The Queen of Gems International Jewellery Design Awards, organised by the Queensland Boulder Opal Association, are returning this year, adding an Open category to the existing Professional and Non-Professional sections. This new category focuses on objects and jewellery produced using any method, including computer assisted design (CAD).
Complementary stones and all kinds of metals are welcomed in the design, but Queensland Boulder Opal must be the focus.
The judging panel will comprise jewellery and opal industry experts from Australia and overseas, with prizes awarded at the annual Opal Festival in Winton, Queensland. First place in the Professional Jewellers category is $2,000 in cash, while the other categories have a $1,000 prize. Non-Professionals can also compete for the Vince Evert Bursary, worth $300.
The deadline for entries is Monday 24 June. The Opal Festival runs from Friday 12 July to Saturday 13 July.
International Opal Jewellery Design Awards
Less than two weeks later, opal fans will have another opportunity to celebrate their favourite gem with the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival, which runs from Wednesday 24 July to Friday 26 July in the northern NSW town.
Lightning Ridge is famous for its rich deposits of rare black opal.
As part if the festival, the biennial International Opal Jewellery Design Awards competition is back for 2019, rewarding excellence in opal carving, jewellery design and sketching. It includes 10 professional categories and four non-professional categories.
The $30,000 prize pool includes freeform and rough opals, with the winners announced at a gala dinner on the final night of the festival. Entries must be received by 1 July.
More information
The Queen of Gems International Jewellery Design Awards
International Opal Jewellery Design Awards
IMAGE GALLERY