The inaugural 2016 Australian Pearl Jewellery Design Competition has drawn entries from across Australia with over 50 innovative wearable pieces of jewellery received. Cygnet Bay Pearls, one of only three producers left on the W.A. coast actively culturing South Sea pearls, launched this new competition in May. Marten Matthews from Cygnet Bay Pearls says he is delighted with the response from jewellery industry.
“We created the competition to raise the profile of the Australian South Sea Pearl and its design possibilities and ultimately showcase Australia’s designer jewellery talent combined with some of the finest pearls in the world. The time, effort and resources the jewellers have put into their pieces is impressive. From the skills and effort that it takes to grow these beautiful pearls, to the talent and craftsmanship involved in creating these designs, this collection of jewellery is something Australia can be proud of.”
There are 3 prize winning categories, Winner, People’s Choice and Apprentice Award. Three independent judges, with decades of pearls, jewellery and fashion experience between them have viewed all entries and graded each piece across 3 criteria.
Innovation and originality of design – 50%
Ability to showcase the Australian South Sea Pearl – 25%
Quality of workmanship and material – 25%
Overall Winner
Renee Blackwell
From Renee Blackwell Designs QLD P: 0417 541 414
South Sea Dreaming
18ct Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver Featuring Cygnet Bay Pearl
Second Place Alister Yiap
From– Alister Yiap WA
The Pearl Fishers
14ct Yellow Gold, Diamonds (0.43 TW) Featuring a Cygnet Bay Pearl
Third Place Benjamin Hart
From– Benjamin Hart Jewellers NSW
Saturn Rising
18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold, Diamonds Featuring a Cygnet Bay Pearl
People Choice winner is:
Adina Jozef P: 0416 019 309
From– Adina Jozef NSW
Fitzgerald
18ct White Gold, Champagne Diamonds (0.25ct TW), White Diamonds (F/G/VS, 0.60ct TW), tapered Baguettes (0.40ct TW) Featuring a Cygnet Bay Pearl.
Second Place– Angela Hampton
From– Hampton Fine Jewellery & Design QLD
Pearl Poseidon
Platinum, White Diamonds Featuring Cygnet Bay Pea
Third Place Alister Yiap
From– Alister Yiap WA
The Pearl Fishers
14ct Yellow Gold, Diamonds (0.43 TW) Featuring a Cygnet Bay Pearl.
Apprentice Award winners is
Yuki Mathwin – P: 0412 292 946
Sea Chimes
Of Minenmay Jewellers
From– Mornington Vic
925 Sterling Silver Featuring Cygnet Bay Pearls
Second Place -Rachel Reilly
Outback Moon
From- My Jewellers Tas
9ct Yellow Gold, Stirling Silver, Queensland Sapphires Featuring a Cygnet Bay Pearl.
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Media Enquires to : Marten Matthews 0437 513 227, marten@cygnetbaypearls.com.au
Entries can be viewed on line at www.cygnetbaypearls.com.au
Or direct: http://www.cygnetbaypearls.com.au/competition-results-2016/