Diamond Guild Australia has announced the judging panel for the 9th Australian Jewellery Design Awards.
Regarded as Australia’s most anticipated and sought after jewellery design event – the Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards will be held for the 9th time in 2026 and will showcase the best of Australian jewellery design talent to both the trade and wider consumer market. The Awards are open to all jewellers and designers working within the retail Diamond Jewellery industry to test their talents across eight categories, each focussing on different aspects of the beauty and versatility of natural diamonds
Katerina Perez
After training as a gemmologist at the Gemmological Association of Great Britain while working for Tiffany & Co., Russian-born, Paris-based Katerina spent time at Chaumet, Asprey and Boghossian, gaining sales and management experience. In 2011 she changed careers, becoming a freelance journalist and content editor. The reason behind this sudden switch? The customers she had met only wanted to know about the carat weights and prices of jewels, whereas Katerina was much more interested in the inspiration, original ideas, craftsmanship and design. It was this detail she wanted to share with the world. To achieve her goal, she founded her eponymous website and Instagram platform in 2013.
As one of the first writers to bring high jewellery online, Katerina is highly regarded for her expert opinions on the outstanding designs she encounters during her travels. Her words have appeared in many titles, including Vogue, L’Officiel and Robb Report, and she’s often called upon to provide thoughtful introductions for books, brochures and exhibitions. Her favourite part of the job? Championing the work of talented jewellers across the globe. From established brands to fledgling designers whom she has personally scouted, Katerina shares their creations on her channels for her community of jewellery aficionados.
Dr Brandon Gien
Brandon is the Founder and Chair of Good Design Australia, Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards, and Executive Director of the Australian Design Council. He has spent the past 25 years passionately advocating for the value of good design to improve our social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life.
He is a qualified Industrial Designer and currently an Adjunct Professor of Industrial Design at both the University of Canberra and the University of New South Wales.
Prior to establishing Good Design Australia, Brandon was the Executive Director of Design Strategy at Standards Australia, recognised by the Australian Government as the nation’s peak standards body.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Newcastle where he later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in industrial design. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design from the University of Canberra’s School of Design and Architecture.
He was made an Honorary Design Ambassador to Japan, an international design advocacy role organised by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion (JDP) and is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia.
This is the fourth time Brandon has joined the Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards judging panel and brings an appreciation of technical and aesthetic design in its purest form.
Lester Brand
For over 100 years, the Brand family have inspired and delighted customers with exquisitely designed and perfectly crafted jewellery. Lester Brand began his Sydney based company in 1992 and has become the leader in his field specializing in luxury diamond jewellery design and manufacturing. Technology is at the forefront of his success as one of the first to use CAD jewellery design software and patented diamond cutting and grading innovations. Our passion is bespoke design and creating unique and exclusive creations for lovers of fine jewellery.
Lester will be joining the Awards judging panel as technical advisor for the second time in 2026.
Thanks to our 9th Awards Sponsors
Our Major Sponsor
Dialog is proud to support the Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards and to partner with an organisation that shares our commitment to excellence with respect to the promotion and sale of diamonds. Sponsoring these Awards is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the talent and dedication within the Australian jewellery community while strengthening the relationships that drive our industry forward.
Fine Jewellery Images
