Berkhamsted School Project

At the beginning of the year, a new alliance was formed between Berkhamsted School and The Diamond Trust. Both parties had a strong desire to do something special to commemorate Her Majesty, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

After a discussion with Caroline Ferguson, Head of Art, and Amanda Attfield, Head of DT, a jewellery design competition was launched. The Diamond Trust agreed to sponsor the event, including the manufacture of the winning entry.

Students from Berkhamsted School 6^th Form who are studying Art, Design or Photography were invited to a briefing in the Old Hall in January. Over 40 aspiring young jewellery designers attended the presentation given by Vivian Watson. Examples of other jewellery designs were on show as a source of inspiration.

A panel of judges was set up. This included local businessman Tobias Oliver, Tracey Skeggs, director of The Diamond Trust as well as Caroline Ferguson, Amanda Attfield and Richard Thompson from the school. Apart from following the brief, the winner was selected based on creativity and presentation combined with ‘something fit for a Queen’.

The hopeful entrants were called to a meeting at the school during lunchtime before Easter, when all the work was shared, and the winner announced.

The winner of the competition was Oliver Marsden, who created a beautiful pendant using diamonds and rich purple amethysts set in platinum. According to the brief, the pendant contained 0.70cts of diamonds and 7 grams of platinum. The finished piece is hallmarked with the special Jubilee hallmark at the London Assay Office.

A presentation ceremony was held in June, at Chesham House, the offices of the Diamond Trust when invited guests, representatives of the school and the judges were able to celebrate together.

The finished piece, which has a retail value of £3,500, was given to Oliver Marsden.