2007 – 08
Advanced Diploma, Engineering Technology, Jewellery,
Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield, Australia
1996 – 99
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design, (Honours)
RMIT, Melbourne, Australia
1993 – 95
Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art - Sculpture,
RMIT, Melbourne, Australia

education

ethics & environment 

I personally hand craft each piece of jewellery in my Northcote studio. I work locally with gem setters, gem dealers and other jewellery trades people.

 I source gemstones from a small collection of trusted suppliers both locally and overseas. Countries with high levels of government regulation have the most ethically sourced gems. All diamonds purchased from overseas comply with the UN Kimberely Regulations which proves they are conflict free. I regularly work with heirloom gemstones which are recycled into new pieces for my clients. I often sell old gold on my clients behalf to be refined and recycled.

All of my pieces are made via the lost wax casting process which means there is minimal material wastage. The lost wax casting process utilises 100% refined and recycled gold & silver. The gold is sourced from two Australian refineries who ulilise a mixture of gold from Australian and international origin. I don’t use any dangerous or toxic chemicals in my studio. My business uses 100% green electricity. My superannuation is invested with Australian Ethical Super.

I am a sole trader and my small business makes monthly donations (which equates to about 10% of overall profits) to the Australian Conservation Foundation who protect the environment, the World Wildlife Fund Australia who help protect endangered species and habitats, Bush Heritage who partner with Aborigional people to protect landscapes and native species and to the Australian Red Cross who provide humanitarian aid.

To view my custom jewellery and latest works please click on the link to instagram at the bottom of this page.


bio
Tessa Blazey was born in Melbourne in 1974. She is a jeweller based in Northcote. Tessa completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sculpture, RMIT University, 1995, a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (Hons), RMIT University, 1999 and an Advanced Diploma in Jewellery, Melbourne Polytechnic, 2008.  In 1999 Tessa won the Carr Design Award and in 2008 won the Studio Ingot Design Award. Solo exhibitions include Kindred Spirits at Pieces of Eight in 2024, Heroes and Villains at Pieces of Eight in 2016, Romancing the Stone at Pieces of Eight 2013 and Fabrication at Pieces of Eight 2009. Selected group exhibitions include Melbourne Now at National Gallery of Victoria 2023, Siren Songs at Pieces of Eight 2021, We Are Luxury Business of Design Week Hong Kong 2018, Future Aretfacts at Craft Victoria 2017 and the show toured to the Australian Design Centre Sydney 2018, Melbourne Now at National Gallery of Victoria 2013, Forces of Nature at The Australian Embassy Washington DC 2012, Signature Style at Craft Victoria 2012 and Love Lace at The Powerhouse Museum 2011. Blazey lectured & tutored in Interior Design at RMIT between 2002 - 2015 and is the recipient of two grants from the Australia Council. Tessa has work in the permanent collections of The National Gallery of Australia. She is represented by Pieces of Eight Gallery in Melbourne.

awards & grants
2016

Arts Projects Grant, Australia Council for the Arts

2011

ArtStart Grant, Australia Council for the Arts

2008
 Best Design Award (Melbourne Polytechnic), Studio Ingot, Melbourne, Australia
1999 
Design Award (RMIT), Carr Design, Melbourne, Australia

The Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people are the traditional first nations owners of the land which I live, work, and play and I recognise their ongoing connection to the land and waters. 

I have taken a practical step towards sovereignty and started paying the rent. https://paytherent.net.au/about-us/

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copyright tessa blazey 2024