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Historical: 17th Century

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Historical: 20th Century

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Historical: 16th Century

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Historial: 19th Century

We all enjoy a good read. Our bookstore has been hand-picked to offer you inspiring resources. 

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This course is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery, Greg Valerio MBE & Ute Decker, and is about sustainability and ethical awareness. It is aimed at those involved in designing, making selling, learning or teaching jewellery and follows on from the Symposium the previous day. 1. What topics will we cover? The course will explain the ethical issues in jewellery making and the significance of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold. You will learn about different approaches to ethical

Stunning Mid 20th Century Ruby, Emerald And Diamond Ring By Cartier Sells For Hammer Price Of £20,000 At Dix Noonan Webb

A stunning mid 20th century ruby, emerald and diamond ring by  Cartier  was sold for £20,000 - almost three times its high estimate - by Dix Noonan Webb in their auction of  Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu  on  Tuesday March 15, 2022   at their Mayfair saleroom (16 Bolton Street, London W1J 8BQ). Comprising three bombé hoops, it had been estimated to fetch £5,000-7,000, and was bought by a member of the London trade and consigned by a private vendor [lot 265]. As Frances Noble, Head of the Jewellery Department and Associate Director at Dix Noonan Webb, commented after the sale: “ The

Rare 10th Century Saxon Gold Ring Found by Metal Detectorist in a Field in West Sussex Expected To Fetch Up To £12,000 in Auction at Noonans

Rare 10th Century Saxon Gold Ring Found by Metal Detectorist in a Field in West Sussex Expected To Fetch Up To £12,000 in Auction at Noonans A rare 10th century Saxon gold and enamel ring found in a field on Father’s Day (2021) in West Sussex is expected to fetch up to £12,000 when it is offered at Noonans Mayfair in a sale of Jewellery, Watches, silver, and objects of vertu on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. It was on Father’s Day (June 20, 2021), that Peter told his nine-year-old daughter Maya that he would “bring home gold today” and he

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

Geko Takes Inspiration From Iconic 20th Century Female Artists For New Collection

Gecko Jewellery have sought inspiration from some of the 20th century’s most highly regarded contemporary female artists for the new Fiorelli Silver collection, which launches this week. The new range, which features 74 new lines, contains striking, contemporary pieces, with the designers drawing inspiration from the work of Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama and Anni Albers.   Commenting on the new collection, Creative Director Desiree Pringle, said: “The new Fiorelli Silver collection is a beautiful fusion of art and design, featuring minimal and modern profiles which lend themselves easily to every day wear and layering. The artists who inspired the collection

Glass with a world inside: Jewellery by Mio Toyoda

Glass Tradition in Japan is very old and the first glass in Japan is found among archaeological remains dating to the Yayoi period (3rd century B.C. to 3rd century A.D.). Over the centuries and up until the Edo period (1603-1867), glass of any kind was considered a luxury to be enjoyed by society's upper class. In addition to the European imports, much of Japanese early knowledge and technology in regard to glassmaking was derived from China writes Ilaria Ruggiero. While the western influence was strong, the Japanese style in glass retained its identity and spirit. During the 19th century, glassmaking took

Armogan Celebrates The Past With Its' Antique Collection

Armogan celebrates the adventurers of the past by proposing a vintage and affordable watch collection inspired by the very instruments that guided the pioneers and great explorers of the past century. "In a mass produced and permanently innovative market, we wanted our watches to be a subtle recall to the great adventures and pioneers of the past century. An endless source of stories, beautiful engines and the instruments of yesteryear are the primary source of inspiration for our timepiece designs.We want our watches to be the symbol of the past and the present encounter, the meeting between explores of the

Trial of the Pyx 2017

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

Christmas Exhibition, The Roger Billcliffe Gallery

Jewellery, silver, glass and sculpture The Roger Billcliffe Gallery is Scotland’s largest private gallery, occupying five floors of an early 19th century building in the heart of Glasgow. 26th November - 24th December 2016 The Roger Billcliffe Gallery 134 Blythswood Street Glasgow G2 4EL www.billcliffegallery.com

PAD 2022

PAD LONDON Great Portland Street, London 10 -16 October 2022 Founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin, PAD London is the only fair in the UK exclusively dedicated to 20 th -century and contemporary Design. The week-long event takes place every October on Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair district. PAD London is the sister fair to PAD Paris which was launched in 1998 and takes place every April in the Jardin des Tuileries.  A permanent fixture on the two capital’s vibrant art and design circuits, PAD fairs have become a byword for connoisseurship, exquisite taste

Lia Lam unveils debut jewellery collections

Jewellery designer Lia Lam is delighted to debut her eponymous fine jewellery brand with four collections. Lia brings a modern sensibility to her designs, constantly driven by the desire to redefine and expand traditional notions of love, commitment and life’s milestones within the field of design. Each collection celebrates Lia Lam’s signature style – a masterful blend of bold forms, and artful shapes with effortless clean lines. A fascination with 20th century modernist and conceptual influences that range from the capsulising of stoic philosophy to Scandinavian values, her work manifests through ample but understated use of symmetry, sleek silhouette and

Tomasz Donocik launches long awaited bridal collection

Tomasz Donocik has launched a new deco inspirec bridal collection which captures the streamlined elegance of his previous collections, inspired by the change of the early twentieth century and the modernity of the Art Deco movement. Tomasz deconstructs his favourite aspects of Deco designs and then combines influences of the period which exudes his distinctive sensibility and captivating take that today’s bride-to-be desires. Geometric lines of the architecture of that time—the zig zag shapes evocative of the Chrysler building in New York City and the sleekness of the new modes of transportation of the time are thoughtfully mixed with the

Goldsmiths’ Company’s Library Catalogue

The Goldsmiths’ Company’s Library is a reference resource for jewellers and silversmiths and its library catalogue is now  online . The library’s holdings include books, articles and images on goldsmithing, silversmithing and hallmarking: from technical manuals to hip hop jewellery and 21 century silversmithing. The library is open from Tuesday to Thursday, from 10am to 4.30pm and all researchers are welcome, by appointment. Appointments can be made by emailing: library@thegoldsmiths.co.uk   The catalogue link can be accessed from the library pages on the Goldsmiths’ Company’s website: www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk  - please click on the ‘catalogue’ link in the first paragraph. The Library

News Edit:2 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Jeweller draws inspiration from Dartmoor for her unique creations The Moorlaner reports: Dartmoor’s mystique inspires local jeweller’s craft. www.themoorlander.co.uk Forever sparkling: jewellery shop is launching collection to honour The Goldsmiths Company Islington Now reports: A Jewellery shop in Exmouth Market is launching a collection in early November to honour a seven-century-old jewellery company established by King Edward I. islingtonnow.co.uk Blake Lively Brought Dramatic Diamonds to the 2024 CFDA Awards Natural Diamonds reports: Blake Lively has made a habit out of glistening in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds throughout the years. www.naturaldiamonds.com

PAD 2023

PAD LONDON Great Portland Street, London 10 -15 October 2023 Founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin, PAD London is the only fair in the UK exclusively dedicated to 20 th -century and contemporary Design. The week-long event takes place every October on Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair district. PAD London is the sister fair to PAD Paris which was launched in 1998 and takes place every April in the Jardin des Tuileries.  A permanent fixture on the two capital’s vibrant art and design circuits, PAD fairs have become a byword for connoisseurship, exquisite taste

Craft Focus - Hever Castle and Gardens

Craft in Focus at Hever Castle and Gardens 8 - 11 September 2022 Edenbridge A visit to Hever Castle and Gardens makes a perfect day out. The craft fair is held in marquees within the award-winning Hever Castle Gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds at Hever Castle. Highlights include the Italian Garden, the topiary chess set, the Tudor Garden and the 38 acre lake. The moated Castle dates back to the 13  century and was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Children can enjoy the playground, while visitors of all ages enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the Water

Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery at Dovecot Studios Edinburgh

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

Illuminating Silver, Rauni Higson

Rauni Higson - Illuminating Silver Alchemy in the 21st Century Solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, Cardiff 9 September to 29 October 2023 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff Rauni Higson announces her first solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, the Gallery of the Makers’ Guild in Wales, in Cardiff in September 2023. Supported by Arts Council Wales, the exhibition, entitled ‘Illuminating Silver’ will be an insightful glimpse into the process and practice of one of the UK’s leading sculptural silversmiths, Qest scholar and multi-award winning craftswoman. The exhibition will take visitors through the journey of a silversmith, told

Delicate Like Iron

Delicate Like Iron Jewellery from a private collection 16 July 2021 through 6 February 2022 In the period from the late 18th to the mid-19th century, what is called iron jewellery was very popular: elaborate necklaces, bracelets, pendant earrings, brooches and even rings, filigreed like lace – yet cast from iron. The pieces’ unobtrusive material, clear-cut formal idiom and somewhat inaccessible character reflect the values embraced by society back then: constancy, modesty and reticence. In line with the taste of the time, they feature elements from Gothic architecture or floral ornamental motifs from classical antiquity, such as palmettes, acanthus and

The Wheel of Time, Wallace Chan at Christie’s

The largest exhibition of Chan’s work in Europe - five decades of art creation Christie’s, King Street, London 4 - 10 September 2023 Featuring one of the largest cut black diamonds in the world "In the blink of an eye, half a century has flown by. I am humbled by the opportunity to present my largest exhibition in Europe at Christie's in London. My heartfelt thanks go to Christie's for supporting my creative journey throughout the years and across the globe. I am also grateful to my long term collectors for loaning the pieces, without their friendship the exhibition would not

Stephen Einhorn Makes Bespoke Jewellery for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Worn by Elle Fanning’s Character Princess Aurora

British jewellery designer, Stephen Einhorn makes bespoke jewellery designs for Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil film . The beautifully handcrafted pieces include an engagement ring worn by Elle Fanning’s character Princess Aurora and vine wedding rings made for characters Princess Aurora and and Prince Phillip, played by Harris Dickinson. Stephen says: “For Aurora’s engagement ring the brief from the film’s property master was that the design should look like an antique engagement ring and reference the 16th century ‘quatrefoil' method of stone setting. The stone we wanted for the ring needed to be a pyramid shape. We had several types

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern 12 October 2019 - 5 January 2020 Discovery Centre, Winchester Orla Kiely is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful fashion and lifestyle designers. Her stylised plant based patterns are innovative, influential and instantly recognisable. With enchanting applications, he r flat, graphic style and choice of colour palette resonate with a nostalgia for vintage style and interiors.  Inspired by the upbeat exuberance of the 1960s, a love of Irish and Scandinavian architecture and mid-century design, Kiely’s designs have grown from humble beginnings in the 1990s to become a global phenomenon. Date 12 October

Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding @ K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding Lecture By Alex Estorick at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Cockpit Arts, London 26th February 2020 / 6:30 - 8:30pm  For centuries, decorative arts have been considered separately from fine art, with museums continuing to display functional, ‘applied‘ arts apart from those of primarily aesthetic consideration. Yet art‘s contemporary meaning has always depended on its decorative appearance. Proof of this lies in the almost uncanny similarity between the language employed in the 9th century to discuss Byzantine mosaics and that used to explain modernist paintings in the 20th. This talk seeks to come

Enjoy the magic of the Crown Jewels in your living room with a new Immersive AR experience

The   groundbreaking   The Coronation: The Immersive AR Experience  allows you to engage and interact with two digital twins of the Coronation Crowns in your own home, supporting the UK’s first 21st century Coronation. Available from 27th April exclusively on the Sky News App and website. Atlantic Productions, with thanks to the Royal Household, have created an immersive digital experience that allows all those following the Coronation to interact with the very Crown Jewels that will be used to crown King Charles III on Saturday 6th May. For the first time ever, people around the world will be able

Salon Art + Design 2019

Salon Art + Design 2019 14 - 18 November 2019 Park Avenue Armory, New York City Salon Art + Design returns for its eighth edition at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City from November 14 - 18, 2019. Presenting the world’s best design – vintage, modern and contemporary – enhanced by blue-chip 20th century and contemporary art, Salon will feature 56 leading art and design galleries (from 14 different countries), spotlighting the trends of collectible design. Salon has differentiated itself from other fairs by including a highly curated mixture of historic and contemporary collectible design and fine art. Just as

PAD London 2020

PAD London 28 September - 4 October 2020 Berkeley Square, London Set in the vibrant heart of Mayfair, PAD is London’s leading fair for 20th Century art, design and decorative arts. Inspiring a unique spirit of collecting, PAD epitomises how modern art, photography, design, decorative and tribal arts interact to reveal astonishing combinations and create the most individual and staggering interiors. Prominent international galleries from major cities across Europe, North America and Asia come together to offer an exceptional panorama of the most coveted and iconic works available on the market today. PAD is a place to discover and acquire

Winter Market @ The Forge

Craft Central Winter Market at The Forge Join us this winter at Craft Central's wonderful new home, The Forge, for a seasonal market selling handmade products by over 50 talented craftspeople. Home accessories, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, prints and more will be on sale. The Craft Central winter market is a chance to meet and shop directly from designer-makers, explore our imaginatively converted 19th century Victorian forge building, take part in one of our family craft workshops and enjoy a drink in our pop-up café. Ceramics | Jewellery | Textiles | Prints | Interior Products and much more Dates 24

Flexibility, Creativity & Productivity: The New Industry Model for Working

In 1926, Henry Ford introduced the 8-hour working day, now not-so-lovingly colloquialised as ‘the 9-5’. Back then, this revolution changed the way people lived- from working 10-16 hours a day, 6 days a week, to what reformist Robert Owen formulated as “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest” .  The dramatic decrease in hours actually led to higher productivity, and consequently higher profit margins. This model has reigned supreme for almost a century, but now people are now beginning to question whether it’s time to rethink working patterns once again. The Swedish famously trialled a 6-hour workday, in

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

TRUE - Bettina Speckner

TRUE - Bettina Speckner Gallery S O is pleased to present a new body of work by leading contemporary jeweller Bettina Speckner. The exhibition comprises work made from different photographic techniques, including photo-etchings on zinc, Tintypes and Alutypes. The photo-etching on zinc plates technique comes from an old printing process, the Heliogravure. Bettina Speckner selects pictures which convey a sense of timelessness, mostly using photos taken by herself and occasionally found ones. The Tintype (Ferrotype) was invented in the US at the end of the 19th century, after the Daguerreotype. The technique is also called (wet-plate collodium photography). It is

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

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

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

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

Tresor 18

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

A Touch of Noir

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

Craft Town given funding boost

Makers and craft organisations across Farnham - which was designated as England’s Craft Town in 2013 - are celebrating a funding boost from Arts Council England. The initiative has been awarded funding to develop the town’s annual Craft Month which has taken place every October for the past six years. The month celebrates the town’s deep craft roots – from its earliest involvement with the pottery industry in the 16th century, through the Victorian era and the establishment of the Farnham Pottery and the founding of Farnham Art School in 1880. This remarkable legacy has been continued by a partnership

Theo Fennell collaborates with Peter Harrington books

Peter Harrington, the UK’s largest rare bookseller, has collaborated with its London neighbour, British jewellery designer Theo Fennell, to launch a new exhibition within the Theo Fennell gallery in Fulham Road, which is on until Thursday 12th July. The exhibition features rare Peter Harrington books from the 15th to 20th century including Goldfinger, The Secret Garden, The Arabian Nights, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom and The Complete Pooh Series which have been paired with Theo Fennell related jewellery pieces, including The Colosseum Ring, The Henry V Brooch, The Oscar Wilde Ring, The Empty Quarter Ring and the Emerald City Ring.

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

Jewellery fashion will be futuristic, multi-cultural and celebrate the power of nature in SS/20, says IJL

International Jewellery London reveals 6 jewellery trends for SS/20 IJL trends editors and jewellery expert, Paola De Luca, has outlined six key jewellery trend themes for Spring-Summer 2020 for International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. Her vision includes authentic designs that subvert deep-rooted stereotypes with gender, touches on societal pressure with minimalism and brings to life an organic amalgamation of nineteenth century deco with nature; all the while toying with abstract shapes, futuristic expression and dark jewels. These will be showcased on IJL’s SS20 Trends Catwalk where Paola will present her detailed

'Digital Meets Handmade' New York Symposium Review

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

Justified Sinner leads modern renaissance in men’s jewellery

The renaissance in modern men's jewellery, driven by avant-garde designers prepared to push the boundaries of conservatism, is attracting international attention with a stunning exhibition called The World is Your Dressing Up Box at The National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford. Among the exhibits is a selection of work from the influential designer Dauvit Alexander, the Justified Sinner who is driving the revolution in mens jewellery using customs from the 16th Century when the size of 'bling' was directly related to the wearer's status. Alexander uses scrap metal, mainly corroded steel and iron, alongside precious metals and gemstones,

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

On The Rocks: The Statement Cocktail Ring Soaked in History

As the temperatures outside begin to wind and cool down, the autumnal season trends are heating up to bolstering attention and flamboyant glamour. New season forecasting ushers in a new era of historical jewellery revival; a statement jewel like none other - the striking Cocktail ring. Dramatic, eye-catching and somewhat ostentatious, the cocktail ring is the epitome of excess which first found a name for itself as a symbol of independence and rebellion against the Prohibition over a century ago.  A bygone era, 1920s America was a time of tension and excess between deep rooted morals of the world war

Q&A: David Fowkes

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

Nexus

Nexus at the Ruthin Craft Centre ‘Nexus’: a connection or a series of connections linking two or more things This exhibition looks at some of the ways in which 21st -century artists and makers are changing preconceptions about their art forms. Jewellery, silversmithing, textiles and ceramics all have long histories and deep-rooted traditions behind them. Today their familiar, often restricting, boundaries are being expanded by makers taking leaps of imagination and devising fresh approaches to the way they work. Several pieces in this exhibition are hybrids that are impossible to categorise. The exhibitors in Nexus are linked by great technical skill,

The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter Opens

The  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter has opened to the public creating a beautiful and unique new civic space for London, and a world-class gallery space for the V&A’s internationally acclaimed exhibition programme. The project is designed by Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda  Levete  and her practice, AL_A.    The launch of the  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for the Museum, as it prepares to expand its UK and international presence. The project is the Museum’s largest architectural intervention in over 100 years and offers a 21st Century interpretation of the V&A’s founding principles - to

Selvedge Fair - London

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Mary Ward House , London. 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. A Grade 1 listed building, the Mary Ward House is a result of Passmore Edwards’ 19th century philanthropy. Mary Ward gave the inspiration  behind this centre for training, care  and entertainment, designed for  society’s less fortunate. Each room has its own ambience; the

CityMade.UK, Shoreditch, London

CityMade.UK, a group of five award-winning designer-makers, present an antidote to mass market products at their upcoming show at the Society of Designer Craftsmen Gallery in Shoreditch. Marshall Colman (ceramics), Euan Cunningham (graphics), Adam Hussain (glass), Tori McLean (textiles) and Jessica Noble (jewellery) bring craft skills to contemporary design, creating high quality, unique objects. Colour features strongly in this show, which references a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. Marshall Colman   Euan Cunningham Adam Hussain   Tori McLean     Jessica Noble   They are all members of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, which has been promoting high quality workmanship for over

American Jewellery Brand Nambé Launches in the UK

American designer lifestyle brand, Nambé, has launched in the UK market, bringing its contemporary, mid-century homeware, giftware and sterling silver jewellery to independent retailers and department stores. Founded in the American state of New Mexico more than 65-years ago, Nambé dedicates itself to timeless beauty, artistic integrity and uncompromising quality across a broad range of items for the home and gifting occasions. The brand’s promise of style and practical functionality began with the introduction of its proprietary Alloy – a tarnish-resistant combination of eight different metals with remarkable temperature retention properties and a silver-like lustre. Nambé’s alloy pieces can be

Grant MacDonald: Timed To Perfection

The elegance of a Grant Macdonald timepiece imparts London-made luxury to the mantelpiece, tabletop or desk. The silversmithing house has launched a range of new designs in a portfolio of precious metals and design aethetics. Grant MacDonalds has launched a range of mantlepieces pieces designed as a generous symbol of refinement when given as a gift. The range includes Imperial Timepiece , standing half a metre high and honouring the 18th Century French Ormolu clock tradition, and King's Mantel  in sterling silver and 24 carat gold , as well as bespoke luxury clocks which can fit a range of customer requirements.

Selvedge Spring Fair 2017

Selvedge Spring Fair 2017 On Saturday 25 March, Selvedge will take over the Tea Room in Bath’s 18th century Assembly Rooms for its seasonal Spring Fair. Curated by the team behind renowned textile brand Selvedge, the fair will bring together some of the finest UK-based merchants and makers selling their rare fabrics and textile treasures, and will be the perfect place to find that special Mother’s Day gift. Visitors to the fair will also get the chance to make their own fabric flowers in a series of workshops inspired by Natalie of Alabama Chanin, the US-based ethical textile and slow

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

The Missing, Linda Brothwell - The Holburne Museum, Bath

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

Scott Armstrong wins CSM Chaumet Design Competition

BA Jewellery Design student Scott Armstrong was announced as the winner of the Central Saint  Martins  BA and MA Jewellery Design student competition to design a new headpiece for the world renowned jewellery house  Chaumet . Several weeks ago Scott Armstrong, a third year BA Jewellery Design student, travelled to Beijing’s Forbidden City with  Chaumet  to launch his  Vertiges  tiara following on from a design project.  The design is the result of the challenge  Chaumet  set for students of BA Jewellery Design and MA Design (Jewellery) to reinvent the tiara for the 21 st   century.   “It’s still the ultimate object,”

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

Precious Proposal, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Continuing the Woldstone Gallery's launch of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths, 'Precious Proposal' is launched. 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. “Precious Proposal” Woldstone was established in June 2015 by sisters Sian Perry-Smith and Bronwen Jameson who drew on their love of design and passion for craftsmanship in setting up the

Refined, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Continuing the Woldstone Gallery's launches of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths, 'Refined' is launched. 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. “Refined” This December, an exhibition “Refined” looks at work by Catherine Mannheim, Vicki Ambery-Smith and Sarah Pulvertaft. These internationally acclaimed and experienced goldsmiths are some of the finest working in the

David Williams-Bulkeley at Woldstone Gallery

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

Designer Spotlight: Anna Hu haute joaillerie

Anna Hu is an international jewelry designer, born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S., who approaches her art with a distinctly East meets West philosophy and aesthetic that is heavily influenced by both cultures. She has studied at the Gemological Institute of America, F.I.T., Parsons School of Design (Masters, 19th century French Jewelry) and Columbia University (Masters, Arts Administration). After working for Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, she founded her namesake brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, at the age of 30 and opened her first boutique one year later in New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. A

HammerClub Meeting - Schoonhoven 2020

HammerClub Meeting 2020 Schoonhoven, Netherlands 29 May - 1 June 2020 The HammerClub 2020 Meeting will take place from 29.05.2020 until 01.06.2020 in Schoonhoven, the Netherlands. Program: Friday May 29, 2020 reception participants welcome by Karin Voskamp, Director Vakschool Schoonhoven forging of the common bowl lectures: o.a.  Auricular style  by Dirk Jan Biemond of Rijksmuseum Amsterdam opening  exhibition dinner at own expense Saturday 30, 2018 forging of the common bowl exhibition in  Nederlands Zilvermuseum Schoonhoven lectures: o.a. Pressing metal by  Simone ten Hompel  and  Korean metal art from the 33rd century BC until present  by professor Komilia Okim several workshops

Imperial Splendours Exhibition - Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around   Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

Imperial Splendours: Chaumet spans its history in Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around  Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

V&A to Showcase Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

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

When the dust had settled

When the dust had settled        Art and Jewellery exhibition 30 August – 3 September 2024 Explore memory, transformation and rebirth in a new art and jewellery exhibition taking over Hackney’s oldest building. Open 12pm – 6pm, Friday 30th August  – Tuesday 3rd September  2024 Location                         St. Augustine Tower, Hackney, London E8 1HT Immersive exhibition   When the dust had settled  explores memory and rebirth. Set inside the historic walls of  Hackney's oldest building , the 13 th  century clock tower, it blends  narrative jewellery  and  visual art pieces  to inspire journeys of  self-discovery  and  personal transformation . Taking place between August 30 and September 3,