Inspired by the work of the NHS during the global pandemic and looking at ways in which they could make a difference locally, established family jeweller Jamieson & Carry launched the Inspire Challenge in March 2020. The carefully created challenge invited people of all ages to design a brand-new piece of jewellery.
Following the receipt of many impressive entries, Jamison & Carry selected two winning designs. 10-year-old Bibi of Aberdeen submitted the winning entry for the under 18 category, whilst Elaine Esson of Huntly submitted the winning entry for the adult category. Both winning designs were then expertly crafted over several months by Jamieson & Carry’s Master Jeweller within their city centre Union Street workshop.
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The general public can purchase prize draw tickets for £5 to be in with the chance of winning the bespoke one-off pieces of jewellery with all proceeds being donated to the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund. Tickets are on sale until Friday 30th July via the Jamieson & Carry website with the draw taking place in store on Saturday 31st July.
Angus Carry, partner of Jamieson & Carry, says, “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. We were captivated by the creativity and thought that went into the entries we received. The judging process was a real challenge due to the high calibre of the entries. The first winner we selected was Bibi Murray, aged 10 from Aberdeen. We loved the feel-good factor when we received Bibi’s entry and her design has resulted in a beautiful piece of jewellery.
“Our second winner was Elaine Esson from Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Elaine’s design incorporated the NHS at its core and really spoke to the judging panel on so many levels. A well-crafted, carefully planned design which we felt really encompassed what the Inspire Challenge was all about.”
Angus concludes, “The completion of these pieces offers further comfort that we have come through this together and can now look forward with hope.”
Elaine Esson, from Huntly, heartfully describes her winning design entry, “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 with 7 round brilliant cut diamonds. The Moon was cut from a platinum plate, pierced and set with 24 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 the team’s eye with its liveliness and use of nature was by Bibi, from Aberdeen, who was aged 10 when she submitted her design. A piece that the team felt perfectly captured life and fun in uncertain times.
Peter Reynolds describes the process of bringing this 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.”
Sheena Lonchay, Operational Manager for NHS Grampian Endowment Fund, says, “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.”
