Fife College is celebrating another successful year at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards, after two Jewellery students secured Bronze awards at the 2026 ceremony in London.
Abigail-Rose Cloete was awarded Bronze in the 2D Design Award for her Virgil of the Mint piece, while fellow student Emily Parkin also secured Bronze in the Horns and Polymers Award for her Brutalist Brooch, recognising the high standard of creativity and technical skill demonstrated by students at Fife College.
The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected competitions in the UK jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades industry, celebrating outstanding craftsmanship and design from emerging and established makers.
Abigail-Rose, from West Wemyss, impressed judges with her strong design concept and detailed 2D work, demonstrating the creativity and technical ability developed during her studies at college. Her latest success follows a previous achievement after being awarded a George Lauder Bursary through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, which enabled her to study art courses at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City. The opportunity allowed Abigail-Rose to further develop her artistic practice while experiencing life at one of the world’s leading art and design institutions.
Emily’s Bronze award in the Horns and Polymers category also highlights her continued success at national-level competitions. She previously received Bronze at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards in 2025 for her intricately designed kilt pin. Emily, from Dundee, is also a previous recipient of The Arts Society Fife Scholarship, awarded by the College to support talented students studying creative disciplines.
Both Abigail-Rose and Emily have built strong foundations through their studies at the College and continue to develop their professional practice following graduation. They are currently taking part in the College’s SEED Project, which provides emerging designers with access to specialist jewellery workshops, mentoring and resources to support the transition from education into industry and help them refine their creative direction.
Abigail-Rose, who completed an HND in Jewellery and also holds a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Enterprise, said:
"Winning at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards is an incredible honour. It’s a really meaningful milestone in my journey as a maker, and a reflection of the dedication and care I put into my work. Opportunities like this continue to motivate me to grow and refine my practice."
Emily, who completed her HND last year, said:
"I am really thrilled and honoured to receive another bronze award from the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council competition this year. I am currently taking part in the 'SEED Project' in the Jewellery department at the moment, which allows me access to the college jewellery workshop and resources after completing my HND. This has been a valuable resource for me to continue my jewellery design this year."
Karen Colville, Curriculum Manager for Art, Design & Built Environment at Fife College, said:
"We are incredibly proud of Abigail-Rose and Emily for their fantastic achievements at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards.
"Recognition at such a prestigious national competition highlights not only their creativity and commitment but also the exceptional standard of teaching that helps our jewellery students produce work of this calibre."
Photograph: Emily Parkin (left) and Abigail-Rose Cloete (right) are pictured with their Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards at Merchant Taylors' Hall, London.
For more information about Arts, Design and Jewellery courses on offer at Fife College, visit our course pages here.