Vancouver student picks up Giovanni Vaccaro Family Scholarship

by eyetee | November 24, 2014 2:02 pm

[1]

Fiona Maclean, a student in Vancouver Community College’s jewellery art and design program, has won the Giovanni Vaccaro Family Scholarship for a vintage-inspired bridal hairpiece.

Made of sterling silver, 18-karat rose gold, and pink sapphires, the design is based on lace patterns from the 1920s.

“I wanted to bring a contemporary take to some of the forms we are accustomed to,” Maclean tells Jewellery Business. “I wanted to make it romantic, happy, loving, and warm, but I wanted a fresh twist.

“With all the interest in period dramas like Downton Abbey, I thought some of the ideas like hairpieces might prove popular again. I also started researching different vintage lace patterns. Eventually I found an example I liked enough to play with and manipulate, and that was my starting point.”

Co-sponsored by CJEXPOS, the Giovanni Vaccaro Family Scholarship bestows a $3000 grant on a student enrolled in a Canadian college offering a jewellery program, while the school receives a $1000 gift.

Entries are required to have an estimated retail value of $1500 and should fit with the competition’s theme, which this year was bridal.

[2]

Vaccaro, who is owner of Beverly Hills Jewellers, a manufacturer based in Richmond Hill, Ont., presented Maclean with the grant in Toronto at the Jewellers Vigilance Canada Ball on Nov. 22 where her design was on display.

He says he was inspired to set up the scholarship to help jewellery art and design students further their skills and inspire them to push their design limits.

“What struck me about the winning piece was the old-world craftsmanship behind it,” Vaccaro said. “Fiona went back to the basics. She made all the pieces fit with craftsmanship. This piece took precision and time and I relate to it as someone who does woodwork”¦ In my opinion, every entry was a winner. To see the young talent we have in Canada is just amazing.”

Maclean, who is now in second year, says she is putting the grant to good use.

“I decided to enrol in a gemmology program, as well as [put it toward] my design program. In only one more year, I will have my gemmology certification. I want to learn as much as I can in the industry. This money is not only helping me further my education, but it will provide me with more gold, silver, and tools. The ability to place this win on my résumé is a definite advantage and will give me a leg up when I complete my studies.”

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/vancouver-student-picks-up-giovanni-vaccaro-family-scholarship/

---