Page 22 - Diamond Digest :: May June 2023

Shah further added, “The Artisan Awards is one of the initiatives that nurtures talent, fuels inspiration, and encourages the next generation of jewellery designers to push the boundaries of their imagination. In a rapidly evolving gem and jewellery industry where innovation and fresh perspectives reign supreme, the Artisan Awards serves as a launching pad for emerging designers to make their mark.”
In the final phase, the judging panel meticulously examined the 28 shortlisted designs, selecting the top 9 winning pieces that truly stood out in terms of their originality, aesthetic appeal, and ability to push the boundaries of jewellery design.
The esteemed jury members for the Artisan Awards 2023 were Mira Kapoor, Content Creator & Jewellery Connoisseur; Aparajita Jain, Director and Co-owner, Nature Morte Gallery; Priyanka Khanna, Author; Nikhil Mehra, Fashion Designer, Shantnu & Nikhil; Sajil Shah, Jewellery Artist & Founder, Sajjante; Pernia Qureshi, Co-Founder, Saritoria; and Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, GIA India. Their profound expertise and discerning eye have played a pivotal role in recognizing the exceptional talents among our participants.
Milan Chokshi, Convener of the Promotion, Marketing & Business Development Sub-committee, GJEPC, added, “GJEPC takes great pride in providing a platform for jewellery designers to express themselves and push their creative limits through this prestigious competition. May the passion, dedication, and creativity of our talented designers ignite a flame within us all, propelling us to pursue excellence and redefine the boundaries of artistic expression.”
Mira Kapoor, Content Creator & Jewellery Connoisseur commented, “Jewellery has always been integral to our culture, and we’ve seen it evolve over time. But if you want it to stay relevant, you require new minds with creative genius and a new vision.”
Nikhil Mehra of Shantnu & Nikhil noted, “We have been hugely inspired by men’s jewellery and we started making brooches and buttons in 2015 and militarised them to glorify India through these accessories. We may want to extend the journey in the future, and go into the precious jewellery space with matte gold. There is a huge opportunity in the men’s jewellery segment. The Artisan is an important platform of applauding great talent.”
22 • Diamond Digest • May - June • 2023