down barriers and do something different and inspire people to try and do something different. I think they did that this year, as they do every year, very well,” Beck added.
2012 Winners
The Jeweller of the Year was awarded to Martyn Brown and Martin Linning with their design Undulation, which also claimed the CAD/CAM award, while the Student/Apprentice of the Year Award was won by Wayne Hooper with his first and second year piece Montgolfier.
The Precious Metal Design Award went to Riki-Mojag Tait for his Tertawa Masker ring; Amelia Fabian claimed the Silver Design Award for her hair basket, Floral Harmony; and previous winner of Jeweller of the Year, Thomas Meihofer, won the Pearl Design Award for his ring, Verso.
Meihofer was back on stage shortly after when he and workmates Stacey Illman and Brian Mahon won the Coloured Gemstone Design Award for their ring SFR10.
The diamond jewellery awards are traditionally fierce contests, and this year Samantha Nordhoff won the Diamond Design Award valued below $5,000 for her earrings Once in a Blue Moon while Ben Preston-Black claimed the Diamond Deign Award valued above $5,001 for his ring OUTside IN.
The Third and Fourth Year Apprentice/Student Design Award was won by Tim Parker with his untitled compact mirror.
A comprehensive report of the awards will appear in the Jeweller’s October issue.