Nazanin Mohammad Khani is a talented jewellery designer who has dedicated over three decades to the industry. From an early age, she was drawn to the world of jewellery, using her artistic abilities to paint professional portraits featuring women wearing exquisite pieces. This early passion eventually led her to pursue a career in jewellery design.

Mohammad Khani hails from a culture where jewellery holds great significance. In Persian culture, jewellery is not merely an aesthetic accessory; it is a means of self-expression. It represents one's character, emotions, and personal style. Inspired by this deep-rooted cultural connection to jewellery, Mohammad Khani decided to turn her creative pursuits into a profession.

Driven by her passion for human expression and the technical challenges of jewellery design, Mohammad Khani embarked on a journey to master her craft. She pursued a master’s in industrial design, specialising in the intricacies of jewellery trade. This educational background equipped her with the necessary skills to breathe life into her imaginative designs.

For the past seven years, Mohammad Khani has been an integral part of the design team at South Australian jeweller, Gerard McCabe. Working closely with her colleagues, she undertakes the entire design process, from conceptualisation to the final creation. The design team's unwavering support allows her to explore her creative ideas and transform them into tangible masterpieces.

As an artist at heart, she is constantly seeking to delve into the depths of human thoughts and emotions. She believes that jewellery serves as a powerful tool to communicate and convey messages. Fascinated by the way jewellery can evoke extreme feelings and emotions, she strives to infuse her designs with a profound sense of meaning.

To Mohammad Khani, jewellery is more than just a combination of metal and sparkles. It is a messenger that captures the essence of significant events and moments in our lives. Each piece she creates represents a unique story, a symbol of love, celebration, or remembrance. Through her intricate designs, she aims to inspire, motivate, and uplift individuals in their everyday lives.

Nazanin Mohammad Khani’s artistic prowess in jewellery design is characterized by her ability to blend beauty, technical skill, and emotional depth. Whether it be a dazzling engagement ring, a delicate pendant, or an elaborate necklace, her creations captivate the wearer and onlookers alike. With every piece, she seeks to celebrate the beauty and individuality of each person, allowing them to shine through the jewellery they adorn.

Nazanin Mohammad Khani’s journey as a jewellery designer is a testament to her unwavering passion for the industry. Through her artistry, she skilfully combines cultural influences, human expression, and technical expertise to create breathtaking jewellery pieces that hold profound meaning. Her work at Gerard McCabe continues to inspire and empower individuals, allowing them to express themselves and commemorate the significant events in their lives.

For Nazanin, her job is not just a job, but a passion. She is driven by the desire to combine her artistic abilities with her love for design in order to create something truly special. Every piece she creates is infused with emotions and meaning, making it more than just a piece of jewellery. She believes that jewellery should go beyond being just an accessory and should be able to touch people's lives.

In her pursuit of excellence, Mohammad Khani entered a prestigious 2023 JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards. For her, it was not just an opportunity to showcase her talent but also a chance to challenge herself. She has high expectations of herself and believes that competing against others who share the same passion can push her skills to new heights. 

“Everyone starts with dreaming, just being part of the competition is something to be proud of. It will push you further and give you an opportunity to try something new. I say to dream big and just go for it, you can only get better.” says Mohammad Khani.

After winning the Sketch award for her design, Gerard McCabe’s Lorikeet ring, Mohammad Khani is honoured to not only bring recognition to her team but also raise the profile of South Australian jewellery design as a whole. She strongly believes in the talent and creativity of her fellow designers and hopes that their work can be appreciated on a national and international level. By investing in artistic and conceptual jewellery, Mohammad Khani and the Gerard McCabe team are contributing to the growth and development of the industry.

In conclusion, Nazanin Mohammad Khani is a jewellery designer driven by her passion for art and design. She sees jewellery as a medium to touch people's lives and considers herself fortunate to be part of their special stories. Through her participation in a prestigious award competition, she aims to challenge herself and showcase her conceptual designs. Winning the award is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to her team's commitment to pushing boundaries. By raising the profile of their work, Mohammad Khani hopes to bring recognition to the industry as a whole and inspire other designers to pursue their passion.

You can find Nazanin at Gerard McCabe. 

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Sketch Winner | Lorikeet Opal and Gemstone Ring

Description |  A rainbow confection, this enchanting ring brings to mind a Lorikeet sitting on its branch, high in the trees. Capturing the essence and movement of the spirited lorikeet at play, coloured gemstones trail down the ring’s shoulders, framed elegantly by feathery gold embellishments (a depiction of the lorikeet’s tail). The sketch shows a full render of the design from the top view, a side view panel that highlights the detail of the Lorikeet tail, and a split view to depict the feathery shapes and texture in the undercarriage of the ring. This design envisages a Lightning Ridge solid opal at the centre, surrounded by premium diamonds and a mixture of gemstones including sapphire, ruby, emerald and garnet.

Motivation | The Lorikeet, with its outgoing and playful personality and rainbow feathers was the perfect fit for an opal story. Nazanin found a connection between the magic of an Australian Coober Pedy opal and the carefree nature of the Lorikeet. In both, many colours are united and give a variety of feelings. Lorikeets remind us that even in life's challenges, we can still be happy and find joyful moments. She wanted to create a wearable piece of art, which is an expression of joy, laughter, and the beauty of life.

Materials | Watercolour x gouache x marker x lightweight card