Featured works include:
- A tribute to the beauty of Salt Spring Island
- Jewellery inspired by tattoo artistry, telling the artist’s story of how tattoos and jewellery shape their identity
- Designs influenced by traditional Kurdish art, in recognition of the resilience of the Kurdish people.
- Elegant geometric compositions mirroring the rhythm and glow of urban skylines at night
Each piece is accompanied by a powerful artist statement, offering insight into how jewellery design can be used to reflect memories, culture, and identity
If you missed the opening, don't worry. You can still can visit the exhibition at VCC’s Downtown campus now until June 11. And all pieces are for sale, so come prepared to add a new one-of-a-kind piece to your personal jewellery collection.
Student -
Jayden DePlonty | Second Year Student: ‘Body Adornments’
Body Adornments sprouted from my love of getting inked. Each piece is inspired by classic tattoo designs, from what many people know as a "Flash Sheet". From sacred hearts to panthers, to a classic heart and Banner with Mom written across it. Tattoos and jewellery belong together. My jewellery pieces will act as a conversation starter, as do tattoos for many people. I have been heavily involved in the tattoo community for several years, and the industry often reminds me of the jewellery industry equally. Jewellery has always been an important part of my life too.
Tattoos and Jewellery combine two of my favourite things, so naturally I will be continuing this collection after graduation.
Instagram handle: @tattooedjeweller
Materials used: Sterling silver, 18ct gold plating, enamel
Andrew Wade | First Year Student: ‘Family’
Andrew Wade is an artist who grew up on Vancouver Island and is originally from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The five pieces here are called "Family". They represent Andrew's five children, all of whom were born on Vancouver Island. Remy, the second eldest, died of SIDS 15 years ago. The chains reflect the "links" or connections among all family members. Aquamarine is Remy's birthstone. It reminds us that we have a home, together, in place, on the land, always.
See more of Andrew's work: roonerwade@gmail.com
Materials: sterling silver, copper, various gemstones
Taylor Dougall | First Year Student: ‘La Vie en Rose: Through Rose-Coloured Glasses’
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses." - Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
In the English-speaking world, to view life through rose-coloured glasses is seen as naive and unrealistic, whereas when we use the French version of the phrase "la vie en rose," it is interpreted as romantic and joyful. Think of any romantic street in Paris and how Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" would likely be in the background as a symbol of this romance. Now think about how unrealistic romance movies tend to be, does that make them any less enjoyable? Isn't some level of naivety needed to make them enjoyable? With my latest collection I aim to represent how the relationship with both sides of this phrase affects us consciously and how sometimes we need to lean into the light-hearted, joyful side of life, instead of focusing on what could go wrong.
Instagram: @taylordjewellery
Materials: sterling silver, various gemstones
Rojin Habibi | Second Year Student: ‘Putting the Rug Back Underneath My Feet’
The Kurdish people have been facing persecution and genocide for well over a century now. In multiple attempts to erase the Kurds from history and memory, much of the culture is based on oral traditions such as music. As a result, much of the physical Kurdish work is grouped with Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Turkish art.
This body of work is inspired by a passage written by a Turkish nationalist regarding the extermination of Persian rugs. Using textiles and rugs as my medium, I aim to highlight how these items in their hyper-fragile state denote the Kurdish condition. The process begins with finding old or damaged rugs that are no longer in use or are being sold at thrift stores. These rugs are then cut into smaller pieces and sewn back together using traditional Persian rug weaving techniques. The end result is an amalgamation of different patterns from different parts of Kurdistan that come together to create one cohesive piece.
In addition to this work, I am also interested in understanding historical Kurdish textiles and how they were used within specific contexts such as weddings or funerals. As an extension, this exploration serves to preserve these traditions while also creating new ones.
Instagram: @rojinhabibi
Emma Fortune | First Year Student: ‘Sensoria’
This collection explores sight, sound, touch, scent, and taste through jewellery and objects. Some pieces functionally engage the senses like chiming earrings or a spinning ring, while others use visual symbols such as a rose, a spoon, or a windowsill. Inspired by Rococo art and fashion, the works incorporate lace and ornamental details, reflecting both historical references and my background in fashion design.
Instagram: @emmajofortune
Materials: sterling silver; lace; various gemstones
Shelby Thorpe | First Year Student: ‘Skylines & City Lights’
Skylines & City Lights is my tribute to the luminous geometry of skylines and the quiet pulse of city lights. Inspired by the energy and contrasts of urban life, this collection explores the interplay between bold architecture and stillness—the glow of windows, the shimmer of reflections, the rhythm of a city after dark.
Drawing from the structure of urban design and the timeless glamour of Art Deco, I reimagine the cityscape through clean lines, layered silhouettes, geometric forms, and a rhythmic mix of metals. Geometric shapes are set against organic elements: lightbulb-like stones and shimmering metals evoke streetlights, neon lights, and shifting reflections. Rather than representing buildings or streetscapes literally, my work captures their essence – their energy in motion.
At the heart of this collection is a sense of duality: scale and intimacy; light and fluidity; design as both object itself but right physical space. The Skylines & City Lights pieces become touchstones that make that dichotomy tangible.
Each piece in Skylines is more than an aesthetic for me – it’s a celebration of the beauty found in design and beauty found in life. And I hope these pieces bring you as much joy as they have brought me.
Thank you for visiting my exhibition today – and go ahead give yourself permission to pause for a moment...and gaze at your city – the one outside your window or inside your mind – and be inspired by its beauty.
Instagram: @shelbytjewellery
Materials: sterling silver or brass; cubic zirconia or topaz; sterling silver chain; sterling silver earring hooks
Cindy Rattray | Second Year Student: ‘The Candy Store’
I grew up in the 1960’s in Manitoba in a tiny village with 650 people. There were two main stores, one was strictly groceries and the second was a “department store”. The department store had a candy section where the confections were in bulk. When I came in with my allowance, a whole 10 cents, I was ready to blow it all on that entire brown bag of penny candy! The sweet freedom to take my time so that my choices would last the longest, jaw breakers (3 for a penny), jujubes, suckers, and licorice babies; oh how I hope today’s memories lead to the joy when viewing this collection. Each brightly colored gemstone in my collection evoked a memory or reminded me of modern candy that inspired the design of each confection.
Instagram: @cynthiatrattraydesign
Materials: sterling silver, 14k gold, various gemstones
VCC wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many sponsors and donors who make this exhibition possible and to our incredible instructors in the Jewellery Art & Design program whose mentorship, expertise, and creativity shine through every student’s work.
= = = =
About VCC’s Jewellery Art and Design program
VCC’s Jewellery Art and Design Diploma is a comprehensive program that blends hands-on technical training in the design and fabrication of jewellery with creative design and business acumen. The program offers both full-time and part-time study options, with the flexibility to complete the diploma within five years. Students undertake intensive courses in metal techniques, drawing, history of jewellery, gemmology, digital jewellery design, and business management. Students also explore the history and cultural significance of jewellery, including Northwest Coast Indigenous design, fostering a deep understanding of the link between jewellery, history, and identity. Graduates emerge equipped to pursue roles as independent jewellers, designers, finishers, or goldsmiths, amongst other roles. Many recent graduates have found employment in renowned local studios or have established their own businesses. Learn more here: https://www.vcc.ca/programs/jewellery-art-and-design/
More information here - www.vcc.ca/about/college-information/events/article/gala-opening-jewellery-art--design-student-exhibition.html
Student -
Jayden DePlonty | Second Year Student: ‘Body Adornments’
Body Adornments sprouted from my love of getting inked. Each piece is inspired by classic tattoo designs, from what many people know as a "Flash Sheet". From sacred hearts to panthers, to a classic heart and Banner with Mom written across it. Tattoos and jewellery belong together. My jewellery pieces will act as a conversation starter, as do tattoos for many people. I have been heavily involved in the tattoo community for several years, and the industry often reminds me of the jewellery industry equally. Jewellery has always been an important part of my life too.
Tattoos and Jewellery combine two of my favourite things, so naturally I will be continuing this collection after graduation.
Instagram handle: @tattooedjeweller
Materials used: Sterling silver, 18ct gold plating, enamel
Andrew Wade | First Year Student: ‘Family’
Andrew Wade is an artist who grew up on Vancouver Island and is originally from the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The five pieces here are called "Family". They represent Andrew's five children, all of whom were born on Vancouver Island. Remy, the second eldest, died of SIDS 15 years ago. The chains reflect the "links" or connections among all family members. Aquamarine is Remy's birthstone. It reminds us that we have a home, together, in place, on the land, always.
See more of Andrew's work: roonerwade@gmail.com
Materials: sterling silver, copper, various gemstones
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses." - Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
In the English-speaking world, to view life through rose-coloured glasses is seen as naive and unrealistic, whereas when we use the French version of the phrase "la vie en rose," it is interpreted as romantic and joyful. Think of any romantic street in Paris and how Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" would likely be in the background as a symbol of this romance. Now think about how unrealistic romance movies tend to be, does that make them any less enjoyable? Isn't some level of naivety needed to make them enjoyable? With my latest collection I aim to represent how the relationship with both sides of this phrase affects us consciously and how sometimes we need to lean into the light-hearted, joyful side of life, instead of focusing on what could go wrong.
Instagram: @taylordjewellery
Materials: sterling silver, various gemstones
Rojin Habibi | Second Year Student: ‘Putting the Rug Back Underneath My Feet’
The Kurdish people have been facing persecution and genocide for well over a century now. In multiple attempts to erase the Kurds from history and memory, much of the culture is based on oral traditions such as music. As a result, much of the physical Kurdish work is grouped with Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Turkish art.
This body of work is inspired by a passage written by a Turkish nationalist regarding the extermination of Persian rugs. Using textiles and rugs as my medium, I aim to highlight how these items in their hyper-fragile state denote the Kurdish condition. The process begins with finding old or damaged rugs that are no longer in use or are being sold at thrift stores. These rugs are then cut into smaller pieces and sewn back together using traditional Persian rug weaving techniques. The end result is an amalgamation of different patterns from different parts of Kurdistan that come together to create one cohesive piece.
In addition to this work, I am also interested in understanding historical Kurdish textiles and how they were used within specific contexts such as weddings or funerals. As an extension, this exploration serves to preserve these traditions while also creating new ones.
Instagram: @rojinhabibi
Emma Fortune | First Year Student: ‘Sensoria’
This collection explores sight, sound, touch, scent, and taste through jewellery and objects. Some pieces functionally engage the senses like chiming earrings or a spinning ring, while others use visual symbols such as a rose, a spoon, or a windowsill. Inspired by Rococo art and fashion, the works incorporate lace and ornamental details, reflecting both historical references and my background in fashion design.
Instagram: @emmajofortune
Materials: sterling silver; lace; various gemstones
Shelby Thorpe | First Year Student: ‘Skylines & City Lights’
Skylines & City Lights is my tribute to the luminous geometry of skylines and the quiet pulse of city lights. Inspired by the energy and contrasts of urban life, this collection explores the interplay between bold architecture and stillness—the glow of windows, the shimmer of reflections, the rhythm of a city after dark.
Drawing from the structure of urban design and the timeless glamour of Art Deco, I reimagine the cityscape through clean lines, layered silhouettes, geometric forms, and a rhythmic mix of metals. Geometric shapes are set against organic elements: lightbulb-like stones and shimmering metals evoke streetlights, neon lights, and shifting reflections. Rather than representing buildings or streetscapes literally, my work captures their essence – their energy in motion.
At the heart of this collection is a sense of duality: scale and intimacy; light and fluidity; design as both object itself but right physical space. The Skylines & City Lights pieces become touchstones that make that dichotomy tangible.
Each piece in Skylines is more than an aesthetic for me – it’s a celebration of the beauty found in design and beauty found in life. And I hope these pieces bring you as much joy as they have brought me.
Thank you for visiting my exhibition today – and go ahead give yourself permission to pause for a moment...and gaze at your city – the one outside your window or inside your mind – and be inspired by its beauty.
Instagram: @shelbytjewellery
Materials: sterling silver or brass; cubic zirconia or topaz; sterling silver chain; sterling silver earring hooks
I grew up in the 1960’s in Manitoba in a tiny village with 650 people. There were two main stores, one was strictly groceries and the second was a “department store”. The department store had a candy section where the confections were in bulk. When I came in with my allowance, a whole 10 cents, I was ready to blow it all on that entire brown bag of penny candy! The sweet freedom to take my time so that my choices would last the longest, jaw breakers (3 for a penny), jujubes, suckers, and licorice babies; oh how I hope today’s memories lead to the joy when viewing this collection. Each brightly colored gemstone in my collection evoked a memory or reminded me of modern candy that inspired the design of each confection.
Instagram: @cynthiatrattraydesign
Materials: sterling silver, 14k gold, various gemstones
VCC wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many sponsors and donors who make this exhibition possible and to our incredible instructors in the Jewellery Art & Design program whose mentorship, expertise, and creativity shine through every student’s work.
= = = =
About VCC’s Jewellery Art and Design program
VCC’s Jewellery Art and Design Diploma is a comprehensive program that blends hands-on technical training in the design and fabrication of jewellery with creative design and business acumen. The program offers both full-time and part-time study options, with the flexibility to complete the diploma within five years. Students undertake intensive courses in metal techniques, drawing, history of jewellery, gemmology, digital jewellery design, and business management. Students also explore the history and cultural significance of jewellery, including Northwest Coast Indigenous design, fostering a deep understanding of the link between jewellery, history, and identity. Graduates emerge equipped to pursue roles as independent jewellers, designers, finishers, or goldsmiths, amongst other roles. Many recent graduates have found employment in renowned local studios or have established their own businesses. Learn more here: https://www.vcc.ca/programs/jewellery-art-and-design/
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