Meet The Designer
Head designer, Master Jeweller, Gemmologist, Creative Director
“Inspiration for a piece can come from anything; it can be as simple as seeing a shape of nature and transforming it into a unique design, or as difficult as waking in the middle of the night and attempting to draw images from a dream before they vanish.”
Long before graduating from Year 12, Jodi knew she wanted to learn to become a manufacturing jeweller. She completed her apprenticeship along with a string of accolades and awards recognising her distinctive talents and perspective; in fact, she was recognised as the third highest ranked gemmologist in Australia.
Armed with her talent and desire to create stunningly unique jewellery, Jodi Penfold followed her dreams and moved to Broome, Western Australia in 2002 and fell in love with the region.
Successful exhibitions, professional recognition and a string of accolades then motivated Jodi to open her own studio, Jewels of the Kimberley in 2005, to showcase her award-winning designs.
"Broome & The Kimberley immediately became an amazing opportunity for me. Being part of the vast natural landscape that is the home to the world's rarest diamonds, finest quality pearls and soil so rich in gold and gemstones, much of which is yet to be discovered."
Most recently Jodi was accepted into the prestigious Alexandre School of Optical Diamond Setting in Belgium. A school that is not only the world-leader for teaching micro pave diamond setting but requires prospective students to complete a week-long audition and exam just to be accepted. For 3 months
Jodi was taught by one of the most talented diamond setters in the world and achieved her certification which has currently only been achieved by three Australians.
With her many years of industry experience and working almost exclusively with Australia’s own resources, Jodi creates contemporary designs combining and contrasting the infinite sparkle of a diamond, the purity of a pearl and the vibrant spectral colours of nature’s minerals. With a keen eye for perfection, Jodi specialises in hand crafted unique designs, individually tailored for each client’s desires.
“Sometimes a diamond or pearl decides its own setting because it is so distinctive that the design has to enhance its rare shape. It is important that all the different elements come together whilst retaining their individuality and complementing each other.”
Jodi has accumulated an impressive list of accolades and awards across the country throughout her career, including:
A scholarship from the Jewellers Association of Australia & the Gemmology Association of Australia to complete their 2 year Gemmology course
Invitational participation in the Queensland Work Skills Competition
Receiving the Queensland State Award for the highest overall marks in the state for both her first and second year
Awarded honours for both entries into the Broome Arts & Music Foundation (BAMF) jewellery design competition
Receiving the John Andrews Prize
Recognised as the third highest ranked gemmologist in Australia
Accepted into the Alexandre School of Optical Diamond Setting in Belgium and graduated with Honours taught directly by Alexandre Siridov
Winner in 3 Categories of the JIA Jewellery Industry Awards