Discover the Shine 2026 award winners
Including the goldsmith whose ‘powerful and poetic’ work was chosen for the Storytelling and Narrative Award
By Amy Wakeham
In September The Goldsmiths’ Centre welcomed more than 200 guests to celebrate the opening night of Shine, its new-talent showcase of jewellery and silversmithing.
On display were the final collections of the 13 up-and-coming designer-makers selected for Shine 2026, The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s annual training programme that is intended to equip new talent in the industry with business skills, confidence and a platform to successfully launch and to promote their work.
The thirteen-strong Shine 2026 cohort on emerging designer-makers. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
The event brought together members of the public alongside an influential cross-section of the UK’s craft and jewellery community. Guests had the opportunity to meet the makers, discover their collections and hear more about their creative practices, and, in many cases, take home a piece from the latest Shine collections.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many guests to this year’s Shine pop-up and to see such an enthusiastic response to the work of our 13 makers,” said Charlotte Dew, Head of Public Programmes at The Goldsmith’s Centre.
The pop-up event launched the final collections of the Shine 2026 participants, which will be on display until 18 December. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
“The evening provided a brilliant opportunity for the makers to meet collectors, buyers, industry professionals and the wider jewellery community, and to share their work directly with new audiences. The strength of sales is a wonderful reflection of the talent, creativity and originality of this year’s cohort, but also of the immense support they have received throughout the programme. Seeing the makers put their new skills into practice, build their confidence and expand their professional networks has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re immensely proud of what they have achieved.”
A piece by Militsa Milenkova, who received the Goldsmiths’ Company Recognition Award for Silversmithing. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
Shine 2026 Awards
A number of awards were also presented during the event, recognising outstanding achievement across jewellery, silversmithing, design, technical skill and storytelling.
(Left): Necklaces by Helena Palmeira, winner of the Innovation in Design Award; (right) Pieces by Shine participant Annie Higgins. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
Beth Chesser received the Goldsmiths’ Company Recognition Award for Jewellery, presented as part of the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, while Militsa Milenkova received the Goldsmiths’ Company Recognition Award for Silversmithing.
Engraved vessels by Best Fine Jewellery Award-winner Epona Smith. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
The Innovation in Design Award, presented by Dover Street Market, went to Helena Palmeira, while Amber Cooper received the Innovative Use of Materials Award, presented by Gill Wing Gallery and Goldlark Jewellery. The Best Fine Jewellery Award, presented by the V&A, was awarded to Epona Smith.
(Left) earrings by Amber Cooper, winner of the Innovative Use of Materials Award; (right) Necklace by Shine participant Mark Eames. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
Goldsmith Rachael Plassard was recognised with three awards, including the Technical Excellence Award, presented by Mr Sherwood, and the Best Collection Award, presented by EC One. She was also personally selected by Shine judge Rachael Taylor for the Storytelling and Narrative Award, which she also presented, for her collection of metalwork designs that fade from light to dark, a representation of losing her father to Alzheimer’s.
A piece by goldsmith Rachael Plessard, who won three awards on the night, including the one for Storytelling and Narrative. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
“I found Rachael’s story and collection sincerely moving,” said Taylor. “I chose her for the Storytelling and Narrative Award as I thought her creations are a powerful and poetic rendering of an experience that will resonate with many people.”
The Shine 2026 showcase will remain on display in the atrium of The Goldsmiths’ Centre until 18 December 2026.
To explore Shine 2026, purchase featured work online, or express joining next year’s cohort, visit www.goldsmiths-shop-talent.org
Main image: Amber Cooper, winner of the Innovative Use of Materials Award. (Photographer: Julia Skupny)
