Patricia Chiuariu
Romanian born Patricia Chiuariu (pronounced q.r.u.) is the designer and maker at q.r.u. design. She works in Naarm (Melbourne).
Her jewellery is also available at brick and mortar retailers around Australia: Zu Gallery and JamFactory Store (Adelaide), Studio Ingot (Melbourne), and Kin Gallery (Canberra).
Sustainability and ethics
Patricia believes that jewellery and metal work can never be wholly ethical or sustainable. The raw truth is we are mining raw products from the Earth and we use non-renewable chemicals to treat the metal.
In her practice Patricia seeks to work with suppliers that source precious metals and gems in a way that does not cause, support or benefit unlawful conflict, or contribute to serious human rights abuses or breaches of international law. She seeks recycled metals wherever possible.
She works with products that have minimal impact on the environment wherever possible and where chemicals are necessary, she disposes of them according to best practice and local council regulations.
Patricia collects all metal offcuts and dust and refines for future use.
Most importantly, Patricia creates high quality wearable items that will last generations (quality over quantity each and every time!).
This area is a constant work in progress and a constant responsibility.
Awards/ Industry Recognition:
2026 Members Only Exhibit at Craft Victoria, Melbourne
2025 JMGA-NSW Contemporary Jewellery and Object Award Finalist, Sydney
2024 Shortlisted for JMGWA Grad Metal XVI award, Perth
2024 Comune Gallery Mythos and Metal, Melbourne
2024 Radiant Pavilion Senti-Metal, Melbourne
2024 Zu Objects and Designs Zu, Me and JCB, Adelaide
2024 Studio Melt Annual Contemporary Exhibition, Sydney and Newcastle
2023 Melbourne Polytechnic Graduate Design Award
2023 Comune Award - Group Exhibition Invite and Mentorship
2022-23 John Lazos Graduate Design Award
