Top Ten Announced for EC One Unsigned Award

Following a huge increase on last year’s applications, the EC One team narrowed entrants down to a shortlist of ten excellent contestants, who are now in the running to be in the Final Four. Three contestants will now be nominated by a public vote on the EC One website, and EC One will select a ‘Wild Card’ who will complete the Final Four.

The public vote will be open until midnight Wednesday 31 August, where anybody can vote for their favourite. The Final Four will be announced on Thursday 1 September, and will meet the judging panel on Wednesday 14 September. Alongside business owner Jos Skeates, the judging panel will include Jo Newton, buyer at Fortnum & Mason, Sam Willoughby, of IJL, Tomasz Donocik, acclaimed designer, and Rachael Taylor, freelance jewellery journalist.

The Top Ten are:

• Rachel Balfour
• Chen Cheng
• Crystal Ching-I Chien
• Olivia Creber
• Gabi Gucci
• Anissa Kermiche
• Lily Read
• Charlotte Reichwald
• Ana Thompson
• Yao Yiming

We can also now announce the prizes which the well deserved winner will be able to take advantage of:

• A place on Getting Started with Goldsmiths’ Centre
• PR and digital support provided by Push PR, innovators in print, digital & social campaigns, specialising in jewellery and luxury fashion communications.
• Mentoring on sales, stockists and manufacturing with Jos & Alison Skeates of EC One.
• £250 Voucher to spend with Cookson Gold

More about the Unsigned Award 
The Unsigned Award is back from EC One for the sixth year running, giving emerging jewellery designers and makers the chance to expand their knowledge of the industry and refine their collections.

One lucky winner will have one to one mentoring from owners Jos and Alison on both business and sales advice, and developing and manufacturing a collection. This opportunity is priceless!

We understand that not everyone who has the passion and drive to start up their own jewellery brand may not have studied jewellery at university, and after the success of our 5th Anniversary Platinum Party last September, we have decided to refine the Terms & Conditions of who can enter. As long as they are still within three years of setting out on their career in the industry, possibly meaning three years since they registered their business, or three years since graduating, anyone can apply!

Awards timeline:

August 31st : Public Vote closes & Top Four are announced

September 14th : Judging panel meet the Top Four

September 28th : Unsigned Party & winner announced