For over three decades, Jason Sallaway has been dedicated to the art of jewellery manufacturing. With a love for creating, designing, and working with his hands, Sallaway has built a successful career in the industry. From his humble beginnings as an apprentice jeweller to becoming the owner of his own jewellery workshop, his journey is one of passion, perseverance, and creativity.

With nearly 34 years of experience under his belt, Sallaway has honed his skills and developed a unique style. Starting his apprenticeship with Wallace Bishop in the late 1980s, and continuing his journey with Stephen Dibb and Calleijia. His love for creating stems from the joy he finds in turning random ideas into interesting and beautiful jewellery pieces. Each design is a product of his imagination, skill, and dedication to his craft. Sallaway's ability to bring his ideas to life is what sets him apart .

While designing for others is a significant part of his work, Sallaway also finds it rewarding to design for himself. In the fast-paced world of jewellery making, it is easy to get caught up in fulfilling the desires and visions of clients. However, Sallaway understands the importance of nurturing his own creativity and ensuring that he continues to explore new ideas and techniques. He believes that by continuously challenging himself, he can deliver the best possible designs to his clients.

One of the key sources of inspiration for Sallaway has been his apprentice. Over the past two years, her enthusiasm, passion for creativity, and insatiable desire to learn have reignited his own passion for designing. Seeing her embrace the craft with such fervour has reminded him of the joy that comes from creating something truly unique. Sallaway treasures the opportunity to share his knowledge and expertise with his apprentice, realising that the exchange of ideas and perspectives is the key to growth and innovation.

Today as one steps into Jason Sallaway Jewellery’s workshop in Riverhills Plaza, they are greeted by a plethora of dreams and ideas waiting to be transformed into reality. Each customer brings with them a vision, a concept, or a gem that they want Sallaway to turn into a piece of art. It is this diversity of dreams and ideas that fuels his creativity and pushes him to constantly come up with something beautiful.

Jason Sallaway is not just an exceptional jeweller but a true artist. His dedication, passion, and undeniable talent have made him a respected figure in the industry. Whether designing for others or himself, Sallaway continually seeks to push the boundaries of his craft, resulting in exquisite and unique jewellery pieces.

Recently, Jason won the popular People’s Choice Award, which attracted over 3,600 valid votes, further confirming his position as a leading figure in the industry. Winning this award not only brought honour and recognition to Jason, but it also showcased the creativity and artistry that is inherent in the trade of jewellery design. It served as a testament to what a true jewellery workshop can offer in terms of designing one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke emotions and captivate the beholder.

Reflecting on his journey, Jason expressed his gratitude towards the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) for creating a platform that allows jewellers like him to showcase their skills and craftsmanship. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to enter three competitions while working for others and once for himself. Although he regrets not being able to enter more, he eagerly looks forward to the round of competitions and many more to come.

Furthermore, Jason encourages his apprentice to take part in the upcoming competitions as well. He has witnessed first-hand the incredible talent and creativity of his apprentice, especially through her college pieces. In fact, she has already won an award for her first-year apprentice piece, a testament to her skills and potential. Jason eagerly anticipates what she will come up with for the next competition, knowing that her designs will be nothing short of incredible.

One of the secrets to Jason's success lies in his commitment to continuous improvement and relentless creativity. He advises aspiring jewellery designers to always keep learning and evolving. He recommends getting a book to draw designs, and to keep drawing and buying more books to keep filling them with designs. By dating and preserving these designs, one can create a vast collection of inspiration to draw from and bring to life.

While jewellery design and manufacturing often involves hours of meticulous work at the bench, Jason emphasises the importance of taking breaks and engaging in physical activity. According to him, spending too much time sitting in one spot can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. By incorporating sports and outdoor activities into one's routine, designers can recharge and gain fresh perspectives, ultimately enhancing their creativity and overall well-being.

Jason Sallaway is not just a master jewellery designer; he is an inspiration to aspiring designers. His passion for the craft, dedication to continuous learning, and drive to push the boundaries of creativity has earned him the recognition and respect he rightfully deserves. As he continues to create breath-taking jewellery pieces, we eagerly await the next chapter in Jason's remarkable journey, excited to see what he will produce.

Jason also has a love of karate; having been practicing for 10 years, instructing for nearly 2 years and again competing for the last year 3 years. Jason is the current 2023 National Karate Champion (Kata Individual Male Veterans 45-54).  

You can find Nazanin at Jason Sallaway Jewellery. 

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People's Choice Award Winner | Kappa Crucis 'The Jewel Box'

Description |  Kappa Crucis, ‘The Jewel Box’ is an ode to the night-sky. Diamonds are placed precisely, mirroring the arrangement of stars in the Kappa Crucis constellation.
This ring doesn't merely emulate the stars; it encapsulates the essence of the cosmos. Kappa Crucis, ‘The Jewel Box’ is a looking-glass into the awe-inspiring
mystique of the cosmos that lies just beyond our reach.

Motivation |  Jason’s motivation is his apprentice, whose enthusiasm and passion reignited his love for designing. Jason realised how much he missed designing for fun.
Jason turned to the stars for inspiration. ‘Kappa Crucis’ A kaleidoscope of precious gems. Its stars, reminiscent of sparkling diamonds, spiral into a cosmic cascade
and leave behind a trail of stardust. That’s why this cluster of stars is called “The Jewel Box”.

Materials | White + rose gold x diamonds