Claire Bextream

Jewellery

“You only have one life so make the most of it.”

Claire Bextream discovered her passion for jewellery in high school when she chose VCAL over VCE to pursue a more hands-on pathway. Inspired by her love of wearing jewellery and her aunt’s involvement in the trade, she completed a week of work experience that confirmed her calling. “I fell in love with what I was doing and wanted to make jewellery my career and passion,” she says.

Her WorldSkills journey began unexpectedly in December 2025 when a former teacher called to say the original competitor had withdrawn and Claire had been nominated as a replacement. After creating two regional showcase pieces for assessment, she secured her place in the Skillaroos Training Squad for Shanghai. “I was in complete shock—it took a while to sink in that I was actually going.”

Adapting to strict time limits has been one of Claire’s biggest challenges. Used to working towards due dates rather than the clock, she found the pressure intense. By stepping back, focusing on her breathing and breaking tasks into smaller sections, she learned to manage the stress. “WorldSkills has taught me that if you push yourself, the benefits are amazing—and life-changing.”

Claire has worked at Precious Repairs in Ferntree Gully for nearly four years, starting as an apprentice and now practising as a jeweller. She credits mentors including Rene McCarthy and Jyothi Collins for believing in her and helping build her confidence. Representing Australia is a privilege she does not take lightly. Looking to the future, Claire hopes to grow in the trade, take on leadership roles, travel for inspiration and continue creating meaningful pieces—while inspiring others to explore jewellery-making.

 

Three words that describe you – Enthusiastic, Passionate, Responsible

 

Jewellery Team

Expert: Jyothi Forman – Georgies Fine Jewellery

 

 

Claire Bextream is supported by: