Rigby engraver Karen Wallace winsThe Cartier Award for Excellence

Renowned London gunmaker, John Rigby & Co, is proud to announce that their talented engraver, Karen Wallace, has won the prestigious Jacques Cartier Award for Excellence, presented at the 2023 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards. Karen entered a Rigby bolt action rifle magazine floor plate that she had made, which was beautifully carved with scrollwork.

The Cartier Award for Excellence is a national award that recognises exceptional craftsmanship and artistry in jewellery making and other related fields. Independent jewellers and artisans from around the world are invited to submit their work for consideration. Out of all the gold medal winners, only one piece is selected as the winner of Cartier excellence. This award has been presented for 65 years, but it has only been awarded 43 times, as it is only given if there is a clear winner that meets the highest standards of excellence.

Karen Wallace’s winning entry is particularly noteworthy because it is the only time that someone has won with an item that is not made from gold nor silver. It is also the only gun engraving or anything related to gunmaking that has ever won the award. Karen’s beautiful scrollwork on the Rigby bolt action rifle magazine floor plate impressed the judges with its exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Rigby has a long and distinguished history as one of the world’s leading gunmakers. Founded in 1775, the company has been at the forefront of gunmaking technology for over two centuries. Today, they continue to produce some of the finest sporting rifles and shotguns available, using the latest manufacturing techniques and the highest quality materials.

Rigby’s managing director, Marc Newton, commented: “We are proud to have Karen Wallace as part of their team of skilled artisans. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft are a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence. The Cartier Award for Excellence is a well-deserved recognition of Karen’s exceptional talent and the outstanding quality of her work. The team congratulates her on the achievement and look forward to continuing to produce the finest sporting rifles and shotguns for discerning customers around the world.”

Karen added: “I didn’t even know I was up for it until there and then – I wasn’t even paying attention! I genuinely had no idea it would even be considered – I am over the moon. I was shaking when my name was called out – I was just thinking ‘I don’t want to fall up the stairs!”