The Curious Gem and The University of Edinburgh Launch The Curious Gem Jewellery and Silversmithing Bursary

07 Dec 2025

The Curious Gem, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), is launching The Curious Gem Jewellery and Silversmithing Bursary — a new annual award designed to support innovation, creativity and emerging talent.

The bursary will be awarded each year to a third-year student on the BA (Hons) Jewellery & Silversmithing programme at ECA, helping to support and elevate their fourth and final year of study. Funding may be used for tuition fees, materials, living costs or other essential resources that enable a student to fully commit to their creative practice.

The recipient is selected by an academic panel based on artistic merit and the bursary’s potential to positively impact the student’s development.

Victoria Brown, Founder and Director of The Curious Gem, said,

“It is a privilege to be able to support a new generation of jewellers and silversmiths through our bursary at Edinburgh College of Art. It’s our way of helping to encourage the curiosity, skill and imagination that keep these crafts thriving, while supporting emerging talent in our industry.”

The 2025 bursary has been awarded to Roo Nicholson, whose thoughtful, story-rich practice captured the judging panel’s imagination.

Roo’s work centres on themes of memory, home and wonder, combining personal reflection with playful craftsmanship. Her pieces invite connection — sparking conversation, celebrating small moments, and exploring the beauty in the everyday.

Receiving the bursary has already had a positive impact on Roo’s studies and creative development.

Roo said,

“It’s an honour to have been chosen for this award and to have the growing support of The Curious Gem team. I’ve been able to stop my part-time job and dedicate more of my time to improving my studio skills and developing my final-year project. With the rising cost of silver and the expense of exhibiting at New Designers in London, this bursary has given me the freedom to fully engage with my studies and make the most of this final year.”

The Curious Gem is proud to support the next generation of makers studying Jewellery & Silversmithing at ECA — a community known for pushing boundaries, exploring materiality, and bringing fresh perspectives to contemporary jewellery and silversmithing.

Find Roo’s work on Instagram

Source: The Curious Gem