Gold Coast jeweller sets designs on exports
Published Friday, 16 November, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
The cutting edge jewellery of a Gold Coast-based designer is set to shine brighter in lucrative European markets thanks to a Smart State grant.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle announced a $47,500 grant to Calleija Jewellers to develop a new export marketing strategy.
“Calleija Jewellers has been selling its designs to a number of overseas clients,” Ms Boyle said.
“It has recently been awarded an exclusive commission to develop a range of jewellery for the prestigious English car company Aston Martin.
“John Calleija and his team have designed three ranges now, which Aston Martin will exhibit at its London dealership and at buyer functions.
“In addition to this partnership, a range of Calleija designs featuring rare, pink Australian Argyle diamonds are currently being showcased in the fine jewellery department of Harrods in London.”
“Both of these are major opportunities to push into the high-end European jewellery market and the funding will help the firm capitalise on this momentum by outlining ways to seize new export business.”
Ms Boyle congratulated designer and chief executive officer Mr Calleija for turning his passion for precious stones into a thriving Smart State business.
“The business, which started on the Gold Coast in 1988, specialises in individual hand-crafted jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets,” she said.
“In 2000, Mr Calleija won the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Award – considered the world’s most prestigious industry design accolade – thanks to the expertise he’s gained from more than two decades in the jewellery trade.”
Mr Calleija said his jewellery workshop was one of the largest in Australia, with all the company’s products being designed, manufactured and showcased on-site by a team of 23.
“We are focussing our efforts now on growing our overseas presence, firstly in the UK and then eventually the US,” he said.
“The strategy being developed with a consultancy firm will identify actions to do this, such as taking part in international exhibitions and meeting with new potential clients and partners.
“Getting a better international foothold will not only be great for business but also for myself as a designer, as it will increase my exposure to leading jewellers, manufacturers and retailers and some of the most innovative work in the world.”
Calleija Jewellers Pty Limited is at Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, Main Beach.
Ends
Media contacts:
Minister Boyle 3224 2004
John Calleija: 5528 3666
16 November 2007
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle announced a $47,500 grant to Calleija Jewellers to develop a new export marketing strategy.
“Calleija Jewellers has been selling its designs to a number of overseas clients,” Ms Boyle said.
“It has recently been awarded an exclusive commission to develop a range of jewellery for the prestigious English car company Aston Martin.
“John Calleija and his team have designed three ranges now, which Aston Martin will exhibit at its London dealership and at buyer functions.
“In addition to this partnership, a range of Calleija designs featuring rare, pink Australian Argyle diamonds are currently being showcased in the fine jewellery department of Harrods in London.”
“Both of these are major opportunities to push into the high-end European jewellery market and the funding will help the firm capitalise on this momentum by outlining ways to seize new export business.”
Ms Boyle congratulated designer and chief executive officer Mr Calleija for turning his passion for precious stones into a thriving Smart State business.
“The business, which started on the Gold Coast in 1988, specialises in individual hand-crafted jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets,” she said.
“In 2000, Mr Calleija won the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Award – considered the world’s most prestigious industry design accolade – thanks to the expertise he’s gained from more than two decades in the jewellery trade.”
Mr Calleija said his jewellery workshop was one of the largest in Australia, with all the company’s products being designed, manufactured and showcased on-site by a team of 23.
“We are focussing our efforts now on growing our overseas presence, firstly in the UK and then eventually the US,” he said.
“The strategy being developed with a consultancy firm will identify actions to do this, such as taking part in international exhibitions and meeting with new potential clients and partners.
“Getting a better international foothold will not only be great for business but also for myself as a designer, as it will increase my exposure to leading jewellers, manufacturers and retailers and some of the most innovative work in the world.”
Calleija Jewellers Pty Limited is at Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, Main Beach.
Ends
Media contacts:
Minister Boyle 3224 2004
John Calleija: 5528 3666
16 November 2007