The IJL Gold Award for Precious Jewellery at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards was presented to Tomasz Donocik for his beautifully crafted ‘The Dune Stellar’ detachable earrings.
Known in the industry as the ‘Jewellery Oscars’, the Award was presented by IJL show director, Sam Willoughby, at the prestigious Goldsmith’s Hall on Monday, February 27.
Inspired the artist Frank Stellar’s vivid, geometric paintings of the 1970’s, Donocik creates a utopian landscape of precious opaque and translucent invisibly set, baguette cut stones.
Tomasz’s winning 18ct rose gold earrings are set with pink opal, Mozambique ruby, hematite, white agate, and white diamonds, with the stones contrasting to create a graphic pattern. The versatile earrings can also be worn as statement ear cuffs by removing the cascading drops.
Sam Willoughby, IJL show director and GCDC council representative and chairperson of the judging panel for the IJL Award, comments: “Tomasz’s earrings are remarkable – bold, cutting-edge and totally unique. His inspirational work is indicative of the talent of contemporary young British designers currently making their mark internationally.
“It is especially rewarding for us to see Tomasz collect this award as he was one of IJL’s Bright Young Gems in 2006. We look forward to showcasing the winning earrings at IJL 2017 this September.”
Read more: Discover how IJL is #withyou, supporting the industry 365 days year.
Tomasz Donocik adds: “It was an honour to win two such prestigious awards in the face of such strong competition. Every year these awards attract the highest level of craftsmanship and champion creativity through all the stages of jewellery making. I am especially thrilled to have received the IJL Award for my Dune Stellar earrings.”
Brian Hill, consultant secretary, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, says: “The Goldsmiths’ competition judges had no hesitation in awarding the top prize to Tomasz Donocik in this year’s IJL Award. His design was refreshingly different, using a combination of complimentary and unusual materials that made it distinctive, fashion conscious, elegant and bespoke. Tomasz is a natural and worthy winner.”
The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, which runs the competition, actively encourages crafts persons, designers, apprentices and students to enter their work in these highly respected annual awards.
Tomasz was also awarded a Gem-A Special Award for their Coloured Gems Course for his ‘The Dune Stellar’ Earrings. All the winning pieces will be showcased for four days in a public exhibition at the Goldsmith’s Hall from February 28 to March 3.
One comment