The Celestial Origins collection, shown in our Lookbook above, is the result of the 2013 | 2014 AngloGold Ashanti AuDITIONS gold jewellery design competition. This year's theme was inspired by the ethereal story of how gold formed in a supernova, travelled through the universe and landed on Earth. The collection comprises 16 pieces, all locally manufactured using 18-carat gold.
The winning designs from the collection were unveiled at a glamorous affair held in Cape Town, on 11 August.
The judging panel included Nomsa Khoza, Vice President: Global Marketing at AngloGOld Ashanti, Ross Chowles, executive creative director of The Jupiter Drawing Room, Marelé Moolman, workshop manager at David Bolding Goldsmiths, Heidi Liebenberg, owner and creative director of jewellery design studio Urbanative, fashion designer Gavin Rajah and Johan Louw jewellery designer & director of Uwe Koeter Jewellers.
The judges based their decision on the designers’ interpretation of this year’s theme of Celestial Origins; the originality and innovation of the design as well as its manufacturability and wearability. They also took into account the quality of the manufacturers’ craftsmanship.
"The standard of the 16 finalists’ pieces is exceptionally high. I think what is really interesting to see is that the designers have moved away from interpreting the theme in a literal way. And it’s exciting to see innovative techniques used," said Rajah.
And the winners are...
Kristen Malan’s glorious headpiece, Halo, proved to be her crowning glory. Halo is made up of a staggering 495 separate gold elements that combine to form 45 moveable sections. The intricate design also earned Keith White Design the Technical Excellence Award for manufacturing the piece.
Angela Yeung’s headpiece Connect is a tribute to the remarkable event of gold arriving on earth from the core of a star. Connect, made up of an array of gold domes in varying finishes, earned Yeung second place.
In third place was the Age of Aquarius by Toya Seale, which was inspired by her own star sign. The bangle is a constellation of gold beads with a suspended layer made from white gold contrasting with the warmth of the yellow gold.
Winners and finalists walked away with prizes to the value of R136 000.
Look through the winners’ and finalists’ designs in our gallery above.
For more on the competition go to www.goldauditionssa.com
You can also watch a fashion film of the collection here.