The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) has unveiled the winners of the 27th JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards, marking a continued tradition of recognising and celebrating outstanding design, innovation, and craftsmanship within the jewellery sector.
This year’s judging panel, comprising Michael Muratore, Debbie Sheezel, and Cameron Mitchell, evaluated each entry on judging day, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment based on design, marketability, and technical skill.
The 2023 Awards video and the digital magazine, Adornment, provide a comprehensive view of this year’s entrants, finalists, and winners, offering a deeper insight into the creative journeys and the inspirations behind the designs.
Jeweller of the Year: Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay
Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay of Artisans Bespoke Jewellery took out the top honour as Jeweller of the Year, further recognition of their passion and expertise after nearly 30 years pushing the boundaries in our industry.
Artisans Bespoke Jewellers, founded by Tammy Keers, is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that defines their work. Among the 10 team members, 7 are qualified jewellers, with a notable presence of 5 talented female artisans, boasting over 150 years of combined experience.
Amelia
Amelia is a handmade 18ct white gold clutch insignia with detachable pendant drop and 18ct gold chain, inspired by aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and crafted with over 300 hours of labour.
Debuting Winner: Ari Fleming
In Bairnsdale and Sale, Victoria, Ari Fleming is becoming synonymous with exceptional jewellery. Born into a jeweller family, Ari discovered his passion for crafting beautiful pieces at an early age, inspired by his father’s dedication to their thriving jewellery business – Jeremy Fleming Jewellers.
The joy he brings to clients through his creations fuels Ari’s love for jewellery making. His greatest satisfaction lies in seeing their delight when they receive custom, handcrafted pieces. Ari often designs with his mother and sisters in mind, ensuring his creations earn their approval.
A recent entrant in the prestigious JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards, Ari aims to establish his credibility and expand his industry network. Ari Fleming’s dedication to crafting timeless pieces cements his status as a rising star in the jewellery world.
Queen of Kites
This piece showcases a rare kite-cut iolite set in platinum and 18ct rose gold. The goal was to create a distinctive piece by highlighting the iolite’s unique beauty. The combination of iolite, rose gold, and platinum, along with grain-set diamond bars, adds to its allure. The use of a kite-cut iolite, a rarity in itself, contributes to its uniqueness. This creation is a testament to craftsmanship, crafted by a talented third-year apprentice, using platinum, rose gold, iolite, and diamonds.
Colour Winner: Benjamin Tracy
Precious Metal Winner: Erin Pearce Awards
Erin Pearce brings an artistic flair and dedication to her craft. Her journey began over 20 years ago in Sydney, Australia, where she discovered her passion for working with precious metals and gemstones. After completing a Fine Arts degree, Pearce gained valuable experience in the jewellery trade, leading to an apprenticeship in 2016. During the pandemic in 2020, she launched Mill Foundry, a symbol of determination and now also teaches jewellery-making classes at The Bench, Sydney. Inspired by mid-century modernist artists, her designs celebrate sculptural form and function.
Atomic Beings
Atomic beings is an ametrine layered starburst pendant suspended from double cable chain, inspired by the Carl Sagan quote ‘We’re made of star stuff’ and created as a celebration of self-confidence and being a part of the universe
Benjamin Tracy Awards: Excellence in Custom Jewellery Design
Ben Tracy of Finelines Jewellers‘ journey in jewellery began with a work experience trial, igniting a lifelong passion.
Now, Tracy’s creative journey is driven by the desire to fulfill his clients’ unique wishes. While diamonds have traditionally dominated the world of engagement rings, there is a growing shift in preferences. Clients now seek alternatives, motivated by ethical considerations, budget considerations, or a yearning for truly distinctive pieces. Tracy keenly recognises this evolving demand, and he has redirected his focus towards the captivating world of coloured gemstones.
These colourful gems open up a realm of opportunities for both the jeweller and the client. Tracy is a fervent advocate for responsibly sourcing gemstones, whether from local or international origins, ensuring ethical procurement. Working with coloured gemstones not only raises awareness about ethical sourcing but also empowers clients to make conscious choices when selecting their jewellery.
Magnifica
Inspired by a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, Benjamin was motivated to create a piece that drew from that experience, in particular the conflicting colours of the Heteractis Magnifica or as it is commonly known, the Magnificent Sea Anemone
People’s Choice Award Winner: Jason Sallaway
With over three decades dedicated to jewellery manufacturing, Jason Sallaway’s story is one of passion and creativity. Beginning as an apprentice in the late 1980s, he honed his skills with industry leaders, like Wallace Bishop, Stephen Dibb, and Calleijia. Jason’s recent People’s Choice Award win, with over 1,600 votes, reaffirms his place as an industry leader. It showcases the artistry and emotion that jewellery design can evoke.
Kappa Crucis ‘The Jewel Box’
“Kappa Crucis, ‘The Jewel Box,’ is a celestial-inspired ring adorned with diamonds that mirror the arrangement of stars in the Kappa Crucis constellation.
Sketch Winner: Nazanin Mohammad-Khani
Nazanin Mohammad Khani is a jewellery designer with over 30 years of dedication to her craft. Her journey began with a love for art and a cultural appreciation for the significance of jewellery in Persian culture, where it represents character and self-expression.
With a master’s in industrial design, she honed her skills, bringing her imaginative designs to life. For the past seven years, she’s been an integral part of Gerard McCabe‘s design team, crafting meaningful pieces that convey emotions and messages.
This enchanting ring design in watercolour, gouache, marker on lightweight card is a vibrant tribute to the lorikeet, perched high in the trees. Taking inspiration from the lorikeet’s playful personality and its rainbow-hued plumage, the coloured gemstones gracefully trail down the ring’s shoulders surrounded-by feathery gold embellishments intended to evok a lorikeets tail. Nazanin saw a connection between the opal’s magic from Australia’s Coober Pedy region and the carefree spirit of lorikeetand aimed to create a piece that is an expression of joy, laughter, and the beauty of life.
The JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards continue to be a significant recognition for the Australian jewellery industry. These exceptional professionals inspire both aspiring and seasoned artisans to explore new creative horizons. Congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards!
