First Glance’: Vurchoo’s Handmade Brooch Finalist in Wartski Competition 2025
We’re excited to announce that Vurchoo has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Wartski Brooch Competition 2025, held in collaboration with The King’s Trust. Our entry, a contemporary handmade brooch titled First Glance, is now on public display at Wartski Jewellers on St James’s Street in London from 2nd–6th June 2025.
This exclusive event celebrates the work of five emerging jewellery designers who have been supported by The King’s Trust – a charity established by His Majesty The King in 1976 to empower young people through education, enterprise, and employment. Each designer was invited to create a one-of-a-kind brooch that showcases their creativity, craftsmanship, and unique voice in contemporary jewellery design.
All five brooches will be judged by world-renowned jewellery specialist and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Joanna Hardy. The winning design will be included in Wartski’s highly anticipated exhibition, From Function to Fantasy: The Brooch, taking place in October 2025.
The Inspiration Behind the Design: First Glance
This brooch was created to reflect the complexity of first impressions — how what we see at first glance can differ from the deeper reality beneath.
First Glance immediately captivates with its playful, luminous exterior. But a closer look reveals a striking surprise: a carved anatomical heart made from black onyx quietly resting at its centre. This dark, polished heart contrasts with the bright enamel surroundings, adding emotional depth and unexpected meaning.
Symbolising mystery, emotion, and the unseen layers of humanity, the black onyx heart invites the wearer — and the viewer — to consider what lies beneath surface beauty. It’s a brooch that tells a story, offering both visual intrigue and symbolic resonance.
Materials and Craftsmanship
This handmade brooch was created in our London-based workshop, using carefully selected materials:
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925 Sterling Silver (Rhodium Plated)
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Hand-poured Enamel Resin
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Carved Black Onyx
We would like to thank Lionel J Wiffen Ltd, based in Hatton Garden, London, for their expert assistance in the production process.
Where to See or Buy the Brooch
You can view First Glance in person at Wartski, 14 St James’s Street, London, from 2nd to 6th June 2025.
Price: £750 (incl. VAT)
Interested buyers or press can get in touch with us here for purchase enquiries or further details.
Supporting Young Talent in UK Jewellery Design
Events like the Wartski Brooch Competition not only celebrate beautiful design — they also help amplify the voices of independent UK jewellers and young jewellery designers. We’re incredibly proud to be part of a competition that values craftsmanship, creativity, and the deeper meanings that jewellery can express.
A huge thank you to @wartski1865 and @kingstrust for shining a spotlight on new talent and giving platforms like ours the opportunity to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
