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Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter

As part of our lockdown chats series, this week Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter. Its a long one, but worth a listen, as we go through Karin's career, and the skill sets she developed intentionally and unintentionally along the way. Karin is an Independent Consultant, the Strategic Lead for Contemporary British Silversmiths and the Creative Director of ERA5050, a campaign for gender balance on British Stage and Screen. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/O0qcGGd67C0] She’s also a Medway trained Jeweller and Silversmith, with an MA from the Royal College of Art, is an award winning Silversmith in her own right, has

This week we go cuckoo over Amy Mead...

In week four of our lockdown chats, Benchpeg chats to jewellery designer maker Amy Mead of www.amymead.co.uk . Amy has been a designer maker for over 13 years, and we discuss the evolution of her brand and work, how its been in lockdown managing a house with three children, escape mechanisms and Instagram strategy. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/aqpBAuc00vE] Amy came to jewellery after recovery from ME, and started her jewellery journey at City Lit and landed up with a workshop in Hatton Garden. She’s founded a micro jewellery start up, and placed it on hold whilst becoming a full time

Advertise with Benchpeg

Benchpeg is probably the widest read UK jewellery trade website and newsletter. Established over 18 years ago, Benchpeg is written by jewellers, for jewellers; bringing together industry jobs, opportunities, news and classifieds in one place. We have a number of services to trade and industry we offer, gained from 25 years + in the sector. Request our advertising Rate Card here Recruitment, Talent Aquisition & CV Writing Services With an unrivalled industry network, spanning all areas of industry from Head Office, Design and Studio based personnel, retail sales staff to skilled crafts people at the bench in the workshop –

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

Benchpeg Awards 2016

Benchpeg held its first Benchpeg Awards evening in partnership with the Goldsmiths Company Assay Office on the 1st November in association with their Make Your Mark event. It was a lovely evening where the winners of the Benchpeg Awards 2016 were revealed, after our panel of independent judges presided over the short list of 19 entries out of 147 submissions to the competition. Here we see a few of the Instagram pics taken on the night and at the event during the day. #benchpegawards Photo credits: Intstagram #benchpegawards #benchpeg #makeyourmark #makeyourmarklondon #goldsmithshall #goldsmithscompany

Meet the Benchpeg Team

This is us. We are the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers. Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has 20 years of experience in the industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery industry could share and access information. Along with being Editor-in-Cheif of Benchpeg, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust , Committee Member for the Communications and Marketing Committee at The Goldsmiths’ Company ,

Subscribe to the Benchpeg Edit

Receive our weekly newsletter - the Benchpeg Edit - to be the first to get jewellery jobs news, information and much, much more... First Name * Surname * Email * Job Title *

Call for Applications: Benchpeg Awards

The Benchpeg Awards are aimed at helping students, fledgling businesses or those emerging to create a new career in jewellery or the allied trades. The emphasis of the Benchpeg Awards are to provide an opportunity to assist in the trajectory of the winner’s careers and give them a helping leg up on the first rung of the career ladder. Competition Categories There are three categories to enter as part of the competition: Design for Technology: CAD and Manufacture Design for Commercial Sales: Competitive Retail Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption: Something which hasn’t been seen before What to Enter You

Benchpeg turns 18!

Unbelievably ( to us ) t his February, the 6th to be exact, Benchpeg turned 18. Benchpeg was formed back in 2006, in an environment where the jewellery, silver and allied trades faced myriad challenges such as fragmentation and lack of interconnectivity and when digital media was in its infancy. Yes, we’re that old. We hope that we have helped address some of those issues over the last 18 years. We couldn't have made it this far down the road without our fantastic community of jewellers, retailers, makers, silversmiths, educators, those at the bench and those in the background, the

Benchpeg Awards Judges 2016

Benchpeg is extremely excited to reveal the Judges for the Benchpeg Awards 2016. Each Judge is an expert in their field, which range from fashion markets, art jewellery, commerciality, manufacture, the craft, image making, design, creativity and innovation. They are listed below in alphabetical order. Kate Baxter - The Cut London Kate Baxter is a jewellery designer and founder of fine jewellery blog & consultancy The Cut London. With over 10 years’ experience working within the jewellery industry; as a designer for global brands and as a freelance creative, Kate brought her unique sense of innovation and intuition to launch

Benchpeg turns 18 - A selection of quotes

We've been delighted and humbled to recieve some fantastic quotes on how Benchpeg's contribution to the sector over the last two decades has effected change... “ www. benchpeg .com wittily gathers all corners of the jewellery trade through the ubiquitous symbol that identifies us: the humble benchpeg. As with many great things, simple is often best and most effective! Congratulations." Cassandra Goad “Benchpeg is the authoritative resource for the jewellery sector, and it is testament to the regard in which it is held, and the tireless work of its staff and supporters, that it is still going strong after 18

Benchpeg goes all chatty

As part of lockdown, we thought we'd have a call with an old friend, Fei Liu. The world is slightly different these days, and keeping in touch is all important. We called Fei Liu, Creative Director and Founder of Fei Liu, for one of our regular catch ups, but this time we recorded it to share. Fei and Benchpeg's Rebecca first met back in 1998, in fact, they were the first classmates to meet on the Jewellery and Silversmithing BA Hons course at Birmingham's School of Jewellery. The best of friends, Fei was the bride's gentleman (as the Vicar called [youtube

Benchpeg turns 15 in Lockdown

We’ve been so busy that we forgot that we recently should have celebrated our birthday! It is very hard to believe, for us, that we turned 15 at the beginning of this month. 15 years ago, when ecommerce was very limited, websites were non-responsive and social media hadn’t really got started in the way that we know it nowadays, we created Benchpeg to help democratise information for the sector and get it to those that needed the information most – micro and SME businesses within the jewellery industry. We’re extremely proud that we were the first digital newsletter in the

Benchpeg Offer: Sold Out Tickets Available

This week, we are delighted to announce that Benchpeg are the official Media Partners for Make Your Mark 2019. With over 600 students and graduates already booked to attend, it looks set to be a fantastic event. Benchpeg has supported the jewellery industry for over 10 years now and in particular, those making their first steps into the industry. We have done this through our weekly newsletter, careers advice, jobs boards, funding opportunities to mention just a few and we love promoting beautiful work. Benchpeg at Make your Mark At this year’s Make Your Mark, Benchpeg will be on hand

The Benchpeg Awards 2016: Winners Announced

This week in partnership with the Make Your Mark event held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London we held the Benchpeg Awards 2016. The event, which included a showcase exhibition, evening awards reception and awards conferment, was a culmination of months of planning, nearly 150 entries to the competition and a glittering array of prizes. Awards Showcase The event kicked off with a showcase which was open to the public, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, home of the London Assay Office, of the 19 shortlisted entries which had been selected by a panel of independent judges from 147 national entries. The Shortlist The

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Manufacture

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Victoria Barker This category invited entries to the competition which used either technology or hand craft skills to manufacture and create a high quality finished piece taking into account construction processes. Judges took into consideration methodology of production, ease of manufacture and how the design would best translate when placed into production. Victoria submitted a range of 2D CAD designs which the judges looked upon with merit when looking at the deigns of the pieces entered and the consideration given by the designer to production methods. Victoria says of her inspiration and designs, “The somatic senses are

Benchpeg's Bookshelf Book List

We all enjoy a good read. Our bookshelf has been hand-picked. Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery. This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby. The book explores the design process in depth, from

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Shuming Chen Monitoring in the Dark Collection This category invited entries which displayed design and or creativity in a disruptive manner to create a piece which is completely unique. Judges considered all the entries and favoured those which displayed thinking outside of the box – those entries which displayed the most unconventional jewellery design. In their selection the judges really wanted to question the very nature of the meaning of jewellery and how it could project the best representation of future British jewellery design. Shuming’s methodology of working attempts to combine daily life with the science technology

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Commercial Sales

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Ching-I Chien Allure Spiked Drop Earrings This category invited entries to the competition which had been designed specifically to have price points for commercial markets and be produced in batch production or mass manufacture. Judges looked at the most economical way of manufacturing the submitted piece, and also considered the design aesthetic which best fitted into a current trend. The judges were also mindful of selecting the design that best represented a commercial impact in todays’ retail market. Ching-I’s inspiration for her submitted piece came from snakes and gemstones. She says of her design, "Playing with the

The 2017 ‘GeoGems’ Benchpeg Christmas Decoration Designed by Kate Dugmore

This Autumn Benchpeg launched a competition open to Birmingham School of Jewellery students and alumni to design our annual Christmas Tree Decoration. We had some innovative, thoughtful and creative designs submitted in response to the quite constrained brief, but the winner selected by the Benchpeg team, was designed by Kate Dugmore. The design entitled ‘GeoGems’ has the illusion of shattered facets within a diamond form, which is both contemporary and challenging. Benchpeg creates a limited edition Christmas Tree Decoration each year, and Benchpeg’s Founder Rebecca van Rooijen wanted to open up the opportunity to design the decoration this year to

Rosie Fortescue Speaks to Benchpeg about Launch of 3rd Jewellery Collection

Rosie Fortescue Speaks to Benchpeg about Launch of 3 rd Jewellery Collection Made in Chelsea’s fashion and style blogger Rosie Fortescue will be launching her third fashion forward jewellery collection at this week’s Scoop trade show. The BAFTA award winning reality TV personality is also an acclaimed fashion blogger and style writer in her own right, with her website At Fashion Forte being a destination spot, where she highlights current trends, her top picks and shows off her own inimitable look. The super trendy Rosie is now combining TV appearances and fashion writing with becoming a jewellery designer, having launched [youtube

Benchpeg enjoys a lockdown chat with Maria Spanou

Continuing our lockdown need for conversation, we chat to long time friend and industry colleague Maria Spanou. Maria is a jewellery industry professional who is ex Central St Martins trained, has a history in finance, project management, jewellery communications, the jewellery retail space and is also a jewellery designer who works to commission. She is an excellent networker and all round good egg. We chat about lockdown, current work coping strategies and making plans for the future… [youtube url=http://youtu.be/x8xt-sRH_oY] Author: Published:

Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19

Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with

Benchpeg Guest Judges for Vanilla Ink's Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T

Vanilla Ink, Scotland’s unique jewellery school, have been keeping jewellers sane in lockdown with a series of weekly projects. Fuelled by their commitment to staying connected and a deep passion for making, Scott and the team at Vanilla Ink have taken their skills online to help keep the jewellery community entertained and engaged. This week, Benchpeg was delighted to judge the design of the week as part of their project C/O/N/N/E/C/T. Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T sits in a trifecta of online offerings, including ‘Big Answers With Scott (BAWS)’, a weekly topic-led Q&A session with Scott himself, and ‘INKapacitated Sessions’, a weekly Facebook

Bookshelf

Our hand picked books from the Benchpeg bookshelf

International Women's Day Event

International Women's Day Event National Design and Craft Gallery Friday 8 March 1pm - 4pm Celebrate International Women's Day at the National Design and Craft Gallery. Join us for crafternoon tea treats, chats and tote bag screen printing to mark the occasion. All are welcome to drop in between 1pm - 4pm. For group bookings please email events@ndcg.ie to confirm your time of arrival. FREE event. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day

Awards

Every year Benchpeg holds the Benchpeg Awards. This year, we are extremely excited to announce that we are partnering with the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office London and the annual 'Make Your Mark' event to deliver the awards. As part of our ten year anniversary celebrations, the Benchpeg Awards have changed for 2016 and are now open to entry by all current students , recent graduates and new businesses . Previous awards reception at City Lit The Aim of the Benchpeg Awards The Benchpeg Awards have always been aimed at helping students and fledgling businesses, or those emerging to create a

Pegs

We’ve been ‘supporting the work of the jeweller’ for over a fifteen years now. We love a benchpeg too, which is why we created the 'benchpeg selfie.' We absolutely love how each peg represents the individuality of the craftsperson who works upon it. If you'd like to see your benchpeg featured here upload your pic to Instagram using #benchpegselfie. We will pick the best images every week and feature them on the website and newsletter. Please add a description of what it is you are working on.

How are you? A little note from us to you

Hello How are you? We’ve missed you. You may have been wondering where we have been. Like all of us, Benchpeg has had to acclimatise to a ‘new normal’ and this has taken some time. We’ve had to weather a few storms before but this global pandemic is something none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. For Benchpeg, this has meant a number of personal and professional issues including the hospitalisation of one of our children with a Covid-19 scare, who is thankfully fine now. Unfortunately, this meant putting Benchpeg on hold temporarily while we hunkered down and dealt

Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting Benchpeg. This policy explains what information we receive from you when you visit our website and how we use it. When you use our site, you are agreeing to this policy. At Benchpeg, we are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the visitors to our website and subscribers to our newsletter. We want you to know that Benchpeg is not into selling, renting or trading email lists with other companies and businesses for marketing purposes, or playing fast and lose with data - we never have been and never will be. Here you’ll find

Kate Laven

Meet Benchpeg's Contributing Writer Kate Laven. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers Kate Laven Contributing Writer Kate is a journalist with over 20 years’ extensive experience and has written for an expansive range of titles including the Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, the BBC and the Daily Express as well as being a contributing writer for The Times, The Sunday Times and the Guardian. Kate brings her background in corporate communications, PR, marketing, blogging and media consultancy to Benchpeg. Kate maintains

Rebecca van Rooijen

Meet the Co-Founder and Editor of Benchpeg. Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has over 25 years of experience within the jewellery industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery trade could share and access resources in order to democratise information. In addition to editing Benchpeg and the weekly newsletter (which just celebrated its 800th issue) which she created 18 years ago, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust and Chair of the Goldsmiths' Fair Advisory Board at The Goldsmiths'

Sarah Salmon

Meet Benchpeg's Trends Editor. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers Sarah Salmon Trends Editor Sarah has a natural flair for creativity and design, and is our trends and blog guru. She manages Benchpeg's weekly trends and fashion content . Her full time job is as a Digital Marketing Executive in the Educational Sector. Previously she worked as the Editorial and Digital Assistant at Gem-A , where she worked on Gem-A's Gems & Jewellery and The Journal of Gemmology publications as well as on

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

Full Time Setter, Nicholas Wylde -Bath Store

Full Time Setter – Bath Store Nicholas Wylde Bath NEW YEAR, NEW JOB in the beautiful city of Bath Nicholas Wylde is recognised to be one of the leading designer jewellers in the Southwest specialising in delivering stunning individual pieces of jewellery and providing a highly reputable standard of service in the beautiful cities of Bath and Bristol. We are looking for a full time Setter to join our team in the main workshop located in our Bath Store. The candidate must be experienced and confident in setting to a very high standard, all styles, including Micro setting. Confident in

Goldsmith, Nicholas Wylde -Bath Store

Full Time Setter – Bath Store Nicholas Wylde Bath NEW YEAR, NEW JOB in the beautiful city of Bath Nicholas Wylde is recognised to be one of the leading designer jewellers in the Southwest specialising in delivering stunning individual pieces of jewellery and providing a highly reputable standard of service in the beautiful cities of Bath and Bristol. We are looking for a full time Goldsmith to join our team in our workshop located in our Bath Store. The candidate must have a good level of bench skills covering basic commissions, repairs, setting, good communication skills, and to be able

Goldsmith / Jobbing Jeweller, Gold Arts - Eastbourne

The role Goldsmith / Jobbing Jeweller Gold Arts Eastbourne We’re a family run independent manufacturing jewellers with ten branches and five workshops based along the Sussex coast. We are looking to hire a full time Goldsmith for our onsite workshop in our Eastbourne branch. The work involved will be everything from standard repairs, ring resizing, retipping, polishing & cleaning castings, up to working on bespoke jobs. It’s important to be actively involved in the process of manufacturing and decision making on how to do certain repairs / designs. We’re looking for a friendly presentable individual capable of working with a

Group Mentoring for young makers (under 25yrs)

Group Mentoring for young makers (under 25yrs) New Brewery Arts and Melody Vaughan (with support from Arts Council England) are offering makers and craftspeople (25 years and under) free online group mentoring. The programme will run over 4 months Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar The mentoring is for young people under 25 and aims to support you as you move from graduate or start-up maker into the professional world of craft. Become part of a network of peers who are facing similar challenges as you establish your practice.  The programme offers 1 x 1hr 1:1 individual mentoring session at the start of programme 

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity New Brewery Arts and Heritage Crafts are seeking makers and craftspeople aged 25 and under to take part in an exhibition at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester in 2025. We want to introduce audiences to the next generation. The exhibition aims to highlight the wealth of skill, thinking, heritage understanding and imagination in the craft sector, played out in the hands of young makers. We aim to excite and inspire audiences by including work that approaches craft through the use of: Fresh Perspectives Diverse Mediums Storytelling Community Connection Sustainability Focus Emerging Trends

Handmade Oxford 2025

Handmade Oxford 2025 12-14 June 2025 Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire For nearly two decades, Handmade in Britain has been a leader in the craft industry, supporting talented makers and connecting them with customers who appreciate quality. Held at Waterperry Gardens—the venue for the BBC series Make It At Market (seasons 2 & 3)—this annual festival showcases ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, fashion, furniture, homewares, art, and textiles. The three-day event also includes craft demonstrations, workshops, live music, and artisan food. Each exhibitor is carefully selected by our team to ensure high standards of craft and design. We are now accepting applications – Apply

"Le Lingot" by Edenly, a ring in 100% recycled 18-karat gold

Edenly, master in the art of jewellery and innovation, unveils its latest creation, “Le Lingot,” a ring crafted from 100% recycled 18-karat gold. Edenly invites everyone to experience “Jewellery at its best”: luxury that is fair, timeless, and ethical, standing against disposable trends and unreasonable values. “Le Lingot by Edenly” embodies aesthetics, ethics, and fair value. Le Lingot weighs 10 grams of 18-karat gold (750/1000) and is available at a price of €1,490 (£1260). Far more than an exclusive piece of jewellery, this creation is designed as a sustainable investment. Since Edenly’s founding 15 years ago, the price of gold

Positano Collection: The Allure Of The Amalfi Coast

Icon of Parisian creativity and cosmopolitan getaways, Maison Aurélie Bidermann is showcasing its POSITANO collection in celebration of the enchanting charm of the Amalfi Coast. Since 2004, the Maison has been delighting jewellery lovers with its dreamy, elegant creations, and this collection is no exception. The sleek and stylish POSITANO collection offers a range of bangles, small and large hoop earrings, and necklaces inspired by the torques of antiquity. Each carefully crafted bakelite and gilded in 18K (750/1000) gold piece subtly captures the light, evoking the luscious floral colours typical of the Amalfi Coast. This collection makes a real feminine

3x Benches available to rent in modern, clean Hatton Garden workshop

x3 Benches available to rent in modern, clean Hatton Garden workshop x3 Benches available to rent individually or together. A clean, modern, well equiped workshop in central Hatton Garden. £350 per month, per bench. Please email expressions of interest via Benchpeg @ info@benchpeg.com

Head of Customer Service, Brown & Newirth - Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Head of Customer Service Brown & Newirth Hatfield, Hertfordshire Role Overview We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and hands-on Head of Customer Service to lead our customer service department. You will be responsible for driving excellence in customer interactions, ensuring every customer touchpoint reflects our brand values of quality, precision, and dedication. This role is integral to enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty and ensuring high standards of customer service are maintained. Key Responsibilities Leadership: Lead and inspire a team of customer service professionals, fostering a culture of exceptional customer care. Strategy Development: Develop and implement customer service strategies that align

Instant Payment - £135

Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £135.00 which includes a transaction fee. function initPayPalButton() { paypal.Buttons({ style: {

Identifying a Mysterious Hand Tool

Please could you help to identify this hand tool? A reader’s grandfather was a gem setter in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham and their father in law, A. R. Emerson, was a silversmith and Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The relative has inherited a box of their tools, gravers, burnishers, etc but one tool or set of tools is defying attempts to identify satisfactorily. The photo shows just two from a set of 6 of varying sizes. We wondered if a Benchpeg reader would be able to satisfy their curiosity – and with an illustration of it's use! Contact info@benchpeg.com

Email verification

Nearly there! We've sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email account for our email and click the link we've sent you to confirm your email address. You'll need to click the link otherwise you won't receive our emails. See you on Sunday! Benchpeg

CV Surgery

Need some help putting your CV together? Our surgery can offer you assistance. Send us your CV using the plans outlined below, and one of our experts will ensure your next application sparkles. Coming Soon! The CV Surgery will be opening it's doors soon! We'll announce when in the Benchpeg Newsletter.

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

On a beautiful sunny day this week, Benchpeg was invited to join the Copenhagen Commitment’s second summit meeting hosted by the Goldsmiths' Centre to discuss what, in the most democratic and transparent manner, delegates considered to be the most important key issues around industry ethics, the environment and sustainability at both at macro and micro levels were. Delegates such as Pippa Small, Jos Skeates, Stuart Pool, Peter Crump, Melanie Eddy, Thelma West, Yianni Melas, Karen Westland of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Marcus McCallum, Charlotte Cornelius and many, many others were in attendance. Svend Wennick who drives the Copenhagen Commitment initiative

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector meet with MP

On Thursday the 8th February Benchpeg was privileged and honoured to attend, with 23 other senior leaders representing the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector, a roundtable discussion with meeting Sir Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) who was on a fact finding mission to learn more about our sector. Facilitated by The National Association of Jewellers, and ably Chaired by CEO Ben Massey, the 24 seats around the table demonstrated the myriad of specialisms which the sector is made up of. Selected individuals gave presentations to Mr Bryant MP

A launch weekend fit for a silversmith

Last weekend Benchpeg spent a long weekend 'At Home with Silver' hosted by the The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) and Marchmont House. The Friday through to Sunday event, located an hour south of Edinburgh near Duns in the Scottish Borders, brought together 82 guests on the Saturday Open Day launch from across the UK and internationally to the Marchmont Estate. Together the collective gathered to celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop - a brand new fully equipped workspace for silversmiths, developed by the SGT in partnership with Marchmont Creative Spaces. Present at the event were practising silversmiths, curators,

A gift, an idea and some generosity

Benchpeg has met Ebba Goring a few times now. She has a generosity of spirit which shines through as soon as you meet her. You can feel the warmth of personality she emits as you approach her to say hello. She’s also a fiercely intelligent woman which is conveyed through carefully considered words, a warm countenance and an extraordinary vision for what could be. But she’s also a person of action, and these attributes very rarely collide in a single person. As CEO of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) she is in an enviable leadership position within an entire country

Traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires

Navneet Gems provides guidance and tips on traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires in the engagement ring sector for Benchpeg. Sustainable practices, including the issues of tracking and traceability, are gaining momentum in the colored gemstone supply chain. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where and how the materials that form their pieces are extracted and manufactured. The truth is unless you have physically gone directly to the mine to view their extraction practices, or know and work with small-scale miners, right now it is challenging to guarantee that gemstones are 100% ethically and sustainably sourced. “Ethically sourced,” “responsible,”

Highlights of New Designers 2023

On Friday Benchpeg visited the New Designers show 2023. With a sparse showing of jewellery and silver specific courses in representation, combined craft courses are clearly becoming a dominant factor in educational pathways. However, it was great to see strength in many of the jewellery, silver, gold and horology specific course degree shows. Here are a selection of our found highlights of the show (in no particular order). Shinta Nakajima Shinta Nakajima In an age where ancient symbolism has lost its mysterious power, Shinta Nakajima, has confronted the question, “Why do we decorate?” In traditional silversmithing, flora has been used

Instant Payment - £135

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg. Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. Instant payment helps too! How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. First, enter your invoice reference number in the box ( the reference number can be found on our invoice begining with bp-00 ) then press the yellow button to pay. This button is for a fixed payment of £135.00 which includes transaction fees.

Bishopsland announces the opening of its new HQ

Bishopsland announces the opening of its exciting new home for professional training and partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre Bishopsland has successfully completed the first phase of its relocation to Buscot and Coleshill and a new partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, marking an exciting milestone in its journey. Bishopsland Educational Trust have disclosed to Benchpeg that they are thrilled to formally announce that their project to relocate and establish a future for silversmithing has been generously supported by the South Square Trust and the De Beers Group. The project is also

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

Are you a UK Jewellery Student or Apprentice? Read This!

At Benchpeg, we love encouraging and nourishing future creative talent by inspiring you with unique stories, promoting new designers and signposting you to other great resources for those new to the industry. We're excited to let you know about a new membership programme, launched by the Goldsmiths' Centre, for Students and Apprentices registered on UK precious metal courses (sign-up link below). The initiative delivers full access to the Goldsmiths' Centre back-catalogue of Creative Links talks, technical articles and industry-specific resources created by specialist craftspeople for those in the goldsmithing industry. From personal experience, you only tend to realise just how

Instant payment for Recruitment Adverts

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £273.04 which includes VAT and transaction fees. paypal.Buttons({

Q&A: Jos Skeates

Jos Skeates a Goldsmith and the Co-Founder, along with wife Alison, of the leading, multi award winning, Central London jewellery boutique EC One the Jewellers. He is also the Chairman of the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? JS: Jos Skeates, Goldsmith and owner of E.C.One the Jewellers. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? JS: Total chance. I was looking for a summer job when I was sixteen and saw an advert for an apprentice Diamond Mounter. I’ve never looked back. How

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £270.04.00 which includes Paypal transaction fees. paypal.Buttons({ style: {

Q&A: Fei Liu

Fei Liu was the first Chinese born student to attend the School of Jewellery, Birmingham, moving specifically from China to attend the historical jewellery school. Some twenty years later he is the founder of an eponymously named multi award winning jewellery brand of international repute. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? My name is Fei Liu. I established my own brand, Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, which allows me to share my art through jewellery, and enjoy the perks of gem hunting. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry?

Q&A: David Fowkes

David Fowkes has been running his own atelier, David Fowkes Jewellery, for the last 25 years. He specialises in bespoke, avant garde jewellery designs, painstakingly sourcing unique stones, cut and faceted by specialist artisan stone cutters making use of geometric lines and natural inclusions within the stones themselves. He has exhibited regularly at the Goldsmiths' Fair and is based in a Grade I listed Coach House, set in the grounds of the 18th Century Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? DF: David Fowkes, I spend my day playing

Q&A: Wallace Chan

Wallace Chan is a world-renowned jewellery maker and innovator. After leaving school at 13, and becoming a jewellers apprectice, he opened his own workshop in 1974. His 45 years (and counting) in the industry has been landmarked by innovation. His breakthrough techniques have revolutionised the jewellery industry, notably taming titanium for use in high jewellery and creating unbreakable porcelain. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? WC: I am Wallace Chan, a jewellery creator and sculptor. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? WC: I began as a gemstone [youtube

New Designers 2019 sparkles with a strong focus on Jewellery

Last week, New Designers kicked off its celebration of new design talent; connecting fresh graduates with industry professionals across a plethora of creative fields. On a glorious sunny Wednesday, Benchpeg attended the Business Design Centre in London to get a sneak-peak at the fresh talent; and was extremely pleased to see such a strong jewellery presence at the event. New Designers prides itself on its progressive nature, stating “Great design never stands still, and should challenge the status quo. We champion new thinking, and new approaches to solving today’s problems through design. As society changes, so do New Designers.” This

Q&A: Jeff Lowe

Jeff Lowe is an internationally acclaimed sculptor and jewellery designer. Educated at the famed St. Martins School of Art, under the esteemed Sir Anthony Caro, Phillip King and William Tucker, Lowe's career skyrocketed as a result of his first one man show at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in Londonʼs Cork Street. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... For the past forty years, Jeff Lowe has remained at the forefront of contemporary abstract sculpture, representing Britain at the Paris Biennale, recieving the Sainsbury award in 1975 and the Pollock-Krasner award in 1993. He has been exhibited at museums and galleries around the world, with significant

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

Q&A: Gianluca De Girolamo

Gianluca De Girolamo is a hugely experienced photographer who cut his teeth in the photography world in packshot studios taking pictures of branded goods for commercial use. He now has a reputation second to none for advertising and creative moodshots to commercial, editorial, e-commerce and product photography for the fashion and jewellery industries. He was previously the Head Fashion & Creative Photographer at The Packshot Company, where he worked with clients such as Vivienne Westwood, Swarovski and Burberry. He now heads up Adshot, which specialised in creative jewellery photography. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

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

Master Craftsman urges industry colleagues to re-check gas safety

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten has urged his fellow craftsmen to take care and re-check their workshop gas set up after he experienced a devastating explosion in his studio. The experienced craftsman, who a multi award winning, was severely injured in his studio from a faulty regulator that was brand new. Hes said exclusively to Benchpeg: "I had know idea it was faulty regulator, as it was brand new. The technician at the store gave me wrong type. I had bought a complete new system and had it put together by a team of specialists. One did the compressor, one

Q&A: Ed Hole

Ed Hole is Head of CAD Design and 3D Printing at Birmingham based jewellery industry giant Weston Beamor Ltd. He has been at the company since 2003, and for some 14 years he has been creating bespoke pieces and new product development lines for a wide variety of clients. He is an expert CAD Designer and 3D Print specialist and has built up a team specialising in the use of cutting edge technology at the firm. Ed has a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

Q&A: Tiffany Browne

Tiffany Browne is a Micro Diamond Setter and has worked on some of the most intricate and luxurious pieces which adorn London's Bond Street. With an unconventional entry into industry, she answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? TB: My name is Tiffany Browne, and I'm (mostly) a diamond setter specialising in very fine, close pavé work which I do under microscope. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? TB: It wasn't the obvious choice for me! I started out studying languages and have an MA in translation. Meeting my husband, whom

Q&A: Max Danger

Max Danger is a Danish born Jewellery Designer and craftsman, a self confessed gold obsessive, who has a reputation for innovative and striking pieces of bespoke jewellery. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MD: Max Danger, I'm a bespoke jeweller and part time Jewellery Technician at the London College of Fashion. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MD: I went on a half year jewellery course at technical college in Copenhagen. During my time there I realized that this was what I wanted to do. Afterwards I applied

Q&A: Mary Michel

Mary Michel is the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh. She has been with the company for 15 years and is responsible for initiatives such as Elements and the forthcoming online Ethical Making Resource . She also sits on the board of Craft Scotland and is their Vice-Chair. She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MM: Mary Michel, I’m the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh . How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MM: By happy accident – I started here 15 years ago on a

Q&A: Olivia Norman

Olivia Norman is Head of Jewellery at Jessica McCormack Ltd , which has its HQ in Carlos Place , Mayfair, London. She oversees the in-house fine jewellery production for the design led brand, as well as having oversight of main business functions. Olivia was formerly at Shaun Leane for seven years as Commercial Manager and has extensive experience in strategic planning and business development, retail and sales, design, product development and production. She is a graduate of the School of Jewellery in Birmingham. She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? ON: Olivia

'Tis the season for gift giving

Scratching your head on what to get your mother, sister, friend or lover this Christmas? A little package dressed up with tassels, bows and frills will cause that sought-after thrill for sure - and that's before they see something extra special and sparkly nestled inside! The old adage 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' may still ring true for many, but here at BenchPeg, we'd argue that bold and colourful gemstones, weighty chains and eccentric designs are just as desirable for that jewellery lover in your life. We all know that there is a keep-forever piece out there for just about

17 of the Best Jewellery Looks from the 2020 Oscars!

Benchpeg brings you a comprehensive look at some of the best jewellery looks of the red carpet at the 2020 Academy Awards. This year, diamonds dominated the red carpet in all their forms, but especially in necklaces. After several years in hiding, the statement necklace is back with a bang. Rounded shapes cut close to the neckline were a popular choice, worn by Mindy Kaling, Gal Gadot and Greta Gerwig. Pop culture innovators, such as Billie Eilish, bucked the trend by staking reems of jewellery. Highlights in 2020 were the vintage jewels from the Cartier archives donned by Timothee Chalamet

Talent Spot: Six Exciting New Jewellery Designers to Watch from New Designers 2019

The array of talent on display at New Designers 2019 was phenomenal- it would appear the future of the jewellery industry is as sparkling as the displays that were on show. Following on from our recent exhibition review and award announcement , Benchpeg shines a spotlight on six exciting designers to watch. Tianyu Zhao Tianyu’s work stood out at New Designer’s as a delightfully juvenile departure from the seriousness of the more traditional work on display. Working from a deliciously pastel colour-palette, she evokes the naivity of childhood to instil the wearer of the “adult amulet” with the courage to

Introducing 'Living Coral' Pantone's Colour of the Year 2019

Colour-giant, Pantone, have proclaimed ‘Living Coral’ the colour of the year for 2019. With each passing year, it seems that Pantone’s influence becomes increasingly ubiquitous; permeating all aspects of marketing, design and culture. Here, Benchpeg puts together a guide to the colour, its meaning and possible colour combinations to equip you with what you need to know as a jeweller. The inspiration ‘Living coral’ prescribes a return to nature in a world more and more engulfed and shaped by technology. Pantone say: “Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral emits the desired, familiar and energizing aspects of colour found in nature. In its

Chic Chain Reaction

Whilst the UK succumbs to the plunging temperatures and snow showers that January often delivers, the delights and burst of Springtime warmth feel like a far-distant dream. At Benchpeg, however, we're always of the opinion that you can never be too prepared, especially when your jewellery wardrobe is concerned. This is precisely why we're easing you into the Spring/Summer 2019 jewellery trends week-on-week so that you can invest in the all the sparkle that catches your eye whilst confidently knowing that you'll be a fashion catch when it comes to the style agenda later on this year. Everyone knows that the

Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history

Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel. The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states “They were banished from England by King John in 1291.” Ambrey Smith was asked

Give the Gift of Time

It's that time of year full of festive cheer but the quest for finding that perfect gift can set your patience on fire! As your list of errands become never-ending, pop your feet up, grab a jug of mulled wine and let Benchpeg guide you through a gift guide guaranteed to stand the test of time. How about something sparkly for your sister, something bright for your niece, sleek and sharp for your brother or what about something dainty for your ? When it comes to picking the perfect timepiece, the array of styles, designs and fits are endless! We've got your

Jewellery Jobs, Retail Jobs, Design Jobs, Sales Jobs, Marketing Jobs & Internships

Jewellery Jobs, Careers and Recruitment Benchpeg offers the best range of jewellery jobs in the jewellery industry for your career. Find and apply for the latest jewellery jobs and careers on benchpeg.com Benchpeg’s jewellery recruitment listings cover all areas of jobs in the jewellery trade and jewellery making jobs to make it the No. 1 resource for jewellery jobs in the UK. About benchpeg.com/jobs The jewellery jobs listed on benchpeg.com/jobs provide opportunities for career moves in all types of jobs in the jewellery industry. From creative and jewelery design roles, to craft and jewellery manufacturing jobs, to head office, management

'Digital Meets Handmade' New York Symposium Review

PhD researcher Karen-Ann Dicken writes a review for Benchpeg of the recent symposium held at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York - Digital meets Handmade. In May this year I was fortunate enough to attend the ‘Digital meets Handmade’ - Jewellery of the 21 st Century symposium at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Professor Wendy Yothers of FIT organised the event in conjunction with Alba Cappellieri from Politecnico di Milano. This three day symposium was a brilliant collection of researches, speakers and industry specialists. All with the linked theme of what the world of jewellery looks like now we

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert - £135

Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. First, enter your company name in the box Second, enter your invoice reference number in the box ( the reference number can be found at the top right hand corner of our invoice under our address in bold and will begin with bp-00 ) then press the yellow button to pay. This button is for a fixed payment which includes transaction fees.

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert - £300

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

Christina Jansen, Managing Director of The Scottish Gallery kindly writes an obituary for Benchpeg on Nuala Jamison, one of the leading lights of the contemporary non precious jewellery movement in the 1970s who sadly left us in August 2016. In July 2016, Nuala Jamison held what would be her last solo exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh called Faceted Light . The Scottish Gallery was one of many galleries to have represented her wonderful work, in our case over three decades. Jamison was determined to make a new body of work for her exhibition and also include highlights from her

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

A Hint of Pink to Make Them Wink

Take a peek at the Spring fling Benchpeg lookbook and prepare to reign supreme in all things darling pink! Now it wouldn't be the fashion world if it didn't use the dismal first months of the year to tamper and tease our tastebud trends with a glimpse of Spring time fashion delights. The blushing shade of romance struck the catwalks in dazzling delights and has laced her charm into the jewellery cupboards of many buzzing designers. Bid farewell to the dark and gloomy days of winter depression and skip into the bright lights of Spring with the covetable tint of

Call for Applications: Make Your Mark Awards

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has launched its design competition to encourage creativity in the use of the Hallmark Applications are now open for the The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office inaugural Make Your Mark Awards , a new design competition that aims to challenge today’s students working in precious metal. The Awards will be presented at a special event on Tuesday 1 November 2016, during Make Your Mark . This year’s benchpeg Awards will also be on display, with winners announced on the night. “Anyone who sells precious metal jewellery or silverware in the UK is required by law to

The Little Black Book of Jewellery Terms

Ever felt like you’ve stumbled into a foreign land of unknown territory like Alice falling into wonderland whilst a constant whirlwind of name-drops and fancy words are thrown your way? Welcome to the Jewellery world! Welcome to the Benchpeg library of learning! Listen up and take note as there's a lot to be said for confidently slipping some technical babble into conversation to elevate your respect and cachet within the Jewellery world... Assay Hallmark: The hallmark and coding indicating the office which has assayed a piece of Jewellery. Baguette Cut: A gemstone which has been cut and set into a

Heat, Bash, Buff: Learning To Make A Silver Ring

"Jewellery Has The Power To Be This One Little Thing That Can Make You Feel Unique." - Jennie Kwon Having recently embarked upon my eye-opening journey into the world of Jewellery, my spirit guide, editor and working partner to all things sparkly and juicy in the jewellery world thought it was about time I stopped talking the talk of all things silver and pretty and set my sights upon navigating the benchpeg instead. The idea of flouncing around flaunting my very own silver number sounded absolutely fabulous whilst the idea of me having to make friends with a hammer and

Ilaria Ruggiero

Meet Benchpeg's Contributing Writer Ilaria. As an authority of contemporary and art jewellery, her features aim to cover the current European contemorary jewellery movement. Ilaria Ruggiero Contributing Writer Ilaria Ruggiero is a cultural manager and curator working in the field of contemporary art. She is the founder of Adornment - Curating Contemporary Art Jewelry , a curatorial integrated project dedicated to contemporary art jewelry. It aims to develop the knowledge and consciousness of contemporary jewelry as artistic discipline and as ground search for technique, aesthetics, and philosophy. www.adornment-jewelry.com Meet the rest of the team here . If you'd like

Drop It Down Low & Swing Into Spring

The impending dreary days of January blues is like the meddling evil step-sister intent on making your life a colourless two-tone existence. A new year marks an exciting period for the world of Jewellery as designers set their sights on the anticipated sunshine showers of limitless summer fun and get to work of capturing such mischief in their spring/summer capsule collections! So with 2016 being a year of inexplicable outcomes, shocking disasters and a general rocky year many willed to end, here at Benchpeg we've decided to gather up our 90s throwback chokers that bombarded our 2016 wardrobes and tie

Indulge In Some Detail Therapy

In a fashion frenzied world where velour juicy tracksuits are becoming the new LBD and rubber crocs are suddenly the seasonal It shoe, the easiest way to stand out in the crowd is simply through your dramatic adornments! With high-street fashion positively blooming with Springtime must-haves and our bank accounts starting to recharge back to health after the festive blowouts, we risk looking like trend-heavy clones of each other. Here at Benchpeg we fervently believe that to inject a sense of individual flair and pizzaz it comes down to one little game changer: It's all in the detail. An easy,

Make Your Mark Competition

Call for Applications: Make Your Mark design competition *Applications are now closed* Students are invited to Make Their Mark on the Industry - The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office launches design competition to encourage creativity in the use of the Hallmark The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office is launching the Make Your Mark Awards , a new design competition that aims to challenge today’s students working in precious metal. The Awards, which will open in September, will be presented at a special event on Tuesday 1 November 2016, during Make Your Mark . This year’s benchpeg Awards will also be on display, with

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

Terms of Use

Thank you for visiting Benchpeg. Our Terms and Conditions explain how to use our site, what you are allowed to do, and what you are not, and what our liability is for your use of this website. Before you use our website, please read these terms of use carefully. By using any part of our website, you are agreeing to these terms in full, regardless of your decision to register as a member on our website. If you do not accept these terms, you must leave our website immediately. These terms were last updated in August 2016. We may change

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The South House Silver Workshop Trust has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue & Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

Highlights from Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Benchpeg have put together an edit of all the best looks from Paris Haute Couture Fashion week to inspire you for the forthcoming seasons. Within each collection, the designer's own vision is apparent, though some more conspicuously than others. Amongst these though, a few common trends were apparent. Monochrome looks in a variety of colours, sheer materials, spangled embellishments and black tailoring, to name a few. Alin Le'Kal Katrine K La Metamorphose

Fabergé and Rolls-Royce come together to create the Second Imperial Fabergé Egg since 1917

Two champions of innovative design, impressive craftsmanship and undeniable heritage collide in a momentous collaboration between automotive giant Rolls-Royce and legendary jeweller Fabergé. The 'Spirit of Ecstasy' Fabergé egg is the second of it's kind to be made in the Imperial class, since 1917. In celebration, Benchpeg takes a look at the history of the two unforgetable brands, and the story behind both the Fabergé egg and the 'Spirit of Ecstasy'. A World-wide Easter Egg Hunt... Fabergé, as we know it, was born when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his Father's 'very ordinary' jewellery business in 1882. Born and educated in St. Petersburg,

Q&A: Rosie Fortescue

BAFTA award winning reality TV personality, fashion blogger, style writer and jewellery designer Rosie Fortescue answers the benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? RF: Rosie Fortescue, jewellery designer and fashion blogger. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? RF: I have been obsessed with jewellery for as long as I can remember so it seemed the natural progression of fulfilling my dream. How would you describe your work to someone who doesn’t know it? RF: I design affordable luxury jewellery from women of all ages. What is your creative process? RF: I write down

The Jewellers Toolkit

Designing jewellery and setting off on a major project or piece can be an intimidating prospect, especially when looking at using outworkers for the first time. Our Jeweller’s Toolkit has been produced to help you better understand your jewellery manufacturing needs, and it’s free to use. How to use the Jewellers Toolkit The Jeweller's Toolkit is a digital booklet, free to download. Produced by Benchpeg, the Toolkit can be downloaded as a compelte booklet, but we've also broken each handy chapter out into a fact sheet for individual use and reference. Download your full copy here , or the relevant

Publications

Trade publications are a great way of knowing what's going on and who's who in industry. Here we have compiled a list of national and international trade publications and periodicals, many have their own daily, weekly or monthly e-newsletters. The UK titles are listed first... UK Attire Accessories www.attireaccessories.com Benchpeg www.benchpeg.com Gold Inspirations www.lovegold.com Harper's Bazaar www.harpersbazaar.co.uk Jewellery Focus www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk Jewellery Monthly www.jewellerymonthly.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com JFW - Jewels Fashion Watches Magazine www.jfwmagazine.com JQ Magazine jewelleryquarter.net LUXWorldwide www.luxworldwide.com Making Jewellery Magazines - The GMC Group www.thegmcgroup.com Professional Jeweller www.professionaljeweller.com Retail Jeweller www.retail-jeweller.com Silver Magazine www.silvermag.com Silver Society