Annual Competitions
NE1 Faceters holds an annual competition where members can enter either the Novice or Open sections. It is held annually with the trophies being awarded and celebrated at our Annual General Meeting. These trophies are held for a year by the respected winner.
The Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the winner of the the Novice design. The Novice section is the best start for beginner and amateur cutters (once you receive two scores of 85+ you will not be eligible for winning in this section).
This award is in honour of our dear friend and founder member Michael Walker following a long and brave battle with cancer. Michael came to faceting late in his life, but quickly came to grips with the craft and after buying a machine of his own. He created some beautifully cut gemstones and was a great source of knowledge and ideas for our group.
The Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the winner of the Open design. Any member can enter in this section, regardless of previous scores, and is good challenge for those wanting to advance their skills .
Previous Winners
2021
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Standard Brilliant with Faceted Girdle
Material: Any Coloured Topaz
1st Place - To be announced.
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: Twinkle Triangle
Material: Colourless Cubic Zirconia
1st Place - To be announced.
2020
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Checker Top Old Mine
Material: Any Colour Cubic Zirconia
1st Place - Simone Müehlbayer
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: 12 Main Round Brilliant No 6
Material: Coloured MM Corundum
1st Place - Alan Charlton
2019
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
No entries
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
No entries
2018
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
1st Place - Andrew Smith - 57.66
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy1st Place - Alan Charlton - 79.17
2017
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Standard Brilliant with Faceted Girdle
Material: Any Natural Quartz
1st Place - Andrew Smith - 75.95
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: Australian Millenium
Material: Coloured Cubic Zirconia
1st Place - Alan Charlton - 87.62
2016
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Spokes Apex Faceted Girdle
Material: Colourless Topaz
1st Place - Alan Charlton - 93.15
2nd Place - Ross Maynard - 68.31
3rd Place - Andrew Smith - 58.68
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: I YASI 1
Material: Coloured Topaz
1st Place - Alan Charlton - 89.92
2015
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Standard Oblong Step Cut with Cut Corners
Material: Coloured Man Made Corundum
1st Place Alan Charlton 89.65
2nd Place Mavis Smith 85.98
3rd Place Yvonne Richardson 53.35
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: Spinwheel.
Material: Man Made Spinel
1st Place Alan Charlton 82.02
2nd Place Steve Smith 81.52
2014 (1st Annual Competition)
Novice Competition - Michael Walker Memorial Trophy
Design: Standard Round Brilliant
Material: Coloured CZ
1st Mavis Smith 69.38
2nd Alan Charlton 62.15
3rd Rachel Maynard 54.77
4th Yvonne Richardson
5th Ross Maynard
6th Tom Robinson
Open Competition - Jim Gemmell Memorial Trophy
Design: Bobs Fancy Top
Material: Coloured Quartz
1st Stephen Smith 83.81
2nd Alan Charlton 81.64