Search Results

Insta hashtags prompt sales in lockdown

The artist Matthew Burrows set up an artist-led movement and network on 16th March 2020 to support artists struggling financially during Covid-19 using the social media platform Instagram – with a simple pledge. The pledge #artistsupportpledge created a much needed route to market in lockdown for artists and makers. He released a statement saying that within a month “…from making the first sales pledge I am a little awe struck yet completely delighted by the momentum and viral take up of this campaign. It is not just an important network and survival mechanism for artists: It has become a global Hear

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards 2025

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards Visual artists and crafts makers in Scotland can apply for funding through small grants funded by Creative Scotland and developed in partnership with Local Authorities and arts agencies across Scotland. About the Programme The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grants schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners.  The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.  VACMA is supported by Creative Scotland through funding

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards 2025

The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grants schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners.  The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.  VACMA is supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery.  VACMA 2024/25 In 2024/25 VACMA is offering fixed bursaries of £500 and £1000.  £500 Early-Career Bursary is for artists and makers that have been practicing for less than 5 years. This includes recent graduates (2019

Take the Fair Luxury 'Pledge'

Over the past 12 months, jewellery industry change makers 'Fair Luxury' have been hosting a series of on-line events under the banner of the 'Open House. These events have frequently involved guest speakers as well as taking an open conversation format. The overall intention has been to provide those interested in learning more about responsible practise with a forum in which to do so. The team at Fair Luxury say that feedback has been extremely positive with many attendees keen to become further involved. As a response, the ' Fair Luxury Pledge'  was launched during the January Open House session. Fair Luxury member Anna Loucah

Scotland’s art colleges sign up to Ethical Making Pledge

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths celebrated a major milestone in its drive to make Scotland the world leader in ethical silverware and jewellery by gathering Scotland's jewellery colleges at its symposium and adopting an 'Ethical Making Pledge'. Representatives of Scotland’s leading art colleges offering HND and degree level courses in jewellery and silversmithing gathered last week at an international symposium and put their names to the Incorporation of Goldsmiths’ Ethical Making Pledge designed to help the country become a world leader in ethical gold and silver work. The move reflects a growing determination among makers, designers, educators and consumers to demand

COVID-19 Business Support

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 24 July 2020   Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January

COVID-19 Business Support

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed sollicitudin risus nec quam pretium, non convallis elit faucibus. Donec vulputate, tortor id rutrum efficitur, leo dolor semper ipsum, nec fermentum ligula lectus eget nulla. Aliquam erat volutpat. Etiam fermentum ipsum in tempus dictum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed sollicitudin risus nec quam pretium, non convallis elit faucibus. Donec vulputate, tortor id rutrum efficitur, leo dolor semper ipsum, nec fermentum ligula lectus eget nulla. Aliquam erat volutpat. Etiam fermentum ipsum in tempus dictum. Nulla facilisi.  Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris purus risus, bibendum

Glasgow School of Art's 2024/2025 Artist in Residence Raffle

Glasgow School of Art's 2024/2025 Artist in Residence Cohort Raffle Online Tickets £5 each Glasgow School of Art’s Artists in Residence program is pleased to announce its new cohort for the 2024/2025 academic year. Previously managed by the Silversmithing and Jewellery department, the program has traditionally focused on body-related and metalwork art. This year, it welcomes back a textile artist and adds a communication design artist based in the Case Room. All nine artists will work together in the Reid Building toward a final exhibition exploring their various disciplines. This year’s cohort includes: Alice Biolo (Italy), Militsa Milenkova (Bulgaria/Greece), Anita

IJL 2017 Launch New Exhibitor Support Programme

International Jewellery London 2017 will be launching a special complementary support programme for all exhibitors this year to ensure that they maximise their experience and commercial success at this year’s show.  The programme is an integral part of the # withyou  campaign, designed to showcase IJL’s continuing commitment to provide year-round support to the UK and international jewellery sector.   Summer Masterclass A comprehensive programme of pre-show support includes online assistance, tailored blog content and webinars on exhibiting guidelines. The initiative comes together in a one day, free-to-attend, Summer Masterclass on 15 June, where all IJL exhibitors are invited to

Centa’s London E-Business Support Programme

Centa’s London E-Business Support Programme offers digital support to small businesses in Camden. Their programme includes expert advice on digital marketing, free webinars, and networking opportunities. They also help businesses strengthen their online presence and streamline operations through social media, AI, e-commerce, and digital marketing strategies. For more information and to register click here .

Government extends support to stop business evictions this year

Commercial tenants will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020 helping businesses to protect jobs. The government has extended support to prevent business evictions until the end of 2020 This move will help businesses over the coming months and protect people’s jobs This is an addition to the £160 billion package of support available for businesses during the pandemic Businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of year, providing commercial tenants with greater security and protecting vital jobs, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today (16 September 2020). Today’s measures

Simply brilliant, Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s

Simply Brilliant Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s In Cooperation with the Cincinnati Art Museum 27 March through 27 June 2021 Simply put, jewellery of the 1960s and '70s was revolutionary. If the 1950s were demure and controlled, the 1960s became an era of youthful rebellion and radical cultural change -and a new style of jewellery was part of that zeitgeist. Rock 'n' roll, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassinations, the civil rights and women's movements, the widespread use of hallucinogenic drugs, and the concept of free love are all associated with these tumultuous decades. From space-age plastic hoop earrings to the hippie's

COVID-19 Business Support - Additional Funding Sources

We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful. Updated: 19 June 2020 Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. The measures announced by the Chancellor today include: A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January VAT

Domino marry new collection with improved retailer support

Dominos new wedding ring collection has launched, with not only new styles to satiate customers varied tastes but also a swiss-army knife of business support services for retailers. The 2019 ring collection is set to impress the most minimal of customers, with plain bands at different widths, to the most maximal; with engraving, signet rings, and bespoke diamond coverage- and everyone in-between.  The increase in variety ensures end customers should be able to find what they desire within the collection. New styles include three new delicate diamond set styles, five new plain profiles, twenty-two new shaped and decorative designs, twelve

IJL & Goldsmith's Centre partner to provide designer support

International Jewellery London and The Goldsmiths’ Centre have announced that they will have an official partnership for this year’s show. The sponsorship agreement will focus on providing invaluable support for exhibiting designers. This includes using The Goldsmiths’ Centre as the venue for the IJL Exhibitor Summer Masterclasses on June 15, when inspiring industry leaders will provide mentorship and guidance on getting the most out of IJL’s unique networking, PR and marketing opportunities. The expert tutors at the Centre will also participate in IJL’s Show Seminar programme, as well as sharing valuable mentoring advice in pre-show IJL online content.  Sam Willoughby,

Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support

Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November. businesses and people across the UK given certainty over winter months with further support announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak the furlough scheme will now be extended until the end of March – protecting millions of jobs across all nations the next self-employed income support grant will also increase from 55% to 80% of average profits - up to £7,500 Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension

Kenyan artist, Cyrus Kabiru, transforms landfill waste into stunning art

This past weekend saw one of Africa’s leading young artists Cyrus Kabiru exhibit at the continent’s most important art fair, Art X Lagos. The artist has made a name for himself by repurposing discarded goods into art. Cyrus Kabiru was born in 1984 in Nairobi, Kenya, where he currently lives and works. He is a self-taught sculptor, who has exhibited frequently both internationally and on the African Continent. The Kenyan artist grew up in a slum next to the country’s largest landfill. He would go on to use this material to create and inspire his artwork and have risen to

Artist Marks 100 Years of Mesopotamian Warfare

The  modern day  struggles for Baghdad and Mosul have been vast and blo ody – a Spring Fling sculptor  highlights  a  forgotten  conflict  in this region,  exactly  100 years ago.   Ghostly sculptures  highlight  how modern-day b attles  for  Mosul and Baghdad carry echoes of a clash of empires in the First World War.  Recent commemorations of the Great War have often focused on the Western Front, but Mark Gibbs wants us to remember that it was a truly global conflict. In 1917 the struggle for Mesopotamia, which takes in parts of modern Iraq and Syria, was reaching a crescendo as

Goldsmith / Jeweller / Studio Assistant, Ute Decker, artist jeweller- London

The role Goldsmith / Jeweller / Studio Assistant Ute Decker Cockpit Studios Bloomsbury, London   About Ute Decker Artist jeweller Ute Decker is known for her one-off and limited-edition award-winning sculptural and architectural pieces; her works are exhibited internationally and found in major public and private collections including the V&A. Within the vibrant creative community of Cockpit Studios in Bloomsbury, Ute, a pioneer of the responsible jewellery movement, hand-sculpts her works, where every detail matters and tells its own story. Role Overview We are hiring a skilled and detail-oriented goldsmith/jeweller to join our busy studio. This hands-on assistant role involves

Artist Jeweller John Moore named IJL Jeweller of the Fair 2019

International Jewellery London Celebrates the Best of British with Jeweller of the Fair International Jewellery London have announced a new, exciting trade accolade with the introduction of The Jeweller of the Fair. This year’s honour, which was created to shine a light on the UK’s best and brightest talent, will go to Artist Jeweller John Moore. John Moore, winner of two IJL-supported Goldsmith Company Gold Awards (2016 and 2019), was selected because the complexity and engineering dexterity of his creative jewellery couture. John is universally acknowledged as a highly skilled artisan and visitors to IJL will get the opportunity to 

Swiss based jewellery artist visits London for exciting collaboration

The Clerkenwell based contemporary jewellery academy K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, founded by jewellery artists Kelvin J Birk and Katrin Spranger have told about how excited and thrilled they are at an upcoming collaboration with fellow jewellery artist Christoph Zellweger. Zellweger will be leading an exclusive 4 ½ day workshop in London for the first time at the K² Academy, coming to London especially for the event in August. The collaboration between Zellweger and the Academy is a perfect match, as the Academy focuses on a conceptual, free-thinking approach to jewellery design underpinned by rigorous technical training. Something which internationally

Scientist-turned-Jewellery Designer wins support of Theo Paphitis & Kew Gardens

After beginning her working life as a lab-scientist, and spending 25 years in the NHS,  Sarah Greening now uses her science background to experiment with the chemistry of glass fusing in a kiln to create jewellery where each piece is completely unique, as are the techniques she uses. In its first year, Sarah's brand, Sarah Greening Glass, was one of the businesses selected for an award by Dragon’s Den Retail Entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis, as part of his initiative which supports small businesses in the UK. Paphitas meets with Sarah and the other winners annually, providing business advice from both himself and

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 support four jewellers and silversmiths to work in new and innovative ways

Now in its second year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 have been awarded to jewellers and silversmiths, Rachael Colley, Flora Bhattachary, Maya Selway and Sarah Wilson. Supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Radcliffe Trust, each grant is worth up to £5,000 and enables those working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries to innovate and grow their knowledge and skills through ambitious learning experiences. Cutlery Comb, 2019, re-purposed stainless steel cutlery, powder-coated steel frame, Photographer Rachael Colley Selected by an expert judging panel, consisting of Goldsmiths’ Centre Trustees and industry experts, the finalists were highly commended for

Jewellery house Alessa announces annual charity campaign to support families, women and children

Alessa Jewelry was born out of a fairy tale romance between Yuvraj Pahuja and Alessandra Robles, after meeting at the Gemological Institute of America. Inspired by Alessandra’s Guatemalan ancestry and Yuvraj’s family experience within the jewellery industry, the brand boasts striking, vibrant and edgy designs for the modern woman, whilst nodding to both Latin-American and Indian heritage. Six years ago, Alessandra; born and raised in Guatemala launched ‘Give Wings,’ a year-long charity initiative on a mission to give back to the community. As part of this, the brand teams up with Not-For-Profits that not only provide housing, health and educational

IJL 2016 Announce KickStarter Winner

Marina Skia has been voted by the industry as the winner of the eighth IJL 2016 ‘People’s Choice’ award and will receive a free stand in the IJL Design Gallery in 2017. Marina Skia is currently Artist in Residence at Sir John Cass, London Metropolitan University. She cleverly identified people and organisations with large groups of followers, mainly through Facebook, to engage their support of her campaign. This included several fashion bloggers as well as Cass students, staff and friends on Facebook. Her strategy paid off and her campaign reach grew thanks to numerous shares, new followers and messages of

Dimexon Transitions To Solar Power At Coimbatore Factory

Diamond manufacturer Dimexon has transitioned to solar power at its manufacturing site in Coimbatore, southern India, reducing its reliance on the national grid by 75%. This will equate to an annual saving of ~1,400 tCO2e, which is equivalent of taking 333 cars off the road for a year. The solar power project is part of Dimexon’s wider ESG commitments, which include its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. The Coimbatore site is responsible for 85% of the global company’s total carbon emissions. To further reduce its emissions at Coimbatore, Dimexon swapped out diesel vehicles for electric vehicles in 2023.

International Women's Day 2017

IWD 2017 #BeBoldForChange For International Women's Day 2017, we're asking you to  #BeBoldForChange . Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. Submit your  #BeBoldForChange  action via the IWD website. International Women's Day Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the  #PledgeForParity campaign  and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive flexible cultures. From awareness raising to concrete action, organizations  rallied their people to pledge

Donald Friedlich: The Glass Alchemist

Donald Friedlich can be called a glass alchemist. Fascinated by its chemical, material and aesthetic properties, he has dedicated the last twenty years of his artistic research to the discovery and exploration of this material, so elusive and challenging writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Among the many achievements, in 2003 he was the first jeweller to be an Artist in Residence at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass. In 2004 Friedlich was a featured speaker at an international jewellery conference in Melbourne, Australia and an Artist in Residence in both the Glass and Goldsmithing Programs of Canberra School of Art at

Head of David Fowkes Jewellery Climbs New Heights

Dr Rona Mackenzie, Chief Operating Officer of jewellery designer, David Fowkes, is to embark upon the challenge of a lifetime in order to support UK innovators in business. Rona has pledged to climb the highest points in each of the seven continents of the world, starting with Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, last month. All funds raised by Rona will support a new charity, D3, launched to help support businessmen and women in getting creative, innovative and dynamic projects off the ground. David Fowkes is generously supporting D3 through the creation of a unique, handmade piece of jewellery

The Garden Club Social

The Garden Club Social 25th May 2023 5pm - til late Please join The Garden Club for an informal drinks evening on Thursday, 25 May at The Castle pub in Farringdon. Due to the popularity of our last event, we are very happy that The Castle have offered the upstairs of the pub for this and all future events, as they are keen to support the jewellery trade. Please spread the word and we hope to see you there! The Garden Club is an initiative created to support those businesses in the jewellery trade who are based in - or rely

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Raffle  is an opportunity for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths to raise funds for its charitable work. As a small arts charity operating in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Incorporation is now having to diversify and fundraise for all of its projects and programmes. This fundraiser, along with donations and grants, will support the work at The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and help preserve it during this challenging year and for the future. Funds raised through this raffle will be targeted to directly support Jewellers and Silversmiths at student and emerging maker level through three

First ever online Goldsmiths' Fair opened by Prince Charles

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/GGvGiWC4RJE] Goldsmiths' Fair opened this year, for the first time in its 38 year history, as an online only event, due to to the global pandemic. In an act of support of the jewellery and silversmithign craft and industry Prince Charles made a personal address to open the event on 23rd September. The Goldsmiths' Company took the decision in Spring 2020 not to cancel their support for the industry to which they are wedded, but to pivot the event so that it continue to go ahead, providing an essential route to market for the small independent businesses [youtube

Appointment: David Beckham Appointed Ambassadorial President, British Fashion Council

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Beckham OBE, in a newly created role of Ambassadorial President. The global role will have an initial two-year tenure and will support the organisation in its goal to build networks and partnerships in the United States and Asia. David will partner closely with the BFC team to help the BFC boost support for the British fashion industry on a global scale – raising the profile of emerging British fashion talent with the global investment and media communities alike. Taking on this new role is an incredibly proud

Watches: Blancpain present Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Blancpain Ocean Commitment II

For the first time, this piece features an allblue ceramic case. For each timepiece sold in this 250-piece limited edition, an amount of 1000 Euro will be donated in support of scientific expeditions. The 250,000 Euro resulting from this will be added to Blancpain’s contributions in support of the oceans. An all-blue case Blancpain’s Research and Development department is engaged in constant innovation. Thanks to this, for the first time, the brand is proud to be able to present an entirely blue ceramic case on its newest Fifty Fathoms watch. This coloring is achieved by adding pigments during the ceramic

{Queer} + {Metals}

{Queer} + {Metals} 12 November 2022 - 2 April 2023 Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham The transformative power of ‘queerness’ and metal connect in an international exhibition and digital project. {Queer} + {Metals} is a Craftspace exhibition co-curated by its Director Deirdre Figueiredo and Dauvit Alexander artist and tutor at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery in collaboration with artist Rebekah Frank. The exhibition, which opens on the 12 November at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, uses the lens of metalworking to explore the multiplicity of queerness – whether as identity, lived experiences, thinking, cultures, aesthetic, influences, stories, place, and imagination –

Margit Jäschke at Schmuck Museum

Margit Jäschke Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 10 December 2022 - 16 April 2023  The artist Margit Jäschke describes herself as a wanderer between art worlds. Transcending the common boundaries of installation, painting, sculpture and art jewellery, she has created a distinctly individual oeuvre. Deliberately blurring the distinction between wearable jewellery and autonomous works of art, she emphasises details that evoke different associations in different viewers. The jewellery artist describes her approach as follows: “If you ask me about the ‘leitmotif’ running through my work, my main priority is not on ideas, concepts, materials or processes, but I try to be aware of

Munich Jewellery Week 2025

Munich Jewellery Week 2024 12–16 March  2025 Munich, Germany nnual, independent, artist-run contemporary  jewellery week  Next edition 12 〰️ 16 March  2025 Munich Jewellery Week is an annual, independent, artist-run contemporary jewellery initiative that takes place in the city of Munich every March. The success of the event, which grows exponentially every year, is in thanks to the spirit of collaboration by jewellery artists and designers from all over the world: students, emerging, mid-career and established art jewellers alike come to present their jewellery on their own terms, and in their own unique ways. MJW has gained a reputation for

Paolo Marcolongo: A dialogue between glass and metals

Paolo Marcolongo is an artist with a unique and multifaceted inspiration, and one of the significant representatives of the  Scuola Orafa Padovana writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Paolo Marcolongo is an artist with a unique and multifaceted inspiration, and one of the significant representatives of the  Scuola Orafa Padovana . In his jewellery all the complexities of the numerous sculptural, artistic, philosophical and aesthetic references that characterize his creative evolution find a compendium and perfect balance. Nature blossoms in both its sensuality and danger, on the one hand expressed by precious metals which are at times stinging, sharp, edgy, thorny, on the other

Blunt Blades

Contemporary Intervention by Leading Artist Arabel Lebrusan Opens at The Higgins Bedford: Blunt Blades 11 November 2021 - 30th October 2022  The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum, Bedford  Blunt Blades , a new display exploring our complex relationships with knives and their variety of roles by leading visual artist,  Arabel Lebrusan , opens at  The Higgins Bedford  on Thursday 11 November 2021. Knife crime in the UK is the highest it has been in over a decade. Informed by years of research after Arabel received three crates of confiscated knives and weapons from Bedfordshire Police in 2013, this display explores

Gem-A Conference 2018

Gem-A (the Gemmological Association of Great Britain)  Conference 2018 County Hall, London 3 - 4 November 2018 World-Renowned Jewellery Artist, Wallace Chan, to Speak at Gem-A Conference 2018.The Hong Kong-based jewellery artist will showcase his innovations on the opening day of the Gem-A Conference in November. The Gem-A Conference 2018 will bring together the greatest minds in gemmology to celebrate 110 years of gemmology education. Alongside the opportunity to network with fellow gemmologists and leading experts in the field, guests will also have the chance to attend workshops, field trips and a very special celebratory dinner cruise aboard the Elizabethan: a replica

Parliament of Trees

Parliament of Trees - Catherine Dee Artist and landscape designer Catherine Dee is cultivating a  Parliament of Trees  at Persistence Works. ‘Parliament’ refers not only to gallery visitor conversations and debates concerning trees, but to a ‘language’ of trees cultivated by the artist. On show are Dee’s ‘art povera’ stick sculptures, and installations of tiny living trees comprising landscape designs that may be commissioned (free to non-profit organisations) for planting out at the end of the exhibition. Dee is a world-renowned educator in landscape architectural design and will be available to offer free public advice to individuals and groups on

Mad Exhibition Explores Fake News, Sensationalist Headlines, and Conspiracy Theories Through Jewellery

Mad Exhibition Explores Fake News, Sensationalist Headlines, and Conspiracy Theories Through Jewellery Fake News and True Love: Fourteen Stories by Robert Baines The Museum of Arts and Design, New York 16 October 2018 – 3 March 2019 The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is pleased to present Fake News and True Love: Fourteen Stories by Robert Baines, a solo exhibition of jewelry by Australian artist Robert Baines, on view October 16, 2018, through March 3, 2019. The exhibition centers on fourteen fanciful news stories, of which Baines' jewelry serves as "evidence." Using rings, parures, neckpieces, and bracelets, the artist

Swift Action at Gallery Beyond Open Studios

For this year’s North Yorkshire Open Studios, Gallery Beyond in the village of  Nunnington  near Helmsley in North Yorkshire is hosting naturalist and artist Jonathan  Pomroy , artisan jeweller Louise Dwyer and artist blacksmith Matthew Dwyer.  Three artists will come together to celebrate the beautiful swift bird in an exhibition of painting, drawing, jewellery making and blacksmithing. Jonathan  Pomroy  explains:  " By the time North Yorkshire Open Studios is in full swing, Swifts will have arrived in good numbers in  Nunnington  and other local villages. Matthew, Louise and I decided it would be interesting to produce work based on the

Sarah Straussberg Unveils Latest Commission

London based jewellery brand   Sarah  Straussberg   has  revealed its latest commission, the   Photo London    ‘Master of Photography’ Award 2017.   This is the third year running   that  Straussberg  has been commissioned to create the award, with previous winners including photography icons  Sebastiã o  Salgado and Don  McCullen . This year’s winner is another hugely infl uential  artist:  Taryn Simon.   Simon is a multidisciplinary artist working in photography, text, sculpture and performance. Guided by an interest in systems of  categorisation and  classifi cation, her practice involves extensive research into the power and structure of secrecy and the

Hoffmann Group UK launches remote consultation service during COVID-19 outbreak

Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic.   Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has today announced the launch of its remote consultation offering to support manufacturers keeping the UK running during the COVID-19 epidemic.   Using a suite of digital technologies, such as Microsoft Teams and Skype, manufacturers are able to enlist the support of a specialist consultant remotely. With the

Crafts Council host FREE online expert discussions

Crafts Council host fortnightly expert discussions The Crafts Council have announced the launch of a series of online discussions which will cover funding, legal advice, e-commerce and website optimisation. The events will be free online discussions with industry experts to support craft businesses.  For more information and to book www.eventbrite.co.uk

Opsydia Secures Investment to Drive Growth in its Innovative Security Solutions for the Diamond Sector

The UK-based laser technology specialist welcomes significant funding from three core investors to support the next phase of its growth and development.  Leading gemstone security specialist, Opsydia, has secured significant funding to kickstart the next phase of its development and support its continued growth in the international diamond and coloured stone industries. The investment will enable the wider roll-out of Opsydia’s secure laser inscription technology to international businesses, including numerous new client acquisitions in 2021/22. The funding will also enable Opsydia to expand its sales team and invest further in its Oxford-based production facilities. Elsewhere, the injection of funds will

QEST Grants Spring 2025

Applications for QEST Grants funding are now open 📢 Calling all Makers & Craftspeople! 📢 QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. They provide funding for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary. Successful Scholars also get a place on the @cockpitstudios Professional Development Programme. Since 1990, QEST has awarded £7 million to almost 900 individuals, thanks to the generous support of its donors. Supporting a broad

Bishopsland Educational Trust celebrate 30 Years of success with a Hall full of friends

On Friday 30 June, over 200 members of the industry and Bishopsland Fellows gathered at Goldsmiths’ Hall to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Bishopsland Educational Trust. Since it was founded in 1993 by Pope and Oliver Makower, it has become an internationally recognised and accredited charity dedicated to the training and support of people in the craft of silversmithing. Behind the growth of Bishopsland was Pope and Oliver’s vision, support and dedication and a generous patronage built from a belief in helping others. Bishopsland’s unique one-year residential course has helped over 200 graduates with a passion for precious metalwork

UK Jewellery Businesses embark on Innovative Ventures with the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Large) Grants

The Goldsmiths’ Centre has announced the recipients of its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants, which are designed to support entrepreneurial jewellers, silversmiths, and allied industry practitioners across the UK. Jewellers Hannah Bedford, Ellis Mhairi Cameron and Shola Branson have each been awarded grants of up to £7,000. The grants are funded through modern philanthropic giving by members of the Goldsmiths’ Company to the 1327 Fund. The Goldsmiths’ Centre in the City of London has announced the two recipients and commended recipient of its Business Catalyst (Large) Grants, which are designed to support the business development of entrepreneurial jewellers, silversmiths, and allied

Hoffmann Group UK aims to double in size with customer-centric reorganisation

Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has transformed its national strategy in order to better serve its customers.  To provide its customer base with a more bespoke, effective service, the business is bolstering the number of experts available to advise and consult with clients. Specifically, the business is increasing technical expertise, introducing dedicated support for large national accounts and additional specialised resource to support services such as inventory management, calibration and repairs.  The reorganisation also sees Peter Borrowdale, who joined the business last year, being appointed as National Sales Manager. Hoffmann

Myne London to host inaugural charity ball in March 2022

The London-based supplier of ethical emeralds will welcome special guests and VIPs to The Hurlingham Club in London on Saturday, March 19, to raise funds for the Myne London Foundation.  London based ethical emerald supplier, Myne London, has announced further details about its inaugural Myne London Foundation Charity Ball that will raise funds to empower lapidary communities in the Northern regions of Pakistan. The Myne London Foundation was created in September 2021 to support women in Pakistan by giving their daughters the funds they need for school fees, uniforms and transportation. These crucial measures of support can mean the difference

Amanda Mansell is equity crowdfunding for a new venture called 'Loupe'

Amanda Mansell a Hatton Garden bespoke jewellery designer of 20+ years - is equity crowdfunding for a new venture called Loupe, a jewellery support initiative which makes use of support from a Camden Council buildings grant. The 'jewellery hub' will aim to create a jewellery destination for London's historic jewellery quarter by providing a customer and trade interface to help promote the industry through experiential customer journeys and provide a route to market for the jewellery industry's supply chains. Loupe will be an experiential retail destination in Hatton Garden where people not only buy jewellery but learn about it and

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council reports on Covid-19 survey results

A survey with 120 respondents carried out by  The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council  has found that Covid-19 is adversely impacting designer-makers across the UK, driving it to announce a series of new initiatives to support, connect and inspire isolated craftspeople during this time. In a survey shared with silversmiths, jewellery designers, manufacturers, apprentices and those working in allied trades, The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) sought to understand the current needs, concerns and mood of its audience in order to best support them during this time. Among key results and feedback from over 120 respondents, the GC&DC reports:

‘Make Christmas happen’ programme launched by the National Association of Jewellers

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has today announced an exclusive programme of support for just 16 independent jewellery retailers who have their sights set on a successful festive trading period. ‘Make Christmas happen’  is a structured commercially led support programme for a cohort of 16 participants, put together for those who are best positioned within an independent jewellery businesses to ‘make it happen’. The programme will push the cohort as a group, and the individual representatives in the respective jewellery retailers to promote their business as efficiently and effectively as possible, to maximise sales through October, November and December,

The Goldsmiths Company Charity helps to address the cost-of-living crisis

£197,380 awarded in donations and grants to support jewellers and those working in the allied trades The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity has issued multiple cost-of-living grants to charities and apprentices within the trade to support them during this difficult period, using the remainder of the funds from its Covid-19 Fund. Originally created to address the impact of the pandemic, the Covid-19 Fund provided financial support to individuals working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades to help them through a period of hardship and help sustain the craft, skills and future of the industry during what was an unprecedented period in most

Pandora and UNICEF forge new global partnership

Pandora and UNICEF have announced a new global partnership to support the world’s most vulnerable children to lead healthier and safer lives and fulfil their potential. The three-year partnership between the international jewelry retailer and the United Nations Children’s Fund will also fund life skills training, with a focus on programmes that support female empowerment. Every day, girls are vulnerable to losing out on their education due to poverty, cultural practices and poor infrastructure. Violence and conflict also play a part in preventing girls from getting an education. Girls’ education goes beyond getting girls into school. It is about ensuring

Domino hits refresh to relaunch website

Domino continues with its focus on customer support with the relaunch of their customer website and online resources and tools. The Birmingham based manufacturer has been working behind the scenes finalising improvements to their online portal, following direct customer feedback on changes required to support their diverse customer audiences.  The new website launched in early July 2018, leading with the new Diamond Ring Mount collection. Customers may have started to notice some of the aesthetic changes applied over the past few weeks, however; the major changes have happened behind the scenes. Changes include: Faster, easier live price checking Improved data

Assay Office to host Make Your Mark once again

On the 5th February 2019, Goldsmiths’ Hall is opening its doors once again to all students, tutors,  graduates and apprentices of the jewellery and allied trades to help them make their mark in industry.  This hugely popular free one day event led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company, is a one stop shop to learn everything you need to know about hallmarking, manufacturing and introduce you to the support networks available to help you in your career. This includes the range of support the Goldsmiths’ Company can offer new entrants to the trade such

Gem-A Announce New Platinum Sponsors of 2016 Conference

Gem-A have announce that Jewelry Television have signed up as Platinum Sponsors of the 2016 Gem-A Conference.  One of the leading retailers of jewellery and gemstones in the United States, JTV have been instrumental in making gems household names in over 86 million American homes, cultivating a new market of gemstone lovers and buyers. JTV’s support of Gem-A reiterates a long friendship between the two associations which began in 2012. Alan Hart, Gem-A CEO, said of the partnership, “We are thrilled to have JTV on board as Platinum Sponsors again. Their support will enable us to bring quality international speakers

British Fashion Council Announces Newgen Recipients For 2017 / 2018

The British Fashion Council (BFC) celebrates the fifteen emerging designers who will receive NEWGEN support for the year ahead. Following the announcement of a new format, NEWGEN sponsorship is now awarded annually to both menswear and womenswear designers who will show at either London Fashion Week Men’s or London Fashion Week. This new format is focused on celebrating the incredible pool of emerging menswear and womenswear talent in London. NEWGEN offers designers the time and support to hone in on critical business skills to futureproof their businesses. Britain leads the way when it comes to nurturing and developing young talent,

Artists Announced for Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2021

The Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2021 awardees are announced as Anna Berry, Cecilia Charlton, Jahday Ford, Vicky Higginson and Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell. These outstanding early-career artists and makers will create five new commissions for display at Jerwood Space in London before going on a national tour throughout 2022-2023, travelling from Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange in Cornwall to Aberdeen Art Gallery in the North East of Scotland. The artists were selected from over 500 applications by an independent panel comprising: Yinka Ilori, artist and designer; Junko Mori, artist maker in metal; Dame Magdalene Odundo, potter; Christine Rew, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Manager; and Harriet Cooper, Head of Visual

Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds

Image Credit:  Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds, installation views, Serpentine North © Barbara Chase-Riboud 2022. Photo: © Jo Underhill, courtesy Serpentine. Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds Serpentine North, London Tuesday 11 October 2022 – Monday 10 April 2023 Serpentine extends the first UK solo exhibition of American visual artist, sculptor, novelist and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud until April 2023. Serpentine is delighted to announce the extension of Infinite Folds, an exhibition featuring over 30 works by American-born visual artist, sculptor, novelist and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud. On display at Serpentine North until 10 April 2023, this is the artist’s first institutional solo presentation in

‘Rationed’ Solo Show - Jo Pond

‘Rationed’ a solo exhibition by jewellery artist Jo Pond Vittoria Street Gallery presents  Following on from the success of her inaugural solo exhibition ‘Intimate’ which toured to Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco), Atta Gallery (Bangkok) and Contemporary Applied Arts (London), we are delighted to host a new collection of works titled ‘Rationed’ by internationally-renowned jewellery artist, Jo Pond. Stirred by a collection of diaries, bequeathed alongside hand-me-down stories, words and trinkets from a generation before, Jo Pond draws on evocative World War 2 artefacts to craft her own heirlooms. Almost in spite of itself, each static and inanimate object comes to

V&A to Showcase Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

V&A collaborates with artist Nick Veasey to build first ever mobile x-ray art studio ahead of landmark exhibition on designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Ahead of the first ever UK exhibition on the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, opening on 27 May, the V&A teamed up with x-ray artist Nick Veasey to create the world's first mobile x-ray art studio. In the studio, Veasey captured a series of beautifully crafted life-sized x-ray images revealing new and surprising details about the work of one of the 20th century's most revered couturiers. The x-ray project is one of several forensic techniques that the Museum has

Nel Linssen: A Tribute (1935 - 2016)

A Tribute (1935 - 2016) Nel Linssen To welcome the New Year, we have acquired a number of pieces from Nel Linssen’s family to pay tribute to an artist that The Gallery represented for over 30 years. Nel Linssen was one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jewellery. Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 6HZ scottish-gallery.co.uk

Cloudy - Mah Rana

Gallery S O is very pleased to announce a solo exhibition of new work by jewellery artist Mah Rana. The brooches on display are a visual and material exploration on the theme of clouds, and the transient nature of our moods and perceptions. The show will also include a film concerned with the personal connections to the jewellery we wear, edited by Andreea Bogdan. The film is part of a Meanings and Attachments commission by the Crafts Council for the Acts of Making Festival in 2015. Meanings and Attachments (2002- ongoing) is a worldwide series of public-participation events that so

'Spoon' Exhibition, Unit Twelve - Stafford

This Christmas selling exhibition will showcase a varied array of beautiful artist made spoons made from a large variety of materials such as wood, ceramic, glass, wire, silver, metal, enamel and even found objects and mixed media. Dates: 29th September - 17th December 2016 Venue: Unit Twelve, Tixall Heath Farm, Stafford, ST18 0XX www.unittwelve.co.uk

‘Buy Less. Buy Better. Buy Handmade’ This Christmas

Manchester’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair launches national Christmas shopping campaign with support from the repair shop’s Jay Blades. With everyone feeling the squeeze this Christmas, Manchester’s award winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) has joined forces with the Crafts Council and other leading UK craft organisations to launch a national Christmas shopping campaign, designed to support makers across the UK and encourage shoppers to  Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Handmade.   This initiative to promote thoughtful gifting has also received the backing of The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades MBE and The Great Pottery Throwdown’s Keith Brymer-Jones. Ann-Marie Franey,

Goldsmiths' Fair goes digital in reaction to pandemic

Goldsmiths’ Fair, the selling event and exhibition for fine jewellers and silversmiths, is launching a digital Fair in 2020. The Fair will provide an online platform for around 130 exhibitors and established visitors, 9,000 of who ordinarily attend the live event at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London, as well as to new audiences from around the world. The Goldsmiths’ Company, who run the event – an essential stop on the international fine jewellery and contemporary silver calendar – is moving the Fair 2020 and its programme of talks, events and exhibitions online, to support business recovery for

Pantone Colour of the Year Announced

"A marriage of colour conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting." PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating, two independent colours that highlight how different elements come together to support one another, best express the mood for Pantone Color of the Year 2021. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of colour that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and

Selected Space: Sheffield

Selected Space: Sheffield About Selected Space 12 - 14th July 2024 Fiona McAlear Quality artists and makers from across the region for you to browse, enjoy and support. Persistence Works Gallery 21 Brown Street Sheffield S1 2BS Friday 12th: 12-8pm (drinks reception from 8pm) Sat 13th: 10am - 5pm Sun 14th: 10am - 4pm www.selectedspace.co.uk

Anna Lewis: Stay

In the series Stay, Anna Lewis investigates the aesthetic, symbolic and costume imagery of the Victorian era, starting from an antique corset made of whalebone, linen and silk, dated 1780 writes Ilaria Ruggiero. The corset is an object of conflict and contrast; it represents both control and support. A ubiquitous object and outward symbol of self-control, or social control by men. The corset is a political element, for her it is symbolic of discipline, beauty and sexuality yet hides a dark truth by painfully punishing the body in order to fit this feminine ideal. The restriction of this tight cage, crushing

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2016 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, December 3rd. smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Jeweller/Mounter at Jewelworks

Due to the retirement of a very experienced and valued member of our team we now have a position for a highly experienced and qualified jobbing jeweller or hand made mounter. The successful applicant will have completed a five year apprenticeship and have at least another five years experience as a working jeweller with references to support. The job will require working knowledge of all precious metals, ie, silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Together with a comprehensive understanding of precious and semi precious stones and their characteristics from a working point of view.

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2024 - Deptford

Winter Open Studios 29 November - 1 December Cockpit Arts, Deptford Cockpit’s celebrated  Winter Open Studios  returns this festive season, bringing you the chance to meet and shop direct from over 175 of London’s finest artist-makers. Join them on  21-24 November in Bloomsbury  and  29 November-1 December in Deptford  to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, meet incredible craftspeople and find truly special gifts for the holiday season — all while supporting independent makers. Tickets Advance tickets £5 (includes entry to both Holborn and Deptford) Tickets available from www.cockpitarts.com

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2024 - Holborn

Winter Open Studios 21 - 24 November 2024 Cockpit Arts, Holborn Cockpit’s celebrated  Winter Open Studios  returns this festive season, bringing you the chance to meet and shop direct from over 175 of London’s finest artist-makers. Join them on  21-24 November in Bloomsbury  and  29 November-1 December in Deptford  to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, meet incredible craftspeople and find truly special gifts for the holiday season — all while supporting independent makers. Tickets Advance tickets £5 (includes entry to both Holborn and Deptford) Tickets available from www.cockpitarts.com

Help Alan Craxford fulfil his final project

My name is Janice Hosegood, and I'm fundraising to help Alan Craxford complete his final project. We've known each other for over thirty years, first through work and in later years, we've become great friends. With a career spanning over 50 years, Alan Craxford is an artist, jeweller, silversmith, engraver, and teacher, acknowledged for his precision and mastery of precious metals and gemstones. Alan’s artworks are highly prized and have been exhibited over his career with examples shown within the Victoria & Museum’s permanent collection. In 2003, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a devastating condition and although

Joy Bonfield-Colombara awarded QEST Scholarship

QEST has recently awarded a scholarship to jeweller Joy Bonfield-Colombara to further her training. Joy is an artist and goldsmith who creates jewellery and small-scale sculpture in gold, silver and bronze. She has a BA in Jewellery and Silversmithing from the Glasgow School of Art, and an MA in Jewellery and Metal from the Royal College of Art. Much of her work is inspired by classical Roman and Greek art, which she gives a distinctive contemporary twist. Since graduating she has exhibited both nationally and internationally, and has work in international galleries and museums. Her website is:  https://joybc.co.uk Joy’s QEST funding

MAD About Jewelry

MAD About Jewelry 5 - 8 May 2024 Museum of Arts and Design 2 Columbus CircleNew York, NY, 10019 United States Museum of Arts and Design will present   MAD About Jewelry ,  its annual benefit sale of contemporary jewelry featuring designs from 50 emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists. MAD About Jewelry   has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, where collectors and jewelry enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field. MAD About Jewelry is free with Museum admission. MAD About

Susie Freeman, Martin Smith and Jane Adam @ Ruthin

Susie Freeman, Martin Smith and Jane Adam @ Ruthin Ruthin Craft Centre 18 January – 29 March 2020 Gallery 1: Susie Freeman: WOWI + A Retrospective of work by Susie Freeman including Pharmacopoeia with Dr Liz Lee Susie established herself as a textile artist of great originality early in her career. As a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Art, following Manchester School of Art where she had studied weaving, she invented a knitted network of pockets using a monofilament thread: into each small transparent pocket she dropped a tiny object before safely sealing them with a further row

Diamond: From rough to diamond

Diamond cutting, an essential step in revealing all the beauty of this unique stone, is a complex art, passed on through a long apprenticeship with a master diamond cutter, a true artist of volume and precision. Diren Ramsamy , a Diamond Cutter at Rubel & Ménasché, who has devoted his entire professional life to this demanding art, will help you discover, during a talk with  Olivier Segura , Gemmologist and Scientific Director at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, not only the tools he uses and the steps involved in cutting a diamond but also the way he understands the stone

In The Close Distance - Jeff Lowe in Exhibition

Artist Jeff Lowe presents a series of sculptural jewellery alongside his monumental metal sculptures and vibrant screenprints in his 2020 solo exhibition In The Close Distance at Pangolin London. The exhibition is on until 22 February 2020 and marks a major shift in the artist’s usual aesthetic through a change in technique, material and bold use of colour. His newest series uses curved sheets of painted aluminium which form circular structures, revealing layers and overlap. The internationally acclaimed sculptor Jeff Lowe came to prominence in 1974 with his first one man show at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in Londonʼs Cork

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available Thames Side Studios, South East London  £120/month Bright new workshop overlooking the river on Thames Side Studios premises with lots of natural light. Shared with 2 others (CAD technician & painter, both use it very occasionally only). You would basically have the studio to yourself most of the time! The size of it is 4x3m and about half is taken up by painting materials such as canvases. Site has 24hr access, parking and over night security guard. Over 400 artist studios on the site with a community of creative people. We currently need

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available Thames Side Studios, South East London  £120/month Bright new workshop overlooking the river on Thames Side Studios premises with lots of natural light. Shared with 2 others (CAD technician & painter, both use it very occasionally only). You would basically have the studio to yourself most of the time! The size of it is 4x3m and about half is taken up by painting materials such as canvases. Site has 24hr access, parking and over night security guard. Over 400 artist studios on the site with a community of creative people. We currently need

Serpenti Metamorphosis by Refik Anadol

Serpenti Metamorphosis   by Refik Anadol Gallery 3, Saatchi Gallery, London 25th November - 23rd December 2022 Bulgari embarks on a new chapter with award-winning media artist and director Refik Anadol. After last year’s success with their exhibition and digital experience in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, it is London’s chance to celebrate the second chapter of  Serpenti Metamorphosis. From November 25th to December 23rd, Bulgari will present an immersive experience with Refik Anadol’s artwork representing its most famous icon, Serpenti, within the world-renowned Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London, for the first time ever. It will be the

Munich Jewellery Week 2024

Munich Jewellery Week 2024 28 February - 3 March 2024 Munich Jewellery Week is an annual, independent, artist-run contemporary jewellery initiative that takes place in the city of Munich every March. The success of the event, which grows exponentially every year, is in thanks to the spirit of collaboration by jewellery artists and designers from all over the world: students, emerging, mid-career and established art jewellers alike come to present their jewellery on their own terms, and in their own unique ways. MJW has gained a reputation for being the most important event for the field worldwide, and the number

OBSESSED!

Over the month of November the biennial jewellery festival OBSESSED! will take place in various cities across the Netherlands writes Ilaria Ruggiero. OBSESSED! unites the best jewellery-related events – museum and gallery exhibitions, talks, fairs, book presentations and artist open studios – into one intriguing programme put together by  Current Obsession . The second, 2019 edition of OBSESSED! Jewellery Festival brings together independent artists, galleries and cultural institutions from across the Netherlands in celebration of Jewellery. United. Jewellery. United. is a new paradigm in jewellery discourse. It broadens the scope of what is seen as jewellery in relation to other creative fields and

Tracing Memory: Jewellery by Raquel Bessudo

Is our memory in colour or black and white? According to Raquel Bessudo, undoubtedly black and white, with some small emerging details, linear and minimal, in colour. It is certainly an emotional memory, inconsistent, rarefied, dynamic, not objective or even narrative writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Raquel Bessudo is a Jewellery artist based in Mexico City, she designs and composes creations through the use of different materials and elements, such as printed images, pieces of fabric, metal, iron, all organized into compositions with a flavour both naive and delicate. They are like pieces of memory that are sewn and linked together, to enact these memories and bring them back to

Silver + Form: A contemporary jewellery and silverware fair launching October 2024

Silver + Form is thrilled to announce its inaugural exhibition and fair, set to take place at the stunning Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in Margate. This exclusive event, running from October 19th to 20th, 2024, will showcase a captivating collection of contemporary jewellery, silverware, objets d'art, and sculptures crafted by some of the most talented silversmiths and metalsmiths in the UK. Silver + Form was founded by Anja Hessler, a Ramsgate-based artist known for her contemporary mobile sculptures, and Nessa Warner, a designer of fine silver and gold jewellery. The event was conceived out of a shared passion for creativity

Wallace Chan to feature in new documentary - The Art of Materials

The latest documentary by award-winning director Martina Margaux Cozzi is a visually stimulating portrait of Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary artist Wallace Chan.  ”Although space is infinite, it is insignificant without material. Both time and space are measured by materials. If there’s no material, there is no time. If there’s no material, there’s no space either. It is only because of material, that time and space matter. It is only through growth, ageing and death that we feel the passage of time. It is only through our existence that we learn about space, the physical and spiritual space that we

The jewel and the experience of the skin: Maria Ignacia Walker

An all-round artist, Maria Ignacia Walker expresses herself with her body and her skin. Her work tells the living experience, in organic matter. There are some factors in particular that haunt her, such as the transformation of the body, the skin, the loss of hair and everything that makes the existence a performative and creative act of continuous change writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Starting from her earliest collections, she explores the body as a door to transcendence, understood as another dimension of existence, but at the same time concrete, sensitive, sensual, touching, present. The skin represents that threshold, a natural and

SO WHAT! Liquid jewels by Nadine Kuffner

SO WHAT! exhibition, featuring the work by Nadine Kuffner, just closed at Irene Belfi Gallery in Milan and confirms the main intent of the gallery to promote high quality contemporary jewellery artists and goldsmith writes Ilaria Ruggiero. SO WHAT! is also the name of the work with which Nadine graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Monaco, and an obvious provocation. In fact, the artist, fascinated by a material so poorly considered in jewellery as tin, exploits its properties, freely experimenting during the liquid phase of its state. Her hands try to direct the material towards forms she imagines, but

Munich Jewellery Week 2019

From 11 until 17 March 2019, Munich Jewellery Week will showcase avant-garde contemporary jewellery by established and up-and-coming designers from all over the world. This yearly gathering is by far the most significant event on contemporary jewellery’s calendar; it’s a unique phenomenon, which plays a pace making role in the contemporary jewellery field. Hundreds of makers, students, educators and collectors come from all over the world to be inspired by this diverse programme that ranges from artist-run exhibitions, book launches and lectures to performances, mobile presentations and parties. We highlight some of the most interesting exhibitions in the very packed

Knives into Jewels: Crafting a Safer Birmingham

A leading artist, activist and academic is using jewellery as a vehicle for social intervention as he launches a special project aimed at tackling knife crime among young people in Birmingham. The ‘ Swords into Ploughshares: Knives into Jewels’ project had been co-developed by Dauvit Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery and former head of School Professor Norman Cherry. This collaborative project will take jewellery into schools in Areas of Multiple Deprivation (AMDs) bringing together drama, virtual reality, crafting, intensive mentoring, and first-aid training to encourage 14 to 16-year-olds to think

Wallace Chan to show never-seen-before brooch as part of inaugural TEFAF Online

“When I first saw butterflies, as a child, I did not know that butterflies were called butterflies. I asked my mother, ‘what are these flying colours?’ Since then, butterflies have always been flying colours in my eyes.” Jewellery artist and innovator Wallace Chan will showcase ‘In Love with Spring’ for the first time as part of the inaugural TEFAF Online. In line with the fair’s singular “masterpiece” format, Chan presents an exceptional brooch that exemplifies his unique aesthetic, gift for storytelling and technical genius.  ‘In Love with Spring’, created in 2014, conveys Chan’s vision of “flying colours” with meticulous gemstone

David Poston, The Lateral Maker @ The Scottish Gallery

David Poston: The Lateral Maker Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh 4 January - 1 February 2020 The Gallery presents a showcase of jewellery from David Poston, covering different aspects of his creative career including his signature work in stainless steel and forged titanium. Born to British parents in Moscow, Russia in 1948, David was educated in the United Kingdom and graduated from the jewellery design course at Hornsey College of Art. He worked as an artist-jeweller using mainly non-precious metals and other materials from 1970 until 1984. In 1985 David chose to change course by studying for a PhD in Engineering focused on the

Beppe Kessler: Plenty of Nothing

The Galerie Rob Koudijs hosts a solo show by Beppe Kessler, as poetic as it is unique. In fact, in this latest work Beppe Kessler explores the so-called natural phenomenon  spring snow,  typical of Amsterdam, where the artist lives writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Through her language, she stages a wunderkammer in which the wonder of nature becomes art, and life turns into eternity. To a certain extent, the ancient Wunderkammer can be considered as the first stage of the development of the concept of museum. Historically,  Naturalia and Artificialia  have been those objects with particular or wonderful characteristics that have aroused

Motion and Forces

Motion and Forces Design Museum, London Monday 17 October, 18.30 – 20.00 Join artist Conrad Shawcross RA, Fashion Designer Beatrix Ong MBE and Director of Patrimony and Exhibitions at Van Cleef & Arpels, Lise MacDonald, as they discuss the significance of motion and forces in their work with the Design Museum Director Tim Marlow. How do designers, creatives and artists make static objects come alive? What are the secrets to making jewellery, artworks or fashion capture motion? Hear these questions explored with Conrad Shawcross RA, one of the UK’s most important sculptors, Director of Patrimony and Exhibitions at Van Cleef

When digital meets craft: An open view by Chiara Scarpitti

Chiara Scarpitti is an Italian multidisciplinary artist and designer specializing in contemporary jewelry. Her research investigates different aspects of the contemporary material culture, exploring technology through a humanistic approach. She is one of the few designers able to perfectly synthesize the historical dimension of research, through the eyes of the present, projecting it directly to the future, thanks to the ability of balancing technique, narrative and vision. Through her work, the tradition finds a new identity, thanks to aesthetic and technical innovation. In Chiara’s pieces emerges, perfectly balanced, a collection of suggestions from different narrations and imaginaries. Nature, in its

Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan

Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan Asia House, London 14 -17 September 2019 Renowned jewellery artist and innovator, Wallace Chan, will be presenting his first solo show in London, Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan, at Asia House from 14-17 September 2019. It is Wallace Chan's first-ever solo exhibition in London, and the last in a series of three international exhibitions, following presentations at Crosby Street Hotel, New York in November 2018 and Christie’s Gallery Hong Kong in January 2019. It is also the first time that The Wallace Chan Porcelain will be introduced to art lovers and connoisseurs in

Wallace Chan to present first-ever solo exhibition in London

Renowned jewellery artist and innovator, Wallace Chan, will be presenting his first solo show in London, Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan, at Asia House from 14-17 September 2019. Hera Brooch and Ring It is Wallace Chan's first-ever solo exhibition in London, and the last in a series of three international exhibitions, following presentations at Crosby Street Hotel, New York in November 2018 and Christie’s Gallery Hong Kong in January 2019. It is also the first time that The Wallace Chan Porcelain will be introduced to art lovers and connoisseurs in London. The exhibition will feature 20 jewellery pieces realised

Silversmith Claire Malet completes National Museum Wales Commission

‘The Company of Old Roads’, a new sculptural installation by metal artist and silversmith Claire Malet, commissioned by the P & O Makower Trust, will go on display at the National Museum Wales Cardiff, from 12 December 2017.  The installation, in fine silver on a walnut base carved by woodworker Nick Barberton, makes reference to ‘Roads’ by the poet Edward Thomas (1878-1917), the centenary of whose death on the Western Front falls this year.  Inspiration The piece grew out of Claire’s love of walking holloways, tracks and drove roads. Her explorations of old roads and the literature and art they’ve

Point of No Return with Christoph Zellweger at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Point of No Return at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery with Christoph Zellweger 4 ½ Day Workshop 14th – 17th August 2018 This workshop 'POINT OF NO RETURN' will be led by Swiss jewellery artist and designer Christoph Zellweger, who’s commitment to applied research as a visionary practitioner and experienced coach has gained international recognition. The workshop is aimed at professional colleagues from all parts of the world, as well as ambitious students and amateurs, who wish to progress their work and to give direction to their practice. Point of No Return Get going, get started, carry on, stretch far, move forward, retreat,

Welbeck Winter Weekend 2017

The Harley Foundation and its Harley Gallery and Harley Studios will be hosting its annual winter event, returning for it’s 17th year, celebrating all things hand-made. The Welbeck Winter Weekend will take place on 24, 25 and 26 November 2017. The event will feature: Free entry, free car parking A heated marquee with 50+ stalls featuring artists and makers The Harley Artist Studios open to the public 20+ stalls featuring regional artisan food producers Exhibitions at The Harley Gallery and locally produced food at The Welbeck Farm Shop Recently opened gallery dedicated to the display of fine and decorative arts

Stellar line up set for IJL 2019

Artist jeweller John Moore, The Futurist Paola de Luca, DeBeers, Sotheby’s, Fairtrade Gold, Hilary Alexander OBE and Graduate Fashion Week among stellar IJL 2019 line up IJL,, opens on Sunday 1 September and will welcome some of the biggest brands, cutting-edge designers and the latest in Jewellery and Watch technology and sustainability to the show. IJL’s event programme features designers including: Jeweller of The Fair John Moore @IJL, Monday 2 September: The inaugural Jeweller of The Fair John Moore will show his collection on the IJL Inspires Catwalk Theatre on Monday 2 September (13:45 - 14:30) followed by questions from

Isabella Liu showcases new collection 'The Butterfly Lovers' at t IJL 2019

Following the very successful launch of Isabella Liu’s new nature inspired collection, The Butterfly Lovers at the CMJ summer event, the award-winning International jewellery designer and artist will be unveiling new additional pieces at IJL 2019. The collection which pays homage to the beauty of Nature, draws on the classic Chinese legend of two lovers, Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英台), the Chinese Romeo and Juliet. In this the tale ‘The lovers’ spirits, in the form of a pair of butterflies, fly away together, never to be separated again’. This epic story has inspired musicians, artists and performers. Isabella

Deborah Tseng releases monochrome 'White' collection

In a colourful world, this quiet white jewellery is a rare island for a peaceful mind. Deborah Tseng Jewellery combines two historical crafts to make porcelain jewellery with layers of beauty and meaning. Artist Deborah Tseng established her eponymous jewellery brand in London, after graduating from a masters degree in jewellery Silversmithing and related products from Birmingham City University School of Jewellery. However, prior to this Tseng lived and Taiwan, where she was trained extensively in metalwork.  Her diverse skillset and honed craftsmanship can be seen in her work. She finds her inspiration in repetition, transformation, time and the minutiae of the

Loukia Richards nominated for European Prize for Applied Arts

Loukia Richards has been nominated for this year’s European Prize for Applied Arts within the Jewellery category. The theme of this year’s competition is "Monumentality - Fragility" which pays tribute to the work and life motif of French / Swiss artist Niki de Saint-Phalle. The competition jury, which include Rosy Greenlees the Director of the Crafts Council London ad current President of the WCC-International, and Louise Allen the Director of the Crafts Council Ireland and President of the WCC-Europe, selected eighty nominees from over 600 applications. The nominees' show will open at the Art Museum of Mons in Belgium on

Q&A: Wendy Ramshaw CBE

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE  is a distinguished jewellery designer, architectural designer, designer, educator and artist. She can be credited with leading and contributing to the ‘New Wave’ of jewellery modernism throughout the 1970s and 1980s and is renowned for her diverse use of materials. She is married to David Watkins, jeweller. She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. From left to right Title: Invitation card for Wendy’s ’Towers’ exhibition. Date: 2005. Materials: Anodised aluminum, stainless steel, Delrin, brass, crystal and optical glass. Photo credit: Graham Pym Title: Set of mirror rings. Date: 1970. Materials: 7 rings, silver with surgical

As Above, So Below at Gallery S O

So Above, So Below: Kathleen Reilly 5 April – 26 May 2019 Gallery S O, London "It hits my nose before I think to notice. Brace." Gallery S O is very pleased to announce a solo-exhibition by Scottish artist and metalworker Kathleen Reilly. She presents an installation of new and existing work. The exhibition will include for the first-time a series of Reilly’s poetic writings following the theme of As Above, So Below. With this new exhibition, the audience is invited to draw parallels between her writings and the tangible outcomes, creating contemplative and subtle connections between these two facets of

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World 250 years on from James Cook’s historic voyage from England to New Zealand, two cutting edge jewellery collectives embark upon their own journeys.  Handshake (NZ) and Dialogue Collective (UK) navigate around the impact of colonialism to create a bejewelled voyage like no other...    Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World showcases work by twenty-two artists who specialise in using jewellery to communicate ideas. The work on display shows a diversity of materials, techniques and scale. Cultural backgrounds and migrated ancestry influence the work that each artist makes on their own voyage. An openness to

Measured - Sue Lorraine @ Gallery Funaki

Measured -  Sue Lorraine Gallery Funaki, Victoria, Australia 30 July - 24 August 2019 Sue Lorraine is a leading Australian jewellery artist with a practice that spans over thirty-five years. A partner and founding member of the jewellery studio, Gray Street Workshop and from 1999-2008 the Creative Director of the Metal Design Studio, JamFactory, Adelaide. Sue exhibits nationally and internationally and has work in every state collection of Australia. Her exhibition practice is founded in conceptual and research-based methodologies. Sue works predominantly in steel, in a style that is graphic, minimal and refined. More recently she has incorporated found objects and materials into her work

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing Lin Cheung references normal, traditional, understated jewellery forms and uses standard materials and techniques, then deftly twists these conventions through subtle subversions. Her work explores the conceptual core of her medium of choice but is far from being overtly cerebral or self-referential: starting from a longstanding preoccupation with jewellery, it opens up observations concerning current affairs, gender issues and the everyday. The show includes works made from a range of materials, such as pearls, quartz, lapis, corian, pink opal, black Belgian marble. According to the artist there is a tension between their aesthetic qualities

Celebrating Sarah Letts

Celebrating Sarah Letts Sarah Letts: 1936 – 2017 A unique opportunity to view the drawings, paintings and jewellery created by Sarah Letts in her lifetime. Curated with her family, Studio Fusion is proud to present this work in the gallery where Sarah was co-founder and co-director for over 20 years. Sarah Letts originally trained as a fine artist before she started to focus on making one-off pieces of jewellery. All her metalwork had its own distinct identity, with her signature striated engraving bringing depth and luminosity to the enamel. Inspired by her garden, the land and seascapes of north Scotland,

Ariane Chaumeil creates Spring Summer Collection based on Greek Mythology

French jewellery artist Ariane Chaumeil has launched her Spring Summer 2018 Collection with 14 sacrifices, 14 adornments, based in Greek legend. Thrown into the labyrinth to perish in sacrifice with 13 other young men and women, Theseus was saved by Ariane who fell in love with him, giving him the thread that allowed him to escape the Labyrinth after defeating the Minotaur. The collection consists designs utilizing alloys and natural materials such as coral )collected from authorized fishing zones in Spain), worked shells, reconstructed turquoises, red agate, leather as well as faceted crystals. Austrian beads showcase the technical work of

Q&A: Alan Craxford

Alan Craxford is an esteemed master craftsman, probably best known for his painstaking and meticulous hand crafted work with hand engraving and the creation of one of a kind jewellery and silver pieces. His career spans some 40 years in the Craft, having held positions, other than his work as a practitioner, at Sir John Cass as Senior Lecturer, and as a founding member and former Chair of the Hand Engravers Association, and well as being a member of the Contemporary British Silversmiths. Using form, colour and surface texture in precious materials, as a metal artist he creates bespoke pieces

Scottish Gallery Celebrate Jacqueline Mina at 75

The Scottish Gallery, Scotland’s prestigious art and craft selling venue, will be celebrating esteemed artist goldsmith Jacqueline Mina’s 75th birthday this summer with a blockbusting exhibition from 3rd August – 2 September in Edinburgh. The gallery, which will show a collection of Mina’s most recently work, has timed the exhibition to coincide with the Scottish summer months and is highlighting the event as their Festival Exhibition 2017. Jacqueline Mina has had a longstanding relationship with the Scottish Gallery, having exhibited her first solo exhibition there in 1993. Jacqueline Mina is one of the most significant goldsmiths in the UK today.

Iconic Frida Kahlo collection goes on show at V & A

The much anticipated 'Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up' exhibition, including her prized jewellery collection, opens at the V&A Museum in London on Saturday showcasing more than 200 items from her house in Mexico City, none of which have ever been seen outside the iconic artist's native country. It promises to be an illuminating collection of personal artefacts, from her brightly coloured rebozo shawls to her signature dangly earrings plus a selection of books, portraits and photographs, epitomising her unique and powerful style against a backdrop of a troubled life. Her jewellery collection comprises a range of pieces handcrafted by

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

Wendy Ramshaw was an internationally acclaimed jeweller, designer and artist. Her worked spanned the 1960s through to present day and she can be charged with being at the forefront of the ‘new wave’ of jewellery which emerged in the mid twentieth century pioneering the use of alternative materials which formed the basis of ‘designer’ and ‘art’ jewellery movements, which we see today. Born in Sunderland in on the 26 May 1939, Wendy Anne Jopling Ramshaw was the daughter of Angus and Flora (nee Hollingshead), a Tyne and Wear family, which was based in the shipping industry. As a girl she

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

Wendy Ramshaw was an internationally acclaimed jeweller, designer and artist. Her worked spanned the 1960s through to present day and she can be charged with being at the forefront of the ‘new wave’ of jewellery which emerged in the mid twentieth century pioneering the use of alternative materials which formed the basis of ‘designer’ and ‘art’ jewellery movements, which we see today. Born in Sunderland in on the 26 May 1939, Wendy Anne Jopling Ramshaw was the daughter of Angus and Flora (nee Hollingshead), a Tyne and Wear family, which was based in the shipping industry. As a girl she

Top female metalsmiths team up for UK campaign

Some of the UK's most distinguished female metalsmiths are set to launch a new campaign to promote the craft in Britain by exhibiting as a collective at the inaugural TRESOR Contemporary Craft in Basel, Switzerland next month. In a pioneering move, the group of award-winning internationally acclaimed artists, including Simone ten Hompel, Rebecca de Quin, Ane Christensen, Adi Toch and Juliette Bigley, will collaborate with a range of individual pieces and a specially made film which focuses on each artist and the craft.  “We’ve worked beside and with each other, shared workshops and taught each other so it is particularly

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2018 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2018 - Deptford Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from  independent makers  - from master craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni. Jewellers, weavers, ceramicists … and many other crafts A curated display featuring makers participating in the Cockpit Arts /  London Creative Network Programme . Demonstrations and talks from Cockpit makers  Lucy McGrath ,  Shelley James ,  Ian Scott Kettle  and  Onome Otite , and an interactive display by  Ekta Kaul . Enter the Prize Draw to win vouchers to spend with Cockpit makers. Enjoy delicious food in the

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2018 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2018 - Holborn Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from  independent makers  - from master craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni. Jewellers, weavers, ceramicists … and many other crafts A curated display featuring makers participating in the Cockpit Arts /  London Creative Network Programme . Demonstrations and talks from Cockpit makers  Lucy McGrath ,  Shelley James ,  Ian Scott Kettle  and  Onome Otite , and an interactive display by  Ekta Kaul . Enter the Prize Draw to win vouchers to spend with Cockpit makers. Enjoy delicious food in the

Canine

Canine 29th June - 28th September 2019 The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Leeds, West Yorkshire Sculptural works of art for the home or garden by a collection of celebrated UK makers.  Man’s best friend is explored through a variety of materials which have been cleverly handcrafted into different breeds of dogs as well as those animals closely related to dogs such as wolves and foxes.  Pippa Barrow Born and raised in Southern Africa, Pippa qualified as a goldsmith and went on to work for the artist-jeweller Wendy Ramshaw in London for over ten years.  A major career change followed

Enamelling Workshop with Danni Schwaag at Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School

Enamelling Workshop with Danni Schwaag at Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School Hatton Garden, London 2nd -  5th September The Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School is thrilled that German based jewellery artist Danni Schwaag will be visiting our studios in September to offer an enamelling workshop. The course runs for 4 consecutive days 10am – 4pm, from Monday 2 September – Thursday 5 September. Enamelling is one of the world’s oldest technologies.Its brilliant colour and durability make it a favourable technique to add colour to your jewellery and objects. About the Course This workshop is aimed at anyone interested in working with enamel

Lecture By Manon Van Kouswijk at Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Lecture By Manon Van Kouswijk 6:30 - 8pm, 18th July 2019 Cockpit Arts, London Manon van Kouswijk is an acclaimed Dutch artist jeweller based in Melbourne, Australia. She worked as Head of the Jewellry Department at the prestigious Gerrit Rietveld Academy before moving to Melbourne where she has been teaching since 2013 at MADA (Monash University of Art, Design and Architecture) in the Jewellery and Fine Art Faculty. Manon has led numerous successful workshops and masterclasses and worked as a guest lecturer in Japan, Sweden, New Zealand and Germany. She is represented by some of the leading jewellery gallery across

Q&A: Aishleen Lester

Aishleen Lester is an emerging new talent in the jewellery industry, having founded her new business in 2016 after coming to jewellery design at Kensington & Chelsea College through evening classes. She is a well reputed fine artist in her own right, known for large scale, sculptural installations who’s work is held in private collections and has previously exhibited in the Riflemaker and Nyehaus galleries. Trained at Wimbledon School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools, she built up her jewellery industry credentials by working with the likes of Shaun Leane and Paul Raven before venturing out on her own

Jewellery: Wearable Glass

Jewellery: Wearable Glass - National Glass Centre in Sunderland National Glass Centre presents an exhibition of newly commissioned glass jewellery, made through exciting new collaborations between four glass artists and eight jewellers. Glass jewellery has a history going back to the Ancient Egyptians. In the 19th and early 20th the artist Rene Lalique used glass to make jewellery but more recently the use of glass in jewellery by artists has been limited.  Through the exhibition  Jewellery: Wearable Glass  National Glass Centre aims to re-introduce glass as a material to be used by leading jewellers based in Britain. National Glass Centre

Catherine Hills: Gill Wing Jewellery Q & A

Gill Wing Jewellery is celebrating its twenty year anniversary with their original featured jewellery artist, then fresh RCA graduate Catherine Hills,  by collaborating with and allowing her to 'take over' their gallery in the month of May. Here the gallery interviews the jeweller... How did you become a jeweller? CH:  While I was on my challenging foundation year at Maidstone, I discovered my talent lay in 3D work. My initial desire to be a scientific or book illustrator was replaced with thoughts of being a jewellery designer. I was encouraged by my family to find an artistic career that might have a greater

‘De Vroomen Harmony in Colour and Form’ Book

Dutch Master Craftsman and goldsmith Leo de Vroomen has released a book, full of illustrations, which celebrates 50 years of his creative partnership with his artist / designer wife Ginnie. Their bold and colourful jewellery is lavishly illustrated, in combination with Ginnie's vivid paintings. The book also acts as an accompanying tome to the retrospective exhibition of their work recently held at Goldsmiths’ Hall. The book is available at a cost of £50 plus postage & packing Publisher: Leo and Ginnie de Vroomen Page size: landscape 280 X 230 mm Pagination: 224 hardback ISBN 978-1-5272-0650-2 P & P: UK £5.00,

Canine

Canine 29th June - 28th September 2019 The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Leeds, West Yorkshire Sculptural works of art for the home or garden by a collection of celebrated UK makers.  Man’s best friend is explored through a variety of materials which have been cleverly handcrafted into different breeds of dogs as well as those animals closely related to dogs such as wolves and foxes.  Pippa Barrow Born and raised in Southern Africa, Pippa qualified as a goldsmith and went on to work for the artist-jeweller Wendy Ramshaw in London for over ten years.  A major career change followed

John Moore wins the Prestigious Goldsmiths' Company Award for the Second Time in Three Years

For the second time in just three years, British jewellery artist John Moore receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Award.  The presentation of the annual Awards of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards took place at the Goldsmiths ’ Hall in London on Monday 25 February 2019.  This important annual Awards Ceremony – known as the Jewellery Oscars – was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over three-hundred guests. Earlier in the evening John had already been awarded the IJL (International Jewellery London) Gold award for silver jewellery, for his Lacewing Verto Necklace, then at the end of the ceremony, Theo Fennell

Jonathan Boyd, Acting Head of Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art launches book

Jewellery Manifest is Jonathan Boyd’s first publication and in it he sets out to discuss and give context to ten years of his practice, unpicking thoughts on jewellery, language, the digital and narrativity in objects.  Within the book Jonathan draws on philosophical, anthropological and autobiographical discourse using image and textual montage to deconstruct both his jewellery and the printed book format deployed in presenting his practice. The book chapterises key themes prevalent in his practice and contains contributions from Michael Rowe and Helen Clara Hemsley.  Jonathan Mathew Boyd is an artist and jeweller. He is Acting Head of Programme of

Munich Jewellery Week 2019

Munich Jewellery Week 2019 11 March to 17 March 2019 Munich Jewellery Week is an independent initiative that supports, communicates and promotes city-wide jewellery exhibitions from 11 March to 17 March 2019. The programme is online. You can now search for any word: artist name, location, material –  anything on the website. Any word that's mentioned in each individual event is now searchable. Type a word in the search box and it will show you a list of results. Find the complete programme on Events page, with each title and address clickable, to help you get more information fast or

New York Jewellery Week 2018

New York City Jewellery Week 10 - 18 November 2018 NYC Jewellery Week is NYC’s first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewellery through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature groundbreaking exhibitions, educational lectures, explorative workshops, exclusive tours, and unique collaborations with the best and brightest businesses, brands, individual jewellers, artists, and designers throughout NYC. Bella Neyman and JB Jones are the new heroines of the contemporary art jewellery movement. Unlike commercial fine jewellery or fashion costume Jewellery, One-of-a kind and limited production artist-made jewellery is a relatively new voice

SIERAAD 2018

SIERAAD a very special fair where artists from all over the world sell their jewellery directly and in person to shops, galleries and consumers SIERAAD Art Fair presents; unique, personally designed and crafted pieces of jewellery Here, the emphasis is on jewellery as pieces of art in which ideas are packaged in materials such as rubber, textile, photos, plastics, wood or ceramics, as well as silver and gold. Also on display will be traditional pieces of art produced by contemporary silver and goldsmiths. Artist-designers from all corners of the globe, including highly talented emerging designers from internationally acclaimed academies, will

Philomène Hoël: Keep It Longer

  Philomène Hoël: Keep It Longer Curated by Valentina Bin and Simina Neagu Philomène Hoël’s Keep It Longer is a site-specific project which will occupy Gallery S O’s two spaces for two weeks with two shows. This will include two screens, two curators and two texts.  One title: Keep It Longer. The artist will work across the gallery’s project space, which will host an immersive installation, and select a contemporary jewellery and object display in the front space. Philomène Hoël works with film and performance to activate the cinematic dimension of a space and set up intimate scenarios of crisis.

Ortwin Thyssen Unviels Competition Winner 2016

To celebrate his shop’s 10-year anniversary, King’s Mile jeweller, Ortwin Thyssen set his makers a challenge; to design and craft a piece of jewellery of their own inspiration using traditional artisan methods. The pieces were displayed during September and the public were invited to vote, alongside industry professionals, on their favourite piece. “What you see here is the result of a challenge that every artist faces, the challenge to make ‘what you feel is right’” explained Ortwin during his presentation speech at the competition awards evening, held in the intimate surroundings of the Lilford Gallery in Canterbury. After achieving the

Jerwood Makers Open

Following a national call which elicited 271 submissions, Sam Bakewell, Juli Bolaños-Durman, Jessica Harrison, Marcin Rusak and Laura Youngson Coll have been selected for Jerwood Makers Open 2017, a unique commissioning opportunity recognising the most exciting new talents in contemporary applied arts. Each artist will receive an award of £7,500 to realise and make new work. The resulting work will be shown in a group exhibition as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space in London from 28 June –27 August 2017, before touring nationally. Jerwood Makers Open is a biennial opportunity encouraging ambitious and/or radical proposals

Isabella Liu wins IJL Editor’s Choice Award for Creative Originality

London based  designer Isabella Liu won the International Jewellery London (IJL) Editor’s Choice award for Creative Originality.   Claire Adler, a luxury communications consultant, and Sam Willoughby, the IJL Event Director, selected the awards this month. T he Creative Originality award  is presented to  the brand or designer that impressed the judges with true originality in terms of design, innovative use of materials or striking colour combinations. Isabella Liu was born in China and is now based in London. She founded her own studio in 2014 and is an award winning jewellery designer and artist whose w orks have been

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios  Meet 170 makers at two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings of both

Emerge / Jiro Kamata

Emerge / Jiro Kamata (JP-DE) Artist statement Light and reflection are always an important topic for my work which has very strong relationship with jewellery. “Bl” brooches and pendants These pieces are made using dichroic mirror, which reflects two different colours. This material is used in optical applications and architecture. I was fascinated by its unusual colour reflections and knew immediately that I wanted to make jewellery with it.  It is not only about the two colours but also about the openness of perception. „Palette“ brooches Wearing one, you see strong, colourful shadows on the white corian base. The shape of

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Holborn

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

UFOs take off at Tory Party Conference

Members of the Conservative Party are it seems great fans of UFOs – however not those that flash in the night sky and come complete with little green men! The UFOs which went down a storm in Birmingham earlier this month were in fact ‘Unique Finger Ornaments’ created by Stephanie Holt, winner of the 2016 Weston Beamor prize at the City’s Jewellery School. Holt, who is now Artist in Residence at the Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, was invited, alongside a group of other local and diverse craftsmen and women, to exhibit at the Conference which took place at

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Deptford

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Tracey Emin CBE RA Designs LFWM Fifth Anniversary Logo

To mark this milestone iconic British artist Tracey Emin CBE RA, member of the BFC’s Menswear Committee, has lent her signature handwriting to the LFWM logo. The logo will be featured in a custom neon installation in the event’s central hub at The Store Studios, 180 Strand. The fifth anniversary edition of LFWM will celebrate London’s reputation as the home of menswear, showcasing Savile Row tailoring and heritage brands through to the most exciting emerging talent in the menswear market, as well as a strong roster of British and international designer and contemporary businesses. Since the first season of standalone

will.i.am,'s i.am+ Launch BUTTONS

i.am+   has announced that its 'BUTTONS' premium bluetooth earphones product are now widely available in the UK, in four new  colourways .  The wireless earphones – styled by fashion legend, André Leon Talley – are the brainchild of global music artist and entrepreneur, will.i.am, with brand ambassadors and investors including Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell.   BUTTONS fill a gap in the Bluetooth earphone market, offering a  product that allows for high design without the loss of high technology.    Jenner, a next-generation model starring in the campagin alongside Shaun Ross and India Love says, “Getting to be a part

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland This November, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull will be holding the second ‘Elements’, an annual festival celebrating contemporary jewellery and silverware in Scotland. Elements Festival Jewellery Fair Elements 2 will see forty-eight of the UK’s most talented jewellers and silversmiths exhibit their work, which will also be available to buy. Exhibitors include Sarah Hutchison, who was recently commissioned to create a diamond-studded teapot to add to the prestigious Chitra Collection of Newby Teas, Bryony Knox who was previously artist in residence at Edinburgh Zoo and Rebecca Joselyn,

Chinese Designer RUI XU Makes A Stand For Wildlife

Following on from her successful exhibition Beauty On Fire – For Zaha at the Zaha Hadid Gallery (in memory of her friend and muse – the late, great Dame Zaha Hadid), Rui Xu is firmly cementing her position as a leading designer in the UK. Rui Xu is an award-winning Chinese fashion designer and contemporary artist whose works bridge fashion, painting, music and performance, blurring the boundaries of culture and aesthetics.  She was the Director of Fashion at China Central Academy of Fine Arts Beijing (CAFA), and now lectures at the university as an Associate Professor. After a year of

Weston Beamor’s Katy Tromans Exhibition Feature

Katy Tromans, a 3D Print and CAD Technician at Weston Beamor, is a woman of many talents. In addition to her work at Weston Beamor, Katy is a prize-winning silversmith recently awarded a Gold Medal for her CAD presentation in the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards. Katy is also Artist in Residence at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, where she trained. Her latest work will shortly go on display in the ‘One Year On’ alumni exhibition being staged by BCU at its Park Side Gallery from Monday 12th of June to Friday the 30th of

Beau Han Xu launches with a SPLASH!

Beau Han Xu, London is a new, innovative and luxurious lifestyle collection created by the award-winning jewellery designer and artist Beau Han Xu. His works include SPLASH! - The Beau Han Xu Diamond Couture Jewellery Collection. Inspired by Nature and the Ethereal, Beau is driven by the desire to freeze frame inspirational moments in time in his creations: a raindrop’s splash and the subtleties of light playing on light. Beau Han Xu is a graduate of the Royal College of Art, where he specialised in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery (GSM&J). In 2015 Beau showcased his SPLASH! Diamond Couture Jewellery

School of Creative Arts Open Day February, West Dean - Chichester

Create your future is the message from West Dean as the College opens its doors to students interested in the Visual Arts incorporating Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, and Tapestry and Textile Art.   The School of Creative Arts Open Day (Saturday 4th February 2017, 10am to 1pm) is an opportunity for prospective students to tour the art studios; meet the  tutors; hear about funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries; talk to students; and tour the campus and residential accommodation. Edward James, the founder of the College was a poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. During his lifetime James

School of Creative Arts Open Day, West Dean - Chichester

Create your future is the message from West Dean as the College opens its doors to students interested in the Visual Arts incorporating Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, and Tapestry and Textile Art.   The School of Creative Arts Open Day (Friday 2 December, 10am to 1pm) is an opportunity for prospective students to tour the art studios; meet the  tutors; hear about funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries; talk to students; and tour the campus and residential accommodation. Edward James, the founder of the College was a poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. During his lifetime James sponsored

The Missing, Linda Brothwell - The Holburne Museum, Bath

 In a new commission by the Holburne Museum, renowned artist and pioneer of contemporary British Craft Linda Brothwell has created a playground of textures and colours in stone, wood and metalwork in response to the most intricate works in the Holburne Museum’s collection. Brothwell’s work will be shown alongside the elaborate carved wooden, gilt bronze and hardstone plinths upon which Sir William Holburne displayed his porcelain and bronzes.  Many of Holburne’s plinths were separated from their objects in the 20th century, leaving an alluring and eclectic collection of empty plinths. Brothwell has created pieces of wearable jewellery in silver and

Sparking Christmas at NumberNinetyFour - London, E2

NumberNinetyFour is a jewellery shop set on Columbia Road in Shoreditch in the East End of London, famous for it's Sunday flower market and range of independent shops and galleries. Owner,  jeweller Simon Rees, has been creating beautiful pieces for over twenty five years. He now designs and makes wonderful bespoke jewellery from his bench at NumberNinetyFour, specialising in engagement, wedding and partnership rings. Alongside Simon's work, NumberNinetyFour showcases the work of exciting contemporary jewellery designers. Regularly transforming the space, each group or artist exhibit in the shop from one to three months. Dates : 7 – 24 December 2016

Rebecca Hannon: Contemporary Camouflage

Contemporary Camouflage is Rebecca Hannon’s latest project, one she has developed during two months residency at Studio Rian de Jong, in Amsterdam. Interested in the concepts of concealing and revealing, which stem from the notion of camoiuflage, the artist presents a series of brooches, chignon covers, earrings and necklaces, the result of a paradoxical exploration in the field of contemporary jewellery.  Camouflage means “to blend into”, to conceal oneself in one’s surroundings so as to protect oneself, to go unnoticed, or to become a predator in order to survive. Coloration is the principal form camouflage takes in nature. Adapted by

Heritage Crafts Award Winners Announced

The last remaining professional fore-edge painter  Martin Frost  has been awarded Maker of the Year by the Heritage Crafts Association at its Textures of Craft conference on 6 th  May. Fore-edge painting is one of the seventeen critically endangered crafts identified by the HCA. Martin took up the craft of vanishing fore-edge painting in 1970, continuing an English tradition that dates back to the 17 th  century. Since then he has produced over 3,300 edge-paintings, many on carefully restored antique books.  His commitment to the craft as an artist and untiring efforts to raise its profile have won him respect

Daphne Krinos Wins Ambassador Diamond Necklace Commission

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that artist jeweller  Daphne  Krinos  has won the  Ambassador Diamond Necklace Competition. The result of this exciting competition will be a unique diamond-set necklace for the Company’s Contemporary Jewellery Collection, with financial contribution from Boodles.   This commission echoes the 1961 British Jewellery De Beers Competition brief; to stimulate advanced British jewellery design while focusing on the design and creation of a very ‘current’ piece of jewellery. As such, the Ambassador Diamond Necklace design radiates individual creativity, spontaneity, exemplary craftsmanship, and utterly belongs to 2017 in the world of studio jewellery. Eight elite studio jewellers -

Mappin & Webb Launch Beau Han Xu Glasswear Collection

Mappin & Webb has announced a collaboration with award winning RCA graduate designer and artist Beau Han Xu. Drawing on nature and the ethereal, the London based designer captures and preserves inspirational moments in his creations, particularly the split second of beauty as a raindrop bursts with a splash. Continuing a silver and glassware tradition spanning more than 240 years, Mappin & Webb continues pioneering innovation with this latest, exclusive product collaboration. The Collection An exquisite collection of twelve elegant glass shapes has been created, including Red, White, Rosé, Martini, Cocktail, Whiskey, Cognac, Shot Glass and, of course, Champagne, with

David Williams-Bulkeley at Woldstone Gallery

Woldstone Collaborates With Zuleika Gallery To Show The Work Of David Williams-Bulkeley Woldstone, a gallery dedicated to late 20th and 21st century jewellery and silverware is hosting the work of artist David Williams-Bulkeley in collaboration with Oxford’s Zuleika Gallery. Zuleika Gallery is an Oxfordshire based art consultancy and pop-up art gallery. From February until June 2017, Zuleika is popping up at Woldstone in Woodstock, Oxfordshire with an exhibition of Still Life paintings by David Williams-Bulkeley. British-born, Williams-Bulkeley now resides and paints from his studio in Boston, Massachusetts and this is a rare chance to see his remarkable work in the

Isabella Liu Unveils ‘Sea Rhymes Collection’ at IJL 2016

A rising star has settled in to jewellery lovers' views as the London-based Chinese artist, Isabella Liu, reveals her new 'Sea Rhymes' collection, which will debut at this year's International Jewellery London this week. Wuhan-born and London-based Isabella Liu is an award-winning jewellery designer. In the few years since leaving Birmingham School of Jewellery, Liu has won awards in Italy and Spain, and has been awarded gold medals at the ‘Jewellery Oscar’ Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Design Award and Milan Expo as ‘the best new designer’ and ‘best product of the year’. The designer is proving herself worthy of such awards

Scotland’s Top Open Studios Event Makers Revealed

Spring Fling has unveiled the diverse range of 93 artists, makers and designers selected for Scotland’s premier open studios event in 2017. Nearly a third will also show work in a curated craft focused exhibition that will offer a taste of the much-loved annual Scottish cultural event to Cirencester in the heart of England. The 15th annual Spring Fling takes place across Dumfries and Galloway from 27 to 29 May and will include 15 new participants as well as familiar exhibitors such as the Langholm-based landscape painter Julie Dumbarton and watercolour artist Hazel Campbell from near Castle Douglas. Visitors will

Customer Service and Sales Executive, Domino Jewellery - Birmingham B18 6LT

Customer Service and Sales Executive Domino Jewellery Birmingham B18 6LT About the Company At Domino, we create high-quality, ethically crafted jewellery that celebrates life’s most treasured moments. As the UK’s leading jewellery manufacturer, we are proud to create designs that bring joy to special occasions, underpinned by our dedication to exceptional service, innovation, and community. Based in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, our knowledgeable and professional team represents our greatest strength. We are passionate about fostering a culture where every voice is heard, and together, we grow, support, inspire, and celebrate our shared successes. About the Role We are looking for

Goldsmiths Fair 2025 - Emerging Business Bursary Scheme

Emerging Business Bursary Scheme Applications For Goldsmiths’ Fair 2025 are open from 6 January to 28 February 2025. Dates of Goldsmiths’ Fair 2025 Week One: 23-28 September | Week Two: 30 September – 5 October 2025 Emerging Business Bursary Scheme To encourage and support the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths, there are 10 free stands on offer each year at Goldsmiths’ Fair through the Emerging Business Bursary Scheme. There is no age restriction. Winners of the bursary receive: a free stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair a £1,500 grant to help prepare for the Fair an optional interest-free silver bullion loan

Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund awards £21k in grants

The Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund (KLG Fund) has awarded a total of £21,000 in grants to Black people working in the jewellery industry who need support for their businesses and have faced financial hardship because of the current crisis, following a review by a panel of five independent industry judges, who said they were “overwhelmed by the talent, creativity and enthusiasm of the applicants”. In June, Black jeweller and activist Kassandra Lauren Gordon successfully raised £19,483 on a Go Fund Me page, exceeding the original £14,000 target. 328 people, businesses and trade organisations made donations ranging from £5 to £5,000.

Training Bursaries for Precious Metal Crafts

Heritage Crafts and The Royal Mint have launched four new training bursaries for precious metal workers to preserve and champion traditional British craftsmanship skills, following the success of the last two years’ bursaries. The four successful applicants of the 2025 bursary scheme will benefit from up to £4,000 in funding each, as well as one-to-one support from the staff at Heritage Crafts. The new bursaries follow nine previous training bursaries awarded to early-career practitioners of precious metal crafts since 2023. Last year’s bursary recipients included jewellery makers Richard Barber and Andreia Gomes, armourer Horatio Hawes and silver spinner Lily Smith.

Future Icons Presents

Future Icons Presents Burlington Arcade, London 1 September - 30 October 2020 Located on the Piccadilly end of the arcade, Future Icons will present 14 key craft practitioners across two levels in a beautiful boutique. Comprised of home accessories, jewellery, furniture and wall-based artworks, our makers have created collections from wood, metal, ceramics, textiles and leather. New collections: Many of the collections on show have been produced exclusively during lock-down, often in make shift home studios. These will be the first public showing of these products, a chance for visitors to view and purchase directly from the store and support the

UK Export Academy

Department for Business & Trade: UK Export Academy Learn how to sell your products or services to the world. The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started. Are you new to selling overseas? Join our brand-new How-To series From choosing your export markets and finding the right customers, through to winning the contract, making the sale, and successfully getting

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2021

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Saturday 5 June - Sunday 6 June 2021 10am - 5pm This summer, Dovecot will showcase 24 designers and makers in its world famous Tapestry Studio, offering visitors the opportunity to support our local creative economy. Taking place in Dovecot’s airy spaces, visitors will be able to safely browse the work of contemporary textiles, homeware, jewellery, beauty and accessories designers including Green Thomas, Anne Watson Jewellery, Emily Millichip and Tessuti Scotland. Committed to showcasing the best in contemporary art, craft, and design, Dovecot is delighted to provide a platform for the creative

Cooksongold Announces New Managing Director

Paul Cooper joined Cooksongold on the 4th September 2023 After an extensive and in-depth recruitment process, Cooksongold is happy to announce the appointment of Paul Cooper as Managing Director. Paul has a wealth of experience in manufacturing, both in the UK and overseas, including previous appointments where Paul was responsible for subsidiaries in Brazil, Mexico and Canada whilst living in the USA. He also lived in Singapore whilst responsible for a number of Asian subsidiaries. Over the course of the coming months, Paul will have the support of Cooksongold’s established Senior Management Team who will help to ensure a smooth

Cooksongold Announces New Managing Director

Paul Cooper joined Cooksongold on the 4th September 2023 After an extensive and in-depth recruitment process, Cooksongold is happy to announce the appointment of Paul Cooper as Managing Director. Paul has a wealth of experience in manufacturing, both in the UK and overseas, including previous appointments where Paul was responsible for subsidiaries in Brazil, Mexico and Canada whilst living in the USA. He also lived in Singapore whilst responsible for a number of Asian subsidiaries. Over the course of the coming months,  Paul will have the support of Cooksongold’s established Senior Management Team who will help to ensure a smooth

Bench Jeweller and Workshop Manager, Completedworks - Marylebone, London

Bench Jeweller and Workshop Manager Completedworks Marylebone, London The role will be based in our studio in Marylebone, London, and is a crucial position within the company, playing a key role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of our workshop. This is an excitng opportunity for an experienced and motivated Bench Jeweller and Workshop Manager to oversee daily operations, manage resources and support the team in delivering high-quality work. Key Responsibilities Overseeing daily operational management of the workshop including planning and organising production schedules, working closely with the design team and operations team to ensure the smooth running of

Mummy’s Star pendant created created to mark special mum’s life

A jewellery designer has created a very special 'Mummy’s Star' pendant in memory of her late sister-in-law, who passed away with stage 4 breast cancer in April this year. Sian Hughes, whose sister-in-law Emily Hughes was diagnosed with breast cancer in pregnancy, is donating all of the profits of each bespoke, hand-crafted piece to Mummy’s Star. Sian, who has been designing and creating contemporary jewellery for 15 years, said: “I wanted to thank Mummy’s Star for the much-needed practical and emotional support they gave to my family during a very difficult time. “The star in the design is a direct

Postponed: Loot 2020

Postponed: Loot: Mad About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, USA 20 - 26th April 2020 LOOT: MAD About Jewelry has been postponed to the week of December 7, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution and with careful consideration of evolving public health concerns in New York City, the Museum has determined that the potential risk to the well-being of LOOT's international roster of artists, the attendees, and Museum staff must be the primary consideration. We thank all of our supporters for their understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented situation and for their commitment to support

Loot 2020

Postponed: Loot: Mad About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, USA LOOT: MAD About Jewelry has been postponed to the week of December 7, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution and with careful consideration of evolving public health concerns in New York City, the Museum has determined that the potential risk to the well-being of LOOT's international roster of artists, the attendees, and Museum staff must be the primary consideration. We thank all of our supporters for their understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented situation and for their commitment to support MAD. We look forward to

The passing of industry stalwart Chris Sellors

It is with great sadness family jewellers C W Sellors announce the passing of their founder Christopher William Sellors. Surrounded by his family, Chris passed away in the early hours of Monday 4th September at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield where he had been receiving wonderful support and care from their fabulous team of staff and volunteers. Tracing back the success Chris made of his life and business, the journey started with a love of his Derbyshire surroundings and a passion to make his own jewellery designs using the locally sourced Blue John gemstone. What started as a hobby with early

FORGE Launch Event Showcase

FORGE Launch Exhibition 59 Leather Lane London EC1N 7TJ 9 - 23 February 2023 FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps forge long lasting friendships and professional relationships too. There are over 100 jewellery shops in Hatton Garden, but FORGE isn’t just another jewellery shop – it’s a destination where

Rising Stars 2024

Rising Stars 2024 New Ashgate Gallery,  Farnham 16 March - 27 April 2024 Rising Stars  is a curated national platform that fosters and champions early career makers. Rising Stars offers the makers a first step into the professional exhibitions. It offers an exciting opportunity for collectors who wish to support and acquire work by future stars. Following a popular open call with 165 applications,  27 Rising Stars  were selected for the showcase. We recognise there is a lack of representation from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ makers and makers who identify as having a visible or non-visible disability in

Co-collaboration maker space opens with a ching

Last Thursday Benchpeg went along to the launch of FORGE, which is the new multi-functional, co-collaborative space based on Leather Lane in Hatton Garden. The launch party was extremely well attended with the great and the good of industry showing up to support the new initiative conceived by Amanda Mansell. Officially opened by Natalie Melton, the Executive Director of the Crafts Council, who congratulated Amanda with her huge achievement in navigating a multitude of complex requirements to get the ‘maker space’ off the ground and completed.   Subsequently she has added that,  “It’s the kind of creative space that should

LB Camden Creates Re-Opening Business Toolkit

LB Camden create resources toolkit for re-opening businesses from Monday 12 April As we approach Monday 12 April, many of us are looking forward to non-essential retail and hospitality venues re-opening, including for outdoor dining. To support Camden businesses as they re-open, and to help you welcome your customers and staff back safely, LB Camden have attached a business toolkit with government and local information and guidance. Inside you’ll find: Advice on how to ensure your business is COVID-safe How to apply for a temporary pavement licence Help to publicise your business online via My Virtual Camden, and more. Camden

Rabih Hage Bursary

Rabih Hage Bursary  for Creative Talents and Social Impact Launching in Spring 2025, the ‘Rabih Hage Bursary’ finds its origins in the creative sensibility of Architect and Interior Designer Rabih Hage, and his longstanding and recognised patronage of emerging creative talent. An annual programme of mentorship and financial support is designed to promote the next generation of Designers and Makers, The ‘Rabih Hage Bursary’ will help its recipients gain traction across an established network of collectors, patrons, galleries and the wider creative industry. The specific aim of The ‘Rabih Hage Bursary’ is to offer opportunities to individuals from both the

Davina Mallinckrodt Appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cockpit Arts

Davina has been confirmed in the role on 8th April 2021, following her appointment as Chair-Elect in December 2020. She succeeds Cornelius Medvei, who has held the post for the past nine years.  Davina joins Cockpit following a year in which the award-winning social enterprise and leading creative business incubator has successfully supported its 150 strong maker community through the pandemic. In addition to the 40 young creative businesses receiving awards and bursary support, in 2020/21 Cockpit has provided substantially reduced rents to its makers at its two hubs, Cockpit Holborn and Cockpit Deptford and successfully pivoted to digital delivery

A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths have announced the launch of the new Scottish Goldsmiths Trust website where you will find  information about who they are, projects, opportunities, events and history.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) was founded by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh in the year 2000. Its aims remain to support and promote the education, art an craft of Scotland’s gold and silversmithing heritage and trade.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has a dynamic programme of opportunities, exhibitions and awards. The SGT curates the Millennium Silver collection, Silver of the Stars and the historical archives of The

Major overhaul of higher technical education announced

New package of measures for higher technical education will build on the work to transform technical and vocational education in Britain Measures to boost the quality and take-up of higher technical education to help plug skill gaps, level up opportunities and support the UK’s economic recovery have been announced by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. A major review last year revealed that higher technical education – technical qualifications like Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas that sit between A Level and degrees – can unlock the  skills employers need  and lead to highly skilled, well paid jobs. Despite this, not

British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board announce cuts to NAJ,Giftware Association and Head Office

The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) has announced that measures are set to be put in place to ensure the finacial security and longevity of the trade body in the wake of Covid-19 and the resulting econonomic impact for 2021 going forward. A statement released by the NAJ from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Board interim CEO reads: "As I am sure all of you are aware, the recent Covid-19 crisis has had a massive impact on the economy of the UK. The government has invested billions of pounds in the Furlough scheme to help support companies and individuals through this

InnovationRCA Creative Brands Accelerator Pop-up

Introducing… Royal College of Art RCA Battersea, Howie Street, London SW11 4AS  7 - 8 December 2022 You are invited to  Introducing…  a pop up event by  InnovationRCA , the Royal College of Art’s centre for entrepreneurship. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the innovative jewellery start-ups they support by meeting the founders, all recent alumni from the RCA, and seeing their products first-hand. A curated selection of 20 startups that have progressed through the Creative Brands Accelerator programme over the past 3 years will be showcased, from sectors including homeware, fashion, jewellery, ceramics and textiles. Through this programme,

Crafting Business Seminar

Crafting EuropeSeminar - Crafts Council The project partners of the Creative Europe project ‘Crafting Europe’, are delighted to announce our first ‘Crafting Business Seminar’. Crafting Business is a professional practice training programme that was organised and delivered in 2020. This programme aimed to share expertise and knowledge to support the business development of newcomers to the industry in nine European countries including the UK.  Join us on the 22nd and 23rd February 2021, 10am-12.50pm (GMT/Ireland/UK/Portugal) to find out more about the Crafting Business programme and to hear from the participants and tutors involved about their experiences.     Please  follow this

Zeemou Zeng partners with Age UK

Zeemou Zeng has announced a partnership with the leading charity for older people, Age UK.  Until 10 Aug 2020 the brand will donate 20% of the price of their most popular items: Eye Diamond Brooch, Melody Cocktail Ring, Melody Diamond Earrings, and the Rainbow Melody Necklace.  Age UK provides essential services for older people across the UK.  Too many older people feel they have no one to turn to for support.  Age UK exists to help older people when they need it most.  www.zeemouzeng.com Author:  Published: 

Toye Kenning & Spencer secure £1M funding

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund Debt Finance, managed by Maven Capital Partners, has provided Toye Kenning & Spencer Limited, the oldest continuously operating company in Birmingham, with a £1 million loan to invest in equipment, improve facilities and support growth of the business. Established in 1685, Toye manufactures a range of medals, regalia, bespoke jewellery, badges, including coloured ribbons, braids and laces, used in the production of ceremonial uniforms and gowns. The firm has held a Royal Warrant to the British Royal Family without interruption since the reign of Queen Victoria to the current monarch Queen Elizabeth the II. Toye

Government Announces ‘Calls For Views’ For Design & Intellectual Property

Once in a Decade Opportunity for Designers to Influence Design Law Reform “From iconic to everyday design is all around us, improving our lives, providing solutions. Design Matters!” ACID Ambassador Sebastian Conran Following their recent survey on the Designs Framework, the IPO have now also announced a major Call for Views on Design and IP, which is long overdue to support an important UK sector that is a USP on a world stage so eloquently communicated by Danny Boyle in the 2012 London Olympics. Design is a national and international asset for Great Britain and is also an impressive export

2024 Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson Tucson, USA 27 - 30th January 2024 Responsible sourcing will take center stage at the 2024 Ethical Gem Fair Tucson in its fourth annual event. Opening its doors from January 27th to 30th, the Ethical Gem Suppliers Collective will offer a unique opportunity for industry professionals to discover gemstones with short supply chains that support, uplift and respect mining and cutting communities. This trade-only event welcomes jewelry designers, retailers, industry experts and press to explore a curated selection of gemstones that set the standards of social and environmental awareness and responsibility. The Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

London Diamond Bourse Announces Changes in Leadership: Joint Presidency and Historic Appointment of First Female Vice President

The London Diamond Bourse is pleased to announce significant changes within its Council of Management, aimed at ensuring the continued growth and success of the organisation. After careful consideration and unanimous approval from the committee, the following decisions were made: Joint Presidency: During last year’s annual general meeting, Mr. Alan Cohen, the current President, announced that this year would mark his final term in office. As President, Alan holds key positions within the World Federation of Diamond Bourses’ Executive Council and the World Diamond Council, among others. To allow Alan to focus on these critical responsibilities, and with unanimous support

Alexander Wood receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice of the Year Award

First granted in 2015, this prestigious annual award celebrates excellence in skill, attitude and commitment. This year Alex was nominated not only for his exceptional performance since starting his training as a diamond mounting apprentice, but also to recognise the support he has received from his former Master, Nathaniel Groves. Selected by the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship team and his fellow Apprentices, it was acknowledged that Alex - who is a former Goldsmiths’ Centre Foundation Programme trainee now working for E C Wolfe - had proven his exceptional capability throughout his four-year diamond-mounting apprenticeship with Nathaniel Groves. In particular, Alex was

School of Jewellery present Goblet to British Allied Trades Federation

The School of Jewellery and HND Course Director Dauvit Alexander were delighted to recently present the finished award-winning goblet to Kate Owen, Past President of The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) in the School’s Vittoria Street home. The BATF launched the competition at the School to provide an opportunity for students to design to commission, thereby promoting newly qualified talent in the industry.  Dating back to 1954, the BATF Presidency has been recognised by the addition of a solid silver goblet to the Federation’s silver collection. This collection was instigated to support and showcase craftsmanship and design. For the last three

Winner Of The Hand Engraved Card Competition 2021 Announced

Working together for the first time, the Hand Engravers Association and Baddeley Brothers are proud to declare the winner of their inaugural greeting card competition. A skill so rare that there was recently only a handful of craftsmen left, has been given a boost by workshops and competitions that have brought the ancient craft of copperplate engraving back into the limelight. And now with support from a specialist printer, one such competition winner will see his engraving of Santa Claus go into production as Christmas Cards. Andy Beavan-Smith’s work caught the eye of the Hand Engravers Association in their recent

Goldsmiths' Centre Launches New Grant for 'Ambitious Learning Experiences'

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered for 'ambitious learning experiences' as part of the Career Catalyst initiative, offered by the Goldsmiths' Centre, with support from the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and the Radcliffe Trust.  The idea was inspired by former Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, award-winning jeweller and engraver Castro Smith, whose 2018 travels to Japan have informed and enhanced his recent work. In a similar vein, the Career Catalyst Grant is designed to encourage jewellers, silversmiths and others working in the allied industries to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment and develop an innovative approach to their practice. The grant

Amanda Mansell on why she is committed to creating a jewellery hub in Hatton Garden

Benchpeg spoke to Amanda Mansell this week, as she is nearing the end of her campaign to realise her jewellery hub concept ‘Loupe’ – a multi faceted initiative to support the jewellery industry in the heart of its geographical home. "When I was first introduced to the Hatton Garden jewellery industry about 20 years ago, so much of it operated behind closed doors. It wasn't easy gaining entry. I was lucky enough to receive help which opened some of those doors, but ever since then I’ve been involved in various projects and initiatives to help connect people and encourage the [youtube

Annual Spring Fling 'At Home' Brings You Studio Tours, Workshops and Exhibitions

The organisers of Spring Fling are launching  SF | At Home  – a new programme of digital activities. The initiative is to support Spring Fling audiences and artists though this period of isolation and fill some of the gap left by the postponement of Scotland’s leading open studios weekend.  A total of 87 artists and craft makers across Dumfries & Galloway were expecting to welcome around 12,000 visitors through their doors between 23 and 25 May. Despite having to delay the long-running annual event its parent organisation, Upland CIC, has worked with artists, makers and supporters to go digital. Some studios will

2021 Bright Young Gems winners announced

The winners of Bright Young Gems® 2021 mentoring scheme for graduating and recently graduated jewellery designers have been announced. The talented line-up comprise Imogen Burch, Amber Doughty, Hannah Gower, Capucine Huguet and Andrea Jose Castro, all of whom will unveil their winning pieces as part of the National Association of Jeweller’s showcase at the one-day UK Jewellery Festival, The Brewery, London, on September 1, 2021.  Thanks to support from the  National Association of Jewellers, the winners  will also benefit from dedicated mentoring from  the NAJ jewellery experts before the event to ensure that they maximise the experience. The designers will

Join FORGE as its Open House!

Discover how you can be part of our community, how to get involved and what opportunities there are for you. Have a look around and ask questions any time on Thursday 6th April between 11am - 4pm.  Register your attendance here , FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and affordable workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps

International Jewellery London to “sparkle” as it moves to historic Alexandra Palace

International Jewellery London (IJL) is moving to the iconic Alexandra Palace for its 65 th  anniversary year in 2020 and the organisers Reed Exhibitions are unveiling how the event is set to enter a new decade.    Referring to the new look and feel of IJL, Kerry Prince Reed Divisional Director said: “A feat of Victorian engineering, Alexandra Palace is a space that has recently undergone a reinvention, the Palace has been transformed, drawing it into an exciting new design space.  It is therefore a perfect time to move into the new decade, celebrate IJL’s 65 birthday and support the

Handmade Oxford 2023

Handmade in Chelsea 2023 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 10 – 12 November 2023 Handmade in Britain is delighted to return to Chelsea Old Town Hall from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 November 2023 for the 16th Edition of its flagship contemporary craft and design fair, Handmade Chelsea. Taking place in the form of a dual model, both in-person and online to increase the accessibility of British craft and expand our reach. Visitors across the world can do their Christmas shopping either in-person or remotely from the comfort of their homes whilst discovering beautiful contemporary handmade products.  “Great to support

Goldsmiths’ Company announces new acquisitions for 2020/2021

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced its latest acquisitions from the last year for its Collection, which comprises works of art of world class importance. The acquisitions reinforce the Company’s support for contemporary makers through commissions and purchases, in what has been a challenging year for British craftspeople. Dr Dora Thornton, Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company says that  the report of acquisitions  reveals extraordinary examples of work made for the Collection.  “Our commissions, and purchases recognise and celebrate the quality and handmaking skills of our craft. All the pieces contribute to our wider understanding of contemporary jewellery and silver. They tell

Jewelry Stories

Jewelry Stories to 16 April 2023 New York, USA MAD was an early advocate of jewelry as a form of artistic expression. Its 1956 inaugural exhibition,  Craftsmanship in a Changing World , gave many Americans their first exposure to metalsmiths who were challenging the norms of conventional jewelry design and creating works rooted in sculptural experimentation. Because of the support of MAD and like-minded institutions, makers, and collectors around the world, the concept of jewelry as an art form took hold and flourished. To date, the Museum has presented more than 150 exhibitions featuring art jewelry and there are more

jewellerybox match purchases with donations to women's shelters for their International Women's Day collection

Online retailer jewellerybox has partnered up with local women’s refuges in the South London area for International Women’s Day. The handful of refuges that they are supporting, which will remain unnamed for reasons of discretion, are all charities which provide support and accommodation to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. jewellerybox will be donating a minimum of one piece of jewellery to the refuges for every piece that is sold from their International Women’s Day collection from the 8-11of March. The pieces within the collection are dainty and affordable, using symbols such as knots and interlocking symbols to

Grant Macdonald creates 'Ruaha' for TUSK

World renowned silversmih Grant Macdonald has created a handcrafted sterling silver lion representation named 'Ruaha' to be sold in their Harrods showrooms, from which proceeds of sales will support the charity Tusk and lion conservation. Driven by the fact that lions may now number as few as twenty thousand in the wild, the team of designers and craftsmen at Grant Macdonald wanted to create a unique piece to raise awareness and funds to help to preserve this majestic animal. The sale of their unique sterling silver lion ‘Ruaha’ will provide a significant contribution to further the work of Tusk. The beautifully handcrafted

Alighieri set to grow brand after landing first NEWGEN award

British jeweller Alighieri has become the first jeweller to receive NEWGEN support from the British Fashion Council under the restructured sponsorship scheme. For the first time in 25 years, jewellery and fine jewellery have been incorporated into the annual womenswear and menswear designers awards as part of a new Accessories category, comprising also shoes, bags and hats.  Jewellery and millinery awards were previously made under the BFC’s Rock Vault and Headonism initiatives but as of 2018, these will cease to exist as the BFC seeks to group all Britain’s emerging talent across all designer fashion sectors into one category.  Previous

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2019 - Holborn

Winter Open Studios 29 November – 1 December Cockpit Arts, Holborn Cockpit Arts’ celebrated Winter Open Studios - located in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford and heart of Bloomsbury – brings you the chance to meet and shop directly with over 140 of London’s finest makers during two weekends. This twice-yearly shopping event is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the public, making this an exclusive chance to meet some of the best craftspeople in London, see where it all happens and support this hub of creative talent. Throwing open the studio doors, it’s the

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter announce First Jeweller In Residence

One budding Midlands jewellery designer has been given a unique opportunity with the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to be its first Jeweller in Residence, a project which aims to support emerging jewellery designers. Winner Fiona Harris, who previously studied at Birmingham City University School of Jewellery, is the first designer to be crowned with the title. As part of the prize Fiona, now based in Nottingham, has the unique opportunity to work from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter’s perfectly preserved jewellery workshop for the next year and have her bespoke handcrafted jewellery sold in the museum’s acclaimed shop. The

Mark Buntz Joins GIA as SVP and Chief Marketing Officer

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has appointed Mark Buntz as senior vice president and chief marketing officer to lead all global marketing efforts and drive the future of the GIA brand. Buntz will support the expansion of GIA’s education, laboratory services – including the new GIA Diamond Origin Report – and instruments business into new markets and extend GIA’s 4Cs of Diamond Quality consumer outreach program. He succeeds Kathryn Kimmel, who retired in August after 30 years with GIA. “Mark brings invaluable expertise with leading companies which have reached pinnacles of success in their fields,” said Susan Jacques, GIA

Artistar Jewels celebrates its sixth successful year and announces prize-winners

The sixth edition of Artistar Jewels has celebrated another successful year as the destination for the contemporary jewel from all corners of the globe. The event has grown to become a key event in the Italian fashion calendar.  Not just a showcase, but a genuine tool to champion, promote and grow jewellery businesses through tangible strategies, such as its book and e-book, commercial website and press office support for all exhibitors, it is serious about making a difference within the industry.  Over five-hundred jewels from around the world were on display, most of which were created specifically for the event. 

Contemporary British Silversmiths at the London Design Festival 2019

Contemporary British Silversmiths at the London Design Festival 2019 TRANSFORMING TRAINING: A free day of live silversmithing demonstrations by Contemporary British Silversmiths at the V&A Sunday 15 September 2019 | 10am to 5pm​ Room 66, Silver Galleries, Victoria and Albert Museum​ Live Demonstrations by Tony Bedford, Rauni Higson and Charlotte Tollyfield​ ​A commitment to passing on craft techniques has been central to the mission of Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS) for more than 20 years. Silversmiths learn their craft over a lifetime and CBS is helping support a new generation of designers to acquire the highest level of craft skills. Join

Amazonian Rainforests campaign launched at London Fashion Week 2018

Miranda Richardson, The United Nations and the Whitley Fund for Nature Join Fashion for Conservation on a Mission to Protect the Amazon at London Fashion Week AW18. Presented by Fashion for Conservation, The United Nations, Fashion Scout, Magpies & Peacocks, Hoja Nueva and the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), Fashion for Conservation (FFC) debuted their newest campaign to protect the Amazon featuring two designers' interpretation of Amazonian rainforests, keynotes by conservation leaders and support from the fashion community, Partnered with Whitley Fund for Nature, Fashion for Conservation has engaged influential members of the fashion community to become advocates for grassroots

Watch this Space: Meet the Six IJL Kickstart 2019 Winners

Earlier this month, International Jewellery London announced the winners of their 2019 Kickstart competition. The six 'Kickstarters' recognised for their emerging talent, will have access to a mentoring package, workshop days and introductions to key industry figures, as well as ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support- and a presence at IJL this year. The six winners are: Aurelie Dellasanta, Aurelie Dellasanta Jewellery Becca Macdonald, Becca Macdonald Studio Bine Roth, Bine Roth Jewellery Hannah Blackwood, Hannah Blackwood Jewellery Lukas Grewenig, Lukas Grewenig Jewellery Vanessa Pederzani, Heirloom Jewels    Katie Morris, IJL Exhibition Director said: “Congratulations to all six KickStart 2019 designers.

Museum of Arts and Design Announce Winners of the Loot Acquisition Prize 2018

This week, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) announced Isabelle Molénat and Sarran Youkongdee as the winners of the third annual LOOT Acquisition Prize. Awarded on the occasion of the eighteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelley, the Museum’s annual exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewellery, this year’s prize will result in the acquisition of two jewellery works, Molénat’s Collection Knots Necklace (2018) and Youkongdee’s Siam Rattikarn (2017), for MAD’s permanent collection. “We are thrilled to add these two new works to the Museum’s collection, as they continue our tradition of support for new artists and new thinking

Turquoise Mountain Announce New Collaboration with Sima Vaziry

Turquoise Mountain was established in 2006 at the behest of HRH the Prince of Wales and they now work in Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Middle East. Turquoise Mountain, a British not-for-profit organization, aims to support traditional Afghan craft by connecting artisan businesses with designers and retailers across the globe. This latest collaboration unites Sima Vaziry, an award-winning jewellery designer and maker based in London, with Afghan jewellery businesses based in Kabul. Afghanistan’s population is made up of several ethnic groups or tribes. Despite these tribes collectively residing in the region for hundreds of years they each have their own distinctive

Plucky designer makes rings from strings for stars

Designer Emma Hedley has a new set of strings to her bow after Scottish singing star KT Tunstall donated some used guitar strings to be made into bracelets, rings and earrings and sold for charity. Newcastle-based Emma and her sister Kitty design and make jewellery for The Guitarwrist, a not-for-profit company that collects used strings and plectrums from famous artists and musicians who nominate a charity to benefit from the sale of Hedley's designs. They include Duran Duran, Stereophonics Marillion and Alvin Lee though Tunstall, who is supporting Help Refugees,  was one of the first to lend her support describing

Fair Luxury presents at IJL 2019

Fair Luxury present @ IJL 2019 Since its inception in 2016 the Fair Luxury collective has provided a platform of promotion, information and education surrounding the complex topics of ethics and sustainability in today’s jewellery market. Bringing such challenging and ever evolving subjects to a wider audience requires support from our dynamic industry – therefore the Fair Luxury collective are proud to be once again presenting at International Jewellery London for the third year. Fair Luxury would like you to join them at IJL’s ‘Knowledge Hub’ on Tuesday 3 September for what promises to be a diverse discussion of latest

Brian Hill Awarded Outstanding Contribution to Industry

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Consultant Secretary recognised for his dedication and drive to support those working in the UK jewellery and silversmithing trades. Brian Hill, Consultant Secretary of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, has been honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at this year’s UK Jewellery Awards. Held at the Honourable Artillery Club in London, the evening recognised a series of design, retail and marketing talent working in the UK industry, culminating with the Outstanding Contribution Award, awarded to Brian Hill for his 52 years of commitment and drive to promote, advance and future-proof skills

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL The Women’s Jewellery Network (WJN), a new organisation designed to connect, grow and inspire women in the industry, will make its debut at International Jewellery London (IJL) in September. The WJN aims to create a UK-wide network of women working across all sectors of the UK jewellery and watch trades, providing career advice and business networking opportunities. It will launch as a membership platform with access to online support and resources, strengthened with seasonal meet-ups and events to connect women with their peers in the trade. While the full concept will be unveiled

IJL Show Director to step down after IJL 2017

International Jewellery London biggest stand alone jewellery trade event, will bid farewell to Event Director Sam Willoughby in October, after eight years at the helm and more than 13 years working for Reed Exhibitions. Willoughby and her team have developed unique and market leading features at IJL, including the VIP Diamond Club programme and an innovative 365-day strategy across content marketing, social media and industry support. At this year’s show, as well as over 500 jewellery exhibitors of which 150 are new, there is a revitalised Seminar Programme featuring brand new learning areas such as The Academy, Digifest and Skills

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins national ‘Inspiring Independents’ Award

Independent jewellers across the country took to London’s Riverbank to honour and support the hardworking independent jewellery sector, where Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery took home one of only five category awards at Retail Jeweller Magazine’s 5 th  annual Inspiring Independents Awards. Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery’s London studio, found in fashionable Primrose Hill, was celebrated by a team of esteemed judges for its use of ‘visual merchandising and store design’ by Retail Jeweller Magazine and their peers. This new category looked at fresh and original store design and use of visuals to convey the brand’s ethos. Since Harriet Kelsall’s Primrose Hill

Appointment: Victoria Waugh Announced as Women’s Jewellery Network First Ethics and Sustainability Ambassador

The Women’s Jewellery Network, the UK’s only dedicated organisation supporting women working in the UK jewellery industry, today announces Victoria Waugh as its first UK Ambassador for Ethics and Sustainability. Waugh has more than 15 years’ business development experience across the clothing, jewellery and accessory sectors, plus leading the Fairtrade Foundation's work to launch Fairtrade gold, bringing a wealth of commercial expertise and knowledge of sustainable and ethical practices to the WJN and its members. Waugh joins four existing WJN regional Ambassadors in a role that will provide support and direction for WJN members wishing to know more about ethical

New ethical consultancy launched

New consultancy firm V&V launches to debunk the myth that working responsibly and transparently has to be complicated and costly.    Victoria Waugh, formerly the face behind Fairtrade’s work on gold, has teamed up with supply chain traceability expert Vanessa Brain, to provide tailored consultancy services to jewellery and fashion businesses, in a language that's easy to understand.  Launching ahead of the Fair Luxury conference next week, the duo will work collectively with jewellers and manufacturers to help them understand their footprint on the world and grow  profitable, sustainable businesses.  Services offerred will include support to identify supply chain risks,

#SheDressedMe campaign takes off ahead of UK Jewellery Awards

Guests at the UK Jewellery Awards will get the full paparazzi treatment next week after more than 20 designers signed up for the #SheDressedMe campaign and offered their jewels to ticket holders wanting to 'borrow' a bit of extra dazzle. The #SheDressedMe campaign, launched recently by the Women’s Jewellery Network (WJN),  has attracted the support of a wide range of female jewellers, all prepared to loan out pieces to be worn on the red carpet to gain industry and general media exposure. They include Rachel Galley; Roseanna Croft; Judith Peterhoff Jewellery; Michelle Tuck Jewellery; Shen London; Mona Pink; Domino; Gecko;

#BehindTheBling campaign catches on

A social media campaign to persuade jewellery companies to adopt a supply chain free of child labour has been given massive support following the publication of a Human Rights Watch report on responsible sourcing. #BehindtheBling , launched by the human rights group earlier this month and promoted at Baselworld 2018, has reached audiences of more than a million users with around 8,000 letters also sent to the 13 companies who were ranked in the report for their responsible sourcing practices. This coincides with an announcement by Chopard, who were ranked as ‘weak’ in the report that from July, it will

The Goldsmiths’ Company Delivers the Largest Conference in the World to Date to Address Jewellery Materials

Last week, the Goldsmiths’ Company delivered the first Jewellery Materials Congress. The conference, which is the largest conference world-wide to address jewellery technology, was created to support the jewellery and silverware community, by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge to better the industry, free of commercialisation.  Over the two-day conference, a wide agenda of topics was addressed through a series of talks and Q&A, broadly categorised by four themes: academic research, visions of the industry, and artisan and industrial materials manufacture. These talks were delivered by a panel of eighteen international speakers, including keynotes delivered by Eddie Bell,

Brighton entrepreneur opens 'The Crop'

Luxury jewellery shop, The Crop, has opened its doors in the North Laine area of Brighton with the support of a five-figure funding package from NatWest. Entrepreneur and jeweller Kerry Huff has used £50,000 of finance from NatWest, alongside a personal investment of more than £150,000 to acquire a 10-year lease for the Sydney Street premises and complete an extensive retail fit out. Funding from NatWest has enabled Kerry to undertake an extensive refurbishment programme, which includes bespoke fixtures and furnishings, as well as ensure the retail outlet is fully stocked. She has also created two therapy rooms on the

Bright Young Gems 2018 revealed

Four new stars of the future nominated as the Bright Young Gems for 2018 were unveiled by International Jewellery London with Katharina Kraus, Zeemou Zeng, Daisy Grice and Yayun Fang all earning a place in the prized young designer line up. All four were selected from final year students and students from UK colleges and universities who have graduated in the past two years and now get the opportunity to use the ILJ in September to fast track their careers, with full support from the experienced judges and mentors and a guarantee of exposure and profile. The panel of judges

LVMH announces partnership with La Fabrique Nomade, an association that helps refugee artisans in France find employment

The vernissage for the La Fabrique Nomade’s Traits d’Union 4 collection of objects, jewelry and clothes made by refugee artisans supported by the association took place at the Viaduc des Arts in Paris on September 26th. During the event LVMH formally announced its support for the association, which helps refugee artisans find employment in France. This initiative expands the LVMH Group’s commitments to the preservation and transmission of savoir-faire in artisanal and creative professions. LVMH and its Maisons hold and nurture a rich cultural heritage of artisanal and creative métiers, and have always made preserving and passing on this unique savoir-faire [youtube

London Edge 2019

London Edge Business Design Centre, London 1 - 2 September 2019 Started in 1999 in response to an urgent call from the fashion industry to provide an inclusive & respectful platform for the lifestyle & alternative markets. Rooted firmly in an exceptional customer service ethos, the LondonEdge team support, guide & advise our exhibiting & retail partners at a level that’s second to none. As we begin our 3rd decade we look forward with excitement to the future for this cornerstone of global lifestyle fashion. Whilst we continue to adjust to reflect new trends & allow for changes in business

London Design Festival Digital Design Weekend

Contemporary British Silversmiths at the V&A for London Design Festival Digital Design Weekend Join Contemporary British Silversmiths, the leading association for design-led silver, for live demonstrations in the V&A’s Silver Galleries for the London Design Festival Digital Design Weekend. Silversmiths will demonstrate ways they combine modern technologies with traditional craftsmanship to create beautiful pieces of contemporary silver – from digital hammering to design and adapting industrial processes. Demonstrations Demonstrations by Kathryn Hinton and Hamish Dobbie on Day One and Chris Knight and Shona Marsh on Day Two. This event has been made possible with the generous support of the Goldsmiths’ Company

Women’s Empowerment in Action, within the Jewellery Supply Chain

The Dragonfly Initiative is a sustainability consultancy that works across the depth of the jewellery supply chain to support the growth and sustainability of emergent jewellery businesses. The consultancy has recently been working with brands which champion female empowerment. Vivien Johnston of The Dragonfly Initiative is an expert in her field regarding jewellery ethics and sustainability as well as having a track record of first hand experience in end to end best practice in jewellery manufacture. A recent client of the consultancy was a female led jewellery brand, Myne London, which had a mandate to source emeralds mined and polished

Make Your Mark 2019

Make Your Mark 2019 Once again Goldsmiths’ Hall will be opening its doors to all students, graduates and apprentices of the jewellery and allied trades to help you make your mark in industry. This free one day event led by The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office will be a one stop shop to learn everything you need to know about hallmarking, manufacturing and support networks to help you in your career, alongside a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations and our Make Your Mark awards.  Exhibitor List Who to see at this year's Make Your Mark Association for Contemporary Jewellery Bellore

CFE Manufacturers Trade Show

The CFE Manufacturers Trade Show The CFE Manufacturers Trade Show is the sourcing event for fashion businesses looking to connect with high-end production units and supporting services. Come and meet our array of exhibitors, including manufacturers, pattern cutters, fashion software and embroidery services, that cater to smaller scale quantities for fashion entrepreneurs. The Centre for Fashion Enterprise is London’s pioneering Fashion and FashTech business incubator whose purpose is to fast-track designers and entrepreneurs into successful businesses. We work with designers and creative entrepreneurs to transform talent and ideas into businesses by providing support programmes to facilitate their USP, vision and

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2019 - Deptford

Winter Open Studios 6 – 8 December Cockpit Arts, Deptford Cockpit Arts’ celebrated Winter Open Studios - located in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford and heart of Bloomsbury – brings you the chance to meet and shop directly with over 140 of London’s finest makers during two weekends. This twice-yearly shopping event is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the public, making this an exclusive chance to meet some of the best craftspeople in London, see where it all happens and support this hub of creative talent. Throwing open the studio doors, it’s the destination

32nd Edition of the Marzee International Graduation Show

32nd Edition of the Marzee International Graduation Show Galerie Marzee 14 August - 31 October 2018 The annual Marzee International Graduation Show, is the highlight of the Marzee exhibition calendar, and has grown from a modest affair to an event unparallelled in size and scope. We are still in the process of selecting work for this year's 32nd edition of the Graduation Show and have already selected jewellery and objects by 75 graduates from 35 different art schools and academies from Europe, US, Asia and Australia. Galerie Marzee is unique in its support for emerging young talent and since 1986 the

Lucie Gledhill's Modern Twist on the Victorian Curb Chain Garners Best New Design 2019 at Goldsmiths' Fair Week One

An innovative collaboration, between jeweller Lucie Gledhill and photographer Kasia, has won the attention of this years’ Goldsmiths’ fair expert judge of the Best New Design Award.  This year, Trino Verkade judged the award, a consultant with the Sarabande foundation, an initiative set up by the late legendary designer, Lee Alexander McQueen, who left the majority of his estate to support creative and visionary talent. In addition to providing scholarships and studio space for artists. The curb chain is a feat of craftsmanship, taking three weeks to complete. A chain was fashioned from gold tubing and silver wire, then each

The Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Materials Congress

The Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Materials Congress Monday, 8 - Tuesday, 9 July 2019 Goldsmiths' Hall, London The Goldsmiths' Company will be holding its first Jewellery Meterials Conference from 8 to 9 July 2019 at Goldsmiths’ Hall. This Congress forms part of a series of activities designed to advance and disseminate knowledge and to encourage research and its exploitation in the field of jewellery & silverware technology.  About the Congress The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office will be holding a major international conference on 8 and 9 July 2019, at Goldsmiths' Hall.  The Jewellery Materials Congress will support the jewellery and silverware community by providing a collaborative,

Get to know IJL's six winning Kickstarters for 2018

International Jewellery London have announced the six winning designers selected as the 2018 IJL KickStarters. This annual mentoring programme, now in its tenth year, offers the six the exciting opportunity to not only exhibit under the KickStart umbrella at IJL 2018 but also receive invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers. This initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent.  Sarah Kitley-Spencer, IJL Show Manager, comments: “Congratulations to all of our six KickStart designers. As ever, they show exceptional creative flair and their styles are very

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event Friday the 23 November Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh Jewellers, businesses and ethically minded individuals in Edinburgh are being invited to join The Precious Metals Workshop and local Jeweller, Ian Nicholson, in a discussion about how they can play their part in influencing responsible supply chains in the jewellery industry.  Local jeweller Ian, who is also the founder and Director of the Precious Metals Workshop, is calling on support from industry leaders to take part in a unique event being held at Assembly Rooms on Friday the 23 November with a focus on responsible sourcing of

The London Artisan July 2017

The London Artisan The London Artisan is a curated marketplace in the heart of East London. We offer a platform for Designer Makers to promote and sell their work to new audiences. We support makers who produce high quality, unique and locally made products within the following categories:  Textiles & Homeware / Illustration & Print / Ceramics & Glassware / Jewellery & Accessories / product design / Traditional Crafts / Creams & Oils / food & drink Times 10am - 5pm Dates 22 & 23 July 2017 Venue Old Truman Brewery, off Brick Lane, London, E1 www.thelondonartisan.com

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies to show at IJL

Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. With offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR has greatly extended its reach into the UK market, and now enjoys close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the UK industry with a comprehensive range of diamond focused retail-based education modules and leading-edge technology supported by world class

Goldsmiths’ Company Charity to fund new Cambridge PhD research in precious metals

A gift from the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity to support three new PhD studentships at Cambridge will advance research in precious metals and help develop new technical expertise. The Goldsmiths’ Company programme in precious metals research, which will be based at Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, will build on the University’s strengths in the study of materials. The Department is one of the world’s leading centres in the study of materials and metals.  The first two students are expected to start in 2019, following a recruitment programme this autumn. The date marks the centenary of a founding gift from

The Hunt Is On! Bath’s Wylde Treasure Hunt 2017

The city of  Bath is one of the finest shopping destinations in Europe ,  helped to a  large  degree by its  fabulous independent retailers who offer unique goods and exceptional customer services. Indie shops are such a vital part of any local high street and ,  despite the rise of ecommerce ,   will continue to be a major contributor to the economy of any town or city. But times are tough on the high street and with  Brexit   causing uncertainty, shoppers need a timely reminder to shop local and support their local indie retailers. That’s  why  Nicholas Wylde

Thomas Sabo Announces New UK & Ireland Ambassador: Frankie Bridge

Thomas Sabo, the global premium lifestyle accessory brand, is delighted to announce a new ambassador – Frankie Bridge, who joins the brand from August 2016.   In becoming an official lifestyle ambassador for THOMAS SABO, Frankie will support the company in expanding its message to both new and old audiences, through store appearances, media interviews, and recommending her favourite products to wear for key seasonal moments, including Holiday and Christmas.   Frankie Bridge is an English pop star and TV presenter. The intention of the new partnership is to strengthen and amplify the THOMAS SABO brand in the UK by

Truro and Penwith College

Rated Gold by the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) in 2017 and Ofsted Outstanding in 2016, Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality University course right here in Cornwall.   Degree courses in Silversmithing and Jewellery help students to develop craftsmanship skills in areas such as

West Dean College

West Dean is world-renowned for its training in arts, crafts, conservation and design with campuses located in the tranquil Sussex countryside and central London’s thriving Bloomsbury district. Study industry-leading degrees and diplomas and short courses with exceptional teaching, industry connections, flexible learning options, and career support. Courses in metalwork  range from making to conservation. You can expect a strong emphasis on developing good hand skills underpinned by theoretical study. Students in all programmes are encouraged to understand historic craft practice in order to place their work in a broader context. The course is delivered in a purpose-designed workshop, with areas

Higher Education Institutions

We've complied a list of all the national organisations offering jewellery, silversmithing or metal at HND or degree level here... West Dean  West Dean is world-renowned for its training in arts, crafts, conservation and design with campuses located in the tranquil Sussex countryside and central London’s thriving Bloomsbury district. Study industry-leading degrees and diplomas and short courses with exceptional teaching, industry connections, flexible learning options, and career support. Courses in metalwork range from making to conservation. You can expect a strong emphasis on developing good hand skills underpinned by theoretical study. Students in all programmes are encouraged to understand historic

IJL Success Bodes Well For UK Jewellery Industry Post Brexit

IJL 2016 has reported that many exhibitors took a record number of orders on the opening day but also the show itself also saw an increase in attendance by senior quality international retailers, buyers and suppliers. This, combined with 167 new exhibitors from across the jewellery and watch sectors and over 500 emerging and established companies from 38 countries, provided a positive vote of confidence in the UK’s jewellery sector post the Brexit referendum. Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented on this year's show,  “This year’s show exceeded our expectations, with a noticeable increase in international support and many companies experiencing

Hockley Mint opens its doors for tailor-made Retailer Days

Birmingham-based fine jewellery and bridal manufacturer Hockley Mint has launched an initiative to support independent jewellery retailers, opening its doors to invite businesses to find out more about Hockley Mint and to network with fellow retailers. The tailor-made events, which will take place in early 2017, will start with a comprehensive tour of Hockley Mint’s state-of-the-art in-house facilities, offering retailers the chance to gain a unique insight into the award-winning manufacturer’s extensive jewellery production capabilities. Visitors will then be invited to spend the afternoon in an informal networking session, where they will be free to discuss hot industry topics and

Trade Organisations

It's always useful to know you are not alone in the industry and knowing where to go for specialist support can be a lifeline. We've complied a list of the industry's trade focused organisations, member associations and bodies as a quick reference... Association of Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) ACJ promotes a greater understanding of contemporary Jewellery and supports jewellers’ creative and professional development. acj.org.uk British Allied Trade Federation The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) is a company limited by guarantee which comprises five trade associations. Together these represent approximately 2,500 enterprises from the jewellery, giftware, surface engineering and travel goods and

Appointment: Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company

Wednesday 17 May marked the installation of trailblazing Londoner,    Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE,  as the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company. Judith has a background in academia, corporate strategy and business leadership, and her year as Prime Warden will launch the decade running up to the 700th Anniversary of the Company's first Royal Charter. At least £70m  will be gifted by the Livery Company and its Charity over the next 10 years in support of the gold and silversmiths’ trade, apprentice training and other charitable activities.   Recent projects include:   Funding the ‘Worship and Life’ section of

New Appointment Shatters 700-year Glass Ceiling

Wednesday 17 May marked the installation of trailblazing Londoner,    Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE,  as the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company. Judith has a background in academia, corporate strategy and business leadership, and her year as Prime Warden will launch the decade running up to the 700th Anniversary of the Company's first Royal Charter. At least £70m  will be gifted by the Livery Company and its Charity over the next 10 years in support of the gold and silversmiths’ trade, apprentice training and other charitable activities.   Recent projects include:   Funding the ‘Worship and Life’ section of

About Benchpeg

A little bit about our history... 18 years ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information. Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments.    In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. In 2024 we published our 800th issue of the Benchpeg newsletter. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the

British Fashion Council & Google Arts Celebrate The Creativity of British Fashion

A collaboration between the British Fashion Council and Google will bring to life the creativity, heritage and craftsmanship of British fashion. A new digital educational platform featuring content and stories from top British designers and fashion insiders has been created for anyone around the world to enjoy, for free. The project will support the BFC’s Education Foundation and aims to attract future talent into the industry. The platform g.co/britishfashion will provide a single destination to educate and inspire future generations of young fashion creatives, designers and students.  To celebrate its rich history and create new experiences around British fashion, the

IJL Announce The Ten New Talented KickStarters for 2017

International Jewellery London has announced the ten new designers chosen for the 2017 IJL  KickStart  initiative. T his annual mentoring programme, now in its ninth year, is recognised within the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent. All ten will exhibit under the  KickStart  umbrella at this year’s show and will also benefit from invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers, to help them grow their businesses. The scheme includes this year the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ award, which will reward one  KickStarter  with a complementary stand in

Apprentices Get Skills Training Boost To Put Them On A Path To Success

Apprentices from Holts Academy and Higher Education students from the Birmingham School of Jewellery are set to receive an intensive week of technical skills training in Birmingham. From 12th to 16th September 2016, experienced silversmith Andrew MacGowan taught ten young people how to transform a fixed design into a final piece at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, which has been made possible through financial support from the Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund and coordination via the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London.  Silversmithing, and the technical skills that underpin it, is a rapidly changing trade seeing a revolution in design and technical

The Goldmsiths' Centre Celebrates Its 5th Birthday

On 25th April the Goldsmiths’ Centre celebrated its 5th Birthday and its continuing support for the growth of the UK jewellery and silversmithing industry with over 200 of its friends, partner organisations and alumni. The event also marked the launch of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s new Impact Report and film, which illustrates its achievements over the past 5 years. Founded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, the Goldsmiths’ Centre provides an unrivalled facility for jewellers, silversmiths and craftspeople in the allied trades to excel and thrive in their careers. Since opening

City Fringe Partnership

The City Fringe Partnership was a ground-breaking public and private sector alliance between the London Development Agency, the London boroughs and private business partners which ran from 1996 - 2009.  Through their European Development-funded project, the Jewellery Sector Investment Plan (JSIP), they created £3 million worth of jewellery support programmes, improving collaborative and training opportunities in the industry. The projects ran until 2009, and they continue to inspire long-term regenerative partnerships today. Projects like Future in the Making supported 340 businesses to increase their sales and contacts, and beginner’s jewellery and awareness courses were run for 125 socially and economically

Summer Sizzlers from domino

Domino has recently launched a collection of 27 new designs to support and refresh its popular Diamond Ring Mount (DRM) Collection. The new rings, which are designed and created at Domino’s sophisticated manufacturing facility in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, include a mixture of styles ranging from classic solitaires through to more contemporary pieces. “These rings received terrific customer feedback when we previewed them at Baselworld  under our ‘Created & Crafted in Britain’ brand earlier this year and our customers’ comments informed our choices as to which pieces made it through into the final range,” explains sales and

Weston Beamor’s Marathon Man

Ed Hole, Head of CAD and 3D Printing at Weston Beamor, is to run in this year’s London Marathon which takes place in the capital on Sunday 23rd April. Ed and his fiancée Kerry Jim are running together in support of The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) a charity dedicated to helping change the lives, for the better, of many children and families who are coming to terms with childhood deafness. Both are keen runners and have completed half marathons in the past but Ed admits to being slightly daunted by the need to cover twice that distance in just

Watches: Maradona Presents Pope with Big Bang Unico United for Peace Offering

The watch will be auctioned to support victims of the recent earthquakes;  The Pope, Hublot & Football: Joining Forces For Peace.  Following on from the Match of Friendship, which it organised in Paris this June, Hublot has assembled thirty stars and legends of world football to take part in the Match for Peace, at the invitation of the Pope. To mark this event, Diego Maradona presented the Pope with a Big Bang Unico United for Peace. This one-off piece, which has a certificate of authenticity signed by the Supreme Pontiff, will be auctioned to raise funds for the Pope's Scholas

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party - London WC2

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party 2016 Presman Mastermelt are hosting a Jewellery Trade Christmas Party on the 14th December, at SWAY Bar, Great Queen Street, Holborn, all in support of the Silversmith and Jewellers Charity. Tickets cost just £25.00, which includes a donation to the Charity, live music, DJ, entertainment, food and even a Christmas gift! Date: Wednesday 14th December Times: 7pm till Late Venue: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BZ Tickets: Cost £25.00 each To find out more about the Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity, please click here tsjc.org.uk Tickets are selling fast, so If you would like

Winchester Creative Enterprise Centre Moves Forward

The planning applications have now been submitted for a new Creative Enterprise Centre project in Winchester. The centre proposed, by Winchester City Council, will see the refurbishment of the ‘Goods Shed’ on Barfield Close to house a variety of visual artists and other, office-based creative businesses such as design and architecture practices. A new, warehouse-style building is also being considered as part of the proposal to accommodate performing arts organisations needing to rehearse, create new work or run workshops. The ambition is to provide advice and support to those organisations and individuals taking space in the Creative Enterprise Centre to

Jeremy France Jewellers voted as Winchester's ‘Favourite Independent 2016'

Jeremy France Jewellers are on a winning streak, scooping yet another award for ‘Winchester’s Favourite Independent 2016’. Having recently won the award for ‘Independent Business of the Year 2016’ at the Winchester Business awards, the team were keen to maintain their title as Winchester’s favourite, especially as the award was dependent on votes made by the general public. Annually, July marks the month of Winchester’s ‘Festival of Independents’, which is organised by the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ongoing project to support and celebrate all things independent in the city. Throughout the month, shoppers cast their

Our history

Just over a decade ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information.  Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments.    In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the latest news stories and promoting business opportunities. Our website and newsletter has a national

BFC Fashion Trust Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

Th e British Fashion Council has announced that its charitable initiative BFC Fashion Trust has awarded grants totalling  £450,000  between eleven designers; the largest donation by the trust to date. New recipients for 2017 are Edeline Lee, Georgia Hardinge, Isa Arfen, Sharon Wauchob and Teatum Jones. Previous recipients who continue to receive funding this year are Eudon Choi, Fyodor Golan, Huishan Zhang, Marques’Almeida, Osman and Rejina Pyo.   The BFC Fashion Trust was founded in February 2011 to offer selected designers mentoring and financial support to promote the art and business of fashion. As part of the structured mentoring programme

Appointment: Doug Henry, New CEO & Assay Master

The AnchorCert Group, comprising Assay Office Birmingham, AnchorCert Analytical, AnchorCert Gem Lab, SafeGuard Valuations and AnchorCert Academy, has announced the appointment of Doug Henry MBA as incoming Chief Executive and Assay Master. Doug, who is currently joint CEO, will commence his new appointment as the company's 14th Assay Master on Monday 3 April 2017, having originally joined AnchorCert Group to restructure the quality management system in September 2014. Doug then successfully project-managed the business relocation to Moreton Street in July 2015. Doug has subsequently led the management of the Indian off-shore sub-office, and continues to support the development of quality

BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2017 Shortlist Announced

In 2017 the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will adjust its format to focus on bringing key expertise into designer businesses to assist with development and growth In recognition of the increasing pool of deserving talent the £200,000 grant will be shared between up to three recipients, which will enable the fund to benefit multiple designers at a pivotal stage in the growth of their brand’s development. Winners will continue to receive a full mentoring programme through the BFC’s Business Support team, including access to funders and industry experts. The nominated designers are selected by the Fund Judging Committee and have

Collect 2021 Talks Programme

Collect 2021 Talks Programme, Crafts Council Collect takes place  online   26 February - 2 March 2021 Collect 2021 Talks Programme In association with  Crafts  magazine We're delighted to announce the Collect 2021 Talks Programme taking place 26 Feb - 2 March with leading figures across art, interiors and culture. Carry on reading to discover the full schedule below and book your place now before they're gone: Breaking the Boundaries of Craft: LOEWE FOUNDATION Friday 26 February 12 noon (GMT) An international panel of LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize finalists - ceramist Takeshi Yasuda, textile artist Yeonsoon Chang, glass maker Harry Morgan and jeweller Patricia Domingues - are brought

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series Archivist Exhibit, Garden Museum, London 12th November - 22nd December 2022 The Ukrainian war flower series that finds beauty and growth in a time of destruction. British jewellery designer Phoebe Walsh has created a series of 5 miniature flower pressing books in recycled Sterling Silver, each containing a single war flower from the new frontlines in Kyiv. The project began in March when a brave Kyivan artist Olga Morozova agreed to go searching for flowers as her city fell ablaze. Inspired by the Garden Museum’s collection of Wildflower pressings made by Jane Lindsay in 1956, from London’s WWII

Earth To Earth | Adi Toch Solo Exhibition

Earth To Earth | Adi Toch Solo Exhibition Sarah Myerscough Gallery, London W1K 23 November 2023 - 2 March 2024   Earth to Earth is the first solo presentation of new works by Adi Toch that explores the profundity of nature’s mark-making and the touches of time. The show features new collections that are an extension of her Shrouded series, exhibited as part of the Cheongju Craft Biennale in Korea in 2023. The artist slowly shapes her objects: vessels are converted from flat sheets of metal to final sumptuous forms, while mirrors are cut, engraved and polished. There is a delicacy in the generously rounded shapes that belies the intensity of the process. Adi exacts her will on malleable but defiant metal

Sarabande: Sølve Sundsbø, Michaela Stark & Perfect magazine

Sarabande: Sølve Sundsbø, Michaela Stark & Perfect Magazine Monday 6th September Sarabande Foundation, 22 Hertford Rd, London N1 5SH Doors open at 7:00 PM An inspirational talk with Sølve Sundsbø & Michaela Stark, in conversation with Jeanne Annan- Lewin . Internationally renowned fashion photographer and filmmaker Sølve Sundsbø has shot for innumerable luxury couture houses and publications – Chanel, Hérmes, Louis Vuitton, Italian VOGUE, LOVE and i-D to name a few. Sarabande artist-in-residence Michaela Stark creates intricate and unconventional lingerie that subverts and contests society’s unrealistic beauty standards. Having recently collaborated for the upcoming issue of Perfect, the pair will

Agustina Ros: A Glass Adventure

Agustina Ros is a young and promising glass jewelry artist who combines the sensitivity of art and the resolution of design. Born in Misiones, Argentina, she currently lives in Barcelona, the city where she has chosen to open her own studio with an international vision. Focused on the use of blown borosilicate glass, some pieces are then finished with metals such as gold and silver, and polished to improve the reflection of light. Her hungry desire to experiment, create and improve has already led her to receive several awards and to affirm the presence of her collections in international and creative contexts. Her creations are flexible interpretations of clean and organic forms, in which transparency represents the values of purity and originality.

21 GRAMS What’s the weight of our soul?

21 GRAMS is an experimental jewellery exhibition organized, curated and conceived by Ruudt Peters writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Guo Xin,  1 Gram - Rebound,  2018 Silver plated, stainless steel, jade Sun Jie, W ho are you,  2018 Golden paint, metal, resin Beginning in the 1970's, Ruudt Peters, a pioneering Dutch conceptual jewellery artist, challenged traditional definitions of adornment by pushing the boundaries of context, wearability, materials and presentation. He defines himself as a philosopher and an alchemist, his pieces of jewellery being extensions of a person.  Peters Ruudt, L ast Breath,  2018 Silver Glass El-Asmar-Nedda,  Transit Vessel,  2018 24K gold Always challenging the

MAD About Jewelry 2023

MAD About Jewelry 2023 25 - 29 April 2023 New York, USA The ultimate contemporary jewelry pop-up. April 25–29, the Museum of Arts and Design will present   MAD About Jewelry ,  its annual benefit sale of contemporary jewelry featuring designs from 50 emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists. MAD About Jewelry   has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, where collectors and jewelry enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field. MAD About Jewelry is free with Museum admission.  Sale Hours Wed,

Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios 2017 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios 2017 Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from independent makers - from craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni … Ceramics, homewares, jewellery, shoes, glass… and many other crafts Featured showcase curated by Grant Gibson, editor of Crafts magazine Crafts Magazine pop-up stall Delicious food by Hand Made Food café HOLBORN · 23 – 26 November Cockpit Yard, Northington St, London, WC1N 2NP Holborn, Chancery Lane & Russell Square Opening times: Thurs 6 – 9pm, Fri, Sat + Sun 11am – 6pm DEPTFORD · 1 –

Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Christmas Open Studios 2017 Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from independent makers - from craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni … Ceramics, homewares, jewellery, shoes, glass… and many other crafts Featured showcase curated by Grant Gibson, editor of Crafts magazine Crafts Magazine pop-up stall Delicious food by Hand Made Food café HOLBORN · 23 – 26 November Cockpit Yard, Northington St, London, WC1N 2NP Holborn, Chancery Lane & Russell Square Opening times: Thurs 6 – 9pm, Fri, Sat + Sun 11am – 6pm DEPTFORD · 1 –

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 Meet 170 makers at our two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 Meet 170 makers at our two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings

Creative Stars Join London Craft Week at Official Opening

This week more than 500 artists, designers, makers, artisans, collectors and patrons of craft descended on the V&A to celebrate the beginning of London Craft Week 2017, which takes place across London from 3 - 7 May. Notable guests in attendance on the night included Hussein Chalayan, Johnny Coca, Tom Dixon, Stephen Jones OBE, Bill Amberg, Lady Carol Bamford and Azzi Glasser plus various international stars including Korean artist Do Ho Suh, Hong Kong designer Elaine Yan Ling Ng and third generation Spanish guitar maker, Felipe Conde.  Award-winning fashion designer Hussein Chalayan presented acclaimed potter Edmund de Waal with the

Digital Craft Festival 2020

Digital Craft Festival 2020 26th - 28th June 2020 Online 3 Day event, online. We exist to support contemporary makers of craft and we hope our loyal visitors will join us, online, for a weekend of talks with makers, demonstrations, workshops, films, music and even Yoga. More details will follow soon.  www.craftfestival.co.uk Craft Festival 2020 Craft Festival Bovey Tracey and Cheltenham Postponed until 2021. Next year’s dates are Craft Festival Cheltenham March 12-14th 2021 and Craft Festival June 11-13th, 2021. "We’ve built up our events since 2004, welcoming thousands of makers and visitors, like you, to join us in the

Auction For Aid

Over 70 Of The Uk’s Hottest Jewellery Designers Unite For “Auction For Aid” Supporting Help Refugees and Moas (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) A Facebook auction of British Contemporary Jewellery "Auction For Aid", spearheaded by Leeds based jeweller Ghazal Ghahri-Saremi, of Soremi Jewellery is taking place online, on Facebook, from Monday September 18th to Sunday September 24th.  Auction For Aid will feature over 205 donated works from supporting jewellers such as Polly Wales, Jo Hayes Ward, Ruth Tomlinson, Shimmel Madden and Disa Allsop.   This year the auction, has gone international, receiving support from European and US jewellers who also feel the injustice of

Howard van Rooijen

Meet the other of Benchpeg's Co-Founders. Although on a day to day basis he takes a back seat, he makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds possible to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers   Howard van Rooijen Co-founder Howard  has been at Benchpeg since the beginning. With an exceptional  understanding of business and technology , he has provided us with practical, financial and moral support for over a decade. We couldn't have achieved half of the things we've done without his stalwart presence.  When he's not involved in Benchpeg stuff Howard

The Goldsmiths' Company's 'Young Designer Competition'

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to support Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition, a brilliant initiative focusing on emerging silversmiths and jewellers. Staged at the renowned Reading-based jewellery store from 6-30 June 2017, the competition will feature work from nine emerging designers from the Bishopsland Educational Trust. One new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery from each designer will be on display and the public will get to vote for its favourite pieces. The Young Designer Competition exhibition will also feature live craft demonstrations and there will be a VIP winner’s event on Friday 30 June. The event's last day will also see it take part in Reading’s

Graduate Show Cardiff Metropolitan University 2017

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/ENO7R-H1jlM] Summer Show Cardiff Metropolitan University CSAD Summer Show 2017 The exhibition will take place at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Llandaff Campus and will feature work from across CSAD’s undergraduate courses including: Architectural Design & Technology Artist Designer Maker Ceramics Fine Art Graphic Communication Illustration International Design Product Design Photographic Practice (Bridgend College) Textiles Dates May 27th – June 2nd 2017 Opening Hours 12:00 – 18:00   Saturday 27th May 12:00 – 16:00   Sunday 28th May 12:00 – 16:00   Monday 29th May 10:00 – 18:00   Tuesday 30th May 10:00 – 18:00   Wednesday 31st May 10:00 – 21:00   Thursday 1st