INDUSTRY EVENT: ACJ Wessex -'Best in Show'

In December Benchpeg was extremely honoured to have been asked to select the inaugural Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex’s (ACJ Wessex) ‘Best in Show’ award at their annual ‘Winter Jewels’ selling exhibition hosted by Hilliers Arboretum in Romsey, Hampshire.

It was a super morning spent in the company of jewellery makers and a supportive making community, as Gill Mallett turned 80 the next day and the membership had as a surprise, each made a Christmas decoration for her in celebration of such a milestone birthday and placed them on a mini Christmas tree on proud display at the event. I was a lovey scene to witness, as ex-Chair Gill, with her beady eye and understated talent for observation found the new ‘exhibit’ within 30 seconds of arrival.

The judging of the award was much more difficult though – with 26 jewellers exhibiting from across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset, the bar was set very high. In the end there were obvious stand out choices, with Highly Commendeds going to:

• Zoë Slattery for the style and quality of execution of her enamelled Jasmine Box and Bowl
• Jo Lally for the concept and themes around mental health and stepping out of one’s comfort zone for her Spinning Thoughts Necklace
• Gillian Hacket for the precision, execution and level of detail given in her Concentric Circles Pendant
• Nic Monks for the recycled and alternative materials theme and texture of his Deeply Textured Wooden Brooch reminiscent of bog wood

The overall win had to go to Helena Symes for her ‘Bear Necklace’. The piece had exact execution and precision, beautiful use of colour and incorporated recycled materials within a sustainability theme. The piece stood out because of the use of ‘other’ materials as an alternative to precious gemstones which still produced rich jewel like colours.

Winter Jewels is the annual Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex’s (ACJ Wessex) selling exhibition held at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, Hampshire running from Deember through to early January every year. Admission is free. The exhibition showcases unique, handcrafted jewellery by ACJ Wessex members, offering visitors the chance to meet makers and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.

www.winterjewels.co.uk