Reneé Blackwell of Reneé Blackwell Jewellery Design has been awarded a scholarship to attend the Sante Fe Symposium in the US.
The four-day event is said to have a strong focus on technology and innovation within the jewellery manufacturing sector. In addition to providing educational seminars, it also serves as a worldwide forum for jewellery professionals to network as well as discuss innovations and challenges within the trade.
Blackwell said she had been familiar with the event for a number of years and had always wanted to attend.
“The Santa Fe Symposium attracts the crème de la crème of [jewellery] designers and manufacturers globally and features cutting-edge technology developments within the industry,” she explained.
Blackwell said she was put forward as a “worthy” international recipient of the scholarship by one of her US industry contacts. She subsequently applied, “putting [her] best put foot forward”, and was successful.
Blackwell added that she was excited to share her perspectives and experiences as managing and creative director of her namesake business with other international delegates. Blackwell has been designing jewellery for more than 25 years and specialises in pieces incorporating gemstones, beads and antique buttons.
“All of us Down Under share the similar challenges of a small population and the resulting limited market opportunities, together with a weakening dollar making raw materials more expensive,” she said.
“I look forward to absorbing the latest technology presentations at the symposium as well as soaking up the social scene and sharing my experiences and unique techniques with other professionals within this exciting industry.”
The 29th Sante Fe Symposium will take place from 17 to 20 May 2015 in New Mexico.
More reading
Jeweller awarded for business success