Jewellery Time Magazine
JWNZ member Ian Douglas, of The Village Goldsmith, Wellington and Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler of The Artist Goldsmith, Waiheke Island, are finalists in Jewellery design category of the IU Awards, the first gem-cutting and Jewellery design competition open to international lapidaries and Jewellery designers.
Launched in May 2011 by the International Coloured Gem Society (ICA) and exhibition organiser UBM Asia Ltd, the main objectives of IU Awards are listed as:
- spotlighting talents and recognizing achievements in the field of lapidary arts.
- encouraging the extensive utilisation of coloured gemstones.
- enhancing lapidary and Jewellery designs in coloured gemstones to the highest standards.
Preliminary judging of the Jewellery Design Category took place at the Honk Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in December. Thirty finalists were selected from 183 entries from 20 countries and regions and the winners will be announced at the September 2012 Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.
“We’re really proud of the achievement of gaining a finalist position, it’s one of the most recognised awards for coloured gemstones in the world and to get so far is a buzz!” said Ian Douglas.
“Our piece was conceived after we bought the gorgeous 35ct chequer board cut aqua, it’s quite included, but a gorgeous colour and full of life.
“I’ve always had a passion for combining aquamarine and paua and once I had the stone I decided to combine these two elements with one of my other passions, the surrealist art of Salvador Dali. His ‘Lips' couch is a favourite piece and it was the combination of these elements that I used to create ‘Dali Goes Fishing’.
“Nigel Wong, of The Village Goldsmith, crafted the piece using 18ct white and yellow gold, paua, aqua and a brilliant cut diamond and the piece is designed to be worn as a pendant.”
Christine’s necklace is described as a very large, 365ct rock crystal with a marcasite inclusion. It is teamed with a round 17mm Avaiki black pearl form the Cook Islands. The connection is made with a silver base and 18ct gold overlay, two diamonds inking the elements. Three steel and one gold cable make the chain, running into a silver sleeve over the shoulder for comfortable wear.
Source: Jewellery Time Magazine
April/May 2012 Issue
