GJEPC celebrates jewellery design talent at Artisan Awards 2023

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
May 22, 2023

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India announced the winners of the sixth edition of its jewellery design contest the Artisan Awards on Friday evening. The ceremony took place in Mumbai and was led by content creator Mira Kapoor. 

Powered by the Gemological Institute of America, the Artisan Awards 2023 took ‘India Moderne’ as its theme with the sub-categories Art of Abstraction, Art of Sculpture, and Art of Print, the GJEPC reported on its website. Along with Kapoor, guests of honour included Nikhil Mehra of Shantnu & Nikhil, GJEPC chairman Vipul Shah, and GJEPC executive director Sabyasachi Ray among others. 
 
“While India's global leadership in the gem and jewellery business is an established fact, we need to shape the future where India is revered for its aesthetic artistry, design innovation and commitment to exquisite craftsmanship,” said Vipul Shah at the event, the GJEPC reported. “To cater to the evolving demands of the global market, we need a fresh wave of young and talented designers who eulogise the preferences of the millennial and Generation Z consumers. Their innovative approaches and creative sensibilities will shape the industry's future trajectory.”

This year, the Artisan Awards counted over 600 entries from 26 Indian cities as well as international locations. The winner of the Art of Abstraction category was Mahima Kothari whose ring, manufactured by KP Sanghvi Jewels, brought to mind cubist art. The winner for the Art of Sculpture category was Arunava Chakraborty with a gold, tactile creation manufactured by Titan Company. The Art of Print category was won by Bhautik Sakadasariya for ornate earrings featuring diamond encrusted elephants, manufactured by Eon Jewellery. 
 
“Jewellery has always been integral to our culture, and we’ve seen it evolve over time,” said Mira Kapoor. “But if you want it to stay relevant, you require new minds with creative genius and a new vision. The Artisan Awards is actually spearheading this initiative, and lending support to jewellery designers to think out of the box, and not be limited by money or by what sells in the market, but just think freely when it comes to creativity. That’s when the magic happens. I’ve seen some truly unique pieces, which I've never seen before and I’m really happy to part of the jury. It’s great that GJEPC is giving this kind of platform to upcoming jewellery designers.”