The 2024 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards was held on 4th March and celebrated outstanding achievements in craftsmanship and design.
Hosted at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, this event brought together 300 key figures from the industry, including designers, representatives from renowned jewellery houses, and media personalities. The ceremony was also live-streamed, extending its audience reach globally.
Anne-Marie Reeves, Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council told guests and award winners addresses,
“It’s both an honour and privilege to be standing here tonight as chair of GCDC and part of this amazing industry. For those who are starting on that journey, be inspired by those who have gone before and set the high standards we all aspire to. For those stars of the future, the world is your oyster!
“Congratulations to all the winners and especially those who were honoured with Special Awards. This is a real accolade and an honour to be cherished as a sign of excellence within your craft.”
The Craftsmanship and Design Awards stand as a distinct hallmark within the British jewellery industry and its associated crafts, celebrating outstanding achievements in technical proficiency and creative innovation in working with precious metals and related materials. Managed by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC), the competition welcomes participation from a broad spectrum of individuals within the sector, including craftspeople, designers, apprentices, and students, to showcase their talents.
Noteworthy Recognitions
- Jacques Cartier Memorial Award: Awarded to Penny Davis for her exceptional series of Four Painted Enamel Portraits, signifying outstanding craftsmanship.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to Tony Bedford for his notable contributions to silversmithing, with David Cawte receiving the medal on his behalf.
- College Trophy: Awarded to Birmingham City University for achieving the highest total points in the competition, with notable mentions to Bishopsland Educational Trust and the Royal College of Art for their achievements.
- Senior Award: Received by Penny Davis for her enamel portraits, highlighting the event’s focus on celebrating exceptional artistry.
Additional recognitions included the Junior Award, the Theo Fennell Apprentice & Master Award, and several Gold and Sponsored Patron Awards, illustrating the depth of talent and innovation within the industry.
NAJ Chair, Heather Callaway stated,
“We’re delighted to continue our support of this vital and prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating skills in design and craft of our industry’s leading craftspeople.
“As the trade association for the whole of the UK jewellery industry, we understand the importance of commercially viable jewellery pieces. By supporting the Ready-to-Wear category, we applaud designs that exhibit both distinctiveness and marketability. Congratulations to Jo Boateng and the other finalists.”
Exhibition and Industry Engagement
Following the awards, an exhibition showcasing the winning entries was open to the public at Goldsmiths’ Hall, followed by a tour to the Birmingham Assay Office. This initiative not only displayed the awarded works but also included an industry careers fair, demonstrating a commitment to fostering talent and career opportunities within the jewellery sector.
The Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards, through its celebration of innovation, artistry, and excellence, continues to set a benchmark for the jewellery industry. It fosters a culture of achievement that not only honours the past and present achievements but also paves the way for future innovations. The awards and the accompanying exhibitions serve as vital platforms for showcasing talent, encouraging industry dialogue, and highlighting the seamless blend of tradition and contemporary design that characterizes the UK jewellery sector.
