Wildflower pendant design winner a real pearler

It shows off some of the Mid West’s most renowned attractions, but according to judges of the Chimere Pearls Geraldton pendant competition, the new design is more than just a pretty picture.

Chimere Pearls manager Kerrie Greyson said the Geraldton pendant was a way of getting people to question the features they saw and make them want to know more.

“The new design tells a story of our Mid West, ” she said.

“We see a focus on the Moresby Ranges and the famous Geraldton wax.”

The design competition challenged entrants to capture the Mid West’s wildflowers to create a pendant which best represents Geraldton.

A design by former Geraldtonite Catherine Earp took out the top prize — which judges Myriam Glorieux (Geraldton Visitor Centre), Mrs Greyson and Bruce Betts (Geraldton Newspapers) chose.

Mrs Glorieux said the design, entitled Gateway to the Wildflowers, was not just a piece of jewellery, but a way of selling the Mid West.

“From a tourism point of view, the design has cleverly incorporated a local landmark and one of Geraldton’s most famous flowers, ” she said.

“The Moresby Ranges and Geraldton wax are two of our major tourism points and having them around the neck of many visitors is a great conversation starter.”

Mrs Glorieux, who originates from Belgium, was particularly excited to see Geraldton wax featured in the design.

“Geraldton wax is a flower used by florists around the world, ” she said.

“I recently returned to Belgium and at a local florist, I saw they were even using our local flower in their designs.

“This is information we can share when people look at these pendants. Enticing them to want to know more and see it for themselves.”

For her winning design, Mrs Earp will receive her own hand-made pendant, which according to Mrs Greyson, couldn’t be better timing for the young designer.

“Catherine decided to enter at the last minute as she was leaving Geraldton to move over east, ” she said.

“Now she’s got a perfect little going away present to remind of her where she came from.”

The new pendant will be ready for sale in early September, right on time for wildflower season.

For more information, contact the gallery by email at reception@chimerepearls.com.au or phone 9965 5145.