By Diana S. Zimmerman
Two decades ago, a talented young designer streaked onto the scene in her beloved land of Australia. Organic and magical in nature, Joanna Angelett’s captivating designs continue today to set standards for originality, beauty, and craftsmanship.
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- “Veronica Perfoliata” ring from the Royal Garden Collection, made with a 7.33-ct sapphire cabochon, diamonds, and 18K gold.
Joanna (Trummer) Angelett is a perfectionist who oversees every detail of her masterful pieces—from design through completion—even the cutting of special stones. With creativity as her trademark, she focuses on pushing the boundaries of design by using the latest CAD and laser technologies. The magnificent sapphire flower in Veronica Perfoliata with its complicated design and stunning effects is just one example. Like so many of her pieces, the ring is magical, celebrating an Australian legend about the mysterious rare blue flower for which it is named.
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- “Cup of David” in cloisonné enamel, gold, silver, diamonds, and labradorite.
In 1996, just four years after founding her design and diamond cutting business, Olgene & Co, Joanna successfully represented Australia in the International Design Competition Jerusalem 3000. Her spectacular Cup of David garnered worldwide recognition, launching what she describes, as a “fairytale” career. In 1998, she renamed the company Jewellery Art Gallery and relocated to Perth in Western Australia. On its opening day, among the many guests who attended the ceremony were the Ambassador of Israel to Australia, His Excellency Samuel Moial, and the Lord Mayor of Perth, Dr. Peter Nattrass.
Joanna’s pieces are prized by collectors around the globe. Her Golden Cross of Life is in the Vatican. “In 2000, my career was highlighted,” she says, “by the blessing of my creativity by His Holiness Pope John Paul II.” Joanna is proud that she “is the only artist in the world to be given this unique honour.” Shortly thereafter, her project, Menorah – Tree of Life, was critically acclaimed by the Prime Minister of Australia.
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- Artist Joanna Angelett (right) and Governor-General of Australia Dr Hollingworth in the Government House in Canberra.
In 2002, the Governor-General of Australia, Dr. Peter Hollingworth, ordered an official copy of her now famous Golden Cross of Life. He even introduced the Menorah project to Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen’s letter, expressing appreciation for Joanna’s original talents, inspired the Royal Garden Collection. With worldwide demand for her pieces rising, Joanna opened the Angelett Gallery in Los Angeles. It soon became “the place” for those “in the know” to find new and unique designs. With her U.S. presence gaining ever more critical acclaim, the Office of the Governor of New York invited her to meet with then Secretary of State, Dr. Randy Daniels, whose department also ordered a copy of the Golden Cross of Life.
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- “Spring” ring from the Snowdrops Collection in 18K gold, pink and white diamonds, and Australian keshi pearl.
In 2006, she was recognized by the Home Office in the United Kingdom as “The Artist with Significant Achievement.” In 2007, she opened the Angelett Gallery in Sussex, England. A year later, Joanna relocated her company to London. By 2009, her Royal Collection was being exhibited in many prestigious London venues, including the Mansion House and Goldsmith Hall.
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- Award-winning “After the Rain” ring in palladium, pearl, and diamonds.
Honours came again in 2010, when her After the Rain ring, from the Royal Garden Collection, received an award from the United Kingdom Palladium 2010 competition sponsored by the British Jewellers’ Association. I could never have imagined such an amazing life,” she says. “If my story encourages others, it will be one of my most important achievements.”
