THE JEWELLERY designers of tomorrow are currently taking part in a contest where Reading’s shoppers can decide the winner.
Jacobs, the town’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, is inviting people to visit its Kings Street store and see entries to its annual Emerging Designer contest – the tenth year.
All seven competitors are studying with the Bishopsland Eductaional Trust.
The contest seeks to boost fledgling careers, combining online with instore experience reflecting the local and national audience for craft skills and design.
Each competitor creates both a piece from a jewellery and an object category.
The winner will receive £250 to spend on tools from HS Walsh, with the runners-up receiving £100.
Adam Jacobs, a partner at Jacobs the Jewellers, was delighted to be running the contest once again.
“A decade of this competition has been a brilliant achievement – the same three partners have created a compelling event, and I’m grateful to each of them.
“Each year the calibre of entries has been exceptional, and this year is no different. We’re looking forward to seeing how the public vote,”
This was echoed by Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, who said the contest was a fantastic opportunity for those at the start of their careers.
“The Goldsmiths’ Centre is proud to back this initiative, which helps emerging makers to thrive, connect, and develop their skills and businesses together,” he said.
And Angela Cork, Principal Bishopsland Educational Trust, added: “The Emerging Designer event at Jacobs the Jewellers is a regular feature in Bishopsland’s annual programme to create live retail experiences.
“Each year our cohort are given a high street and online platform to showcase their latest work, which is then put to a public vote.
“This is a brilliant learning experience for Bishopsland’s makers, and we are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, Jacobs the Jewellers, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh for their generous support over the last ten years, these opportunities help to safeguard the future of our industry and silversmithing.”
Voting continues until Monday, June 17, with the winner revealed the following day in a ceremony attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis.
Competitors’ entries and voting are visible at: https://jacobsthejewellers.com/jewellery/bishopsland-designers
