The Sparkling Magic of Craftsmanship

In a world where creativity is celebrated like never before, The Artisan Awards, initiated by the esteemed Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India, has given a platform for visionary minds to unveil unique ideas in jewellery design.

With each passing year, the themed contests reveal never-before-seen masterpieces, a testament to the industry’s remarkable innovation and boundless artistry. By inviting participants from around the globe, this exceptional program creates an environment where careers are nurtured and dreams take flight.

Unveiling the 2023 Chapter

At The Artisan Awards 2023, the stage was set, the challenge embraced, and the theme unveiled: indiamoderne. Participants were prompted on their creative journey inspired by revered artworks across three captivating categories: The Art of Abstraction paid homage to the captivating allure of abstract art; The Art of Sculpture embarked on an exploration of intricate three-dimensional forms and textures, and The Art of Print ventured into a realm where art and jewellery intertwined to give rise to innovative fusion.

By encouraging contestants to break free from conventional boundaries and immerse themselves in the vast realm of innovative jewellery design, the sixth edition of the awards unlocked limitless possibilities by exploring form, shapes, and colour.

The exquisite creations were judged by an eminent jury, comprising luminaries such as Mira Rajput Kapoor, Aparajita Jain, Priyanka Khanna, Nikhil Mehra, Sajil Shah, Pernia Qureshi, and Sriram Natarajan.

Milan Chokshi, Convener of the Promotion, Marketing & Business Development Subcommittee, GJEPC, expressed, “We believe that this approach, which embraces a plurality of perspectives, will lead to the creation of unique and visually stunning wearable art. And we believe that jewellery is in fact one of the highest forms of art.”

The Art of Print

“There is a kind of simplicity in a sketch, drawing, design or an etching that can belie the underlying depth or technique. A print, unlike a sculpture or a painting, often allows for a more intimate connection.”

Drawing inspiration from the intricate elements of the print form, the participants of this category embarked on a journey to create masterpieces that can make heads turn and jaws drop. Legends like Jean-Antoine du Cerceau, William Morris, Lindsay Phillip Butterfield took centerstage as inspirations for the category that united precious metals and diamonds to bring to life intricately designed rings, brooches, earrings, and bangles.

Winner – Bhautik Sakadasariya, Manufactured by EON Jewellery

First Runner-up – Jatin Kohli, Manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd.

Second Runner-up – Suryadeb Ghosh, Manufactured by Gehna Jewellers Pvt. Ltd

Securing the coveted position of the winner in the Art of Print category was a pair of earrings designed by Bhautik Sakadasariya. Manufactured by EON Jewellery, the gold earrings showcased an abstract rendition of Lindsay Phillip Butterfield’s iconic Tiger Lily print. Adorned with a frame of dazzling diamonds, the pendant earrings took center stage with their intricate portrayal of diamond-studded elephants. With meticulous attention to detail, Bhautik Sakadasariya captured the essence of print artistry, transforming it into a wearable work of evergreen beauty.

Jatin Kohli’s triangular gold earrings emerged as the first runner-up in the category. A spectacular blend of diamonds, turquoise and black onyx accentuated with rock crystal and baguettes, this piece was manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd.  The focal point of the design was the captivating Ikat print, beautifully accentuated by partial rock crystal borders adorned with elegant baguettes.

The Second Runner-up in the Art of Print category was Suryadeb Ghosh’s exquisite trellised earrings featuring three layers of 18-karat rose gold adorned with diamonds. Manufactured by Gehna Jewellers Pvt. Ltd., the intricate floral cut-outs were inspired by William Morris’s iconic artwork “Rose”.

The Art of Abstraction

“Abstraction in art often introduces a meditative element in the work. It opens up a whole new dimension in art that transcends reality and aims to engage the mind through form or colour alone.”

Piet Mondrian, Robert Delaunay, Wassily Kandinsky, and Natalia Goncharova posed as inspirations in the category that encouraged participants to interpret abstract painting masterpieces and transform them into a fusion of precious metals, coloured gems, enamel, and diamonds. Necklaces, earrings, and rings stepped up to revel under the spotlight.

Winner – Mahima Kothari, Manufactured by KP Sanghvi Jewels Pvt. Ltd.

First Runner-up – Tuhin Ghosh, Manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd.

Second Runner-up – Gopal Pramanik, Manufactured by Romil Jewelry

Mahima Kothari’s stunning interpretation of Mondrian’s abstract painting in the form of a white gold midi ring emerged as the winner of the category. Defined by rectangles and squares, embellished with diamonds, and adorned with red rubies, blue and yellow sapphires, the ring was manufactured by KP Sanghvi Jewels Pvt. Ltd. It perfectly captured the essence of classic abstraction with the perfect hint of modernity.

Tuhin Ghosh’s interpretation of a renowned Delaunay painting shone brightly in the first runner-up position. The dazzling earrings, manufactured by Laxmi Dia Jewel Pvt. Ltd, showcased overlapping diamond-studded discs in various sizes. Adorned with vibrant enamelled motifs, these discs captured the  essence of abstraction in a captivating and unique way.

Securing the second runner-up position was Gopal Pramanik’s Mondrian-inspired earrings manufactured by Romil Jewelry. The wing-shaped silhouettes adorned with a cluster of small, conical motifs sparkled as diamonds added a touch of brilliance and the vivid enamelling brought vibrant colours to life.

Art of Sculpture

“The tangibility of a sculptural work lends it a raw, powerful quality, unlike any other medium. Sculptures have the capacity to overwhelm or evoke strong emotions.”

Aiming to capture the enchantment of sculptural arts in the realm of jewellery, this category emphasised the significance of form, shape, and three-dimensionality. Participants were encouraged to explore this artistic pursuit using a wide range of metals to craft cuffs, bracelets, brooches, earrings, and pendants, presenting a plethora of possibilities for artisans to manifest their creative visions into tangible, wearable works of art. The winner for the category was Arunava Chakraborty with Priya Das and Shruti Agrawal as first and second runner up.

What Judges Have to Say

Mira Rajput Kapoor expressed her admiration for the impressive entries, highlighting the genuine innovation and exquisite detail displayed by the designers. “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 noted the synergy between fashion and jewellery, with inspiration flowing between the two. “I think fashion and jewellery go well together. In fact, post the making of our collections, there’s always a conversation on what kind of jewellery will go with the product. So, there’s a lot of synergy between the two streams. 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.There is a huge opportunity in the men’s jewellery segment.” he explained.

With an emphasis on the importance of bringing the designers’ vision to life, and praises for the creativity and fusion of heritage and contemporary art in the jewellery pieces, the judges unanimously agreed that the explosion of creativity in India is here to usher in a new era of creativity.

NDC Picks

In a competition so close, we admit that picking favourites from a pool of 28 finalists across the three distinct categories was indeed a tough one. But at the end of the day, four designs seemed to stand apart from the rest.

Suryadeb Ghosh’s exquisite trellised diamond embellished earrings

Sandeep Maji’s intricate diamond studded floral brooch

Bhautik Sakadasariya’s diamond earrings as an interpretation of Lindsay Phillip Butterfield’s iconic Tiger Lily print

Nishu Goswami’s colourful neckpiece

Captivated by the exceptional talent on display, The Artisan Awards proved to us that it has created a unique and nurturing environment for artisans to flourish. This prestigious event seamlessly combined the richness of tradition with contemporary artistry, sparking a renaissance in the world of fine jewellery. Serving as a clear testament to the extraordinary skills of master craftsmen, at The Artisan Awards, jewellery goes beyond decoration, transforming into exquisite art that shines with unparalleled brilliance.

All Images by GJEPC