John Lewis announces partnership with Bright Young Gems

The John Lewis Partnership has announced it has joined the Bright Young Gems 2022 mentoring scheme to support graduating jewellery designers. 

Bright Young Gems, now in its sixteenth year, provides a mentoring platform for the jewellery industry to discover and nurture new talent whilst providing the winners with their first commercial showcase. 

Elena Bergonzi, jewellery buyer for John Lewis, will join the winners’ selection judging panel and contribute to the winners’ mentoring sessions with the winning designers and its existing associate, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ).

Curated by Hammond PR, the 2021 programme was backed by the NAJ who provided mentoring for the winners as well as individual travel and accommodation bursaries of £300 through The Benevolent Society. 

Bergonzi said: “We are excited and honoured to be sponsoring this mentoring scheme. John Lewis is keen to nurture new talent and support them in their journey to become successful and commercial designers. We are always so impressed by the designers’ creativity and ability to challenge the status quo.”

Lindsey Straughton, head of communications and industry liaison at the NAJ, added: “It is excellent news that John Lewis is supporting Bright Young Gems. Their commercial acumen and knowledge will provide a valuable new dimension to the scheme. Industry support, especially from the retail sector, is so important in encouraging new talent.”

Suzanna Hammond, CEO of Hammond PR, said: “We are delighted to welcome The John Lewis Partnership as an associate to Bright Young Gems 2022.  Their considerable retail expertise will bring valuable constructive commercial content to this year’s programme.”