BAJ to hold London jewellery showcase with Theo Fennell

The British Academy of Jewellery will reportedly hold a showcase of a number of rings designed and made by eight BAJ students from 25 to 31 October. The rings will be displayed to the public at Theo Fennell’s premises in Chelsea Barracks, London. 

It is reported that the rings are part of BAJ’s collaborative ‘Circle of Life’ live project with Fennell and chosen for the in-store showcase.

According to the jewellery academy, the winning ring by BAJ student Blaise Zuntner has already been bought by Sir Elton John. 

The ‘Circle of Life’ project saw a group of the academy’s Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma students “explore storytelling” through jewellery as they received personalised guidance from Fennell. Blaise Zuntner was announced as the winner of the competition at a joint event with Fennell in July 2022. 

In addition, students Georgi Tanev and Stacey Price were also highly commended for their work. Along with the winner and runners up, rings by students Edward Haire, Anara Pearce, Inti Yeung, Mollie Horrox, and Duke Birt were also chosen by Fennell to feature in the display this October. 

Jeweller Theo Fennell said: “We really enjoyed working with the students and staff at the BAJ on the Circle of Life ring project. They all embraced the idea, which was for the students to take their concept and work it through from drawings to a finished piece with its own display and promotional material; an injection of reality. 

“We were deeply impressed by all the entries, so much so that, apart from the winner, we decided to show 8 of the finished pieces in our gallery and put them in front of the public.”

Blaise Zuntner, Circle of Life project winner, said: “I found Theo Fennell’s project to be a stimulating challenge which allowed me to really explore creatively, and throughout the process, I learned to adapt and adjust certain techniques and improve my skills to ultimately achieve the design I envisioned. 

“Being able to present my work to an individual of respected standing within the jewellery industry as Theo’s was already an honour, let alone to win, for which I feel grateful and accomplished.”

Sally Collins, BAJ interim head of academy, added: “Our live project with Theo Fennell and Level Four students this year has been an outstanding success. The students created such intricately designed and technically accomplished work, and engaged in such a valuable industry focused experience liaising directly with Theo and his team. 

“BAJ are incredibly grateful to Theo, who has been so generous with his time, advice and expertise. We’re very excited to see the finalist’s work on show at the Theo Fennell Studio at the end of the month and we watch with keen interest at how these talented young jewellers will flourish in the jewellery industry.”

source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/207633-baj-to-hold-london-jewellery-showcase-with-theo-fennell