In announcing the winners of the Pravda Vodka Royal Collection Jewellery Design competition, Pravda Vodka and the Jewellery Council of South Africa (JCSA), organisers of the competition stated that the top winning designs would go on a national tour and then be donated to the Jewellery Council Chairman's Fund. If pieces are sold, the money will be used to assist previously disadvantaged students and jewellers around the country.
The winner, Visha Naidoo from Pretoria received the trophy of excellence and R20 000 in cash for her neckpiece design from Pravda and a computer system loaded with a Rhino CAD programme worth R25 000 from the Jewellery Council's Chairman's Fund.
Describing her piece as a timeless classic, she went with designs reminiscent of smooth ice, the Kremlin spires and Slavonic folklore patterns.
Finalists:
- Remoakantse Matseke (Tshwane University of Technology) who received recognition for her design;
- Laetitia van Niekerk received R7 500 and runner up trophy;
- Shani Van Eck (Tshwane University of Technology);
- Sammy Hill (Tshwane University of Technology;
- Chrisanne Louw (Cape Peninsula University of Technology);
- Latifa Sonday (Cape Peninsula University of Technology);
- Nandi Breytenbach (Cape Peninsula University of Technology);
- Lee Malan, a freelance designer.
"When we launched this competition last year, we never thought we would receive such positive feedback. With over 300 entries received, the finalists have really done well to get this far. Every finalist really pushed the boundaries and showcased amazing creativity. Pravda Vodka is very proud to have been associated with this competition and hope the competition has sparked that drive and creativity in the finalists to continue making beautiful jewellery," says Candice Stuart, category manager for KWV South Africa's imported division.
Winner, Visha Naidoo (left), receiving her prize.
"The finalists and winners really produced outstanding work. The creativity, design and workmanship was amazing. The Jewellery Council of South Africa is very proud to be associated with this competition and look forward to a long standing relationship with Pravda Vodka," adds Chris van Rensburg, chairman of the Jewellery Council of South Africa.
Each design entered into the competition incorporated the symbolic Swarovski crystal featured on the vodka bottle.
