GJEPC Unveils Finalists for The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2019: Celebrating Cosmic Creativity
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), a cornerstone of India’s illustrious gem and jewellery industry, proudly announced the highly anticipated list of finalists for The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards 2019. This prestigious competition, renowned for identifying and elevating exceptional talent within the design landscape, has captivated the industry with its innovative theme and a showcase of unparalleled creativity. The journey to select these distinguished finalists was an arduous yet inspiring one, a testament to the meticulous evaluation process orchestrated by the GJEPC to ensure only the most visionary designs receive recognition.
The Meticulous Journey: From Hundreds to a Select Few
The 2019 edition of The Artisan Awards witnessed an overwhelming response, drawing an impressive 543 entries from talented designers across India and beyond. Such a substantial volume necessitated a multi-tiered and rigorous selection mechanism designed to discern true artistry and innovation.
Phase One: The Technical Committee’s Expert Screening
The initial screening process was meticulously handled by a dedicated Technical Committee. This esteemed body comprised industry veterans and academic luminaries, bringing a blend of practical design experience and pedagogical insight to the evaluation table. Their role was critical in sifting through the numerous submissions, applying a keen eye for detail, technical feasibility, and initial alignment with the competition’s demanding criteria. After extensive deliberation, the Technical Committee successfully narrowed down the entries into a formidable shortlist across the three main categories:
- Rings or Pendants: 47 exceptional entries were shortlisted.
- Brooches or Pins: 28 unique designs made the cut.
- Earrings or Bracelets: 38 captivating pieces advanced to the next stage.
The Technical Committee members who undertook this crucial first evaluation included: Prof. Dhiraj Kumar, Head of IIGJ Jaipur; Sushama Sawant, Faculty Member at IIGJ Mumbai; Jimit Zaveri, a celebrated Designer from Kama Schachter; and Anand Shah, an independent designer of repute. Their collective expertise ensured that the fundamental aspects of design, craftsmanship, and thematic interpretation were thoroughly assessed from the outset.
Phase Two: The High-Powered Jury’s Deliberation
Following the Technical Committee’s comprehensive shortlisting, the baton was passed to an exceptionally high-powered Jury for Round One. This panel, a constellation of luminaries from various creative fields, brought diverse perspectives and an unparalleled depth of aesthetic understanding to the judging process. Their task was not merely to select good designs, but to identify those that truly pushed the boundaries of artistry, innovation, and thematic interpretation.
The distinguished members of this jury were:
- Pallavi Foley: A leading and highly acclaimed Jewellery Designer, known for her distinctive style and innovative approach.
- Kallol Dutta: An Eminent Fashion Designer, whose insights into contemporary aesthetics and wearability were invaluable.
- Vishesh Verma: A Renowned Photographer, offering a unique visual perspective on composition, form, and storytelling within the designs.
- Anand Shah: An Award-Winning Jewellery Designer, bringing practical expertise and an understanding of the intricate balance between creativity and commercial viability.
Presiding over this pivotal Jury Meet was Milan Chokshi, a distinguished Member of GJEPC’s Committee of Administration (CoA). His leadership ensured a fair, thorough, and harmonious evaluation process, guiding the jury through intense discussions and critical appraisals of each shortlisted piece.
“Cosmos”: A Theme of Limitless Inspiration
A central element distinguishing The Artisan Awards 2019 was its evocative theme: ‘Cosmos’. This theme was deliberately chosen to ignite the imaginations of designers, encouraging them to transcend conventional boundaries and explore the infinite mysteries and wonders of the universe. Milan Chokshi articulated the profound vision behind this choice, stating, “This year we have chosen the theme, ‘Cosmos’. This opens the creative eye to virtually limitless possibilities, where, literally, the sky is the limit.”
The ‘Cosmos’ theme provided a fertile ground for designers to interpret vastness, celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, spiritual journeys, and even the micro-universe within. It challenged participants to translate abstract concepts into wearable art, fostering designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also carry deep conceptual weight and narrative richness. This thematic framework encouraged a departure from the literal, prompting a more abstract, symbolic, and deeply personal exploration of design.
The Stellar Lineup: Unveiling the Finalists
After rigorous evaluation and passionate deliberation by the esteemed jury, the GJEPC proudly announced the finalists across the three competitive categories. These designers represent the vanguard of innovation and artistic excellence in the Indian jewellery industry, each having demonstrated an exceptional ability to fuse creativity with the challenging ‘Cosmos’ theme.
Category: Rings/Pendants – Guardians of Celestial Stories
This category, focusing on pieces that adorn the fingers or neck, often serves as a canvas for intricate storytelling and personal expression. The finalists showcased remarkable ingenuity in capturing the essence of the cosmos within these intimate forms:
- Mehul Gupta, Independent Designer, Mumbai
- Biswarup Chakraborty, Independent Designer, Mumbai
- Isha Deb, Bluestone Jewellery
- Deepika Pathya, Titan Company Ltd.
- Kamal Parui, Emerald Jewel India Ltd.
- Koushik Mondal, Tanvikumar & Co.
- Laxmikanth Mestry, IIGJ Tardeo, Mumbai
- Twinkle Dhanesha, SDI-Bengaluru
Category: Brooches/Pins – Wearable Art from the Universe
Brooches and pins offer a unique opportunity for bold artistic statements and intricate detailing, often serving as miniature sculptures. The designs in this category impressed the jury with their unexpected creativity and thematic depth:
- Aashna Chaudhary, Titan Company Ltd.
- Sanskruti Serrao, PNG Jewellers Ltd.
- V.Saravanan, Titan Company Ltd.
- Mitali Kikani, H.Ajoomal Fine Jewellery
- Jayshree Tupe, A’Star Jewellery
- Rakesh Bhowmik, Tanvikumar & Co.
Category: Earrings/Bracelets – Echoes of the Cosmos on the Wrist and Ear
This category demanded a balance of elegance, movement, and structural integrity, allowing designers to interpret the vastness of space into pieces that gracefully adorn. The finalists demonstrated exceptional skill in creating pieces that are both captivating and wearable:
- Aashna Chaudhary, Titan Company Ltd.
- Hariharan T S, Titan Company Ltd.
- Soukata Basu Malhotra, Independent Designer, Australia
- Yash Pandey, IIGJ Delhi
- Aaheli Datta, Titan Company Ltd.
- Soumyajit Maity, Priority Jewels Ltd.
- Urvi Bansal, B.K Saraf Jewellers
- Harsona J Choksi, Sangam Jewels Gold
- Bhavana Jain, Kama Schachter
Voices of Vision: Jury Members Share Insights
The discerning jury members offered profound insights into the quality and direction of the submitted designs, highlighting emerging trends and the innovative spirit of the participants.
Milan Chokshi on Elevating Artistry
Beyond the theme, Milan Chokshi underscored the core philosophy of The Artisan Awards. He eloquently stated, “The Artisan Awards celebrate the highest levels of art, creativity, and innovation by honouring the best talent in jewellery design and elevating designers to their rightful status of artists.” This statement encapsulates the GJEPC’s commitment to recognizing jewellery design as a legitimate and significant art form, crucial for nurturing a vibrant and globally competitive industry.
Pallavi Foley on a New Paradigm in Design
Leading Jewellery Designer Pallavi Foley observed a significant shift in the design paradigm. She commented, “The entries marked a shift to a new normal in jewellery designing – from literal to a unique differentiated personalised flavour. The participants added a personal feel and touch to the theme through unexpected innovations and individuality. They displayed deep thought to portray deep design story in their creations.” Her remarks highlight a move towards more conceptual, personal, and story-driven designs, reflecting a maturing and sophisticated approach from the design community.
Vishesh Verma on Cosmic Interpretations and Humour
Renowned Photographer Vishesh Verma was particularly struck by the diverse interpretations of the ‘Cosmos’ theme. He noted that the collaborative process, involving professionals from various creative fields, led to a rich confluence of perspectives. “The theme ‘cosmos’ was broad-based and could have been interpreted in multiple ways and forms – some delve on the vastness of the galaxy while others tag a spiritual route find the universe within,” he elaborated. Verma also expressed his surprise and delight at finding unexpected elements of humour and quirkiness, particularly in the brooch category. He particularly praised an “astronaut design” for its quirkiness and the “grandness of the complications in certain intricate creations,” illustrating how designers transcended mere thematic adherence to inject personal flair and complex execution.
Kallol Dutta on Brave and Commercial Concepts
Eminent Fashion Designer Kallol Dutta lauded the designs for their boldness and commercial viability. He observed, “The designs were brave though not experimental. They were conceptual and contextual while being commercial.” This balance is often challenging to achieve, and Dutta’s appreciation underscores the designers’ ability to create pieces that are both avant-garde and market-ready. He also echoed Verma’s sentiments, expressing surprise at the presence of “humour, fun, and frolic” in the creations, further noting that “A lot of thought has gone into thematic story-telling.” The inclusion of men’s cufflink creations, which he liked “a lot,” pointed to an expansion of design focus.
Anand Shah on Abstract Beauty and Calculated Risks
For Award-Winning Jewellery Designer Anand Shah, this was a fresh experience. “This was the first time I was judging such an event and I was amazed to find beautiful abstract creations,” he shared. Shah noted that designers meticulously followed key parameters such as “design aesthetics, wearability, innovation and relevance to themes.” He particularly appreciated how “The participants used symbolism to come up with interesting abstract interpretations and took calculated risks in creativity,” indicating a sophisticated and daring approach to design that moves beyond mere representation.
The Road Ahead: Towards Grandeur and Global Recognition
The announcement of the finalists marks an exciting milestone, but the journey to ultimate victory is far from over. The designs of these talented finalists will now transition from conceptual drawings to tangible masterpieces. Each shortlisted design will be meticulously manufactured, bringing the designers’ visions to life in precious metals and gemstones. This manufacturing phase is crucial, as it will allow another distinguished panel of judges to assess the final pieces for their craftsmanship, wearability, and fidelity to the original design concept, ultimately selecting the three winners from each category.
The culmination of this artistic odyssey will be a grand and glittering awards ceremony, scheduled to be held on the final day of the prestigious Signature IIJS, on February 13, 2019. This event promises to be a spectacular celebration of creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence within the Indian gem and jewellery industry. It will not only honour the deserving winners but also serve as a beacon, inspiring future generations of designers and reinforcing India’s position as a global hub for exquisite jewellery design.
The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards continue to be a vital platform for nurturing talent, pushing creative boundaries, and showcasing the dynamic evolution of Indian jewellery design on the international stage. The finalists of 2019, with their cosmic inspirations and groundbreaking designs, are poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry.