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DUT: Accolade for top jewellery designers

DUT: Accolade for top jewellery designers

Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs

Two final year Jewellery Design students at the Durban University of Technology have been named top designers in different categories at the diploma show held on 11 November 2008.

The two top students are Indira Munthree and Shanal Ramlall. These awards were based on their final exhibition of work and their performance during the year. They both also received a merit award for excellence in Gemmology as they achieved a final mark of over 90% for the identification of gemstones.

The jewellery that they design draws heavily on their cultural backgrounds as Indian women and the ornateness of Indian jewellery. Indira Munthree intends pursuing this direction for her BTech studies next year.

Munthree designed a range of filigree, wire work, which earned top award at the exhibition. “I am excited, surprised and shocked to be named the top student,” she said. She received awards in three categories namely, top student award, shared award for design and shared award in gemmology. She also aspires to venture into the business world and open up her own jewellery shop.

Ramlall won an award for her silver neck piece which has Indian influence. “I feel great that people take notice of my designs. It’s good to be recognised and I am grateful for that,” she commented. She received a book, which she describes as a bible for jewellery design and everything that a designer wants. On completion of a BTech which she plans to do next year, she wants to continue designing and manufacturing jewellery.

The jewellery is on display in the Art Gallery on Steve Biko campus until Friday. The AngloGold Ashanti ranges of jewellery, which features prizewinners from DUT, are also on display.

For more information please contact Bhekani Dlamini on 031 373 2845 to facilitate the interview.