Jewellery Time
Karl Williams, of The Inspired Collection, Wellington, has just been announced the winner of the Gemological Institute of America’s 2010 George A. Schuetz Design Contest. The annual competition is open to jewellers the world over and judges the best original men’s jewellery design.
The news of Karl’s win comes shortly after another Inspired jeweller, Nigel Wong, took top prize in the New Zealand Jewellery Design Awards. It was the second such success for The Inspired Collection with young designer Nick Hensman claiming the 2009 award.
Karl paid tribute to the influence of owner and mentor Ian Douglas and credited the atmosphere of collaboration and creativity fostered in The Village Goldsmith, the Wellington business from where the Inspired Collection originated. “In line with the Inspired philosophy I wanted to design something that challenged regular perceptions of men’s jewellery”, says Karl, “I’ve transformed a diamond ring into something strong and masculine.” The Inspired Collection’s focus is first and foremost on innovative and creative design - they are as much of a philosophy as a business and their ambition is no less than to revolutionise the way diamonds are set into jewellery. The recognition from one of the world’s leading diamond grading authorities is another successful step for the fledgling business.
Under the stewardship of director Chris Benham, The Inspired Collection has exceeded expectations in its first nine months of operation and is in negotiation with respected jewellery retailers around the world who share the same ideals of excellence and originality. Also, Ian Douglas’s success has been recognised by the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme and he has been chosen as a finalist for their 2010 awards.
