University News Last updated 22 February 2016
A student at the School of Jewellery has won the Weston Beamor annual design competition.
Stephanie Holt, who studies HND Jewellery and Silversmithing, beat the competition with her winning design, entitled ‘ONE’ – a unique matching wedding and engagement ring set. She received a £500 cash prize and secured a work experience opportunity with Birmingham casting house and 3D printing specialist, Weston Beamor.
The judges said Stephanie's design has a 'strong, minimalist and highly contemporary feel and physically joins together the wedding ring and an engagement ring in an unusual and highly distinctive way, whilst still allowing for the two pieces to be worn separately'.
Stephanie initially worked for the World Rally Championship and then became a teacher, before deciding to focus on jewellery design. She said:
Two more HND Jewellery and Silversmithing students, Mahroz Mirzahekmati and Katie Shirt were named finalists for their designs. Mahroz’s more traditional design, ‘Unconditional’ introduces intricate and flowing rose gold details to add interest to the white shanks. ‘Florence’ by Katie draws its inspiration from the most romantic city in the world and features a pear-shaped diamond in an intricate raised setting. Both finalists received cash prizes.
Presenting the students with their prizes, Andrew Morton, managing director of WB The Creative Jewellery Group said that the competition, which is now in its 11th year, has become harder and harder to judge. He explained:
The three winning designs can be seen in the gallery below (Left to right: 'ONE' by Stephanie Holt, 'Unconditional' by Mahroz Mirzahekmati and 'Florence' by Katie Shirt):
