Call for Applications: Bright New Gems 2025

The UK-wide industry-supported initiative Bright New Gems has opened for applications to 2025 BA and MA jewellery graduates from UK colleges and universities. Now in its twentieth year, the programme offers a unique platform for emerging designers to access professional mentoring, industry exposure, and commercial opportunities.

Since its launch, Bright New Gems has supported 92 graduates—among them leading names such as Fernando Jorge, Jessica McCormack, Tomasz Donocik and Pippa Small—helping them make the transition from education to industry.

Applications are now open at www.brightnewgems.com

In 2025, six selected winners will benefit from an enhanced support package, including:

A six-month membership to The GoldDust Collective, providing access to its archive of Masterclasses and monthly live sessions with expert speakers.
A complimentary one-year Designer Membership from the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), valid from January to December 2026.
A guaranteed place on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s ‘Getting Started’ online programme.
Mentoring sessions with members of the judging panel and supporting organisations.
The opportunity to showcase their collections at the Retail Jeweller Festival in March 2026.
A £400 bursary from The Benevolent Society to support travel, accommodation, and show costs.
Online promotion through Jewel Ads, including a dedicated Bright New Gems listing.

Special 20th Anniversary Design & Make Competition

To mark its 20th anniversary, Bright New Gems has also launched a national design and make competition open to all current BA and MA jewellery design students, not just 2025 graduates. Entrants are invited to design and create a single piece of jewellery inspired by china or porcelain, the traditional gift for a 20th wedding anniversary.

The competition is generously supported by ASIC–SA, the specialist jewellery tool provider. The winning designer will receive a £250 ASIC-SA tool voucher, industry mentoring, and the opportunity to have their piece, along with runners-up, showcased at the Retail Jeweller Festival 2026.

Full competition details and application guidelines can be found at www.brightnewgems.com

Application entry and competition entry close 21 July 2025