Bright And Beautiful
Newcastle Herald
Monday November 17, 2008
THE innovative design and manufacturing skills of many of Australia's independent jewellers will be highlighted during Australian Jewellery Week, now under way.
The week is organised by an alliance of jewellers across the country who will be offering advice on choosing, cleaning, caring for and even redesigning your most treasured pieces. Official patron is internationally renowned diamond cutter Gabi Tolkowsky. He said the unique beauty of many of the world's hardest stones was being celebrated with specially selected pieces of diamond jewellery for sale throughout the week. "In recognition of the fact that these diamonds are taken from the ground, a rainforest tree will be planted for each item purchased throughout the week, so as to return something to the earth," Mr Tolkowsky said. Therese Pearson is a budding jeweller gearing up to make a mark in the industry. Based in Merewether, she plans to start small. Early in the new year Ms Pearson will begin selling her jewellery lines through local markets. Markets at The Junction, Adamstown and Islington are the first on her list. Much of Ms Pearson's jewellery shows an indigenous influence. "Four of my grandchildren are Aboriginal and that's where the design inspiration comes from," she said. "I had an accident several years ago and decided to retrain. "I went to TAFE and did Aboriginal Culture 1 and 2 and Fine Arts." Ms Pearson said the popularity of the jewellery she had been producing resulted in her decision to take the next step in marketing. Her creations have been selling well. "As well as going to the markets I'll be setting up my own website so people can have a look at what I'm making. "What I'm trying to do now is find someone who can supply the raw materials for what I'm making. "I'm talking about quality beads, hooks and eyes . . . things like that. "There are a number of local craftspeople who've found that the local supply is limited, but we'd rather shop locally and avoid travelling to Sydney to get what we want."
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
