Switched-on ring helps Mercedes scoop competition

Switched-on ring helps Mercedes scoop competition

What do a light switch screw, 10 cent pieces and mineral stones have in common?

The trio of items were used to create rings that scooped the Neville Jordan People’s Choice Jewellery Competition held recently at the Westfield Manukau shopping centre.

The rings were crafted by Mercedes Lowe, a student in Jewellery Manufacture and Design (Level 5) at the Manukau Institute of Technology.

The 22 year old intends to forge a career as a jeweller and says winning the competition has been a fantastic vote of confidence.

"I put a lot of time into thinking about my designs. I like exploring different materials and use research to push my ideas further. It’s great to know that people like what I have made so far."

“Customers coming into the store loved the detail of Mercedes’ work,” says Glenda Jordan of Neville Jordan Jeweller.

“People said to us that her rings were artworks in their own right. That’s great feedback for a budding jeweller.”

Mercedes participated with four other MIT jewellery manufacture and design students in the competition.

The students were asked to make jewellery that met the brief of ‘being worthy of our attention as part of their semester one setting construction class.

Mercedes says that project stretched the class, especially as they had to incorporate a series of random objects, like light screws, into their designs.

This is the second year the competition has been held in-store. Glenda Jordan says her business enjoys showcasing young local talent through the competition.

“The MIT students’ work has been a real talking point for customers coming into the store. People liked hearing that the pieces were made here in Manukau. We’re a manufacturing jewellery business, so the competition’s a good way of raising awareness of our industry, and supporting local talent at the same time.”

MIT offers three qualifications in jewellery practice: a Level 4 Certificate in Jewellery Techniques; a Level 5 Diploma in Jewellery Manufacture and Design and a Level 6 Diploma in Advanced Jewellery practice.

ENDS

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