The seventh iteration of The Artisan Jewellery Design Awards, presented by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and supported by GIA, tasked designers with breaking new ground by incorporating precious objects and unusual materials into their designs to give their creations a distinct personality.

Bollywood actress and style icon Sonam Kapoor graced GJEPC’s 7th edition of Artisan Jewellery Design Awards in Mumbai and gave away the awards to winners.

Sonam Kapoor graced the stage along with Mr. Vipul Shah (Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Kirit Bhansali (Vice Chairman, GJEPC), Mr. Sriram Natarajan (Managing Director, GIA India), Mr. Milan Chokshi (Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC), Mr. Sabyasachi Ray (Executive Director, GJEPC) and gave the awards to 6 Artisan winners.

The theme for the Artisan Jewellery Design awards were two unconventional themes – ‘Objet Trouvé’ (Found Objects) and ‘Unusual Materials’.

Creating jewelry that embodies priceless antiques in a modern setting was the core of the ‘Objet Trouvé’ concept. The second topic, “Unusual Materials,” on the other hand, urged designers to combine contrasting materials with at least 50% valuable elements to establish a conversation between the unexpected and the familiar.

Sonam Kapoor said, “I am honored to be a part of the jewelry sector, which presents India’s superiority in design and craftsmanship to the global community. The GJEPC’s Artisan Awards is a fantastic program that supports and recognizes young people who are innovating and pushing the envelope of creativity. In my opinion, jewelry is an artistic medium that conveys a person’s individuality and sense of style, not just an accessory. I respect Indian designers for their beautiful creations that combine modern and traditional elements and encourage ladies to try out various shapes and hues. A piece of jewelry is truly precious in my opinion if its creative value outweighs its monetary worth”.

A new design grammar was created by approximately 600 participants from India and beyond as a result of this jewelry design contest, which unleashed a creative tsunami. The results exceeded anticipations, stunning works of art that defied tradition.

Priyanka Dutta