PureJewels-linked designers scoop Lonmin awards
LONDON, September 2011 – Designers linked to fast-growing brand PureJewels scooped most of the awards in the Emerging category of the Lonmin Design Innovation Awards with unique platinum pieces incorporating unusual combinations of materials.
Sarah Ho and Anthony Roussel, who both designed couture pieces for PureJewels’ Platinum Heritage Collection this year, and PureJewels’ head designer Laura Strand, won three of the five awards in the Emerging category recognising up-and-coming talent, which received 40 applications.
A fourth award in the Emerging category was won by Anna Loucah for her dreaming swan ring.
Anna Loucah was one of PureJewels’ Platinum Heritage Collection designers in 2010.
The Platinum Heritage Collection, comprising couture pieces in platinum, is inspired by the story of PureJewels, a London retailer which traces its roots to India and East Africa.
PureJewels, based in the Green Street jewellery hub in east London, has won accolades in the British industry for its support for talented designers.
“These awards represent the first public recognition of the quality of design talent associated with PureJewels,” said PureJewels’ Brand Manager Jayant Raniga.
“We are being recognised for our ability to pick winners. People will look to us for our ability to pick future design leaders.”
Sarah Ho’s earrings in platinum with pink sapphires are inspired by the lotus flower.
Anthony Roussel used a ground-breaking combination of wood, platinum and diamonds in his designs.
Laura Strand’s winning pendant in platinum and black diamonds, with a green indicolite tourmaline, was part of a new collection inspired by antique timepieces and optical illusions.
The Lonmin Design Innovation Awards ceremony took place at the Saatchi Gallery during International Jewellery London (IJL, September 4-7, 2011) at Earls Court 2 in central London.
