Nadia Neuman Winner Featured in StyleLab's Red Carpet Jewelry Suite!

NADIA REIGNS ON THE 2012 ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET

Australian Jewellery Designer wins Global Design Competition!

Australian jewellery designer Nadia Neuman has been awarded one of the most prestigious
international jewellery awards with her design ‘Tyger Tyger’ to be launched at a suite as part of the 2012 Academy Awards in February.


Neuman won the Master Jewellery award in the Sustainability category as part of Rio Tinto’s Global Design Competition. The competition had a record number of entries from the US, Canada, Australia, India, China and Hong Kong across four categories of jewellery design and was judged by an elite panel from the fashion and jewellery industries. Her piece along with the other winning entrants will be part of Stylelab, a Red Carpet Celebrity Suite hosted by US jewellery expert Michael O’Connor and attended by some of the biggest names in Hollywood plus their stylists in the lead up to the Oscars on Sunday 26 February.


Neuman’s piece is a hand fan that melds together functionality and luxury all from a sustainable perspective. The fan features 18ct yellow gold panels of tiger print, surrounded by white diamonds set in 18ct white gold frames displaying black, iridescent feathers with diamonds set along each quill. 


In addition to using 100% sustainable materials in the design, the Tiger motif represents nature as an endangered creature and reminds its user of the need to care for the earth. The fan can also be worn as a necklace.

Submitted to “Sustainable Jewellery” category, is a breathtaking and glamorous ladies fan,
inspired by the themes of beauty and wild-spirit in nature, and glamour, mystery and adornment in culture.

“TYGER TYGER BURNING BRIGHT, IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT”  William Blake: 1757-1827, “The Tyger”.

Neuman said, “It is a great honour to be recognised in this competition among so many other well known international jewellery designers. And to be given this special introduction to some of the worlds’ most glamorous celebrities is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an Australian designer!”


Nadia is no stranger to the limelight having been recognised with a host of Australian design awards already including the Harper’s BAZAAR Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards and the Australian Jewellery Awards held by the Jewellers Association of Australia.


About Tyger, Tyger - from the Designer:

"I have been inspired by the design brief, to create a unique piece of jewellery using entirely sustainable materials which is both supremely glamorous, yet functional. As a young(ish) woman and soon to be mother, ethical issues of sustainability, including recycling and renewable resources are of great importance to me. I feel we all have a duty towards future generations, to ensure we leave them the world in better shape than we found it – the world should be better, not worse, for us having been in it. We should aim that our legacy is always one of improvement rather than simply depletion and this should be true in all fields of human endeavour, not just science and medicine.

It is critically important as the world’s population will continue to increase that all aspects of production focus on the notion of “sustainability”. From the period known as “the enlightenment”(approx.1650-1750), through to the industrial revolution which followed, the majority of human activity has proceeded as if all resources were infinite, and their depletion and pollution could go on forever. We now know that is not the case and we must implement the notion of sustainability wherever possible. It is paramount to the health of the planet and it our responsibility to protect and preserve whatever we can – for ourselves and our descendants.

This being the case, I have taken particular delight in trying to show that we can fulfil the moral obligation of “sustainability”, without sacrificing one little bit of creativity, glamour, desireability, luxury and mystique. I feel this has all been achieved in this design called “Tyger, Tyger”, as well as the functionality of a working, foldable, ladies fan. The exotic Tiger motif, encapsulates so many things which are perfect for such an item: The Tiger represents nature and an endangered creature. In this sense, it stands for the world we have inherited, used and neglected and need to care for – it and its habitat, needs to be protected and “sustained”. In the aesthetic sense, the tiger represents beauty and feminity, strength and independence and of course, a wild and untamed spirit – all things which are desireable in the design of a bold and striking piece of jewellery."

The sustainability jewellery movement is fast growing in popularity as consumers become more aware of the power of their purchase. According to a recent trend report titled Green Marketing and the Luxury Consumer, the consumers with the big bucks, particularly women, are increasingly looking to a company’s environmental practice before a purchase.


Neuman says, “Since the movie Blood Diamond we have seen a steady increase in clients wanting ethically sourced materials and of course, to ensure that the diamonds are conflict free. The typical ‘green’ jewellery consumer is no longer a fashion-challenged hippie but more likely an affluent professional woman who wants to make her purchase count.”


Mondial is a family run business with over 100 years of collective experience. Founded by Nadia’s parents Fred and Maria Neuman in the 70’s, Mondial are recognised worldwide as pink and coloured diamond specialists selling some of the world’s most rare and luxury pieces from their Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building boutiques.


www.mondial.com.au

Reena Ahluwalia Wins the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition

Reena Ahluwalia Wins the Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition

Jewelry to be showcased in Celebrity Suite at the Oscars

(New York, NY) February 20, 2011-- Canadian jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia was recently honored as an international winner of the prestigious Rio Tinto Diamonds Global Design Competition. Jewelry designers from across the globe were invited to submit designs in four categories: Champagne Diamonds, Silvermist Diamonds™, Canadian Diamonds and Sustainable Jewelry. In late February the winning designs will be showcased at the annual Academy Awards 2012 with a chance to be selected and worn on red carpet by Hollywood’s elite.

After receiving a record number of entries from around the globe, an elite panel of judges from the U.S. jewelry and fashion industries gathered in New York City and reviewed entries from designers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, China, and Hong Kong. Nine winners were chosen in total. Reena Ahluwalia, received the prestigious Master Craftsman award in the Canadian Diamonds category.  

Set in 18K white gold, 28.96 carat, "Canoe" Canadian diamonds necklace by Reena Ahluwalia is inspired by a poetic image of the magical Canadian landscape and its pristine white winters. It captures a snapshot of a snow covered canoe in a frozen crystalline lake. “Celebrating the magic and beauty of Canada, my home, is the inspiration for my design. Canoe is a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol very unique to Canada that represents voyage, harmony with nature, discovery and courage. It is one of the greatest gifts the First Nations people gave to all those who came after. A crystalline perspective, this necklace hopes to capture the luminous magic of the True North,” said Ahluwalia. 



The necklace comes together with two diamond-studded links embracing the neck that represent the fluidity of lake. Irregular intersecting lines, studded with Ideal Square cut diamonds depict the chunks of floating ice. The necklace culminates into a canoe shaped element. “Canoe” has an angled faceted interior, “I wanted the diamonds to reflect on the opposite facets for a dramatic shine and create an icy crystalline look,” said Ahluwalia.

Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd., the largest manufacturer of branded Canadian diamonds in the world, collaborated with Ahluwalia, sponsored manufacturing and provided Canadian diamonds for the “Canoe” necklace.

In a Daily Jewel exclusive Reena answered a couple of questions...

DJ: What does this win mean to you?

"Exciting. I love diamonds, they have been my material of choice throughout, a medium for me to express stories that I want to tell and share"

DJ: What are you looking forward to? "Continuation of my diamond journey and a quest to innovate."

Dylan Dix, Group Executive: Marketing and External Relations, Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd. said “The opportunity to work with both Rio Tinto Diamonds and Reena Ahluwalia to promote Canadian diamonds is a reflection of the partnerships involved in our industry. The support of Rio Tinto of the secondary industry in Canada has created innovation in both polishing and jewelry design. The primary diamonds in the Canoe are the Ideal Square, a patented cut designed by a Canadian company and are set in a beautiful design by a Canadian artist. This is the ultimate reflection of our industry’s goal of celebrating the Canadian diamond pipeline from mine to market”.  

To Ahluwalia, her win, “Is a great opportunity and honor to represent Canadian Diamonds”.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds

Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 percent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 percent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 percent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe.  These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India.

Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through is Diamonds Sales and Marketing headquarters office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council.

About Designer Reena Ahluwalia

Reena Ahluwalia is a Toronto-based Canadian jewellery designer and owner of Reena Ahluwalia Design Inc. (Est. 1999). Her multiple-award winning body of work reflects her passion for diamonds and linkages with the global diamond community for over seventeen years.

With designs that never fail to push creative boundaries, she has won numerous national and international awards. Iconic British fashion designer Alexander McQueen featured her award-winning diamond jewel in his Spring/Summer 2000 debut in New York.

An ambassador of arts and crafts, her quasi-nomadic lifestyle has enriched her thinking and enabled her to experience various cultures that help shape her cutting edge designs. This openness to cultures and experiences has also brought with it a spirit of inquiry and exploration that makes it possible to reboot her thinking keeping her designs fresh and innovative.

Ahluwalia’s work is often described as flamboyant, harmonizing precision and geometry with fluidity and movement. Her signature style is renowned for its edgy but feminine, well-engineered fluid forms and innovative narratives told through suggestive imagery. She has been successful in exploring different extremes in form, effortlessly moving from extravagant and exaggerated to small and understated. Besides selling directly to private clients around the world, Ahluwalia is also the creative force behind some of the most recognized international jewelry brands. Website: www.reenaahluwalia.com

About Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd.

Crossworks Manufacturing, a member of the HRA Group of Companies, operates three diamond polishing facilities in Canada that are located in Sudbury, Yellowknife and Vancouver. Crossworks purchases rough diamonds from the mines located in Canada through agreements with the Diamond Trading Company (D.T.C.) and Rio Tinto Diamonds as a Select Diamantaire.  Currently, the Group is the largest manufacturer of branded Canadian diamonds in the world with distribution throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Rio Tinto Diamonds Announces Winners of Global Design Competition

Rio Tinto Diamonds today announced the winners of its Global Design Competition, awarded by an elite panel of eight judges from the fashion and jewelry industries.

The judging panel, at an event at the Kristin Hanson Gallery, selected nine winners from a record number of entries from the US, Canada, Australia, India, China and Hong Kong, across four categories of jewelry design: Champagne, Silvermist, Canadian Diamonds and Sustainable Jewelry.

According to jewelry judge and style editor Mr Michael O’Connor, “I was extremely impressed with how each of the designers interpreted the challenge and came up with unique and beautiful jewelry pieces that highlight the use of Rio Tinto’s diverse diamonds portfolio.”

The judging panel also referred to the incredible variety of designs, from classic pieces through to contemporary interpretations, often with nature and the elements as the source of inspiration.


Rebecca Foerster, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds' US Representative Office, commented on the results, "We were delighted with the level of interest in the competition from all over the world and we look forward to working with the winning designers to showcase their creativity".

As a result of their efforts, the nine winning designers will have many opportunities for significant exposure to the US jewelry industry, including their designs being showcased at a suite at the 2012 Academy Awards.

The winning designs are as follows:

Champagne Diamonds Master Craftsman- Nejal Rajesh Mehta, India, 

“The World of Champagne” earrings feature pave set champagne diamonds in a captivating gradient of color.

Champagne Diamonds Rising Star- Stacey Lindsell, Australia, 

Sturt’s Desert Rose” bracelet featuring champagne diamonds tapering in color and pave set in petals to enhance the form and reflect the rich and natural colors of the earth. It is set in 18K white gold with white diamonds to accent the flowers.

Silvermist Diamonds™ Master Craftsman- Joseph Weinreich, US  
The “Nature’s Beauty” flower cuff is encrusted in Silvermist Diamonds™, symbolizing this gift from Mother Nature and featuring a pearl in its centre.

Silvermist Diamonds™ Master Craftsman- Dean Walker, Australia 

The “Silvermist Express” bangle was inspired by a desire to create something that will inspire hope. This
18K white gold bangle appears to float around the wrist of the wearer. The “train”, adorned with striking Silvermist diamonds, moves on its track also made with Silvermist diamonds.

Silvermist Diamonds™ Rising Star- Vijayshree Sovani, India 

This Silvermist Diamond™ bracelet is inspired by the ripples in desert sand as well as the winds of time. It is set in white gold with black rhodium accents.

Canadian Diamonds Master Craftsman- Reena Ahluwalia, Canada 

The “Canoe” Canadian Diamond necklace is inspired by the poetic image of a magical Canadian landscape- a canoe in an icy, crystalline frozen lake. The Canoe is known as a carrier of Canadian myths, a symbol that represents voyage, discovery, harmony with nature, and courage.

Canadian Diamonds Rising Star- Michelle Buxani, Temptations, Hong Kong 
“Rain Dance” earrings featuring Canadian Diamonds are set in white gold with yellow gold accents. This design was inspired by the sun shining through the clouds after rain, with rays of light hitting the water.

Sustainable Jewelry Master Craftsman- Nadia Neuman, Australia 
The “Tyger, Tyger” fan melds together functionality and luxury all from a sustainable perspective.  In addition to using 100% sustainable materials in the design, the Tiger motif represents nature as an endangered creature and reminds its user of the need to care for the earth.

Sustainable Jewelry Rising Star- V. Saravanan, India 

“The Creator” necklace is a true homage to nature. Utilizing recycled materials such as plastic toothpaste tubes and mixing in the natural beauty of Silvermist Diamonds™, this design uses a mesh design to remind people to protect the earth and nature and find ways to recycle plastic materials.  

About Rio Tinto Diamonds  
Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments.  Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India.