The inaugural Australian Pearl Jewellery Design Competition is open to jewellers, apprentices and businesses offering CAD and jewellery-related design services.
The contest is being conducted by Broome-based pearl producer Cygnet Bay Pearls as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations.
Cygnet Bay Pearls retail development manager Marten Matthews said he believed this was the first time a design competition dedicated to pearl jewellery had been held. Pieces will be assessed on uniqueness, innovation, originality and ability to showcase the Australian South Sea Pearl.
“We hope to engage with the jewellery industry and raise awareness about the Australian pearling industry,” Matthews explained. “Its product, its provenance challenges, its quality and sustainability credentials.
“Many people have heard of the famous ‘Broome pearl’ [South Sea pearl], but do they really know what it is and how to be sure that they purchase one?”
The competition comprises three categories, with prizes including $5,000 for the overall winner, $3,000 for the People’s Choice and $2,000 for the Apprentice Award recipient. Entrants are also invited to sell their pieces on consignment in the Cygnet Bay Pearls Broome retail store following the competition.
Setting record straight
Matthews said the initiative allowed jewellers to gain exposure and recognition for their skills while also, “gaining a better understanding of the world of pearls and Australia’s place within it”.
He explained there were more ‘Australian South Sea’ pearls sold at retail level than what was being produced due to Indonesian pearls being “dumped” in the country and incorrectly labelled.
“Even worse, due to the fame of the Broome pearl, there are outlets around the country selling even freshwater pearls as Broome pearls, either unwittingly or deliberately.
“If we are to change this then we need education and one of the primary sources of information for the public about gems is the local jeweller. By extension then the local jeweller needs the facts about Australian pearls.”
Participants receive an information pack outlining the current state of the Australian pearl industry and an introduction to South Sea pearl valuation.
The closing date for entries is 29 August. Designs must use Cygnet Bay Pearls pearls – which will be supplied to the first few participants to enter from each state or else purchased from the business – and predominantly use platinum, gold or silver.
All pieces will be showcased during the Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl in Broome from 11 to 18 September and a winner will be announced on 25 September.
Cygnet Bay Pearls was established as a mother of pearl operation in 1946. It claims to be one of only two businesses to successfully transition to the cultured pearling industry still in operation today.
For more competition information, click here.
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