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2002 Sherman Opals Opal Design Award Winner
-Opal Fields designed by Stefanie Van Recum
Piece - Solid black opal pendant (5.64ct) set in 18ct white and yellow gold “ladder” design, with sapphire ends (0.28ct) attached to a rubber choker with 18ct yellow gold clasp.
“I prefer to call myself a goldsmith rather than a jeweller because I trained in Germany in a more traditional apprenticeship. Since I migrated to Australia in 1990 I have worked for myself, exhibiting in galleries all over Australia. I also work with companies such as Opal fields, who give me the opportunity to design and make jewellery pieces with beautiful opals that would otherwise be unavailable to me.
I’m fortunate in that Opal Fields also give me total freedom in design, which enables me to explore new ideas. This is actually how this present piece evolved. I like the challenge associated with precise work such as this. And as with all my pieces, the final finish is critical. In my apprenticeship I was taught that a piece of jewellery becomes something very special only when attention is paid to the way a piece of jewellery is finished.
I base my work on good design principles. That way I feel I am creating jewellery I know people will trust, understand and enjoy.
In the future I would like to build on the work I have done to date by creating and making ever more challenging pieces, hopefully in association with supportive and innovative companies such as Opal Fields.”
The winners of the 2002 JAA Australian Jewellery Awards were announced at a Gala Ball at the Star City Ballroom, Darling Harbour Sydney, Saturday 31 August.
The winner of the jewellery industries most prestigious awards , the 2002 JAA Australian Jeweller of the Year and the Roy Worfold Perpetual Trophy was Jason Ree of Diamond Design by Jason Ree of George Street Sydney.
The Biennial awards recognize the best Australia has to offer in jewellery design, creativity and craftsmanship which is equal to the best in the world.
David Helfgott, the subject of the Academy Award movie starring Geoffrey Rush, performed at the awards gala presentaion ball, and was the inspiration of the theme, Dare to Shine- and the the designers of Australian fine jewellery accepted the challenge.
Jason Ree’s winning piece, which also won the 2002 Peter W Beck Gold Design Award, is composed of 16ct. green gold, 22 ct yellow gold, and diamonds.
As Jason described it: “I first got the idea when I was eating pizza and chasing after my four children when I saw this old second hand dress on a mannequin- a similar pattern. Then I wanted the actual design to have as much texture as possible. It has different shapes, polish, acid finish, diamonds (sparkle), and the way it forms around the neck in the ‘movement’ of the piece. I think the main emphasis is texture! Oh- Silver Chair
(the band) was very inspirational too.
Jason describes his inspiration for being a jeweller as “I started making jewellery after HSC and traveling Europe. In Amsterdam I saw an exhibition on Art Nouveau jewellery and then I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I returned home and started working with my father, John Ree. I started my own businees(trade work) and three years ago opened my own shop”.
John Howie, CEO of the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA), said that winning this ultimate accolade against outstanding competition was a credit to Jason’s creativity and craftsmanship, and because of his relatively young age, proof that the future of the Australian jewellery designing is in good hands.
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