NAJ Presents Award to BAJ Final Year Graduate

02 Oct 2024

The National Association of Jewellers attended the British Academy of Jewellery’s 2023/2024 London Final Show on Wednesday 25th September as a sponsor, to present its One To Watch Award to a final year graduate. At the end of the evening Belinda Morris, editor of The Jeweller, handed the certificate to Level 5 graduate Olumide Badejo.

The NAJ One to Watch award (which, at a later date, will also be given to a winning student at the BAJ’s Birmingham campus) recognises students who exhibit exceptional design and craftsmanship and embody a clear, responsible purpose. This award's winners are the individuals the trade should keep an eye on in the coming years.

As part of the award mentioned above, the NAJ has given the winners of both the Birmingham and London shows free access to its Foundation Programme – a mentorship initiative for those looking to start a business in the jewellery trade.

Olumide Badejo – whose jewellery brand is Thirty One Grams – cemented himself as most certainly a jeweller to watch after taking home three awards. Of his experience, Olu said,

“Thank you to all the staff that supported me while I was at BAJ, including with my own projects I was working on outside of coursework. I just really like seeing people’s ideas come to life in jewellery, and I never expected to get one award, talk less of three, and thank you to everyone who liked my designs and jewellery.”

Belinda Morris explained that Olu’s work demonstrated outstanding CAD and setting skillsets, creating a collection that combines a clear focus with craftsmanship and a sense of humour, which is very appealing. According to his tutors he has been dedicated to learning throughout his time at the Academy and will soak up the mentorship that the NAJ is offering.

Also on the night, Pooja Sahny of Sierra Consultancy presented Olu with the 3DESIGN Creative Achievement Award, along with a prize of a one-year practice license. David Hendley of The Betts Group handed the Craftsmanship Award to Level 3 student Aneta Wojszko; Brett Afshar of Queensmith presented the Rising Star Award to Konrad Gergely and Martin Prinsloo of Prinsloo gems – who had generously donated 10 substantial gemstones to students for a project – gave the Award for Statement Jewellery to Level 3 student Isabelle Gearing.

The London event highlighted the exceptional work of students from both Further Education and Higher Education courses, providing a platform for these emerging talents to display the skills they have honed throughout their studies. Under spotlights throughout the campus, nearly 200 pieces were displayed, alongside design journals and insights into the creation process.

Source: National Association of Jewellers