Young Talent Shines in National Jewellery Competition

Over 600 students designers from across Scotland answered the call to shape a greener future through jewellery in this year’s National Secondary Schools Jewellery Competition, hosted by City of Glasgow College. The College is delighted to celebrate the winners of this inspiring initiative, which showcased both artistic flair and environmental consciousness.

This year’s theme, ‘Flourish – Jewellery Design for a Greener Tomorrow,’ challenged students to create designs reflecting hope, sustainability, and climate awareness. The response was really strong, with entries highlighting the creativity and passion of Scotland’s next generation of eco-conscious artists.

Winners:

  1. Sadie Greig (S2, Balfron High) – The Trash Greenhouse

  2. Emily Lin (S2, Kirkintilloch High)

  3. Keira Smith (S6, Craigie High)

Commended Entries:

  1. Highly Commended: Emaan Khurram (S3, St Paul’s)

  2. Jessica Coyle (S3, St Margaret Mary’s Secondary)

  3. Ava Connelly (S1, St Modan’s High)

  4. Emily Rodden (S2, Springburn Academy)

The judging panel featured leading voices in the jewellery and design world, including Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland; Peter Crump, Managing Director of Vipa Designs; and acclaimed jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

Sadie’s winning design, The Trash Greenhouse, stood out for its bold vision and message of renewal. Thanks to a partnership with Vipa Designs Ltd., her concept will be brought to life this autumn using silver reclaimed from discarded NHS X-ray film — transforming medical waste into a powerful symbol of sustainability. Sadie will receive the finished piece at a special ceremony later this year.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, shared her pride in the achievement: 

"This competition is more than a celebration of creativity, it's an invitation for young people to tell powerful stories through design, connect with meaningful themes, and discover the impact of sustainable making in a changing world."

City of Glasgow College is proud to support young people who merge creative thinking with environmental action. We look forward to continuing this meaningful tradition — inspiring tomorrow’s designers to help the planet flourish.