8 August 2023
Our Jewellery Design lecturer Alister Yiap is shining bright like a diamond after being announced as a finalist in the Jewellers Association of Australia Awards for his Akantha drop earrings.
Alister, who has lectured at NMTAFE for 14 years, said he couldn't contain his excitement and gratitude upon being announced as a finalist.
“It was an incredible feeling to be recognised for all the hard work which went into designing and making this piece,” he said.
“I’ve always been drawn to creative crafts and enjoy making things with my hands.
“I started making beaded jewellery in high school but would often get frustrated as I was limited by the metal findings I could purchase, so I decided to pursue Jewellery design to design and develop my own ideas without limitations.
Alister’s earrings are laser welded stainless steel spiked drop earrings design with clamped spherical glass shots; likened to dew drops on cacti thorns. It pushes the boundaries of material authenticity and value, with the use of stainless steel for its strength and glass for its transparency.
“Both materials are elevated to create drop earrings of luxurious and delicate appearance with a hint of danger,” he said.
“Utilising innovative laser welding to construct and fabricate the form which features an alternative setting method of unconventional ‘gems’.”
All entries will be displayed at the inaugural Sydney Jewellery Industry Fair on 26-28 August, with winners announced during the event.
You can also vote for Alister’s jewellery (F 01) in the People’s Choice category(opens in a new tab) .
Find out more on the awards(opens in a new tab) .
Interested in jewellery design? Find out more about our jewellery courses.
Photo: Alister Yiap’s Akantha drop earrings. Photo: Richard Weinstein Photography.