A TALENTED jewellery designer is competing to have her vision crafted into a fairtrade infinity gold ring after being shortlisted as a competition finalist.

Sophie Hutchinson, 23, of Clacton, has been whittled down to 15 finalists from more than 100 budding designers who entered the Ingle & Rhode Fairtrade Gold Design Awards.

The national awards give up-and-coming designers the chance to see their customised pieces made by the ethical jewellers before being auctioned to raise funds for the Fairtrade Foundation.

A new take on a classic engagement ring, Sophie’s design features a large stone which sits above an infinity symbol and also encases two smaller diamonds.

She said the contemporary piece is made for the “modern women who likes something feminine and a bit different”.

Sophie said: “The design brief for the awards was very vague – design an engagement ring with the use of fairtrade gold and a maximum of 0.5 carat of round brilliant cut white diamonds.

“I wanted my design to include the infinity symbol as it holds so much meaning in regards to commitment and eternity.

“Outside of these awards, my designs are massively influenced by nature.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Sophie is currently studying jewellery manufacturing and design at the British Academy of Jewellery, in London, having left Clacton County High sixth form where she did art, photography and production design.

Moving to London she completed a make-up for fashion degree at the London College of Fashion, but decided it was a career she no longer wanted to pursue.

Now her dream is to own a jewellery business and sell her pieces in prestigious stores, such as Liberty London.

She added: “I only got into jewellery design in the last two years, but seeing how much joy it can bring a person is what led me on this new journey.

“A piece of jewellery can hold so many memories and there’s often always a story behind a piece.

“I want my designs to become a part of this ritual.”

The overall competition winner, and three category prize winners, will be announced on April 25. Voting closes this Sunday.

To back Sophie click here.