BAJ debuts Pins of Praise jewellery in support of NHS

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that the winning designs of its Pins of Praise competition are now available to purchase.  

All proceeds from sales of the 3D-printed brooches will go to NHS Charities Together, a membership organisation representing and supporting over 250 NHS charities.

The four winning pin designs, created in sterling silver and gold plated options, were made through 3D printing methods courtesy of London-based on-demand manufacturer Shop3D. The pieces mark the first ever items of jewellery available to purchase from the BAJ. 

Of the four designs that were selected as winners of the competition, one features two clasped hands inside the outline of a heart, created by jeweller Elisabeth Barton, who took inspiration from the “experiences of members of her own family working on the frontline of the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic”. 

The other contemporary designs come from three of BAJ’s own students: Jacqueline Chisholm, Kristina Lindsay and Caitlin Rawe. 

Lindsay’s brooch represents the care offered by NHS workers through the image of holding hands, while Rawe’s original design features a beetle holding a heart in its pincers. 

Chisholm’s pin combines a folded facemask with botanical elements, bringing together a “symbol of the coronavirus crisis with the promise of new life and growth”. 

Kate Rieppel, head of academy at BAJ: “Now more than ever, it is important for the BAJ community and the wider jewellery industry to come together to support both one another and the NHS. Pins of Praise is our way of recognising the essential contribution made by NHS staff and volunteers throughout 2020.” 

The association said the Pins of Praise project is part of a wider partnership which involves working with Shop3D to train BAJ students in essential skills for future jewellers, including CAD for 3D printing

Alex Ziff, CEO at Shop3D, said: “We are thrilled to be able to expand our ongoing partnership with BAJ by providing 3D printing services for their Pins of Praise competition in support of the NHS. 

“It’s great to be putting our expertise to good use in service of a worthy cause. What’s more, we are having our best few months to date despite the current global situation, showing the continuing demand for 3D printing and on-demand manufacturing, including in the jewellery industry.”