Student Crowned as Winner in Goldsmiths’ Institute National Jewellery Competition

A student from Outwood Academy Haydock has beaten over 650 entrants from across the country to win a prestigious national jewellery design competition.

14-year-old Josh Lacey was crowned the winner of the Goldsmiths’ Institute National Signet Ring Design Competition at a ceremony held at Aston University. To celebrate his victory, Josh was presented with a beautiful, professionally manufactured version of his own custom-designed signet ring.

The Goldsmiths' Institute Annual Jewellery Awards, sponsored by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), is a national competition that celebrates and nurtures creative young talent across Key Stages 2 through 5 and attracted over 650 entries from across the United Kingdom.

One of seven entries submitted by the school’s Young Designers club, Josh’s unique, creative design caught the eyes of the expert panel of judges, earning him a spot as one of just three national finalists and an exclusive invitation to the awards ceremony in Birmingham.

Ahead of the ceremony, Josh spent an inspiring day exploring the rich heritage and modern future of British jewellery design in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, touring the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, and exploring the perfectly preserved Smith and Pepper factory. The visit offered a fascinating look at the highly demanding conditions faced by 19th-century craftspeople. Josh also met with representatives from the NAJ to learn about the diverse, cutting-edge career pathways available in the modern jewellery and manufacturing sectors.

The day culminated at Aston University, an institution widely renowned for its pioneering jewellery education. Amidst an audience of industry professionals, educators, and fellow designers, Josh was announced as the overall national winner.

The highlight of the evening came when Josh was handed the physical reality of his hard work: a stunning, professionally crafted signet ring produced exactly to his winning specifications.

Reflecting on the incredible achievement, Richard Weaver, Regional Assistant Principal at Outwood Academy Haydock, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Josh. To win a national competition of this scale, competing against more than 650 students, is an extraordinary feat. Josh has shown remarkable creativity and dedication.”