Jacobs the Jewellers and the Bishopsland Educational Trust, together with sponsors the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh, have announced the winners of the fifth edition of the annual Emerging Designer Competition.

The three-week long competition closed this week with the winners announced and a demonstration at Reading-based Jacobs the Jewellers. Over 300 votes were reportedly cast by the general public, marking the largest field of entries yet for the annual competition.

In-competition designers were joined by sponsors Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and Andrew Wilgress of HS Walsh. Penelope Makower, Principal and Oliver Makower, Vice-principal of Bishopsland also attended as well as curious and interested Jacobs customers enjoying the sight of talented designers showing their skills.

Sarah Shelton-Palmer, Sammy Hemmett and Marissa Ziesing demonstrated the hand skills of engraving, scoring and folding as well as chasing in front of the eager crowd.

Fourteen Bishopsland designers took part in the exciting Competition held at Jacobs from 10th
June to the 28th. Each participant showcased an item of silver as well as a piece of
jewellery.

Over the three-week period, visitors to the store voted for their favourite jewellery
design as well as their preferred silver object. Visitors were treated to 27 individual designs
showcasing an inspiring depth of talent. The results were as follows:

Jewellery

Winner: Harriet Morris, Silver fantasy necklace
Runner up: Charlotte Vanhoubroueck, Silver locket brooch

Silver

Winner: Samuel Hemmett, Silver condiment vessels & spoons
Runner up: Rebecca Oldfield, Silver & gold gilded box

The winners each received £350 (runners up £100) of HS Walsh vouchers to spend on tools or materials to help establish their careers in the jewellery and silver industry plus a framed presentation certificate.

The event also synchronised with local arts organisation Jelly’s annual Open for Art cultural programme, a firmly established event in Reading. All the items are on display for a further week until 6th July as part of the Jelly Open for Art program.