The Artisan Awards is an initiative spearheaded by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India; an endeavour that aims to provide a platform for creative professionals to maximise their individualistic and creative ideas in jewellery design.
The thematic contests released annually have witnessed exclusive, never-seen-before, one-of-a-kind jewels that highlight the levels of innovation this industry is capable of. With entries coming in from all parts of the world, this program has proven time and again that it can be global in its outlook, welcoming in its inclusivity and authoritative in its ability to propel careers forward. With many more seasons still to come, The Artisan is well on its to becoming a hallmark for ground-breaking thinking in the jewellery space.
Women with incredible style, punch-you-in-the-face attitude, tumultuous lives, and, an insatiable hunger for beautiful, one-of-a-kind, signature jewels. The gems and baubles they painstakingly collected over their lifetimes each have their individual stories to tell; immensely covetable to date, auctioned off at unheard-of prices and consistently making headlines of their own. This era of women may have sadly ended decades ago, but their legacies live on.
For the Artisan Awards 2022, we need you to create a piece of jewellery for any of these collectors. Visualize these women as they would have been in their prime – the way they dressed then, their personal style, the kind of jewels they wore, the attitude they projected – and come up with a winner that these icons would wear if they were alive and at their peak today.
NOTE: We’ve seen these powerhouses dripping in diamonds and shining bright in their tiaras and necklaces. Your challenge is to create a smaller piece with maximum impact that will embody and enhance the personality of the woman you choose to design for – think brooches, pendants, rings or earrings.
3 Eras! 625 Entries! 27 Finalists! 9 Winners. For the 2020 edition, legendary British designer Stephen Webster graced the annual momentous event recognising and rewarding the best in jewellery design, The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, an initiative by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The Artisan Awards epitomises the highest levels of artistry, innovation and individuality - elevating jewellery designers to their rightful status of artistes.
Mr. Stephen Webster said, “For a piece of jewellery materials are everything. Materials and craft form the basis, but the element of design pushes things further. Design competitions are important because they challenge you to push yourself creatively, to push your own boundaries. India is steeped in tradition and India has influenced nearly all jewellery designers. I congratulate all the winners of The Artisan Awards presented by GJEPC and can say we have seen some great pieces.”
It's been a challenging competition for the participants but the designers did a great job. The Wallis Simpson segment excited me - every piece was well made. For me, it was a challenge to select the best three.
I'm happy to note that Indian manufacturing has improved swiftly in the last decade. It's exciting to see India raising the bar to the same level as Italy and France.
Founder & Creative Head, VAK Jewels
The final pieces were exquisite, but the Wallis Simpson section had more variety and uniqueness. By far, it was the toughest segment to judge. Overall, the quality of manufacturing was very good.
It is encouraging to know that India has enormous talent. With the rapidly changing consumer demand, talent, too, is evolving, and we are certainly observing this in the entries this year.
Managing Director, GIA India
I'm extremely impressed. The quality, workmanship, design, and the execution were impressive; the Wallis Simpson segment was especially strong.
All the participants have done a spectacular job. It was heartening to see the amount of talent we have in the country and across the world. I'd like to convey to the participants to keep going, even if you may win or not win.
Author and Jewellery Enthusiast
I am happy to see the transformation from sketch to reality of each piece. Overall, the execution has been quite in line with the sketches.
I'd like to advise young designers to find their own voice, and their own design sensibility. Only those designers who use qualitative material, quality workmanship and a look and vibe that is distinctly their own, will eventually stand out.
Bespoke Jewellery Shopping Consultant
I could see the vision, passion, and hard work that designers poured into their final designs. Congratulations winners on your incredible success. The GJEPC has done a terrific job in creating an active platform that will keep encouraging and celebrating design talent.
Jewellery Designer, Professorand Painter
I was thrilled to see the finalists' innovative creations brought to life in precious materials. It is exciting to see so much talent in the area of contemporary jewellery making, shot through with influences from Hollywood, royalty and high society. It's been a privilege to have had the opportunity to experience the journey from the initial designs on paper to the stunning three-dimensional jewels.
Former Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby's Jewellery Division
Since the last few years, we are seeing a lot of innovation and creativity in the entries. After much deliberation, we thought it helps to make the theme more challenging as we wanted to push the boundaries a little more. The final round saw many entries that met the brief. For me, that's a great thing, as we are trying to discover the best in the business.
Curator of The Artisan Awards
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is the APEX body for Gem & Jewellery trade in India. Under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Council spearheads the USD40 billion Gem & Jewellery trade employing a workforce of 5 Million
Set up in 1966, GJEPC represents 7000 members across Gem & Jewellery products from India.
Trade Facilitator
GIA India and GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. (GIA India') are independent subsidiaries of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. ('GIA'). Established in 1931, GIA is recognised as the world's foremost authority in gemmology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognised around the world as the standard for diamond quality
Through research, education, gemmological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewellery by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. All of GIA's activities are governed by its mission to serve the public.
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