INDUSTRY EVENT: Quality marking of precious metals in Australia

Chris Sherwin, Fellow member #5 of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild will briefly discuss historical aspects relating to the use of Identification marks on precious metal in England and Australia. The presentation will include a demonstration of the physical application of marks to precious metal and will pursue in some detail the concepts of data/provenance/consumer protection.

COST: FREE (member only event)

BOOKINGS: Limited spaces – advanced registration required. Contact Kathryn Wyatt with any issues: publicity@gem.org.au or phone 0412 195 964.

Who is Chris Sherwin?

Born in 1959 in London, England to Australian parents, Chris has lived in several countries and has travelled extensively.

Chris began his journey as a gold and silversmith in 1982. In 1984 he completed his Diploma of Arts, Gold and Silversmithing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. Chris practised his craft for some years in both Germany and Australia before establishing his own business, Sherwin Design Studio. From 1989 until 1999 he lectured part time at RMIT as a specialist skills teacher. During this period he also undertook further studies and completed his Master of Arts degree in the year 2000. From 2000 until 2009 he was the Coordinator of Jewellery and senior educator at the Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (Melbourne Polytechnic). Chris has made a significant input into the introduction of competency based jewellery training within the Technical and Further Education field. He has continued his contribution to training in the Australian jewellery profession by writing national competency units for the Certificate 4, Post Trade jewellery qualification and by his commitment to educating jewellers as a Fellow of the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia. During his 30 years as a Fellow of the Guild he has served on various committees and has been vice-president and president of the organisation.

In 2012, Chris celebrated his 30th year as a practicing goldsmith with a solo exhibition ‘Precious Evolution’. He has participated in many exhibitions over the years and has exhibited his work in Germany and Australia.

A qualified teacher, he holds a Diploma Education in VET practice (Vocational Education and Training). He is able to undertake large work (Silversmithing), corporate commissions and creates bespoke jewellery items in platinum, gold and silver.