PRESS RELEASE: The Incorporation of Goldsmiths Unveils Striking Goblets by Militsa Milenkova

This award offers recent graduates in Scotland the opportunity to undertake a prestigious commission: to design and make a goblet for the collection of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. With a history spanning more than five centuries, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths today trades as Edinburgh Assay Office. The selected graduate is paired with a renowned Silversmith based in Scotland to mentor them throughout the commission.

Militsa’s design for this goblet is called DOLERITE, originating from the Greek word δολερός – doleros (“deceitful, deceptive”). The goblet celebrates the legacy of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths and the rich history of Edinburgh. Drawing inspiration from the Edinburgh Assay Office hallmark—featuring Edinburgh Castle—the top of the goblet takes its shape from the castle tower. The lower section, representing the volcanic rock on which the castle stands, is plated in black rhodium to reflect the dark hue of dolerite. The result is a striking piece where castle and hill are unified into a unique drinking vessel.

Based on the intriguing design, the Incorporation commissioned Militsa to produce two goblets, one using traditional silversmithing techniques, and another designed using CAD software and casting methods.

To create the cast goblet, Militsa worked with Edinburgh-based Silversmith and Jeweller Kathryn Hinton. Kathryn creates innovative contemporary jewellery and silverware that explores geometric surfaces and faceted forms, utilising computer-aided design alongside traditional skills to create this work.

For the hand-built goblet, Militsa worked with David Ramsay, Silversmith at Hamilton & Inches, based on George Street in Edinburgh. Renowned for its skilled craftspeople, Hamilton & Inches has operated in Edinburgh since 1866.

Militsa also received support from the team at The Glasgow School of Art, where she was Artist in Residence in the Jewellery and Silversmithing department in 2024.

Joanne Lim, Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths, said, ‘The Outstanding Student Award nurtures the next generation of makers while honouring our long tradition of craftsmanship. Militsa’s design embodies both innovation and respect for Edinburgh’s history — a perfect reflection of what this commission stands for. We are proud to welcome her work into the Incorporation’s collection.’

Militsa Milenkova graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2024 with a degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery. Militsa is an artist, designer and maker based in Glasgow. She creates jewellery and objects as a means of communicating her thoughts and feelings and draws inspiration mainly from her surroundings and personal experiences. In her practice she explores various concepts that intrigue her, while triggering her creativity by experimenting with different materials. Through the use of pre-existing ordinary objects, she challenges the notion of value and poses the question of what is considered precious and why.

‘Supporting makers ensures that our craft heritage continues to grow in exciting and unexpected ways,’ said Eda Obermanns, Digital Communications & Marketing Lead at Edinburgh Assay Office. ‘Militsa’s set of goblets are a beautiful example of this ongoing evolution.’

The 2025 Outstanding Student Award was recently given to Lewis Gibson, graduate of Edinburgh College of Art. This goblet marks the final commission of the Outstanding Student Award, which will now transition to the Edinburgh Assay Office Award. This will give mid-career silversmiths the creative freedom to produce a piece of exceptional contemporary silver. 

About Edinburgh Assay Office

Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO) is a self-funding statutory body. Our purpose is to provide an independent third-party guarantee of precious metal fineness.  Through their expertise in precious metal verification, and their role in the design and application of industry standards, they ensure that every item bearing our castle mark meets with the requirements of the Hallmarking Act and any applicable international standards. 

EAO safeguard consumers’ interests, by advocating for transparent product descriptions, pre-market testing, product traceability systems and compliance through post market surveillance.  

EAO contribute to a sustainable regulatory framework which enables the growth of markets where consumers are empowered to make informed choices, and retailers compete on a level playing field.