In an exciting development for emerging talent in the jewelry design world, Mejuri, the Toronto-based jewelry brand, has partnered with OCAD University (OCAD U) to establish the Mejuri Design Excellence Award. This $10,000 donation will enable OCAD U to create two student bursaries, each valued at $5,000, to support fourth-year students pursuing jewelry design in the university’s renowned Material Art and Design program. These scholarships will be awarded in the fall and will offer significant assistance to students focused on building their careers in the jewelry industry.
OCAD U is one of five prestigious institutions globally to receive this support from Mejuri. The other four institutions benefiting from the award are the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Vancouver Community College, and Central Saint Martins in London, UK. These schools have been selected for their excellence in design education and their commitment to fostering the next generation of jewelry designers.
Support for Future Jewelry Designers
With the new bursary fund, OCAD U is investing in the future of jewelry design by providing students with the financial support and industry exposure they need to succeed. “OCAD U’s Material Art and Design Jewellery Department is thrilled to be working with Mejuri on these bursaries for students. We are both committed to empowering and supporting the next generation of jewellers,” says Associate Professor Robert Mitchell, Chair of the Material Art and Design program at OCAD U.
The collaboration between OCAD U and Mejuri is a natural partnership, as both organizations share a strong commitment to the development of emerging talent in the jewelry field. Mitchell expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing that working with a company like Mejuri, which is passionate about giving back, will be beneficial to students in the long term. “We are looking forward to working together for many years to come,” he added.
Mentorship and Industry Opportunities for Students
In addition to the bursaries, Mejuri is offering mentorship opportunities to the two students who will receive the awards. This mentorship will provide valuable insights into the jewelry industry, as well as advice on how to navigate the challenges faced by new designers. The mentorship program will also open doors to valuable networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Furthermore, the two bursary recipients will have the exciting opportunity to display their jewelry designs in Mejuri’s two retail locations in Toronto, giving them direct exposure to the brand’s clientele and providing them with a platform to showcase their work to a broader audience. This exposure will be invaluable for students looking to make their mark in the jewelry industry.
Noura Sakkijha, CEO and co-founder of Mejuri, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “I am excited to join forces with these schools to support the next generation of designers.” Sakkijha, whose brand has gained immense popularity among celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez, and Bella Hadid, emphasized the importance of supporting students in a time when funding for creative fields is often lacking. “In a time where funding in this space is lacking, it’s essential that we provide these students with the mentorship and opportunities they deserve,” Sakkijha said. “Together, we can help cultivate their potential and ensure that the design landscape continues to thrive.”
Sustainability and Ethical Practices in Jewelry Design
As part of its commitment to social responsibility, Mejuri is also focusing on sustainability within the jewelry industry. Staff from the company will engage with students to provide insights into sustainable jewelry design practices, ethical sourcing of materials, and the importance of creating products with a minimal environmental footprint. Mejuri’s work is centered around four key pillars of sustainability: people, planet, product, and philanthropy. This educational component will be essential in preparing students for the evolving demands of the industry, where sustainability and ethical production practices are increasingly important to consumers.
About OCAD University’s Material Art and Design Program
OCAD University’s Material Art and Design program is one of the leading programs for students interested in jewelry design, metalsmithing, and other fine arts. The program provides students with both the theoretical and practical tools needed to create professional-grade work in jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and wearable art.
Students in the program can choose to specialize in either jewelry/metalsmithing or textiles, and they can also take electives in other areas such as ceramics, wearable technology, and form design. Those who focus on jewelry and metalsmithing learn the craft of creating fine jewelry and sculptural art using traditional fabrication techniques and modern technologies, including computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing.
In the Jewelry Studio at OCAD U, students engage in hands-on learning, where they work with various metals, including bronze, silver, copper, brass, and nickel, using methods like metal casting, fabrication, and 3D printing in castable wax resin. This diverse skill set ensures that students are well-equipped to pursue careers as professional studio artists or designers in the jewelry industry.
Jewelry Graduates Making Their Mark
OCAD U’s Material Art and Design program has produced a number of successful alumni who have gone on to thrive in the jewelry industry. One notable example is Won Jung Kim, who graduated in 2017 and founded her own jewelry company, Won Astre Jewellery. Kim’s designs aim to empower the wearer, with each piece intended to serve as a “superhero uniform” that strengthens the wearer’s identity. Kim’s work has even been worn by high-profile individuals such as Janet Yang, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who sported the Warrior of Light bracelet at the 2022 Governors Awards.
Another standout graduate is Theresa Duong, who completed her studies in 2012 and went on to establish Theresa Duong Arts, a fine jewelry company specializing in custom-made engagement rings, wedding bands, and other luxury items. Duong’s work has been featured in various art shows, including the One of a Kind winter shows in Toronto, where she won the Best Booth award in 2018. Duong’s jewelry designs, which incorporate gold, sterling silver, diamonds, and gemstones, are known for their timeless elegance and the emotional significance they carry. As Duong’s website states, “Fine jewelry becomes part of your life story. You remember where you wore it, or who gave it to you. It reminds you of a shared past and becomes part of the stories you tell in the future.”
Conclusion: Supporting the Future of Jewelry Design
Mejuri’s support for OCAD University’s Material Art and Design program is a significant step toward fostering the next generation of jewelry designers. The $10,000 donation, which will fund two bursaries for jewelry design students, is a powerful investment in creative talent. It underscores the importance of mentorship, funding, and industry exposure in helping young designers succeed.
As the jewelry industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Mejuri and OCAD U will be crucial in ensuring that the next generation of designers has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and sustainable market. With a strong commitment to empowering students and cultivating their potential, this collaboration is sure to have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.
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