A READING jeweller is marking its 75th anniversary by looking to the future as it searches for the best budding designer.
Jacobs the Jeweller on King’s Road at Jackson’s Corner has launched its annual emerging designer contest.
Aimed at helping boost fledgling careers, it combines a virtual show with an instore experience and sees them search for amazing craft and design skills.
Each of the nine competitors, from Bishopsland Educational Trust, creates a piece of jewellery and an object.
These are now on show in store, with voting taking place until Wednesday, August 2. Among those having a say is the mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, who visited on Tuesday, July 25, where he met some of the makers and viewed the entries.
The results will be announced in the afternoon of Thursday, August 3, with the winner of each category winning £250, runners up £100 each, to spend on tools at HS Walsh, one of the UKs leading jewellery tool suppliers.
Thye contest is a partnership between Bishopsland Educational Trust, Jacobs the Jewellers, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh.
Adam Jacobs, partner at Jacobs the Jewellers said: “To think nine years ago we started working with Bishopsland; the time has flown by and my compliments to both the gang and their tutors.
“Seeing this year’s high standard of work is both inspiring and gratifying – we look forward to seeing how the public vote and sharing with everyone.
“As ever, thanks to our co-presenting partners – they’ve amazing supporters.”
The support to the Bishopsland Educational Trust has been welcomed by its principal, Angela Cork.
“We are thrilled to be showcasing the next generation of Bishopsland’s silversmiths and jewellers work at Jacobs the Jewellers. This is an important part of our annual programme, and we remain thankful to Adam Jacobs, HS Walsh, and The Goldsmith’s Centre for their ongoing support for our makers and for our craft”.
To see the entries, and to vote, log on to: https://jacobsthejewellers.com/jewellery/bishopsland-designers/
