The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) celebrated the achievements of students graduating from its BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production programme at the BAJ Graduate Show 2026, held at KOPPEL Collective in London.

The exhibition brought together a diverse range of final collections developed through live industry projects, collaborative briefs and independent research, showcasing the creativity, technical skill and critical thinking of this year’s graduating cohort.

The exhibition opened with a Private View attended by industry guests, family and friends of the graduating students. The show then welcomed visitors throughout the weekend, offering the opportunity to explore the collections and meet the makers behind the work.

Opening the exhibition, Course Leader and Director of Research Dr Sofie Boons reflected on the significance of the occasion.

“This programme has been many years in the making, and to see the graduating cohort here on display is a big milestone. For us as educators, these graduates have been our trailblazers.”

Throughout their studies, students responded to projects ranging from technically focused live industry briefs and commissions to collaborative challenges and speculative design projects, developing both practical skills and individual creative voices.

Across the exhibition, graduates presented work exploring themes including identity, remembrance, consumer culture, mortality and human experience. Through jewellery, objects, moving image and installation, students investigated questions of visibility, power, agency, relationships and social impact.

Reflecting the ethos of the programme, the exhibition encouraged visitors to consider jewellery not simply as a finished object, but as something that can shape experiences, relationships and ways of thinking. Many of the projects explored how jewellery can influence memory, movement, behaviour and our understanding of ourselves and others.

Reflecting on the graduates’ journey, Dr Boons said:

“We have witnessed these students gain confidence in making and thinking. The work on display has dared to take on some big themes – objectification, mortality, consumerism, remembrance and grief.”

Among the works on display was Emily Murphy’s Viewing Prohibited, which examined the dynamics of the male gaze through wearable brass sculptures designed to challenge conventional power relationships.

Naima Cheniya’s Aletheia’s Flight explored themes of truth, control and personal transformation through carved stone and symbolic forms. Other projects addressed sustainability, social impact, and the evolving role of jewellery within contemporary culture.

Industry awards and recognition

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of industry-sponsored awards recognising excellence across technical skill, conceptual development, branding and critical engagement.

Award for Technical Excellence
Sponsored by Cooksongold
Awarded to Blue Twyman

Award for Brand Visionary
Sponsored by Forge, Hatton Garden
Awarded to Veronika Dika

Award for Critical Consciousness
Sponsored by Just Castings
Awarded to Emily Murphy

Award for Conceptual Depth
Sponsored by Ward Gemstones
Awarded to Emily Murphy

Additional awards and prizes were presented with the support of industry partners including Cece Jewellery, reflecting the strong relationship between BAJ and the wider jewellery sector.

The Graduate Show demonstrated the value of collaboration between education and industry, bringing together sponsors, employers, jewellery professionals and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.

Industry-sponsored awards recognised not only technical excellence, but also originality, critical thinking, creative ambition and professional development. The support of leading businesses from across the jewellery sector highlights the importance of nurturing new talent and creating opportunities for graduates as they begin their professional careers.

As graduates prepare for careers across jewellery design, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and further study, the exhibition marked the culmination of years of creative development, practical making and personal exploration.

Addressing the graduating students directly, Dr Boons concluded:

“Craft your path, don’t forget to care and please stay in touch. We believe you will all do great things.”

Dr Boons also thanked the BA teaching team, industry sponsors, family and friends for their invaluable contribution to the students’ journey and continued support throughout their studies.

BAJ extends its thanks to the award sponsors and industry judges whose support helped recognise and celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduating cohort

The BAJ Graduate Show 2026 celebrated the creativity, technical excellence and ambition of its graduates while demonstrating the important role contemporary jewellery can play in shaping culture, provoking ideas and engaging with the world around us.