The winners of this year’s Editor’s Choice have been announced, with brands and designers recognised for their creative talent and innovative techniques in five categories.
Sam Willoughby, IJL event director and Editor’s Choice judge, commented: “Editor’s Choice always highlights the very best design and craftsmanship on show at IJL and this year is no exception. These superb pieces, many created using ground-breaking techniques, reflect the diversity of brands and designers at this year’s show.”
Find out more about each of the winners and their stand-out designs below…
GERMAN STYLE
This new category for 2016 recognises the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the German Market Focus for 2016.
WINNER: Tezer Design
Tezer Design managing director, Sema Sezen is inspired by Bauhaus design and geometric forms when it comes to creating her jewellery collections. She says: “It is a great honour to receive this award. We have been exhibiting for more than 15 years at IJL and have found so many wonderful customers in the UK. Thank you for this recognition of my work.”
COMMERCIAL VISION
This award is given to a piece or collection produced in volume that demonstrates thorough research of target markets and current trends – destined to become a bestseller.
WINNER: Samsares Fine Jewelry
The judges were impressed with Samsares’ use of recycled 18ct rose gold and white and pink opals, rose quartz and orange carnelian to create a collection themed around ‘Floral Folklore’.
Giedra Jeanneret, owner of Samsares Fine Jewelry, commented: “My vision was to create a new concept of luxury – a fine jewellery collection which would be flawless, not only in terms of craft quality and consistent design, but also in ethics and environmental preservation.”
VISUAL IMPACT
Judges were looking for a show-stopping piece or collection that photographs beautifully and will look enticing in editorial shoots or online.
WINNER: David Miracca
This incredible titanium and amethyst ring certainly stole the attention of the judges, making debut exhibitor David Miracca a ‘one to watch’ at this year’s International Jewellery London.
He says: “In jewellery manufacture, much of design and technical innovation goes on behind the scenes, with few opportunities to demonstrate ways and ideas that are new and different. We are very excited and grateful to have won this award, as it represents recognition of a hard-won technical expertise that has enabled us to create such a ring in titanium.”
OVERALL ORIGINALITY
Awarded to a truly unique piece or a collection which highlights the talents of the designer.
WINNER: Vicky Lew London
KickStarter Vicky Lew impressed with her Flight collection, especially her Thalurania Colombica earrings made with sapphire, topaz, spinel, rhodolite and smoky quartz, hand-set in black rhodium-plated 18ct white and yellow gold
Vicky Lew added: “This award is a huge honour and a massive boost of confidence as a designer! I hope this can raise my company’s brand awareness even further to an already excellent platform, thus leading to more sales and retail opportunities.”
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
A piece or collection that is worked with technical innovation or a rarely used technique, resulting in a thought provoking piece.
WINNER: John Moore Jewellery
Winner of The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2016, artist John Moore is known for his distinctive designs with fluid movement and clever use of colour. This year’s Editor’s Choice award for technical excellence was presented for his Diamond Verto necklace, which is crafted in sterling silver and 18ct gold, with 29 diamonds, silicone and magnets.
John Moore explained: “The jewellery is born as an expression of myself as the maker and then it becomes a means of expression for those with whom it resonates, empowering them and enhancing the positive energy they put out into the world. It’s a celebration of nature, of beauty and of the self. To win this award is a complete surprise and I’m absolutely thrilled.”
All of these winning designs will be available to view at International Jewellery London from September 4th-6th 2016 at Olympia Grand.
Free online visitor registration for IJL 2016 is now open.
Register in advance online for the chance to win either an exclusive Champneys Pamper Spa Day for two or an Aston Martin Thrill Day at a famous motor race circuit.