Bangkok--31 Oct--Ripple effect
GIA Thailand celebrates its 20th anniversary by joining forces with the country’s top 5 jewelry brands to unveil exquisite jewelry masterpieces, created by aspiring winners from GIA Jewelry Design Contest.
Mr. Kenneth Scarratt, Managing Director of GIA South East Asia and Director of GIA Laboratory (Bangkok), disclosed about the project : “To mark GIA Thailand’s 20th anniversary, GIA Jewelry Design Contest with the theme “Create Your Own Legacy” was initiated to promote the new generation of leading Thai jewelry designers and successfully attracted young talents nationwide.”
Top 5 jewelry brands, i.e. Beauty Gems, Blue River 1977, Fadamas, Mouawad, and Sette have eagerly participated in this project from the early stage to judging process and provision of advice on jewelry casting for 5 jewelry masterpieces reflecting 3 unique qualities : knowledge of gemstones, creativity, and an understanding of commercial jewelry design that each design must be practical in terms of production and has outstanding aesthetics to attract potential buyers.
The 1st GIA Jewelry Design Contest was very successful with more than 298 entries from students and the general public, clearly demonstrating Thai people’s potentials in jewelry design. Additionally, two young designers from the contest were given the privilege to work for leading jewelry brand and world-class designer like James W Currents (whose latest design won the highest bid at Christy’s Hong Kong). Besides, one of the winning designs was chosen by Mouawad to showcase as part of its ten masterpieces at the Wedding Fair at the Kingdom of Bahrain in November 2013.
“We are proud and delightful of the outcomes which not only meet our objectives but effectively encourage the Thai new generation designers to raise the bar of their design potentials” Mr. Kenneth Scaratt said.
Throughout the 5-month period of entry screening (31 May - 30 October), only 21 designs were chosen out of all 298 entries by a qualified judging panel. Owners of 21 designs were then participated in the 3-day Intensive Gemological workshop for a clear and better understanding prior to adjusting all details and sending their designs to compete for 5 prizes in the final round.
A judging panel consisted of executive management of 5 jewelry brands : Mr. Suriyon Sriorathaikul (Beauty Gems), Mr. Prasit Wachiraksasawakul (Fadamas), Mr. Fred Mouawad (Mouawad), Ms. Peeraphan Sanguanpiyapan (Sette Peccati), and Ms. Nitchaya Ekaraphanich (Blue River) including a team of design expert, academics and marketers in jewelry design such as Ms. Duang Poshyanonda (Designer), Ms. Kultirat Meesaiyati (Gavang), Ms. Supattra Srisook (Department of International Trade Promotion), Associate Professor Dr. Kanjana Chookruwong (Education Consultant, GIA Thailand), and Ms. Sriurai Prijasilpa (Marketing Consultant, GIA Thailand)
5 Winners in rank order
You clothe me: Inspired by unique design of hand-weaving fabrics. Designer uses the charm of the local wisdom that has been passed from generation to generation to create a fabric-like accessory.
Design : Mr. Nattawat Srinoon
Setting : Fadamas
Bai Tong: Inspired by the banana leaf — this less sophisticated leaf is highly versatile and practical thus representing a person with inner striking beauty and good values.
Design : Ms. Sutattar Chanrungrojne
Setting : Beauty Gems
Ratchaphuek Collection: Inspired by national flower of Thailand, Ratchaphuek, which has an eye-catching chandelier-like form.
Design : Ms. Rojarin Nanthavisuttiwong
Setting : Blue River
Mangrove Forest: Inspired by the unique design of mangrove root, each one has its own distinguished form.
Design : Ms. Supparanun Kanchanakul
Setting : Sette
Fan Fantastic (revolution): Inspired by the grand status and sacred meaning of a talipot fan.
Design : Mr. Songsak Sirimartpornchai
Setting : Mouawad