Category 1A Professional Jeweller (handmade)
Winner: “Lady V” Johanna Sheppard “U.G.L.Y Designs”
Introducing “Miss V” an interchangeable opal dress ring designed for the red carpet.
The concept for Miss V is to bring together the Queensland Boulder Opal and Lightning ridge Opal into one masterpiece. Due to the V shape of the Boulder Opal, there was an opportunity to fill the spaces with many opals to explore the art of the possible to push the boundaries. As jewellery pieces are little sculptures the intent was to not only show off the stone for what it naturally is from the top view, many other angles and perspectives were explored to fulfill with unique design elements.
This 18ct yellow Gold handmade ring is featuring 2 x Winton Boulder Opals including the main center stone and star being a unique V shaped opal, that is paired with a kite shaped opal. The challenging angles of the center V Boulder opal required high level of technical skill sets while manufacturing the bezel setting to cater for its setting. The results provided the perfect angle to view the underneath structures and the rings when put in place together. The sharp square profiles of the band was chosen to match the geometric shaped boulder opals.
The Lightning Ridge opal ring was designed to fit underneath the outer yellow gold boulder ring. The opals handpicked for this ring are a perfect example of the options Lightning Ridge opal has to offer. The ring design features platinum double V shaped band framing in the collection of Black, White and Crystal opals all claw set in 18ct Yellow Gold This ring on its own is unforgettable with the sharp angles of the V being softened by the curves within the same band complimenting the selection of opal set within the ring.
Functionally the 18ct Rose gold concaved textured ring slides into place at the leisure of the wearer as to whether they would like to wear both of the opal rings at the same time, or if they would prefer to wear it with the alternate style without it.Please note when changing the inner rings, they are designed to be pushed tightly into place.
Highly Commended (2nd place)
Category 1A professional jeweller (handmade)
“Wings of Freedom” Claudia Rothenmund “Rothenmund Arts and Jewellery)
Acknowledgements to Manufacturer of pieces: Lydia Wolf and Stone setter: Patrick Heche
One collier but also a necklace, a bracelet and earrings
Name of piece Wings of Freedom General description of piece (Materials used) 5 boulder Opal, 29.9g 18K White Gold, rhodium plated The big collier can be separated into 3 parts and used as earrings, bracelet and necklace Please describe your inspiration, concept, influence, etc. in making this piece The interplay of boulder opals, the wings and the white gold creates a harmonious overall look that captures the essence of freedom.
The white gold lends the piece of jewelry a timeless elegance and sophistication. White gold is a symbol of purity and consistency, qualities that also resonate with the idea of freedom. It stands for clarity of mind and integrity of heart. The opals stand for the radiance that is inherent in every person and makes them unique. This piece of jewelry is intended to remind the wearer that she has the freedom to shape her life according to her own ideas and that she receives the strength from heaven to fly over all obstacles. It is a tribute to the unshakeable human soul and its eternal urge for freedom and self-expression. The possibility of wearing the pendant, the bracelet and the earrings together or individually emphasizes the life full of possibilities, the life that wants to be shaped. The fact that there are several opals with wings stands for: you never fly alone.
“Sands of Koroit”
Rhianon Barrrett-Brook (Rhielle Design)
Professional Jeweller (handmade) Category 1A
Sterling silver and 9ct Yellow Gold Pendant and handmade chain, featuring a Koroit Opal surrounded by Biron created Emeralds.
Inspiration: This piece was inspired by shapes and textures of the landscapes in which opals are found. The textured plate and soldered granules represent the sandy plains and rocky formations of Outback Queensland.
At its heart lies a Koroit opal, it’s iridescent hues surrounded by Biron-created emeralds, meticulously chosen to enhance the opal’s natural beauty with shades of green, creating a piece that embodies the rich and diverse palette of the Outback.
Category 1B Professional Jeweller (CAD/Cast)
“Roll the Dices” Rita Williams “Sunstate Jewellers”
Highly Commended: “On Reflection” Rita Williams “Sunstate Jewellers”
Commended: “Cicada Cuff “Rita Williams “Sunstate Jewellers”
Inspiration: My journey into opal jewellery design took an intriguing turn when I encountered these three square-cut boulder opals. Unlike the usual freeform and fluid opals, this discovery inspired me to create rose gold geodesic patterned plates. These plates were designed to introduce light movement and dynamic shadows, the technique pushing the very limits of CAD drawing and lost wax casting processes in jewellery manufacture. This process, combined with the unique properties of the boulder opals, results in a symbiotic triumph of nature and highly engineered materials. It really was a case of “Roll the Dice!” to see if my vision could be achieved.
MATERIAL SPECIFICS
9ct Rose gold geodesic plates CAD drawn – lost wax casting
925 Sterling Silver CAD drawn – lost wax casting
925 Sterling silver handmade neck cuff
“Roll the Dice” Boulder opals from WINTON
“On Reflection” Rita Williams (Sunstate Jewellers)
1B Professional Jeweller CAD/Cast
Description: 9ct yellow gold laser cut geodesic disk which was then hand-domed, “Green Light” Qld boulder opal from Winton, 925 Sterling silver handmade quill pin.
Inspiration: This brooch ingeniously combines several scientific and mathematical formulas to deliver a spectacularly breathtaking effect: light passing through the opal is reflected onto the geometric curved gold surface. The innovative use of technologically advanced laser cutting techniques, known for their precision, delivers crisp curves and cutouts. This laser cutting of precious metals debuted in Australia in 2023. The richness of the 9ct gold lustre is contrasted with the clean, fee-formed lines of the silver quill. Depending on preference, the design can be worn horizontally, vertically (with the gem setting to the top or bottom) or asymmetrically.
“Cicada Cuff” Rita Williams (Sunstate Jewellers)
1B Professional Jeweller CAD/Cast
Description: 18ct yellow gold, Qld boulder opal, 18ct yellow gold hand drawn metal wire free form cuff, 14ct white gold hand made pearl settings and leaves.
Inspiration: This dramatic cuff draws inspiration from the exceptionally rare 2024 Double Brood Periodical Cicada emergence. This is a unique event in which the brood emergence of two distinct breeds, the 17-year-old and 13-year-old cicadas, coincide.
This natural phenomenon, seen only once every 221 years, results in a frantic kaleidoscope of joyful colours, textures, and reflecting light, all beautifully captured in this unique piece.
The vibrant movement of cicadas, with their electric green hues, is mimicked by the dramatic opal colours in this cuff. The dreamy lustre of the pearls represents the dormant eggs secured for years to leaves and bark, different sizes and numbers for each species.
This design choice captures the essence of the natural world while adding a dynamic and lively element to the piece. It is bold, unique, and never to be repeated in our lifetime.
Three eye-catching opals, each a unique masterpiece, are nestled within luxurious 18ct yellow gold. They are artfully scattered among diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and tsavorite garnets and accompanied by cultured South Sea pearls in silver.
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7.35ct Electric green with blue boulder opal from OPALTON “The Cicada”
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4.20ct Green Orange boulder opal from QUILPIE “The Nymph.”
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2.90 Green Orange black opal from Coober Pedy “The Nebula”
7.35ct Electric green with blue boulder opal from OPALTON “The Cicada”
4.20ct Green Orange boulder opal from QUILPIE “The Nymph.”
2.90 Green Orange black opal from Coober Pedy “The Nebula”
“Two Headed Serpent” Kaleb Rose
Category 2A Emerging Jeweller (handmade)
Seaspray Valuations & Fine Jewellers
My piece draws inspiration from the Australian landscape and the native snakes which call its sublime but unforgiving terrain its home.
The striking Australian Boulder Opals, reminiscent of the rugged beauty of outback Australia, serve as the serpent’s heads. By using roller printing, their bezel walls mimic the scales of a snake. The chain’s links are hinged to emulate both the sinuous movement of a snake and the meandering waterways across Australia, with vibrant Tanzanite’s interspersed to symbolises lakes. Where the snake tongues meet, there is a beautiful purple sapphire, which symbolises their unity with the land. My item is designed to be worn as a neckpiece, with the two serpent’s heads sitting on the wearer’s collarbones.
“Fiery Crusader” Chris Kesteven
Category 2A – 1 Emerging Jeweller (handmade)
A shield to represent the battles that Opal Miners endure to bring these wonderful gems to light.
From the isolation and vastness to the breakdowns that happen all too often, and on top of this a government who are taking steps to make this even more difficult to achieve. This shield is an inspiration to keep fighting, so this Australian National gemstone can be continued to be admired.
Winner: “Diamond Faced Signet Ring” Erica Combe
Category 2B Emerging Jeweller (CAD/Cast)
Signet ring wax casting course in 2023; I was assigned the task of carving a basic signet ring shape. I modified my signet ring design by carving a diamond shape rather than a traditional round/oval face.
Once my ring was cast in sterling silver, I decided to add gold bezel so I could practice my stone setting with a small piece of boulder opal I had in my jewellery box for years.
Materials: ring body sterling silver, Bezel 18K gold, Stone Queensland Boulder Opal.
“River of Time” Darren Jack
“Australian Outback Opals”
2B-2 Emerging Jeweller CAD/cast”
Step into the flow of innovation with the “River of Time,” a meticulously crafted silver watch featuring a stunning Queensland Boulder Opal Face. This unique timepiece embodies the essence of time’s passage. On display, you’ll find the finished masterpiece and the 3D-printed components that chart its evolution.
Witness how cutting-edge technology and timeless design converge in this exceptional horological exhibit.
“Opalescence” Sandy Aslett
“Sandy Aslett Milliner”
Category 3 Wearable Fashion
Highly Commended: “Confetti” Melissa Eliott “Melissa-Gaye Designs”
Commended: “Enchanted Opal Garden Hat” Melissa Eliott “Melissa-Gaye Designs”
Inspired by the allure of the precious and rare Queensland
Boulder Opal, my headpiece captures the essence of
re’s finest work, combining the rugged charm of the
outback with the refined elegance of exquisite millinery
design
Description:
introducing a millinery masterpiece that captures the
essence of elegance and natural beauty. This exquisite
headpiece, crafted from fine parisial straw, is meticulously
hand-painted in a radiant gold hue. The checkered crinoline
edges, twisted and floating, create a sense of graceful
movement and fluidity. Subtle yet lifelike hints of sunlight
beam through the design, evoking the enchanting glow of
dawn breaking over a serene landscape.
Elevating the elegance of this already stunning headpiece,
an exquisite feature has been added: sterling silver quills
adorned with intricate gem settings. These settings, crafted
from sterling silver with 9ct yellow gold accents, have been
meticulously handcrafted to showcase the mesmerizing
“Electric Joy” opals, sourced from the renowned regions of
Yowah and Koroit. These opals, known for their vibrant play
of colours and unique patterns, add a touch of opulent
brilliance to the design. This combination of precious metals
and gemstones not only enhances the headpiece’s allure
but also celebrates the natural splendour of Queensland’s
finest treasures.
This headpiece is not just an accessory, it’s a statement ofart and sophistication, perfectly embodying the spirit of theQueen of Gems.
“Confetti” Melissa Eliott “Melissa-Gaye Designs”
Category 3.1 Wearable Fashion
Highly Commended: “Confetti” Melissa Eliott “Melissa-Gaye Designs”
A mesmerizing wedding corset. This enchanting piece is a true tribute to the elegance and allure of opals, showcasing their stunning reflections and captivating colours.
Opal confetti embraces a unique and ethereal design, incorporating delicate ostrich feathers that gracefully adorn the corset. These feathers lend an air of lightness and sophistication, creating a sense of movement and enchantment as they sway with every step.
At the heart of this captivating corset are the wired opal gems, suspended within feathers. These opals, carefully chosen for their iridescent beauty, mimic the whimsical nature of confetti. As the wearer moves, the gemstones catch the light, casting a mesmerizing dance of colours that enhances the opals natural radiance.
Opal confetti is not just a wedding corset: it is a true masterpiece that captures the essence of love, celebration, and the ethereal beauty of opals. With its intricate design and captivating movement it is sure to captivate hearts and leave a lasting impression on all who behold it.
“Head in the Cloud
Satin finished Fine Silver box, featuring a pastel purple 10.45ct Winton Boulder opal set in a highly polished 9ct Rose Gold bezel on the lid. Hand fabricated through techniques such as dapping, chasing and repousse.
Carefully selected for its soft, pastel purples the Winton Boulder Opal tells of picturesque sunsets. Wrapped in a polished Rose Gold Bezel and sitting atop a cloudy, undulating satin surface, this subtle freeform opal is the perfect feature for this hand fabricated box.
Amongst the vast Queensland’s outback, Opalton is filled with life colour and adventure. Unveiling the hidden gemstone of Australia Boulder opal. A painting of Opalton.
Madder than Max.
The future opal miners are strong and resilient withstanding the hardships and moving forward to unveil the true colours of our magnificent Boulder opal precious gemstone.
Using recycled scraps and materials we created the Opal warriors just like the opal miners on the field (using and adapting the resources they have to move forward and continue mining in the hardships they endure today.)
Metallic colours relate to strong metals and resilience,
Opals are worn in their attire unveiling the beauty and true colours of our boulder Opal to the world. On the journey they soldier on.
