Nine finalists vie for SL Jewellery Design Awards 2015

26 August 2015 02:31 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Nine finalists of this year’s Sri Lanka Jewellery Design Awards now vie for the post of being the chosen Jewellery Designer of the year for 2015 at four different categories, a competition which is fast becoming one of the most important jewellery events in Sri Lanka.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, the competition was held in two-fold, under the theme of “A new Sri Lankan style” for local participants and “Exotic Sri Lankan Blue Sapphires” for the international participants.

Chairman of the Committee Sellakumar Kandasamy said, “The awards honour outstanding work and applaud the most innovative jewellery designs. With Sri Lanka set to host the 25th anniversary edition of FACETS, the award certainly encapsulates what Sri Lanka has to offer in the form of these gorgeous statement pieces.”

This year’s awards saw 27 local and 21 international applications yielding a final shortlist of 9. The selected local semi-finalists went through a mentoring program by the Academy of Design (AOD). During the mentoring program, finalists met with lecturers at the Academy who advised them on the finer points of jewellery design. The judging panel comprised of eminent industry experts from various fields of art, architecture and design. KPMG was also part of the whole process to ensure that the integrity and credibility of the awards was maintained.

The local finalists include Thamira Sajeewa Thotagamuwa, Priyanthie Dammika Kariyawasam, Chathurika Madushani Jayasinghe, Chamini Sajeeva Dasanayake, Achini Indika and Lakisha Weerakoon.

For the first time, the awards also opened up the opportunity for foreign jewellery design enthusiasts to send in their designs. The international segment asked to skillfully use the Blue Sapphire as a primary piece of gemstone.

Out of 26 designs, three finalists were chosen; they include Kevin Susanto Ngo from Singapore, Zhang Yee Jing from Malaysia and Dhillon Harleen Kaur from India.

With creativity and design being at the heart of the 2015 Awards, the Export Development Board which plays a prominent role in promoting, developing and recognising industry talent said that innovation is the cornerstone of the sector.

“When it comes to precious gemstones, the value addition of it would be in jewelry. For a long time, Sri Lankan jewelry designers have been catering to the international retailers and market but the design segment locally is largely underdeveloped,” said Bandula Egodage, Chairman of EDB. “It is here that the EDB would like to maximize resources and opportunities to provide artisans an opportunity to gain international exposure whilst uplifting the local gem and jewelry sector.”

He also added the EDB has provided the opportunity for local jewellery manufactures to showcase their products at the SME Pavilion since 1991. Last year, students of the University of Moratuwa were given the opportunity to present their creations. This year the Sri Lanka College of Technology will be given a free space at the designer corner at the EDB pavilion.

This year’s awards are sponsored by A M A Careem Jewellers, Colombo Jewellery Stores, Devi Jewellers, Lalitha Jewellery Mart Pvt Ltd, Ravi Jewellers, Sifani Jewellers, Unique Jewellers, Wellawatta Nithyakalyani Jewellers.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Nine finalists vie for SL Jewellery Design Awards 2015

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

New Visa procedure implemented

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings