2011 Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Award Winners Announced
October 20
Harper’s BAZAAR, Qantas The Australian Way magazine and Diamond Guild Australia are delighted to announce the winners of the 2011 Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards.
The Awards were announced last night at a sparkling black-tie dinner for 140 guests at the Sydney Hilton’s acclaimed Glass restaurant and hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski.
It was the fourth biennial Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards event, which recognises and showcases the Australian diamond jewellery industry and its impressive and talented designers.
In a special surprise, hit recording artist and TV personality, Ricki-Lee, performed her new single – the very appropriately named Raining Diamonds, created in collaboration with music legend Billy Mann – to an enthralled audience.
Released only this week, it was the first time Ricki-Lee had performed Raining Diamonds live in public.
The 2011 Diamond Guild Australia winners:
The Solitaire Award – Arman's Fine Jewellery
The Red Carpet Award – Berjani Jewellers
The Fancy Cut Award – MDT Design
The Gents Award – Gary Thyregod
The Fancy Colour Award – Musson Jewellers
Winners were selected by a judging panel comprised of designer Alex Perry; renowned photographer David Perryman; award-winning jeweller representing the Diamond Guild Australia, John Calleija; Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR, Edwina McCann, and; Editor of Qantas The Australian Way, Susan Skelly.
"The calibre of the winning pieces in this year’s Awards is world class," announced Julian Farren-Price of the Diamond Guild Australia. "We are thrilled to showcase the excellence of Australian diamond jewellery design in this competition."
Edwina McCann, Editor of Harper’s BAZAAR, said: “Harper's BAZAAR is proud to support the Diamond Guild and its members with these amazing Awards. The talent and creativity is impressive and we will feature the winners' pieces in our December issue.”
Susan Skelly, Editor of Qantas The Australian Way, said: “Qantas The Australian Way is delighted to have this new association with the Diamond Guild Australia. Tonight’s winners are the lords of the ring. Geo-glamour writ large. They are evidence of the way something as small as a diamond can generate such power, pleasure and potential.”
In many ways, Ricki-Lee’s comments about her new single, Raining Diamonds, reflect the pursuit of perfection and dreams encapsulated by Australia’s breathtaking jewellery designs.
“Raining Diamonds is not a song about love, it’s a song about life and knowing what you want and not being afraid to take a risk – to take a leap of faith and know something better is out there,” she said.
“It’s the same in life, with friendships, your relationships, your work life and your whole being: it’s ok to say this is what I want – and if what you want seems out of reach – who says it’s out of reach?”
Special guests included: Natalie Gruzlewski (host), Rick-Lee (featured performer), Rachel Phillips (DJ Minx), Camilla Freeman-Topper, Kym Ellery, Alyssa McCleland, Airlie Walsh and Kylie Speer.
Celebrated jewellers participating: Musson, Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Percy Marks as well as the Diamond Guild Australia members and jewellers from around Australia.
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