Winners of 2016 UK Jewellery Awards revealed
LONDON – Fei Liu won Jewellery Designer of the Year at the 2016 UK Jewellery Awards, and Patrick Fuller, co-owner of WB The Creative Jewellery Group, was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.
Jewellery Designer of the Year: Fei Liu
Picture: Retail Jeweller
Praised by the judges for his commercial and innovative collections and continued commitment to the jewellery industry, four time nominee Fei Liu took to the stage on June 29 to accept his award to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Considered by many to be one of the most visionary jewellers working in the industry today Fei saw off strong competition from designers Melanie Georgacopoulos, James Deakin, Karl Karter, Ruth Tomlinson, Sophie Cudworth, Cara Tonkin, Lucy Quartermaine, Alexis Dove and Alexander Davis.
Having studied Jewellery Design at the prestigious Birmingham School of Jewellery, Fei set up his eponymous label in 2006 and since then his business has gone from strength to strength, gaining a loyal following in the UK, China and most recently the U.S.
Known for his sculptural and organic designs, Fei combines the best of traditional jewellery making with a modern aesthetic.
His best selling collections, Serenity, Cascade and Whispering produced in silver and 18ct gold vermeil and coloured gemstones, offer customers the opportunity to buy beautifully designed pieces at an affordable price point — the ultimate in affordable luxury.
New Designer of the Year: Dalia Daou, Daou Jewellery
Picture: Retail Jeweller
Presenting the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry to Fuller, Ruth Faulkner, editor of Retail Jeweller, said that ever since she joined the jewellery industry she has held Fuller in great esteem and that he is one of “her favourite people”.
It was clear that many of the more than 600 guests at the Hilton felt the same, giving Fuller a resounding standing ovation as he walked to the stage to receive the award.
Among other awards revealed at the exclusive event organised by Retail Jeweller and staged at the Hilton on Park Lane, Shaun Leane won Fine Jewellery Brand of the Year, and Hockley Mint won Bridal Collection of the Year.
Fine Jewellery Brand of the Year: Shaun Leane
Picture: Retail Jeweller
Judges for the Bridal Collection of the Year award applauded the breadth and quality of Hockley Mint’s spring/summer 2016 range, which adds a contemporary twist to the manufacturer’s signature clean aesthetic.
The collection of 27 pieces, which was designed in collaboration with Sarah Jordan, was commended by one judge for its “versatility for retail partners”, while another was impressed by the attention to comfort and wearability.
Bridal Collection of the Year: Hockley Mint
Picture: Retail Jeweller
Customers have the option of Fairtrade gold across all designs, plus many are Wedfit to correspond with new, softer designs in the company’s wedding band offer.
The award for Retailer of the Year (six stores or more) went to Beaverbrooks and for Retailer of the Year (five stores or less) Green + Benz.
Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year: Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery
Picture: Retail Jeweller
Edinburgh Assay Office won The Innovation Award, and Assay Office Birmingham won Employer of the Year.
Sif Jakobs Jewellery won the gong for Brand To Watch,and Dalia Daou of Daou Jewellery won New Designer of the Year.
Arctic Circle Diamonds won Ethical Jewellery Business of the Year.
Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery won Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year.
