FEATURE

violence through varying degrees of aggression .

Jewellery and objects that aim to help obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD ) sufferers were developed by Jinzi Yang , who created a range of innovative therapeutic pieces . Yue Tong used a range of processes to produce a collection which dared the viewer to ‘ drop your phone ’ and interact with people through her wearable games , whilst Rachel Jones implored the viewer to explore her interpretation of luxury through play .

10 Graduates from BA ( Hons ) Jewellery and Silversmithing Design for Industry With a focus on designing to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry , the graduates of the BA ( Hons ) Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry course specialise in technology-led design and manufacturing processes . This fast-paced programme is a one year degree top-up aimed at undergraduates from a range of other accredited training courses .

The students explore the potential for using CAD software and 3D printing to develop innovative and forward-thinking work with a focus on creating future brands .

The graduates from this programme have also explored a range of source inspirations to show evidence of their highlyfocused skillsets , and a range of works were displayed to visitors this year . Students exploited the skills they developed during the course : Elisha Khan ’ s work reflected her commercial bespoke design skills , while Kine Guvag explored structured dimensional jewellery which combined CAD technology with traditional bench techniques ; Sophie Beer created customisable 3D printed floral hairpieces for the bridal market , and Yi

LINDA ZELIKOVSKA

Feng ’ s collection of jewellery and decorative tableware explored the decorative art of mokume . Others took a more concept-led approach : Katie Shirt explored negative space by framing parts of the body with her statement pieces exemplifying geometric pattern and tactile forms , and Dong Ding ’ s kinetic jewellery collection was based on concepts of time . Finally , students drew on a wide range of cultural and historical themes : Mahroz Mirzahekmati created enamelled jewellery , taking inspiration from her Persian heritage , Timon Tio combined technology with historical imagery to produce a unique range of 3D printed jewellery for men , Gil Hadden ’ s collection of ceremonial knives was inspired by Medieval history and elements of fantasy , while Megan Chiles work combined elements of architecture and Scandinavian design producing decorative tableware . Claire Price , programme

TIMON TIO

New Designers as a national platform , provides a supportive environment as a new graduate to build contacts with a wider audience

leader for the BA ( Hons ) Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry , commented , “ It is imperative that our students get the opportunity to receive feedback from industry which is a fundamental part of the course . New Designers as a national platform , provides a supportive environment as a new graduate to build contacts with a wider audience , with which to sustain a successful career in the industry .”

Summary Birmingham City University ’ s School of Jewellery has a proud heritage and is home to a range of outstanding courses and , while not all graduates had the chance to show at New Designers , we are constantly looking at ways that our graduates and students can display their unique creations through collaborations , competitions and exhibitions . In March , the School won the College Cup at the Goldsmiths ’ Council Design & Craft Awards . The School has also been ranked third in the world for jewellery training , by the ‘ Design Schools Hub ’.

Please do take a look on the School ’ s unique New Designers 2017 webpage which is available now at www . newdesigners . com / exhibitors / birminghamcity-university / and on the School of Jewellery website www . bcu . ac . uk / jewellery .

LOIS JANE WISEMAN