The first is ‘Haute Joaillerie’ which is to jewellery what Haute Couture is to fashion. It is the creation of technically-meticulous pieces that embody pure luxury and sophistication.

The second category is ‘Fantasy’ which opens up entries for the more outrageous, quirky and bizarre pieces.

The pieces do not necessarily have to be wearable and provide scope for more eccentric creations. As with previous IOJDAA awards, all entry pieces must still incorporate free-form and/or undulating opal.

“The 2007 awards attracted an extremely diverse and high calibre of Australian and international entrant pieces,” IOJDA president Lyn Carney said.

“We believe the mix of categories that we have provided for the 2009 awards will encourage an even greater breadth of work and continue to inspire stunning creations.”

Haute Joaillerie will be the domain of more extravagant pieces that will tend to be more formal evening wear, whereas the Professional Award will include more day wear and evening wear that can be worn to cocktail events.

The other Awards

categories for 2009 will

be the Apprentice Award, Non Professional Award, Carving Awards Professional and Non Professional, Objet D’Art, Jewellery Hand Sketches and the new Fantasy Award.

Entries are now open for the July 2009 International Opal and Jewellery Design Awards and application forms can be downloaded from the IOJDAA website www.iojdaa.com.au

The IOJDAA Awards are biannual and the next one will be held during the July 2009, Lightning Ridge Opal and Gem Festival.

All entrants’ pieces will be displayed over the four-day festival in the IOJDAA Opal Trade Show area.

The IOJDAA Award winners are announced during the International Opal Jewellery Design Gala Awards Dinner and each entrant’s piece is posted up live on the IOJDAA website.