Artifex launches Young Jewellery Designer Awards 2013

To be held on Thursday, 24 October 2013, the awards are open to young jewellery designers aged between 18 and 25 from or studying in the West Midlands.

One of the country’s leading galleries for contemporary British Arts and Crafts, Artifex has supported and sold British jewellery for more than 20 years. The brainchild of Artifex directors Nigel Bates and Ross Fenn, the Young Jewellery Designer Awards is a concept they feel will keep the industry exciting and help young jewellery designers gain exposure.

All jewellery entered will be divided into categories and exhibited at the gallery throughout the competition. The overall winning piece will win its designer a £250 cash prize and a one month display in the gallery. Runners up will each receive a £100 cash prize.

“We are passionate about British, handmade jewellery and British designers and this is a great opportunity for young jewellery makers and students to take their talented designs from the school studio to a public gallery, and build their confidence in the process,” said Nigel Bates.

“It is particularly exciting for us as this is our first awards ceremony and we hope it will be the first of many more.”

A panel of judges, comprised of Artifex directors, a member of the press, a jeweller and a jewellery trader, will select a winner from each category and an overall winner. Information regarding the awards, along with application forms, can be found at www.artifex.co.uk

Image: (L-R) Artifex directors Nigel Bates and Ross Fenn.