Young Designer winners announced at Jacobs the Jewellers

The awards ceremony, held at the Reading-based Jacobs the Jewellers store, saw  the Jacobs team joined by the Deputy Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis; Judith Cobham Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company; Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh; Penelope Makower, Principal and Oliver Makower, Vice-principal of Bishopsland; and loyal Jacobs customers. Georgina Burgess, Jessica Jue, Rachel Hewison and Rebecca Black demonstrated the hand skills of coring and folding, chasing, engraving and stone setting in front of the assembled crowd, and several items by world-renowned silversmith Gerald Benney, on loan from Reading Borough Council’s civic collection, added extra sparkle.

The event also marked the start of Jelly’s annual Open For Art cultural programme, a firmly established event in Reading.

Nine young Bishopsland designers - Annemarie Reinhold, Jessica Jue, Rebecca Black, Gina Burgess, Rachel Hewison, Rebecca Burt, Lauren Braithwaite, Olivia Cosh-Hall and Korrin Franklin -  took part in the exciting Young Designer Competition held at Jacobs from 6 -30 June. Each participant showcased an item of silver as well as a piece of jewellery.  

Over the three week period, visitors to the store voted for their favourite jewellery design as well as their preferred silver object. Loyal customers and first time visitors were delighted to see such imaginative and inspiring designs. 

The competition attracted a record number of public votes – over 200 votes were cast, more than double the previous year. The results were as follows: 

Jewellery 

• 1st prize – Rebecca Burt with Freckled blooms necklace 

• 2nd prize – Olivia Cosh Hall with 18ct yellow gold sapphire set ring 

Silver 

• 1st prize – Annemarie Reinhold with Leaf dish 

• 2nd prize – Rachel Hewison with Bird bowl 

While 1st prize winners received £350 worth of vouchers to spend on tools or materials to help establish their careers in the jewellery and silver industry, 2nd prize winners similarly received vouchers worth £150. Both received framed presentation certificates. 

Adam Jacobs, owner of Jacobs the Jewellers commented,

“This year’s competition has been simply amazing. A record number of votes for an inspiring group of individuals. Thank you to the Bishopsland team, our co-sponsors and customers for all their passion and enthusiasm. Artistic spirit is alive and well within jewellery and silversmith talent in Reading.” 

Oliver Makower, Vice Principal, Bishopsland was equally happy,

"Bishopsland is extremely grateful to Jacobs the Jewellers, supported by the Goldsmiths Company of London and H S Walsh for promoting this inspiring competition for young silversmiths and jewellers who have taken part in this event." 

Judy Cobham-Lowe said,

“The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to be supporting this year’s Young Designer Competition organised by Jacobs the Jewellers and Bishopsland. It’s a wonderful initiative backing young silversmiths and jewellers. I’d like to congratulate the winners and everyone involved in the competition.” 

Patrick Sheehan, Joint CEO of HS Walsh commented,

“Walsh are delighted to support Jacobs in their third year of this prestigious award, Young designers with the help of Bishopsland Trust learn the exceptional skills required to make the stunning pieces that have been displayed at Jacobs Jewellers over the past few weeks.” 

www.jacobsthejewellers.com