In its third year, IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards hosted a jury panel for the very first time, to facilitate the selection of the most extraordinary pieces. With the help of votes of over 1000 retailers across the country first round of voting on an online platform has been concluded. The results have shown that out of 500 designs from 80 companies across India, 96 have been nominated in 24 categories. These 96 designs were judged on various parameters by an esteemed jury panel consisting of renowned names from the trade along with some celebrated names from other creative fields such as architecture and films. The designs were showcased at the grand jury meet on November 30th, 2013 at the Sofitel Hotel, BKC, Mumbai.

The esteemed jury panel consisted of Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA (India and Middle East), renowned jewellery designer, adornologist, and winner of many awards, Varuna D Jani, another well-known jewellery designer and tutor Rhea Nasta, Seema Puri, one of the most sought after names in the field of architecture and interior design along with Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International.The day started with aplomb as the jury was briefed on the judging process. The jury panel judged and studied each piece carefully before marking the ratings and seemed content at the quality of nominated jewellery pieces.

Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA-India & Middle East said, “I have known the Indian Jeweller team for a long time now and I am highly impressed with their incessant efforts to make a difference in the industry. The Indian Jeweller Jewellers Choice Awards is a great initiative and hosting this grand jury meet with members from different walks of life proves their motive to give encouragement to extraordinary creativity and innovation.” Varuna D Jani, jewellery designer and adornologist articulated, “I am very happy to be here as one of the jury members and I am quite impressed with some of the creations showcased here. The IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards is a great platform for Indian designers and manufacturers to showcase their innovation to the world and get applauded for their creativity. But, in terms of India’s role in the design realm of the world, we still have a long way to go and more and more emphasis is needed on the ‘design’ aspect of jewellery business.” When asked Rhea Nasta about her parameters for judging the showcased pieces, she said, “For me as a designer and a tutor, I look at the craftsmanship, wear ability, finishing and the basic inspiration behind each piece. All the pieces present here are nice but there are a few which, truly stand apart and I hope that the best designs win their deserved recognition.”For Ar. Seema Puri it was a novel experience to be a part of the jury panel and she seemed very happy with the experience. She shared, “This is a very new experience for me but I being a jewellery lover, thoroughly enjoyed the entire process. I saw some beautiful pieces and I gained some insight into making of the jewellery, too. I witnessed a great architectural influence in most designs as ‘design’ as a whole tends to overlap with similar motifs, symbols, ornamentation be it in the field of jewellery, architecture or fashion.”

Meghna Ghai Puri also seemed to have a gala time at the jury meet and was seen enjoying the whole judging process. She stated, “I am very happy to be a part of the jury and I believe this is a great platform created by the IJ Jewellers Choice Design Awards. I believe jewellery in India is highly influenced by Bollywood trends to a great extent. I saw a piece that was very ethnic but with a contemporary twist. Such a fusion was seen in many designs and some seemed influenced by major Bollywood block blusters too. I fully enjoyed my experience today and I would like to congratulate each of the contestants for putting up extraordinary jewellery pieces.” To conclude the event Alok Kala, Publisher and Editor, Indian Jeweller magazine presented a thank you note.