The 7th edition of The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and powered by GIA, challenged designers to tap uncharted territory by integrating unusual materials and cherished objects into their jewellery designs, to infuse their pieces with a unique identity.

Actress and style icon Sonam Kapoor graced GJEPC’s 7^th edition of Artisan Jewellery Design Awards in Mumbai and presented awards to winners. Sonam Kapoor graced the stage with an aura of elegance and charisma along with Vipul Shah Chairman, GJEPC;  Kirit Bhansali Vice Chairman, GJEPC;  Sriram Natarajan Managing Director, GIA India;  Milan Chokshi Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC;  Sabyasachi Ray Executive Director, GJEPC bestowed the coveted awards upon 6 Artisan winners.

This year the theme for the Artisan Jewellery Desing Award were two unconventional themes – ‘Objet Trouvé’ (Found Objects) and ‘Unusual Materials’.

The concept of ‘Objet Trouvé’ centred around crafting jewellery pieces that capture the essence of treasured objects from the past within a contemporary context. While the second theme, ‘Unusual Materials’ encouraged designers to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected by combining contrasting materials with at least 50% precious materials.

This jewellery design contest ignited a spark a wave of creativity, prompting nearly 600 participants from India and abroad to push the envelope and create a new design grammar. The outcome surpassed expectations, breathtaking creations that challenged convention.

Actress & style icon Sonam Kapoor said, “I am proud to be a part of the jewellery industry, which showcases India’s excellence in design and craftsmanship to the world. The Artisan Awards is a great initiative by the GJEPC to nurture and celebrate young talent, who are pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. “

Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, notes, “The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, now in its 7^th edition, stands as a beacon for creative expression in the jewellery design realm. It offers a coveted platform for talented individuals to unleash their creativity and showcase their innovative designs. Each year, this competition brings forth exclusive, never-seen-before masterpieces that underscore the boundless innovation within our industry. This this competition, our aim is to redefine the landscape of jewellery design and elevate India as a premier design centre. Aligned with the government’s Make in India campaign, The Artisan Awards reinforces GJEPC’s dedication positioning India as a leader in design innovation.”

Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC, observes: “Each year, we strive to introduce a distinctive theme, challenging participants by collaborating with curators to elevate their engagement. Over the past seven years, the Artisan Awards have assumed increasing significance globally, with India recognising them as the most coveted accolade.”

The list of winners

UNUSUAL MATERIALS: Winner – Cufflinks designed by Aparna Kesarkar and manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd.; First Runner-up – Bracelet designed by Ahalya Vijayakumar and manufactured by VBJ; Second Runner-up – Earrings designed by Dipali Ghadigaonkar and  manufactured by KP Sanghvi Jewels Pvt. Ltd.

OBJET TROUVÉ: Winner – Earrings designed by Yamini Devasree and manufactured by VBJ; First Runner-up – Hairstick designed by Rashmi Kaushik and manufactured by Kiran Jewels; Second Runner-up – Earrings designed by Vijay Indulkar and Manufactured by Walking Tree Venture Pvt. Ltd.

The entries underwent thorough scrutiny by a distinguished jury comprising Alice Cicolini, a renowned UK jewellery designer; Biren Vaidya, Managing Director of The Rose Group; Payal Singhal, Fashion Designer; Apoorva Deshingkar, Senior Director of Education and Market Development at GIA India; and Toktam Shekarriz, a jewellery designer based in Dubai.

The two-day art festival was held on February 12th-13th, 2024, at Ice Factory, Ballard Estate, Mumbai, and drew a diverse audience including curators, art gallery owners, patrons, art school students and faculty members, socialites, celebrities, connoisseurs, architects, painters, sculptors, and jewellery designers.

Among the highlights of the event were the six winning pieces that captured the attention of attendees:

UNUSUAL MATERIALS

Winner

Designed by Aparna Kesarkar; Manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd.

First Runner-up

Designed by Ahalya Vijayakumar; Manufactured by Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers  

Second Runner-up

Manufactured by KP Sanghvi Jewels Pvt. Ltd.

OBJET TROUVÉ

Winner

Designed by Yamini Devasree; Manufactured by Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers

First Runner-up

Designed by  Rashmi Kaushik; Manufactured by Kiran Jewels

Second Runner-up

Designed by Vijay Indulkar; Manufactured by Walking Tree Venture Pvt. Ltd.