The Graduate Show Industry evening at the Birmingham School of Jewellery  which took place last night was a lively and very enjoyable event.
It attracted a large enthusiastic crowd of students, supported by many local manufacturers and suppliers all keen to sponsor awards and encourage the obvious talent which the School attracts. The quality of work on display was excellent, embracing a wide variety of different styles and materials with inspiration drawn from a wealth of sources.
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Gaynor Andrews, acting Head of School  outlined the achievements of the year, including development of new, relevant courses including amongst others  a graduate Gemmology course which launches in September. Helen Dimmick, Managing Director of Green and Benz delivered a lively and inspiring summary of the steps her career has taken and the important lessons she has learned on the way. Like many others present, Helen is keen to support and mentor students to help their development and there was a general air of enthusiasm and positivity as students celebrated their success and local manufacturers talent-spotted the work of the up and coming new designers they seek to employ.
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The Assay Office prize, awarded to a BA student for the best commercial design  was won by Hazel Rose from Cheltenham whose designs are inspired by traditional Celtic stone carvings and include removable components.  Congratulations to Hazel; her work can be seen at
www.hazelrosejewellerydesigns.co.uk
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The exhibition is open until Saturday 14th June at The School of Jewellery, BIAD, Vittoria Street, Birmingham B1 3PA
 www.schoolofjewellery.co.uk