UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 15 MARCH 2017
Birmingham School of Jewellery HND Jewellery and Silversmithing students have brought home an array of prizes from Spring Fair, the largest jewellery and giftware fair in the UK held at the NEC.
Every year the course set up a number of industry-sponsored and industry-judged design and make competitions a key element of the HND. This gives the students a grounding in the challenges of the jewellery industry.
These competitions are quite varied and this year saw the start of our association with Rofin/Coherent - who make laser welding and marking equipment - as well as the continuation of our long association with the CAD and casting company, Weston Beamor.
In the morning, Rofin/Coherent sponsored prizes for the best use of laser technologies in jewellery. The winners included Ophelia Stoker, Poppy Middleton, Sarah Parrt, Daniel Bollard and Yuying Hu. Their work comprised of some fine jewellery, small silverwares, costume pieces, and kinetic pieces. The prize winning students received various cash prizes prizes and opportunities for work placements.
The afternoon competition was run by Birmingham-based casting house, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company, Weston Beamor. A sample of the winning rings were made by the company and then displayed on their stand.
The students involved in the competition were asked to design a halo engagement ring and a fitted band to sit alongside it. The designs had to include a primary gemstone or pearl, mounted in precious metal and were to be tailored towards 25-35 year olds.
Ruth Hallows, Bethany Ross and Sarah Shiau took home the awards for their work with judge Richard Vinten from Weston Beamor saying afterwards: “All three of the shortlisted rings reflect the designers’ unique perspectives, approaching the halo engagement ring from interesting new angles.”
Speaking on behalf of the School of Jewellery, Course Tutor Kate Thorley said:
On top of their individual prizes, all three students will also receive a week of work experience at Weston Beamor. Giving the students a first-hand look in to the design and making process. Whilst also gaining valuable experience and contacts to support them in the rest of their studies and future careers.