A talent for unique jewellery design has earned a Perthshire
Art School graduate a leading design prize.
The judging panel at the New Designers Awards in London were
so impressed with Mairi Johnstone’s range that they dubbed them “a considered
collection of work that blends craftsmanship and playfulness”.
Created to stimulate the senses the jewellery collection
crafted by Mairi, who graduated with first class honours from Duncan of
Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, saw her win a £1000 in prize
money.
The 26-year-old graduate’s win also offered her a chance to
have her designs hallmarked for free for the next decade.
Mairi also completed her triple win with a chance to show
off her collection via VanillaInk’s online shop for three months at no charge.
The company provides facilities and business advice to jewellery designers.
Commenting on her win, Mairi said: “I want to start my own
business so the money will be really handy. I can pay for the materials to make
more of the items. With hallmarks on my work, the pieces will become much more
valuable.
“The famous jeweller Theo Fennell was there to inspire us. I
couldn’t believe my work was picked, there were 3,500 of the most talented new
designers from art school all over the UK. Winning the award has boosted my
confidence to set up on my own.”
The awards bring together leading organisations and brands
from the UK to provide a platform into the industry for budding creatives.
The Dundee graduate garnered praise for her designs, which
are priced between £350 and £1000, including a silver pendent holding a single
coffee bean in a secret compartment.
This was inspired by an experimental streak that started in childhood,
according to Mairi.
She added: “From an early age I have loved toys and being a
bit of a fidgeter, I love to play and this is reflected in my collection.”
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