Houlden Group announces Designer of Excellence Award at The Jewellery Show
BIRMINGHAM, February 9, 2013 – The Houlden Group Designer of Excellence 2013 Award was announced at the Jewellery Show in Birmingham. Through its sponsorship of the Jewellery Show’s Design Quarter Gems Section, the Houlden Group invites talented and inspiring designers to exhibit their latest collections. Kent-based designer, Charmian Beaton, scooped the Houlden Designer of Excellence 2013.
The expert panel of judges consisted of Houlden members, Ashley Pugh of Brufords, Karen Bailey of Terence Lett, Mike Rice of Hugh Rice, and Judy Deuchar, Founder of the Clifton Studio. The panel came together to choose a designer with the most original, innovative and eye-catching collection making their selection from a shortlist of exhibitors at the event: Alex Monroe, Alexis Dove Jewellery, Anja K Design, Arabel Lebrusan, Babette Wasserman London, Catherine Budd Jewellery, Charmian Beaton Design, Erica Sharpe Fine Jewellery, Laura Gravestock Jewellery Design, Rachel Galley Jewellery Design and Zelia Horsley Jewellery.
Houlden CEO Stuart Laing, who acted as facilitator, said, “The calibre of the designers was incredibly high and with such exciting talent to choose from there was much deliberation and discussion. In the end we all agreed that Charmian’s collection was technically strong with a lovely flow.”
Announcing the winner of the Award, Judy Deuchar, ex-head of home and jewellery buying for QVC, said, “We were all impressed with Charmian’s technical expertise, commerciality and craftsmanship. She is a worthy winner.”
Runner up was awarded to Arabel Lebrusan for her ethical and commercial collection which uses recycled silver and strong craftsmanship. She impressed the judging panel with her ability to take her heritage and translate it into commercially desirable jewellery.
The panel also selected outstanding pieces of jewellery from the other designers’ ranges. Anya K Designs, Catherine Budd, Erica Sharpe, Laura Gravestock and Rachel Galley will join Beaton and Lebrusan to form a Designs of Excellence travelling collection which will tour Houlden members’ retail stores throughout the UK and Ireland in 2013 kicking off in March.
