Jeweller Ian McArthur (Mac) commissioned master leatherworker Alex Cowley to make the strap-on arm, which comes complete with articulated fingers, electrical joinings, coloured diamonds and insets of opal and lapis lazuli.

Called 'My Steam Punk Fantasy 2', it was described by competition organisers as "unique and highly imaginative".

It's the second time the pair have worked together to produce an award-winning piece of wearable art.

In 2016, their plague doctor's mask furnished Mac with first prize in the Winton Opal Jewellery Design Awards, while a similar piece called 'Gas Man' saw Alex take out the 3D section of the Bellingen Nexus Gallery Members Art Prize.

Based in the Awl Leather workshop at the Old Butter Factory, Alex, trading as Leatherheds, has been producing steampunk apparel for several years.

Steampunk is a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features.

It comes from the science fiction genre, dating back to Jules Verne, and has captured the imagination of both artists.

Mac said 'My Steam Punk Fantasy 2', the leather and opal arm, was the most photographed piece at the awards night held in Lightning Ridge on July 26.

"It was the only piece worn by a male model," he said. "It can easily be pictured in a Mad Max movie."

The International Opal Jewellery Design Awards Association was founded in 2000 to support the opal industry and the Lightning Ridge community.

It hosts an annual opal festival and the design awards competition that runs every second year.

Mac brought home a trophy as well as a teardrop shaped piece of opal.

He explained that one of the aims of the competition is to promote the use of free form or undulating opal, particularly by jewellery designers.

"Traditionally, opals are cut in round and oval shapes," Mac said. "With free form you cut the whole stone and only waste a minimal amount. I like to think of the most pleasant shape to take advantage of the stone's natural features."

The award-winning arm is on display at Mac's Opals, opposite the Post Office on Hyde St Bellingen.