The world of jewellery is a realm where artistry and craftsmanship intertwine to create exquisite pieces that stand the test of time. For almost 30 years, Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay have been infusing their passion and expertise into every design they create. With their combined knowledge of art, design, and technical skills, they have been able to continuously create captivating jewellery that pushes the boundaries of traditional design. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to innovation have made them true pioneers in the industry.

Tammy Keers, armed with a Bachelor of Jewellery Design and a trade apprenticeship as a bench jeweller, possesses a deep understanding of the technical aspects of jewellery manufacture. Her expertise in manufacturing and craftsmanship allows her to bring intricate designs to life. Keers' meticulous attention to detail and dedication to precision make her creations stand out from the rest. Whether it's an elaborate necklace or a delicate pair of earrings, every piece crafted by Tammy Keers reflects her profound understanding of the art of jewellery manufacture.

On the other hand, Kathy McLay's educational background in the fine arts has greatly influenced her distinctive approach to jewellery design. With a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Gold and Silversmithing, she has honed her skills in the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Her creations often display a harmonious balance between form and function, evoking a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay's journey in the world of jewellery began with a deep-rooted passion for creativity. For Kathy, the allure of working with her hands drew her towards jewellery as a long-term career. As a sculptor and painter, she sought a profession that would allow her to earn a living while crafting beautiful pieces for her clients.

Tammy, on the other hand, discovered her creative calling at a young age. From childhood drawings to a university degree in jewellery design, she found solace and fulfillment in the art of jewellery.

Their backgrounds in art and design, combined with their technical skills as trade apprentices, have been instrumental in shaping their ability to generate fresh ideas and innovative design concepts. The understanding of design balance and the knowledge of hand-manufacturing techniques have enabled them to push boundaries and continuously challenge themselves.

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers, founded by Tammy Keers, is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that defines their work. With a team of passionate artisans, including the renowned "Jewellery Genius" Kathy McLay, the workshop is a hub of creativity and expertise. Among the 10 team members, 7 are qualified jewellers, with a notable presence of 5 talented female artisans, with over 150 years of combined experience.

The workshop's focus on the art form of jewellery is evident in their commitment to creating bespoke, handmade pieces. Each member of the team shares a deep passion for natural, coloured gemstones, diamonds, and the skills required to transform designs into reality. The personalised service and warm atmosphere provided by the Artisans team make every customer's experience truly memorable.

For Kathy, jewellery is more than adornment – it is a form of sculpture. The rewarding aspect of being a jeweller lies in the ability to create pieces that tell stories and are cherished for a lifetime. Tammy's love for jewellery stems from her passion for design and the opportunity to craft unique, individual pieces. The idea that their creations will be treasured for generations to come fills them with immense joy and purpose.

"Something we make by hand with love will be handed down through generations. The thought that our meticulously designed and beautifully hand-crafted pieces will be enjoyed, worn, and adored for hundreds of years is really special." - Tammy Keers

The creative process is fuelled by inspiration, and Tammy and Kathy draw theirs from a multitude of sources. Tammy's favourite period is Art Deco, but she believes in taking inspiration to another level. Her strong design skills have shaped Artisans Bespoke Jewellers' unique and distinct style. The workshop never stands still, continuously challenging design and manufacturing techniques. The beauty of being a jeweller lies in the ability to learn something new, even after three decades in the industry.

Kathy, on the other hand, finds inspiration in everything around her – nature, architecture, and art. Her exceptional attention to detail brings forth the joy of crafting intricate and perfect pieces. Each creation presents its own challenges, and Kathy embraces them wholeheartedly, using them as stepping stones to inspire her next masterpiece.

In a world dominated by fast fashion, Artisans Bespoke Jewellers sought to showcase the artistry of handmade jewellery through their participation in awards. By challenging the norm and daring to create unconventional pieces, Tammy and Kathy aimed to prove that the art of handmaking jewellery is alive and thriving. Their desire to think outside the box and collaborate on a major project led them to create a unique clutch adorned with their signature jewellery elements.

"A competition piece should keep you up at night, challenge yourself to create something beautiful on paper and push the limits of how on earth we will make this." - Tammy Keers

The process of bringing their vision to life, with Amelia, was not without its challenges. Working with new materials such as Kangaroo suede and leather presented interesting learning opportunities. The experience of participating in the Awards brought pure joy to Tammy and Kathy, allowing them to explore their creativity beyond client commissions.

Being awarded Jeweller of the Year holds a significant meaning for Tammy and Kathy. It provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible handmaking skills of their workshop and gain recognition for the unique designs they create. The hope is that this recognition will elevate the Artisans Bespoke Jewellers’ brand and inspire future generations of jewellers. The joy of witnessing the creativity and passion within the industry is unparalleled.

To those who are undecided about entering or have never entered awards, Tammy and Kathy offer words of encouragement. They believe in challenging oneself and embracing new skills and techniques. The debuting and apprentice sections of competitions provide an excellent platform to push boundaries and learn along the way. Stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to the discovery of new talents and the fulfillment of creative potential.

"It is always such a joy to see what the wonderful creative brains in our industry are coming up with and to see the passion for our art form." - Tammy Keers

Artisans Bespoke Jewellers is an Australian-made jewellery manufacturer that takes pride in its commitment to traditional manufacturing techniques. Founded by Tammy Keers, the business has become synonymous with bespoke, handmade, and art deco-inspired jewellery.

As the driving force behind Artisans Bespoke Jewellers, Tammy Keers has carved a remarkable path in the jewellery industry. Her journey began with a degree in jewellery design and a four-year apprenticeship, culminating in the establishment of her own boutique and workshop. Tammy's dedication to the industry extends beyond her own success, as she actively contributes to the jewellery community through volunteering and judging.

Kathy McLay, the trade jeweller at Artisans Bespoke Jewellers, brings her immense talent and expertise to the creation of bespoke handmade pieces. With almost 30 years of experience, Kathy's passion for her craft is evident in every intricate detail she meticulously crafts. Her love for sculpture transcends into her work, resulting in breathtaking pieces of art that capture the essence of each client's story.

The journey of Tammy Keers and Kathy McLay in the jewellery industry is a testament to the artistry and dedication that lies within the craft. Through their unwavering passion, they have created a workshop that embodies the beauty of handmade jewellery. Artisans Bespoke Jewellers stands as a beacon of creativity and craftsmanship, inspiring future generations of jewellers to embrace the art form. Each piece represents a story, a moment, and a legacy that is passed down through generations. Tammy and Kathy's commitment to creating timeless pieces ensures that the allure of jewellery will continue to captivate hearts for years to come.

You can find Tammy and Kathy at Artisans Bespoke Jewellery. 

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Jeweller of the Year | Amelia

Description |  Handmade 18ct white gold clutch insignia with detachable pendant drop and 18ct gold chain. The design came to life over 5 days of concept sketches. The clutch insignia and pendant are handmade. For the chain, master links were handmade then cast and meticulously cleaned up and hand assembled. Over 300 hours of labour.

Motivation |  Handmade in 18ct white gold an Art Deco Wing Insignia characterises a unique tribute to Aviation Pioneer – Amelia Earhart. With a metaphorical sky as the limit, a challenge presented itself that would require meticulous attention to detail. With a bold wing design, detachable diamond set chain and pendant - Amelia transcends the nature of jewellery.

Materials |  White gold x diamonds x kangaroo suede x leather