Bloomsteins present student jewellers with prestigious awards

Plumpton College welcomed back Michael Bloomstein and local Jewellers Julian Stephens, Jinks McGrath and Anton Pruden on 15^th May to judge the 4^th annual Michael Bloomstein Awards.  

Students studying creative metalwork at Plumpton College enter their jewellery pieces into the competition each year with the hopes of winning the top prize, a ½ kilo of silver, kindly donated by Bloomsteins, Brighton.

Bloomsteins of Brighton is one of the oldest and most trusted dealers of previous metals in the trade. Situated in the North Laines in Brighton they buy and sell gold, silver and platinum and sell jewellery supplies, jewellery tools, gold and silver sheet, silver and gold wire, d-wire, scrap gold, investment gold, sovereigns and krugerrands.

This year over 10 students entered work into the competition. Michael said

I am always delighted to be back at Plumpton College and look forward to seeing the pieces the students create each year. The grounds and surroundings at Plumpton are in the very heart of nature, a great draw of inspiration for creative working. The standard of work, as ever, is outstanding and the students should all be very pleased with what they have achieved.

First prize was awarded to Pierpaolo Belfiore studying for a FdA in Creative Metalworking for his piece named ‘Momento Mori’. Pierpaolo said

I am so pleased, I want to thank my teacher Cath, without whom I wouldn’t have challenged myself to create this piece of jewellery. Receiving this award shows to me it was the right choice and the right choice for my future career.

Second prize was awarded to Amelia Brown, also studying FdA Creative Metalwork for her piece ‘Hidden Figures’ and third prize to Devon Charles studying for her Level 3 City & Guilds for her piece ‘Decorative Locket’.

Head of Faculty David Lamb thanked Michael and the judges for their time to assess the students work. David commented

It never ceases to amaze me the skills that students develop whilst studying and the incredibly high quality of work that is presented. They are all going to progress into fantastic careers within their industry.