Repurpose Jewellery 2D
Sponsored by Vipa Designs
The Everyday Elegance Challenge
Vipa Designs are designers, casters, and manufacturers of high-quality, responsibly made fine jewellery, offering our services to both private clients and the trade, which span the full spectrum of jewellery production.
The Brief
The Everyday Elegance Challenge
The GC&DC Vipa Designs repurposed brief for this year invites you to design an item of eye-catching jewellery for a Cosplay enthusiast who’s passionate about visiting Tokyo.
The client has a particular interest in the district area of Harajuku, and she is a lover of all things confectionery.
Things to consider:
She was first inspired to travel to Tokyo when Gwen Stefani's 2004 album Love.Angel.Baby.Music was released, captured by Gwen's unique style in the electropop music video 'What You Waiting For' that featured Harajuku girls as backup dancers.
Design any type of neck or head wear, create something elaborate and different, perhaps unlike anything seen before. Inspired by the vibrant colours, quirky fashion, & dessert shops which are a feast for the eyes.
The client has a budget of £1,500 for manufacturing the jewel. Designs should incorporate the following materials, which are to be repurposed from her current jewellery collection:
Up to 15 grams of 18ct Gold – Combination of Yellow & White
Additionally, the client has allocated an optional budget of £1500 for further materials to complement and enhance the design.
Designs should successfully integrate Japanese culture from the area she enjoys visiting most. Completely original & to reflect the client's eccentric personality.
An understanding of material uses and cost considerations will be valued, showcasing a mindful approach to both design and manufacturing processes.
Please note that this design brief is a fictional scenario.
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
Your entry must include the following
Designs are to be presented on one side only and mounted on card, foam board or equivalent backing board
Submissions - 1 x A3 (maximum)
Where appropriate, designs should include a 1.1 scaled drawing
Designs can be created by hand or using CAD
Summary/description integrated within your design
Names should only be visible on the back of the entry
If AI is used, list what and how much
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 must be provided on the design board
Entrants are requested to declare on the entry form if they have had their design rendered by a CAD technician or a digital artist
Techniques & Technology used: It is important that you explain the techniques you have used to make your piece, i.e. gouache, CAD, Illustrator, watercolours, Procreate, etc. (Max 50 words)
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.
Following a fourth year of sponsoring the Repurpose Jewellery brief, Vipa Designs, a long-standing and stalwart supporter of the GC&DC, returns with another exciting design brief that celebrates the creativity and value of upcycling in design! This aspect represents an important part of their business portfolio, and we are delighted to partner with Vipa Designs again, with another creative challenge that will resonate and appeal to many in the jewellery industry.
Founded in 1979 Vipa Designs are casters, manufacturers and designers of high-quality gold, silver, platinum and palladium jewellery, and work with traceable metals of all types; standard, 100% recycled, Fairtrade and Fairmined. They are licensed to import, trade, manufacture and design jewellery by both Fairtrade International (Fairtrade) and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (Fairmined). Their wide client base includes private individuals, designers, makers and retailers through to manufacturers and multi-national companies. Vipa Designs' strap line ‘design to delivery’ perfectly captures the extensive array of quality services they provide and deliver to the profession, and achieves this by utilising hand making skills and technology to the highest standards.
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
