BCU students shortlisted in Weston Beamor design competition

Weston Beamor has announced the three Birmingham City University (BCU) students shortlisted to win the company’s annual design competition.

Three second year students studying for a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing at BCU’s School of Jewellery were shortlisted for the Live Project, after being given the brief to design a halo engagement ring and a fitted wedding band.

All designs had to include a primary gemstone or pearl mounted in precious metal and students were asked to tailor their designs towards 25 to 35-year-olds.

Ruth Hallows, Bethany Ross and Sarah Shiau have now been shortlisted, with the final results to be announced at 2pm on Tuesday, 7 February, at the Jewellery and Watch Show in Birmingham.

Richard Vinten, bespoke CAD designer at Westom Beamor, said: “All three of the shortlisted rings reflect the designer’s’ unique perspectives, approaching the halo engagement ring from interesting new angles.”

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The shortlisted students:

Ruth Hallow

Hallow’s Celestial ring in platinum and yellow gold, which was inspired by the night sky, stars and constellations was praised by the judges for ‘thinking outside the box’ both in her interpretation of the halo design and for the high standard of her supporting work.

Bethany Ross

Ross used a circular cabochon opal in an intricate design inspired by the natural world and in particular forests and deer  especially antlers – which are very much on trend in home furnishings at present. The judges praised Ross’s cohesive development of the concept and her innovative use of a diamond-set half-halo.

Sarah Shiau

The final contender, Shiau, put forward a contemporary and elegant design giving a modern twist to a classic look. Shiau’s inspiration came from the landscape of America, particularly its national parks and the Grand Canyon where the rocks are formed into different layers of flowing curves. This student’s sketchbook and the thorough development of her design were applauded by the judges.

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The winner of the competition will receive a cheque for £500, while those in second and third place will win £250 and £100 respectively. All three students will also receive a week of work experience at Weston Beamor.