STAFF
The Klepner’s family is as diverse as it is highly qualified. From the director down each of its members brings something unique and valuable to the group. When engaging Klepner's it is important to be aware of just how knowledgeable they really are, in fact as you will soon see they are leaders in their industry.
RONNIE BAUER, DIRECTOR
Director of Klepner's Fine Antique Jewellery and Valuers since 1977, Ronnie has had a long and illustrious history in the jewellery industry which has included being a former president of the Gemmological Association of Australia.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor Arts (Media)
Post Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
Certificate IV in Gemmological Studies
Diploma of Gemmology Studies
Diploma Diamond Technology
Registered Valuer's Certificate
Approved Government Valuer Tax Incentive for the Arts Scheme
Computer Education Certificate (Mera) 1990 - Microsoft Word & Lotus Symphony.
Computer Education Certificate (Holmsglen TAFE) 1994 Microsoft Access
APPOINTMENTS & COMMISSIONS:
National Secretary of the Australian
Gemstone Jewellery Industry Council (AJGIC)
Chairman of the National hallmarking Committee (AJGIC)
Honorary Life Member Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA)
Committee member of G.A.A. (Victoria Division)
Committee member National Council of Jewellery Valuers (Victoria)
President Les Amis de Monaco en Australie
30 years experience in antique jewellery.
Director of Klepner's since 1977.
Director of Bauer Gemmological Laboratories since 2005.
Past Federal President Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) (2002-3)
A past Federal Chairman Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA) (1991-3) (2000-2005)
Constitutional Officer of the Federal Council (GAA)
Lecturer to Gemmological Association of Victoria (GAA) on gemstones and antique jewellery for many courses run by GAA, Jeweller's Association of Australia (JAA) and Valuer's courses
Lecturer on gemmology to the Gold and Sliversmithing course of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) & Northern Metropolitan TAFE.
Ex councillor of JAA.
Member of the Victorian Jewellery Valuer's Council
Argyle Diamonds Panel Member (1994-96)
Free lance journalist for Australian Jeweller magazine on gemmological subjects and contributor to Australian Gemmologist journal.
Public speaking circuit on antique jewellery. Sub-contractor to various jewellers for antique and modern jewellery valuations.
Sponsor of RMIT Jewellery Design course.
Sponsor of Northern Metropolitan TAFE Jewellery Design course.
Various articles in daily newspapers on jewellery.
Adviser and consultant to the following: Australian Racing Museum National Gallery of Australia, Canberra National Gallery of Victoria Melbourne Museum Power House Museum, Darling Harbour, NSW Melbourne University Gallery Swinburne University Gallery RMIT University Gold/Silversmith's Gallery Geelong Gallery. City of Doncaster Gallery Old Parliament House Museum(Canberra)
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND:
1962-1971 Mount Scopus College, Melbourne (4th form)
1972-3 De La Salle College, Brisbane year (10-11)
1974 Taylor's College, Melbourne (Matriculation)
1975-6 Caulfield Institute of Technology (Electrical Engineering & Communications)
1977 RMIT Media Studies
1980-81 Diploma of Gemmology (GAA)
1985 Diploma in Diamond Technology
1986 Resumed studies part-time at RMIT and completed B.A.(Media) in 1990.
1990-92 Swinburne University, (Post Graduate Diploma of Business Administration)
2002-3 Diploma of Gemmological Studies (valuations)
2003 Synthetic update (GAA)
2002 Advanced diamond grading (GAA)
2003 Advanced Pearls (GAA)
KARA BREADMORE, MANAGER
Kara has been the manager of Klepner’s for over 5 years and as well as being a highly talented and much sought after jewellery designer in her own right (winning multiple awards) she is often remarked as being the “heart” of the Klepner’s family.
QUALIFICATIONS:
2007- 2008, Currently completing Masters of Fine Art, Gold and Silversmithing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
2006, Completed Bachelor of Fine Art, majoring in Gold and Silversmithing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
2003, Completed Certificate IV in Jewellery Design and Production, Fremantle TAFE, Perth, Western Australia
2001, Commenced Bachelor of Arts, Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
GROUP EXHIBITIONS:
2008, Graduate Metal XI, Light Square Gallery, Adelaide Centre of the Arts, Adelaide
2007, Siemen’s RMIT Fine Art Scholarships
2007, RMIT University Gallery, Melbourne
2007, International Graduate Show, Galerie Marzee, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
2007, Its Got Legs, Postgraduate Exhibition, RMIT University, School of Art & Culture, Faculty Gallery, Melbourne
2007-2008, Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Exhibition Buda, traveling exhibition: Hamilton Gallery, Geelong Art Gallery, McLelland Art Gallery & Sculpture Park and the Gold Treasury Museum Melbourne
2006, Rediscover, Jewelers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia, The Journal Café, Melbourne, VIC
2006, Out of The Basement, Graduate Exhibition, RMIT University, School of Art & Culture, Faculty Gallery, Melbourne
2005, Victorian Stories, Jewelers and Metalsmiths Group Australia, Chapel off Chapel, Melbourne, VIC traveled to Brenda May Gallery, Sydney, Australia
2005, Construct, RMIT University, School of Art & Culture Faculty Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
2004, Selected Works Gold & Silver, RMIT University, School of Art & Culture Faculty Gallery, Melbourne, VIC
2003, Graduate Exhibition Jewellery Design & Productions, Central Tafe, Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery, Fremantle, Perth, WA
COMMISSIONS:
2007, Honorary Guest Stick Pins, The RMIT Foundation Dinner, Kara Breadmore, Julia Story, Nicole Polentas, Lucy Blackmore, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC
2005, Anti-Cancer Council Australia, Daffodil Ball, Jewellery Commission Donation, Melbourne
2004, The Australian Army, The Cannon, Kara Breadmore, Klepner’s Jewellers
AWARDS/ PRIZES/ GRANTS:
2007, Siemens RMIT Fine Art Scholarship, Finalist, RMIT University, Melbourne
2007, Contemporary Australian Silver and Metalwork Exhibition Buda, The Gold and Silversmithing Guild of Australia Award, An award for excellence in jewellery design and Craftsmanship, BUDA, Castlemaine, VIC
2007, Kaiserman Jewelers, The Kaiseman Prize, Inaugural Finalists, Melbourne, Victoria
COLLECTIONS:
2007, Gallery Marzee, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. ‘Wearable Wallpaper III’
2007, Incube8r Gallery, Private Collection, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria
ARTS RELATED INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE/ EMPLOYMENT:
2007, Hydraulic Forming Workshop, Apecs Investment Casting, Melbourne, VIC
2007, Retail Diamond Consultancy Course, Gemological Association of Australia, Melbourne, VIC
2004, Manager of Klepner’s Jewellers, Currently employed, Vic, Australia
2003, Stefan Diamond Specialists, Perth, WA, Australia
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:
2006-08, Craft Victoria
2006-08, JMGA Jewelers and Metalsmiths of Australia
CHRIS PAYNE, GEMMOLOGIST
How many jewellery stores can boast having a former Australian soldier that graduated first in his class nationally in gemmology examinations on their staff? Klepner's can! Not only was Chris such an outstanding patriot and student but he has now become a first class teacher. Chris proudly accepted the invitation of the Gemmological Association of Australia and is now teaching gemmology theory to Gemmology IV students.
QUALIFICATIONS:
2007 Advanced Opal
2007 Practical Diamond Grading
2006 Invited to create course component and teach Gemmology Theory to all 1st year Gemmology IV students by the Gemmology Association of Australia
2006 Invited by the Gemmology Association of Australia to assist teaching all 2nd year Practical Gemmology students
2004 Graduated No 1 nationally from a class of 76 graduates in the Gemmology IV examinations
2003/2004 Awarded High Destinction in Certificate IV Gemmology Awarded the Australian prize for the best combined performance in the theory and practical examinations Awarded the Howard J. Lem prize for the best practical paper by a Victorian student
2003 Certificate III in Retail Operations
2002 Certificate II in Retail Operations
1996-1976 Proudly serviced in the Australian Army. Received numerous trade and military related qualifications obtained whilst in the armed forces
1994 Advanced Certificate in Personnel Administration
1974 Matriculation- Maths Is, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, English and Geology
1973 Leaving Certificate- Maths I, Maths II, Chemistry, Geography, Physics and English
TRADE EXPERIENCE:
Owner/operator of Gondwana Gems & Crystals
Purchased crystals and mineral specimens in Brazil and resold this material in the USA and AUST
Purchased gem material from Brazilian miners and resold to overseas buyers
Crystal and mineral specimens valued upwards of $5000
ELISE DUNN, ASSISTANT VALUER
The consumate professional, Elise is dedicated to her craft so it is no suprise that she has very quickly become one of Melbourne's most respected jewellery valuers.
2008 Certificate of: Advanced Diamond Grading at GAA
2006 Certificate in Valuation: National Council of Jewellery Valuers
2006 Certificate in Practical Diamond Grading
2 year course completed 2005 Certificate IV in Gemmological Studies
The Gemmological Association of Australia
2001 Advanced Diploma of Engineering and Technology / Jewellery
Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe (NMIT)
ALYSHA BATLIWALLA, ASSISTANT
Ky Wilson, Marketing and Promotions
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