JOHN CALLEIJA

DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF CALLEIJA JEWELLERS

Early Inspiration

John Calleija always loved designing from a young age. From putting pen to paper as a boy, to becoming one of the world’s few Argyle Pink Diamond Select Ateliers and trademarking the unique Glacier™ diamond cut, John has dedicated his life to creating beautiful designs.

John’s journey began in his hometown of Sydney through an apprenticeship with a local master jeweller. He taught John the trade and nurtured John’s passion for creativity and unique design. Soon John’s desire for bespoke jewellery grew stronger and led him to express his own unique style through the brand we know as Calleija today.

The Creation of Calleija

With an eye for intricate detail and a dedication to quality, John Calleija soon became a household name amongst jewellers and jewellery enthusiasts around the world.  Capturing the natural beauty of the highest quality of diamonds, Argyle pink diamonds, gemstones, Gold and Platinum, John Calleija became recognised for creating jewelled pieces of art and wearable treasures.

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“The astonishing beauty of precious gems gives me the desire to express myself through the splendour of jewellery. If a client comes to us with an idea, it’s the greatest pleasure to bring that imagination to life.”
John Calleija

International Recognition

John’s award-winning talent and skill is recognised across the world. One of his most memorable achievements was winning the coveted De Beers Diamond International Design Award for ‘Virtual Eros’ in 2000.

This award, which was announced at a private party within the Louvre, was for his $500,000 diamond face mask masterpiece. The mask features 219 brilliant cut diamonds, weighs 44 carats and is especially admired by Madonna, Alexander McQueen and other luxury fashion designers too.

John’s expressive artistry is also greatly appreciated and recognised in Australia. On a flight from Brisbane to NYC, he had a sudden inspiration to design, but had no drawing equipment. With his boarding pass and a borrowed pen from the flight attendant, John drew his flash vision for a full diamond encrusted tiara. This design became the Grand Prix winner in the Australian Jewellers design competition.

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Devotion to Bespoke Designs

Over the years, the Calleija family has grown to incorporate in-house master jewellers who share John’s enthusiasm for exceptional design too. John himself can still be found drawing his designs within the flagship Calleija boutique on the Gold Coast and credits his success to this traditional approach as it allows him to thoughtfully create bespoke designs.

This philosophy is held by John’s entire Calleija team, who work tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of craftsmanship is met with personalised design.

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Trademarked Talent

Not content to simply design pieces with carefully chosen materials of the highest quality, John spent over two years perfecting his very own Glacier Diamond™ an exclusive and sparkling diamond cut.

The unique Glacier™ diamond cut was created to capture maximum brilliance while maintaining the feminine quality so famously represented by traditional cushion cuts. Since its introduction, the Glacier™ cut has gone on to inspire Calleija’s clientele in a range of incredible diamond engagement rings.

To date, John counts the Glacier™ among his most significant achievements, which will no doubt carry Calleija’s legacy for many a lifetime.

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Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier

For more than thirty years, John Calleija has had the privilege of being an Argyle Pink Diamond Select Atelier™. Only a small number of talented artisans and master jewellers are invited to work with Argyle Pink Diamonds.

To be trusted with these incredibly rare gems is an immense privilege. By using Argyle pink, red and blue diamonds in Calleija creations, each piece is treated with the utmost reverence and care. It is also an honour to trace each gemstone back to the mine of its origin.

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