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Edinburgh Assay Office’s CEO and Assay Master assumes international Chairman role

Scott Walter, who is the chief executive and master of the Edinburgh Assay Office will take up the role of chairman of the Convention on the Control & Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (CCMAPM) at the end of November. Mr Walter held previous roles within the Convention sitting on the Standing Technical committee and the Vision and Strategy Working group. Mr Walter has recently completed a five-year term as chairman of the International Association of Assay Offices, which culminated in its merger with the CCMAPM. The Edinburgh Assay Office has been testing and hallmarking precious metals since 1457 and is the trading arm of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths

Edinburgh Assay Office’s CEO and Assay Master assumes international Chairman role

Scott Walter, who is the chief executive and master of the Edinburgh Assay Office will take up the role of chairman of the Convention on the Control & Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (CCMAPM) at the end of November. Mr Walter held previous roles within the Convention sitting on the Standing Technical committee and the Vision and Strategy Working group. Mr Walter has recently completed a five-year term as chairman of the International Association of Assay Offices, which culminated in its merger with the CCMAPM. The Edinburgh Assay Office has been testing and hallmarking precious metals since 1457 and is the trading arm of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths

Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Retires

The Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in London, Dr Robert Organ, is to retire after 21 years of service. Robert began his career at the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2000 as Superintendent Assayer of the London Assay Office, before taking over as Deputy Warden (Managing Director-equivalent) in 2006. The Goldsmiths’ Company has been responsible for guaranteeing the purity of items made of precious metals since 1300, when the hallmarking statute was passed. Commenting on his retirement, Robert said, “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Deputy Warden. I have taken great pride in adding to

Assay Offices

By law all items sold as gold, silver, platinum or palladium in the UK must be hallmarked to confirm that they meet the legal standard of alloy proportionality for the precious metal they are being sold as. This can only be carried out by one of the four UK Assay Offices, or an Assay Office belonging to the International Convention. Here are where to find the four UK offices... Assay Office London Goldsmiths' Hall Gutter Lane London EC2V 8AQ www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk                 Birmingham Assay Office 1 Moreton Street Birmingham B1 3AX theassayoffice.co.uk    

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh launch first Ethical Making Resource

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh is set to host its second Ethical Making Symposium and Workshop event entitled It's In Our Hands - One Year On . At the event in Edinburgh next week the organisation will also launch the first ever Ethical Making Resource for jewellers and silversmiths. The Incorporation is a non-profit organisation set up by Royal Charter in 1687 which operates two charities, ‘Silver of the Stars’ and ‘The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust’ and administers and operates the Edinburgh Assay Office. Spearheading Ethical Knowledge Last year it held a ground breaking two day event

The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office Celebrate Ten Years in Hatton Garden

This week the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office celebrates the tenth anniversary of its Greville Street Sub-Office in the heart of Hatton Garden. Like all good birthday parties, the celebrations kicked off with cupcakes and balloons.  Andy Waker, Manager of the Sub-Office crossed to the other side of the counter and chatted with his customers. Alex Palmer, Counter Logistics, reminisced about the past decade calling the opening of the office “the best decision the London Assay Office has ever made”.  Noting how time flies when you’re having fun, Andy recognised that the sub-office has gone from strength to strength and has become

Birmingham Assay Office launch optional rainbow mark

The Birmingham Assay Office has announced the launch of its special Rainbow Logo mark which has been created to be applied as an optional mark alongside the hallmark and date letter for 2020. The Rainbow Logo will be available for a limited period from the 1st July until December 2020. The mark depicts the iconic Rainbow symbol that has become synonymous during the current pandemic. The mark will be applied with the date letter “V” in combination with a statutory hallmark and can be lasered on gold, silver, platinum or palladium.  It can also be applied as a standalone logo

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Celebrate Ten Years at Heathrow

This month the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office celebrates the tenth anniversary of its Heathrow Sub-Office within the secure premises of Brink’s Global Services, at Heathrow Airport.  Like all good birthday parties, the celebrations kicked off with a cake!  Between bites Kevin Bowles, Heathrow Sub-Office Manager, said, “Setting up the facility in partnership with Brink’s secure logistics services has proven to give unrivalled efficiency and security for a decade. I’m really proud of that, and my team here.” In the secure premises the team of 11 cover the entire assay and hallmarking process.  Opened in January 2008, the office was set up as

Assay Office to host Make Your Mark once again

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

Assay Office London Launch Make Your Mark 2017

Make Your Mark, the UK’s leading networking and career development event for new precious metal designers and makers, returns to Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London from 31 October – 1 November 2017. Now in its fourth year, the event comes complete with a treasure trove of opportunities to help emerging designers, apprentices and students of jewellery and the allied trades develop successful careers in the field. The free two-day event is open to apprentices; students on a UK-based precious-metal-related full or part-time course whether at degree level, a short adult education or privately tutored course; tutors; masters; and

Appointment: Doug Henry, New CEO & Assay Master

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

Hallmarking Figures - June 2020

The latest hallmarking figures have been released by Birmingham Assay Office. Birmingham Assay Office have released the June 2020 hallmarking figures for all four UK offices Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh, for June 2020 vs June 2019.  The figures, which are widely regarded as a litmus test for the health of the industry, unsuprisingly show the impact of coronavirus. Figures courtesy of Birmingham Assay Office Author:  Published: 

Showstoppers Talk: Shining silver commissions from the Sheffield Assay Office collection; the work of Junko Mori

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Latest UK Hallmarking Figures: May 2022

The figures for all four assay offices - Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh - for May 2022 vs May 2021 have been released. Birmingham Assay Office compiled the May 2022 UK Hallmarking figures.  Author:  Published: 

January 2024 Hallmarking Figures

Birmingham Assay Office has compiled t he latest UK Hallmarking figures for all four offices, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh for January 2024 vs January 2023 .. Hallmarking figures from Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh:  January 2024     Compiled by Birmingham Assay Office Author:  Published: 

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art

Edinburgh College of Art  ( ECA ) is an art, design, creative and performing arts school in Edinburgh, the oldest and largest in Scotland, providing higher education in art and design, architecture, history of art and music disciplines for over two thousand  University of Edinburgh  students.  Undergraduate: Jewellery & Silversmithing – BA (Hons) www.eca.ed.ac.uk BA Jewellery & Silversmithing www.ed.ac.uk Postgraduate: Jewellery – MA www.ed.ac.uk

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.

Scotgold Resources Ltd To Auction First Scottish Gold Rounds

On November 29 2016, Scotgold Resources Ltd will release 10 limited edition 1oz fine Scottish Gold Rounds. The Gold Rounds are made of the first pure Scottish gold mined from the Cononish Gold Mine in Tyndrum, Scotland and refined to 999.9 purity.  Scottish Gold Rounds can be bought in a sealed-bids auction with the deadline of 4pm 28th November 2016. Each Gold Round is stamped with a unique serial number corresponding to the Chain of Custody system and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Edinburgh Assay Office. The Gold Rounds have been minted by Baird & Co Bullion

Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery at Dovecot Studios Edinburgh

Dovecot Studios Edinburgh host Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery  22 August - 12 September 2020 Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh is hosting two new exhibitions this August featuring the very best of contemporary jewellery and Scottish textiles, alongside world-famous tapestries and the mid-century designs of Mary Quant, Terence Conran, Laura Ashley, and Eduardo Paolozzi. From Friday 7 August, Dovecot Studios will fully reopen the world-famous tapestry studio to visitors for the first time since lockdown. Visitors have the opportunity to see Dovecot weavers at work on both rugs and tapestries in the award-winning building. Opening Saturday 22 August, Dazzle will present

Striking Futures

The NAJ and Sheffield Assay Office Join Forces for Striking Futures Event The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office are pleased to announce Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. Taking place on Thursday, 3rd November, Striking Futures promises to be a must-attend afternoon,   whether embarking on a career in the sector or looking to boost your business. Register NAJ’s Principal Officer, Ben Massey, states, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value,

Ask the Professionals, The Sorting Office

Have you ever wondered just how to get your work sold in a shop? Or maybe how you get into a Trade Fair?  What about exhibitions and craft fairs? When the competition is strong how do you stand out from the crowd, and what makes a successful application? In this event you will hear from 3 industry professionals on how to make successful applications to retail and online outlets, trade fairs, exhibitions and craft fairs. Jon Tutton - MADE Brighton MADE Brighton is an annual Design and Craft Fair held at The Corn Exchange in Brighton. The event, organised by

Elements - A Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold in Edinburgh

Elements: A Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold Elements: A Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold is an annual celebration of the UK’s most significant designer jewellers and silversmiths. Elements will take place from 19 – 21 October 2018 and will bring the finest UK-based designer-makers together for a selling fair, an exhibition, and a series of events. Elements will be held in the stunning Lyon & Turnbull auction rooms in the heart of Edinburgh. This event is presented by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull. Alongside the stunning jewellery and silver selling fair, Elements plays host to

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

Designer Tips for Ethical Practices to Start off a Sustainable Business Our friends from Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths have been up to great adventures in the field of ethical jewellery and sustainability. The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, the charitable arm of the Incorporation, shared with us details of their latest initiative of setting up an online ethical jewellery resource for informing jewellery designers who want to work towards an ethical practice. It’s in Our Hands – Symposium on the Future of Ethical Jewellery Making in Scotland In partnership with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, the Incorporation held their first

Q&A: Robert Organ

Robert Organ is the Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Assay Office in London. Robert, of Welsh heritage, hails from Gwent. He gained a degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.  He joined the Assay Office London as Superintendent Assayer in 2000, and has been responsible, over the seventeen years of his tenure, for the introduction of new technologies such as laser marking and XRF machines within the modern day assaying process, as well as the introduction of sub-assay offices. He also played an active part in the successful lobbying for the exclusion of

A third of “gold” jewellery sold online in the UK is suspected as fake, warns the British Hallmarking Council

Cuts to Trading Standards budgets and inadequate legal powers are hurting consumers and retail jewellers.  British Hallmarking Council and Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office call on the Government and internet giants to protect UK consumers by enforcing online trade A third of “gold” jewellery being sold online is suspected to be unhallmarked and therefore may be fake, raising concerns that UK consumers are being duped by internet traders, according to data released today from the British Hallmarking Council (the UK’s hallmarking body) and the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. A 10-day internet sweep by WRi Group in partnership with INCOPRO, on behalf

Angela Gillies Sees Winning Design Hallmarked In London

Currently  studying Jewellery and Metal Design at the University of Dundee  Angela Gillies, winner of  the 2017 Ingle & Rhode Fairtrade Gold Design Award has had her winning piece hallmarked by the London Assay Office. Angela’s winning piece entitled ‘Nestled’ has been cast and was taken to the London Assay Office to be hallmarked and stamped with the Fairtrade mark last week. Made in Fairtrade 18ct white gold and set with a 0.5ct round brilliant cut Canadian diamond, Angela’s ring is designed to allow a wedding ring to tuck in underneath the feather, so that the two rings will sit

Make Your Mark Competition

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

Big Names Get Set for Make Your Mark

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has announced the line-up for the first ever  Make Your Mark  Q&A Panel of Experts. “We are introducing the Panel this year in response to the huge popularity of talks at previous Make Your Mark events,”  explains Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. “The success of  Make Your Mark  in 2014 and 2015 proved that there is huge demand for advice and inspiration among students wanting to set out on careers in precious metals and so this year, alongside the very popular talks by Theo Fennell and Michael Wainwright -

Richard Fox takes office in a challenging year as 'Trade' Prime Warden

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to announce that Richard Fox, Managing Director of Fox Silver, has taken office as Prime Warden, in succession to Dr Timothy Schroder. With a background in silversmithing, design and business leadership, Richard has successfully created beautiful silverware for the likes of Formula One and Rolls Royce for almost four decades. His primary focus will be championing the trade of silversmiths, jewellers and allied industries during his year in office. Richard’s distiguished career as a silversmith started as an extra-curriclar activity at school, but soon became “an all-consuming passion”. After gaining a Master’s degree in design

Q&A: Patrick Fuller

Patrick Fuller has been at the helm of the jewellery industry for some 30 years. A charismatic individual who has held every senior influential position in the British jewellery industry going. He is currently a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office, a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company and President of the National Association of Jewellers as well as a Freeman of the City of London. A former President of the National Association of Goldsmiths; President of Emagold Europe; Director of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; President of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; Member of the British Hallmarking Council

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

Make Your Mark 2019

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

Appointment: Anchorcert Appoints Steve Hamon as New Sales Director

AnchorCert Group, including Assay Office Birmingham, is pleased to confirm that it has appointed new Sales Director, Steve Hamon. Steve has more than 17 years’ experience as a senior sales and business development professional, including more than 4 years’ leading the UK and Eire Product Division for global testing laboratory Intertek and more than 5 years’ managing the BSI (British Standards Institution) Engineering, Testing and Kitemark divisions. Steve was officially appointed in December 2017 and has been working closely with the senior management and executive team to understand the complexities of the jewellery industry, as well as familiarise himself with

New Technologies make for a growth industry and an emerging one

The advent of electronic mining - the process of extracting gold, silver, copper from discarded electronic objects to make jewellery - is now a growing industry. The 26 year old London based jewellery designer Eliza Walter, Founder of Lylie, is the only jeweller in the UK sourcing all the materials for her designs from ‘urban mining’. Eliza Walter has been awarded a hallmark by the Birmingham Assay Office for her efforts.  Other new technologies in mainstream use include 3D printing in jewellery schools and jewellery manufacturing companies like Weston Beamor (3D printing for jewellery has seen a 450% growth year

Make Your Mark Judge Adam Phillips Keen To View Entries

A legal requirement to sell precious metal, the hallmark needn’t simply be regarded as a required stamp to be hidden from the wearer. Adam Phillips, account manager at The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, London, and judge of this year’s Make Your Mark Awards, encourages makers to get creative with their hallmarking to make a real impact.   How creative can makers be with the positioning of a hallmark? "While the hallmark is regarded as the oldest form of consumer protection, it can also be used creatively as a marketing tool. Not only does it provide provenance, but it can also

Make Your Mark Awards 2019 Winners Announced

Now in its third year, the Make Your Mark award ceremony, organised by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, was held on Tuesday as part of the wider Make Your Mark event. The event, and the competition, were designed to celebrate and promote the British Hallmark.  As the event is largely geared towards newcomers to the trade, the competition has two entrance categories, one for industry members who completed their training within the last 5 years, and one to accommodate those who are a little earlier in their careers, for students and apprentices.    Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the

The Little Black Book of Jewellery Terms

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

The Benchpeg Awards 2016: Winners Announced

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

Goldsmiths’ Company to Stage UK’s Biggest Precious Metal Student Event

On 1 and 2 November, London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall will host the UK’s biggest careers event for apprentices and students of jewellery and allied trades. Following the huge success of the events in 2014 and 2015 the event will now be extended over two days and will deliver even more inspiration, advice and networking opportunities. Make Your Mark is a completely free tutor–student event open to apprentices, and anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time) whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported

RJC Hosts Its First Ever Open Day In Birmingham

Last week, the RJC held its very first Open Day  in  Birmingham.   The newly built Birmingham Assay Office located in the Jewellery Quarter, played host to the event where attendees gathered to hear more about the commercial relevance and necessity of RJC membership and certification in today’s jewellery industry. Attendees heard from a panel of industry experts that consisted of David Lewis, Managing Director of Maker Mends (RJC member since 2011);   Himesh  Pala, Managing Director of Pala Diamond Company Ltd (RJC member since 2011) and Gary  Wroe , Managing Director of Hockley Mint Ltd (RJC member since 2013). The panel

Make Your Mark - Day 1

Make Your Mark is the leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Who should attend? Make Your Mark  is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. What's it all about? Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in

Make Your Mark

Make  Your  Mark is t he leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Make Your Mark is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in the trade, live demos,

Make Your Mark - Day 2

Make Your Mark is the leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Who should attend? Make Your Mark  is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. What's it all about? Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in

Awards

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

Welcoming A Bespoke Beauty: Vaessen | Walker

March has arrived in all its glory and as Spring begins to sprinkle her beauty upon the world, new jewellery brand Vassen | Walker have planted their roots in the jewellery world; blossoming with their  debut jewellery collection ALLORA. Louise Vaessen-Walker is the creative and founding director behind the contemporary jewellery and tableware brand where h er innovative collections have received much recognition both nationally and abroad. Louise has been commended in receiving a number of awards in both design and craftsmanship, most notably the London Assay Office Special Gold Award, and the 3D Innovative Technology Design Gold Award from

Incorporation of Goldsmiths Platinum Jubilee Commission Recipient Announced

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths is pleased to announce the recipient of the Platinum Jubilee Commission, Silversmith Rod Kelly MA (RCA). Rod’s design,  The Four Nations Platinum Vase , will be made in silver and incorporate four sides of low-relief chasing, with each side dedicated to the flowers of the Four Nations that make up the United Kingdom. The vase will make a prominent feature of the Edinburgh Hallmark and the celebratory Platinum Jubilee mark, which is being applied during 2022 by all UK Assay Offices to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee. Rod’s design,  The Four Nations Platinum Vase , will

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

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

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope Adrian Hope is one of the UK’s finest contemporary silversmiths who specialises in refined, traditional techniques. An established silversmith since 1980, now based in The Scottish Borders, Adrian creates beautiful, classic pieces that are both sculptural and functional. Public Collections include: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen; The Museum of Edinburgh; Bute House Collection, Edinburgh; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London; Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow; Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh

Dazzle@Dovecot

Dazzle@Dovecot 2 - 25 August 2024 Dovecot Studios Ltd, Edinburgh Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery Exhibitions is dedicated to showing the best of contemporary designer jewellery. We organise two exhibitions a year in Edinburgh and London  showing work in a wide range of materials from gold and silver to paper and plastics. We are committed to showing young makers at the point of graduation alongside internationally renowned designers. We are excited that we will be returning to our lovely venue at the Dovecot Studios on Infirmary Street for our Edinburgh Festival Dazzle this year. We are excited to be showing a number

Elements: A Festival of Gold and Silver in Scotland 2017

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull are delighted to confirm that Elements 3 will take place from 2 nd -5 th  November 2017 in the stunning showrooms of Lyon and Turnbull in Central Edinburgh. Elements is a 4-day festival of gold and silver in Edinburgh produced by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull. The festival comprises an exhibition, a varied programme of events and a selling fair showcasing some of the UK’s most exquisite work in silver and jewellery. The Incorporation and Lyon & Turnbull have a heritage of producing, exhibiting and selling work at the

Scottish festival celebrates the finest in gold, silver and jewellery design

Elements 3, a festival celebrating the finest UK and international jewellery, silver and gold will be held in Edinburgh in November. A centrepiece of the event, which is presented by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull, will be a fair at which pieces by 50 carefully selected makers will be on sale. Elements 3 will take place from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 November and will also see the unveiling of a drive to make Scotland a leader in ethical gold and silverwork. Mary Michel, Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, said ,

Summer Open Studios 2017

The Sorting Office Summer Open Studios 2017 The Sorting Office will be opening their doors to the public once again for their annual Summer Open Studios event. Open Studios is the perfect chance for visitors to browse the vibrant studio spaces and buy an exquisite array of wares, expertly hand-crafted by local designer-makers. The 17 resident designer-makers will be on hand to welcome visitors, talk about their crafts and show off their work, while a selection of local artists and makers will also be setting up shop in our Production House for the event’s ever-popular Maker's Fair. A number of

40 Brooches for 40 Years

40 Brooches for 40 Years Dovecot Studios 7 – 29 August 2021 As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Dazzle presents  40 Brooches for 40 Years .  This exhibition shows 40 makers from across the four decades who made a special brooch for the occasion. These one-off brooches are available to buy online at Lovedazzle or at our  Edinburgh Festival Dazzle  at Dovecot Studios  7 – 29 August   2021 .  Dovecot Studios Ltd ,  10 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT or  www.lovedazzle.com

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Elements - Festival of Jewellery 2022

Elements: Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold Edinburgh 28 - 30 October 2022 Elements returns for 2022, bringing together forty-six of the UK’s finest Jewellers and Silversmiths for a selling fair, exhibition and series of events at the stunning showroom of Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh. From silver vases glittering with flecks of gold, to colourful, three-dimensional sculptural jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK. For the first time, award-winning work from the prestigious Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition, will be showcased in Scotland at Elements. The

Elements – Scotland’s Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold

Elements – Scotland’s Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold 8 to 10 November 2019 Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest Jewellery, Silver and Gold will be a chance to see work by 50 of the finest designer makers –with around half from Scotland and half from the rest of the UK. The event, organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, is the perfect opportunity to buy beautiful Christmas gifts that will be cherished for many years to come. Attractions include a sales fair with jewellery and silverware

Obituary: Graham Stewart 1955 - 2020

Silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, who has died in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28 October aged 65, was a talented master craftsman who remained humble about his achievements and his skill. His most recognisable work, Three Honours of Scotland, remains on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament. We publish two obituaries of our friend and colleague: Obituary: Graham Stewart, Scottish silversmith whose work graces Holyrood parliament building Graham Leishman Stewart, silversmith. Born: July 10 1955 in Bridge of Allan. Died: October 28 2020, aged 65. www.scotsman.com Appreciation: Graham Leishman Stewart- 1955-2020, Silversmith Graham Stewart, who died in Edinburgh on

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery 13 November 2024 The Melting Pot, Edinburgh Tech Meets Tradition: The Jewellery Collective to host knowledge-sharing and networking event exploring the future of AI in the jewellery industry The Jewellery Collective – a community-driven members’ association founded on a vision of breaking down barriers, fostering trust and encouraging new connections – has announced an upcoming panel talk and networking event in Edinburgh called Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery . Hosted by co-working and event space The Melting Pot, this exciting event is designed to invite fresh perspectives

Making Impact - Ethical Jewellery Conference

Making Impact - Ethical Conference Presented by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Fair Luxury Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh 3 April 2019 The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Fair Luxury are partnering once again – this time for Making Impact – a conference for jewellers and silversmiths to explore how the  UN Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs) relate to jewellery and metalwork practice in the UK. More and more businesses are using the SDGs to help them prioritise and communicate areas for social, environmental and economic impact and we will be looking at how they can become a set of tools to

Q&A: Mary Michel

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

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event

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

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2019

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2019 White Stuff, Edinburgh 2 - 25 August 2019 Discover statement handmade objects for you, and your home, from 41 Scotland-based makers in one unique location. Craft Scotland is delighted to announce the 41 talented makers that have been selected for Craft Scotland’s Summer Show 2019. Discover statement handmade objects for you, and your home, from 41 Scotland-based makers in one unique location. Now in its seventh year, the Craft Scotland Summer Show is a firm fixture in the calendar. During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the second floor of White Stuff, in Edinburgh’s city centre, transforms into

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2018

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2018 3 - 26 August 2018 Edinburgh, Scotland This August, discover contemporary design-led craft from 37 Scotland-based makers in one unique venue right in the centre of Edinburgh. You can shop curated handmade objects, including beautiful homewares, exquisite jewellery, stylish accessories and handcrafted gifts. Unleash your creativity with the careful guidance of our knowledgeable makers in the inspirational surroundings of our Summer Show. Many of the workshops are sold out, but we do have some spaces left: Carve a Ring Workshop with CARVE Carve your own ring in jeweller's wax. Get creative and make your own

Trial of the Pyx 2017

Trial of the Pyx 2017  Since 1871, the annual Trial of the Pyx has taken place at the Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London. The Trial of the Pyx dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the longest established judicial procedures in the country. The Trial is held annually at London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall in accordance with the Coinage Act of 1971, and is presided over by the Queen’s Remembrancer of the Royal Courts of Justice, the oldest judicial office in the UK, dating back to the twelfth century. The 2017 Trial of the Pyx will

British Hallmarking Council issues guidance on hallmarking of partially constructed items

The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) publishes guidance on hallmarking of partially constructed items. Assay Offices can apply hallmarks to partially constructed items, providing certain conditions are met. These conditions are designed to ensure that the finished article complies with the Hallmarking Act. The BHC’s guidance sets out the conditions: The article must be sufficiently advanced in workmanship If composed of one or more parts, all parts must be present: the guidance gives some examples of required components The article must comply with Hallmarking Act conditions, eg as to fineness, to permit it to be hallmarked If an article is submitted

The Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Materials Congress

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

Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold 2023

Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold 27-29 October 2023 Edinburgh Elements returns to Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh for its ninth year in 2023, bringing together the UK's finest Jewellers and Silversmiths. From functional and sculptural silver to colourful, one-of-a-kind jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK. Elements is a partnership project between Lyon & Turnbull Auctioneers and The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust. Exhibitors elementsfestival.co.uk/exhibitors-2023 Dates Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold 2023 is open to the public Friday 27 October, 11am-5pm Saturday 28 October, 11am-5pm Sunday 29

January 2023 Hallmarking Figures

The latest UK Hallmarking figures have been published for all four offices, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh for January 2023 vs January 2022 . Hallmarking figures from Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh:  January 2023       January 2022 January 2023 Variance % Gold               999 69 240 171 247.8   990 1 0 -1 -100.0   916 35,641 28,555 -7,086 -19.9   750 62,676 49,595 -13,081 -20.9   585 10,566 12,283 1,717 16.3   375 202,033 126,955 -75,078 -37.2     310,986 217,628 -93,358 -30.0               Silver  

December 2022 Hallmarking Figures

The latest UK Hallmarking figures have been published for all four offices, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh for December 2022 vs December 2021.   Hallmarking figures from Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh: December 2022       December 2021 December 2022 Variance % Gold               999 27 409 382 1414.8   990 1 0 -1 -100.0   916 30,861 28,263 -2,598 -8.4   750 64,830 51,136 -13,694 -21.1   585 19,643 20,340 697 3.5   375 255,491 142,286 -113,205 -44.3     370,853 242,434 -128,419 -34.6               Silver

How to earn more money from your workshop waste!

Learn how to make money from the rubbish your workshop! 11 March 2020 Drill Hall, Edinburgh A FREE reclamation event for practical jewellers, students and jewellery groups, teaching the secrets of making money from the ‘rubbish’ in a jewellery workshop. ➕Additional Guest Speaker: Kerry Gregory, Gemmology Rocks . Presenting ‘Dosh For Diamonds’, an informative talk on how you can make money from your reclaimed diamonds. Date and Time Wednesday, 11 March 2020 17:30 – 20:30 GMT Add to Calendar Location Out of the Blue Drill Hall 36 Dalmeny St Edinburgh EH6 8RG View Map Tickets FREE To Book www.eventbrite.co.uk

Higher Education Institutions

We've complied a list of all the national organisations offering jewellery, silversmithing or metal at HND or degree level here... Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthen School of Art www.colegsirgar.ac.uk Central Saint Martins www.arts.ac.uk/csm Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh www.eca.ed.ac.uk Glasgow School of Art www.gsa.ac.uk Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen www.rgu.ac.uk Hereford College of Arts www.hca.ac.uk Kensington and Chelsea College www.kcc.ac.uk London College of Fashion www.arts.ac.uk/fashion Middlesex University www.mdx.ac.uk National College of Art and Design www.ncad.ie Plymouth College of Art www.plymouthart.ac.uk School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University www.bcu.ac.uk/jewellery Sheffield Hallam University www.shu.ac.uk Staffordshire University www.staffs.ac.uk Turo and

Nel Linssen: A Tribute (1935 - 2016)

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

Perspectives - Creating Jewellery for a Fairer Future

Perspectives - Creating Jewellery for a Fairer Future Fair and Beautiful – New Exhibition is set to Lead the Way on Ethical Luxury Gorgeous work by nearly 40 leading makers and designers is being brought together in an exhibition dedicated to ethical jewellery and silversmithing. Perspectives will be at the heart of the Elements 4 festival of jewellery, silver and gold, in Edinburgh from 19-21 October. It is part of a wider drive to make Scotland a world-leader in ethical jewellery making and silversmithing. Among the items on show will be designer pieces made using found and waste materials including

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

Advertise with Benchpeg

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

Elsa Peretti (1940 – 2021)

Tiffany's star jewelry designer and philanthropist Elsa Peretti dies in Spain It is with great sadness that Elsa Peretti’s death yesterday from natural causes was announced by her family office in Zurich and by the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation. The designer, who was famous for her creations for high-end US jewelers Tiffany, passed away in a village close to Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 80. Her legacy comprises a body of exceptional design work as well as a foundation dedicated to humanitarian, environmental and conservation causes. A true citizen of the world, her absence will be strongly felt

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

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

Allum & Sidaway Dorchester revamp wins customer approval

Award winning local jewellers Allum & Sidaway report a successful refit and festive period. The family run company closed for several weeks last autumn for a full revamp of their Dorchester head office including the expansion of their sales floor.  “We have been looking forward to creating a more luxurious retail destination for sometime now and are delighted to have invested further in our local high street.  We believe the design and features of our revamped store will prove a winning formula and are thrilled to see this has been reflected in a positive uplift of fine jewellery sales over

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

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

Q&A: Adam Jacobs

Adam Jacobs is joint owner of Reading's oldest independent retail jewellery shop, Jacobs the Jewellers . The business has won accolades such as Winner: UK 'Jewellery Retailer of the Year' 2015; Inspiring Independent 2015; Independent Retailer of the Year 2015; Inspiring Independent 2013; Independent Retailer of the Year 2013 and Inspiring Independent 2012. Before joining the family business Adam had worked at Head Office, Marks & Spencer Plc and then at Evidently, a boutique marketing agency in London. Adam holds a BSc (Hons) in Management from Bath University. Adam is a member of the National Association of Jewellers and is

Varoshe to open showroom in Kent - from handcuffs to handmade!

The handcuffs are off at a former police office in West Malling in Kent as bespoke jewellers Varoshe prepare for the grand opening of their flagship store following more than a year of restoration and restyling. Award-wining team Paul T Owens and Clare Carlson, who between them have 50 years experience of designing and making jewellery, will roll out their brand new showroom on April 21st with their own custom made designs proudly exhibited and their on site workshop ready for new commissions. They will also stock items from various designers, both established and emerging, showcasing the best in British

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

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

Catherine Hills 'takes over' Gill Wing

Gill Wing was the first gallery to show Catherine Hill’s distinctive jewellery, as a fresh graduate from the RCA, living locally in Islington. 20 years later, the gallery is allowing a 'take over' by the jeweller to celebrate their twenty year anniversary. Over the last twenty years Catherine Hills has won many awards for her nature inspired, textural treasures, as well as being famed as the chosen designer behind the jewellery for the box-office-breaking Harry Potter films. As one of Gill Wing Jewellery's original selected artists, Catherine has remained above fleeting trends with her unique and wearable designs, the epitome

Dazzle @ Oxo 2017

From contemporary classics to brilliantly bonkers - the contemporary jewellery selling exhibition that delights in diversity returns to gallery@oxo and introduces an exceptional crop of handpicked new 2017 graduates, amongst a roll call of designer big guns.  “The oldest and largest exhibition of contemporary jewellery in Europe, and as one of the key aims is to discover and promote new talent, you can be sure of discovering fresh approaches to the medium among the thousands of pieces on display.”  -  Time Out Miniature nuns set in resin, silver dogs with wagging ears, designs inspired by office stationery, by the Australian outback,

Cooksongold Mark 100th Year Anniversary with New Store Opening

Cooksongold, the UK’s largest jewellery making supplier, is celebrating 100 years of being at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The old shop layout In 1918 Cooksongold, established a manufacturing site and sales office on Vittoria Street, to serve both jewellery manufacturers and industrial users in the Midlands area. The business grew considerably in the early years constantly expanding its range of products and production facilities, and as a result bought the premises next door for use as production areas, stock holdings and a store. Following a series of further acquisitions the business has expanded further to form the Cooksongold

Appointment: Scott Williams Appointed NAJ’s New Head of Membership

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has appointed Scott Williams, previously the association’s Membership Services Officer, to fulfil the Head of Membership position. Scott will lead the Membership team based in the Birmingham office and travel across the UK to raise awareness of the association and its services. NAJ Chairman, Simon Johnson commented: “Since joining the association Scott has streamlined the administration process in the Membership department, his due diligence and sparkling personality have gone down well with members. Having excelled in his previous role, we are thrilled to offer Scott the opportunity to lead the Membership team and meet

Weston Beamor Restructures Management Team

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham-based 3D printing, casting and bespoke manufacturing company, has restructured the workings of its Management Team and appointed new staff in a bid to grow further its customer base. Glen Day remains as Head of Business Development, but, rather than being office based as in the past, he will now spend four days a week travelling the country to meet with Weston Beamor’s customers and potential customers. Day, who reports directly to the company’s Managing Director Andrew J Morton, retains his overall, supervisory role within Weston Beamor. However he hands over greater responsibility for the day-to-day running

Winchester Creative Enterprise Centre Moves Forward

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

Women's Jewellery Network - Birmingham Event

Women's Jewellery Network - Birmingham Event The  Women's Jewellery Network  is pleased to confirm a Birmingham sister event to the launch in London taking place at the same time on  International Women's Day , 8th March 2018. Attendees will hear from the following speakers, at this event, kindly hosted by the team at  AnchorCert Acdemy , part of the  AnchorCert Group : UK’s first female Assay Master and former Cookson Precious Metals CEO, Stella Layton Company of Master Jeweller’s Executive Director of Business Development & Marketing, Lucy Reece-Raybould A panel discussion will focus on the folllowing topic: What changes need to be

Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival 2019

Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival 21 – 23 June 2024 Handmade in Britain collaborates with Waterperry Gardens to create a new arts festival, building on the legacy of Art in Action Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival Following on from the success of the company’s existing events in Kew, Edinburgh and Chelsea, Handmade in Britain is excited to announce its collaboration with Waterperry Gardens for a new event, Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival in June 2019. Building on the legacy of Art in Action, which successfully ran for 40 years (1977 –

Contemporary Silver Commission to go on Display at the National Museum of Scotland

The first of two new artworks created by recipients of the P&O Makower Trust Silver Commission for National Museums Scotland will be going on display this Spring after the National Museum of Scotland has reopened. The first of two   new   artworks created by recipients of the P&O   Makower   Trust Silver Commission   f or National Museums Scotland   will be going on display this   Spring   after the   National   Museum   of Scotland   has reopened .     ‘Wave’ by   Edinburgh College of   Art   graduate   Jessica Jue  

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2021

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

Sweet Ceramic Jewellery with Rebecca Wilson

It’s that time of Year when resolutions are rife, and many of us try, successfully or not so much, to give up our vices. The good news is, if you’re craving sugar, you’re in for a treat. Rebecca Wilson is a ceramicist who is venturing into jewellery, her whimsical designs are sugar-spun into cool confectionary.  Living and working near Edinburgh and Scotland, Rebecca comes from a background in ceramics and has recently introduced jewellery and wearables to her collection. She has exhibited extensively in the UK and abroad, most notably at COLLECT in the Saatchi Gallery, London, SOFA in Chicago,

A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust

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

Radical Jewellery Makeover

Radical Jewellery Makeover Princes Square, Glasgow Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022 The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust is delighted to announce a new exhibition of jewellery, part of the worldwide Radical Jewellery Makeover originated by Ethical Metalsmiths.  The exhibition runs from Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022.  Students and staff from Scotland’s art colleges were invited to make new pieces for the exhibition – colleges involved are: The Glasgow School of Art; Glasgow Kelvin College; City of Glasgow College; Edinburgh College of Art; Fife College and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.  There will be

Polar Bears and Melting Ice – Jewellery of Climate Change and Conservation

Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest gold, silver and jewellery will include collections that combine beauty and exquisite craftsmanship with ethical and environmental issues. The event, which is organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull and runs from 8 to 10 November, will feature more than 50 high quality designers and makers from across the UK. Among them is Burntisland-based Sally Grant, whose pieces will include one featuring a garnet that is among the first stones brought to market by Moyo Gemstones, a women’s mining collective in Tanzania. Sally,

Sarah Hutchison creates new pre-loved market for contemporary handmade jewellery

Sarah Hutchison creates new pre-loved market for contemporary handmade jewellery with SH Chance to Sparkle using Insta. Sarah Hutchison’s career as a well known silversmith and jeweller pivoted 12 years ago when she opened her own contemporary jewellery gallery in Edinburgh's Morningside. The stylish boutique come gallery showcases the work of over 40 different makers and has a loyal following of clientele. Sarah uses the shop to also sell her own work, she launched a new collection in the Spring, and very recently added a thriving ecommerce website to the mix to facilate sales and spread the gallery’s reach further than

Elements 2020

Elements Online Event 6 - 8 November 2020 Sparkling Scottish Festival Showcases Designer Gold, Silver and Jewellery Meet the makers online and shop small this festive season Exquisite hand-made work by over 50 established and emerging makers will be on show at Scotland’s sixth annual Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold. Organised as a partnership between The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh and Lyon & Turnbull auctioneers, this year’s festival (from 6 to 8 November) will be taking place online. It is hoped that this will allow people from all round the world a chance to

A launch weekend fit for a silversmith

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

Scotland’s annual festival of gold, silver and jewellery is set to sparkle

Elements - Scotland’s only festival celebrating the very best in gold, silver and jewellery – begins tomorrow, bringing a weekend of unparalleled sparkle to Edinburgh.   It will feature a spectacular exhibition of   award-winning work from the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition – being showcased in Scotland for the first time.   There will also be workshops and expert talks.  But the highlight for many will be a selling fair where visitors can meet close to 50 superb makers from all across Scotland and the rest of the UK who will be showing wonderful designer gold, silver

David Poston, The Lateral Maker @ The Scottish Gallery

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

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel 7:00pm – 8:15pm, Thursday 10 October 2019 National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Silversmith Simone ten Hompel discusses her commission from National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company to create a new piece of contemporary metal artwork inspired by the museum’s early medieval collections. About the Commission As part of the Creating Scotland project, National Museums Scotland and Glenmorangie have commissioned a major new piece of contemporary metalwork for display in the National Museum of Scotland. The current phase of the Glenmorangie Project, Creating Scotland, sees the research focus on the 9th to 12th centuries,

Korean Connection @ The Scottish Gallery

Korean Connection @ The Scottish Gallery  4 -  28 July 2018 An exhibition celebrating some of the finest Korean jewellers, silversmiths, glass and ceramicists working in the UK and Korea today,featuring work from: Yun Ju Cheol, Park Hong-gu, Kyosun Jung,  Choi Keeryong , Hyejeong Kim, Dong-Hyun Kim, Heeseung Koh, Inhwa Lee, William Lee, Jongjin Park, Park Seohee, Bae Sejin and  Misun Won . Opening Times Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Sunday: Closed Venue The Scottish Gallery 16 Dundas Street Edinburgh EH3 6HZ scottish-gallery.co.uk

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

Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival 2019

Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival 27 – 30 June 2019 Handmade in Britain collaborates with Waterperry Gardens to create a new arts festival, building on the legacy of Art in Action Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival Following on from the success of the company’s existing events in Kew, Edinburgh and Chelsea, Handmade in Britain is excited to announce its collaboration with Waterperry Gardens for a new event, Handmade Oxford – The International Contemporary Arts Festival in June 2019. Building on the legacy of Art in Action, which successfully ran for 40 years (1977 –

Lily Blanche wins Business Women Scotland Award

Stirling-based jewellery company Wow (Scotland) Ltd has triumphed in the main Scottish awards for female entrepreneurs. The company, which trades under the name Lily Blanche, won the award for best use of social media in the BWSWES Awards run jointly by Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland. Founder Gillian Crawford was presented with the award by the Financial Times’ Miss Moneypenny and Dean of the Edinburgh Business School, Professor Heather McGregor. The company won the award for its Facebook campaign Lin’s Locket, which promoted the Lily Blanche Memory Keeper Locket. This innovative locket opens to reveal six secret photographs

Scottish Gallery Celebrate Jacqueline Mina at 75

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

Jacqueline Mina at 75, The Scottish Gallery

Jacqueline Mina at 75 The Scottish Gallery is delighted to be representing the eminent jeweller Jacqueline Mina during the Edinburgh International Festival, as part of The Scottish Gallery’s anniversary celebrating 175 years of art. Jacqueline Mina has been an important senior figure amongst The Gallery’s representation of contemporary jewellers. Jacqueline had her first solo exhibition with The Gallery in 1993 - Jacqueline Mina - New Work in Platinum and Gold and The Gallery has continued to show her innovative work ever since. We are therefore delighted to be celebrating Jacqueline Mina’s continued development of her beautiful jewellery in her 75th

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Meet Jacqueline Ryan @ The Scottish Gallery

On the Surface - Jacqueline Ryan The Scottish Gallery 24 July - 24 August 2019 Meet the Maker 11-12 noon, Saturday 27th July  Jacqueline Ryan’s spectacular On the Surface is now open. This is Jacqueline’s first major presentation with The Gallery since the seminal exhibition ‘Art Jewellery’ twenty years ago and it is ten years since Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museum acquired a similar enamel necklace to the one shown opposite for their permanent collection.  Jacqueline is in Edinburgh this week to celebrate her new body of work.  You can meet Jacqueline Ryan on Saturday 27th July 11-12noon and find

Q&A: Stephen Bottomley

Stephen Bottomley is a Jewellery Designer, Academic and Researcher and  will take up position as the new Head of School at the School of Jewellery Birmingham this Spring. Formerly he was the Head of Department and Programme Director of BA & MFA Jewellery and Silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art. Up until recently he was also Director Post Graduate Research in the School of Design, the Chair of RAFT an Interdisciplinary Network at ECA and on the Board of Craft Scotland. Stephen's jewellery is represented in collections at the National Museums Scotland, British Museum, South East Arts Collection and Royal

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,”

Resonance Catherine Martin at The Scottish Gallery

Resonance - Catherine Martin The Scottish Gallery 2 August - 1 September 2018 The Scottish Gallery welcomes back Catherine Martin for the Edinburgh Art Festival 2018. Designer-goldsmith Catherine Martin was the first ever westerner to graduate in Kumihimo – the ancient Japanese art of braiding. She later developed the Asian art into a painstaking weaving of fine gold wire by hand. The resulting silken jewels are breathtaking in their sensual play of light and form. As a professional musician and singer, Martin allows the fluidity of music to influence her pieces. Each design element flows with finesse from her instinctive

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Silversmiths Put on Winning Display for Royal Highland Show

Hamilton & Inches celebrates 105 years as trophy makers and guardians for Scotland’s  annual farming and countryside show. Scotland’s luxury jewellery house will mark more than 105 years as silversmiths to The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland this week. Hamilton & Inches have responsibility for displaying and caretaking the 300 trophies which are awarded at the Royal Highland Show each year - between 40-45 of which have been handcrafted in the Hamilton & Inches workshops on George Street, Edinburgh - and the show’s trophy room is managed by Alain Wright, Stock Controller from the Royal Warrant holders throughout

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland

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

Advanced Stone Setting

Advanced Stone Setting The course will be led by Scott McIntyre, Scott has over 21 years of experience in the trade, working in a variety of workshops in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In his career, he has picked up an extensive skill-set from these various places and worked tirelessly to ensure he’s at the very top of his game where he has received a high level of intense training. He now works as head Goldsmith in the incredible  Brazen Studios . Price of the class includes all materials, tools, stones and lunch per day. This advanced stone setting course is for people

Introduction to Wax Carving

Introduction to Wax Carving The course will be led by Scott McIntyre, Scott has over 21 years of experience in the trade, working in a variety of workshops in Glasgow and Edinburgh. In his career, he has picked up an extensive skill-set from these various places and worked tirelessly to ensure he’s at the very top of his game where he has received a high level of intense training. He now works as head Goldsmith in the incredible  Brazen Studios . Wax carving is an essential skill on the road to becoming a complete goldsmith. It is cheap, forgiving, and a

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

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

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

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

November 2022 Hallmarking Figures

The latest UK Hallmarking figures have been published for all four offices, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh for November 2022 vs November 2021.   Gold       November 2021   November 2022   Variance            %   999 40 570 530 1325.0   990 0 0 0 0.0   916 42,037 36,059 -5,978 -14.2   750 103,757 82,650 -21,107 -20.3   585 33,867 34,969 1,102 3.3   375 374,427 232,810 -141,617 -37.8     554,128 387,058 -167,070 -30.2 Silver               999 2,064 3,303 1,239 60.0   958 2,863 1,094 -1,769 -61.8   925

October 2022 Hallmarking Figures

The latest UK Hallmarking figures have been published for all four offices, Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh for October 2022 vs October 2021.         October 2021 October 2022 Variance % Gold               999 453 930 477 105.3   990 0 1 1 0.0   916 41,058 33,752 -7,306 -17.8   750 83,755 81,220 -2,535 -3.0   585 25,540 26,063 523 2.0   375 316,787 262,389 -54,398 -17.2     467,593 404,355 -63,238 -13.5               Silver               999 3,231 4,394