One person who has embraced creative freedom in the jewellery industry is Katie Law. With over 13 years of experience, she has established herself as a self-employed jeweller, creating unique and meaningful pieces that capture the essence of her clients' needs and emotions.

Katie's passion for jewellery began during her high school years when she embarked on a work experience program with Todd Turner, an esteemed Sydney jeweller. It was during this time that she fell in love with the craft and realized that she wanted to pursue it as a career. Todd recognized her talent and introduced her to Jason Ree, another prominent jeweller, who advised her to finish school before diving headfirst into the trade.

Taking this advice to heart, Law continued to work with Todd Turner for one afternoon a week while simultaneously undertaking a TVET jewellery course as part of her high school curriculum. This allowed her to develop her skills and knowledge in the field while ensuring that she had a solid educational foundation to fall back on. After successfully completing her HSC, Law wasted no time in starting her apprenticeship and has never looked back over the past 13 years.

One key source of inspiration for Law is the use of unique stones in her designs. By working with different stones every day, she is able to escape the monotony of being confined to a specific style or niche. The range of stones available allows her to explore new ideas, experiment with various designs, and push the boundaries of her creativity. This constant source of inspiration keeps her work fresh, exciting, and relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

What sets Katie apart as a jeweller is her unwavering dedication to creating pieces that hold sentimental value. She understands that jewellery is not simply an accessory, but a keepsake that carries immense emotional weight. Whether it's an engagement ring symbolizing a couple's commitment or a pendant commemorating a loved one, Katie ensures that each piece she creates captures the essence of the wearer and becomes a tangible embodiment of their emotions.

Through her self-employment, Katie Law has found true fulfillment in her career. The ability to exercise her creative freedom and make a living out of it is a dream come true for her. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the significant moments in people's lives through her craft, and she continually strives to create pieces that exceed her clients' expectations.

Katie Law is a remarkable jeweller who has carved a niche for herself in the industry with her unique and sentimental creations. Her journey, from starting as a high school student with a passion for jewellery to becoming a self-employed jeweller, is a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent.

When it comes to acknowledging excellence in the world of jewellery design, the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards have earned a reputation as a prestigious platform that recognises the talents of exceptional artisans. This biennial competition brings together renowned designers, industry professionals, and aspiring artists to showcase their unique creations and push the boundaries of creativity.

The recipient of Law’s winning CAD/CAM/CAST ring, who himself had experienced the thrill of participating in the Awards previously, convinced Law to enter this year's competition. Despite having taken a hiatus to recover from an illness, the idea of participating hadn't crossed her mind.

For Katie, contributing to the JAA Awards is an opportunity to create something extraordinary, a departure from her usual work. It allows her to engage in the kind of design that is rarely feasible as a custom piece. While the winning pieces may not be commercially viable in terms of sales to the general public, they do offer a glimpse into the designer's unique capabilities.

Participating in the JAA Awards is an investment that requires careful consideration. The cost associated with creating these astonishing works of art can be high. However, the value lies not only in potential sales but also in showcasing one's design prowess. Craftsmen can demonstrate their skills and imagination through these Award entries.

You can find Katie at Katie Law Jewellery.

---

CAD/CAM/CAST Winner | The Lighthouse

Description |  Poison Ring featuring intaglio of Willem Dafoe as a merman holding a paintbrush behind an eye, with compass-points bezel set with diamonds and sapphires. The top diamond bezel opens a secret compartment, a trapdoor of Mokume Gane under the central stone, to hold an interchangeable haiku. Fluted squared band of polished platinum and matte gold.

Motivation |  Triggered by a late-night screening of the cult-hit movie The Lighthouse, combining several elements of a 10-year friendship into an derangedly sentimental heirloom.

Materials |  Platinum x gold x diamond x smoky quartz x sapphires x mokume gane