The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is set to host the grandest celebration of wearable art at the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2024, a two-day fest taking place at the Ice Factory in Mumbai on the 12th and 13th of February. This event aims to reinforce India’s position as a global design hub, bringing together over 600 entries from around the world, including India, Canada, USA, Bahrain, Egypt, Dubai, and Pakistan.
The winning and finalist pieces from the 7th edition of the Artisan Awards, themed Unusual Materials and Objet Trouvé, will be displayed at the Ice Factory Gallery during the festival, inviting enthusiasts, art connoisseurs, and the general public to witness the fusion of art, design, and craftsmanship.
The first theme, Objet Trouvé (found objects), encourages artists to transform everyday items into works of art. Artists were challenged to reimagine objects from their past, creating jewellery that embodies the essence of nostalgia and modernity. Examples of found objects include vintage poker chips, antique coins, collected shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells.
The second theme, Unusual Materials, inspired designers to explore the marriage of contrasting materials, with at least 50 percent precious materials incorporated. Cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather, and more were among the unconventional materials used to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected.
Vipul Shah, chairman of GJEPC, expressed the organisation’s vision of redefining the landscape of jewellery design, aligning with the government’s Design in India campaign. Shah stated, “Through this design competition, GJEPC reaffirms its commitment to encourage an environment that will nurture the creative spark within designers.”
Milan Chokshi, convener of promotion and marketing at GJEPC, highlighted the significance of the Artisan Awards globally. He noted, “The Artisan Awards have assumed increasing significance globally, with India recognising them as the most coveted accolade. This prestigious award serves as a driving force, inspiring designers, budding students, and manufacturers to create thematic jewels at the highest echelon.”
The esteemed jury consisting of prominent figures such as Alice Cicolini, Biren Vaidya, Payal Singhal, Apoorva Deshingkar, and Toktam Shekarriz, selected six winners from the captivating entries.
International jewellery designer Alice Cicolini praised the competition for encouraging designs with unconventional materials and exploring global trends. Fashion designer Payal Singhal commended the awards for showcasing India’s high level of expertise in design, quality, and finishing.
The festival promises to be the largest-ever congregation of luminaries and aesthetes from the world of arts, crafts and design. It will feature discussions revolving around the two exciting themes, providing a platform for the exchange and appreciation of innovative design concepts.
As the spotlight turns to Mumbai’s Ice Factory, the city is poised to witness a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the transformative power of jewellery as wearable art.
All images supplied by GJEPC.
