Designer Paul Miles is a real gem

The 22-year-old from W J Coote and Sons created four exquisite pieces of jewellery and entered them into the Showcase Jewellers biennial competition.

“This was the first time I have entered into a competition, so it was extremely exciting,” Paul said.

The talented local designed and produced an emerald cut emetrine large ring and beat out competitors from across Australia and New Zealand to take home the coveted International Showcase Marketable Design of the Year Award.

“It was amazing. I am ecstatic and feel very privileged to have won,” he said.

Paul, who beat 15 finalists to claim the $2500 prizemoney, is happily following in his father’s footsteps.

Shaun Miles is also a jeweller at WJ Coote and his protege said dad was “very, very proud”.

The win also means that Paul’s acclaimed piece of jewellery is now eligible for inclusion in the 2014 Showcase catalogue.

“The judging in this category was based upon how ‘salable’ the item was, with a view to putting it in the company’s next catalogue,” Paul said.

“If the ring gets the go-ahead, that means people across Australia and New Zealand will be able to purchase the piece.”

Being a jeweller has always been Paul’s aim.

He completed his four-year apprenticeship with W J Coote and, two years on, he is still inspired to create beautiful pieces of jewellery.

“I could never be stuck behind a desk, shuffling paper,” he said. “I love working with my hands and creating.”

And the enthusiastic gemologist has now set his sights on some other competitions.

“You usually have to produce a new piece for each of these types of events,” he said. 

“So I’ll sit down and have a think. I might develop another ring or a pendant this time.”