University News Last updated 18 June 2013
Jewellery design students from Birmingham City University have put their creative skills into practice, turning jumble into jewels in a bid to raise vital funds to transform children’s lives.
First year students on the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Related Products course were challenged with transforming a bag of second hand ‘jumble’ into an inventive and desirable piece of jewellery, all in aid of children’s charity Barnados.
The Jumble Jewels project devised by course director Zoe Robertson and Tina Kang from Barnados saw students create a piece of costume jewellery inspired by an aspect of the charity’s work.
The final designs were showcased before a panel of judges at the University’s School of Jewellery. Twenty-year-old Chloe Solomon was crowned as the overall winner for her shoulder piece, created from painted clothing and broken jewellery, whilst Annie Huang, and Rebecca Yang were named as the runners up.
While creating their pieces, the students also organised and took part in various fund raising events and together helped raise more than £1,500 for the charity.
Course director Zoe said: “Our students wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to raise funds for Barnardos. They developed valuable entrepreneurial and team working skills, whilst creating some astonishing catwalk creations made from shop donations where they transformed unusual materials into amazing jumble jewels. We're very proud of their achievements."
Tina added: “At Barnardos we’re all about inspiring children and young people to believe in themselves and fulfil their potential.
“The Jumble Jewels event is a fantastic example of talented students believing in their own potential, whilst raising funds to help the vulnerable young people we work with.
“We’re thrilled to have been part of this innovative project and are so impressed by the students.”
The students’ designs will go on display at Barnados flagship store in Brixton later in the year.
Find more information about the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and Related Products course.