On the 4^th December, GC&DC hosted an online ACJ members webinar.

They talked through the 2024/25 competition, including the timeline, content and new awards, with time for attendees to ask questions. They were joined by special guests, Pamela Statham & Peter Crump, GC&DC Trustees and Judges, who revealed more about this year's competition section briefs, along with some helpful tips and considerations for entrants. 

ACJ Members who missed the session or would like to watch again can view it here https://youtu.be/Lgd6agB7Erw

The Craft & Design Council, exclusive members webinar

Sophie Lowe, Assemble brooch.
Photo by Simon B Armitt

ACJ were invited to judge the “Award for Contemporary Jewellery” Many thanks to ACJ Director Caroline Jackman and Findings Editor Jo Lally, for co-judging this prestigious award. Congratulations to the winner Daniela Boni and the shortlisted jewellers Roberta Consalvo and Sophie Bélanger.

Congratulations to all our members who exhibited their work at Cluster this year. Claire Quick, Ellina Pollitt, Emily Smith, Hendrike Barz-Meltzer, Hiromi Suter, Mihaela Coman, Miri Shalom, Natasha Kerimova, Qian Sun, Saskia Gavin, Tue Sando, Tania Vásquez.

Award winner Daniela Boni

From 13th – 18th December we presented our film presentation of ACJNI's “Awe & Alchemy.” at Cluster Contemporary Jewellery

First shown in its physical form at Armagh Market Place Theatre Gallery, in 2023. This is the second presentation of our film, after its launch at Milano Jewelry Week 2024. You can also view the film on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCLQTrLJvK4_dksXcXGipQ

Awe & Alchemy celebrates the diverse approaches towards values, material possibility, sustainability, and social connections, through the art of jewellery and adornment.

Congratulations to ACJ members exhibiting in Awe & Alchemy at Cluster:

Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins , Anne Earls Boylan, Ariel Lavian, Camilla West, Catherine Hartley, Celine Traynor, Clodagh Molloy, Dauvit Alexander, Eleni Koumara, Elisabeth Drude, Emma McGilchrist, Jane Moore, Joanne Haywood, Julie Usel, Khajornsak, Lucy Spink, Lynne Speake, Cameron and Breen, Monica Findlay, Morvarid Alavifard, Shiwangi Periwal, Oresom Nicola and Victoria. 

"Give or Take?” by Anne Earls Boylan. Photograph by Simon Mills

As part of our partnership with Milano Jewelry Week, ACJ were invited once again to judge the award for “Best in Contemporary Jewellery.” On the panel this year were ACJ Director, Anastasia Young and Head of Programmes and Advocacy, Joanne Haywood.

Congratulations to our winner, Tania Vásquez, who has been awarded a year membership with ACJ.

The judges selected Vásquez’s work for its exploration of heritage crafts and modern techniques. Vásquez’s work evokes a strong sense of place, honouring cultural heritage and nature, through a personal lens. The layering of themes is mirrored in the use of mixed media, conveying a deep appreciation of materials and their significance in contemporary jewellery.

Congratulations to our two finalists Ionian See and Sofi Etsadashvili

Image:

ACJ Winner, Tania Vásquez (right) receiving her award for “Best in Contemporary Jewellery.”

Photo credit: courtesy of Milano Jewelry Week

We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with Gill Wing Jewellery in London and Gold Lark Jewellery in Yorkshire, on a selling exhibition in Spring 2025.

Responding to the theme of “Duality” ACJ members are invited to apply to be part of these selling showcases. Creating 1 - 6 pairs of earrings. Our exhibition will be presented at two separate galleries, to further explore the idea of pairings and contrast. The exhibitions will run concurrently and be connected yet have their own identities.

ACJ members can read the full brief here:

Image credit courtesy of: ACJ member Meron Wolde, Water memory earring@meronwolde_studio