On Wednesday evening, 29th January, BAJ Birmingham, nestled inside the iconic Birmingham Assay Office, became a hub of celebration in recognition of their recent jewellery student graduates.
With over 70 people in attendance, including students, alumni, industry partners and others, BAJ was proud to host their annual Final Show featuring work from their Level 3 Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma and Jewellery Apprenticeship courses. The showcase featured 111 pieces from the last academic year, highlighting work such as the Mandala Domed Pendant, Stacking Rings and the Laser-Cut Acrylic project.
Guests were able to indulge in refreshments and mingle with the BAJ community while viewing the sparkling display of graduate’s pieces. Before beginning the award announcements, we welcomed BAJ alumni Tabitha Sullivan (Tabi DSGN) to deliver an inspiring speech. Tabi detailed her time since graduating from BAJ, outlining the challenges and wins she’s encountered as a professional Jeweller. Most recently, Tabi’s earrings were featured on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, worn by UK artist Lola Young.
BAJ’s tutors and generous sponsors then took to the stage to present the jewellery students with 8 certificates and prizes for their hard work.
The Awards
NAJ’s One to Watch Award
Sponsor: NAJ (Presented by President, Gary Wroe)
“The workmanship, the quality, the use of materials, and the use of metals – it’s all fantastic”
Winner: Phoebe Woodall
Prize: Free access to their Foundation Programme – a mentorship initiative for those looking to start a business in the jewellery trade.
The Signet Award for Technical Excellence
Sponsor: Signet (Presented by Melvyn Moore)
“Selected from the Stackings Rings and Lidded Box projects, this award honours the focus on technical traditional skills – a value that BAJ and Signet share”
Winner: Bronia Bignold
Prize: A Jewellers Toolkit
The Betts Group Craftsmanship Award
Sponsor: BETTS (Presented by David Hendley)
“Her focus and emphasis on handmade quality chain in her final project will be an asset to her and the industry for years to come.”
Winner: Emily Malcolm
Prize: A silver ingot
The Andra Jewels Mandala Award
Sponsor: Andra Jewels (Presented by Gary Caldicott)
“Phoebe’s mandala stood out in particular, as the bail has embellishment on and it was very nicely done.”
Winner: Phoebe Woodall
Prize: Cooksonsgold voucher
Tutor’s Choice Award
Sponsor: Andra Jewels (Presented by Miranda Sharpe, BAJ Tutor)
“We wanted to recognise her as the student of our choosing, as she has done incredibly well in her work”
Winner: Amber Gosden
Prize: Cooksongold Voucher
Cooksongold Award for Excellence in Design
Sponsor: Cooksongold (Presented by Stuart Wibberly)
“Awarded for creativity excellence, focusing on the creativity of the pieces and quality of making”
“Fantastic – her work gave great evidence of design capability and manufacturing skills – the use of resin and the detail and finish on the piece was exceptional.”
Winner: Kristina Maleckaite
Prize: Cooksongold Voucher
BAJ’s TB1 Cohort Award
“They’ve succeeded and overcome all challenges they faced and are moving forward in a really positive direction.”
Winner: Lejaih Douglas
Prize: Cooksongold Voucher
BAJ’s TB2 Cohort Award
“This student showed exceptional skill and creativity within their work, they went above and beyond throughout their whole BAJ journey.”
Winner: Ellie Trifonos
Prize: Cooksongold Voucher
BAJ CEO, Gabriel Gherscovic, shared, “It’s an honour to see our graduates stepping confidently into the industry, showcasing the skills and passion they’ve developed here. We’re excited to watch them make their mark, supported by the strong partnerships with industry sponsors who play a vital role in their success.”
BAJ Birmingham Centre Lead and Apprenticeships Coordinator, Miranda Sharpe, said: “We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the exceptional craftsmanship they have showcased this year. This event is a celebration of their dedication, creativity, and technical skill, and we are excited to see them flourish in the jewellery industry.”
Award sponsor, and long-time friend of the Academy, Stuart Wibberley (Cooksongold) expressed his thoughts on the event: “It’s really encouraging to see so many people who are willing to delve into the creative world of jewellery manufacturing, it gives me great hope for the future of the industry.”
The Careers Department at BAJ expressed gratitude for the industry’s ongoing support; “We extend our thanks to all those who contribute to nurturing new talent by sponsoring an award this year, your generosity and commitment make a lasting impact on the future of jewellery design and craftsmanship.”
To find out more about the jewellery courses offered by BAJ at their Birmingham and London campuses, click here.
