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A Clutch Moment

Date: 01-10-2023
Success Story

 

Kathy McLay & Tammy Keers

 

Kathy McLay (front left) and Tammy Keers (front right) designed and crafted Australia’s first handmade diamond clutch that won them the shared title of recently announced JAA 2023 Australasian Jeweller of the Year.

The winning piece, affectionately called ‘Amelia’, was a collaboration between 3 Brisbane-based artisans, Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay from Artisans Bespoke Jewellers and leather smith Stella Petrou from Studio Queen 318. 

‘Amelia’ is a tribute to aviation pioneer Amelia Earheart, the first woman to fly non-stop solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The Kangaroo Suede and Leather clutch is embellished with an 18ct White Gold Wing Insignia that showcases over 6 carats worth of natural White Diamond, taking over 300 hours to design and meticulously craft by hand. 

“Amelia is a new and appealing offering to the Australian luxury jewellery and accessories market,” said Tammy Keers. “It is the perfect piece for the modern-day woman wanting a sustainable, 100% Australian-made product that transcends the nature of jewellery adornment. The wearer can choose to wear Amelia as a diamond-encrusted clutch with a wrist chain. Alternatively, the one-of-a-kind clutch has a detachable diamond feature that can also be worn on the diamond set chain as a pendant.” 

“And just like Amelia Earhart, who was wrapped in heavy leather coats and headgear to brave the cold wind and elements of her pioneering flights, Amelia is also wrapped in the world’s most steadfast and strongest leather – Kangaroo,” said Stella Petrou. 

Megan Young, Operations Manager at the Jewellers Association of Australia says, “The JAA is extremely proud to once again present the exceptional talent of the Australian and New Zealand Jewellery industry, through the 27th instalment of the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards. Each individual piece exhibited its’ very own story on how it came to be, from conception to final delivery. An incredible amount of thought and passion was put into every creation. Eye-for-detail, craftsmanship, design, and finish – absolutely second to none. The expertise demonstrated in the entries presented a difficult challenge for our esteemed judging panel.” 

The Jeweller of the Year was announced 26 August at the JAA Soiree event held at the Carriageworks in Sydney with the winning design to be displayed at the 2024 Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. 

Tammy Keers began her journey with a Bachelor of Jewellery Design in South Australia. 

After completing her degree Tammy went on to complete a four-year apprenticeship which saw her move to Brisbane to pursue her dreams of opening a studio that provided extensive design ideas accompanied by technical jewellery manufacturing skills. 

After working briefly for a few different jewellers, Tammy made the leap and opened her own boutique and workshop operating out of her garage. After 3 years her business had grown enough that she was able to set herself up at the inner-city suburb of Paddington. 

Her business 'Artisans Bespoke Jewellers' are now an accredited Australian-made jewellery manufacturer that takes pride in creating bespoke, handmade, art deco-inspired jewellery in-store using traditional manufacturing techniques. With over 150 years worth of combined experience, the Artisans team are passionate about natural, coloured gemstones and diamonds, with the skills and expertise to bring unique, creative designs to life.

Tammy is active in giving back to the jewellery industry and has volunteered as a judge for the TAFE QLD Apprentice Jeweller of the Year Awards. 

Feeling truly lucky to have found her passion in life, Tammy adores being creative, designing and making beautiful pieces of jewellery that signify special moments in people’s lives. 

Kathy McClay is Artisans Bespoke Jewellers’ trade Jeweller. She is an immensely talented craftswoman and has been in the jewellery trade for almost 30 years. Kathy has done both a jewellery apprenticeship and a Bachelor of Gold and Silversmithing, specializing in bespoke handmade jewellery and sculpture. She has made jewellery for her own small business, as well as for numerous others in the industry. 

Even after 30 years, Kathy still gets excited about creating bespoke handmade pieces for her clients. She credits working with Tammy and her amazing creative depth and skills as one of the most enjoyable parts of her career. 

Kathy is also a talented sculptor and specialises in life-sized bronze sculptures. One of her bronze sculptures resides at St Brigid’s Catholic Church in Red Hill.

Connect with Tammy & Kathy:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Kathy McLay & Tammy Keers - Amelia  

Amelia - Australia's First Handmade Diamond Clutch - Artisans Bespoke Jewellers

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