In a remarkable conclusion to a decade-long tradition, Jacobs – Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, proudly announced the winners of the 2024 Jacobs’ Emerging Designer Competition. This special 10th edition was held in collaboration with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, and HS Walsh. The event celebrated the immense talent and creativity of emerging designers, showcasing stunning jewellery and silver pieces that captivated both in-store visitors and online voters.

Meet the Winners

Each participant presented a piece of silver and a piece of jewellery, both instore and via www.jacobsthejewellers.com throughout June. Over the voting period, visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favourite designs, culminating in over 600 votes being cast both in person and online. One notable success was Wojciech Linde-Apanowicz, who demonstrated the competition’s commercial appeal by successfully selling his silver jewellery ring.

Celebrating a Decade of Talent

The awards ceremony took place at Jacobs’ central Reading store, with an esteemed assembly including Angela Cork, Bishopsland Principal; Claire Murdoch, Bishopsland CEO; Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training from the Goldsmith’s Centre; and Leo Hadgi-Petrou from HS Walsh. The Worshipful the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, graced the occasion and presented certificates to the winners.

This year marks a significant milestone as the 10th and final edition of the competition, coinciding with the Bishopsland Educational Trust relocating to Buscot, West Oxfordshire, home to the new National Trust Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. Over the past decade, numerous students have benefited from this competition, gaining invaluable experience in creating high-quality pieces under competitive conditions.

Each winner was awarded £250 in HS Walsh vouchers, while the runners-up received £100 vouchers, along with a framed presentation certificate. These vouchers will aid them in purchasing tools and materials, helping to establish their burgeoning careers in the jewellery and silver industry.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to present this competition over the last decade. My thanks to the co-sponsors at The Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh, who have supported us from the very beginning – their commitment is without parallel. We congratulate this year’s participants and the previous nine and wish them all the very best in their careers. We wish all at Bishopsland lots of good fortune in their new home – they’ll be missed!” Adam Jacobs, Partner, Jacobs the Jewellers:

The CMJ look forward to witnessing the bright future of these emerging designers and continuing to celebrate the artistry and skill within our community.

Photos from left to right -Puck de Kock, Jamie Watson, Beca Flour and Sarah Wilmott.