Figurative Carving Guidelines
Figurative Carving Entry Guidelines
- Entries should depict a clearly identifiable subject, such as a human figure, animal, elements of flora and fauna, or fantasy.
- The judges will consider the challenges posed by the opal’s natural characteristics. Therefore, the carving does not need to be an exact replica of the subject.
- Any grade of Australian opal may be used; however, it must be untreated, natural Australian opal.
- Submitted carvings must be unset – they should not be incorporated into jewellery or other finished objects.
- Each entry must be carved entirely by the entrant, from start to finish. If multiple individuals contribute to the piece, the entry will be disqualified.
- Judging will be based on creativity, innovation, and overall proportions of the carving.
- Attention to detail and finishing quality will be key factors in evaluation. Judges will also consider how well the entrant has incorporated the natural challenges of the opal into their design, demonstrating both skill and perseverance.
- To aid in assessing the difficulty of the carving process, entrants are encouraged to provide a ‘before’ photograph of the rough opal.
- Carvings with a highly polished (mirror finish) and scratch-free surface – as verified with a 10X loupe – will receive higher scores than those that fall short in these areas.
- Carvings do not need to be designed with the intention of being set in jewellery.