Past and present students of ECA’s Jewellery and Silversmithing programmes have been recognised for their skill and creativity with a range of awards this year.

Among the organisations presenting accolades were the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council, the British Art Medal Society, and The Cutlers' Company.

Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council

At the Goldsmiths Craftsmanship and Design Awards, there was success for one current student and two alumni - 

Mervin (Qiwei) Liu, who is undertaking a practice PhD Design, received two Bronze awards, for 3D design Silversmiths and 3D Handmade Silverware.

Alumna Isabel Honey Coles (BA Hons Jewellery and Silversmithing 2025) won a Silver award for 3D Conceptual Jewellery - a second year of success for her, after taking home a Gold award last year.

There was also a bronze in the 3D Craft Junior Jewellers category for alumnus Dong Ding (PhD Design, 2025 and MFA Jewellery 2019).

Mervin, who is set to graduate this year, said: “My research explores, through practice enquiry and cross-cultural reflection, how different cultural understandings of individualism shape contemporary craft practice. The work I submitted for the awards was part of my PhD project - The Heft, which forms part of the practical component of my PhD research. 

“Inspired by stacked stones, it is a kinetic metalwork sculpture that explores gravity, movement, and balance, while also drawing on the Chinese philosophical idea of He (harmony) to express a sense of natural flow, calmness, and equilibrium shaped over time and through external forces.”

He said the award meant a great deal to him: “It is not only an affirmation of my PhD research, but also a valuable opportunity to connect with artists in the field through practice. More broadly, it feels like an encouraging recognition of practice as a valid and meaningful research method.

“My time at ECA has played a very important role in the development of both my practice and my research. The support available across the school — from academic guidance to workshop facilities — has been invaluable. For me, one of ECA’s greatest strengths is that it provides the resources and freedom to explore art and craft openly, which has been essential to the growth of my practice.”

British Art Medal Society

There was also success this year for Leila Omerova, (second year BA Hons Jewellery & Silversmithing), who won the British Art Medal Society Michael Roberts Memorial Prize.

Her medal titled Evge (Homeward) is dedicated to her homeland, Crimea, Ukraine, and the layered history of her home town and daily life. One side depicts the city of Bakhchysarai, with its small old houses, mosque and tall cypress trees rising into the sky. The reverse features details of daily life – crispy turnovers called chebureks, a traditional Crimean tatar jezve (coffee pot), and two small cups of coffee, all representing warmth and hospitality.

Leila said: “This medal symbolises my connection to my motherland. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich Crimean Tatar traditions, and cultural heritage have always been a source of inspiration for me. It represents my cherished memories, a deep sense of belonging, and the enduring bond I feel with my homeland, even when I am far from home.”

The prize honours the memory of Michael Roberts, founder of Niagara Falls Castings.

The Cutlers’ Company

Second year BA (Hons) Jewellery & Silversmithing student Andrea Manning also received recognition this year, with a Highly Commended in The Cutlers’ Company Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition.

Her design, Take the CREDIT, is a portable, credit card-inspired cutlery set that can fit into a wallet to be used on the go. It can be produced using recycled plastic cards to reduce waste, or made from stainless steel–lined copper or rose gold–plated sterling silver for a more luxurious option.

Judges praised the design as “Conveniently portable and effortlessly simple,” and Andrea said she was “absolutely delighted” with the accolade.

Congratulations to the students and alumni recognised over the course of the academic year. With further awards from many organisations being presented to students from across ECA during and after the Graduate Show, we'll also round up summer successes in a later news story.