CYGNET BAY PEARLS ANNOUNCES WINNERS: JEWELLERY DESIGN COMPETITION

Written on the 11 October 2017

Cygnet Bay Pearls is pleased to announce the four category winners, and one overall winner of its 2017 Australian Pearl Jewellery design competition.

Winning the overall prize is NSW jewellery designer Gerard Wollaston with 'Myrtle', inspired by the Australian native crepe Myrtle the gold ring features Shakudo metal alongside a Cygnet Bay Pearl and is about the passage of seed to fruit, and thoughts of fruition.

Further category winners include:

• Handmade Amanda Newton with 'Essence'
• International Christina Lim with Coral South Sea Brooch/Pendant
• People's Choice Claire Townsend with 'The Bay'
• Apprentice Award Yuki Mathwin with 'Prism Layers'

The winners were announced at the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm Harvest Party on 23rd September which is the annual celebration held at the end of pearl harvest season, this year with live music featuring local musicians Sibo Duo, Albert Wiggan and special guests Tura Music.

Traditionally a celebration amongst staff, Cygnet Bay now extends the invitation to join in the festivities with visitors to the pearl farm and local communities drawing a crowd of about 200 people. The event showcases the beautiful pearls the farm has harvested this year and is a family friendly event with kids of all ages enjoying the games, giveaways and dancing the night away under the stars..

Cygnet Bay Pearls' James Brown said, "Our jewellery design competition celebrates the iconic and famous Australian South Sea Pearl and the talents of Australia's Jewellers, Silver and Goldsmiths and we were thrilled to introduce a new international category this year following the success of our inaugural competition last year.

"Since the Australian cultured pearling industry emerged in the late 1950's Australia has consistently produced the highest quality and most beautiful and valuable pearls in the world.

"For all its fame it is perhaps the least understood gem in a jeweller's showcase.  We want to share our passion and expertise about the industry from pearl growing, harvesting and the virtues of a perfect pearl," Said James.

Cygnet Bay Pearls was also pleased to reward eleven lucky people for taking part in the people's choice voting, including a trip for 2 to Broome with 2 nights accommodation at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.

Judges of the competition include Peter Keep, Catherine Birch and Magnolia Howard.

The 2017 Australian Pearl Jewellery design competition was sponsored by Pallion, Jewellery World Magazine and Jewellery Training Solutions.

For further information and to see the full lineup of winning pieces click here.