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Bright Young Gems 2019

Call for Applications: Bright Young Gems 2019 Unveiling future stars in the contemporary jewellery arena. Bright Young Gems is a free launch pad scheme specifically for final year jewellery students and recent graduates. IJL's Bright Young Gems initiative has steadily grown into one of the most coveted platforms in the industry, spawning a string of high flying careers in particular Tomasz Donocik & Imogen Belfield. The Benevolent Society will be providing each BYG winner with a £200 travel and accommodation grant! Submissions for Bright Young Gems 2019 are now open. Final date for entry is 13 May 2019 To apply

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

IJL to showcase their Bright Young Gems

International Jewellery London has announced the four winning designers nominated as the Bright Young Gems for 2018 – Katharina Kraus, Zeemou Zeng, Daisy Grice and Yayun Fang – at a special celebratory preview in London, IJL Curated 2018. Now in its fourteenth year, this IJL project provides the winners, all  young talented designers chosen as ‘the stars of the future’, with the unique opportunity to showcase their work at this premier industry jewellery show, as well as benefit from dedicated mentoring from jewellery experts before the event to ensure that they maximise the experience. International Jewellery London has announced the

Media Stars Set to Select Bright Young Gems

An eminent panel of consumer media experts, together with the British luxury fine jewellery designer, Shaun Leane, are set to select IJL’s 2017 Bright Young Gems - the five young jewellers chosen to be the industry's next stars. Alice Edwards, Jewellery Editor for Sunday Times Style and The Times LUXX magazine, and Charlie Boyd, Executive Fashion and Jewellery Editor at both Harper's Bazaar and Town & Country, have been appointed to the panel of judges for the 2017 Bright Young Gems selection panel. They join Hilary Alexander OBE, Editor-at-Large Hello Fashion Monthly; Annabel Davidson, Editor of Vanity Fair on Jewellery,

IJL Announces Bright Young Gems 2016

IJL has announced the five Bright Young Gems selected to show at this year’s event. Now in its eleventh year, this initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the leading commercial opportunities for emerging designers, providing these talented young designers with an outstanding commercial platform and excellent exposure. These emerging stars of the contemporary jewellery world are selected from final year students at colleges and universities across the UK by a prestigious panel – comprising Hilary Alexander, OBE: Editor at Large Hello! Fashion Monthly Magazine, Vivienne Becker: jewellery historian and Contributing Editor to the Financial Times - How

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

Four Accomplished Bright Young Gems Assemble at IJL 2019

International Jewellery London 2019 is set to illuminate four new Bright Young Gems, shining a light on exciting and emerging talent in the jewellery industry. All four of the winners this year hail from the prestigious Central Saint Martins.  Selected by industry judges Nyasha Pitt; Charlie Miller; Katerina Perez; Danny Hall and Bobby White, the four winning designers will be exhibiting at IJL in just a couple of days, all having freshly attended a bespoke mentoring workshop last month, designed to help the winners maximise their IJL experience,  This year, 'Gem' is the operative word for at least two of

The John Lewis Partnership Supports Bright Young Gems® 2022 As New Retail Associate Partner

British high street retailer, The John Lewis Partnership, joins the expert line up supporting the Bright Young Gems® 2022 mentoring scheme for graduating jewellery designers.  Bright Young Gems®, now in its sixteenth year, is the highly successful jewellery industry’s mentoring platform designed to discover and nurture new talent whilst providing the winners with their first commercial showcase.  Elena Bergonzi, Jewellery Buyer for John Lewis, will join the winners’ selection judging panel and contribute to the winners’ mentoring sessions with the winning designers and existing associate, the National Association of Jewellers.  Elena Bergonzi says: “We are excited and honoured to be

Central Saint Martins’ graduate selected as a Bright Young Gem

Jeweller who hand carves gemstones, Isla Gilham, has been selected as one of IJL’s Bright Young Gems for 2019. Gilham graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2018 and has since set up her own workshop in Somerset where she has continued to create precious gem set pieces with playful twists. Jewellery has been described as “delicious, tempting and good enough to eat”. The work plays on this narrative. Isla hand carves ‘bites’ from an array of juicy and enticing gemstones and creates gold plated silverwork that also appears to have been tasted, scattered with crumbs and twisted in the haste

Shine bright like a diamond this April

Those born in the month of April are fortunate enough to have one of the most prized and regal gems as their birthstone. For all those April babies, diamonds really are a girl's (and boy's) best friend. From the Greek word " ad ámas " meaning "unbreakable", diamonds have been the desired gem for centuries; arguably as early as 4 BC due to its unique characteristics and qualities. Historically diamonds first became popular in India where the Imperial Colony and moguls mined diamonds from deposits along three major rivers. Diamond is made of pure carbon and it is the way that

Spring/Summer 2017 Trends: Revealed at IJL

IJL 2016 delivered an in-depth preview of the latest and most important jewellery trends for Spring Summer 2017. Visitors enjoyed the catwalk shows, which showcased the key looks selected by IJL’S trend partner, Adorn Insight. Adorn Insight's Spring Summer 2017 jewellery trends were showcased on the IJL Catwalk alongside more than 500 exhibitors who also presented their take on the key looks for 2017. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, commented: “The designers and brands at IJL really do have their fingers on the trend pulse – from the Bright Young Gems and Kick Starters and Design Gallery to the Designer

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 21 - 25 February 2024 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

The Young Masters Art Prize 2019

Call for Applications: The Young Masters Art Prize 2019 The Young Masters Art Prize is a not-for-profit initiative of The Cynthia Corbett Gallery. Applications are being accepted now until 31 May 2019. Apply Now! This renowned, innovative and high-profile Prize recognises how contemporary artists embrace the art of the past. More recently, the Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramics Prize was developed to celebrate excellence in contemporary ceramics. Young Masters also tours continuously throughout the year, offering a wider audience the opportunity to engage with the debates between contemporary art and art history. Application Deadline 31st May 2019 at midnight BST.

Call for Applications: PREZIOSA Young 2018

Call for Applications: Preziosa Young Design Competition 2019 Entries are now open for the international contest and exhibition for young jewellery makers, the 2019 edition of PREZIOSA Young. International contest/exhibition for young jewellery makers. 5 to 8 participants will be selected by the international panel and exhibited in specially designed exhibition spaces at PREZIOSA, Florence Jewellery Week in May-June 2019. 2 prizes are also available: The LAO special prize – 1 to 3 month artist in residence in Florence, and The Inhorgenta prize - a free space to exhibit at Inhorgenta 2020.  About the Competition The competition is organized by

VOICE GEMS: 1000 Year Archive

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/0ZbUYE4afog] VOICE GEMS 8th - 26th September 2022 on Oxford Street, London Pioneering artists and technologists Harry Yeff (Reeps100) and Trung Bao have opened a solo show across the interior and exterior of London’s W1 Curates presented by W1 Immersive on Oxford Street, where they will debut VOICE GEMS: 1000 YEAR ARCHIVE, a collection of the Earth’s most unique, remarkable and vulnerable voices that have been preserved as individual gemstones. The new 400 square metre immersive gallery will present wall-to-wall digital gemstone artworks from a selection of the VOICE GEM archive, as well as a public digital

Shine Bright this November

November has well and truly tumbled onto the scene, bringing with her some nippy winds, torrential rain flurries and a bleak scene outside our windows. As the weather outside cools down, it's that time of year when our winter diaries heat up with a whole host of festive soirees and glitzy parties.  There's no better time of year to open up the box of all things glitzy, bejewelled and oh so sparkly! With designers taking inspiration from all things glamourous and kitsch, party season is about to turn up the heat with the beautiful plethora of beguiling and eye-grabbing pieces

Shine Bright with a Technicolour Touch

Perhaps the most prominant trend to consistently swing back into the fashion sweepstakes, nothing makes a statement or ties an outfit together better than a splash of technicolour. From a summers night out filled with wine and dancefloor moves to commanding the team brief at work in the city, there is a piece of colour pop charm out there to fit any personality or lifestyle. If you're looking to keep a pulse on the latest movement in the jewellery department, we have you covered! From sultry power shades to eye-catching rainbow displays, there's a technicolour timepiece  guarenteed to inject some

Yellow Bright Lights

After what can only be described as one down-right glorious May bank holiday weekend, It's safe to say that Britain has been swept away by a wave of happiness. Summertime happiness feels just that little bit more special and sentimental when basking in the warmth of the sun. It seems only fitting that with this sudden burst of blazing heat and pimms by the bucketload that we tailor our jewellery game to the occasion. When you think of summer, happiness and positivity, what colour instantly comes to mind...? Why Juicy lemon yellows and citrus bursts of canary brights of course!

Shine On Bright Beauty

Winter is dipping her wet and nippy toes into the weather pool of October leaving us reaching for those chunky rib jumpers reminiscent of poncho tents and playing safe with the cheerful colour of black as a staple colour palette. The emerging countdown to all things mistletoe mischief and tinsel-town fun gives us the perfect excuse to pop a drop of sparkle and sass into our solemn moods and matching wardrobe. Time to set your hungry eyes upon some majestical prey of adornments like the ruthless sparkle magpies the Jewellery world! Statement sparkle doesn't have to resort to gaudy coloured

Preziosa Young Design Competition 2020

Call for Applications: Preziosa Young Design Competition 2020 Since 2008, “PREZIOSA YOUNG”, is an international competition dedicated to worldwide emerging artists, goldsmiths, designers. The aim is to contribute to the circulation of what is new in research jewellery, as well as showcase what the new generations of goldsmiths / designers / artists are “brewing”. For each edition, an international jury composed by curators, artists and critics selects a small number of young artists from all those who have submitted their candidature. The names of the jurors who took part in the previous selections can be seen here. Selected artists will

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

Philip's Guide to Gems

Bright self-conained studio for rent in the heart of Shoreditch

Bright self-conained studio for rent in the heart of Shoreditch  near Arnold Circus. From mid-May 2021. App 300sqft with an additional 100sqft private outdoor space and parking. £1050 plus bills for entire studio  We are a little flexible so please get in touch to discuss Tomasz Donocik 07916332036 or  tomasz@tomaszdonocik.com Tina Lilienthal 07960975805 or  info@tinalilienthal.com

Open Contemporary Young Artist Award, The Biscuit Factory

Open Contemporary Young Artist Award, The Biscuit Factory The Biscuit Factory is delighted to present a national open call for young artists working across various mediums. The Open Contemporary Young Artist Award is an opportunity for artists 35 years old or younger working in the UK today to submit work to be included in an exhibition at The Biscuit Factory Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne. Open to established and emerging artists that are 35 years old or younger, The Open Contemporary Young Artist Award will profile the successful entrants and raise awareness of mixed contemporary art practices. The Biscuit Factory

Haruni Fine Gems 2018 Jewellery Design Competition

Haruni Fine Gems 2018 Jewellery Design Competition To celebrate the recent name changeover from The Gem Bank to Haruni Fine Gems, along with the rebranding of all the offices, they have launched a jewellery design competition. The rules of the competition are simple:  you can choose any ruby, sapphire, emerald or diamond, from the HaruniFineGems.com website and design a ring, then design either a pair of earrings or a pendant to match. Only the feature stone for the ring must come from the site, stones for the earrings or pendant do not. Three prizes totalling £2000 will be distributed between

Hidden Gems: Stories from the Saleroom

Young Designer winners announced at Jacobs the Jewellers

Jacobs the Jewellers and the  Bishopsland  Educational Trust, together with sponsors the Goldsmiths’ Company and HS Walsh, announced the winners of the third edition of the annual Young Designer Competition.    The awards ceremony, held at the Reading-based Jacobs the Jewellers store, saw    the  Jacobs team joined by the Deputy Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis; Judith Cobham Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company; Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh;  Penelope  Makower , Principal  and  Oliver  Makower , Vice-principal of  Bishopsland ; and loy al Jacobs customers .  Georgina Burgess, Jessica  Jue , Rachel  Hewison  and Rebecca Black 

Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition Returns

Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, will launch the third edition of its annual Young Designer Competition this summer. Staged at the renowned jewellery store from 6 - 30 June 2017, the exhibition will feature work by 10 emerging designers from the    Bishopsland  Educational Trust , the prestigious South Oxfordshire silver and jewellery design postgraduate skills provider. While competitors will exhibit one new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery, the public will be able to vote for their favourite designs.    Adam Jacobs , of Jacobs the  Jewellers , said, “ After two years,

James Handyside Wins Young Apprentice of the Year Award

HRH  The  Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, presented the latest  Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund Young Apprentice of the Year Award ,   which  recognises  excellence in vocational skills and career progression, to former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, James  Handyside. Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Judith  Cobham -Lowe, congratulated James at the presentation, part of the Prince Philip Medal Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace. In 2013 James undertook a three year apprenticeship with leading  Hatton Garden engravers  R.H. Wilkins,   specialising  in hand engraving.   Trained by Master Engraver, Emmet Smith, James learned

On Jewellery and Gems: Contemporary Jewelry and Object Design

British Academy of Jewellery to Celebrate Young Talented Designers

The annual graduation ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of the students from the British Academy of Jewellery, will be held at The Royal Institution on Friday, 1 st  December. Situated in an idyllic Mayfair location The Royal Institution is steeped in history, boasting a variety of stunning ceremony and reception rooms. The event is anticipated to be a great celebration of fresh talent emerging into the industry of jewellery design and manufacturing. This year’s graduation will include an exciting VIP guest panel, answering the questions of the Academy’s students and inspiring them in their futures as they leave the Academy. This

2021 LVMH Prize For Young Fashion Designers: 8th edition

Call for Applications: 2021 LVMH Prize For Young Fashion Designers: 8th edition  Entries must be submitted exclusively on the Prize website: www.lvmhprize.com . Applications will close on Sunday 28th February 2021. It should be noted that, as a result of the health crisis that has imposed certain restrictions, the semi-final will this year, as an exception, take the form of a digital forum, to be held from Tuesday 6th April until Sunday 11th April 2021. This forum will enable each of our international Experts to discover and select on line the competing designers. Driven by a “passion for creativity”, LVMH

'Pussy pendant' makes waves for young designer Lukas Grewenig

Tip for all young designers. If you want massive mainstream media attention, design a piece that resembles a part of the women's anatomy and get a high profile jeweller to promote it on Facebook and Twitter. Lukas Grewenig, a London based designer who studied at the Royal College of Art came up with his pendant design as part of the Gilded Youth Project run for talented youths by high end jeweller Theo Fennel and Central St Martins. It is made of silver and gold with a purple gem set in the middle, and is designed to portray the way a

Longer Days & Neon Gems: MAYA Gemstones extends Collections to include new Electric Neon Pieces

Last year, MAYA Gemstones released its 'Out of Office' collection . The triangle cut gems, unique to the brand, adorned cutesy stationery inspired jewellery. For summer 2020, MAYA Gemstones is expanding both this collection, and its Sonya collection to include new Electric Neon pieces.  Splashes of neon embellish stackable and mismatched paperclip earrings, quirky ruler bracelets and rings and round enamel and quartz rings with a central triangular diamond.  MAYA Gemstones' new Electric Neon Additions The bent wire 'paperclip' form of the earrings allow them to interlink with one another creating a unique drop earring in a neon rainbow, or

If These Jewels Could Talk: The Legends Behind Celebrity Gems by Beth Bernstein

Gemstone Buying Guide: How to Evaluate, Identify, Select and Care for Colored Gems

Navneet Gems & Minerals unveils a unique selection of 1ct + Unheated Color-change Sapphires from Tanzania at GJX Tuscon Gem Show 2024

Thailand-based gemstone manufacturer Navneet Gems and Minerals launches a collection of responsibly sourced Unheated Color-change Sapphires from Tanzania ranging between 0.50 ct to over 2 cts+ sizes in commercial to fine investment grade qualities. The collection comprises 50-100 pieces from the Songea region in Tanzania, catering to all preferences—from single stones, fancy shapes to investment-grade sapphires. Navneet will also unveil a selection of calibrated color-change sapphires ranging from 5mm to 5.5mm, featuring diverse shapes and cuts, notably round brilliant cuts that are well-suited for bracelets and necklaces. Each gemstone is hand selected and cut in their facility in Thailand. Agarwal

Zeemou Zeng’s ‘Melody’ Collection: A Treat for the Eyes and Ears

Zeemou Zeng, an IJL ‘Bright Young Gem’ winner, follows up his debut ‘Venus’ collection with one that incorporates celebrates the beauty- and musicality- of pearls. The recent graduate designs contemporary fine jewellery and accessories, drawing from his extensive knowledge of craftsmanship and experience with different materials (such as precious metals, glass, gemstones and porcelain.) Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou originally studied interior and architecture design in China, before graduating from the London University of Arts- the collection is a perfect amalgamation of design functionality and beauty- and is testament to the breadth of his studies. Each

Jeweler's Studio Handbook: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques for Working With Metal Wire Jems and Mixed Media Materials: Traditional and ... for Working with Metal, Wire, Gems, and Mixed

Schmuckmuseum’s 2019 wall calendar goes on sale

The photographer ISA Planck has taken a selection of historical gems from the collection of the Jewellery Museum Pforzheim and placed them on today's people, in everyday attire. A selection of these images is now available as a wall calendar for 2019. With their recordings, Planck explores the effect of the individual gems on people of modern multicultural society - completely free of the conventions that were associated with the wearing of historical jewellery. It is striking how sovereign and of course the gems come into their own. Their strong aura enchanted both the people with whom they were allowed

Softbox Lighting Kit

Softbox Lighting Kit 3x Softboxes with bulbs and stands. Used. These softboxes have been great for lighting jewellery and silversmithing as they don’t cast harsh shadows or create overly bright reflections on the metal. For collection only.  Location - Brasted, Kent Cost £40.00 Contact Penny Davis pdavis163@gmail.com 07941 398092

Corporate Meets Colour in MAYA Gemstones' 'Out of Office' Collection

MAYA Gemstones new collection puts the fun into paperwork. A homage to stationary, the collection reimagines dull desk-fodder into bright, wearable jewellery. Breaking through an abundance of autumnal rust and russet, bright neon dances and reflects shiny yellow and white gold.  Decorated with sapphires, rubies and diamonds, earrings are bent into geometric shapes, evoking the modest paperclip, or straight bars encrusted with the neon pink lead of a pencil. Bracelets etched with increments of measure glint neon on the inside and out.  Sharp use of neon juxtaposes the mundanity of the everyday objects it decorates. The youthfulness of colour evokes

Go Bold, Go Big, Go Beautiful

What better way to kick off a brand new year than with a big, bright and colourful bang?​ This season, it's all about piling it up, layering it on and going for the real 'wow' factor when it comes to your accessories game. With collections rich in bold origami necklaces, statement candy coloured gemstone rings, designers have crafted their pieces to be worn in a mix , non-matching fashion. Wave goodbye to the dainty days of last year and hello to bold, brash and bright oversized jewellery. From clusters of rich colour to quirky designs interlaced with different textures and materials,

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017 The best young international jewelry designers, selected by Marzee Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen From November 3, 2017 to January 7, 2018, the Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen shows an overview of Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017.  Gallery Marzee is one of the most important international promoters of the contemporary jewelery . This international graduation exhibition offers a beautiful overview of work by young artists who have just graduated from the jewelery department of art academies and colleges from all parts of the world. The young artists come from

Foundation Programme In Jewellery, Silversmithing and the Allied Trades

Call For Applications: Foundation Programme In Jewellery, Silversmithing and The Allied Trades The Foundation Programme at the Goldsmiths’ Centre teaches young people traditional hand-skills and contemporary processes to start a career as a goldsmith. The Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell is now accepting applications for its Foundation Programme 2017/18, which begins on 11 September 2017. Open to young people aged 16 to 19, the course is a great way to receive the expert training required to begin a rewarding career in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades. Each year the full-time Foundation Programme equips 10 young people with the core skills

Unique Apprenticeships at Cockpit Arts

Unique Apprenticeships at Cockpit Arts  The only Apprenticeships of this kind being offered in the craft sector Cockpit Arts has launched a new and unique Apprenticeship Programme for the craft industry and is seeking young people to take up new positions as studio assistants.   The programme is the only one of its kind in the craft sector that gives young people transferrable skills to obtain work in any small and medium-sized creative enterprise. Piloted over the past few years, it is widely considered to be a pioneering initiative that helps craftspeople take on their first employees and offers an attractive employment route for young people choosing not to go to university. The new Apprenticeships

Residency: Glass Artist, Creative Collisions

We are looking for a highly skilled glass artist to become the sixth of six crafts people in residence at Time and Tide Museum as part of our Crafting History programme. Crafting History is a Heritage Lottery Fund, Young Roots programme. What is Crafting History? Young People from Creative Collisions Youth Arts network are working work with Norfolk Museums and Norfolk Arts & Library Services and to set up and manage six, twelve week, craft residencies at Time & Tide Museum. Young People have identified key craft skills that have contributed significantly to the heritage of Great Yarmouth and which

Get Stoned in Brighton

Get Stoned in Brighton 23 rd  May 2024 Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ Join us on the 23 May in Brighton for the first edition of Get Stoned Gem Fair! The Get Stoned Gem Fair brings together 12 amazing gem suppliers and services all under one roof to dazzle you with their latest gems, talks by the fantastic founders and finish the day with drinks and networking! Exhibitors are: Gemmology Rocks Nineteen48 Sanni Falkenberg Emerald Studio Natural Spinels Charlie Bexfield Misfit Diamonds Gemstones Brazil Fair Trade Gemstones Capricorn Gems Nature’s Geometry Inc. Marcus McCallum The Gem Fair is

Reigning Royal Ruby for July

Arguably the most famous od red-coloured gems and often referred to as the king of precious stones, Ruby is the birthstone of those lucky enough to be born in July.   This precious stone is one of four 'precious' gemstones accredited to its rarity, carat value, hardness and vitality; the others being diamond, sapphire and emerald. Ruby is derived from the Latin word 'Rubeus' meaning 'red' and throughout history, these fiery coloured gems have been treasured for their vitality and rich colour. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum family, coloured by the presence of chromium. The presence of

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 1 April 2019 Glasgow The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought.  “The word

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 2 April 2019 Edinburgh The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought.  “The word

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 28 - 29 March 2019 London The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought. 

The Opulent World of Margot McKinney

Margot McKinney ,  a designer of high–end, luxury jewellery exudes elegance and sophistication whose craftmanship boasts unique cuts with extravagant designs for the chic, fashionable, and cosmopolitan woman. Margot’s love of travel provides a constant source of inspiration for her designs and her appreciation for fine gems guides her unique approach to her “one of a kind” creations. Margot’s work is admired for the imaginative way in which a myriad of precious gems are combined as if they inexorably found each other. The innovative designs of her pieces have led to a wide celebrity following, including Dita Von Teese, Andie

The Silver Society Prize For Silversmithing 2020

The Silver Society Prize For Silversmithing 2020 to be awarded to a young silversmith aged under 35 Prize: £500 The Silver Society is proud to announce, for the fifth consecutive year, the launch of its annual Prize to be awarded to a Young Silversmith. Unlike in previous years, this year’s competition will be conducted virtually and submissions should be made by email to editor@thesilversociety.org and may comprise a video or portfolio of either a specially made, or a pre-existing piece, in silver. The submission should include images of the piece, a description of its manufacture and the hallmarks and may

Jewellery Bench To Rent In Hatton Garden

Available from May 2022 £60.00 (plus vat) per week Inclusive of bills   Gas and oxygen torch at your bench Access to some equipment. Friendly, 2 floor, spacious, bright workshop, with beautiful natural daylight. Very convenient location in middle of Hatton Garden with everything you need on your doorstep! All enquiries welcome. Contact Amanda for more details and to arrange a viewing on 0203 490 2872 or  amanda@amanda-mansell.com

News Edit: 20 August 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   British Museum: Theft Thought To Be An Inside Job Artlyst: The British Museum has sacked a staff member after gold, jewellery, and semi-precious gems disappeared from one of the museum’s storage lock-ups. Several items were either “missing, stolen or damaged”. artlyst.com 'Embarrassed' British Museum forced to ramp up security after 'inside job' jewellery thief Express: It may be one of the world's most respected museums, but experts are saying its bosses must be red-faced. www.express.co.uk British Museum staff member dismissed Daily Mail: as gold, jewellery and semi-precious gems

New Jewellery Techniques: Curved Scoring and Folding for Metalwork and Silversmithing

New Jewellery Techniques: Curved Scoring and Folding for Metalwork and Silversmithing by Anastasia Young & Paul Wells A detailed and abundantly-illustrated reference that focuses on the innovative curved score folding for sheet metal techniques to create beautiful, dynamic three-dimensional forms, much like metal origami, in jewellery and metalsmithing.  Anastasia Young and Paul Wells, both renowned London-based jewellers, authors and lecturers, have created a practical visual handbook on curved scoring and folding techniques applied to jewellery and metalsmithing for small objects. The book's clear, hands-on approach, with explanatory photographs for each step, makes it an invaluable resource for established jewellers wishing to

News Edit: 15 May 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Princess Beatrice’s secret jewellery hack revealed Hello Magazine: Princess Beatrice has a stunning collection of jewels at her disposal – and she’s even got a clever hack that has gone unnoticed www . hellomagazine . com Meet the Designer: Olivia Young of Ouroboros Jewellery - Something About Rocks Something About Rocks: Olivia Young, the British jeweller behind Ouroboros Jewellery describes her journey to making jewellery and her sensual new collections somethingaboutrocks . com The Maison Chopard at the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition Gulf Times: Chopard's delicate Haute

The Red Dot Award Product Design 2019

Call for Applciations: The Red Dot Award - Product Design 2019 Calling all up-and-coming designers: The Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019 is giving away 50 free registration places for the Young Professionals Application Day. On 5 December 2018, all designers who have graduated within the past five years are cordially invited to apply for one of these places. They can enter their product in the competition, which will feature designers and brands from all over the globe. Young professionals who win an award can look forward to further support from Red Dot, with measures that include showcasing their products

News Edit: 28 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Alessandro Michele Has Brought His Magic Touch To Gucci's High Jewellery Vogue: The first high jewellery collection dreamed up by Alessandro Michele has a poetic power that is born of his passion for the past. www.vogue.co.uk Messika: The Beyoncé-Backed Diamond Jeweller Disrupting the Industry Luxury London: In less than two decades, Messika has become a byword for refined yet avant-garde diamond jewellery with joie de vivre and a resolutely modern aesthetic. luxurylondon.co.uk Missoma is the jewellery choice of the young royals Tatler: It's the jewellery brand adored by the young

Ambitious designer Ruth Mary releases four collections for SS19

Young designer Ruth Mary has been making waves in the jewellery industry of late. Just this year, she was chosen as one of six international jewellery London Kickstarter winners, featured in the Guardian as one of its ‘Top 100 Businesses’ and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s ‘’Young Jewellery Designer of the Year’’.  Ruth’s passion was ignited at an antique fair, where her mother (a keen lace maker herself), pointed out   a curious object with a crochet hook called a tatting shuttle and suggested Ruth buy it. Ruth perfected her lace making, and then taught herself to silversmith in order to realise

ILJ KickStart winners announced

The lives and careers of six talented young jewellery designers are poised for lift off after they were selected as beneficiaries of the 2018 IJL KickStart initiative. Chosen for their 'strongly individual stories' the six will get premium exhibition spots at International Jewellery London 2018 in addition to a raft of marketing and business tips from ILJ and their sponsors The National Association of Jewellers to fast track their young careers. The benefits of winning this accolade will ensure they get a head start in what has become a challenging and tricky commercial environment. These benfits include a mentoring package,

Make Your Mark offer One-on-One Surgeries

This year the  Make Your Mark  event will offer visitors the opportunity to book places on one-on-one Surgeries with industry experts and young designers. The surgery sessions, which will take place throughout the two days, will be provided by specialist jewellery and watch communications agency FACETS PR and will offer visitors the chance to speak to industry experts on a one-to-one basis on subjects including PR, social media for business and how to communicate with press to secure coverage. There will also be a team of young designers available at the surgeries, who can give the attending students a realistic

Gem Illustration

Gem Illustration Saturday 27 May, 11am -4pm In this jewellery workshop you will be introduced to essential tools and techniques required to paint and hand render gems. All drawing equipment will be provided. No previous experience needed. Taught by Bibi Cheung, a goldsmith, designer and sculptor, with over 25 years experience.  More details and to book your attendance online here: theforgespace.com/products/learn-to-gem-painting £95

Traditional to Contemporary Wax Carving and Wax Modelling at K2 Academy

Traditional to Contemporary Wax Carving and Wax Modelling 5 Week Course - Thursdays 26 April 2018 - 24 May 2018 About the Course The course is designed to explore working with different traditional carving and modelling waxes, that are used for jewellery making. If you are starting out on wax carving, you will get a set of projects, such as carve a simple ring and a pendant or brooch. If you are a returning learner, you will be guided to work on your individual projects and pieces. You will also be shown how to integrate gems into your designs and

Midcentury Modern® at Dulwich College

Midcentury Modern® at Dulwich College  London SE21 7LD Sunday 12th March 2023 10am-4pm Mosey around 65 dealers on the ground floor of a stunning light and bright 60s architect designed glass, brick and concrete building with dealers spilling into the arches beyond  not to mention 25 of some of Britain's best contemporary designers upstairs in this stunning interiors fair that celebrates the design greats. Enjoy an eclectic mix of collectables with all you need to spruce up your home this spring including modern and  midcentury furniture, ceramics, glassware, industrial, metal smalls, vintage posters, art, Danish silver jewellery, lighting, fabrics, rugs

Bench spaces available in West Sussex

Bench spaces available in West Sussex Bench spaces available for rent in new, well equipped, safe and secure jewellery workshop, Sussex Loop Studio, in Patching, West Sussex. Up to 3 spaces available sharing with jeweller and Studio Manager George Sworder. Shared equipment for use include a large Durston rolling mill, polishing machine, rotary tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, various forming tools. Spacious and bright with lots of natural light. Within the South Downs National Park. Free parking.  Access all hours.  Access to a kitchen. From £180pcm which includes electricity. Contact George:  georgiesworder@gmail.com   07375 930 137

Bench to Rent for Experienced Mounter

Bench to Rent to Experienced Mounter Ely Place, Nr Hatton Garden, EC1N Our workshop is situated in a very bright, spacious and modern new office on private road - Ely Place. You will have the use of rolling mills, gas and oxygen, a laser machine, 2 different kinds of ring stretchers and also usage of a polishing room /machine if required. We also have an engraving machine on site that can be used for a very small additional cost. All tools would have to be provided. WiFi, air conditioning and fridge/microwave all supplied. £385 inclusive per calender month. Please contact Emelie or

Workbench Available to Rent

Workbench Available To Rent - Oval Station We have a workbench available to rent in a beautiful bright spacious workshop.  Sharing the space with up to 3 fellow jewellers, you will have access to a workshop fully equipped with tools and machinery. Situated opposite Oval Station we are in a prime location with easy access to Hatton Garden. We are looking for ideally a long term rental but are open to short term. Available from now. Laser Machine Steam cleaner and ultrasonic Kitchenette Access to rhodium plating at an additional cost GRS graver Microscope Drill Stone setting tools Micromotor Pin

Last call! Deadline 26 March: Exhibit with FORGE in April for “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”

Last call! Deadline 26 March: Exhibit with FORGE in April for “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”.  Each month, FORGE pop-up showcases embrace a unique theme. This April, join us for “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” a celebration of vibrant sparkling jewellery. Remember when… you shone like the sun? We’re celebrating sparkle, shimmer, and shine in this showcase with jewellery collections that exude the rich allure of captivating gemstones, diamonds and bright surface textures and finishes. When you join our showcase you become a FORGE Friend and enjoy special rates on future showcases and discounts on events and workshops! Key Dates

Studio Share in South East London £130

Studio share in South East London  £130 Bright north facing studio with windows overlooking the Thames.  24hr access and on site parking. Shared with a painter who only uses the space occasionally (less than once a week).  There is free space that's ideal for a jeweller (I was sharing with a jeweller previously) or an artist that works with small scale compositions.  You will need to bring your own bench / set-up. Please text / WhatsApp +447375741201 for a video of the space, photos don't do it justice.  Total floor space 3.5x5m and very high sealing. One-month deposit in advance.

Into The Blue

With Spring flourishing just around the corner, it's no doubt that the jewellery world is gearing up for a facelift of fresh trends and ideas. The one thing we can be sure of is that fresh and beautiful colours of the sea.  Fine jewellery collections are awash with an abundance of blue this season from deep royal cobalt, rich teal jewels to bright and zesty turquoise tones. Adding a touch of fresh bijoux provides an easy and stylish way of updating your look - without needing a complete overhaul!   From dainty pendant necklaces, loud cocktail rings to daring bold

Top Jewellery Brands To Shop in 2020

When it comes to selecting your favourite pieces of jewellery, it's a bit like picking your favourite fragrance - personal.  Some will always opt for golden showstoppers, others will love nothing but silver whilst others may prefer the mix and match of bright colours and different textures. Whilst the majority of us will vary on our top jewellery picks, what remains the same for everyone is the need for our jewellery accessories to suit our personality. Whether you're more partial to a chic and classic style or prefer the glitz and glam of eye-popping drama, there's nothing like wearing a

The Hottest Earwear for Spring 2019

It's no secret that bags, scarfs and shoes take centre stage attention when it comes to runway accessories but this season we'll see powerful jewellery hogging the limelight. As the saying goes, the bigger the better and that's exactly what designers have kept in mind when it comes to this season's earwear.  Eye-catching droppers marked the finishing look to all ensembles to come down the catwalks, turning many a head with their bright intricate detailing and bold sculptural shapes. Big head-turning earrings are nothing new when it comes to jewellery collections but this year, there are several distinct takes on the statement

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

A Touch of Noir

When we think of diamonds we're used to picturing white sparkly stones, so what if we were to say that alongside those bright glistening stones is a dark step sister that is becoming equally popular? In recent years, the demand and popularity for nonconventional stones - particularly in engagement rings- has found black diamonds to be one of the most popular choices of fancy-coloured diamonds. Previously held in low regard, natural-colour black diamonds continued to be unpopular until designers started to implement them into their collections in the late 20th century; often contrasting them with colourless pave diamonds. Perhaps the

Enamoured By Enamel Jewellery

Jumpstarting the fashion foray of the A/W '17 style cupboard is the flirty chic element of enamel jewellery. An ancient fashion choice for worldwide style setters, this elegant blend of bright high-gloss hues is the eye-catching trend many designers are leveraging into their new-season collections. Fine enamel jewellery, crafted by blending powered glass to a metal base, has many versatile and vivacious qualities that add an effortless and elegant injection of movement, vibrant colour and sophisticated luminosity to any fashion look.  A perennial wardrobe game-player for A/W 2017, a pop of playful enamel charm can be mixed,  matched and stacked

Eileen Gatt Transforms Former Black Isle Post Office Into Ethical Jewellery Centre

The small village of Munlochy, on the Black Isle, is set to be at the forefront of Scotland’s drive to become a world leader in ethical jewellery making and silversmithing. Eileen Gatt has recently given up her Edinburgh studio in order to transform the former post office, a few miles from Inverness, into a centre for ethical making and design. It’ll be a lengthy task, but thanks to a £4,000 bursary from the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh, plus £11,000 from Creative Scotland and £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), it’s a project she thinks has a bright future.

Ravish In Resin

Whilst the weather outside is less than Spring fresh and bright, the jewellery world is tapping into trends that will bring our lives some much needed sunshine and colour. Resin jewellery is breaking out into the spotlight and taking centre stage across many springtime collections.  Embodying an organic feel with irregular solid shapes and intricate abstract edges, resin jewellery is increasingly being used by designers to tell a tell a story of a millennial lifestyle. Beautifully preserved organics are embedded within clear and coloured resin cabochons with botanical natural elements in free form design and shapes. A beautifully eye-catching trend

News Edit: 22 April 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... MVRDV takes you inside a bejewelled bulgari bracelet with immersive installation at milan design week DesignBoom: MVRDV collaborates with bulgari to create an installation based on three defining elements of design. www.designboom.com Doing the bright thing in our terraced family home The Guardian: Light, airy and full of colour, French jeweller Raphaele Canot’s London house is a treasure trove of precious memories www.theguardian.com The inside story of Antiques Roadshow’s £1 million find Radio Times: A small regimental emblem causes a storm on this week’s Antiques Roadshow, one of the most valuable

Sparkle: Contemporary Craft and Gourmet Food Fair

The Sparkle Fair Held every November, your sparkling festive season starts here! See and buy a dazzling range of contemporary work from more than 70 designer makers including jewellery, glass, ceramics, stylish accessories and so much more, plus a mouth-watering selection of gourmet food. Hundreds of bright and bold gift ideas. Dates Friday 17–Sunday 19 November 2017 Open Friday: 6–8.30pm Saturday: 10am–5pm Sunday: 10am–5pm Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road Teddington TW11 9NN www.landmarkartscentre.org

It's All In The Charm

Bright, bold statement pieces have been on top of the trends radar all summer long so it's about time that something new and understated joined the race to become the ' it'  trend of the new season fashion world. Instead of big oversized hoops looping back round as a cliche style for autumn, a dainty obsession for sentimental chains and charms are taking centre stage for all those fashionistas. From vintage treasure chests of charm jewellery passed down through generations to new designer trinkets, the delicately layered jewellery of autumn is steeped in charming nostalgia and folklore symbolism. From graceful

Designer Sophie Breitmeyer launches new website

Jewellery designer and maker Sophie Breitmeyer has launched her new website, with the tag line ‘the modern-day family jeweller’. With her ancestry steeped in jewellery heritage, the re-positioning of her brand hails back to days gone by when families had one go-to trusted family jeweller. The website is clean, bright and owns a photomontage appeal reflecting her own modernity in jewellery design and style, and acts as both an ecommerce site as well as offering a comprehensive portfolio of work to commission and work up bespoke designs from. Breitmeyer’s great-grandfather was one of the founding members of De Beers, and

Summer-ise Your Seasonal Style

Prep your jet-set summer staples with only one concern in mind this year: Make it unashamedly bright. Welcome to the season of fun all you sun-seekers! As the warm weather begins to creep into our daylight hours and beer garden fairy lights start to glisten, the season of fun and luxury calls for everything bold, bodacious and brave. Nothing screams summer relaxation louder than a full-on tropical explosion of colour, textures, tones and motifs. From sunflower yellow, hibiscus fuchsia pink to chalky pillar red and zingy forest green, the time to throw out your timid shyness is now! Unleash your

Jewels of The Ocean: The Trend Making A Wave This Spring

An oceanic explosion of creative artistry has plunged onto the 2018 spring jewellery edit. Prepare yourselves for an expansive sea-bed of eye-catching, beautifully bright, mis-matched pieces, inspired by the vibrant life found underwater. Throwing it back to the 90s surfer vibes, long gone are the days of cornrows and white shell chokers ready to reveal the sophisticated and playful pieces jumping for air this spring. The fashion runways revealed models adorned in mismatched shell earrings, revamped conch-shell rings and gemstone encrusted charm bracelets in tropical palettes of dazzling colour. From door-knocking droppers and decked-out chokers to dainty delicates, embrace this

Playful Elegance

Anne Manns has a special fondness for creating jewels to decorate the ears. Her earrings, inspired by nature and especially by vegetables such as peas and aubergines, are characterised by a very clean, bright and warm design, able to climb up the skin with a unique lightness and portability writes Ilaria Ruggiero. An elegant touch characterises her creations, that are developed for one of the most sensual and feminine parts of the body.  Not only elegance and brightness, but also irony, playfulness and freshness. Using vegetables as a source of inspiration allows her to always maintain a language which is mobile, down-to-earth earth and everyday.

Precious Peridot: The Birthstone of August

With a zesty lime-green glow and gorgeous olive undertones, Peridot is the striking birthstone for all those celebrating their birthdays in adventurous August! The gorgeous green vibrancy of Peridot is what sets it apart from all the gemstones aside from the fact that it is only one of a handful of gemstones that occurs in only one colour. Whilst peridot is famous for its Pantone 'greenery' hues, the plethora of green tones can vary quite dramatically. From pale mint greens, woody olive tones to sparkling bright lime highlights, the signature colour of peridot resides entirely from its internal chemical composition

Laser Specialist Tom Rucker Wins Gold

Tom Rucker was awarded five Gold Awards at the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards 2017 this week, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, for his latest piece, the ‘GEO.NIOT' Brooch. The GEO.NIOT Brooch features a bright blue platinum that Tom invented and developed over many months and is a world first. The brooch is made using his cutting edge laser technique and decorated with pure white diamonds. Awards: Gold - The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2017 Gold - The Boodles Award 2017 Gold - 3D Design Technological Innovation Award 2017 Gold - The Brown & Newirth Jewellers’ Award Gold - The Senior Award 2017

Club Tropicana: 70s Colour Pop

With a British nation still in rocky, murky waters from Brexit, the fashion world have taken their new season sights into a lookbook awash with vivacious colour, flamboyancy and rebellious bursts of bijou. Whilst the political world battles amongst heavy tones of choking debates and pessimism, jump aboard the trend-led train of kitsch with a nod to the peace-loving 70s in all things theatrical, vibrant and positively uplifting! As Spring strikes time on her sleepy arrival to the skies, indulge in the succulent and sweet taste of the bright side of life by injecting a buzz of tropical spirit into

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

Get The Italian Look with Marco Bicego

Inspired by the statement looks to hit the Milan Catwalk for Spring Summer 2017, Italian Jewellery House Marco Bicego presented their stylish interpretations of the top trends, Statement earrings and Cuffs.     Models took to the catwalk in Milan for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana in spectacular ‘statement’ earrings. The longer the better. Brushing the shoulders these earrings were anything  but subtle in their bright colours and exotic motifs.  Marco Bicego’s large Lunaria Diamond drop earrings are made using the brand signature hand engraving technique ‘bulino’, which makes these earrings lightweight despite their super size. Worn with an elegant

Trend Tease: Keeping It Cool with Fan-studded Finery

Step outside the box of everyday monotamy for a night of shimmying and swaying in old-deco glitz and allure with something a little etherial, exotic and fanning from afar. The hand fan is a classic artefact that originates far back into prehistoric times, first being a device of practicality in keeping its' wearer cool and keeping fires bright and live with oxygen. As time progressed these very same fans transformed into decorative and ornamental pieces that many carried as an artistic symbolism of class. Embellished representations of these hand fans originate back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and later

The 2016 Benevolent Society Ball Sparkled

The evening of the 1st of December saw the 81st British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation Benevolent Society Ball take place at The St Johns Hotel Solihull, with Jewellery & Watch as Headline Sponsor. Incorporated within this longstanding annual Charity Event were the National Association of Jewellers Member Awards which are designed to flag up all that is most excellent about the UK’s extremely diverse jewellery industry: its bright new talent, its design skills and creativity and its capacity to truly serve its customers whether they are other businesses, on-line jewellery buyers or the consumer in the High Street. The

New Boutique launched to service ‘responsible and meaningful’ purchases

The launch this week of the new ‘Emerald Studio’ marks a new wave in consumer sensitivity going mainstream. Emerald Studio will cater for discerning clientele who seek not only beauty but also a responsible and meaningful purchase. The newly launched platform which will offer both In-person and online accessibility will showcase one-of-a-kind fine jewellery pieces in 18ct and 22ct gold, with ethically sourced diamonds and precious gems on the menu. Tourmalines, pearls and emeralds, as the signature stone will feature. The Emerald Studio aims to bring together an informed and styled curated selection of jewels that celebrate the best in

News Edit: 18 December 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Bentley goes for gold in 3D printing PES Media: Bentley Motors has introduced 3D printed solid gold in the exclusive Mulliner Batur – the first time such a ground-breaking process is believed to have been used in the automotive industry. www.pesmedia.com A Luminous Triumph: How Regional Jewellery Brand Sheen Is Ushering In A New Era Harpers Bazaar: With the Luma collection, Saudi-born, Dubai-based designer Nosheen Bakhsh celebrates emerging from the Covid-pandemic slumber with an ebullient fête of gems and 18-karat gold. www.harpersbazaararabia.com Legend of Diamonds: President And CEO

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,”

News Edit: 30 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   New Jewels for the Modern Maharajah Town and Country: Boucheron’s new high jewelry was inspired by their best male client. www.townandcountrymag.com Gems Aren’t Just for Your Fingers NY Times: From sparkly pins to glittering skullcaps, jewelry for your hair is regaining popularity. www.nytimes.com York based jewellery brand offers service to help keep engagement rings a secret York Press: A jewellery brand based in York has launched a secret service engagement ring concierge to help its customers keep their engagement plans from getting out. www.yorkpress.co.uk 4th generation jeweller invests

News Edit: 12 December 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   In London, the Goldsmiths’ Company Gets Ready to Mark 700 Years NY Times: The organization says improving diversity and creating a digital archive of its 12,000 pieces of jewelry and silver will help propel it into the future. www.nytimes.com Want a Diamond? Why Not Paint Your Own? NY Times: Interest in the luxury house tradition of drawing gems has led to classes in the technique, including one at a museum in Belgium. www.nytimes.co In fine jewelry and watches, sustainability shines through Mckinsey: Consumers shopping for high-end jewelry and

Diamond Mounter, Hirsh London - Mayfair, London

The role Diamond Mounter - Full Time Hirsh London Mayfair, London Hirsh London is a British luxury house that specialises in one-of-a-kind handmade fine jewellery, featuring rare diamonds and gemstones. Established in 1980, our quintessentially British brand is run today by couple Sophia and Jason-Paul Hirsh, the second generation who are leading the way forward with their passion for rare gems and British craftsmanship. A rare opportunity has arisen for a candidate to join our in-house Workshop Team with a strong focus on traditional handmaking techniques. Responsibilities Mounting for bespoke pieces and new stock Repair work and jobbing, including remodelling

News Edit: 13 November 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Beguiling black gems for a dose of gothic glamour Tatler: Jewellery Consultant Mary Sanderson reveals why these darkly alluring stones should be your go-to for party season. www.tatler.com Radford Street has a new hidden gem, The Courtyard Workshop A little bit of stone: Earlier this year, a new business sprung up in Stone; we caught up with the owner Nikki Hough to hear more about The Courtyard Workshop and what it offers. alittlebitofstone.com Collectors charmed by bejewelled bags FT: Fashion houses are betting on combining two of the

Singular Postdoctoral Research Opportunity

Singular Postdoctoral Research Opportunity, GIA Early-career scientists in geology, minerology geochemistry and related fields have a unique opportunity to advance their research and our understanding of the Earth with a fellowship at the world’s premier gemological research organization –  GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. The Institute’s Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity for specialized research through unparalleled access to nearly 90 years of in-depth research and the vast array of diamonds, colored gems and pearls that flow through GIA’s laboratories. Qualified candidates are urged to apply for the fellowships at GIA’s Carlsbad, California and New

November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine

Those born in November are lucky enough to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Often mistaken for one another throughout history, these two sunny stones are the perfect way to warm up as the winter weather chills set in strong! Whilst both November birthstones are known for their calming energies and believed to bring good fortune to its wearer, these two gems each have their own unique set of qualities and characteristics that make them the perfect affordably priced gemstone for many a jewellery collections. Topaz Throughout much of history, topaz was the term once given to

GIA open up free online courses to earn GIA diploma

As the global gem and jewelry industry navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is making access to its introductory courses easier than ever before. From May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, the GIA Essentials online courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry will be available at no cost for first-time enrollments. For additional details and to apply, visit GIA.edu/elearning-offer . This limited time opportunity teaches the fundamentals needed for a profession in gems and jewelry. By completing the three GIA Essentials eLearning courses, students may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) diploma. Eligible

Objet d’Emotion at PAD Monaco

Objet d’Emotion at PAD Monaco 26th - 28th April 2019 Grimaldi Forum 10, Avenue Princess Grace MC 98000 Monaco Showcasing a selection of fine jewels from six of the best contemporary creators including Alice Cicolini, Fabio Salini, Lydia Courteille, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Nadia Morgenthaler and Philippe Guilhem. Cicolini will exhibit a selection of her artfully handpainted meenakari enamel rings and sautoirs. Whilst Salini will present a design story united by his innovative use of carbon fibre, set with one of a kind stones to create lightweight statement jewels. Courteille’s imagining of the worlds creatures in precious gems brings a fantastical element

News Edit: 10 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   This Singapore Bespoke Jeweller Is Who You Want For Modern Day Heirlooms Harpers Bazaar: Calla Lily Fine Jewellers will weave your story in precious gems. harpersbazaar.com Lady Gaga Wears Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast At Tiffany’s Jewels At The Oscars Vogue: When Tiffany & Co was musing over which nominee to bejewel for the Oscars 2019, there was only one name the brand saw lit up in diamonds: Lady Gaga. vogue.co.uk Jewels That Glow In The Dark? Vogue: Cora Sheibani is turning heads with a new jewellery collection featuring gemstones that turn

News Edit: 26 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The dreamiest dresses of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week 2020 The Evening Standard: The invitation-only week-long extravaganza is one bursting with the frothiest tulle, the daintiest embroidery and the most meticulous detail, all presented to the eyes of the most revered fashion editors and the wealthiest clients. standard.co.uk They’ve Got Their Gems to Keep Them Warm NY Times: At the high jewelry presentations in chilly Paris, Chanel went for tweed, Dior went for pairs, and Boucheron celebrated the Question Mark. nytimes.com The diamond deal that rocked Angola The Guardian: For

Louisa Guinness Gallery shines a light on Cora Sheibani

This spring saw a successful collaboration between the Louisa Guinness Gallery and jewellery designer Cora Sheibani resulting in an inaugural solo show which previewed in London, New York and Geneva. The ‘Glow’ exhibition aimed at being a celebration of fluorescent gems: stones that have an incredible and unusual property of glowing in a different colour whilst exposed to ultra violet (UV) lighting. As part of the exhibition set up part of the gallery space was transformed into a site-specific installation, which presented viewers with a dark wonderland in which they could explore each unique piece of glowing jewellery alongside amazing

The most spectacular pieces from Paris Haute Couture week

The most important week in fine jewellery is Paris Haute Couture week, where - at the beginning of July - all of the biggest jewellery maisons showcase their latest collections. In this article, we’ll show you some of the most spectacular designs from Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Chaumet and Louis Vuitton writes Jodie Smith.   Cartier’s ‘Magnitude’ collection is full of briolettes, angular motifs, amd appendages emulating rays of light and explosions of colour.   In this line, the brand has chosen to play with the contrast between a host of different types of materials; gems, minerals and precious stones.  

The November Sisters: Citrine & Topaz

The penultimate month of the year and an exciting one at that, those born in November will not only have various parties and cocktail events to choose from but they'll also have two beautiful birthstones to choose between: topaz and citrine. With these two gorgeous gems giving you countless options of chic and classic styles to opulent and dramatic style, the challenge lies in picking which one to plump for! With Citrine known for its charming warmth of yellow and orange hues and Topaz occurring in a wide spectrum of  far beyond yellow, here's an overview of each birthstone to help guide

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

Call To The Wild - Gill Wing Jewellery

Call To The Wild Gill Wing Jewellery, London 4th July to 26th August Gill Wing jewellery has explored the globe to bring you a summer show of tropical treasures. Adorn yourself in our new selection of the most exciting jewellery from home grown and exotic designers. With a Zoological theme amidst lush foliage, expect experimental materials along with precious metals and rainbow gems for a wild jewellery adventure. Our carefully curated selection of new pieces from Emmeline Hastings, Jessica Pass, Samantha Queen, John Moore, Sian Evans, Tessa Metcalfe, Jessica Briggs, Nikki Coupee, Melanie Tomlinson, Raluca Buzura, Alena Willroth, Blanka Sperkova,

Cheaper and cleaner - the way forward for diamonds?

It takes between one and three billion years of intense heat and pressure to make a pure diamond....unless you believe the boffins at Cardiff University who reckon they can make a diamond in a few days. In a laboratory. And no one, they say, can tell the difference. For a while now, more and more companies have been growing their own diamonds, selling them at around 15-20% less than natural gems.  Making them in a laboratory leaves no carbon footprint and the end result is identical as far as the naked eye is concerned, or so they say, with only

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair A collaborative partnership between three of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool of Nineteen48, Kathy Chappell of Fair Trade Gemstones and Ian Bone of Capricorn Gems- Queensland, Australia has led to an inaugural one-day fair for the UK market. This unique fair will see gemstones available that offer full provenance and ethical sourcing. Jewellery designers will be able to view and purchase, with the complete assurance of responsible mining and production. Details on the location of each gemstone will be available to every customer. The gemstones available will include a wide range of

News Edit: 2 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why rock’n’roll jeweller Stephen Webster is a national treasure GQ: Just as Andy Warhol took soup tins and turned them into art, so Stephen Webster has done with his work, transforming the most mundane of articles into jewellery, and the ideal. www.gq-magazine.co.uk   Gems Are This Man’s Best Friend: Danilo Giannoni, Founder Of Arte Oro Prestige: The Valenza-trained jeweller brings Italian craftsmanship to Singapore with his new state-of-the-art atelier. prestigeonline.com   SKINCREDIBLE? Skin-growth jewellery is the bonkers new beauty trend that Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen are loving… and we

From burgers to bolognese - Goldie Rox launch new foodie inspired Mangiare range

First they gave us burgers and now luxury jewellery makers Goldie Rox have turned their attentions to spaghetti as inspiration for the launch of a new range called 'Mangiare' from the bench of Roxanne Rajcoomar-Hadden. A self-confessed foodie, Roxanne's designs are grounded in simple but evocative food sampled from a series of culinary experiences so her burger and french fry rings, launched as the Goldie Rox collection in 2014, established her as unique for combining her dual passions of food and gems.  Her burgers quickly became the coollest accessories on the street, along with the bespoke burger box they were

Collaborative partnership brings UK’s first ethically sourced gemstone fair to London

A collaborative partnership between three of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool of Nineteen48, Kathy Chappell of Fair Trade Gemstones and Ian Bone of Capricorn Gems- Queensland, Australia has led to an inaugural one-day fair for the UK market. This unique fair will see gemstones available that offer full provenance and ethical sourcing. "Having worked closely together for some time, this event is a natural extension of our collaboration. For jewellers who have an emphasis on responsible sourcing, we think this is the best opportunity to see and buy a wide range of traceable gemstones from around

Victoria and Albert’s spectacular collection of Royal jewels go on show

The Victoria Revealed exhibition at Kensington Palace will reopen this month, with a glittering suite of gems specially commissioned for Victoria by her beloved Albert set to join the display at her childhood home. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are famed - even among royal collectors - for their love of fine craftsmanship, together commissioning and purchasing some of the nineteenth century’s finest artworks, porcelains and objects d’art to fill their homes. Among the most personal of these treasures were the spectacular gifts the couple exchanged, from the moment of their engagement in 1839 and throughout their 21-year marriage.  Now,

International Pearl Design Competition Eighth Edition: 2017-2018

International Pearl Design Competition Eighth Edition: 2017-2018 Pearl is the artist’s muse; jewellery brings forth the fullest and highest expression. Officially launched during the JCK show, Las Vegas, the contest will run through September 21, 2017. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2017. Winning entries will be on display during the AGTA and JCK shows in 2018. Celebrating one of the worlds' most prized and mysterious gems, this contest invites artistic expression inclusive of all pearl varieties. Whether you are a seasoned artist, award winner, or beginner you are welcome and your design aesthetic is needed. All entries have

It's Written In The Stars

For a magical jewellery trend that's written in the stars and studded in mesmerising diamond sparkle then peak through your jewellery scope into a blanket night sky star studded with a cluster of iridescent astrological gems. Sending the jewellery forecast into faraway orbit, govern your astrological fate by wearing the power of the cosmos as we fly into the hemisphere of the festive season of mischief! This star-inspired jewellery trend has struck the winter catwalks in sparkling elegance from demure and classic daytime subtly to bold and sultry nightie dazzle; there's a comic constellation aligning in the fashion skyline to

Nineteen48 and Rubyfair Merge To Create A Better Customer Experience

Two of the UK’s leading suppliers of ethically sourced and traceable coloured gemstones, Nineteen48  and Rubyfair , have announced a merger of their businesses. The merger will give customers a more efficient service and a greater range of coloured gemstones from one unified sales channel.   Nineteen48 specialises in fully traceable coloured gemstones from Sri Lanka: sapphires, aquamarines, garnets, tourmalines, alexandrite, moonstones, topaz, amethyst, spinels plus a range of other gems; whereas Rubyfair offers tanzanite, rub, sapphire and spinel from its mine in Tanzania. “Having been working closely together for some time, we decided that we should officially join forces

Ear Cuff Galore: Crafted With Love. Curated With Taste. Worn With Character

The last couple of months the Ear Cuff has been dominating fashion; a different, more eclectic way to adorn one’s ear. On catwalks, on the streets and in magazines, the Ear Cuff is here to stay. Auverture have scoured the world to find such gems. They specialise in unique, designer fine jewellery. So it is no surprise that they have collected a broad collection of beautiful ear cuffs, designed by various and tremendously talented designers. Fernando Jorge's ‘Fluid Diamonds Ear Cuffs’ wind around the edge of the ear and are set with tiny diamonds. The ear cuffs themselves are crafted in 18ct yellow gold.

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

Amethyst In The Violet Spotlight

For those birthday babies of February, purple Amethyst marks the precious birthstone of highly esteemed legendary powers and symbolic mythology. February delivers an unpredictable month of gloomy rain showers, shivering temperatures amongst the short, dark days of monotony for many. The semi-precious violet birthstone of Amethyst therefore provides a soothing antidote of strength to fight the February fatigue and inject a little warmth through its calming properties of of peace, stability and courage. As one of the most widely used naturally hard gems, Amethyst is generally sourced in the form of six-sided crystals and contains the second most abundant minerals

Marco Bicego Present New Paradise Chalcedony Collection

Marco Bicego bring to market a new sophisticated interpretation of their Iconic Paradise collections inspired by the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean sea founded on inspiration from the Sardinian coastline. While swimming in the Mediterranean waters of the Sardinian coastline, Marco Bicego found inspiration for his Paradise collection in the crystalline reflections of sunlight on the clear sea. A joyous mix of delicate gold chain, hand engraved gold beads, and colorful gemstones combined together to create one of Marco Bicego’s most iconic collections.   For this season Marco has updated the Paradise collection by replacing the colourful gems with luxurious

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

This Year's NAJ Awards Shortlist

The NAJ awards acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional contribution of our members to the jewellery industry. Specialist manufacturer  River Mounts  is the headline sponsor of this year’s awards that cover the different sectors of membership acknowledging the inclusive heart of the association that represents the whole of the industry. New Awards for 2016 New for 2016 is Workshop Employee of the Year “In recognition of the importance of specialist skills in our industry and the vital role individual craftsman play” I look forward to the industry acknowledging these hidden gems and their achievements over the year. I personally am really

News Edit: 19 July 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Richemont quarterly sales halve as luxury sector absorbs body blow Cartier owner offers no financial guidance but says China offers bright spot www.ft.com Meet the clickbait craftmakers How to Spend It: Millennials are now more likely to buy handmade wares than any other generation, says the Crafts Council. Here’s why howtospendit.ft.com Chaumet’s New Perspective On 240 Years Of Jewellery History Vogue: Usually at this time of year, we’d be in Paris marvelling over haute couture and high jewellery in person, but Covid-19

News Edit 27 May 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Jeweller Tiffany shines bright as shares rocket 20 per cent on better than expected results City AM: Shares in jeweller Tiffany & Co rocketed today as it beat analysts' expectations to report a massive 15 per cent net increase to world wide sales in the first quarter. cityam.com Tiffany's regains its lustre as focus on youngsters drives sales surge The Guardian: Chief executive says ‘the trend has been positive in every single region’ as jeweller beats estimates and raises profit forecasts. theguardian.com Jewelry Designer Tomasz Donocik Launches In The US Tomorrow

New short film, Warrior with a Crown, collaborates with jewellery designer Ugo Cacciatori to explore the subconscious

An anonymous beach. A young man looks out at a baron sea, a blurred horizon line. A bleak dawn- a vulnerable time of day free of outward distraction, pregnant with opportunity to be seized, or wasted; a torturous, immobilising thought. The monotonality of the backdrop provides a blank canvas for the  the voyeur watches as he wrestles with his inner voice, as it transcribes the motivation, or lack of, behind his actions.  The film posits that fear and failure are manmade illusions and highlights our propensity to be captives in our own minds. The short film addresses how

European Prize for Applied Arts’ Catalogue

Literary Call for Participation For the European Prize for Applied Arts’ Catalogue - European Prize for Applied Arts This reward targets the best creations with contemporary expressions in the Applied Arts’ field at the European level. This contest, at a rate of the triennial, is subject to exhibitions organized by the WCC•BF since 2009 in the Grand Halle, on Anciens Abattoirs site, Mons, Belgium. Exhibition’s participants, the Art Master Prize awarded by the WCC•BF winner and the Young Talent Prize awarded by the WCC•BF winner, are chosen by a jury composed of international experts on the basis of criteria of

News Edit: 6 June 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Silversmith passing on cultural heritage China Daily: On the 15th day in the third month of the lunar calendar, women of the Miao ethnic group put on silver jewelry to participate in the Miao Sisters Festival in Southwest China's mountainous Guizhou province. epaper.chinadaily.com Centurion Jewelry Trade Show Marks 20 Years Of Presenting Finely Crafted Luxury Jewelry And Superb Gems Forbes: Founded by New York-based jewelry industry veteran Howard Hauben, the invitation-only Centurion Jewelry Show staged its 20th annual business-to-business trade show event from May 22 to May 25th

News Edit: 10th January 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Culture Of Time The Waldorf-Astoria's Iconic Clock, A Gift From Queen Victoria, Is Ready To Run Again Hodinkee: A year-long restoration lets this horological jewel in the crown shine like new. hodinkee.com ‘Who Doesn’t Love a Diamond?’ NY Times: The author of ‘The Lost Jewels’ talks about a trove of hidden gems, walking tours of London and Samuel Pepys. www.nytimes.com Diamanti Per Tutti extends travel retail footprint in partnership with DFS Moodies: Belgian jewellery and diamond specialist Diamanti Per Tutti (DPT) has opened its first travel retail-dedicated boutique,

News Edit: 13th December 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   ‘Who Doesn’t Love a Diamond?’ NY Times: The author of ‘The Lost Jewels’ talks about a trove of hidden gems, walking tours of London and Samuel Pepys. nytimes.com New Brand To Know: Jessie Thomas Forbes: Jewelry is a family affair for Jessie Thomas who has a shop and workshop she shares with her father David Thomas, a master goldsmith in London. forbes.com Louis Vuitton's New High Jewelry Collection Looks to the Heavens Town and Country: Space exploration has a deep-rooted place in jewelry history—and with "Stellar Times," Vuitton

News Edit: 17 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Old-cut diamonds and fantastical gems: TEFAF Maastricht's unmissable jewels The Telegraph: It may be a royal pain to get to, but TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, is worth the trip. www.telegraph.co.uk Steeple Bumpstead goldsmith with Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins industry 'Oscar' HaverHill Echo: A jeweller from Steeple Bumpstead has won a gold award in The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2019, the industry’s ‘Jewellery Oscars'. www.haverhillecho.co.uk Kate Middleton has a collection of earrings from just one designer worth £47k Express: Kate Middleton, 37,

This Year's Jewellery & Watch 2018

Jewellery & Watch, the UK’s largest dedicated jewellery trade event, returns to NEC Birmingham from Sunday 4th until Thursday 8th February 2018. Taking place at a key buying point in the year, Jewellery & Watch will showcase a dazzling offering of new collections and inspiration from more than 300 new and returning exhibitors, as well unveiling the latest trends and offering essential advice from industry insiders. What to Expect at Jewellery & Watch 2018 The Atelier, an all-new immersive future trend showcase set to dominate for 2018 Edited sectors include loose gems, diamonds, watches, bespoke jewellery, silver, semi-precious and wholesale fashion jewellery

News Edit: 21 October 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Inside Jessica McCormack's Mayfair jewellery workshop, where age-old techniques create sumptuous designs The Telegraph: When Duncan Moore was invited for a casual drink at diamond jeweller Jessica McCormack’s new Mayfair-townhouse store four years ago... www.telegraph.co.uk Dover Street Market & Farfetch Team Up On Digital Jewellery Hub Vogue: At surface level, Dover Street Market and Farfetch might not appear to have much in common. The former, a hallowed concept store famed for its unique edit of offbeat... www.vogue.co.uk High jewellery reveals its hidden gems, while 1960s Danish jeweller Griegst makes a

Gemfields Recognised With The Chopard GCC Award

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Creative Director of Swiss luxury jewellery and watch company Chopard, launched The Chopard Green Carpet Collection Award in Cannes last week. Mining organisations that have played a key role in  Chopard’s  Green Carpet Collections were present at the events. Livia and Colin Firth, together with Caroline  Scheufele , took this opportunity to honour  Chopard’s  strategic suppliers who all share the same social and environmental values, awarding them the  Chopard  GCC Award for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice.  The awardees were: Gemfields ,  Kagem  mine , Zambia Lucara ,  Karowe  mine , Botswana Aurora Gems Pty

News Edit: 7 October 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How I reinvigorated my family business as the first female CEO Harpers Bazaar: The jeweller Carolina Bucci reveals her glittering journey. www.harpersbazaar.com Incredibly rare 26-carat Fortuna diamond unveiled at an exclusive event The CEO Magazine: A woman unknowingly wore an exquisite 26-carat diamond ring for three decades after... www.theceomagazine.com In My Jewellery Box: Charlotte Møbjerg Ansel-Henry, co-founder of The Jewellery Room The Telegraph: Charlotte Møbjerg Ansel-Henry is co-founder, along with her sister Pernille, of The Jewellery Room.... www.telegraph.co.uk All the jewellery gems to look out for at this year's PAD

‘Exceptional’ Silver Goblet Inspired by Seas and Coastlines Joins Prestigious Collection

Incorporation of Goldsmiths award winner’s work shows off Scotland as a home for world-class silversmithing. A young Glasgow-based silversmith is this year’s winner of a unique award where the prize is the chance to create a spectacular handmade goblet – which becomes part of a highly prestigious collection. Caius Bearder (23), left Guernsey to study at Glasgow School of Art, falling in love with the city and the country, and has now been named The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s Outstanding Student of the Year. The title is highly prestigious – with the heads of Scotland’s four

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

PAN Amsterdam

PAN Amsterdam The largest national art fair 19 - 26 November 2023 in the Netherlands Mark Grol, the Managing Director PAN Amsterdam: "I am incredibly proud of the variety of exhibitors at this 36th edition; many new, young gallery owners are standing alongside trusted international art dealers. All 120 spaces have been filled with exhibitors from the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, the UK and Italy. They represent some of the finest of modern and contemporary art, design and photography, as well as a strong representation of old masters, 19th-century paintings, silver, Asian art and, for the first

Artist in Residence - Witley

Artist in Residence, King Edward's School Witley September 2022 to July 2023 We are looking for a practising Artist in Residence to complement our thriving Art Department. The successful applicant will receive studio space, a flat and full board (term time only) together with a contribution towards materials. In exchange, they would be required to work with and mentor young artists, assist with workshops, and help out when required. There is an opportunity for the artist’s own work to be shown at an end-of-year exhibition. An interest or specialism in photography/textiles would be welcomed as this is an area we

National competition for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Emblem

Call for Applications: Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Emblem A national competition to design the official emblem for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 launched this week. The competition – run by the V&A, in conjunction with Buckingham Palace – is open to young people between 13 and 25 from all over the United Kingdom.  Aspiring artists and designers will have the opportunity to submit an original design for an emblem to signify Her Majesty’s historic, seventy-year reign, and capture the spirit of the national festivities. Symbolising the very first Platinum Jubilee, the emblem will feature prominently

QEST and national Saturday club launch craft&making clubs for 13-16 year olds across the UK

QEST and The National Saturday Club  launch craft&making clubs for 13-16 year olds across the UK The National Saturday Club gives 13–16 year olds across the UK a unique opportunity to study subjects they love for free, on a Saturday at their local university, college or cultural institution.  This new National Saturday Club programme aims to introduce young people to the world of craft and making, creating valuable opportunities for them to develop their creativity and practical skills. Club members will work with varied materials, such as wood, ceramics, glass, metal, and textiles, and will gain an understanding of the

GSA Silversmithing and Jewellery students unveil lockdown collections

Final year Silversmithing & Jewellery graduating students at The Glasgow School of Art have unveiled collections conceived and made during lockdown in Graduate Showcase 2021. They are among over 500 graduating students from the acclaimed art school to be showing work on the specially-designed digital platform. For many of the young designers the time of isolation and their lockdown locations have created the starting point for the creative process, with re-engagement with nature emerging as a major theme Ellen Kynoch’s  Intangible Mass  explores themes of isolation, emotional decay, and the fragility of our minds during a long period of quarantine,

Casting Call - Bling

Casting Call: Bling - A New Jewellery Show Twofour , an award winning television production company based in the South West, are in production of a brand new presenter-led TV series Bling! and are looking for people who would like to take part and visit our one-stop jewellery shop; a place where you can not only buy and sell your items, but also get new pieces made and old treasures fixed. British high street jewellers come in all shapes and sizes, as do their customers, from the nervous young man looking for the perfect engagement ring to someone who has inherited

Bishopsland Educational Trust @ Goldsmiths' Fair

Bishopsland Educational Trust @ Goldsmiths' Fair Launching their 'Tools Library' initiative and spotlighting their heritage skills training programme as a feeder for Goldmsiths' Fair talent Week One: 26 September to 1 October |  Week Two: 3 October to 8 October 2023 Goldsmiths Fair, Goldsmiths' Hall Integrity in making, wholeheartedly "Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised and accredited charity dedicated to the training and education of young people in the craft of silversmithing in the United Kingdom. We have nurtured the careers of more than 200 silversmiths and jewellers over the last 30 years, the majority of whom have gone on

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

City of Glasgow College run eco jewellery competition

The City of Glasgow College recently ran a Jewellery Design competition for Secondary Schools in Scotland during Lockdown with the theme  #climatemergency  and received over 300 entries. The competition challenged young people to design a pendant that reflects the world’s climate emergency. Mirin Scott from Carluke High School has won the S1-S3 category for her design which highlighted bees becoming endangered. Grace Anderson from Blairgowrie High School took first place for S4-S6 with her pendant underlining the urgency of time. Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head for Craft and Design at City of Glasgow College, said: “We had over 300 entries for

Fusion Biennial of Contemporary Glass Jewellery

Call for Applications: Fusion Biennial of Contemporary Glass Jewellery With the aim of promoting the talents and values of contemporary European jewellery, a new edition of the Biennial of Contemporary Glass Jewellery is being launched, and expanding this time at European level.  The Biennial aims to offer a representative sample of this sub-sector of craft and bring together in a single exhibition, young talents and established artists who work around the versatile material of glass while simultaneously promoting synergies and collaborations between artisans from different fields. Jewellery creators who produce pieces made primarily from glass are invited to participate in the

News Edit: 30 October 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Federal Govt And MinDiver Train More Nigerians In Jewellery Production For Value Addition, Job Creation Leadership: Nigeria’s natural minerals have always attracted low prices due to the failure to process them into finished products. SILAS EZEUGWU reports that the federal government, through the MinDiver Project, is taking steps to reverse this trend by graduating the second batch of young Nigerians trained in the craft of jewellery making. leadership.ng “I’m still googling how to run a business”: How Nikki Kelly took her jewellery label to $2.5 million turnover Smart

News Edit:18 April 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   A Girl’s Best Friend: Meet the Ethical Jeweller Empowering Women Vanity Fair: Shiffon Co. Founder Shilpa Yarlagadda is a young entrepreneur making waves in the jewellery industry. www.vanityfair.com 14 Sustainable Jewelry Brands To Support On Earth Day Elle: Since its conception in 1970, Earth Day has become one of the largest secular observances in the world. It spreads awareness about the conditions of our planet and the ways in which we can create a more sustainable lifestyle. www.elle.com 6 Sustainable Jewellery Collections To Celebrate Earth Day 2021 Tatler:

Early Career Silver Group

Call for Applications: Silver Society's Early Career Silver Group The Silver Society have created an  ‘Early Career Silver Group’ (ECSG). The group sets out to nurture members at a relatively early stage of their ‘journey with silver’ including collectors, students, and early professionals in the silver world such as curators, dealers and silversmiths. The ECSG will host a series of activities, alongside the core events of the society, in a more informal ambiance and taking account of work/study commitments of young professionals and students, to ease their way into the silver world. All those under the age of 35 at

Foundation Programme

Call for Applications: Foundation Programme The Goldsmiths’ Centre's Foundation Programme is a fully-funded programme for 16 to 19 year olds in London and the South East, who are seeking a career in jewellery or silversmithing, introducing them to a range of creative and technical skills specialisms, which can result in a City & Guilds qualification. The Foundation Programme is a also key gateway into the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme. Applications for 2019/2020 close on Sunday 5 May 2019.  Now in its 6th year, the Foundation Programme is unique to the UK and offers young people in London and the South

BOODLES is the official jewellery partner of 'The Secret Garden'

Boodles has announced that it is the official jewellery partner of  The Secret Garden , a new film adaptation of the timeless best-selling novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which has recently been released on Sky Cinema. Published in 1911, the book tells the story of Mary Lennox, a British girl orphaned in India following an outbreak of cholera. Moving to Yorkshire and the care of her uncle, Archibald Craven — played in the new movie by Colin Firth — Mary discovers a magical garden. The film introduces a cast of wonderful young actors, with Dixie Egerickx as Mary; Amir Wilson

Be Transported to Icelandic Countryside with Aurum by Guðbjörg’s 20th Anniversary Collection

To celebrate two decades of Aurum by Guðbjörg’s, the brand have launched the new collection, Erika. Celebrating the spirit of the brand’s origins, the collection evokes the Icelandic countryside; a young girl fascinated by the delicate flowers, collecting them for her mother. Icelandic jeweller Aurum was founded in 1999 by Guðbjörg KristínIngvarsdóttir, goldsmith and designer and Karl Jóhann Jóhannsson MBA. They run both the label and the Aurum store and workshop in the heart of Reykjavík. 20 years later, designer and goldsmith Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, has drawn on her indelible memories of growing up for her inspiration in creating the very

News Edit: 28 April 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   This Sustainable Fine Jewellery Collection from Dover Street Market Is The Perfect Mix of Creativity And Innovation Vogue: There are few conversations within this industry that have become as profoundly important as that surrounding sustainability. vogue.co.uk In My Jewellery Box: Marla Aaron The Telegraph: New York-based jewellery designer Marla Aaron fell in love with jewellery as a young girl playing with her grandmother’s collection, but she never envisaged making a career out of it. telegraph.co.uk The jewellers turning their hand to home furnishings How To Spend It: Cutting-edge jewellers are

An ode to Sophie Harley's new characterful collections

The first time I saw a piece of Sophie Harley jewellery in person, I was captivated. The award-winning, British designer creates the kind of jewellery most of us dreamt of as young girls.  The kind of jewellery that once adorned our Barbie doll’s necks, formed stiffly from bulky plastic, heavily featuring swirls and love hearts, now cast into precious metals and set with sharply cut, radiant gemstones. Analise necklace and Venitian Wing & Amethyst Heart Drop earrings from the Brilliana Collection The Sophie Harley brand is striking; it remains true to itself whilst other brands may opt to lean towards

Make: Shift:Do, Crafts Council

Call for Partners: Make: Shift:Do, Crafts Council A celebration of craft innovation, Make:Shift:Do offers communities, families, children, and young people hands-on experiences of emerging craft technologies, new materials and digital making. Seeking three new partner organisations to deliver co-creation action research projects focussing on craft innovation in 2019/20. Crafts Council will offer successful partner organisations £2000 towards the delivery costs of their project, and provide support and feedback throughout the delivery of the project. Partner organisations will work with us to produce a case study describing the journey of their project, and sharing key successes and challenges. More details at

DiamArt and Desall Competition

Desall.com: DiamArt and Desall Competition Design Brief Summary New idea contest on Desall.com: DiamArt and Desall invite you to design a new product or a new collection for the luxury world, conceived to be embellished by the innovative micro diamonds material DiamArt. Company description DiamArt is the story of a travel started as a dream and turned into reality thanks to the interweaving of passion, craftsmanship and industrial technology. A young company with deep roots. An ever-evolving process that sees passion and determination entwined with each other. A world that stems from the ideas, courage and genius of Isidoro Ferrari

Made London 2019

Made London: Marylebone The Contemporary Design and Craft Fair Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 October 2019 One Marylebone, London, NW1 4AQ Made London: Marylebone is an annual, highest quality contemporary craft and design fair featuring a curated selection of over 100 contemporary designer-makers. Tutton and Young have invited applications from artists working throughout the UK and have handpicked top exhibitors to showcase and sell a diverse selection of jewellery, ceramics, textiles of all descriptions, striking fashion accessories, clothes, metalwork, mixed media art, beautifully worked wood and handcrafted furniture – a huge range of gorgeous things for the home and for

Make It

Call for Applications: Make It  Make It aims to support young makers based in London who are passionate about craft to build their own creative business. Applications are now open Make It  offers London-based makers aged 16-26 space and support to build their own craft-based business. Our two-year programme is designed to give you everything you need to start. Selected makers will get a free studio space at Cockpit Arts for 12 months, access to onsite workshops in business basics and one-to-one coaching. In the second year, we ask only for a small contribution of £20 a week. You’ll be

Christmas Jewellery Show 2019

Christmas Jewellery Show 2 November 2019 - 11 January 2020 Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds Established and emerging jewellers are celebrated in this exhibition of contemporary jewellery.  A selection of 5 jewellers in their first 5 years of business and 5 who have been making for 5+ years come together to highlight the craftsmanship behind jewellery making today. 5 Established Jewellers Bea Jareno Jewellery making is a life-long passion for Bea.  She learnt watch-making as a young child with her grandfather and vividly remembers her first experience of seeing a ring being made; she knew from that moment that

Alighieri's Rosh Mahtani Receives the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at London Fashion Week

On Tuesday 18th February 2020, at London Fashion Week, Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri was presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Mahtani is recognised for the craftmanship of her jewellery which is produced in Hatton Garden, for using responsibly sourced materials, promoting local manufacturing and supporting employment.  The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy and the movement of young designers that are both talented and making a

Traditional jewellery with a modern edge by Olivia and Pearl

There is no simpler statement of elegance than a pearl- its opaque allure has long been recognised by fashion muses and taste-makers, famously Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana. Now, the worlds oldest gem has captured the eye of young designer Olivia Smith, Founder of Olivia & Pearl London.  Destined for a new generation of pearl-lovers, the brand aims to be the epicentre of a Venn diagram that encompasses both affordability and luxe design, all whilst walking the fine line between traditional and contemporary. It’s no mean feat, but with the collection’s subtle curves, geometric lines and minimalistic design,

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

Gerald Genta Heritage Association creates Inaugural prize

At the occasion of Baselworld 2019, the Gerald Genta Heritage Association is pleased to announce the creation of the annual Gerald Genta Prize, with the aim of recognizing talented young designers and high potentials in the fine watchmaking industry.  The first awards ceremony will take place in Paris in December 2019, then successively in Geneva (2020), Monaco (2021), London (2022) and Basel (2023). In addition to the Special Gerald Genta Prize, different categories of awards will also distinguish several other promising talents across the sector (Innovation Award, Audacity Award, Special Asia-Pacific Award, Special Europe Award, Special Americas Award, Special Africa

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

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

Free Permanent Pop Up Space

Call for Applications: Free Permanent Pop Up Space Launching in February, 'The Crossing' will be a unique retail space within the West Brompton Crossing development. This space will be available to students and young London businesses wanting to do a pop-up for two-weeks for free. West Brompton Crossing are keen to speak with anyone interested in a residency at The Crossing. Venue 14 Lillie Rd, Earls Court, London, SW6 1TT To Apply For more details regarding the space please email your name, email, address, phone number & information about your businessto: communityshop@westbromptoncrossing.com    

Tresor 18

TRESOR Contemporary Craft TRESOR contemporary craft, Europe’s fair for high-end craft and contemporary applied arts, will open its doors 20–23 September 2018 in Basel. TRESOR contemporary craft brings together galleries specializing in applied arts worldwide, first-rate artists as well as promising young talent. They will showcase exciting trends and innovations in 21st century craft from a wide range of disciplines in which art, architecture and design intersect. The works will be either unique or produced in a small series and appeal to international collectors, specialists, architects, designers, interior designers, artists, students, tastemakers and a discerning broad audience. TRESOR contemporary craft

Jewellery glitterati to launch Leopards Awards for Excellence in Jewellery

The inaugural Leopards Awards for Excellence in Jewellery is set to get top billing at a Goldsmith's Hall Gala dinner next week, flagging up a new British campaign to raise the profile of British designers and encourage jewellery training among young people from underprivileged backgrounds. Organised by a group of leading lights in the UK jewellery profession, the Gala Awards will be the first official event to showcase the work and plans of the Leopards, who were fornmed in 2016. They include designers Solange Azagury-Partridge, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster plus Carol Woolton, jewellery editor of Vogue magazine

Orkney Jewellery Designer Re-Creates Rare Pictish Necklace

A young Orkney jewellery designer has re-created a rare, 1,400-year-old Pictish necklace, the original of which is kept within the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Zoe Davidson crafted her 1kg solid silver version of the famous Whitecleugh Chain, discovered in Lanarkshire in 1869, after a personal commission from Orkney archaeology tour guide, Caz Mamwell. The original chain, thought to date from between 400 and 800AD, is comprised of 44 silver rings, interlinked into 22 pairs. “The Whitecleugh Chain is full of mystery as nobody really knows who wore it, when they wore it, or how they even made it,”

Make Your Mark Awards 2017

Applications are now open for the second Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office’s Make Your Mark Awards, which invites students and young designers to design a piece of jewellery or silverware that celebrates the London hallmark, the iconic Leopard’s Head. There are two Award categories to enter – Jewellery and Silversmithing – and the competition is open to current students, apprentices and recently graduated designers (within the last five years) of precious metal-related jewellery and silversmithing courses.  The aim of the Awards To challenge today’s students working in precious metal both technically and artistically  To educate today’s students on UK hallmarking and

Call for Applications: The European Prize for Applied Arts 2018

Call for Applications: The European Prize for Applied Arts 2018 The European Prize for Applied Arts celebrates the work of artists in the field of applied arts and design-led crafts and living in a European country. The initiative recognises excellence in craftsmanship and includes an exhibition of selected work and two awards.   Prizes The “Master Prize” Prize of the Ministry of Culture of the Federation Wallonia- Brussels € 3,500 will be awarded to the author of a masterpiece in any craft based material. The “Young Talent Prize”, Prize of the World Crafts Council-Europe  € 3,000 will be awarded to a

Lexus Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: Lexus Design Award 2019 Lexus Design Award 2019 calls upon young creative talent around the world to “Design for a Better Tomorrow”. Since 2013, this international design competition has provided the chance of a lifetime for up-and-coming designers to win the prestigious award for innovative design excellence, propel their growth, and reach world-class exposure. Mentoring. Funding. Exhibit at Milan. As a finalist, you will be provided everything needed to take your design to the next level and present it at one of the world’s premier design events. • Receive mentorship from worldly renowned design professionals. Past years

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 ,

Alexander Wood's jewellery skills earn top ten in the world place

Young British jewellery maker Alexander Wood left Abu Dhabi with a champions medal after earning a coveted top 10 place at the 44th WorldSkills Competition recently. Alexander, a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme and currently earning his spurs with Ian Read Diamond Setters in Kent,  received a Medallion of Excellence for reaching the international standard in the Jewellery skills category.  His achievement was the result of three years worth of training,  honing his silversmithing, polishing, micro-setting and enamelling skills though he started his selection process for WorldSkills back in September 2015 when he became one of eight trainee

Laurence Coste opens new store in Sloane Street

Parisian jewellery designer Laurence Coste has recently expanded to Sloane street, following over 10 years of success at her premises on Walton Street. Shortly after opening there in 2006, she became known for her range of unique and colourful clip-on earrings, and the business has grown in strength and popularity ever since, leading to the decision to open this second store.  Born in Paris, Coste spent her childhood in France before moving to Chealsea in the late 80’s. Inspired by none other than Loulou de la Falaise, her passion for jewellery started at a young age when she started designing

Hayton Castle CIC - Cumbria

Artist in Residence Opportunity 3x Hayton Castle CIC - Cumbria Hayton Castle Fields CIC is looking for three artists-in-residence for an exciting recycling project in Cumbria. Hayton Castle Fields CIC works to benefit our local community by providing projects and events focusing on nature and creativity. Our ongoing work aims to bring people together to benefit our community, with a focus on young people in West Cumbria. We are currently working with West Cumbria Rivers Trust to remove decades of fly-tipped rubbish, including prams, bikes, TV’s, plastic buckets, you name it, from our woodland.  Rather than send the rubbish to

Foyle Foundation

Funding: Foyle Foundation Main Grants Scheme - Arts The Foundation seeks applications that make a strong artistic case for support in either the performing or visual arts. Our Arts programme has a twofold purpose to help sustain the arts and to support projects that help to deliver your artistic vision. We look for value for money, long term benefit and sustainability in projects that we support. Typical areas of support include: helping to make the arts more accessible by developing new audiences, supporting tours, festivals and arts educational projects encouraging new work and supporting young and emerging artists; building projects

Royal favourite Claudia Bradby launches new collection

Just ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Megan Markle, jewellery designer Claudia Bradby, who is a personal friend to Britain's hottest young royals has launched a brand new collection which includes a 'mother and baby' pendant designed in collaboration with the HRH Duchess of Cambridge. For Bradby, whose ITN News anchor husband Tom scooped the official royal engagement interview with William and Kate back in 2010, 'Personalise' marks a shift in focus since this is her first customisable collection, aimed principally at gift purchasers. It comprises a series of silver and pearl charms, made from sterling silver and coated in

Style Buzz: Bejewelled Bugs

Something has been buzzing around at the back of the fashion world for some while now, creeping slowly towards the limelight ready to make a style strike. Arrange a line of spiders, beetles, ladybirds and other multiple-legged bugs and just about anyone would squirm with discomfort and unease. Yet somehow, arrange the same little critters moulded and shaped in brass, silver, jewels and crystals and they suddenly become far more alluring and compelling. Gold glittered ladybirds and dragonflies may have adorned your headbands and pencil cases as a young girl but fast forward a few years and they're flying back

Princes Trust Development Awards

Funding: Princes Trust Development Awards Young people facing financial barriers to taking the next step into work, education or training can apply for grants of up to £500 through the Princes Trust Development Awards. The grants can cover some of the costs involved in accessing education, training or moving into employment. Eligibility The grants are available to UK residents aged between 14 and 17 who do not have/are not expecting to achieve 5 GCSEs grades A-C-(or equivalent), or those aged 17-25 who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, or in education fewer than 14 hours a

Foundation Programme, The Goldsmiths' Centre

Call for Applications: Foundation Programme at The Goldsmiths' Centre Are you aged 16 to 19? Do you love working with your hands? Get the best skills, tools, training and confidence to start your career as a goldsmith on our Foundation Programme. What is the Foundation Programme? Our full-time Foundation Programme provides you and other young people with the core skills to begin working in jewellery, silversmithing or the allied industries. As part of a small group of ten, you will spend a full year being taught by the UK’s leading craftspeople in modern and fully-equipped workshops at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

New LVMH partnership with Central Saint Martins

LVMH and Central Saint Martins have announced a  groundbreaking  new partnership to promote creativity and identify cutting-edge solutions to  drive  sustainability  and innovation in luxury.  Under the banner LVMH & Central Saint Martins “Sustainability & Innovation in Luxury | Fostering Creativity”, this new program is inspired by a shared desire to address  the  many  challenges facing the luxury industry.  After many years of academic and creative collaboration, LVMH is taking its relationship with Central Saint Martins to a new level in 2017, creating a new program with the renowned art and design school. The partnership will promote creativity, nurture young

Miracca London Launch New White Label Collection

Miracca London is to present its national launch of an all new, cohesive wholesale offering created by jewellery craftsman David Miracca and designed by fine jewellery designer Guy Robertson.  The dynamic young team have combined their expertise to produce a refreshingly new offering of commercial fine jewellery, engagement and bridal collections, and show-stopping one off pieces featuring rare and important stones as a white label collection. The collection will be showcased as part of IJL this week, 4 – 6 September at Olympia, Stand C29. davidmiracca.com Author:  Published: 

Call for Makers / Digital Makers to Deliver Craft Workshops, Crafts Council

Maker Brief - Make Your Future The Crafts Council is looking for traditional and digital craft makers to plan and deliver workshops on our flagship craft education programme Make Your Future.  The project is a major new nationwide initiative to ignite a passion for craft among 6000 young people in secondary schools and enable them to discover their craft and making talents. Introduction to Make Your Future In 2014, Crafts Council launched  Our Future is in the Making  - the evidence-based education manifesto supported by educators, artists and makers, crafts professionals, engineers, scientists and industrialists. This manifesto sets out the case

Winners of the Make Your Mark Awards Announced

The winners of the inaugural Make Your Mark Awards were announced at a glittering Reception at Goldsmiths’ Hall this week. The Reception and Awards Exhibition was buzzing with excitement as students, graduates and tutors mingled with well-known industry personalities and members of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Keynote Speaker, Richard Fox, opened the event, talking about the Goldsmiths’ Company and its history of supporting the industry and the challenges faced by newcomers. Commenting on the Awards, he said, “It always fascinates me to see such enthusiasm from our young designers and makers. There seems to be a thirst for knowledge.  It is

LFW Limelight: Ejing Zhang SS17 Collection

Born and raised in China, Ejing Zhang's exposure to fabrics and thread came at a very young age, as her Mother worked in the textile industry. Zhang's love of fabrics and fashion continued to grow with her and resulted in an education and passionate career in the creative industry. Ejing Zhang graduated from the Royal College of Art with a MA in Mixed Media Textiles. Through the combination of textiles and resin, Ejing Zhang Studio creates intricate jewellery by highlighting a cross section of the mixed media resin tile, revealing its abstract and detailed core. All the tiles are hand

Design a Pair of Silver Hoop Earrings

Jewellery Design Project:  Design a pair of silver hoop earrings for  Georgiana Scott’s THE HOOP STATION sister label We would like to give a young Jeweller the opportunity to pitch a design to us for our Christmas launch and the winning design would be put into our collection with immediate effect. About Us Our story is everyday luxury, effortlessly. 925 sterling silver collections which are made in Italy, freshwater pearl collections and a curated selection of 18 carat gold. Established in London in 1991, Georgiana Scott is one of the original boutique jewellery labels. We are known for accessible, ageless,

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

Call for Applications: Product Design 2017, Red Dot Award

50 free registration places for upcoming designers     Product Design 2017 Red Dot Award Designers and manufacturers can currently register their products for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017. “Young Professionals Application Day” provides an opportunity for upcoming designers to also take part in the competition. 50 Free Registration Places On 7 December 2016, trained designers who have graduated within the past five years have the chance to apply for one of a total of 50 free registration places. The international design competition thus gives an opportunity to those starting out on their career to prove their abilities and

Job Market Change: Apprenticeships are the new Educational Future

According to a new survey it was found that the UK is once again emerging as a hotbed for apprenticeships. Almost half (47%) of the respondents said they would accept an apprenticeship in their chosen field, given the opportunity.  In a job market where you can find opportunities on your Twitter feed and be formally interviewed via Skype, it’s little surprise that attitudes are changing as to how you gain employment. Working alongside universities, modern apprenticeships are making a mockery of the idea that academic progression and hands-on experience are mutually exclusive. Young people can learn on-the-job, whilst studying in

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'

New Designers 2017

New Designers 2017 The exhibition for emerging design New Designers presents an unmissable opportunity to buy new products for your store or home, get inspired by fresh ideas and discover new design talent to commission or recruit. Every year over 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses exhibit. The show features everything from illustration to animation, furniture to fashion, and gaming to glass and takes place at the spectacular Business Design Centre in London, the world's capital of design.  It provokes fresh thinking and kick-starts careers, providing a pipeline of young talent into the UK’s fastest growing

New Designers 2017 - Part II

New Designers 2017 The exhibition for emerging design New Designers presents an unmissable opportunity to buy new products for your store or home, get inspired by fresh ideas and discover new design talent to commission or recruit. Every year over 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses exhibit. The show features everything from illustration to animation, furniture to fashion, and gaming to glass and takes place at the spectacular Business Design Centre in London, the world's capital of design.  It provokes fresh thinking and kick-starts careers, providing a pipeline of young talent into the UK’s fastest growing

British Fashion Council Announce Scholarship Recipients

The British Fashion Council (BFC) Education Foundation is a registered charity that offers scholarships to talented young people to study BAs and MAs. The BFC has been supporting MA Scholarships since 1998 and the recipients are now seen as the next generation of talented designers. The Fashion Awards 2016 will have a core aim - to raise significant funds over the next ten years to continue this work and help the best talent attend leading fashion colleges. The Fashion Awards will be an annual fundraiser gala for the BFC Education Foundation. The four recipients of the 2016 BFC Education Foundation

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,

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

Call for Applications: Setting Out, The Goldsmtihs’ Centre - Clerkenwell

Are you a jewellery or silversmithing start-up within your first two years of business? Are you looking for guidance on how take the next steps in business? The intensive year-long Setting Out business incubation scheme at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell is designed to boost your knowledge with support from expert tutors, business consultants and specialist speakers. As a member of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s vibrant and diverse community, you and a small group of young goldsmithing businesses will have access to shared studio space, fully equipped workshops and tailored support to help you transition from a start-up into running a

Jewelley brand STÖÖKI has collaborated with FLAARE for socially focused project

FLAARE and STÖÖKI are proud to share the story of a unique partnership. This brand collab meets student work experience has been a hit over the past 12-weeks resulting in the t-shirt collection you see here! Kicking off with vision-boarding at Thames Side Studios, the young entrepreneurs (students at Haringey Learning Partnership) collaborated with Hackney born fashion brand STÖÖKI to co-design, brand, and print a collection of limited edition FLAARE x STÖÖKI t-shirts. They have modelled in two awesome photo shoots at Thames Side Studios and Alexandra Palace and been interviewed by STÖÖKI’s camera team for social media content, gaining

News Edit: 11 September 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   My Favourite Pieces: Jacqueline Gestetner’s top five pieces from a lifetime of collecting FT: The woman behind the Jacqueline’s Choice events picks items including a stylish Emmeline necklace and a Barbara Crowe bangle bought in the Sixties. ft.com Art of the experimental: young Chinese jewellery designers to watch FT: Emerging talents are producing innovative, dynamically coloured high jewellery pieces. ft.com 'A year ago I was unhappy in my job, but now I've made £200,000 from jewellery' The Daily Mirror: A mum-of-two has managed to take her handmade jewellery

News Edit: 9 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Ami Doshi, Kenyan Jeweller Who Designed British PM Theresa May's Necklace Kenyan: British Prime Minister Theresa May was in Kenya in August and while on a State House dinner event, she was... www.kenyans.co.ke The five young African designers you need to know Financial Times: From Cairo to Soweto, they’re changing the face of global fashion. www.ft.com My Favourite Pieces: Evan Michelson on human-hair jewellery Financial Times: The collector discusses her fascination for adornments made from dead people’s locks. www.ft.com Star-studded Hatton Garden film angers victims for 'glorifying' the £14m jewellery

News Edit 6 May 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Can the Man Who Made Coach Remake Tiffany? Business of Fashion: Designer Reed Krakoff’s first collection for the storied jewellery retailer is also its biggest launch in a decade. www.businessoffashion.com   A jewellery designer tells us how statement earrings can help our selfie game T2 Online:  This season, high-fashion earrings are making a strong comeback as young fashionistas can't stop flaunting them in selfies. t2online.com   In My Jewellery Box: Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos The Telegraph: Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos was raised in Bangladesh and studied English Literature and political science in Massachusetts.

News Edit 8 April 2018

A round up of this week's news... Bulgari to restore Rome's Largo Argentina site Wanted in Rome:  Rome's archaeological site at Largo di Torre Argentina is to be restored in a project sponsored by luxury jeweller Bulgari, according to Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. www.wantedinrome.com Thousands of Scots sign petition to stop young Russian jeweller being deported Daily Record:  Evgeniia Balashova's dream career is hanging by a thread after being declined a visa extension because of problems registering her address. www.dailyrecord.co.uk At jewellery fair, sellers find diminished desire to spend Gulf News:  Once common to see jewellery sets sell

Murphy-Johnson flashes her pearly whites in new 'Brace Yourself' collection

Talented young jewellery designer Lili Murphy-Johnson, 25, whose previous collections have been inspired by powerful messages surrounding menstruation and male genitals, has once again looked outside conventional influences for her latest range entitled 'Brace Yourself'. This Central Saint Martin’s graduate has delved deep into the human mouth to get her creative juices flowing and has come up with an intepretation of 'Pearly White Teeth' for a collection that is both outlandish and outstanding.  She has picked up a theme that first surfaced in 2013 when, as a student at CSM, she designed a 'Pearly Whites Bracelet' for the V&A museum

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.