A rare opportunity to own a significant piece of Western Australian performing arts history has emerged following the final curtain call of Cinderella. A one-of-a-kind jewel, stitched into the iconic ball gown during the West Australian Ballet's 2025 season, is now being offered for sale, with all funds raised directed to the ballet company.
A World-First Collaboration Takes the Stage
The exquisite piece marks the inaugural work in the Heirloom Series, a groundbreaking partnership between West Australian Ballet and renowned Perth jeweller Rohan Milne. Milne approached the ballet's design team with a visionary concept: to create a fine jewellery item that would become an integral part of a live performance.
Inspired by the gown originally crafted in 2011 by designer Allan Lees, Milne sought to create a jewel that felt destined for the costume. "I took inspiration from the dress itself and really tried to make something that looked like it should have been there from the beginning," Milne explained. The design process was collaborative, with the ballet team selecting their preferred option from several presented—a choice that aligned perfectly with the jeweller's own favourite.
Engineering Beauty for Performance
The final, sculptural design draws inspiration from Art Deco architecture, reminiscent of the crown of New York's Chrysler Building. Handcrafted in 18ct yellow gold, it is adorned with rare Australian gems:
- Argyle champagne diamonds along the top row
- A row of Argyle pink diamonds beneath
- A central mother-of-pearl inlay
- A half-carat Argyle champagne diamond at its heart
- An Australian South Sea Pearl suspended below
This was no ordinary piece of stage jewellery. Lauren Widdicombe, Head of Wardrobe at West Australian Ballet, noted the unprecedented nature of using real gemstones in a costume. "We don't normally have real gemstones on costumes, so it was very special," she said. "Very unique. A little bit stressful—but a very one-off opportunity."
To withstand the rigours of performance, Milne engineered the piece with multiple gold loops on the back, allowing it to be securely hand-stitched into the gown's bodice before each show. It was worn on stage by five different principal dancers throughout the season, concluding at His Majesty's Theatre in late December 2025.
A New Life as a Collectable Heirloom
Now that the season has ended, the jewel, valued at over $30,000, has been transformed into a necklace and pendant. Its hidden loops now give it a beautiful three-dimensional form. It is currently on display at Rohan Jewellers' atelier in Mount Lawley, where the public can view and even try on this piece of living history.
"When do you ever get to purchase a piece of jewellery that was worn on stage in one of the most beautiful ballets, by five different ballerinas?" Milne remarked. "It's not just a piece of jewellery. It's the first heirloom piece we've ever made in collaboration with West Australian Ballet."
Widdicombe believes the jewel transformed the gown, reviving and elevating it from its previous iterations. "When we told them (the dancers), they were all quite excited. I think it maybe made them feel like actual princesses in that moment," she shared.
Expressions of interest for the piece are now open. Milne hopes this is just the beginning, revealing plans for Heirloom Two and Heirloom Three in the future. For one fortunate buyer, they will not just acquire a stunning piece of WA craftsmanship, but will, as Milne puts it, "wear a moment in time."
