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 handcraft each piece of jewellery in my Northcote / Naarm 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 internationally. Countries with high levels of government regulation have the most ethically sourced gemstones. 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 client's behalf to be refined and recycled. I frequently work with Australian parti sapphires which as fossicked from family-owned shallow mines in Queensland. These areas are rewilded after the supply of gemstones is exhausted. The sapphires are then cut by talented local gem cutters in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth.

All of my pieces are made from the lost wax casting process which means there is minimal wastage. Lost wax casting uses recycled materials including silver and gold. The gold is sourced from two Australian refineries that utilise a mixture of new and old gold of Australian and international origin. I don't use any harmful or toxic chemicals in my studio. My super is invested with Australian Ethical and my business uses 100% green electricity. 

I donate to The World Wildlife Fund programs whom help protect endangered species and environments and work with local communities and indigenous peoples on rewilding programs. I am in the process of establishing a partner in conservation program with the WWF where I will organise an annual auction of a precious piece with 100% proceeds to go to the WWF.

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, and Kin Gallery in Canberra.

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 2025