Fine Jewellery 2D
Premier Award
Sponsored by Principal Patron Boodles
Boodles, a long-term, loyal and important Patron to the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, want to do more to help the trade flourish in the UK.
With a particular focus on the critical importance of design, Principal Patron Boodles, in an enhanced partnership with the GC&DC, are sponsoring a brand new Premier 2D Design Award in the competition.
This is aimed at supporting the newly emerging generation of designers and will include a significant period of work experience in the Boodles design team, as well as seeing their winning design taken into manufacture by Boodles.
The Brief
You are invited to design an original Pendant and matching Earrings based on the theme of world travel. The choices you make for gemstones, motifs, textures and other design considerations should combine to capture the spirit of the destination you have selected as your inspiration.
Creative and original ideas are encouraged, while the design must also complement Boodles’ signature aesthetic, quality and craftsmanship , echoing the style and ethos of Boodles Fine Jewellery - a contemporary, classic, design-led British luxury brand.
Attention to detail must be an important part of the design journey, and thought should be given to the back of the pieces, the chain and the fastenings so that they support and embody the story you are creating through your design proposal. Entries should be designed to be made in any combination of 18ct yellow, rose and/or white gold, not exceeding 40g for the pendant, or 10g per each earring. Diamonds and gemstones should be included to these specifications:
Diamonds can be used up to 2cts in total across the jewels, up to a size of 0.10ct per stone. Emeralds, sapphires and rubies can be used as accent stones up to a size of 3.5mm round/square.
For a statement, coloured gemstone (if using), the following would be appropriate and a requirement for this brief: aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet group, morganite, moonstone, opal and pearl (max 10mm x 14mm). To enable you to express the unique character of the place/destination you have chosen, you are free to select other gemstones, materials and finishes as a supporting cast.
As an important reference point, Boodles have released three collections to date based on the theme of travel, which can be found under the title ‘A Family Journey’ on the Boodles’ website.
Judges will be looking for
Imaginative and creative outcomes, showing innovation and aesthetic appeal
Practical and functional solutions
Suitability of proposed materials, processes and methods of manufacture
Highest standards of presentation and visual communication, including inspiration source, design development leading to the final design
Appropriate inclusion of all details as laid out in the brief, particularly designs of compatibility to the Boodles ethos
Your entry must include the following
Imaginative and creative outcomes, showing innovation and aesthetic appeal
Practical and functional solutions
Suitability of proposed materials, processes and methods of manufacture
Highest standards of presentation and visual communication, including inspiration source, design development, leading to the final design
Appropriate inclusion of all details as laid out in the brief, particularly designs of compatibility to the Boodles ethos
A Transformative Opportunity
The winning designer, subject to Boodles' approval, will be offered:
A significant period of work experience in the Boodles design studio, Liverpool
The opportunity to see their design taken into workshop manufacture, London
Travel and accommodation costs will be supported by Boodles
The finished item/s may be entered into the 2026/27 GC&DC competition
The winning design will be showcased and promoted in Boodles showroom/s
Copyright
Design copyright remains with the entrant(s). If Patrons or Sponsors opt to produce the winning design(s), an appropriate royalty or commission arrangement will be mutually agreed.
Guidance & Entry Form Requirements
Entries must comply with the 2D design and submission guidelines:
Good standards of visual communication and presentation will be highly regarded;
Description of your design, the concept and material specifications (gemstones, metals etc) must be provided on the design board.
Outline method/s of manufacture where relevant.
Entrants are requested to declare on the entry form if they have had their design rendered by a CAD technician or a digital artist.
Presentation
Designs are to be presented on one side only and mounted on card, foam board or equivalent backing board.
Paper only entries are not acceptable.
For all entries: x1 design board per entry.
Maximum dimensions for 2D Presentation Board
x1 A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Anonymity
Please ensure your name is on the reverse of your design board;
Do not put your name or identity/logos on the front of the design;
Entries that don’t conform to the above requirements may be disqualified.
Since 1798, Boodles has represented the epitome of fine British jewellery. Still a privately-owned family business, Boodles stands for the very best in creative design, the highest quality diamonds and gemstones, and the fusion of traditional craft skills with innovation.
Every piece of Boodles jewellery is designed and handcrafted in Britain, reflecting a deep commitment to British craftsmanship. Provenance is at the heart of Boodles: the company takes pride in tracing its diamonds all the way back to source and using gold of a Single Mine Origin.
Boodles’ designs are at once classic and contemporary – and always distinctive. The house is perhaps best known for Raindance, the iconic ring which was recognised by the Victoria & Albert Museum and entered into its permanent collection.
In 2023 – the year of its 225th anniversary – Boodles was named by Walpole, the UK’s luxury sector body, as one of the nation’s leading luxury brands. Today, Boodles continues to champion British design and craftsmanship, encouraging innovation while staying true to the values that have guided the company for over two centuries.
11 Jan 2026
Online Entry Form Submission Deadline
13 - 14 Jan 2026
Entry submission @
The Goldsmiths’ Centre
EC1M 5AD
9th Mar 2026
Awards Ceremony @
The Merchant Taylors' Hall,
EC2R 8JB
23 - 27 Mar 2026
Awards Exhibition & Events @
The Birmingham Assay Office
B1 3AX
1 July - 10 Sept 2026
Awards Exhibition & Events @
The Goldsmiths’ Centre
EC1M 5AD
