Local jewellery designer shortlisted for prestigious award in London

Monday 08 January 2018

Jersey jewellery designer Catherine Best has been nominated for a prestigious award in London just months after opening a new store there.

The Jersey designer was listed in the Commercial Newcomer category of the Community Awards of Mayfair and St James’s.

Each shortlisted company has been nominated by the Mayfair Times’ readers and chosen by an esteemed panel of judges.

Nine different awards will be handed during a ceremony later this year. The Commercial Newcomer category recognises companies that are new to the area and have significantly enhanced the area's appeal. Finalists in this category also include jewellery designer ‘Ara Vartanian’ and Michelin star restaurant ‘Aquavit’.

Pictured: Catherine Best outside her store.

Catherine Best, her family and team say they are proud that the nomination comes just a few months after the company opened its doors in Mayfair, fulfilling "a lifetime ambition to showcase their local artistry in the heart of London." 

Mrs Best, who acts as Head Designer and Director of her jewellery business, said that her team have been "overwhelmed with the attention that the brand has received since setting up in London."

"To be nominated as best Commercial Newcomer in Mayfair so soon after opening our doors here is just incredible and so exciting. I feel extremely proud to be bringing Guernsey and Jersey onto the London map with our brand and to be able to promote the Islands that have inspired my creations for so many years," she commented.

Pictured: Ms Best's daughter Vikki Freeman and her sister Penelope helped her set up the London business.

Vikki Freeman, the designer's daughter, has been instrumental in setting up the London business alongside her sister Penelope, who is based in London.

Mrs Freeman added: "The whole family have been working hard with the teams in Jersey and Guernsey to ensure that our London store is just as successful. This award nomination is a testament to all their hard work.

"I would also like to thank our Jersey and Guernsey customers who have supported us for so many years. None of this would be possible without them and many have already been to visit us in London. I hope our Mayfair store will allow our Catherine Best team to grow even more and allow locally inspired creations to shine throughout London and beyond."

Sadie Smith, Marketing Manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London, which is sponsoring the Commercial Newcomer award, said: "Having more than 85 years of experience in Mayfair, it is great to celebrate the area and all of its creative and innovative businesses, which are continuously pushing us forward to keep the history yet the exclusivity it has today."