GCDC 2024

The deadline for this year’s GCDC has just passed and it got me thinking…I remember first hearing about GCDC - the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards when I was in my final year of university. We were encouraged to enter mainly the 2D briefs, which felt less daunting than submitting something physical, and I put so much effort into creating this one design. I mean, entering anything 3D is still nerve-racking - especially putting faith in the postal system…

I found the briefs to be intriguing, and the one that I submitted an entry to really aligned with the designs and work I was trying to create at the time, and still am doing so! And what I found the most fun and challenging part was using CAD. Now, something to know about me is that I am significantly terrible at drawing. Putting pen to paper has rarely gone my way as I find it very hard to take the image I have built up in my head and then transcribe it physically, and all its aspects and details, with my hand.

Which is why I prefer making 3D models, but also using CAD to render instead.

Ultimately, I am self-taught, and the way I learned the basics and more advanced skills is through YouTube. (PJ Chen Jewelry CAD Design is a great tutor!) I watch various tutorials, note what commands are used, take what I want from each of them and then just play.

12 Jan 2026

This is when I really learned what CAD design can offer for jewellery.

Plus, a great way to present concepts to clients.

At the time, I didn’t have a lot of faith that this design board from someone about to graduate would even get commended, much less win a Bronze in the category. So, I was so elated when the congratulations arrived in the post. And the Awards Ceremony was amazing.

Although I haven’t entered this year, I will try my best next year. And maybe, I might get a Silver ;)