Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, 27, will receive the Doug Morgan Trophy for achieving the highest mark in the Gemmology Diploma examinations this year in the Midlands.

She achieved the diploma at the first attempt after two years of part-time studying at Birmingham City University. Attending university on day release, she managed to fit her studies around work in the busy fine art team at Halls in Shrewsbury, which she joined four-and-a-half years ago following a successful work experience placement.

She plans to carry on studying for the Diamond Grading Diploma to complete the set of qualifications.

“I was shocked and delighted to be informed that I had won the Doug Morgan Trophy,” said Maryanne, who lives at Hilton, near Bridgnorth. “I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way for my hard work and the award reinforces the achievement of a qualification, which is invaluable for people working in the jewellery industry.”

A history of art and architecture graduate from the University of Reading, Maryanne will receive the award at the Gem-A Midlands branch’s Christmas event in Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham on November 29.

She joins Sue Davies-Lloyd, who covers North Shropshire, Cheshire and North West England for Halls, as the second member of the fine art team to become a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Sue has also achieved the Diamond Grading Diploma.

Jeremy Lamond, Halls’ fine art director, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Maryanne has not only achieved the diploma, but has passed first time with flying colours. Her success means that Halls has the only fully qualified jewellery department at a fine art auction house in Shropshire.”