Co-Founded by Jenny Hall-Thompson
“My background was originally in retail, initially at Harvey Nichols, ultimately heading up their press and marketing department. I then moved on to head up PR at Liberty, then to Aveda as UK Marketing Director, before making the move into lifestyle and luxury PR consultancy. Retail is my forte and I am fortunate to have forged good shopping and lifestyle contacts, for not only the jewellery but also beauty, fragrance and homewares sectors. I enjoy the creative process and adding marketing value to our PR programmes – as well as masterminding our consumer campaigns, both nationally and regionally.I also enjoy working with brands that have green and eco interests.”
Co-Founded by Suzanna Hammond
“For most of my career I’ve worked with luxury and lifestyle companies, including tourist boards and international hotel groups. It’s a sector I love and know well and I feel very privileged to have worked with so many talented people. I also get a real buzz from helping to launch amazing new start-ups and then seeing them flourish. What we offer as Hammond Bespoke is a ‘360 degree’ approach based on a blend of consultancy, marketing and PR support, backed up by relevant experience and impressive contacts. And we deliver the results you need! Jenny and I are involved with every client in our luxury lifestyle portfolio, which has included on the jewellery side, de Grisogono, Richard Ogden and Leo de Vroomen and the iconic designers, Fei Liu, Beau Han Xu and Isabella Liu. We’ve also been lucky to work for Baselworld for twelve years and fourteen for International Jewellery London (IJL).”
We continue our work in her loving memory.
Our Expert Judges
The judging panel is made up of influential industry and consumer editors and experts in the sector – all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel.
-
Maria Doulton
Watches and jewellery expert, editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Jewellery Editor.
-
Liz Olver MA RCA
Jewellery industry expert and founder of her own independent Jewellery Consultancy.
-
Tomasz Donocik
Award winning designer and 2006 Bright New Gem. Founder of Tomasz Donocik London.
-
Susi Smither
Jewellery designer and responsible and sustainable industry expert. Founder of both The Rock Hound and Fair Luxury
-
Sonya Mowll
Partner & Category Lead Jewellery & Watches John Lewis.
Judge Susi Smither commented:
"This year's graduates [2024] really raised the bar with impressive skills and an eye for unique detail making it a tough round of judging. I'm delighted that our 6 winning Bright New Gems will be rewarded with a brand-new programme of mentoring ahead of showcasing at The Jewellery Festival in March 2025, giving this talented bunch an extra boost and getting their name out there.”
The support from the jewellery industry is invaluable and includes the National Association of Jewellers for their dedicated mentoring, the Benevolent Society for donating a special Bursary to help towards each of the winners travel and accommodation costs, Retail Jeweller for providing support and exhibition space at the UK Jewellery Festival and to Jewel Ads for their ongoing online support, including showcasing the winners and their work in the lead-up to the Jewellery Festival.