A Masterton jeweller is gunning for the title of the country's best goldsmith after a diamond ring inspired by a "naked stroller" was picked for the national finals.
Dan Palmer, whose ring is titled "Naked Barcelona", will compete against three other finalists in the fine jewellery section, to be decided at
the opening of the national jewellery show in September.
"It's pretty nice really," he said of the accolade yesterday.
"It's a good forum to show off your skills."
Originally a Wellingtonian, he has been making jewellery since 1979, including for the last 11 years in Masterton.
He said the ring was platinum and 18-carat yellow gold wrapped around a "pear-shaped" diamond.
"It was quite technical to make.
"But I do enjoy the challenge of making the designs work.
"It's one thing to put the design down on paper but getting it to work as a finished piece can be a challenge."
The ring was designed by Wellington jeweller, Ian Douglas, who said the inspiration came from an unlikely source.
He said on a trip to Barcelona he was shocked to see a man strolling through the streets wearing "just his trainers".
"That was the most crazy, fun and inspirational thing that we saw in Spain so we decided to give the name 'Naked Barcelona' to one of the designs."
He called Mr Palmer the "unsung genius" of New Zealand jewellery.
"He's just unbelievably clever and he's a genius with his hands."
For the last 14 years Mr Palmer has also manufactured the Wellington Cup, awarded to the winning owner after the famous horse race at Trentham each January.
He said he loved the varied nature of his work.
"I get to do trophies, I just did the the Young Farmer of the Year, and then there's the Wellington Cup, and rings and necklaces as well."
He said the most expensive piece he had made was a $92,000 ring about 10 years ago.
