Australasian Jeweller of the Year for 2012 announced

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Australasian Jeweller of the Year for 2012 announced

The best emerging and experienced jewellery designers in Australia and New Zealand were honoured and celebrated at the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards in Sydney on Monday 3 September.

Every two years the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) gives designers an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship, individuality and innovative thinking through the JAA Awards program.

Now in its 22nd year, the program has given many designers a platform to start or enhance their career in the industry. Previous winners include some of Australia’s best jewellery designers, including: John Calleija, Craig Peters, Jason Ree, Dean Walker, Thomas Meihofer and Emily Snadden.

This year the Awards attracted 112 entries from Australia and New Zealand. An expert judging panel narrowed this down to 42 finalists.

Clarity in design and execution, passion, commitment and a boldness to try something new were key features of the finalists.

According to JAA CEO, Ian Hadassin “jewellery in its basic form has been around forever and while the purpose of jewellery has changed very little, the way jewellery is designed and manufactured has been transformed over time.”

“With advancement in technology designers have become more innovative and inspired combining creativity and craftsmanship like never before – it’s an exciting era for jewellery and consumer who like to make a statement, he said.

The category winners of the 2012 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards are:

1st and 2nd Year Apprentice/Student Design and Craftsmanship Award Wayne Hooper from Peter Minturn Goldsmith School (New Zealand)

3rd and 4th Year Apprentice/Student Design and Craftsmanship Award Tim Parker from Samuel’s Fine Jewellery (South Australia)

Precious Metal Design Award
Riki-Mojag Tait from Verity Showcase Jewellers (Western Australia)

Silver Design Award
Amelia Fabian from Jacques Fabian Jeweller (South Australia)

Pearl Design Award
Thomas Meihofer from Thomas Meihofer Jewellery Design (Western Australia)

Coloured Gemstone Design Award
Thomas Meihofer, Stacey Illman, Brian Mahon from Thomas Meihofer Jewellery Design (Western Australia)

Diamond Design Award – retail value below $5000 Samantha Nordhoff from Nordhoff -Jewellery Couture (Western Australia)

Diamond Design Award – retail value above $5000 Ben Preston-Black from Creations Jewellers (Australian Capital Territory)

CAD/CAM Award
Martyn Brown and Martin Linning from Jewellery By Design (Queensland)

Apprentice/Student of the Year
Wayne Hooper from Peter Minturn Goldsmith School (New Zealand)

Jeweller of the Year / Roy Worfold Perpetual Trophy Martyn Brown and Martin Linning from Jewellery By Design (Queensland)

Silver Design Award
Amelia Fabian from Jacques Fabian Jeweller (South Australia)

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