Gary Thompson 'Best Young UK Designer' Finalist

Studio Edge jewellery designer Gary Thompson reached the finals of the prestigious Italian Jewellery Awards (IJA) held at San Lorenzo Maggiore in Naples on 28th November for his innovative design of the Curva collection from his palladium jewellery range for men, OSARE.

The IJAs are addressed to an international audience and celebrate the best resources from the most qualified creativity within the field of luxury jewellery. Gary attended the awards ceremony along with fellow finalists in The Best Young UK Designer 2009 category; Lauren Adriana, Tessa Grazzini and winner Sarah Ho of SHO jewellery.

Upon hearing that he was a finalist Gary said: "I'm really excited that I have been short listed for such a prestigious award. I wanted to create something modern and design led, and was inspired by things that interest me; cars, architecture and sport.

I chose palladium to represent physical strength and incorporated the hidden black diamond to symbolise authority and inner strength. I designed OSARE as a jewellery range for men to wear for any occasion and am delighted that my designs have been recognised by the industry."

Gary has been making jewellery for 25 years, beginning his career as an apprentice jeweller at the tender age of 16. His Curva collection was inspired by the Guggenheim in Bilbao, as he explains; "this building is a feat of both design and engineering; the contrast of the geometric forms and curvaceous lines, and the mix of form and function is awe-inspiring. Each piece mimics the building's sharp lines, convex and concave forms, and echoes the textural contrasts of this iconic building."

Gary continues; ‘The range is designed for men to wear every day, and so Palladium was the perfect metal to craft it from - it's lightweight, durable, hypoallergenic and doesn't tarnish, so it's great for anyone with an active lifestyle.‘

The design style of the OSARE collection is elegant and sophisticated; moreover it is completely different from other gent's ranges in the market place. Aimed at the gentleman who desires style and quality, OSARE is a beautifully designed and crafted collection, ideal for the modern man. Combining masculinity, strength and power, with quality, style and comfort, OSARE is designed for men who care about handcrafted detail and luxurious materials.

OSARE was also the first palladium item to be hallmarked at Sheffield Assay office, earlier this year. Click here to view the OSARE hallmark video.