Jewellery Unveiled

Scots jewellers create unique pieces to raise funds for CHILDREN 1^ST

Two renowned Scottish jewellers have each designed unique pieces of jewellery to help raise funds for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in Scotland.

The exclusive items created by Aberdeen-based Jamieson & Carry and award winning designer Malcolm Appleby were unveiled today (Thursday, 15th October) at an event held at Grandhome House to announce the details of this year’s prestigious Touch of Tartan Ball.

Both items will help raise crucial funds for CHILDREN 1^ST through the annual ball, which is being held at the city’s Beach Ballroom on Friday, 20th November.

The Banchory Bangle, designed by Mr Appleby since 1976, is always a much-sought after item, with tickets for the raffle on sale for £1 across the North-east on the run-up to the event and the winners revealed on the night of the Ball. This year, Mr Appleby, an internationally recognised engraver who is regarded as one of the most original working in contemporary metal today, used his two black and white kittens from a cat home in Aberdeen as the inspiration for the 2009 design. The main prize is an 18ct gold bangle, created each year from donations of gold, but for the first time the second prize bangle will be finished in ‘black’ silver, while the third will be designed in silver.  He said: “The simplest and least expensive pieces should have the same inspirational quality as my most valued major works. Works of art should be made for everyone to enjoy. Engraving is central to my design and art; it is from engraving that my other skills have evolved.” Raffle tickets for the Banchory Bangle are now on sale at a number of locations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

The Jamieson & Carry necklace incorporating 18 carat white and rose gold with diamonds has been designed especially for The Touch of Tartan Ball. Each year the exclusive jeweller donates a piece to be auctioned at the annual Ball which is inspired by the theme of each year’s event. This year television celebrity Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who attends the Ball with his wife Jackie, agreed to design the programme and Jamieson & Carry created the wonderful, striking pendant using a similar theme. Peter Carry said: “We were delighted when Laurence graciously allowed us to use his design for the benefit of CHILDREN 1ST. The design is hand cut and hand engraved, we have one sparkling diamond which encompasses the sparkling conversations at the Ball and a circle of diamonds which reflects the circle of friends that create such a happy and successful event.”

The annual Touch of Tartan Ball, which celebrated its 21st anniversary last year, has raised in excess of £1m for CHILDREN 1ST.  Both Malcolm Appleby and Jamieson & Carry have been great supporters of the event for many years.

Emily Johnson of CHILDREN 1^ST said: “The Banchory Bangle and the Jamieson & Carry necklace always generate a great deal of funds for the charity and we really appreciate the amazing creativity and intricate work which goes into making these pieces come to life each year.”

In the North East, the charity’s Corrieneuchin services in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire work with children to help them recover from abuse and trauma, while the Fraserburgh Families Service protects children affected by parental drug or alcohol abuse.

CHILDREN 1^ST also runs Family Group Conferencing services throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, which bring families together to find ways of keeping children who cannot be looked after by their parents within their extended family instead of being taken into care.

Tickets for the stunning Banchory Bangle masterpiece are available from the CHILDREN 1^ST office at 36 Carden Place (01224 251151), the CHILDREN 1^ST charity shop at 38 St. Andrew Street (01224 622814) or The Wee Boorachie at Milton of Crathes (01330 844580).

Issued by Frasermedia Ltd on behalf of CHILDREN 1^ST & the Touch of Tartan Ball Committee

Contact details:
Pauline Cook, Frasermedia Ltd
email pauline@frasermedia.co.uk or (01224) 221458/07812 131175

Emily Johnson, CHILDREN 1ST
Email emily.johnson@children1st.org.uk or (01224) 251152