News
Queensland’s apprentice jewellers shine at industry awards
24 November 2011
Southbank Institute of Technology’s talented crop of jewellery apprentices shone at the 2011 Queensland Jewellery Apprentice Awards on Friday night (November 18).
The prestigious awards are presented annually by the Jewellery Association of Australia (JAA) in partnership with Southbank Institute to recognise new talent.
Ella Van Baalen, employed by Michael Hill Manufacturing, Murarrie, was named 2011 Queensland Jewellery Apprentice of the Year. Ella’s stunning creations included a watch, a pen and a ring in nine carat yellow gold and silver, set with black and white diamonds.
She won a total of $1650 in vouchers from sponsors, Polloys Group, Australian Jewellers Supplies, Omnia and Peter Beck, plus $250 and a one-year affiliate membership from the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia. Ella was also recognised for Best Design Folio.
Braydon Mosk was Highly Commended and named runner-up Apprentice of the Year. His intricate creations included a pendant and chain, earrings, and a ring. These were made using 18ct white gold, black and white diamonds, garnets and onyx. Braydon also won Best Overall Design and works for Gemcraft Australia Pty Ltd, Brisbane.
To compete, final year students enrolled in the Certificate III in Jewellery Apprenticeship had to design and produce a set of three pieces of jewellery using their choice of materials. All clasping had to be handmade and both facetted and cabochon stones had to feature in at least two styles of setting techniques. Folios had to be submitted with the final products to show the development process, from technical drawings and colour renderings to manufacturing procedures. Three leading Queensland goldsmiths judged the entries.
Southbank Institute’s Chief Executive Dr Pim Borren said the evening was a great way to conclude the Creative Southbank week of activities.
“I was amazed by the calibre of event entries – the professionalism on display and the standard of the jewellery created by student apprentices is truly remarkable,” Dr Borren said.
“I thank the JAA and our industry partners for staging this event and putting our apprentices’ skills and industry experience to the test.”
Dr Borren congratulates the jewellery successes and also acknowledges the hard work of Southbank Institute’s catering and hospitality students, who ensured the event was enjoyed by the 150 event attendees.
Southbank Institute is the only public provider of jewellery and watchmaking training in Queensland. For more information about courses at Southbank Institute, call 13 72 48 or visit www.southbank.edu.au.
Media Contact: Victoria Lloyd (07) 3244 5246 or 0437 638 650.