An Inspired Design
The pandemic and lockdown continues to bring with it uncertainty and challenges. As life slowed down for many, those in the essential worker category were relied upon more than ever.
On March 2020, during the first lockdown we launched the Inspire Challenge. The Challenge invited people of all ages to design a brand-new piece of jewellery. The winning design was then to be expertly crafted within our workshop and sold with all proceeds being donated to the NHS Grampian charity fund.
Following the receipt of so many impressive entries, we decided two designs would be selected as our winners. One winning entry from the under 18 category, and a second winner from our adult entries.
Partner, Angus Carry said:
"One constant in all of this, and throughout Earth’s existence, is the presence of the Sun, Moon & Stars. A comforting power that is untouchable in an ever-changing world.
"And so, when we were looking at the amazing designs submitted, Elaine Esson’s ‘24/7 Day & Night’ pendant design really captured our attention."
As Elaine, from Huntly, heartfully describes in her design notes:
"The Sun is in the style of a sunburst radiating warmth and light made from yellow gold with a round cut diamond in the centre with some smaller diamonds radiating out towards the rays.
"The New Moon is for a new beginning and is made in platinum with assorted sizes of round cut diamonds. The blue background represents our emergency services. The golden rays from the sun are overlapping the top half of the moon and the lower half of the moon supports the sun.
"This symbolises the blurring of time as many of our emergency services don’t always get to finish their shifts on time and yet continue to go the extra mile and carry on working until the job is done.”
A design with so much meaning and thought was brought to life by Peter Reynolds, Jamieson & Carry’s Master Jeweller for over 35 years. He describes the hand-made process:
“A dome in 18ct yellow gold was the starting point, this was hand-cut and fashioned into a polished finish. The radiating Sun was also made in 18ct yellow gold, hand-cut and carved to create the emanating rays. The Moon was cut from a platinum plate, pierced and set with … round brilliant cut diamonds. The dome was enhanced with blue enamel, a time-consuming process with very little margin for error. The three sections were brought to life when they were fitted securely together with the laser welder. The reverse of the piece was further personalised with handmade NHS initials to discreetly hold the 18ct yellow gold chain in place.
“I really enjoy bringing designs to life, particularly when they have so much meaning. This was a memorable piece to make and I am sure will be enjoyed for many years.”
The second design that really caught our team's eye with its liveliness and use of nature was by Bibi, from Aberdeen, who was aged 10 when she submitted her deisgn. A piece that we felt captured perfectly life and fun in uncertain times.
Peter Reynolds describes the process of bringing the design to life:
“All the petals were individually formed, and hand finished to create the flower design. Each of the 3 flowers had a carefully selected bright yellow sapphire rub-over set in yellow gold. The chains connected to create a very wearable piece.”
Angus Carry partner of Jamieson & Carry was delighted the competition was so well received:
“The competition was our way of recognising the great efforts of our essential workers at a time of great uncertainty. Whilst the world seemed to stop for many, people had more time to think and feel inspired. The thought that went into the designs really was inspirational showing how much we all rely and care about the role our emergency workers carry out on a daily basis. The completion of these pieces offers further hope that we have come through this together and can now look forward with hope.”
Now that both designs have been crafted within our workshop, we are giving everyone the opportunity to enter our prize draw to win these two beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Tickets to enter the draw are available for £5 each and can be purchased through our website by following the links below – we hope you will help us to raise as much money as possible for a very deserving charity! The draw will close for entries on Friday 30th July 2021. A winner for each item will be drawn at random by our team on Saturday 31st July.
“We are delighted to be the charity partner of Jamieson and Carry’s ‘Inspire Challenge’. The public generosity of NHS staff last year by people in Grampian was immense and the ‘Inspire Challenge’ gave another focus to that support. We are so grateful to all those who took part in the challenge to create something special and unique which are such symbols of hope. All donations are used to make a difference to the care of patients across our hospitals and the support we receive from the community is a real inspiration to us all. All money raised from the challenge will go towards our Covid-19 Support Fund."
Jamieson & Carry would like to thank everyone who participated in the Inspire Challenge whether that was through submitting an entry or helping to raise awareness of the competition by sharing with family and friends. You can view a gallery of entries here.
Please follow the links below to view more pictures of each completed design and to enter the competition for your chance to win these beautiful pieces of jewellery.
