Huntly woman's sparkling idea for a charity money spinner
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Huntly woman has had her pendant design crafted by a leading Aberdeen jeweller to raise money for charity.
Elaine Esson almost did not submit her entry for the Inspire Challenge launched by Jamieson and Carry to recognise the work of the NHS during the pandemic.
People of all ages were invited to design a piece of jewellery and from a huge number of entries, Elaine's and that of a ten year old from Aberdeen were chosen to be crafted by the company's master jeweller, Peter Reynolds.
Both pieces are offered as prizes in a draw with all proceeds going to the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund.
Tickets cost £5 and are on sale until tomorrow - the draw will be made on Saturday.
Elaine an accomplished photographer set out to create a design which recognised the round the clock efforts of NHS workers.
She said:"The golden rays from the sun overlap the top half of the moon and the lower half of the moon supports the sun, symbolising the blurring of time as many of our emergency services carry on working until the job is done.”
"The sun is a sunburst radiating warmth and light made from yellow gold with diamonds radiating out towards the rays.
"The new moon is for a new beginning and is platinum with round cut diamonds.
"The blue background represents our emergency services."
"When I finished I asked my daughter Jade what she thought and she said just send it mum.
"It was a huge day when I learned it had been selected - one of our twin grandsons was in neo natal for a month after his birth and news of him getting home and my success came together.”
Elaine and Jade went to Jamieson and Carry to see the finished piece and met the jeweller.
Elaine said: "I was a bit apprehensive as I had an image in my head - when I saw it, I just went wow, it was better than I could ever have hoped. They have done an amazing job, there are 24 diamonds in the moon element and seven in the sun.
"I love the fact that it is going to raise money for charity and I hope it does well."
Angus Carry said: "The thought that went into the designs was inspirational. The judging process was a real challenge due to the high calibre of the entries.
"Elaine's design spoke to the judging panel on so many levels.
"The well-crafted, carefully planned design really encompassed what the Inspire Challenge was about.
“The completion of these pieces offers further comfort that we have come through this together and can now look forward with hope.”
Sheena Lonchay from NHS Grampian said: "We are so grateful to all those who took part in the challenge to create something special and unique which are such symbols of hope.
"All money raised from the challenge will go towards our Covid-19 Support Fund."
To buy a ticket for the prize draw to win Elaine’s diamond pendant visit the Jamieson and Carry website before tomorrow's deadline.
