Search Results

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

Heritage Crafts Association Awards 2018

Call for Applications: The Heritage Crafts Association Awards Craftspeople urged to apply for awards and bursaries recognising traditional skills The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) has announced its call for applications for a suite of awards and bursaries recognising people working in traditional skills. Craftspeople can be nominated for Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year, HCA/Marsh Trainer of the Year, and HCA/Marsh Volunteer of the Year. Nominations can also be made for the HCA/Marsh Heritage Crafts ‘Made in Britain’ Award. Each award is worth £1,000. Heritage crafts make up the largest part of the craft sector, yet many heritage crafts are

Secretary and Trustees, Heritage Crafts Association

Call for Applications: Secretary and Trustees, Heritage Crafts Association The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) is the only UK-wide organisation set up to safeguard and promote the full breadth of traditional craft skills. We are looking for a Secretary and additional Trustees to join our passionate Board. The successful candidates will be: EITHER Professional craftspeople engaged with the issues affecting their craft and heritage crafts in general. AND/OR Those who support our remit and have professional experience specifically in: Public relations and media Membership schemes Digital marketing Organisational change Charity governance Previous experience of being a Trustee is not compulsory. Trustees

The Textures of Craft, Heritage Crafts Association Annual Conference

The Textures of Craft, Heritage Crafts Association Conference Kaffe Fassett, worldwide authority on textiles and colour, is keynote speaker at The Textures of Craft, the conference of the Heritage Crafts Association on Saturday 6th May 2017. Kaffe kicks off a spectacular day when craftspeople and anyone interested in the UK’s rich heritage of traditional skills can hear from makers, browse the Instant Gallery, celebrate the best craftspeople in the country and find out more about the Heritage Crafts Association’s research into endangered crafts: The Radcliffe Red List. Other speakers include archaeologist, historian and TV presenter Dr Alex Langlands, potters Lisa Hammond

Call for Applications: Heritage Crafts Association Awards

The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce a call for applications for a suite of awards and bursaries recognising people working in traditional skills. Applications Open Craftspeople can be nominated for: Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year, Marsh Trainer of the Year, and Marsh Volunteer of the Year. Nominations can also be made for the Marsh Heritage Crafts ‘Made in Britain’ Award. Prizes Each award is worth £1,000. NADFAS Bursary A bursary offered with the support of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) and worth up to £5,000 is also available for study in a

Heritage Crafts Award Winners Announced

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

Could you help shape the future of the Hand Engravers Association

Are you proud of Britain’s hand engraving heritage? Will you help a small organisation make a big difference? At the AGM in June 2022 our current Chair, Tim Roberts, announced his intention to step down at the end of the year. Tim joined the Association as Honorary Treasurer, led us through the change into a CIO and also kindly took on the role of Chair in 2019. We are therefore looking to recruit for two voluntary positions on the trustee board: Chair and Hon Treasurer . Although previous experience of a similar role is desirable, both roles are supported by the

Andover Heritage Mural Project

Andover Heritage Mural Project Test Valley Borough Council wish to commission an artist to create two new murals for the Andover Heritage Trail. The artworks will provide dynamic visuals that animate the two heritage locations and their stories and provide a coherent theme to the existing trail. The artworks will enable residents and visitors of Andover to learn about, enjoy and discover the heritage of the town. The sites for the Murals are the Old Gaol (Old Jail) on Bridge Street [a small cubby hole], and the Angel Inn yard in the Upper High Street [the main mural]. Two very

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

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

Heritage Skills Festival 2017

Witness the skills, celebrate the heritage, come and have a go! For the first time ever the City of London Livery Companies and Lincoln Cathedral are joining together to celebrate traditional crafts and skills essential to the preservation of the Cathedral and other ancient buildings as well as keeping heritage and skills alive. Come and see and have a go. Displays both inside the Cathedral and on the East Green. On the Saturday afternoon, there will be an auction of work produced during the event by the City of London Livery Companies. Dates 23 – 24 June 2017 Venue Lincoln

The Royal Mint announces partnership with Heritage Crafts

The Royal Mint has partnered with Heritage Crafts to launch four bursaries to preserve and champion traditional British craftmanship skills. The UK has an incredible range of heritage craft skills, from blacksmithing to bagpipe making, and some of the finest craftspeople in the world. But many of these skills are in the hands of individuals who have been unable to pass them on, often due to limited training opportunities and poor financial stability, leaving a number of traditional British crafts under threat. As Britain’s oldest business and the original maker of UK coins and precious metals, The Royal Mint hopes

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Burnley The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. The fair will take place at the Pendle Heritage Centre , located in Park Hill which is an ancient textile settlement that goes back to medieval time. The centre, dedicated to studying and promoting this local heritage, is a former farmhouse built in the 17th century which also has

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

For the first time, the Selvedge Fair travels to Pendle in Lancashire, an area that is shaped by textiles. The fair is part of Fabrications, the UK's first festival that celebrates and explores textiles and the textile industry through the eyes of artists. The Selvedge Fair in Pendle will bring together a curated collection of makers and merchants and is an opportunity to meet makers, catch up with friends and find that special something. Visitors can also take part in one of the complimentary workshops, details below. The fair will take place in the 17th century Park Hill Barn at the Pendle Heritage Centre. Set within

Association for Contemporary Jewellery Conference 2017

The Association for Contemporary Jewellery Conference 2017 will be held between 7 – 9 July 2017. The conference will be held at Sheffield Hallam University. For more inforamtion www.acj.org.uk

Connections | Connessioni, Association for Contemporary Jewellery

Connections | Connessioni Presented by the Association for Contemporary Jewellery 7 November 2019 - 3 January 2020 Goldsmiths' Centre, London AGC | ACJ touring exhibition showing work from two organisations and 50 international jewellers. The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) in the UK is working with its Italian equivalent l’Associazione Gioiello Contemporaneo (AGC) on a two-country touring exhibition opening on 7 November 2019, running to the end of 2020. 25 makers have been selected from each organisation, and work is coming from jewellers based in Japan, Korea, Australia, USA, US Virgin Islands and several European countries, as well as Italy

Connections | Connessioni, Association for Contemporary Jewellery @ The Lighthouse, Glasgow

Connections | Connessioni Presented by the Association for Contemporary Jewellery 19 February - 17 May 2020 The Lighthouse, Glasgow AGC | ACJ touring exhibition showing work from two organisations and 50 international jewellers. The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) in the UK is working with its Italian equivalent l’Associazione Gioiello Contemporaneo (AGC) on a two-country touring exhibition opening on 7 November 2019, running to the end of 2020. 25 makers have been selected from each organisation, and work is coming from jewellers based in Japan, Korea, Australia, USA, US Virgin Islands and several European countries, as well as Italy

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association 3 Day Intensive Course Friday 9 - Sunday 11 November at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association Wednesday 5 September for 6 weeeks at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to just eight

Gem-A revives historic ties with Canadian Gemmological Association

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has renewed its historic partnership with the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) to offer students and graduates at both institutions the very best in gemmological education. Taking inspiration from a previous agreement between the two associations, the new GemA and CGA educational partnership aims to create a stronger international community of gemmologists through access to a core syllabus; a shared body of information and learning that underpins both the CGA Certificate and Gem-A Diploma courses. In practice, this will enable CGA students to achieve a region-specific Certificate qualification, while also providing the core competencies

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Three Day Intensive Course Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association 5 - 7 March at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to

Learn Hand Engraving with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving with The Hand Engravers Association The Hand Engravers Association has been running these popular courses for many years and is delighted to announce its first course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre this autumn. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, the class size is kept to just eight students and run over six evenings so students have time to practice and

Creative Development Award 2019/20, Association for Contemporary Jewellery

Call for Applications: Creative Development Award Association for Contemporary Jewellery This is an exciting opportunity for an ACJ group or member to apply for an award of up to £500 to assist an in individual or group to enable them to undertake a form of creative development. This could be for any activity or event which will help to enhance your creative practice. The deadline to apply for the ACJ's Creative Development Awards is fast approaching with less than 2 weeks left to get your applications in. Deadline 15th September. These are also available in ‘Grants for Groups’ in the member

The Hand Engravers Association Celebrates 10 Years

The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a VIP tour of the Clockmakers’ Museum in September. Sir George White Bt FSA, Keeper of the Collection, treated members to a fascinating tour, packed with wonderful insights and anecdotes on London’s clock making trade from 1600 to the present day. Highlights included John Harrison’s marine chronometer and a four-month duration longcase clock by the father of English watchmaking, Thomas Tompion. Historically, the clockmaking and hand engraving trades have always been intrinsically linked, with clockmakers and engravers working alongside each other, often in the same studio. Many of

Winter Jewels, Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex

Winter Jewels 5 Exhibition is the fifth annual selling exhibtion presented by th Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex Group. As usual the exhibtion offers a prize draw, where the lucky winner will receive a voucher for £100 to spend on jewellery from any of the participating jewellers. There will be approximately 25 cabinets with a different jeweller's work in each one, providing a huge variety of work on display. The exhibition will run from Friday 25th November until Monday 2nd January 2017 and will be open from 10am until 4pm each day (apart from the last day when we finish at

20:20 Visions - Association for Contemporary Jewellery

20:20 Visions Celebrating twenty years' work from the Association for Contemporary Jewellery The 20:20 Visions exhibition boasts that it shows the best of the new jewellery and conveys progression in design and techniques over the last twenty years. The exhibition is in two parts 20:20 and Visions 20:20 Twenty of our most prominent and innovative members have been invited to show work from c1997 alongside a new piece. The twenty invited guests are: Jane Adam Holly Belsher Stephen Bottomley Caroline Broadhead Norman Cherry Jack Cunningham Susan Cross Joel Degen Maria Hanson Jan Hinchliffe McCutcheon Dorothy Hogg

20:20 Visions - Association for Contemporary Jewellery

Training bursary for crafts involving precious metals

£4,000 Precious Metal Bursaries for Training The Heritage Crafts Association and the Royal Mint Deadline: 5pm on Friday 10 March 2023 This training bursary is targeted at trainees and prospective trainees of crafts involving precious metals who are experiencing financial hardship. It is sponsored by The Royal Mint and is one of a suite of awards and bursaries offered by Heritage Crafts to support and celebrate heritage craftspeople. Apply for up to £4,000 to start training in a precious metal craft or to further develop your skills. Many people are dissuaded from training in precious metal heritage crafts because of the

The Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts Virtual Lecture: The Art of Gaman

The Association for the Study of Jewelry & Related Arts (ASJRA) has announced it will offer a virtual lecture on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. ET (12am UK time) on The Art of Gaman. The lecture will be given by Delphine Hirasuna, the curator of the exhibition The Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps, 1942-1946 which was mounted at ten venues in the USA and five venues in Japan. She is also the author of the book of the same title. The Art of Gaman showcased arts and crafts made by Japanese Americans

Endangered Craft Award 2017/18

Heritage Crafts Association launch the HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 The Heritage Crafts Association has launched a new Award of £1,000 with the kind support of Marsh Christian Trust. The HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 will be awarded to the proposal which in the opinion of the judges makes the best use of the funds to secure the survival of an Endangered or Critically Endangered Craft. The winner will be announced at the HCA’s annual conference “Crafts for the Future” on 24th March 2018 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. For the purposes of the Award, eligible crafts are

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

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

New Jewellery Valuers Association Aims to Raise Professional Profile of Valuers

A new membership organisation for Jewellery and Watch evaluators has recently launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland. By raising the professional profile of valuers with continued training and professional development and promotion of its members to the general public, insurance industry, government departments and the legal profession. Frank Wood, Chair of the Jewellery Valuers Association, said “It is in the public’s interest that jewellery valuations are carried out to a high professional standard, but they are not necessarily aware of the difference between a good valuation and a poor one. It’s up to us to make that distinction clear,

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Veteran jewellery industry stalwart Michael Hoare has passed after a long battle with cancer. Michael studied in the mid seventies at Leicester Polytechnic now De Montford University, and achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art. After graduation he started his professional career in the retail business and joined the Co-operative Midcounties where he worked as a Department Store Manager until 1988. As a brief spell as a Training Consultant he joined the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) as saw a very speedy transition into management, and Executive management level. Furthering his interest in both training, retail and trade bodies, [youtube

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Appointment: Harriet Kelsall elected first female Chair of the National Association of Jewellers

One of the UK's most respected bespoke designers Harriet Kelsall has been elected as the first female chair of The National Association of Jewellers after serving as Vice-Chair for the past two years. Well-known for championing the causes of education, ethics and the environment in the jewellery industry, Harriet brings a wide range of skills and know-how to her new role, tapping into her experience and expertise from acting as chair of the NAJ's new Education steering group, advising the Government on jewellery making skills as part of the Creative and Cultural skill academy and growing her business Harriet Kelsall

Endangered Crafts Fund

Call fro Applications: Endangered Crafts Fund Deadlines: 26 February 2021 and 27 August 2021 Thanks to support from The Garfield Weston Foundation , The Dulverton Trust and the Sussex Heritage Trust , the Heritage Crafts Association is again inviting craft practitioners and organisations in the UK to apply for small grants to fund projects that support and promote endangered crafts (the craft must be listed as endangered or critically endangered on the current Red List of Endangered Crafts ). During the pandemic our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. This fund can now be used to address

Endangered Crafts Award 2019

Call for Applications: Endangered Crafts Award 2019 The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) is offering an award of £1,000 for a proposal to help secure the survival of an endangered craft. The Endangered Crafts Award, which is funded by the Marsh Christian Trust, is to recognise a practitioner of one of the 62 crafts currently listed in the Critically Endangered or Endangered categories of the HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts. The award was made for the first time in 2018 to Steve Tomlin (SteveTomlinCrafts.co.uk), a spoon carver, ash basketmaker and scything tutor. Steve applied to learn to make Devon stave

HCA's Red List of Endangered Crafts Grows with 37 New Additions

For the 2019 edition of the Heritage Craft Association's Red List of Endangered Crafts, 212 crafts were assessed to identify those which are at greatest risk of disappearing. Of the 212 crafts featured in the research, four have been classified as extinct, 36 as critically endangered, 70 as endangered and 102 as currently viable. Sixteen new crafts have been added to the ‘critically endangered’ category of the Red List, meaning that they are at serious risk of dying out in the next generation, including withy crab pot making, millwrighting and commercial handmade paper making. They join 20 other critically endangered

Five grants awarded to help save endangered crafts

A new mobile facility to teach neon bending and the restoration of one of the last surviving damask looms are among the projects that have recently received funds to help ensure a better future for some of the UK’s most endangered crafts. The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA), which earlier this year published the latest edition of its groundbreaking HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts , has awarded the first five grants from its Endangered Crafts Fund, launched in July 2019 to increase the likelihood of endangered crafts surviving into the next generation. The first five recipients of the HCA Endangered

Crafts for the Future Conference

Crafts for the Future The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce that booking for the 2018 conference, Crafts for the Future, is now open. Keynote speakers this year will be HCA Patron and ceramics producer, Emma Bridgewater and Sam Walton from Hole & Corner magazine, a bi-annual print magazine devoted to celebrating craft, beauty, passion and skill. In the afternoon session, makers from the critically endangered category of The HCA/Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts will be addressing the audience. Martin Frost, fore-edge painter Kate Hetherington, horse collar maker Wim Visscher, parchmenter JoJo Wood, apprentice clog maker and wood

Craft of Gold Beating Now Extinct New Research Shows

New research by the Heritage Crafts Association has found many traditional craft skills in the UK to be hanging on by a thread including a handful of metal working skills. Gold beating is now an officially extinct craft no longer being practiced in the UK. Critically endangered metal skills are listed as metal thread making, hat block making, plane making, saw making and spade making. Metal working skills are then also listed on the Endangered List of The Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts. The report identifies s eventeen crafts as being critically endangered , including coach and wagon making,

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

Competition for the Design and Production of a Caddy Spoon

The Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors was founded in 1963 to promote “the study of a delightful memento of a gracious era and to assist its Collectors”, the Society now promotes the study and appreciation of Caddy Spoons, both modern and antique. The Society has in the past commissioned spoons from prestigious makers such as Gerald Benney and Malcolm Appleby. The aim of this competition is to assist and encourage new silversmiths entering the field at the start of their careers, and to publicise their work. Eligibility The competition is open to new silversmiths trained and working in the United

Appointments: Simon Forrester appointed new NAJ CEO

Association Chief Executive Simon Forrester has been confirmed as the new CEO for the National Association of Jewellers. Simon is a successful trade association leader, with over 22 years’ experience in strategic-level association management. Extremely well regarded by his peers, Simon has previously won the award of Trade Association Chief Executive of the Year in 2016 and his most recent association, The British Pest Control Association, has received several awards and nominations under his leadership. He has a track record of delivering increased member benefits, training courses, governance reviews, best practice and a substantial code of conduct linked to purchaser

Call for Applications: Makers at Market Hall - Warwickshire

Opportunity for Warwickshire artists, Heritage and Culture Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council In February 2017, Market Hall Museum in Warwick will open its doors to the public following a £1.1million refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Market Hall Museum is in a prime location in Warwick, and as part of this refurbishment a new shop and cafe area is being installed to the front of the Museum. The New Market Hall Shop The new Market Hall shop is situated within the entrance to the Museum, adjacent to the new café. The Museum entrance is located on the main Market Square

Appointment: Kate Madelin to step down as NAJ's Director of Education

After a hugely successful tenure as Director of Education for the National Association of Jewellers, Kate Madelin will be leaving her role with the association in March. NAJ will now be looking for a replacement to continue to drive forward the association’s industry-leading agenda, working with the full membership, the leadership team and staff. Simon Johnson, NAJ Chairman said “ Since her appointment to NAG five years ago Kate has had a transformational impact on the Association. During this time, she has led a forward-thinking and committed team of employees and volunteers, to deliver innovative training for the whole sector. At

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

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner The Benevolent Society (charity of the British Allied Trades Federation) is delighted to offer you the opportunity to buy tickets as a member of the British Allied Trades Federation (and one of it's federated associations: the National Association of Jewellers, The Giftware Association, the British Travelgoods and Accessories Association and the Surface Engineering Association), to join us for a wonderful dinner by candlelight at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Thursday 14th June 2018 commencing at 6.30pm with a drinks reception. Tickets Thanks to the generosity of Goldsmiths' Hall and the British Allied Trades Federation, The Benevolent Society are able to reduce the potential cost of the tickets to all Federation invitees from £295 + VAT to a cost of only £95 + VAT for your first Members

Jewellery buying sentiments highlighted as NAJ publish consumer research

The National Association of Jewellers has published its consumer research on the role of Jewellery in the lives of UK customers, in whitepaper and research report format. Profiling the opinions of more than 2500 consumers, the ‘outside in’ research is one of the largest market research activities to be carried out by the trade for a decade, and a first for the Association. Supported by The Company of Master Jewellers and The Goldsmiths’ Company , the research is now available to download. Download Whitepaper The report identifies key themes underpinning purchases such as ‘to celebrate or commemorate a relationship’, which

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

Appointment: Dr Frances Parton new Deputy Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company

The Goldsmiths Company has announced that Dr Frances Parton has been appointed as Deputy Curator in the Collections Team. Frances Parton has a long and established career in the museum and heritage sector, having most recently spent time in curatorial roles with The National Trust, English Heritage and the V&A. She brings to the role a wealth of knowledge in decorative arts, contemporary and historic metalwork, silver and jewellery. With a PhD and MPhil from Cambridge University, a BA from Durham University and a track record of well received publications, Frances brings an impressive breadth of knowledge and distinctive perspective

News Edit: 2 June 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... First UK visit for Hammerclub will reconnect Dundee with silver heritage Deadline News: Dundee’s precious metals heritage will be connected to its growing contemporary reputation for design... deadlinenews.co.uk The Ancient Egyptian collection that marked Karl Lagerfeld’s final runway appearance Prestige Online: The civilisation was the inspiration for Chanel’s recent Metiers D’ Art collection. Established in 2002, the... prestigeonline.com Symphony In Red: Van Cleef & Arpel’s Treasure Of Rubies Harpers Bazaar: Showcasing over 3,000 carats of certified rubies, Van Cleef & Arpels' Treasure of Rubies is a disciplined study of beauty.

Fabergé create limited surprise locket for Chinese New Year

Fabergé have launched a new egg in time for Chinese Year. 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The modern interpretation draws from its famous Heritage Collection. The new additiion, the 'Palais Tsarskoye Selo Dog Locket' features red guilloché enamel and round white diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold. The locket opens to reveal a golden dog with dazzling diamond eyes, in honour of Chinese Year of the Dog, 2018. The Heritage Collection draws inspiration from Fabergé’s original jewelled masterpieces, capturing their refinement, cultural richness and technical perfection. The 'Palais Tsarskoye Selo Dog Locket' is a limited edition of

A Mining Statue - Doncaster

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council seeks to commission an experienced artist to design and implement a high quality figurative statue, cast in bronze. We are looking to establish a work of local, regional and national significance, of the highest artistic standards and quality, in the heart of the Town Centre to commemorate and celebrate Doncaster’s mining heritage. Aims and Objectives This project seeks to achieve the following objectives: The work must be both in keeping with the requirements of an ambitious and forward looking town, and a fitting tribute to Doncaster’s rich industrial heritage. Significant engagement and consultation with mining communities

Birmingham's historic JW Evans silver factory goes global

A glimpse into Britain's bygone age of silver has been rolled out to a worldwide audience after the historic JW Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter was chosen to feature in a new series of virtual tours produced by English Heritage and Google Arts and Culture. Until now, the 19th century silversmith factory, which opened in 1881 and closed 127 years later with all the old tools, machinery and half-finished silverware still in place, has been open just two days a fortnight, offering guided tours only. But after the new partnership, between English Heritage who bought it from the

The Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation The foundation is one of the largest independent foundations that provide grants in the UK. Approximately 75 per cent of its Arts & Heritage grants budget go to the arts and 25 per cent to heritage projects. Art with a social impact Eligibility The Foundation supports wok that Uses a creative approach to address difficult social or environmental issues, or Builds engagement with culture in areas where there is low provision. Applicant must Offer both artistic excellence and long-term social impact, and Put people at the centre of the creative process, and have a defined pathway of

Makers and Brewers Fair 2017

Call for Applications: Makers at White Mill Rural Heritage Centre Bakers, Makers and Brewers Fair 2017 Following on from the first successful Bakers, Makers and Brewers Fair 2015, we’re back with a weekend celebrating the White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, and the launch of MAKERS, a project space at the White Mill offering; locally roasted coffee and beer from local microbreweries, and a performance and making space with a programme of events and workshops. It’ll be a place to meet, share, make, drink, eat cake and discuss. For National Mills Weekend the Bakers, Makers & Brewers Fair is back and

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

Clogau Collaborate With World Renowned Designer David Emanuel

Clogau have commissioned an exclusive jewellery collection, by Welsh fashion designer, David Emanuel. To celebrate their Welsh culture, British heritage, and royal connections, Clogau are thrilled to announce a new partnership with iconic fashion designer and royal couturier, David Emanuel. This exciting new collaboration celebrates love and glamour, capturing the romance and luxurious extravagance of our royal heritage and all its connotations. Internationally renowned David has been designing clothes for members of British and European royal families, and for some of the World’s most beautiful women for over thirty years. Best known for having designed the wedding dress worn by

Winner Of The Hand Engraved Card Competition 2021 Announced

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

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

A fond farewell to friend and colleague Tam Savill

T erry Hunt, Chair of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, remembers our friend and colleague Tam Savill. In 2010, in a lunch-hour at the School of Jewellery, I had a visit from Tam. This was the first time we’d met, and therefore my first experience of her “people-persuasion” skills. By the end of the lunch break I suddenly found myself, a lapsed founder-member of the Association, its new chair! And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. A rich and fulfilling time for the ACJ, with Tam achieving so many of her aspirational and bold projects – work that she

NAJ Issues preliminary guidance for Jewellery Retailers

The National Association of Jewellers has today published guidance to help jewellery stores across the UK and Ireland make preparations for when ‘lockdown’ is lifted. The guidance which is presented as ‘non-exhaustive’ is the first of a number of versions the trade body will be making over the coming weeks. Broken down into 4 key areas of start safe, store safe, task safe and home safe, the Association stipulates that the ‘safety and wellbeing of all staff and customers is number one priority, and therefore it is important that virus control restrictions continue to limit transmission’. Speaking about the guidance,

NAJ create 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' for industry

The Nationl Association of Jewellers have creates a set of special webpages, a 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' blog intended to share information, opinion and intelligence for the Jewellery Industry leading up to the UK leaving the EU, and afterwards as the Jewellery community acclimatises to post-Brexit Britain. Along with other Association members of the British Allied Trades Federation, NAJ has commissioned specific guidance notes in case the UK crashes out of the EU with no deal, which remains unclear despite today’s positive noises from the Prime Minister meeting with EU Negotiators. The guidance notes covering key topics such as Intellectual property,

Touchstone Award

Call for Applications: BHC Touchstone Award National Association of Jewellers and British Hallmarking Council announce new collaboration for 2019 The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and British Hallmarking Council (BHC) are pleased to announce a new collaboration as the NAJ joins the four UK Assay Offices in supporting the prestigious BHC Touchstone Award. The award is presented annually to the Trading Standards teams who have delivered the most effective initiative relating to either the enforcement or awareness of hallmarking. In this era of high precious metal prices enforcement of hallmarking is extremely important. There is robust, long established hallmarking legislation

QEST Scholarship Applications

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or one-on-one training with masters QEST was established to help support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers and thus sustain traditional British craftsmanship. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Since then the Charity has awarded over £3.5 million to 442

Better Business Group Seek New Steering Group Members

National Association of Jewellers' Better Business Group Seek New Steering Group Members The Better Business group is a new steering group that sits under the umbrella of the National Association of Jewellers National Committee, made up of a group of carefully selected volunteers that are experts in their relevant fields. About the Committee Its aim is to empower NAJ members, to operate Better Businesses, in line with the NAJ’s three core values of honesty, integrity and professionalism. Focusing primarily on smaller businesses who sometimes lack the necessary time, resources or expertise, the group is going to create a series of

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications

Contemporary British Silversmiths & Danish Guests at the V&A

Contemporary British Silversmiths & Danish Guests at the V&A In partnership with London Craft Week, the V&A, the Danish Silversmiths and Georg Jensen, supported by the Goldsmiths' Company Throughout London Craft Week, Contemporary British Silversmiths, the UK’s leading association for designer silversmiths will be demonstrating the craft of silversmithing to the public, in the prestigious and world renowned surroundings of the V&A’s Silver Galleries. LCW LogoParticipating alongside will be special guests from the Danish Silversmiths’ Association (Danske Sølvsmede), an exciting group set up in 1976 to renew and transform the craft of silversmithing. Denmark and Britain both have a very

David Warren, International Jewellery Director of Christie’s to speak at NCDIA UK Launch

The Natural Colour Diamond Association (NCDIA) is a non-profit membership organisation whose mission is to train, enlighten and educate the global jewellery community about natural colour diamonds. Since 2003 the association has been spreading their collective expertise through various educational programmes. Whilst the public is increasingly knowledgeable about white diamonds, there is still a lack of reliable information about natural colour diamonds. The NCDIA seeks to address this by disseminating the most up-to-date gemological information to their members and supplying them with trustworthy marketing and promotional tools. Yves Frey, a specialist in natural colour diamonds, has been a member for 10

Jewellery & Watch Collaborate with Industry Figureheads for Dynamic 5 Days Event Programme

Jewellery & Watch celebrates being ‘the heart of the jewellery industry’ with leading figureheads collaborating to front its 2017 content programme: Harriet Kelsall, bespoke jewellery designer and retailer, Fei Liu, fine jewellery designer, Simon Johnson, Chairman of the National Association of Jewellers and owner of Marmalade Jewellery, Alex Monroe, jewellery designer and Gary Wroe, MD of Hockley Mint. The event will offer retailers the event’s most diverse and inspirational seminar programme to date. Each day has a theme, including a collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers - NAJ Live. The key industry figures will act as the ‘Faces’ of

Public Artwork Commission, Artizan Collective

Public Artwork Commission, Artizan Collective Artizan Collective are seeking expressions of interest for a commissioned piece of public artwork to be installed on a hotel development close to the harbourside in Torquay. The commission will be a displayed in a prominent location, welcoming visitors arriving to stay on the English Riviera whilst also holding an affectionate place in the hearts of residents and local audiences. The brief seeks responses considerate of the heritage of the area, the iconic image of the English Riviera, and the cultural reference points for which Torbay is recognised. We welcome expressions of interest from applicants

London Craft Week

London Craft Week 2022 returns to its original spring slot, the eighth edition of the festival is taking place from 9 – 15 May this year. Visit the Programme page, and be one of the first to browse and book the exciting line-up of expertly-curated events taking place across the city. London Craft Week continues to champion creativity and ingenuity across a wide range of disciplines, from heritage craft skills to innovative new techniques and materials. www.londoncraftweek.com

Exhibition Volunteer, Stonehenge

Call for Applications: Exhibition Volunteer, Stonehenge The galleries and exhibition spaces at Stonehenge showcase some extraordinary artefacts and objects from across the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. We are looking for volunteers to help our visitors explore the meaning of Stonehenge and bring the collections to life. You can find out more information at: www.english-heritage.org.uk Please register your interest by completing and submitting the online Volunteer Registration Form. If you have any questions, please email volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk . Deadline: 1 December 2019

Call for Applications: Legnica Internat ional Jewellery Competition 2018

Call for Applications: 27th Legnica International Jewellery Competition Applications are now open for the 27th Legnica International Jewellery Competition as part of the Legnica Jewellery Festival Silver 2018 under the patronage of The Minister of Culture and National Heritage Poland. About the Competition The aim of the exhibition is to present the most interesting accomplishments of contemporary jewellery art. The submitted works should be jewellery in the broad sense of the term, display creativity as well as high standards of design and execution. The Organizers set no restrictions as to the materials and techniques employed but to honour the competition’s

Masterpiece London 2017

Masterpiece London launched in 2010 with a unique focus on cross-collecting. Over the past seven years it has established itself as the leading international event for viewing and buying the finest works of art, from antiquity to the present day. This fusion of heritage and style, tradition and the contemporary draws close to 40,000 visitors each year for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Located on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Masterpiece is an unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer arts season. Dates 29th June -

Lidl Public Art Commission

Lidl Public Art Commission Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) wish to commission a public artwork for the roundabout outside the new Lidl Distribution Centre in Nursling, Southampton. As a key entrance site to the Adanac Business Park and thriving economic area the artwork should act as a landmark piece. It should be innovative whilst making reference to the heritage of the southern tip of the Test Valley and Southampton. Aims & Objectives To produce an artwork of high quality design that is a suitable size and scale for the chosen site To produce an artwork that is innovative and bespoke

Potton Community

Local Connections The aim of this commission is to provide an exciting and complementary work of public art. The panel wish to commission artwork that reflects the character of the Town and will not only maintain a link to its history, but generate aspirations for the site, connecting visitors and residents; ultimately encouraging guardianship and a strengthening local identity. There is much inspiration for artwork on this site due to the rich heritage, distinctive natural habitat and exciting new public spaces - Hall for All and Community Orchard. There is enormous potential for local residents to become involved in and

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

Public Art Commission, Mill Road, Cambridge

Expressions of interest are invited from artists with experience of working in the public realm to develop a site-specific artwork, or series of artworks. The artwork should enhance the setting for the new student accommodation and reference the unique heritage and context of Mill Road, Cambridge. There is a vibrant cultural and business scene within Mill Road and engagement with the community and students at Anglia Ruskin University throughout the development process is a requirement. The Brief: www.placeservices.co.uk Budget for the Project: £46,000. Project Completion Date: February 2018 For more information and to download a copy of the brief please

Jorum Craft Award

Jorum Craft Award Application deadline: 5pm, Thursday 30 June 2022 Jorum Craft Award – Craft Scotland The Jorum Craft Award (£500 - £1,000) is a materials-focused grant supported by Jorum Studio, in association with Craft Scotland. Round 5 focuses on the theme of Biomimetics.

Symposium: Made in the Middle, Meet the Maker

Made in the Middle: Meet the Maker Symposium Talking Practice, in association with Vittoria Street Gallery and Craftspace, is delighted to present Made in the Middle: Meet the Maker. Please join us for an afternoon symposium exploring the routes into business for new and more established craftspeople, and an evening soiree in the company of the Made in the Middle exhibitors over a glass of wine. The Symposium is comprised of two panels, the first with makers who are embarking on their careers and the second with those who are perhaps a little more seasoned by experience. They will give

Benchpeg Awards 2016

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

Jewellery Boutique Technician, Van Cleef & Arpels - Harrods, London

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/6NkIu9cSHe4] The role Jewellery Boutique Technician Van Cleef & Arpels Harrods, London A High Jewelry Maison with a strong heritage who promotes exceptional know-how in an enchanting and creative environment! Our Maison is looking for talented individuals who contribute to developing and transmitting their expertise with care and no compromise. At Van Cleef & Arpels you will be surrounded by passionate experts and will contribute to many new projects which allows our Maison to regularly reinvent itself. How Will You Make An Impact? As a Jewellery Boutique Technician you will be in the front line of

Studios and Creative Workspaces - Craft Central

Artist studios and creative workspaces in East London Craft Central has been supporting designer makers, small businesses, entrepreneurs and creative individuals for nearly 50 years. Now situated at The Forge in East London, we offer studios and co-working spaces as well as an incredible gallery space available for exhibitions and events. 1. It's a quick and easy commute to the Isle of Dogs: in a peaceful location five stops from Canary Wharf; seven minutes walk from Island Gardens station (DLR). 2. It's unique, Grade II listed and full of industrial heritage. 3. The high-quality renovation was commended for a New

News Edit: 8th November 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... The powerful women behind Cartier’s most iconic symbol Harpers Bazaar: A new interactive exhibition at Harrods celebrates the glittering heritage of Cartier’s most famous emblem, and the pioneering woman who inspired it. harpersbazaar.com An ode to nature Bankock Post: Chopard translates its love for flora and fauna into a new range of high-jewellery creations for this year's Red Carpet collection. bangkokpost.com All the coolest Australian jewellery designers are now in one place Fashion Journal: I don’t know about you, but I find that buying jewellery online can be

Wayfinding and Interpretation Brief, Exeter Community Centre Trust

Wayfinding and Interpretation Brief, Exeter Community Centre Trust Invitation to tender: Key elements of the project are to: a) Provide interpretation of Exeter Community Centre, a large, brick building – a former Victorian Institute for the Blind - and its surrounding St David’s neighbourhood in Exeter, with maps and hotspots so that visitors to the Centre and the local community can understand and value its rich heritage b) Design materials to promote the route and key features of a St David’s Trail around the local St David’s neighbourhood c) Design and provide signage outside and inside the 4 floors of

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust Digital Access Project 2021 Open Call – Proposals for digital events and activity Our remarkable buildings have been home to many creative residencies and educational projects over the years. This year, we are focusing our efforts on digital, audio-visual and online activities which celebrate the local history, heritage and architecture of our buildings. HHBT is responsible for the protection and continued use of Hackney’s Oldest Building - St. Augustine’s Tower , and perhaps our most notable building; the Round Chapel which HHBT owns and operates as a community and performance venue. Opportunity Round Chapel is the

News Edit: 14 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news... The Creative Women Behind Such Prestigious Jewellery Brands As Chopard & Cartier Tatler: Meet the women responsible for reimagining the heritage of world class brands through a 21st century lens. asiatatler.com 22 Black Jewellery Designers Who Deserve Your Support And Investment Vogue: Prominent black voices are rare in jewellery. Even though many of the world’s riches in the form of precious metals and gemstones come from Africa, its residents are far more likely to have been cruelly exploited in the name of

News Edit: 8th March 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... 15 Jewellery Pieces That Are Too Cute To Resist Harpers Bazaar: Whimsical pieces which are conversation starters. harpersbazaar.com Meet the Indian Jeweler Inspired by Madonna and Frida Kahlo Town and Country: Sabyasachi Mukherjee's work, now at Bergdorf Goodman, fuses modernity and heritage. townandcountrymag.com Timothée Chalamet Is The New Poster Boy For High-Low Dressing Vogue: Timothée Chalamet is a fan of fashion with a capital F, having turned heads in everything from an embellished Louis Vuitton bib to a sporty Prada suit. But while his designer red-carpet looks by Off-White and

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator Location: Bovey Tracey, Devon Working hours: 3 Days, 9.30am to 5pm, with potential to increase. Fixed term contract: 12 months, with potential to become permanent Salary: £28,000 pro rata About us Craft Festival is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit craft event organisations with a heritage of over 19 years. We host Craft Festival , a multi-award-winning live event programme, currently in Devon and Gloucestershire. We also run Find a Maker, an online portal, community and business school, host a popular podcast The Capital of Craft and business startup courses. We champion the finest designer makers

The Selvedge World Fair 2021

Call for Applications: The Selvedge World Fair The Selvedge World Fair, a celebration of cloth culture and creativity. What's special about this event? Nurturing the designers and makers who inspire us is crucial to the Selvedge ethos – they are as much a part of our story as we are theirs, and with this event we are bringing the pages of the magazine alive. This event celebrates cloth. Textiles form an important part of the cultural heritage of every human being on the planet. Whoever you are and wherever you are, there are textiles in your heritage. Textiles are inextricably linked to the history

Going For Gold(smiths)

Dartmoor Jeweller, Corrinne Eira Evans, has been selected to exhibit at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair event at Goldsmiths Hall, London. Corrinne is one of only 136 jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected to take part in the event. Evans creates handcrafted contemporary jewellery inspired by her surroundings of Dartmoor. Fascinated with the heritage craft technique of flat chainmail, she fabricates elegant metal fabric jewellery which connects the undulating Dartmoor landscape with contours of the body. Utilising the best ethical materials, the pallet of metallic colours offer maximising versatility and wearability. Her use of bold yet subtle patterns ‘woven’ into

Saltaire Open Village & Makers Fair 2023

Call for Applications: Saltaire Arts Trail 27 – 29 May 2023 Saltaire Saltaire Inspired is committed to inclusion and diversity and particularly encourages applications from artists whose backgrounds and experiences are underrepresented in the visual arts, contemporary craft and design sectors. Saltaire is a location of national and international significance, architecturally and artistically. As well as supporting creativity in Saltaire and its surrounding area, we aim to bring the best of visual art and craft to the World Heritage site, as an inspiration to local practitioners and audiences. Submissions to the Open Village and Saltaire Makers Fair are considered by

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

BeCraft exhibits at Eleven Steens

OBJECT SYNONYMS 24.02.2022 → 10.04.2022 The currents pass, evolve. Always, artists immerse themselves in what has been. They reformulate, look differently, offer a "what seems" but which is no longer – or which is, different. They rethink, recycle, divert, ennoble. This is where the power of contemporary applied arts lies. Bathed in the – distant – roots of the functional, the artists free themselves from it or draw inspiration from it to perfect the world, to question it, to challenge it. Through the diversity of materials, techniques, and the rich heritage of arts and crafts, it is a vast and constantly

FORGE Launch Event Showcase

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

'Curated Courtyard' Commission

'Curated Courtyard' Commission Supported by Arts Council England, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council invite artists to submit ambitious and exciting proposals to create one or more of seven large-scale artworks in response to the launch of their major capital commissioning programme for The Amelia Scott Building. Each artwork will become part of the fabric of the new and redeveloped buildings that comprise The Amelia Scott in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Funded using generous grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, The Amelia Scott will house a unified service which brings together cultural, educational

Modular Furniture Piece Commission

Modular Furniture Piece Commission, The Amelia Scott Building Supported by Arts Council England, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council invite artists to submit ambitious and exciting proposals to create one or more of seven large-scale artworks in response to the launch of their major capital commissioning programme for The Amelia Scott Building. Each artwork will become part of the fabric of the new and redeveloped buildings that comprise The Amelia Scott in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Funded using generous grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, The Amelia Scott will house a unified service

Decorative Iron Gates Commission

Decorative Iron Gates Commission, The Amelia Scott Building Supported by Arts Council England, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council invite artists to submit ambitious and exciting proposals to create one or more of seven large-scale artworks in response to the launch of their major capital commissioning programme for The Amelia Scott Building. Each artwork will become part of the fabric of the new and redeveloped buildings that comprise The Amelia Scott in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Funded using generous grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, The Amelia Scott will house a unified service

News Edit: 20 November 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... Boucheron returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a visionary and intimate High Jewelry experience Zawya: The resort is located in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, historical crossroads of pilgrims and traders, and home to one of the kingdom’s most ambitious heritage developments. www.zawya.com Unstitched: Otiumberg Harpers Bazaar: The responsible jeweller talks about changing the industry and why we should all focus on longevity. www.harpersbazaar.com 5 Jewellery Advent Calendars We’re Dreaming Of Opening Refinery 29: Festive fervour seems to have erupted overnight with holiday adverts dominating

Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund Grant

Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund Grant The Arts Council has published guidance for the Culture Recovery Fund: Grants programme. This fund forms part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) wider Culture Recovery Fund of £1.57 billion, set up to protect the UK’s culture and heritage sectors from the economic impacts of Covid-19. Grants from between £50,000 to £3 million will be available. Eligibity - Cultural organisations (both profit and not for profit) based in England that are properly constituted and are registered at Companies House and/or Charity Commission, and are able to produce at least one year’s

Vicenzaoro Hosts Industry's First Ever Hackathon

An earring able to call the police when in danger. A bracelet that warms up thanks to solar energy. A ring that staves off skin problems. A bracelet that explains Italy’s cultural heritage. An accessory able to exploit time. These were the best ideas to come out of the jewellery industry's first hackathon at this year's Vicenzaoro. Vicenzaoro January, staged the first edition of The Gold Run , the jewellery technology hackathon for more than 60,000 students and researchers, devised in collaboration with Padua University within the context of T.Gold. The Gold Run opened Vicenzaoro to fusion with the world of research, [youtube

Liberty Open Call 2018

Liberty Open Call 2018 Liberty London is on the lookout for the next big talent, offering artists, creators and designers a chance to have their own unique artwork immortalised in iconic Liberty Fabric, simply by uploading a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #LibertyOpenCall This year’s #LibertyOpenCall prize also puts the winners at the centre of the creative journey, including time spent developing the artwork alongside the Liberty London Design Team, as well as a trip to Liberty London’s fabric mill in Italy, where they will watch as the winning fabrics are printed. With a heritage of art and design

New Studio 'The Smiddy' to Launch with a Project that Celebrates Local Crafts People

Vanilla Ink’s is throwing open its doors for its first expansion in beautiful Banff. The brand new, recently renovated The Smiddy: Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing & Jewellery, will open to the public on September 22nd – and for their first project and exhibition, they want to hear from you! The Royal Borough of Banff is richly steeped in silversmithing heritage, with locally made silver fetching great interest and fantastic prices at auctions. Vanilla Ink mean to revive that history, firmly returning local craft to the global silversmithing map. This is where you come in; to help the revive tradition,

Sixteen of the World’s Best Emerging Fashion Designers to Exhibit in London at the International Fashion Showcase 2019

The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. The biennial fashion presentation is a partnership between the British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion, UAL and Somerset House. For London Fashion Week this February, the showcase has a new format. For the first time, 16 selected designers from across the globe will showcase a series of compelling installations to represent their respective country. The designers will explore politics, sustainability, identity and heritage and show their latest designs in immersive environments. The 16 countries represented are: Bangladesh, Brazil,

A Maison with a View: Discover Paris through the Eyes of Boucheron in the new 'Paris, vu du 26' Collection

In their latest collection ‘Paris, vu du 26’, high jewellery heritage, Boucheron, transports you to romantic, bustling Paris- taking you on a personal tour of spectacular landmarks and architecture that holds meaning to the Maison. Frédéric Boucheron was the first among the great contemporary jewellers to open a shop in Place Vendôme. Many other notable figures have resided there too since its birth in 1702, including Chopin, Coco Chanel and the Countess di Castiglione; who actually lived above Boucheron itself. 26 V is the Boucheron family house, and the heart of its creative enterprise. Its windows have bore witness to

Sara Peymanpour makes Wolf & Badger debut

Newly launched luxury jewellery designer brand Sara Peymanpour London, whose collections are inspired by Sara’s Persian heritage, will be stocked by concept store Wolf & Badger in London, New York City and online from August 2018. The eponymous, responsibly sourced Sara Peymanpour London brand launched in June at Couture London, a showcase invitation-only event for designer brands on Old Bond Street. “Wolf & Badger are very selective and only stock designers with a distinctive style, so this is a great start for my brand,” Sara said. “I am particularly pleased because it is very unusual for Wolf & Badger to

Jordanian husband and wife duo, Elham and Issa, open new showroom in London

Born from a 10 year love story, Elham & Issa Jewellery is the work of a passionate couple creating eclectic fine jewellery. Originally from Jordan, visionary husband and wife Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji illustrate their romantic and refined aesthetic through their unique collections which blend culture, emotion, and craft. Along with a shared cultural heritage, Elham and Issa are dedicated artists. As one of the first women in Jordan to become a goldsmith and silversmith, Elham has broken gender barriers and exceled in a male dominated industry in creating “wearable art”. She says: “Jewellery has always been a passion

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020 13 - 15 September 2020 Alexandra Palace, London IJL, the UK’s Leading Jewellery Trade Event, will take place from Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 September, 2020, at a new London venue, the historic Alexandra Palace. Alexandra Palace is one of the UK’s most renowned and historic exhibition spaces, whose heritage and style evoke the jewellery industry it will showcase. Set in beautiful parkland, only 10 minutes north of Kings Cross, Alexandra Palace has long been a beacon for domestic and international visitors for concerts, events and exhibitions during its 146 years. In the last

Appointment: Lizzie McAuley joins Board of Houlden Group

Luxury jewellery consortium, the Houlden Group, have announced the appointment of Lizzie McAuley as the latest Director to join the Board. As a Director of Bedford based Baker Brothers Diamonds – the luxury family-run jeweller of merit founded in 1839 - Lizzie’s rich heritage and wealth of knowledge in the diamond trade makes her an invaluable asset to the Board. After a varied career in Buying for designer and supermarket brands such as Hugo Boss and Tesco, Lizzie joined Baker Brothers after her Father became ill, moving rapidly through an intense programme of training and completed her diamond grading, gemmology

News Edit: 14 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Why Chaumet's bejewelled tribute to all things celestial was an astonishing masterstroke of high jewellery The Telegraph: Chaumet got just one thing wrong with its new high jewellery collection: displaying the pieces under alarmed spotlights so that whenever anyone tried to get a close-up photo, a siren went off and the perpetrator was left red-faced. www.telegraph.co.uk Haute Couture Jewelry Report: A New Generation Alights Vogue: In the wake of big anniversary celebrations at heritage houses like Boucheron, De Beers, and Cartier, this year marks yet more milestones in the world

Bringing Back Brooches for A/W '19

Big, bold, bodacious and dripping in retro vibes, the return of brooches is one of the most fun and surprising jewellery trends for A/W '19. Be it surfer-style corn shells, regal pearls or badass chokers, we know by now that what is old becomes new again, and for brooches, this once outdated accessory is set to become the must-have accessory for Autumn fashionistas. Combined with the arrival of heritage-inspired straight legs suits and cardigans galore upon the A/W runways, quirky oversized brooches complete the cosy, practical grandma-esque aesthetic that designers have favoured this Autumn. For those of us wanting to

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

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

Appointment: James Rice as new Houlden Director

Luxury jewellery consortium, the Houlden Group, have announced the appointment of James Rice as the latest Director to join the board. Currently Sales & Marketing Director of Hull based Hugh Rice, a luxury family-run jeweller founded in 1965 which has since expanded from Hull and Beverley, throughout Yorkshire and into the North East, James’s irrefutable heritage and knowledge of the modern-day workings of a successful retail jewellery empire makes him an invaluable asset to the Houlden board. While attending university in Lancaster, James worked in-store at Hugh Rice, covering roles in Procurement, Stock Replenishment and Sales Tracking. He joined the

Exotic Persian influences for Toranj London's 2018 collections

Toranj London has launched its new limited edition fine jewellery collections for 2018 with four new hand-crafted ranges all influenced by founder Sara Peymanpour's Iranian heritage and culture. Golbarg, which means 'petal' in Iranian, uses a variety of existing motifs used in the design of Persian carpets. Many of the designs take their influence from 1001 Arabian nights stories and in common with the other ranges, use precious metals that are ethically-mined and gemstones sourced from ethical suppliers. The Toranj London Empire collection comprises items that are all one of a kind and handmade in Iran while both the Noor

The Skinners’ Company Lady Neville Charity

Funding: The Skinners’ Company Lady Neville Charity Small charities and not for profit organisations working in the areas of local heritage and the performing and visual arts can apply for funding through the Lady Neville Charity grants programme. Eligible organisations can apply for grants in the region of £500 to £1,000 for items of non-recurring expenditure (eg, equipment, an event, a particular element of capital building works). In addition the Skinners Company supports any charitable activity which takes place in communities where the Skinners' Company has a presence. The deadlines for applications to be submitted for our 2018 funding rounds

The Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund 2018

The Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund Museums, galleries and heritage organisations in the UK can apply for support for time-limited projects that use collections for a social purpose, demonstrating that collections change lives and enhance public benefit. Between 2017 and 2019 the Foundation is offering a total of £3.5 million in grants. Grant Funding Grants of between £20,000 and £120,000 are available to museums and galleries in the UK to enable them to focus on time-limited work on collections outside the scope of an organisation’s core resources. A large number of collections activities are eligible for funding, for example research, digitisation,

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

Wartski to move from Grafton Street

Wartski, the prestigious British antiques dealer specialising in jewellery and works of art by Russian Court jeweller Carl Fabergé, is moving from Grafton Street to a new showroom situated at 60 St James’s Street. The new premises are flanked by leading heritage brands, fellow Royal Warrant holders and is at the heart of London’s celebrated club land . The gallery has been designed in partnership with Waldo Works, architects and interior designers renowned for their modern British design output and ability to translate a brand's identity into an engaging physical environment. The new showroom is expected to open late summer 2018. Wartski

Signet rings all the rage again

The recent hike in signet ring sales, among both men and women, represents a tiny sliver of heraldry history, with trends and customs in 'pinky' rings and regalia dating back almost 3,500 years. Today, it is no longer necessary have a family coat of arms and a small fortune to wear a signet ring. Most high street jewellers can engrave initials on a ring for as little as £100 but the desire to embellish one's appearance with an item that indicates heritage and pedigree or power remains as strong as it was in around 1300 BC when the Greeks and

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

Angela Georgiou gets new branding with Clout

Shropshire based bespoke luxury jeweller, Angela Georgiou has had a complete brand refresh courtesy of global branding experts, which has successfully strengthened the positioning and identity of the jewellery brand. The jewellery designer who uses inspiration from her Greek Cypriot heritage, re-imagines found and personal antiquities, turning them into unconventional, contemporary pieces for a UK and international client base. Award winning Clout Branding were appointed towards the end of 2017 by the jeweller to help create a more distinct positioning and brand identity within the luxury sector. The new identity, which is focused around the idea of ‘The past re-imagined’

Burgess Park Commission, Southwark Council

Burgess Park Commission, Southwark Council Public Art Commission Funding has been identified through Southwark Council’s Parks Capital Programme to commission an artist /arts organisation to produce and install a new visual artwork in Burgess Park to commemorate the people and places impacted by WWI zeppelin bomb that landed on Calmington Road, which is now incorporated into Burgess Park. Project Aims To work with the local community to create a high quality visual art installation that commemorates the people and places impacted by the zeppelin bomb on Calmington Road and celebrates the heritage of the local area. To foster a sense

Evesham Bell Tower Lighting Project, Wychavon District Council

Evesham Bell Tower Lighting Project, Wychavon District Council Wychavon District Council is looking for an experienced individual or company to design and replace the exterior lights for The Bell Tower in Evesham. The Bell Tower is a heritage building and is on scheduled ancient monument land so will need permissions. This project is part of phase 1 of the Evesham Creative Lighting Trail which links the lights on the River Avon to the Almonry museum via Evesham war memorial, Abbey Park memorial gardens, All Saints Church and St Lawrences church. Project Timeline The project is due to start in July

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works Water – Meadow – Wood Somerset Art Works is delivering a three year artist residency programme at Yeovil Country Park following the themes of Water – Meadow – Wood. This three-year project is providing greater engagement with people and new opportunities to interpret the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Yeovil Country Park. The theme for 2017 and the final year of the project is ‘Wood’ the woodland as a place and as a habitat, providing inspiration for creative exploration. The artist appointed will deliver 15 participatory sessions through the

Best of Britannia London 2017

Best of Britannia London - The Home of Great British Makers Best of Britannia, the unique showcase for British brands, is proud to announce that its annual London trade and consumer event will take place on Thursday October 12th and Friday October 13th 2017. Launched in 2012, Best of Britannia is a celebration of all that is beautifully made in the UK. From British heritage products to exciting new innovations, the annual London exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reach trade and consumer customers who care about quality, provenance and sustainability and want to purchase high quality products made

Tracey Emin CBE RA Designs LFWM Fifth Anniversary Logo

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

Anburis to Represent TFL & Craft Central at Clerkenwell Design Week

Mine Bilgutay-Ozkurt, founder of jewellery brand Anburis has been selected as one of thirteen designers to showcase a specially designed brooch during Clerkenwell Design Week. Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and Craft Central in collaboration with Joanna Sterling the creator of TubeFlash and The Casket of Fictional Delights; the competition required designers to design and produce a brooch inspired by the London Underground, in order to to celebrate TfL's unique history and heritage of design. Created using the latest CAD technology, Anburis’ selected brooch designs feature commonly used phrases on the Underground such as ‘Mind the gap’, ‘Underground’ and

West Dean Arts and Craft Festival 2017

2017 West Dean Arts and Craft Festival brings together 200+ artists, makers, writers and performers for the UK’s definitive arts and craft festival. Taking place at West Dean College, the former home and gardens of Edward James, poet, Surrealist and arts patron, the festival will deliver a wide range of dynamic workshops, drop-in creative sessions as well as exciting live demonstration, performances and installations. Browse and buy unique pieces from 120 designers and makers, curated by MADE, and visit the dedicated Print Show. Visitors will discover the secrets of West Dean House, with itsintriguing arts heritage, along with the surrounding

Pure London announces International Footwear and Accessory line-up

Pure London, the premium event for progressive fashion buyers, will once again play host to the UK’s largest selection of footwear and accessory brands at the forthcoming February edition of the show (12-14 February, London Olympia). Featuring a range of new, international and niche brands showcasing their AW17 collections, the Footwear and Accessory hall is set to be one of the best offerings yet for buyers. New to Pure London this February, Spanish-based footwear designer Lola Cruz, who will be presenting their highly anticipated AW17 collection. Designed and created by Maria Jesus Gonzalvo, who followed her family's passion and heritage

Saunders Shepherd & Co Return to Jewellery & Watch

Fine jewellery distributor Saunders Shepherd & Co will make a welcome return to Jewellery & Watch in February following several years’ absence. The Birmingham-based heritage company, who distribute fine and fashion collections by Fope, Ponte Vecchio and Al Coro, has chosen Jewellery & Watch as the destination to launch its new range of Italian-made silver jewellery by Dog Fever. John Coupland, MD of Saunders Shepherd & Co, commented, “We are delighted to be participating in the UK’s spring premier jewellery show again, and look forward to unveiling our exquisite new silver collection from Dog Fever; it is unlike anything we

Danish Design, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

This month the Woldstone Gallery launches the first of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths. Woldstone will showcase jewellery and silverware by over twenty contemporary British and European goldsmiths; many award–winning. The Woldstone ‘Spotlight’ series of temporary exhibitions enables the gallery to introduce new designers and show a wider body of work by designers they represent on a permanent basis. “Danish Design” In November, Woldstone spotlights “Danish Design” and features the work of Tina Engell and Mikala Djorup. While this duo of talented contemporary goldsmiths share a common heritage; they both

Public Art Commission: Western Expansion Area - Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Council and Gallagher Estates are looking to appoint an artist/creative practice to develop a proposal for a significant public realm commission, which explores and celebrates the heritage and future of the Western Expansion Area (WEA) – the largest development site in Milton Keynes. We are looking for an artist/creative practice with an excellent track record of working within the public realm and whose practice is directly engaged with place making. It is envisaged that the commission will address two intrinsically linked strands of place making which include: ‘way finding’ - the scheme should encourage an exploration and navigation

Shine On: Carolina Bucci & her Superstellar Collection

Carolina Bucci is a jewellery designer whose creations are synonymous with a modern and effortless sense of luxury. Her jewellery is a vibrant re-invention of her family’s rich heritage, and it has redefined what fine jewellery can be, and how it should be worn. Working with the same techniques and tools used by her great-grandfather, who founded the family business in Florence in 1885, the designer continues to explore new methods of her craft. She creates unique pieces that combine the tradition of Florentine artisanship with a distinctly hip and modern sensibility. How is a star born? In Carolina's own

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

Carmarthen School of Art - Coleg Sir Gâr

Established in 1965, the Foundation programme at Carmarthen has a national reputation for excellence. It offers learners the opportunity to explore a diverse range of art and design options to enable them, through experience, to make an informed choice about future education, training and employment progression. HERITAGE Carmarthen School of Art has been providing Art education since 1854, being one of the first Art Schools set up in Britain following the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in London. The School has been continually evolving ever since, responding to social, creative and cultural developments and the changing needs of its

Commission: New Huguenot Silver

The Huguenot Museum seek to commission some unique pieces of silver to be sold in our Museum Shop in time for Christmas. About the Museum: The Huguenot Museum opened last year and tells the important story of the French Protestants who fled persecution in France in the 17th Century. Silver was one of the key trades practiced by these new arrivals, who changed the face of the craft. About the Project: We seek to commission a new piece (or pieces) of silver or jewellery which has been inspired by Huguenot Heritage which we will then sell in our Museum shop

NAJ Summit Ends on a High as New Chair Heather Callaway Takes the Helm

The NAJ Summit kickstarted a summer of renewed positivity for the jewellery trade according to Chair, Heather Callaway, and Principal Officer, Ben Massey. The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) closed the doors on its second annual NAJ Summit, which welcomed guests from across the UK and further afield for four days of education, practical workshops, business development and networking opportunities. The final day of the Summit, dedicated to the JET Business Network’s annual Retail Jewellers’ Congress, took place on Monday, 13 June and signaled the end of a successful and well-attended programme of events. The Summit also gave new NAJ

News Edit: 8 January 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... Moda Jewellery and Watch launch bursary for emerging jewellery designers Fashion United: Jewellery and Watch (J&W), the UK’s biggest returning jewellery showcase taking place at Moda, has announced a New Jewels Bursary in collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and sponsored by Curteis Creates to offer an up-and-coming jewellery designer access to invaluable advice and support. fashionunited.uk Independent spirit The Guardian: Pearls & Pomegranates is a new ethical jewellery destination founded by Natalia Kübler with the conscious shopper in mind. Each purchase at Pearls & Pomegranates

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,

I'm Working On It!

Maya Selway pledges in association with Fair Luxury to work towards making a positive change within the jewellery industry and use business as a force for good in 2021. Maya Selway Fine Jewellery has taken the next steps in moving towards being a business that nurtures a more sustainable environmental and social future by pledging with Fair Luxury to create jewellery that is handcrafted using only recycled gold, diamonds and sustainably sourced pearls. The first of these pieces have been added to her timeless Held collection and can be viewed as a capsule group at Tomfoolery in Muswell Hill as

Romanian Jewelry Week 2022

Romanian Jewelry Week 6th - 9th of October 2022 Romanian Jewelry Week is an international event organized by Assamblage National Jewelry Association, dedicated to the contemporary jewelry field in Romania and worldwide. The first edition of the event was organized between the 22-27th of September 2020 in 7 galleries, museums and showrooms in Bucharest. Over 150 contemporary jewelry designers presented their collections at ROJW 1.0: 1 designers, collectives, schools and associations of designers from UK, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Canada, Israel, China, South Korea, USA, Brazil, Mexico and many more. The second edition took place between the

OROAREZZO 2020

OROAREZZO now moved to 2021 Italian Exhibition Group has decided to schedule the show only in 2021 The difficulties caused by the health crisis are persisting for the international markets, with harsh restrictions enforced by some foreign countries of reference and, above all, the uncertainty of regular flight connections from the coming month of July. Under these conditions, there is no guarantee that foreign buyers will be able to travel to Italy and Tuscany and holding Oroarezzo 2020 in the best circumstances cannot be ensured. IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, in conjunction with the sector’s manufacturing and association representatives, has therefore decided

NAJ Reveals Brands Participating in ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’ at the NAJ Summit 2021

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is pleased to announce an initial list of suppliers that are participating in this year’s NAJ Summit and its trade event-style ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’. Download the NAJ Summit Brochure Visiting retailers will have chance to reconnect with the teams at Hockley Mint, Ntinga, CW Sellors, Clarity Jewellery, Cadfolio, Fei Liu, GVUK Design, Code by Edge, Mireya, Lucy Quatermaine, Goodman Bros., Ruppenthal, LBJ Jewellery, Angel Whisperer, TI SENTO – Milano and Headline Sponsor, Continental UK, across all three days of the event. Garry Lane, NAJ’s Commercial Manager overseeing the Supplier Showcase says: “We’re delighted to be

European Prize for Applied Arts 2021

Call for Applications: European Prize for Applied Arts 2021 Initiated in 2009, in partnership with the City of Mons, the WCC-Europe and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the European Prize for Applied Arts rewards creations of contemporary expression in the field of Applied Arts and Craft Design. This 5th edition will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association. This competition is for all artists working in the field of applied arts and artisanal design and residing in a European country (including non-EU members). The works selected for the competition must be of a high standard, both technically and aesthetically, and

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

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles (Learn at home) The Hand Engravers Association is pleased to offer an online hands-on and practical “ Two-Day-Plus ” course aimed at complete beginners and those with limited experience of the craft. Dates Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March 2022. Each day starts at 10am (GMT) and runs until 4pm. The short follow-up session is on Saturday 26th March at 10am. Cost £230.00 includes all tools and materials needed, which will be sent to you prior to the course. To book please go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk Hand engraving is the embellishment of precious objects using traditional engraving tools.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST)

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications Next application round is open 14 July - 24 August 2020 The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, from farriery and cheese maturing to jewellery design, silversmithing and sculpture. QEST was established to help support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers and thus sustain traditional British craftsmanship. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th

The Art & Antiques Fair 2020

The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia, London Thursday 18th – Sunday 28th June 2020 The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia, the capital’s longest running and most respected vetted art and antiques fair is set to return for a 48th year in June. It will be running from Thursday 18 until Sunday 28 with a Private Preview on Wednesday 17 June in association with their Charity Partner, Maggie’s. It is expected to attract art and antiques enthusiasts from across the globe looking for that inspirational, one of a kind piece. 130 leading art galleries and antiques dealers from the UK, and

Coronavirus: NAJ Postpones Education Awards

The National Association of Jewellers has taken the decision to postpone the NAJ Education Awards until later in the year due to c oronavirus. The event, planned for Tuesday 17 March, is a celebration of those students who have successfully completed their JET Professional Jewellers' Diploma, Certificate of Appraisal Theory (CAT), JET Management Diploma or who have completed the course of study to become Registered Valuers at either MIRV or FIRV level. Simon Forrester NAJ Chief Executive said “With the coronavirus situation getting worse by the hour, and given the examples of other countries’ infection rates, we felt it was

HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show 2020

Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong 2 - 6 March 2020 The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show , which specialises in loose stones and raw materials for jewellery, will run from 2 - 6 March 2020 at AsiaWorld-Expo, while the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show , which focuses on finished jewellery at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The twin shows will welcome more than 4,600 exhibitors from about 50 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest jewellery marketplace. The HKTDC collaborates with the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association and

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

Q&A: Dan Dower

Dan Dower is the Co-Founder and Design Director at Dower & Hall, the company he established in 1990 with wife Diane Hall. The well known independent British jewellery brand has two standalone stores in London and Glasgow, has concessions in top UK department stores and are stocked up and down the country by over 100 independent retail outlets. Dan heads up the design and bespoke element of the Dower and Hall business. A graduate of Middlesex University's Jewellery Degree course, he is a member of the National Association of Jewellers, a Freeman of the Goldsmith Company and City of London, and

£8000 Silver commission to mark the end of the Great War

Birmingham based British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) receive the commemorative ‘Silence Fell’ silverware to mark the end of the Great War. Last year the BATF board decided to commission a special piece to join its boardroom silver collection of over 50 items and tasked one of its member associations, The National Association of Jewellers, to help find a fitting item. A national competition was held to design and make a piece of silverware to commemorate the end of the First World War, taking that ceasefire as inspiration. At the beginning of the year Claire Malet was announced as the designer

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

London Design Festival Digital Design Weekend

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

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,

International Pearl Design Competition 2018

Call for Applications: International Pearl Design Competition 2018 The International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC) was created in 2009 to recognize design excellence with all types of cultured pearls under the authority of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. The Awards are international in scope, and have garnered international recognition for both emerging and seasoned artists from all over the world. The judging process is anonymous, transparent, and confidential. Judges are leaders of the jewelry industry and include retailers, editors, buyers, and pearl jewelry craftsmen. Purpose of the Competition Awards are given to entries that demonstrate high levels of design achievement

VIA Arts Prize 2018

Call for Applications: VIA Arts Prize 2018 Artists are invited to enter into a “Dialogue” with Ibero-American arts and culture for this year’s VIA Arts Prize 2018. The call for entries opens on Wednesday 6 June 2018 and closes on Monday 22 October The VIA Arts Prize, held annually at the Embassy of Brazil to the UK, in partnership with ACALASP (the Association of Cultural Attachés of Latin America, Spain and Portugal), People’s Palace Projects from Queen Mary University of London, and sponsored by Itaú, is pleased to now open the call for entries for this year’s prize. Following on

Q&A: Alan Craxford

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

The Making of a Silver Commission

The Making of a Silver Commission The Clothworkers’ Company hosts Contemporary British Silversmiths London Craft Week 2019 Friday 10 May 2019 In partnership with Contemporary British Silversmiths, the leading association for contemporary silver, The Clothworkers’ Company hosts a day of events, shining a light on the fascinating process of commissioning and making silver.Meet the makers during free demonstrations by award-winning silversmiths Miriam Hanid and Yusuke Yamamoto and learn about their live commissions for The Clothworkers’ Company during our lunchtime lecture. Both silversmiths have recently been commissioned to create major pieces for The Clothworkers’ Company. This one-day event offers visitors a

Learn Hand Engraving in Manchester

Learn Hand Engraving in Manchester Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 October 2019 Hot Bed Press Printmakers’ Studio, Manchester The Hand Engravers Association has been running short courses for many years and we are thrilled to announce our first course away from London – in the creative surrounds of the Hot Bed Press Printmakers’ Studio in Manchester. Whether you are a complete metalsmith beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Introduction for Beginners' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional

Muriel Wilson 1933 – 2018

Muriel was a Founding Member of ACJ, and was for seven years our Honorary Secretary. She initiated our print magazine Findings and served as its Editor for 15 years, from 1998 to 2013. She was a keystone member of ACJ and keeper of its history. She retired from the Board meetings in 2014 (always identified as attending ex officio Editor of Findings) and thereafter served on our Panel of Advisors wirites Tamizan Savill from the Association for Contemporary Jewellery in Muriel Wilson's obituary. Jane Adam wrote “Muriel proved herself to be pivotal to the formation of ACJ, giving us a good

Appointment: London Diamond Bourse Appoint New Board Members

London Diamond Bourse, the only diamond specific trade association and physical diamond trading floor in the UK, has today announced changes to the composition of its Council of Management. “These are the most fundamental changes to LDB’s governance in my six years at LDB,” said COO, Victoria McKay. She continued, “The following changes are notable; Kathy Chappell, our Special Advisor for Ethical Issues has been welcomed to a full board position and our youngest board member is a millennial. Overall the average age of our board has lowered dramatically and representation around the boardroom table is proportionate to membership statistics."

Start up Workshops - Poplar Works

Call for Applicaitons: Poplar Works Start Up Workshops CFE , in collaboration with award-winning Housing and Regeneration Community Association Poplar HARCA, are taking on eight brand new solo and shared studio spaces will become available for emerging SME fashion and fashion tech businesses. CFE is London’s pioneering fashion and fashion tech business incubator and part of London College of Fashion (LCF), a constituent college of University of the Arts London (UAL). The studios are situated within Poplar Works, an exciting new development in Poplar, East London, located at 384 Abbott Road, London, E14. Currently under construction, completion is expected end of September

Gem Empathy Award 2019

Call for Applicaitons: Gem Empathy Award Gem Empathy Award open to IJL visitors for the first time IJL and Gem-A launch the Gem Empathy competition 2019 and ask for jewellery designs for a unique and precious coral jewel IJL and Gem-A have announced the return of the Gem Empathy Award for 2019, which gives IJL 2019 exhibitors and visitors the chance to win a precious and sustainable coral cabochon for their bespoke jewellery design. The long-standing Gem Empathy Award – organised by Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain) and hosted by IJL – gives exhibitors and, for the first time,

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

Get to know IJL's six winning Kickstarters for 2018

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

The Prettiest Pearl in the Room

An ever-loved adornment for jewellery, accessories, furniture and more, the pearl is the oldest gem known to man, symbolic for its association with beauty, wealth, wisdom and purity. Pearls are a timeless symbol of style; universally flattering due to their ability to complement a plethora of outfits and brighten just about any complexion of its wearer. One of the most precious trends for winter 2018 is the return of the pearls! Single bold chokers, as well as fine and dainty multi-strand necklaces, are a big hit with designers this season. With interesting clasps, the array of pearl jewellery this winter

NAJ preview new website at IJL

The National Association of Jewellers will reveal the NAJ’s new brand identity and showcase its much-improved website, due to launch later this year. Members of the trade are invited to stop by for an interactive website demonstration. Visitors and exhibitors alike will benefit from one-to-one advice from our Intellectual Property Lawyers and video marketing specialists as well as HMRC, specialist high value experts. Companies’ signing up to membership at the show will benefit from no joining fee, saving up to £120. Individuals and companies enrolling on a JET course at IJL will also save 10%. Budding entrepreneurs will be able

Raw Pearls announce Pearl Academy, free and accessible training videos at your fingertips

According to a study by the British Pearl Association, only 20% of staff could explain the types of pearl, nor the factors affecting the value of the pearl. Raw Pearls, one of the UK’s leading pearl jewellery suppliers, have created Pearl Academy to address staff training needs; enabling retail staff to be confident when imparting their knowledge and passion for the pearl. As well as in-store training, Pearl Academy will be releasing a series of webinar style videos that are free and accessible to anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of pearls. Part One has already been released; lasting just [youtube

Gem-A Conference 2018

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

JNA Jewellery Design Competition

Call for Applications: JNA Jewellery Design Competition 2018/19 The inaugural competition is organised by JNA of UBM Asia Limited, sponsored by Crossfor HK Ltd, Platinum Guild International (PGI) and the Tahitian Pearl Association Hong Kong (TPAHK), the competition recognises and celebrates excellence in jewellery design. It invites amateur and professional jewellery designers to harness their passion and ingenuity towards producing modern and innovative designs that reflect their perspective. Theme of the competition The theme of the 3 categories are : Dancing Stone jewellery category - New Fashion Tech Materials: Entrants may incorporate gem and metal materials such as diamonds, coloured

Could 2018 mark new crypto era for UK jewellers?

Attempts to persuade UK gold dealers and jewellers to embrace the cryptocurrency Dash in their business plans in 2018 could enjoy a surge of activity following the award of 'wallets' of digital cash to 10 jewellers around the country. As part of a project to promote wider use of digital currency among retailers, a market survey, conducted in conjunction with the National Association of Jewellers last November, asked 2200 NAJ about their plans for the future use of Dash, an alternative to Bitcoin. A total of 201 companies responded, including some of the largest UK firms in the sector, many of them

UK Pavilion - Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

Call for Applications: UK Pavilion Hong Kong International Jewellery Show British Jewellery & Giftware International in conjunction with the National Association of Jewellers will once again be organising a group pavilion at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show in March 2018, with support from the Department for International Trade. In 2017 this major international trade show featured approximately 2,580 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions presenting their products to some 52,000 visitors. Stand Size For 2018 the UK pavilion retains its enviable front of hall location in Hall 5G. Standard booth sizes are 9sqm. Show Dates 1-5

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner to be held by candlelight

A charitable dinner by candlelight event held by the Benevolent Society, the charity which financially assists individuals that have worked within the giftware, jewellery, surface engineering, travel goods and fashion accessories industries, has had the Giftware Association step up as its headline sponsor. One of the highlights of the jewellery industry’s calendar, The Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner, this year will be an exclusive dinner and entertainment by candlelight event at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London The event is put on not only to thank the Federation Benevolent Society’s sponsors and supporters, but also to raise funds for the charity which helps those who have worked within

The NAJ Awards

Call for Applications: The NAJ Awards The NAJ Awards celebrate the achievements of members of the National Association of Jewellers. How to Apply The nomination process has changed, awards are no longer about the number of votes from your industry peers – you have to put yourself forward and tell the NAJ why you deserve an award. Why Apply? If you are shortlisted or go on to win an award your business will benefit from a great deal of publicity, as the NAJ let the industry know who you are and why you are special. Online Application It takes just

Winter Jewels 2017

Winter Jewels – Jewellery Exhibition 'Winter Jewels’ Jewellery Exhibition is once again set to sparkle at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Members of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex will be welcomed back to the Visitor Pavilion for their popular annual selling exhibition, which is now in it’s 6 year. The exhibition features the best contemporary jewellery in Wessex by more than 25 studio jewellers from the region, with the makers manning the exhibition themselves. The 25+ cabinets showcase a variety of skill, styles and techniques from the talented local artisans. Please see the ACJ Wessex website www.acjwessex.co.uk to see who will

Learn Hand Engraving in London - Evening Class

Learn Hand Engraving in London Autumn Programme These popular courses are back and the Hand Engravers Association is delighted to announce its autumn programme. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, class sizes are kept to just eight students. Upcoming Dates: Three Day Intensive Courses: Dates: 9-11 September 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Dates: 4-6 November 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Venue St Lukes Community Centre, 90 Central St, London EC1V

Hand Engraving Courses in London

Learn Hand Engraving in London This is a six week course taking place one Thursday per week from 6-9pm, starting 18 May 2017. Organised by the Hand Engravers Association, courses are held at Craft Central, London. Who is the course for? This course is aimed at all skill levels, from complete beginners, to improvers, to practiced metalsmiths wishing to build their engraving skill. What will I learn? During the hands-on, practical course students will learn from a highly skilled professional with many years of experience. The course has a maximum quota of just eight students allowing sessions to be tailored to suit

Learn Hand Engraving in London - Three Day Intensive Course

IJL KickStart 2017

The search begins for the most talented 10 International Jewellery London (IJL) celebrates the New Year with the launch of its highly successful KickStart industry bursary programme. Up-and-coming British jewellery designers are invited to apply online now to be one of the lucky ten who will exhibit on a group stand at IJL 2017 in September, the UK’s premier international showcase for the jewellery industry. In addition, the KickStart Top Ten will benefit from valuable marketing and industry support from IJL and co-sponsors, the National Association of Jewellers. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, comments: “KickStart is a fantastic pool of

IJL Announce The Ten New Talented KickStarters for 2017

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

A Quiet Unfolding of Ideas. A retrospective Exhibition: Pamela Ritchie

A Quiet Unfolding of Ideas. A retrospective Exhibition: Pamela Ritchie 2017 Saidye Bronfman Award Laureate Pamela Ritchie creates jewellery that explores linkages between traditional craft processes, contemporary ideas of science and culture, and the language of alternative materials. Her work celebrates the concentrating effect of detail, and the paradox that an abundance of ideas, form, and pattern can be encapsulated in very small objects. Her studies include an MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and postgraduate research work in Norway supported by a scholarship from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in conjunction with

Evening Soiree, Meet The Maker

Evening Soiree, Meet The Maker Do you like shopping? Did you know unique handmade contemporary crafts are currently for sale at Vittoria Street Gallery? The Meet The Maker pop up shop is open for 1 more night! So it’s your last chance to buy beautiful work from Made in the Middle exhibitors. You are welcome to join us for an evening soiree in the Vittoria Street Gallery in association with Talking Practice. You will have the opportunity to meet Made in the Middle makers, have a chat and a glass of wine, and to purchase work from the exhibition. The

The Jewellery Industry Salary and Benefits Survey 2017

The National Association of Jewellers has launched its Jewellery Industry Sa lary and Benefits Survey 2017 which will be open until the 1 August . The survey will be used to allow businesses to benchmark themselves against the national wage average across industry. The questions include salary brackets, benefits and rewards across the wide range of job functions and craft skills associated with our sector. Only survey participants will have access to the detailed results where a ll individual responses will be confidential. Understanding the current market r ates for salaries and wages is vital as it will

Brilliant social media wins Alice Barnes 2017 Industry's Choice Award

Alice Barnes built up a formidable following on social media for her unique paper art jewellery to win the IJL 2017 KickStart ‘Industry’s Choice Award’, beating nine other contenders for the prestigious prize of a complimentary stand in the Design Gallery in 2018. The ten KickStarters went into battle over the summer to win as many votes as possible from the public via social media and an online poll, with the prize awarded at the discretion of the IJL and The National Association of Jewellers. Showing initiative and enterprise in her use of social media and email marketing, Alice gained

Jet Business Network Congress 2017

How do you unlock the value of staff? No business should be an island when we can share experiences to enable us to be more successful. This year’s National Association of Jewellers' Jet Business Network Congress looks at how to unlock the value of your staff. Consisting of, shaping a company’s culture to foster an engaged workforce, coaching and rewarding staff and managing inconsistent performance. The congress attracts NAJ members from all over the UK, and is open to non-members for the first time this year. This year 6 key speakers have been handpicked to share their experiences and methodologies.

Masterpiece London Highlights 2016

At the height of the international summer arts season over 150 of the world's top exhibitors joined us at Masterpiece London to show works that span 5,000 years of art history, furniture, jewellery and design; from antiquity to the present day. In association with Principal Sponsor Royal Bank of Canada, the fair drew close to 40,000 visitors for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Relive the fair with the highlights video here and hear from the 2016 exhibitors as to why in their opinion Masterpiece has established itself as the leading international

Arabel Lebrusan Shortlisted for E-Tailer of the Year Award

Award winning Arabel Lebrusan has been shortlisted for the E-Tailer category in The National Association of Jewellers Awards 2016. The winners will be announced as part of the Benevolent Society ball which will take place on 1st December. Lebrusan has been committed to designing and making beautiful ethical jewellery for the last decade. Using her Spanish roots as a starting point, she started using the ancient technique of filigree to create stunning contemporary designs. Lebrusan really thrives on the challenge of combining the old with the new, driven by her interest in a sustainable approach to life. Lebrusan started creating contemporary

Craft Emergency 2016: Makers Announced

Craft Emergency have selected eleven makers for Craft Emergency 2016, a biennial open submission group exhibition featuring recent work in diverse media. The main aim of the competition is to champion contemporary craft by emerging makers from across the UK and beyond, increasing exposure for their work, and encouraging further professional development opportunities. Earlier this year the gallery launched an international open-call in association with Making Space, Havant. Eleven makers were selected for inclusion in the show by a panel of judges including: Annabelle Campbell, Head of Exhibitions and Collections, Crafts Council; Lynne Dick, Director, Making Space; Thomas Appleton, letter-carver

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

International Pearl Design Competition 2016-2017

The deadline is approaching of the call for entries for the International Pearl Design Competition, open to all with a love of pearls. Enter the International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC) sponsored by the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) and you will receive a one year membership as a Designer member into the CPAA. (A $500.00 value). All cultured pearl varieties; Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater of any shape and size are eligible for submission. Entries are considered eligible for any of the awards being given. Let the piece you create speak for itself. You can enter up to

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

Benevolent Society Ball 2016

Benevolent Society Ball and National Association Of Jewellers’ Membership Awards Event The event, which is taking place on Thursday 1 December at the prestigeous St John’s Hotel in Solihull attracted over 400 key industry guests last year and all looks good for an even greater turnout this year. The evening starts with a champagne reception sponsored by the National Exhibition Centre and the NAJ’s membership awards adds a great deal of excitement as the nominees wait with bated breath to learn whether they have won one of these illustrious awards. As well as helping needy people who used to worked

Gemfields confirmed as sponsors of the 2016 Gem-A Conference and Graduation Ceremony

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has announced that leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, Gemfields, has signed up as Silver Sponsor of the Gem-A Conference and as exclusive Ruby Sponsor of Gem-A’s annual Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards — a prestigious new sponsorship package created exclusively for the London-based company. Gemfields, who also own Fabergé, is one of the world’s largest producers of coloured gemstones including emeralds and amethysts from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique. The company delivers a constant supply of professionally-graded, uncut coloured gemstones to world markets via their highly acclaimed auction platform, as

Trade Organisations

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

The Invitation of Victor H.

The Invitation of Victor H. 10 October 2019 - 15 March 2020 BeCraft Gallery, Belgium A timeless creative parenthesis, a dialogue between Belgian architectural heritage and contemporary applied arts, the fruit of Victor Horta. How to take inspiration from Victor Horta without doing "Victor Horta"? BeCraft's artists take a contemporary look at the Belgian architect's unmissable work, which carries with it a major artistic movement of modern art . His personal home and studio, features of Art Nouveau at its peak, have been widely preserved his creations. What to impress but also to inspire contemporary artists, because working in the wake of Horta is in itself

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill Megan Brown’s new collection ‘Woven’ draws together her family heritage and talent for jewellery making. Growing up in Yorkshire, with a family legacy of textile weaving going back over 100 years, inspired Megan’s lifelong love of fabrics. The new collection explores how the soft, flowing qualities of fabric might be translated into something as hard as metal. Creating sculptural designs which have been intricately woven, using fine silver and gold chain to create a dynamic collection steeped in history and tradition. Alfred Brown

Garden Installation, Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood

Garden Installation, Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood Brief: Creative Installation for the garden at Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood, The Children’s Country House What is The Children’s Country House? Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood is undergoing a transformation into The Children’s Country House. A space with three components: a 17th century mansion, a Museum of Childhood and gardens are being united as an immersive heritage experience where children are put first. The Children’s Country House is about creating a place where children feel empowered, important, engaged and that they matter. What do we want? We

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

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

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

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition Goldsmiths’ Centre, Farringdon, London 9th January – 24th February 2023 The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches We have

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition New Brewery Arts 4th April – 18th June 2023 The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches We have chosen

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition Mission Gallery in partnership with Swansea College of Art UWTSD 16th November – 21st December 2022 The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel.

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition Vittoria Street Gallery, Birmingham School of Jewellery 19th September- 28th October 2022 The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches

Gift card industry launches campaign to drive £2.3 billion high street recovery

The gift card and voucher industry, led by the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) , has urged the government to raise the tax free gift card limit to £500, which could bring the high street an estimated spending boost of more than £2 billion*. The proposal would involve the government increasing the tax-free gifting allowance of £50 currently permitted through HMRC’s Trivial Benefits Allowance to £500, and encouraging employers across the nation to use the scheme to thank their staff for their hard work over the past few months of COVID-19 uncertainty. This permanent increase initiative follows similar proposals

Collect 2021 Talks Programme

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

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery x Paul Smith Collaboration

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery has been working with Paul Smith in a collaboration for a collection planned for AW17. The new designs were featured in the Paul Smith AW17 Men's Paris Fashion Week Show. The Paul Smith show merged men's and women's collections into one show with both collections sharing a direct design association, with their roots firmly planted in tailoring. Rachel Entwistle's own approach to design, which transcends traditional concepts of male or female, perfectly complemented the Paul Smith Collections. Jewellery included minimal engraved pendants, hand carved necklaces, plaque bracelets and pendants as well as signet rings. All of the

2016-2017 International Pearl Design Competition Winners

Peter Bazar, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly announces the winners’ of CPAA’S 2016-2017 International Design competition. “We are very happy with the success of this year’s competition, entries from 18 countries we received” Mr. Bazar reported. President’s Trophy – “Murmuring Stream” Yi-Shiun Tsai of Taipei City, Taiwan .The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best. Luster Award – “Dentelle” The Pearl Exporting Company of Portland, ME. Most marketable design for retail. Designer’s Award –“Pearl Blossom” Wan-Fang Ting of Taipei City, Taiwan. Given to the entry that takes