The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) announced the theme for the 8th edition of The Artisan Awards 2025: ‘Indian Craft, Reimagined’ during the recently concluded IIJS Premiere.
For millennia, Indian jewellery has exemplified rich traditions and exceptional craftsmanship. From intricate filigree and chitrai to stunning repoussé, granulation, meenakari, temple jewellery, jadtar, and more, each piece reflects a distinct cultural and regional heritage. Indian techniques like gem-cutting, polki (uncut diamonds), rose cuts, fancy diamond cuts, and intricate carvings have captivated global luxury houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Boucheron, inspiring them to reinterpret these elements into their collections.
In our interconnected world, the 2025 Artisan Awards theme challenges participants to design jewellery that effortlessly blends global aesthetics with the essence of Indian craftsmanship. By fusing time-honoured techniques with contemporary designs, participants will not only preserve ancient traditions but also ensure their continued relevance.
Consumers today have increasingly diverse tastes, demanding a fusion of aesthetics in a globalised environment where inspiration flows freely across artistic disciplines. This theme, “Indian Craft, Reimagined,” reflects this trend.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, remarks, “The theme celebrates the enduring legacy of Indian crafts while recognising the artistry of our artisans, who reinterpret these traditional crafts for a modern audience. This fusion of heritage and innovation ensures our symbolic jewellery continues to resonate with younger generations.”
Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC, adds, “The theme ‘Indian Craft, Reimagined’ invites participants to leverage their creativity by designing jewellery that integrates a global aesthetic, while retaining the essence of Indian craftsmanship. This will not only preserve ancient crafts but also ensure their relevance in today’s world.”
This exciting challenge will showcase rich Indian jewellery heritage and craftsmanship while fuelling the competition’s innovative spirit.
Challenge:
- Select a traditional Indian jewellery technique or significant cultural piece and reimagine it in a modern context.
- Design a piece that not only honours the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship but also speaks to the current trends and cultural climate of the global jewellery world.
- Consider creating unique silhouettes and incorporating contemporary materials or design philosophies while retaining the essence of the traditional technique / original values.
Examples of Traditional Craft Techniques:
Kundan, Meenakari enamelling, Jadau, Filigree, Jali work, Thewa, Micro-pearl weaving
Examples of Symbolic Traditional Indian jewellery:
Mangalsutra, Temple Jewellery, Navaratna, Guttapusalu necklace, Haath Phool, Satlada, Pankhi Haar, Guluband
Criteria
- Craftsmanship: Demonstrate mastery of the chosen traditional technique.
- Innovation: Show originality in your design, reinterpreting traditional methods in a fresh and contemporary way.
- Aesthetics: Ensure the piece is visually appealing and reflective of the current jewellery climate
- Cultural Relevance: Respect and honour the cultural significance of the traditional technique / piece
- Wearability: Consider the practical aspects of wearing the jewellery piece.
- The last date for submitting sketch entries is October 15, 2024. For more details on the competition guidelines, eligibility criteria and further information, visit the GJEPC website at theartisanawards.com