University News Last updated 06 July 2023
An aspiring jeweller from Birmingham City University is one step closer to her dream career after being crowned ‘Designer of the Year’ at the prestigious New Designers showcase this week.
Augusta Lazenby, a final-year Design for Industry student, is just one of the five BCU Jewellery students recognised for their exceptional creative work at the showcase.
Her 10-piece ring collection won plaudits from the judges and earned her a coveted placement at Hockley Mint’s Birmingham workshop.
Also receiving deserved recognition from Hockley Mint were BCU jewellery graduates Lilli Canham and Yiting Wang. Fellow graduates Adam Fisher and Elan Rowlands had their work recognised by one of the biggest names in jewellery, Stephen Webster.
Andrew Howard, Lecturer in Jewellery & Silversmithing – (Design for Industry) at BCU, attended New Designers alongside the graduates.
Like London buses, award success at the School of Jewellery seemingly come in pairs.
Chris Lewis, recent Higher National Diploma (HND) Jewellery & Silversmithing graduate, also secured the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award, thanks to his hip-hop inspired, eye-catching pendants and savvy business skills
It was actually someone in the marketing department at the NAJ who spotted my work at the New Jewels exhibition at the NEC who told me to apply for the rising star award,” said Chris
“I think they were impressed with how I had manged to build my business and had gone from no jewellery knowledge or background to where I am today in just two years.
Dauvit Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Jewellery & Silversmithing at BCU’s School of Jewellery believes Chris’s success is a bigger deal than even he realises.
“It is exciting to see Chris’s hard work payoff and recognised with an award by the prestigious NAJ,” added Dauvit
“Chris is a fitting example of what we do on the HND Jewellery and Silversmithing, he has a real desire to learn the skills required to become a fine jewellery setter.
Although many students may need an extra shelf in their trophy cabinets, there is no sign of ‘award season’ for the School of Jewellery slowing down.
Later this month, a carefully selected group of students will also have their work displayed at the forthcoming Paris Couture Fashion Week, alongside some of the best-known brands in the business.