Students from Design Centre Enmore (TAFE NSW) are testing their skills under extreme pressure at the Sydney Fair with the Mystery Box Bench Challenge. The event started in 2024 as a competitive showcase running over three days. Competitors receive a mystery collection of materials and must design and create a piece of jewellery before a glowing red countdown clock runs out. Two qualifying stages are held on Saturday and Sunday, followed by a grand finale on Monday. The top three jewellers from each day move through to the final round, and the event consistently commanded the attention of onlookers throughout the proceedings at Darling Harbour. Raucous applause greeted every participant at the conclusion of each day.
Grand Finale Details
Jessica Ward secured the top spot in the grand finale, collecting more than $2,000 worth of prizes to further her developing career in the jewellery industry. She was joined on the podium by Mathias Simon in second place and Finn Macoolyn-Lindsay in third. The winner of the opening round was Billy O’Brien, joined by Finn Macoolyn-Lindsay and Mathias Simon. This was followed by a heated round on day two, with George Potamitis securing first place and heading through to the grand finale accompanied by Amy Cashman and Jessica Ward.
TAFE NSW head teacher of jewellery design, Gina Kind, said it was excellent to see the broader industry adopt the growing tradition. “All of the competitors have done very well. These aren’t easy circumstances. It’s difficult to execute technical skills while you’re being watched, photographed, and spoken to while you’re working away against the clock,” she told Jeweller. “We are very proud of the way each of these jewellers has conducted themselves.”
Related: Leyton’s Sparkling Shift: Lab Grown Diamonds Illuminate the Borough
2027 Event Confirmed
As the winner of the 2026 Mystery Box Bench Challenge, Jessica Ward joins previous winners Brielle Prince of Meg Maskell Fine Jewellery (2025) and Solomon Gates of Saffo Jewellery (2024). The event organizers also introduced the inaugural Future Jeweller Award this year, awarded to a deserving contestant for factors beyond jewellery manufacturing, such as composure and camaraderie. George Potamitis was the recipient of that award.
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy thanked all organisers, contestants, sponsors, and visitors for their continued support of the event and confirmed that in 2027, the Mystery Box Bench Challenge will return – bigger and better than ever before. The Mystery Box Bench Challenge is made possible by the support of Australian Jewellery Supplies, Palloys, Expertise Events, and the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA).