WIJ Panel - Saturday 17th August

Brigitte Zollo

Brigitte Zollo, with over 40 years of experience, leads Aurum Jewels at Shop 23 in Adelaide Arcade, known as “Adelaide’s most stylish jeweller.” Her journey began in her family’s opal mining business, and she became a licensed valuer in 1985. Working with Ann Middleton at Chez Jewels for 18 years, she gained extensive expertise in handcrafted jewellery. In 2002, Brigitte opened Casa D’Oro on Norwood Parade and later succeeded in Mosman’s affluent market. At Aurum, she continues to excel in anticipating and meeting women’s jewellery preferences.

Lauren Sommer

Lauren Sommer is the co-founder of Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, which she established with her sister Alana Chang Weirick in 2004. Moi Moi, meaning "little sister" in Cantonese, was a pioneer in bringing moissanite and later lab-grown diamonds to Australia. They introduced lab-grown diamonds in 2019 due to technological advancements and increasing demand for sustainable options. Their flagship stores in Sydney and Melbourne offer custom-designed jewellery featuring SUPERNOVA Moissanite and LAVANA lab-grown diamonds. Lauren's focus on quality and ethical sourcing has made Moi Moi a leader in providing affordable and eco-friendly alternatives to mined diamonds​

Nadia Neuman

Nadia Neuman is a distinguished Australian jewellery designer who owns and operates Mondial by Nadia in Sydney's Strand Arcade. With a deep passion for rare and exotic gemstones, she has continued the legacy of her family's jewellery business, Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier. Growing up surrounded by beautiful jewels, Nadia's unique approach to design has captivated the industry, earning her numerous national and international jewellery design awards. Her boutique offers a wide array of bespoke and contemporary pieces, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and organic materials, reflecting her forward-thinking design ethos​ 

Jenny Sher

Jenny Sher is a key figure at Chemgold, a family-run Australian company that has been a leader in the jewellery industry for nearly 40 years. Chemgold specializes in a range of services including casting, CAD, 3D printing, precious metals, fabricated alloys, refining, findings, and JewelMounts. Known for its commitment to innovation and quality, Chemgold integrates traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to provide exceptional service and products to its customers. Jenny Sher, along with other members of the Sher family, ensures that the company maintains its core values of honesty, integrity, and personalized customer care

Alana Weirick

Alana Weirick is the CEO and co-founder of Moi Moi Fine Jewellery, an Australian company known for specializing in lab-grown gemstones, particularly moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. Alongside her sister, Lauren, Alana established Moi Moi with a vision to offer high-quality, ethically-sourced gemstones as an alternative to traditional mined diamonds. 

Her role involves overseeing the business's strategic direction, ensuring the brand's commitment to quality, and promoting the benefits of lab-grown gemstones to a broader audience.

Host: Janelle O'Connell

Janelle O'Connell is the General Manager of Calleija Jewellers, an esteemed jewellery brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs. Located in the Strand Arcade in Sydney and Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast, Calleija Jewellers is renowned for its bespoke jewellery, particularly featuring rare Argyle Pink Diamonds. Janelle is dedicated to growth and innovation within the jewellery industry, often participating in industry panels and events to inspire and support other professionals. Her leadership continues to uphold Calleija's reputation for excellence and creativity.