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Behind the scenes making of the Ottewill Silversmiths ICC Cricket World Cup

The 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup officially begins today. For the first time in ten years, it will be hosted by England and Wales. This year, 10 teams will compete over the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy-  replicas of which have beautifully crafted by Ottewill Silversmiths.  Leading up to the event, the trophy has travelled the globe, on what has been dubbed the ''most connected Trophy Tour ever.'' A good thing then that Ottewill Silversmiths are no stranger to prestigious commissions, having worked on many pieces for  The Henley Royal Regatta, as well as the FA Cup [youtube

Thomas Lyte commissioned to create the Laver Cup

Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe have unveiled The Laver Cup for the first time, amid great expectation for the new competition. It will be contested to celebrate the career and exceptional achievements of Australian great Rod Laver, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis player of all time. Six of the best players from Europe will compete against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world for the new trophy in September. Three of the greats of tennis, past and present, unveiled the newest trophy in world tennis, the Laver Cup. Rod Laver,

Diamond giant Alrosa launch 2018 World Cup collection

Alrosa, one of the world's largest mining companies, has launched a collection of 32 high quality diamonds as part of its sponsorship of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. The Russian-mined  0.3 carat diamonds are named after each of the participating nations and can be personalised with an engraving associated with the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ or an individual. Sales of world cup favourites Brazil and Spain are expected to be in big demand with England not far behind. A special-design official certificate confirming characteristics of each diamond will be issued with each purchase.  "Russia produces one-third of all

Shannon O’Neill Designs 2018 Randox Health Grand National Trophy

The Grand National has been part of the British landscape since the 1830s and attracts world-leading jockeys with their eye on the glittering trophy. Designed by celebrated silversmith, Shannon O’Neill, this year’s trophy was conceived in her studio, a former stable, in the grounds of Burghley House in Stamford. Its subtle details perfectly tell the story of the greatest horse race in the world and the preventative healthcare innovations of the principal sponsor, Randox Health. This is the second year running that Shannon has been awarded this prestigious commission after Randox representatives saw her work on display at The Goldsmiths’

Fei Liu Cascade Collection Adorns at L’Oreal Colour Trophy

Fei  Liu Fine Jewellery has teamed up with  premier  hair salon, Matthew Paul Salon, for the annual  L’Oreal  Colour Trophy.  Anotonia  wears Cascade Collection's large ring, stud ring, large pendant and large choker. The L'Oréal Colour Trophy, is the longest running live hairdressing competition in the world, and showcases some of the brightest hairdressing talents across the country, whilst ensuring that hairdressers nationwide are continually inspired to celebrate ‘Hair Inspired by Fashion’. Seven-time regional finalist Matthew Fairbrother, the owner of Matthew Paul Salon, competed against fellow elite hairdressers for the Backstage Live Finals at the Rum Warehouse, Liverpool. For the

Copper Cup Engraving Workshops at Wilderness Festival

Call for Engraver: Copper Cup Engraving Workshops at Wilderness Festival  Heaps + Stacks are looking to produce some Copper Cup Engraving Workshops at the Wilderness Festival which takes place on Thursday 2 nd  – Sunday 5th August 2018 in Oxfordshire. We need an Engraver that will be able to run the workshops and teach the guests how to engrave their own name / design onto copper cups. All materials will be provided. Each workshop will consist of 2 groups of 15 guests and will run everyday (Friday - Sunday) As the site has power limitations we would need to use battery

Loewe Reveals Craft Prize Trophy

The newly established Loewe Foundation Craft Prize launched earlier this year with the aim to recognize emerging artisans, has announced the creation of the award’s winner’s trophy.  Designed and made by Alex Brogden, it was engraved by Graham Saggers at the Goldsmiths Centre. The award, sponsored by the Loewe Foundation, was created in an effort to magnify the beauty and importance of original and handmade products. Craftpersons of any medium are encouraged to submit their applications to the award. Fourteen finalists will be selected for an exhibition in Madrid, after a panel of judges select the winning entry, scheduled for

Secret Images of Randox Health Grand National Trophy Revealed

For the first time in the Grand National’s history a new trophy will be designed every year during the sponsorship with the global diagnostics company Randox Health. The first of the five new trophies will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Weights Evening Reception on Tuesday 14th February. For first time in race’s history, the sponsor will create a unique trophy each year Miniature versions of the trophy will also be presented to the jockey, trainer and groom Over the next two weeks, a series of teaser images will be revealed, leading to up the grand unveil at the Weights

Sarah Straussberg creates 4th Photo London ‘Master of Photography’ Trophy

For the fourth consecutive year, London-based sculptor turned jewellery designer Sarah Straussberg has created the trophy for winner of the Photo London ‘Master of Photography’ award. Her commission was landed after the 2018 trophy went to Edward Burtynsky whose work focuses on the damage man has caused the earth through industry and mining. The Canadian photographer uses cutting edge technology to create large scale photographs - often two metres wide - depicting areas of human intervention such as his aerial picture of the open pit copper mine at Logan Lake, British Columbia. As she has done previously, Straussberg immersed herself

The Fashion Awards 2016 Trophy Designed By Marc Newson For Swarovski

The British Fashion Council (BFC) and Swarovski have commissioned Marc Newson to create a bespoke crystal trophy for The Fashion Awards 2016 in partnership with Swarovski which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday 5th December. Created with the resources and technical ability of Swarovski and crafted from Swarovski Crystal, the hexagonal design draws inspiration from crystal clusters and rock structures. The trophies are all handcrafted at Swarovski’s headquarters in Wattens, Austria and will complete an 800 mile journey from there to the Royal Albert Hall in London. Each trophy measure 245mm in height by 67mm wide.

Randox Grand National 2021 trophy pays tribute to COVID pandemic key workers

The headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National has unveiled the trophy for the 2021 event with a tribute to key workers of the COVID-19 pandemic design and made by female silversmith Cara Murphy, the trophy was presented to the first female jockey winner of the Grand National on Saturday. Shown to the public for the first time on Saturday 3 April during ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the 2021 trophy has been designed for the second year by Silversmith Cara Murphy from Northern Ireland. The unique design of the silver and gold trophy, which includes illustrations of the COVID-19 virus on

Shannon O’Neill creates DNA double helix silverware for Grand National Trophy

Silversmith Shannon O’Neill was commissioned for a third consecutive year to create the ‘Randox Health Grand National Trophy’. The commission brief was to design something ‘very different from last year’. Inspiration came from the sponsors of the event Randox, who wanted the trophy to showcase their most recent breakthroughs in health care: heart disease, Alzheimers, stroke and dairy screening. The  preventative healthcare company and the emphasis on saving and extending lives allowed O’Neill to focus on optimum health. “Choosing the theme of ‘Celebration’ and based on the classic ‘coupes’ style champagne glass, the top bowl of the Trophy has a

Fashion World Tokyo 2017

Call for Applications: Fashion World Tokyo Spring 2017 Fashion World Tokyo is Japan’s largest fashion trade show and held twice a year in April and October. The show gathers all kinds of fashion wear, bags, shoes, fashion accessories, fashion jewellery, men’s fashion, textile and OEM/ODM products from around the world. It shows 890 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, the next Fashion World Tokyo  provides the fashion industry with abundant opportunities to expand their business in Japan & Asia. Japan is the third largest single country for apparel and fashion accessories markets in the world, which is worth 110 billion USD in

Spectacular £30 million diamond found at Letsing

One massive diamond, worth more than £30 million, has been recovered by British mining company Gem Diamonds at their Letsing Mine in Lesotho, South Africa. Yet to be given a name, the 910 carat colourless diamond is roughly the size of a cricket ball and is the largest ever found at Letsing. It is also the fifth largest to be extracted in history and its discovery sent shares in Gem Diamonds soaring following a difficult couple of years where the world famous mine has struggled for major finds and wrestled with a fall in prices. Some of the most significant

2021 Jewellery World Awards

Call for Applications: 2021 Jewellery World Awards (JWA) The 2021 Jewellery World Awards (JWA), formerly known as the JNA Awards, is now accepting entries via  www.JWAwards.com . JWA launched three new categories to its roster - all of which were introduced to cover a wider scope of companies in the global jewellery and gemstone industry. Helmed by Informa Markets Jewellery, the world's largest B2B jewellery fairs organiser, JWA was founded in 2012 to promote innovation and excellence in the international jewellery and gemstone trade. Originally designed to celebrate achievements within the Asian region mainly, the award has grown tremendously over the years

Colour Your World With Gemstones

Mineral crystal gemstones are without a doubt the cherry on top of the cake when it comes to the jewellery world and are hands down fully loaded with captivating myths, folklore and legends! With a fascinating plethora of coloured gemstones knocking about in the world, the variety of healing properties and metaphorical symbolism behind each stone is specific, unique and communicates an individualistic creative energy to each wearer Newsflash! I am a girl (woah, shocking eh?). Therefore I like my Jewellery. If I find myself scampering around in the big wide world without my forever present bracelets, rings and shell

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

News Edit:18 April 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Grand National 2021: NI silversmith designs winner's trophy BBC: It is the world's most famous horse race and Northern Ireland will be represented on the winner's podium no matter who comes first. www.bbc.co.uk Grand National trophy's Northern Ireland designer hails 'amazing' win Belfast Telegraph: Top Northern Ireland designer and silversmith Cara Murphy - who designed the stunning trophy presented to Grand National-winning Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore - has said she hopes her work will inspire a new generation of creative artists here. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk All That Glitters: meet the

The Opulent World of Margot McKinney

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

Official Timekeeper for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

British watch brand Elliot Brown has signed up as the Official Timekeeper for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 17/18. To mark this partnership Elliot Brown will be launching a new flagship collection called Portland Adventurer in time for the start of the race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the greatest challenges of the natural world, an endurance test like no other. A fleet of twelve identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts, battle it out over 40,000 nautical miles during 325 days enduring all the elements. Built around our proven shock and water-proofing systems, the ‘Clipper

Welcome To The Dark Side Of The Jewellery World

With fingers hot on the unpredictable fashion pulse and the 90s revival unfurling from the style graves of the past, dramatic sensualism and extravagant grandeur have been creeping out from the deep, dark underworld ready to make a killer appearance on the fall fashion roller coaster. There's no doubt that making a boldly bodacious entrance this season is the crucial fashion nod of enviable approval with seductive demonic designs swathing the catwalks in gloomy glory! A tricky trend to keep romantic and mysterious without finding yourself as an extra member of the Adam's family who face planted the dressing up

Thou shalt covet to An Exotic World

An exotic and coveted treasure, a symbol of gratuity, cheer and hospitality, the humble Pineapple has adorned and intrigued us for years. Come 2016, the adoration has not wavered - Gucci, Moschino and Prada used the exotic fruit in their various SS16 collections, Aquazzura has adorned their latest heels with the spiky treasure and Matthew Williamson’s recent foray into furniture saw Pineapples feature as the headline act. The craze for this favourite tropical plant is well and truly at its most ‘fruitful’! Come this September this love will be even further infatuated thanks to the launch of a chic and contemporary Pineapple candle –

Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing

GRAFF: The Most Fabulous Jewels in the World

Luxury Brand Management: A World of Privilege

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World 250 years on from James Cook’s historic voyage from England to New Zealand, two cutting edge jewellery collectives embark upon their own journeys.  Handshake (NZ) and Dialogue Collective (UK) navigate around the impact of colonialism to create a bejewelled voyage like no other...    Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World showcases work by twenty-two artists who specialise in using jewellery to communicate ideas. The work on display shows a diversity of materials, techniques and scale. Cultural backgrounds and migrated ancestry influence the work that each artist makes on their own voyage. An openness to

Annual World Gunmaker’s Evening 2017

Guns on Pegs hosts The 5 Annual World Gunmaker’s Evening Celebrating the leading examples of craftwork from across the globe On the 18 May, 2017, shooting enthusiasts have the opportunity to gather in Central London for a night dedicated to the best the worldwide gun trade has to offer. Located at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, the finest examples of gunmaking from all over the world join forces to retail their latest wares, mingle with clients old and new over a glass of wine, and celebrate the shooting community. “People come purely to make a purchase which obviously is

The World’s First Functional Bitcoin Watch

A combination of luxurious craftsmanship and technical innovation, the Vanguard Encrypto by Franck Muller is the world's first functional Bitcoin watch.  While the watch serves not only its purpose of telling time but also acts as a gateway to accessing the millennial gold of this era, the cryptocurrency. About Bitcoin Bitcoin, a well-known digital currency, with no centralised bank, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without a 'middle-man'. The software for Bitcoin was implemented in 2009, as open-source code.  Since then, it's captured the imagination of the press and the criticism of economists, with some calling it a 'speculative bubble', where asset prices

The Goldsmiths’ Company’s ‘Moon Trophy’ Remembered 50 Years After the Moon Landing

Fifty years ago in 1969, the first men landed on the moon, and with that the Goldsmiths' Company fittingly commissioned a piece to commemorate Sir Alan Herries Wilson’s time as Prime Warden from 1969-1970. Sir Alan Herries Wilson, a distinguished physicist laid the foundations for today’s understanding of microelectronics, as well as the Apollo 11 mission itself which landed the first men on the moon. The ‘Moon Trophy’ stands at 38.7 cm tall, and depicts a hand reaching out toward a magnificently modelled, oxidised and electroformed moon, hand sand cast in silver. Surrounding the moon are silver-gilt rings, set in

International Jewellery Design Excellence Award 2019 (IJDE Award) 2019

Call for Applications: International Jewellery Design Excellence Award 2019 (IJDE Award) To honour creative and outstanding jewellery designers from all over the world, the IJDE Award provides a platform for international jewellery designers to exchange experience and compete for the highest honour “Champion of the Champions”. In 2017, this biennial event attracted 165 champions of world’s leading jewellery design competitions from 27 countries and regions.  Trophy of “Champion of the Champions” Who can apply? Jewellery designers who have won the championship of any jewellery design competitions worldwide whose result was/will be officially announced between 1 December 2016 and 17 November

Sotheby's Diamonds showcase world's rarest white rock

A 'perfect' white diamond had a coming out party today in London and was immediately made available to purchase though Sotheby's Diamonds who match the worlds rarest diamonds with the worlds richest collectors. Its value is believed to be around £25 million though Sotheby's who unveiled the 102.34 carat rock as part of their first year anniversary celebrations have put it on the market for an undisclosed sum. Extraordinarily rare, the white diamond, mined in Botswana, is the only known round brilliant-cut diamond over 100 carats with an extra cachet of being flawless in colour and clarity. It is the

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

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

Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised Fifth Edition

New Rings: 500+ Designs from Around the World

New Earrings: 500+ Designs from Around the World

Serpentina: Snake Jewellery from around the World

Green is the New Black: How to Save the World in Style

Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies

Luxury World: The Past, Present and Future of Luxury Brands

Joanna Hardy Launches The World’s First Online Jewellery School

Acclaimed global jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy has launched her own online jewellery school at Masterpiece this year. The school features an interactive online classroom where you get personal advice from Joanna and is powered by award winning internet company, www.learningwithexperts.com Joanna explained, “My intention is to create a world class online jewellery school, where enthusiastic amateurs or professionals can be introduced to the world of jewellery. I’m expecting people ranging from interested hobbyists, career changers, professionals wanting to improve their knowledge – right through to members of the boutique high-end jewellery trade. Through my course I can teach you wherever

The Goldsmiths’ Company Delivers the Largest Conference in the World to Date to Address Jewellery Materials

Last week, the Goldsmiths’ Company delivered the first Jewellery Materials Congress. The conference, which is the largest conference world-wide to address jewellery technology, was created to support the jewellery and silverware community, by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge to better the industry, free of commercialisation.  Over the two-day conference, a wide agenda of topics was addressed through a series of talks and Q&A, broadly categorised by four themes: academic research, visions of the industry, and artisan and industrial materials manufacture. These talks were delivered by a panel of eighteen international speakers, including keynotes delivered by Eddie Bell,

Coronavirus: Antwerp World Diamond Centre postpones all planned events

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre has today announced that it has made the decision to postpone all of its planned events due to the c oronavirus  outbreak. It issued a statement saying: "Due to the recent developments regarding the Cornonavirus and the advice given by the local and federal governments, AWDC has decided to postpone all planned seminars, AWDC Cafes, events, etc., at least for the coming month. W e are evaluating the situation constantly and will keep you posted on any further developments. We also advise all companies within the industry to postpone all non-essential meetings, seminars, business trips etc.

Henryka marks World Oceans Day with new sea life designs

The campaign to protect the oceans from plastics and other garbage is gaining momentum and British jewellery maker Henryka has signed up with a commitment to reducing waste and by extending its sea themed range to draw attention to World Oceans Day on June 8th. Blue Planet II, the hit BBC TV series that delivered a clear and shocking message about the scale of the  plastics problem and the harm it was doing to the ocean's ecological systems, has triggered a flurry of interest in all things related to saving the oceans, including jewellery featuring designs of sea animals under

Pamper Your Pooch with The World’s Most Expensive Dog Jacket

With a choice of 24k gold, Swarovski crystals or diamonds you can now kit out your dog with a bejewelled and encrusted 24k gold dog jacket to keep your canine companion blinged up. However, the most expensive doggy jacket in the world has also incorporated nano technology within the specialised fabric to keep working dogs as safe as houses in their daily working lives. Kit out your pooch with 24k gold, diamonds, bows and n ano metallizing technology   Doggy Armour and VeryFirstTo.com have announced the ready to market armoured dog jacket which can be encrusted with a choice of

Miss World China crowned with Fei Liu's glorious £11 million masterpiece

Fei Liu's magnificent Blue of Dreams tiara, worth £11 million and featuring a stunning 88 carat sapphire, was placed ceremoniously on the head of Chinese beauty queen Guan Siyu last week when she won the Miss World China 2017 pageant in Dalian, China. The Fei Liu Fine Jewellery founder collaborated with the New Silkroutes Group Ltd to create his amazing  masterpiece and took a full 9 months to complete it - in a painstaking process of design and intricate craftsmanship. Look closely and you will see the majestic 88ct Sri Lanka blue sapphire set in platinum, six high-grade over sapphires,

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream, ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream,  ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’ The London Design Academy 9.30am, Saturday 29 August 2020  The exciting international educational initiative – The London Design Academy (LDA) –  continues the global educational debate this weekend with the second in a series of online global forums, East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream,  ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship'  live online on Saturday 29 August 2020 9.30am     With the world facing unprecedented economic and social challenges in the aftermath of COVID 19, these forums are themed to the

Norwich Jeweller Creates World’s Most Expensive Nappy Cream Lid

Any moment now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be welcoming a new member into their family – a historic moment and a cause for celebration for the whole country. Norwich-based, independent family jewellers Tillett’s has created the Meghan Sparkle, a diamond- encrusted Sudocrem lid to celebrate the royal birth. With a price tag of £4,250, the ‘Meghan Sparkle’ is a pavé-set 925 silver lid, hand-engraved with the flags of the United Kingdom and the United States of America, sized to fit a 125g pot of Sudocrem. Capturing the “natural charisma and sparkle of Meghan herself” the lid will

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

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

World’s Most Expensive 18ct Gold Marmite Jar Unveiled

The world’s most expensive jar of Marmite has been unveiled, created for those who were born lovers of Britain’s most divisive yeast spread. The iconic British brand has created the one-off luxury item to honor its Marmite loving fans, following the recent research from one of the UK’s leading genetics labs, DNAFit. The study unveiled that Brits are genetically predisposed to loving or hating Marmite. Dipped in 18ct gold, the plated jar weighs in at a whopping 498g1 and is rumoured to be worth an eye watering £1,500 according to independent valuators, Boningtons Auctioneers. Engraved to replicate the style of [youtube

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Royal College of Art ranked world's top art & design university for fifth year

The RCA leads the table of 200 of the world’s top universities for the study of art and design in the 2019 QS World University Subject Rankings, ahead of much larger institutions around the globe.  The ranking consolidates its position as the world’s internationally renowned art and design university, offering unrivalled opportunities in art and design.  Dr Paul Thompson, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, said: ‘I’m proud and honoured that the Royal College of Art has been recognised as the world’s number one university for art and design for the fifth year in succession.  ‘As a small, specialist

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,

The Royal College of Art is World’s Leading University of Art and Design for Third Year

The Royal College of Art has again been named the world’s leading university of Art and Design in the 2017 QS World University Subject Rankings, beating top-ranking global universities including MIT, Stanford, Yale and Rhode Island School of Design to the top spot for the third consecutive year. The premier ranking confirms the RCA’s position as the world’s leading university of art and design. In the UK, the College is recognised as being at the forefront of innovation, supporting more successful start-ups than Imperial College and Oxbridge combined, and with 45% of our graduates starting their own creative industry and

Ashley Banjo Dons World’s Most Expensive 18ct Gold Peperami Necklace

Forget diamonds – the world’s most expensive Peperami has been unveiled, worth an eye-watering £1,500. The luxury item takes inspiration from the snack’s Original wrapper, replicating the same shape and design the nation know and love - but in 18ct yellow gold. Appraised by an independent valuator, the one-of-a-kind piece sees the Peperami detachable wrapper dangle from a 34inch heavy chain. Weighing in at a whopping 295g, the custom necklace has been specifically designed so fans can refill the gold-plated pendant with their beloved Peperami stick, allowing them to hang the snack-storing chain around their neck until hunger strikes. Hoping

London Craft Week puts making on The World Stage over 5 days and 200 events

Design has one. Fashion has one. And since 2015, craft has had one too. Back for its fourth edition on 9 May, London Craft Week opens the doors of makers’ workshops, invites the public into previously off-limits corners of the capital, and reveals the exquisite quality and staggering variety of modern craft practice – both here in the UK and internationally. This year is its biggest, and most international event yet, bringing the world’s finest makers to London for a dynamic and interactive celebration of making in all its forms – from ceramics and fashion to watch-making  and letterpress. Whether

Pinterest Power: Market Your Business, Sell Your Product, and Build Your Brand on the World's Hottest Social Network

Cooksongold Wins at the Birmingham Post Business Awards

Cooksongold, the UK largest jewellery making supplier and supplier of precious metals, picked up the award for Excellence in Science and Technology at the Birmingham Post Business Awards 2016 for its Direct Precious Metal 3D Printing technology. The awards, which aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies within Birmingham, took place at the ICC Birmingham. The award is a recognition of Cooksongolds pioneering work to drive the jewellery industry forward. Discussing the award win, Richard Oldroyd, Managing Director, said: “The Cooksongold team have worked extremely hard to bring the Precious M 080 technology to

Silversmiths Put on Winning Display for Royal Highland Show

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

Loewe announces winner of Craft Prize

Launched by the Loewe Foundation in 2016    to celebrate excellence in modern craftsmanship, the   Loewe    Craft Prize has announced its winning entries  of 2017. Ernst  Gamperl  of Germany was awarded the prize for his work  ‘Tree of Life 2’,  selected from among   26 finalists . His creation was chosen by a distinguished jury of leading figures in design, architecture, journalism and museum curatorship.     Ernst  Gamperl  received a silver trophy from iconic actress Charlotte  Rampling , along with a cash prize of 50,000 euros. Loewe Creative Director Jonathan Anderson said, “The work of Ernst  Gamperl  has

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

Razzledazzle on the red carpet at Met Gala and Cannes

Chopard, Lorraine Schwarz and Messika were among the winning brands at the Met Gala and Cannes Festivals recently as the world's most glamorous actors put some of the world's most dazzling jewels on show in front of the world's biggest cameras! Author:  Published: 

New Bracelets: 500+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs Book

Call for Applications: New Bracelets: 500+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs Book Following the success and interest in New Brooches: 400+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs,  New Necklaces: 400 Designs in Contemporary Jewellery, New Earrings: 500+ Designs from Around the World and New Rings: 500+ Designs from Around the World, I would like to invite you to submit work for selection to be included in the fifth book of the collection entitled New Bracelets: 500+ Contemporary Jewellery Designs. In this new book, we attempt to gather a relevant, inspirational and contemporary sample of bracelets from all around the world. The selected pieces will be

CARAT+ 2018

CARAT+, The World’s Premier Diamond Event Covering the full spectrum of the diamond and diamond jewellery trades, CARAT+ features four main sectors: loose diamonds, branded diamond jewellery, non-branded diamond jewellery and services for the diamond and diamond jewellery industry.  This year, due to popular demand, there is also a Coloured Gemstones sector. Taking place in Hall 1 and Hall 4 of the Antwerp Expo, entry to the show is restricted exclusively to industry professionals, including diamond and jewellery wholesalers and manufacturers from around the world, and jewellery retailers from across Europe and the wider world.  Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC)

“We wear culture”: Google Arts Collaborates With The V&A

From the fusion of fashion with surrealist art to Vivienne Westwood’s anarchic designs, the V&A collaborates with Google to unlock the world of fashion with a new virtual experience, "We wear culture". The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) joins over 180 renowned cultural institutions around the world from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Palace of Versailles to create the largest ever virtual exhibition of style. The “We wear culture” project by Google Arts & Culture uses state-of-the-art technology to allow viewers to explore 3,000 years of world fashion and discover the stories behind the clothes we wear today.

Chocolate Hour Strikes

Boldly versatile, uniquely captivating and an understated way to make any ensemble sizzle with heat; chocolate brown is the new black, darling. From warming champagne tones, whipped cocoa butter accents to earthy, rich hues of fertile soil, the striking world of ticking timepieces is heating up its embodiment of everyday elegance by indulging our sweet teeth with wristwatches coated in seductive shades of chocolatiers finest. Fashion is a conveyor-belt world of trends, forecasts and collections and the world of wrist wear is keeping watch. With changing political settings, changing attitudes and changing faces, it seems about time for a switch

Adornment Meets Masculinity: Men's Jewellery

For a fair few gentlemen the mere word 'Jewellery' is enough to make their pumped chests shrink and reach straight for the beers to reinstate all things masculine. When it comes to stepping foot in the jewellery world, it's fair to say that woman are pretty much catered for hand on foot for a plethora of tastes, personality and style. Bold and bodacious adornments, dazzling multi-coloured gemstones and trend-led catwalk pieces; a womans' jewellery wardrobe is like stepping into the undiscovered world of Narnia - imagination knows no boundaries! However, if you behold the jewellery world of men you'll find

Counting Down To Baselworld 2017

At the end of this month new creations and innovations of the global watch and jewellery industry will be presented to the world at Baselworld 2017. Renowned as the unmissable annual show, Baselworld is gearing-up to welcome an array of international visitors. The show is the only one that unites the entire industry under one roof, including world-class players. Baselworld goes live on 23 March and will run until 30 March.  What exemplifies Baselworld is its unique ability to regroup the biggest and most prestigious watch and jewellery brands in the world, emerging design talent, the finest retailers and the

Artistar Jewels 2019

Call for Applications: Artistar Jewels 2019 The protagonists of the international contemporary jewelry will shine in a week entirely dedicated to the Jewelry world, the Milano Jewelry Week. The call for entries for the seventh edition of Artistar Jewels is officially open. Artistar Jewels is an international project dedicated to the international contemporary jewelry. The event will take place for the first time from 24th to 27th October 2019 during the Milano Jewelry Week, a new week of the Milanese schedule entirely dedicated to the world of jewelry. The city will be surrounded by a unique artistic flair, welcoming the

Call for Applications: Industrial Design Awards

Call for Applications: Industart  - Industrial Design Awards The acceptance of works for the industrial design awards Industart has started! It is the first awards offering the opportunity to win mass production of your idea! INDUSTART is the only awards in the world whose prominent jury will impartially and adequately determine the value of your even unrealized project-concept in the terms of both the art of design and the industrial potential of the objects! INDUSTART is an integrated approach that allows step-by-step and on a large-scale to motivate and to streamline Ukrainian design environment as a part of the world design

International Women's Day 2017

IWD 2017 #BeBoldForChange For International Women's Day 2017, we're asking you to  #BeBoldForChange . Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. Submit your  #BeBoldForChange  action via the IWD website. International Women's Day Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the  #PledgeForParity campaign  and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive flexible cultures. From awareness raising to concrete action, organizations  rallied their people to pledge

Bits and Bobs

Keeping up to date with the goings on outside of the workshop and away from the bench helps widen the peripheral vision.  W e've compiled a list of national and international jewellery publication titles including newsletters, magazines and our favourite blogs to help keep you in touch with the wider world...

Early Career Silver Group

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

Collect 2021

Call for Applications: Collect 2021 The Crafts Council founded Collect in 2004 and since then it has become a major moment on the international cultural calendar. It is the only gallery-presented fair dedicated to contemporary craft and design and welcomes over 40 galleries from around the world each year.  Collect Open provides an opportunity for individual artists or collaborations to exhibit alongside world-class galleries. It welcomes and encourages thought-provoking, ambitious new proposals where individual artists or small collaborations can demonstrate how they are pushing their creativity and practice.   Many previous Collect Open exhibitors cite it as a turning point in

Getting Started 2019

Call for Applications: Getting Started 2020 World-renowned British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge announced as keynote speaker for getting started 2020  The Goldsmiths’ Centre, the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths, announced world-renowned British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge as its keynote speaker for its prestigious business taster programme, Getting Started 2020. Renowned for her jewellery and interior designs, Solange will be in conversation with 30 of the most talented recent UK graduates from a Precious Metal or related course about how she founded her successful brand, Solange, and what it is like to be the owner of two major boutiques

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

Classic Blue 19-4052: Pantone Colour of the Year 2020

For over 20 years, Pantone's Colour of the Year has influenced the design and buying decisions acorss several indsutries, including industrial design, interior furnishings, fashion and graphic design to name a few.  Pantone colour experts comb the world looking for new influences, including fashion and travel destinations, new technologies, textures, socio-economic conditions and social media trends that are capturing the world's attention. From these seasonal trend forecasts, Pantone forecast global colour movements to help advise companies on the modern best practise of brand visual identity. This annual colour psychology and colour consulting gives global brands the power to expedite their

Annoushka Launches new Lovelock & Lovelink designs

“The ‘lock’ has been celebrated throughout history, in the world of punk rock as much as in the realms of religion. For me, its symbolism of security and strength has a particular resonance, at a time when the world seeks both”  -  Annoushka Ducas MBE The five new Lovelock designs have each been exquisitely crafted in 18ct gold and set with precious gemstones.  Each one depicts a different talismanic symbol; The Bee, an icon of endurance and community, The Eye, to keep the wearer safe, The Star, a decorative symbol of guidance, and The Heart, our universal symbol of love.

Coronavirus: Responsible Jewellery Council orders workers to go remote

As the new coronavirus disease, officially named COVID-19, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization the Responsible Jewellery Council has ordered its staff to work remotely. They issued the following statement: Members of the jewellery and watch industry are going through a challenging time, affected by the current health and economic climate. The Responsible Jewellery Council team would like to extend its thoughts to all stakeholders and their families around the world. As the virus continues to spread extensively, we have taken additional precautionary measures. We need to be proactive and minimise the risk of the virus

Royal College of Art Show 2020

Royal College of Art | RCA2020 Meet the next generation of artists and designers 850 students around the world 300+ global events Led by the RCA student community, with over 300 global events involving renowned artists and special collections of student work chosen by RCA alumni and guests including Es Devlin, Andreas Gursky, Edward Enninful, Magdalene Odundo, Anya Hindmarch and Gus Casely-Hayford. The digital discovery platform will feature an international student cohort of around 850 emerging artists, designers, architects and creatives from their spaces around the world. Led by the RCA students from our four schools, Architecture, Arts & Humanities,

DiamArt and Desall Competition

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

Vicenzaoro January – The Jewellery Boutique Show 2020

Vicenzaoro January The Jewellery Boutique Show (VOJ), the international show of reference for the gold and jewellery world, at its Expo Centre in Vicenza opened on Friday. 1,500 brands will be exhibiting at Vicenzaoro January – representing the entire production chain – organized into communities based on positioning and target to make it easier for traders and buyers from over 130 different countries to tour the show. The event will opened with the much-awaited seminar organized by CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, entitled “Size is important. Responsible, sustainable supply and SMEs ”. VISIO.NEXT, also was staged on the opening day,

Tropical Coloured Fun

When you think of summer, you think of fun so this season it's all about piling on the colour, texture, print and shapes with your summer colour-popping accessories! The jewellery world is diving into the tropical world of summer with palm leaf prints, juicy fruit motifs and multi-coloured gemstones to brighten your life with statement style. Conjuring up scenes of crystal blue lapping waves, rich and lush rainforests of bushy leaves and exotic animals parading in beautiful arrays of colour, now is the time to get your hands on summers' finest necklaces, statement rings and flirty bracelets. Take a dive

News Edit: 20 September 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Works of art: the best of this season’s high jewellery pieces It can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to create a high jewellery piece. Jessica Diamond on this season’s sparkling labours of love. Photographs by Charles Negre. www.thetimes.co.uk From Gabrielle Chanel to Elsa Peretti, Meet the Women Who Changed the Jewelry World The world of jewelry was, for a long time, the domain of men. But throughout the twentieth century, exceptional women have taken control and revolutionized the codes of the most prestigious houses. Meet the

Women’s Work: Pioneering Women in Craft, 1918 – 1939

Women’s Work: Pioneering Women in Craft, 1918 – 1939 Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Sussex 4 May – 6 October 2019 This Spring, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft will present a major new exhibition on the work of craftswomen who turned their practices into successful businesses between the two World Wars. Women’s Work will focus on pieces made by textile artists, weavers, ceramicists and silversmiths, many of whom were informed by their experiences traveling during the First World War. Often overshadowed by their male counterparts, these pioneering women achieved success by looking to past techniques to create contemporary

Munich Jewellery Week 2019

From 11 until 17 March 2019, Munich Jewellery Week will showcase avant-garde contemporary jewellery by established and up-and-coming designers from all over the world. This yearly gathering is by far the most significant event on contemporary jewellery’s calendar; it’s a unique phenomenon, which plays a pace making role in the contemporary jewellery field. Hundreds of makers, students, educators and collectors come from all over the world to be inspired by this diverse programme that ranges from artist-run exhibitions, book launches and lectures to performances, mobile presentations and parties. We highlight some of the most interesting exhibitions in the very packed

Hot Watch: The Pieces to Clock onto this A/W'18

Just like shop windows and displays are getting dressed up in a flurry of new autumn vibes, designs and style, the watch world has struck our magpie eyes with an array of buzzy, exciting and charasmatic designs guarenteed to make you kickstart the autumn fun with a bang! Whilst the watch world likes to tick to its own beat and not follow the fashion whimsies of our ever-changing seasons, it is without a doubt as much as a fashionable accessory as the new it bag of the season! Whether it's pantone-selected colour combinations, intricate, structural design or modern updates on

From The Greenhouse @ The Scottish Gallery

From The Greenhouse @ The Scottish Gallery  The Scottish Gallery presents From The Greenhouse , an exhibition curated by Millie Behrens celebrating, for the first time collectively and in Scotland, three Norwegian jewellers all inspired by botany and the natural world. Millie, Ingjerd and Åse-Marit are extremely grateful to Norwegian Crafts for the funding that has helped to make this exhibition possible.  Knowing each other since the eighties through Art College and various other means, Millie, Ingjerd and Åse-Marit all realised they had a similar interest in botany and the natural world, leading them each to design and create contemporary

Chime with the Times: The Top Watches for 2018

It's not only the outfit that oozes a person's style and charm but also the finer details they wear on the side. With an endless selection of shape, size, colour, design and style, a beautiful, sleek and intriguing timepiece is set to clock in as the must-have accessory for 2018. Just like the economic status of the world, the watch industry has experienced more than its fair share of ups and downs in popularity but this year, the jewellery world has clocked a slow and steady rise in demand for luxury wrist wear. From simple and seamless two-handed tickers to

Henryka’s ride on the Sausage Dog wave

A new museum devoted to all things sausage dog, a new world record for the largest number of sausage dogs in one place and now a unique sausage dog jewellery collection, which like the dog itself is both feisty and cute. British jewellery house Henryk, well known for their animal designs, have launched a range of four elegant Dachshund pendants and necklaces, riding on the back of a wiener craze that is currently  sweeping the world. All pieces are made from sterling silver and decorated mainly with amber so we have a sausage silver body and amber ears, a sausage

Step into super natural delights

When you think of fall and the beginnings of autumn delights, what immediately springs to mind? Leaves! As the world continues to turn, marking the arrival of a fresh new beginning and season, jewellery designers have taken inspiration from the earthy wonders of our world. Ethereal leaves, natural structures, organic shapes and deep, fiery gold figured heavily in the arrival of fall/winter 2018-2019 jewellery trends. The arrival of super natural pieces swathed in deep tones and swirls of gold, crystal and pearl radiate a whimsical, delicate, elusive and enigmatic look just in time for September. The fall fashion runways showcased

Jessica Brown Findlay glitters in De Beers at The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film premiere

Jessica Brown Findlay glitters in De Beers at The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film premiere British actress, Jessica Brown Findlay, of Downton Abbey fame, chose to wear De Beers at the world premiere of the new film Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society World Premiere this week. The jewellery on show consisted of London By De Beers Thames Path Earrings, featuring white diamonds, set in white gold, main diamond: 2.21 carats, total weight: 7.52 carats. De Beers Phenomena Stream Ring, featuring white diamonds, set in white gold, total weight: 2.28 carats. De Beers Diamond Solitaire Ring

Lexus Design Award 2018

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

Scotland’s art colleges sign up to Ethical Making Pledge

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths celebrated a major milestone in its drive to make Scotland the world leader in ethical silverware and jewellery by gathering Scotland's jewellery colleges at its symposium and adopting an 'Ethical Making Pledge'. Representatives of Scotland’s leading art colleges offering HND and degree level courses in jewellery and silversmithing gathered last week at an international symposium and put their names to the Incorporation of Goldsmiths’ Ethical Making Pledge designed to help the country become a world leader in ethical gold and silver work. The move reflects a growing determination among makers, designers, educators and consumers to demand

Jewellery: Anthropological Perspectives Lecture by Max Carocci

K Presents: Jewellery - Anthropological Perspectives Lecture by Max Carocci At K Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London 27 February 2019  |  18:00 - 20:00 Jewellery: Anthropological Perspectives What is the purpose of jewellery? How does jewellery function in culture? This lecture/presentation explores the reasons for making decorative artifacts. It explains how it operates in the world of symbolic communication showing how jewellery has a fundamental role to play in culture and society. Anthropologist Max Carocci will discuss jewellery from an anthropological viewpoints through lavish images of jewellery and decoration form around the world.  British Museum-based anthropologists Max Carocci has been

Gaelle Khouri extends Soft Destruction collection

Gaelle Khouri has developed an addendum to her acclaimed Soft Deconstruction collection. The Next Perspective sees the Lebanese-born designer continue to examine the inner world as in her preceding collections. Khouri’s fascination lies in the intangible realm of the mind and thoughts.  The story behind this latest collection ruminates on the notion that humans are prisoners of their own mind, incapable of attaining the true world. However, this in turn highlights the concept of individuality, which will, when well-grasped and expressed, grant us tolerance and a degree of freedom from the prison of mind.  The collection is suffused with philosophical

Pandora Enters Indian Market With First Concept Store

PANDORA, the leading international jewellery manufacturer and retailer has entered one of the largest jewellery markets in the world, where the official opening of the first PANDORA concept store took place in India. This represents a significant milestone for the company and is part of PANDORA’s successful overall strategy of expanding its branded network globally. Today, the Company has more than 2,100 concept stores around the world and sells affordable high-quality jewellery in more than 100 countries. The new concept store, which is owned and operated by PANDORA’s distribution partner Pan India Charms & Jewellery Private Limited (Pan India), is

‘Legacy Collection’ luxury jewellery line is launched by Parham Ramezani

Entrepreneur and jewellery designer, Parham  Ramezani  introduced his new ‘Legacy Collection’ luxury  jewellery  line to London and the UK during an evening recpetion with guests including the likes of Jenson Button. The event introduced press, influencers and esteemed members of the luxury world to the brand. The celebration was cohosted by F1 world champion and ambassador of the brand, Jenson Button.   Guests included Mark Francis from MIC as well as Ladies of London it girl, Noelle Reno.    The inspiration behind the Legacy Collection comes from the majesty of La Scala, the Opera house in Milan, home to some

Crafts Council Exhibition for Hull UK City of Culture 2017

  The Crafts Council’s new exhibition ' States of Play' ,  will launch at Humber Street Gallery in Hull in July, UK City of Culture,  and will look at how playfulness shapes our lives and the world around us.  The  Crafts Council’s  new exhibition  will be on show from 7 July – 24 September. Through the eyes of 16 international makers and designers it presents play as a way of being, of understanding the world and giving it form. In an era of screen-based games, it celebrates the physical element of play in ways that will delight, provoke and surprise

Greenery: The Colour Set to Revive, Refresh, Renew

Welcome to the fresh and zesty world of Greenery15-0343, the Pantone colour blooming into 2017! Greenery is natures' authentic omnipresent hue of thriving; emblematic for vitality and the need to strip back to our organic state of being. After suffering a turbulent political and social upheaval throughout most of 2016, this yellow-green shade symbolises a need to reconnect to nature and a more grounded sense of purpose.  In a world monopolised by social media and technology, 'Greenery' reminds us of noticing the real truth and beauty in the natural aesthetics around us; a sense of escapism from our materialistic society and

Xifu Announce Judging Panel for International Jewellery Design Competition

The  Xifu  International Gold Wedding Jewellery Design Competition 2017 has announced its prestigious panel of judges, comprising distinguished luminaries in the fields of design, jewellery and the arts. Organised by   JNA   and   CJNA   of UBM Asia, the World Gold Council and the People's Government of  Yantian  District,   Shenzhen, the biennial competition aims to usher in a new era in gold wedding jewellery by encouraging designers from around the world to reflect wedding traditions and customs through fresh and creative designs.   The independent judging panel of the competition's inaugural edition consists of highly respected, esteemed

Collect 2018 - Call for Galleries

Collect is the craft sector's premier showcase, bringing together galleries, artists and collectors from around the world to present a stunning array of established and new talent. Since its launch in 2004, Collect has gone from strength to strength to become one of the world's leading fairs for contemporary applied art and the highlight of the craft calendar.  In 2018, Collect will return to the beautiful setting of the Saatchi Gallery from 22nd to 25th February.  Presenting craft in a fine art context, Collect profiles the exceptional skill and intellectual rigour behind modern craft – from works in ceramics, glass,

Hidden, RCA

The RCA’s technical staff have a wealth of skills knowledge as staff and students know well – from an award-winning photographer, to Lady Gaga’s shoe designer. To the outside world, these remarkable talents are hidden away.  Hidden  celebrates some of their most innovative creative work. The week-long exhibition will showcase work by over 40 technicians across the College, including an exciting mix of jewellery and textile design, painting and sculptures, as well as handmade bespoke cars and interactive virtual realities. Hidden  will showcase many well-known designers and artists including Natacha Marro, a world-renowned shoe designer. Celebrated for wild and visually

States of Play, Crafts Council - Hull

  The Crafts Council’s new exhibition  ' States of Play' ,  will launch at Humber Street Gallery in Hull in July,  UK City of Culture,  and will look at how playfulness shapes our lives and the world around us.  The  Crafts Council’s  new exhibition  will be on show from 7 July – 24 September. Through the eyes of 16 international makers and designers it presents play as a way of being, of understanding the world and giving it form. In an era of screen-based games, it celebrates the physical element of play in ways that will delight, provoke and surprise

Dynamic new trends take shape at IJL 2017

Spotting important new trends will be as easy as 1-2-3 for exhibitors and visitors to IJL 2017 when the latest product ranges from over 550 high end jewellery manufacturers, designers and suppliers from 32 countries around the world are rolled out at Olympia over three days. World famous as a ‘360 degree’ platform for striking deals, networking and sharing knowledge, IJL 2017 will kick off a range of new features including newly themed seminar theatres, workshops and a dedicated Skills Lab to showcase talent and skills. A new Retail Experience Area is designed to help retailers enhance their in-store offer

Club Tropicana: 70s Colour Pop

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

Lady In Red: Ruby Passion

A captivating and fiery lady in red who with one radiant gleam of passion could enchant just about any wanton eye; Welcome to the world of red, red Ruby. The gem queen of the crystal world, this precious stone of nobility and flaming shades of beauty is one of four "precious" gemstones accredited to its rarity, carat value, hardness and natural vitality; the others including diamond, sapphire and emerald. Ruby is derived from the latin word ' Rubeus ' meaning 'red' and the deeply striking red colour palette is due to genes within the Corundum family. Comprising of chrome and

Welcoming A Bespoke Beauty: Vaessen | Walker

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

Anastazio Kotsopoulos | Handmade Jewellery

Anastazio distinguished himself early on as one of the youngest jewelry artists in Greece with his unique signature style which harmoniously contrasts industrial, gold netting backgrounds with softly framed sensual gemstones. The Greeks might have discovered him but then the world took notice. An arbiter of style, Vogue UK includes him in the roster of world talented jewelry designers. They, like many, appreciate his simple and delicate aesthetics, with the belief beauty in simplicity. Intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship make every piece a work of art. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece, he designs his new collection with a woman’s beauty

The Little Black Book of Jewellery Terms

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

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

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

News Edit: 16 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Israeli Jewellery Company Designs 'World's Most Expensive' Coronavirus Face Mask Worth $1.5M Independent: An Israeli jewellery company is designing what it says will be the most expensive coronavirus face mask. independent.co.uk ‘I like the idea of a powerful mother and daughter linked by style’ FT: Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne on why heirloom pieces – from perfumes to jewels – are the most precious things in life. ft.com When Dior Joaillerie Met The Colourful World of Tie-Dye... Harpers Bazaar: The French luxury Maison incorporates a fun twist into

News Edit: 19 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Louis Vuitton just bought the world's second-biggest diamond CNN: Louis Vuitton has just bought the world's second-largest diamond, another sign of the French brand's ambitions in the luxury jewelry market. cnn.com The Second-Biggest Diamond in History Has a New Owner NY Times: Louis Vuitton has won all 1,758 carats of the Sewelo diamond. nytimes.com Second-Biggest Diamond Ever Will Become Louis Vuitton Jewelry Bloomberg: The second-biggest diamond in history will be cut, polished and turned into a collection of Louis Vuitton jewelry. bloomberg.com Louis Vuitton Buys Second-Biggest Rough Diamond Ever, Eyes

News Edit:12 August 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Jewellery maker Pandora sees shares sink on sales downturn BBC: Danish jewellery maker Pandora is to cut almost 400 jobs, after warning that full-year sales will be lower than expected. bbc.co.uk   Danish jeweller Pandora’s chief executive steps down after profit warning World Press: Danish jewelry maker Pandora’s chief executive, Anders Colding Friis, is stepping down, the firm said... world-press.co.uk   Knightsbridge jeweller sues wife of Malaysia's former prime minister for return of £11.5million in diamonds he claims were delivered to her but never paid for Daily Mail: Malaysia's former first

News Edit: 5 August 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Swedish crown jewels: Speedboat thieves steal priceless treasures BBC: Police in Sweden have launched a manhunt after thieves swiped some of the country's crown jewels from a cathedral and escaped by speedboat. bbc.com Jewellery thefts that shocked the world BBC: We take a look at some of the world's other audacious jewellery thefts. bbc.co.uk   'Priceless' 2,800-year-old 'royal gold jewellery' stash boasting some 3,000 items is found inside a burial mound in remote Kazakhstan mountains Daily Mail: An astonishing stash of 2,800-year-old gold jewellery has been unearthed by archaeologists in Kazakhstan.

Democratization of the Visual Arts

Call for Entries: Democratization of the Visual Arts The Organization for the Democratization of the Visual Arts (ODBK) invites visual artists from all countries, working in all kinds of mediums to present an artwork proposal for an exhibition that motivates and inspires equality, diversity and democracy for the art world. A selection of 50 artworks will be shown in a permanent online exhibition on the website of the ODBK and 10 artworks will be selected to be shown in an art gallery in Berlin, Germany in March 2021. The deadline to present the artworks proposals is 15.01.21. Check the basis for

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020 25 October 2020 - 6 January 2021 Academies around the world had to close their doors last Spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final exams of a lot of the graduating students needed to be postponed for this reason as well. In previous years the Marzee International Graduate Show was held in August, but this year we moved it to the end of October to make sure that we could still make this show happen. We are very pleased with the end result – it is yet again an amazing show with a great

21 GRAMS

21 GRAMS BeCraft Galerie, Belgique 23.06.2019 → 08.09.2019 An exhibition initiated by the China Academy of Art, in collaboration with BeCraft, the Handwerk München Gallery (DE), the Legnica Gallery of Art (PL) and the CODA Museum (PB) Does the soul exist? If so, what is its consistency? And where will she lodge? Rational or not, the answer depends on the personal beliefs of everyone. At the beginning of this hypothesis, that of the weight of the soul - which should be equivalent to 21 grams - a series of world artists set the tone. Driven by aspirations (in) consciously influenced by

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

Goldsmiths' Fair goes digital in reaction to pandemic

Goldsmiths’ Fair, the selling event and exhibition for fine jewellers and silversmiths, is launching a digital Fair in 2020. The Fair will provide an online platform for around 130 exhibitors and established visitors, 9,000 of who ordinarily attend the live event at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London, as well as to new audiences from around the world. The Goldsmiths’ Company, who run the event – an essential stop on the international fine jewellery and contemporary silver calendar – is moving the Fair 2020 and its programme of talks, events and exhibitions online, to support business recovery for

Emerald: May's Beautiful Birthstone

Vivid, vibrant and the vivacious colour of May, Emerald in all its zesty rich hue celebrates the promise of sunny summer days but the arrival of all those May babies out there. As the gemstone of Venus and fertility, Emerald is a stone of inspiration and aspiration by encouraging its wearer to live and act authentically from the heart. A catalyst for the abundance of human emotions, Emerald channels the energy patterns that surface straight from the heart chakra. Encouraging us to strengthen our interactions with the external world by opening up our hearts, emerald is seen to be a

Istanbul International Jewelry, Watch & Equipment Fair 2019

Istanbul Jewelry Show 21-24 March 2019  Istanbul Expo Center  48th Istanbul International Jewelry, Watch & Equipment Fair  Istanbul Jewelry Show is comprehensive marketplace for international jewelry community and professionals. The ever growing number of participants and attendants accompanied with the value added trade show services have created a unique business environment in one of the fastest developing regions of the world.  Dates 21 - 24 March 2019 Venue Istanbul Expo Center (CNR Expo)  For More Information .istanbuljewelryshow.com

Baselworld 2018

Baselworld is the most important marketplace and trendsetting show for the world's watch and jewellery industry. Baselworld distinguishes itself as the only show that regroups all the key players from watchmakers to jewellers, from diamonds, pearls and gemstones dealers through to machines and supply industry. Dates: 23 - 30 March 2018 Venue: Messe Basel, Switzerland Open: Daily from 9 am - 6 pm. (except Thursday, March 30: 9 am - 4 pm) www.baselworld.com

"Sustainability, is it redefining the notion of luxury?” Survey

Call for Participation: “Sustainability, is it redefining the notion of luxury?” This research - around the world - will involve academics and also professionals and executives who work in this sector. It intends to know and analyze aspects that, within the framework of luxury, have been or are being redefined by sustainability. This research – which is based on a 20 minute survey - will set the basis for a book to be entitled “ Sustainability, is it redefining the notion of luxury?” I would really appreciate your contribution which can be in English, Portuguese or Spanish. The survey deadline

Perspectives - Creating Jewellery for a Fairer Future

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

International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg

Program 2017 of the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg Why produce art? The motto of 2017 is the very general and fundamental question: Why art produce? This applies to the summer academy as an institution as well as to all art-makers. What does it mean to produce art today, how is art related to the socio-political situation? And why do art teach and teach art over and over again? Art is a way to relate to the world. However, art is also a place of retreat, art allows for immersion, that is, fusing with it or with certain

VICENZAORO 2017

VICENZAORO, the largest Show in Europe for Gold and Jewellery, is an authentic Business Hub for the industry, able to bring together the most authoritative players in the gold and jewellery world. A primary access route to the European markets, the Russian-speaking countries and the Middle East, it is not only the perfect place in which to develop business and consolidate relations, it is also a privileged observatory for understanding the latest trends in terms of style and design on the gold and jewellery market. For centuries, the city of Vicenza and its surroundings have been synonymous with excellence in

The Enchanting Return of Ebony

Prized for its heartwood and beautifully smooth finish on fine furniture and accessories, black Ebony is one of the most expensive and valuable types of wood found in the world. Like most wonders of nature, no two pieces of Ebony Blackwood are alike due to the difference in location and species of heartwood for it to thrive. With Black Ebony increasingly becoming a rarity in discovery, poaching of this fine material has greatly increased due to its value. The darker the wood, the more valuable the piece of Ebony becomes due to being classed as more "pure" and showcasing the

Artist Commission Oceansgate Plymouth, Plymouth City Council

Plymouth City Council is seeking to commission a site-specific contemporary artwork for the exciting new Oceansgate development. Situated on the southern edge of Devonport Dockyard, one of the largest naval dockyards in Europe, Oceansgate will bring businesses together to create a world-class hub for marine industries. The existing industrial buildings and docks will be transformed to create the first exclusively marine Enterprise Zone in the UK. We are looking for an imaginative artist intervention in the public space at the gateway to the Oceansgate campus. The piece will have an important role in signalling the evolving contribution the former South

Dendritic Beauty: Still Life In A Stone

As autumn steps up a gear, nature explodes into a fiery mass of natural beauty with not only a sea of leaves amongst our feet but leaves falling into the trends cupboards of the design industry. Welcome to the world of dendritic stone. Within gemmology, agate is an umbrella term for a variety of banded Chalcedony; a mineral belonging to the Quartz family. Whilst not strictly classified as an agate as it is not banded, dendritic agate, also known as tree agate is itself a quartz, displaying a opaque and milky finish. Comparatively, dendritic quartz displays more of a shimmery

Branching Out

Branching Out, Craft Centre and Design Gallery - Leeds Inspired by the beauty of trees we bring together a selection of talented makers creating contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass and works in mixed media whose work captures the essence of these remarkably diverse and beautiful marvels of the natural world. Exhibition Run 18th March - 24th June 2017 Venue The Craft Centre & Design Gallery City Art Gallery The Headrow, Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 3AB www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk

Staffordshire University

We are the Connected  University . We're connected to the needs of our students, to business and to society. Our city campus in Stoke-on-Trent is the  University's  nerve centre. We deliver world class healthcare education at our specialist Centres of Excellence in  Stafford  and Shrewsbury.  Undergraduate 3D Design: Contemporary Jewellery and Fashion Accessories - BA (Hons) www.staffs.ac.uk

Silver Production Jeweller (Junior Role), Dower & Hall - Glasgow

The Role Silver Production Jeweller (Junior Role)  Dower & Hall Clapham, London Dower & Hall are a creative company, designing and making luxury, high-quality, yet affordable jewellery in our Clapham studio. Established in 1990, we have built up a reputation for exceptional British jewellery design and quality craftsmanship.  Our pieces retail in selected stockists around the world and have been featured on the pages of high-profile fashion magazines, red carpets, tv and cinema screens including three Bond Movies.  We are looking for someone who has some skills already but also enjoys making jewellery and is committed to making the best

Mercury Free Mining and the Alliance for Responsible Mining Work to Reduce Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has awarded a $50,000 grant to Mercury Free Mining (MFM) and the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM) to focus on mitigating mercury use in artisanal gold mining in Ananea, Peru.  The grant provides funding to evaluate ore-testing processes that have the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate the inadvertent release of 5,440 kg of toxic mercury every day by more than 15 million artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) around the world.  “We’re delighted that this GIA grant supports the discovery and implementation of efficient gold ore concentration methods that may help free millions

My Carbon Family Commission

'My Carbon Family' Sculpture Commissions, Creative Giants   Every one of us causes a vast amount of energy-intensive materials to be used every year, with high CO2 emissions to match. My Carbon Family is an innovative multimedia project to help people to better understand the unseen carbon emissions from materials we all use. A ‘family’ of sculptures are being commissioned to, in effect, work as a 3-D sculptural bar chart. BBC News will make five digital videos and a World TV documentary / iplayer examining the production and use of the materials whilst also documenting the artists whilst they create

Dragons’ Den and The Workbench

The Workbench: Best-friends-turned-jewellers appear on prime-time BBC One TV show after world-first ring carving kits shake up jewellery industry. Best friends Katie and Kirstie built their business after a eureka moment during a craft night with friends. The new series of Dragons’ Den saw this week The Workbench girls pitch their business  on the BBC programme. The Workbench, the world’s first design-your-own ring carving kit, is the result of a lightbulb moment in 2014 between best friends - founders Katie and Kirstie who appeared on the finale episode of the 18th series of Dragons’ Den on the 8th July pitching

Goldsmiths’ Company announces new acquisitions for 2020/2021

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced its latest acquisitions from the last year for its Collection, which comprises works of art of world class importance. The acquisitions reinforce the Company’s support for contemporary makers through commissions and purchases, in what has been a challenging year for British craftspeople. Dr Dora Thornton, Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company says that  the report of acquisitions  reveals extraordinary examples of work made for the Collection.  “Our commissions, and purchases recognise and celebrate the quality and handmaking skills of our craft. All the pieces contribute to our wider understanding of contemporary jewellery and silver. They tell

Award-winning designer of eco-friendly jewellery moves to Birmingham

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter welcomes an award-winning designer of eco-friendly jewellery into residence.  Today Elizabeth Anne Norris of EAN Jewellery, will move into the Jewellery Quarter and join other residents in the newly converted 19th-century building, home to world-class jewellery-makers since the early 1900s.  The Jewellery Quarter is Europe's largest hub of businesses involved in the jewellery trade, which produces 40% of all the jewellery made in the UK.  With a highly-regarded reputation, the Jewellery Quarter is a big tourist attraction and people can visit Elizabeth to buy her collections, as well as to attend contemporary jewellery-making workshops, or to

V&A launch open-call for homemade signs and rainbow drawings created during lockdown

The V&A has today announced an open-call for homemade signs created during lockdown to enter its permanent collection. From rainbow signs created by children to shop signs and hand-written notes posted in public spaces, the V&A is seeking signs that have been created by individuals and communities in response to the current isolation measures.  During social distancing, homemade signs have become commonplace on our streets. Whether they state temporary closure of a business, express messages of hope or critique, or raise awareness for a good cause, these signs have become a prominent way for us to communicate with the outside world during

Couple Get Engaged With A Ring Made Exclusively From The Smartphones That Brought Them Together

A couple have got engaged using a ring made exclusively* from the smartphones they credit with bringing them together, in a world-first proposal. The ring, created by O2 Recycle to celebrate its 10 anniversary – in partnership with bespoke sustainable jeweller, Lylie’s – has been made from the couple’s recycled iPhone 5s smartphones. The ring is made from the handset speakers and microphones that James and Hayley used for whispering sweet nothings to each other, the cameras they used for selfies and video chat when living apart, and a gold band created using the very circuit boards that kept those

News Edit: 17 May 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Chopard taps actress and environmentalist Marion Cotillard to model its ethical jewels LifeStyle Asia: With the world going on reset mode lately, everyone has gotten a rare chance to pause and reflect on how we’ve been so preoccupied by packed work and social schedules, the blind obsessions for possession and power, or that we’ve forgotten about some of more important things in life: self-care, compassion for your neighbours and, last but certainly not least, for the planet we live in. lifestyleasia.com 8

News Edit: 21 June 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Gucci unveils second high jewellery collection Wallpaper: The new high jewellery collection from Gucci is a dazzling ode to the natural world. www.wallpaper.com 5 Of The Most Meaningful Pieces In Kate’s Jewellery Collection Vogue: As the wife of the future King, the Duchess of Cambridge has acquired some impressive jewellery – and frequently dips into the Queen’s unparalleled collection for formal occasions. www.vogue.co.uk Diamonds in the rough – the rise of cast-not-set jewellery FT: How a renegade approach to gem-setting went mainstream. www.ft.com Gucci second collection of High

Q&A: Wallace Chan

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

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

Turquoise Mountain continues training in Jordan with help of UNICEF

Turquoise Mountain was founded in 2006 by HRH The Prince of Wales to revive historic areas and traditional crafts, to provide jobs, skills and a renewed sense of pride. Since 2006, Turquoise Mountain has restored over 150 historic buildings, trained over 6,000 artisans, treated almost 136,000 patients at our Kabul clinic, and supported and generated over $15.5 million in sales of traditional crafts to international clients, including Kate Spade and London’s Connaught Hotel. Turquoise Mountain has also curated major international exhibitions at museums around the world, from the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington

Elsa Peretti (1940 – 2021)

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

Luxury Institute: The 7 Rules For Reinventing Your Luxury Business Model Post Pandemic

Citizens of the world have endured months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. When we are past the worst of the crisis, we will not be the same, but we know from history that there will be many major opportunities for economic prosperity. How can luxury business leaders take creative, effective steps right now to shift the growth curve to a higher plane, with a steeper growth trajectory? To help brands achieve their well-intentioned purpose and values, here are seven rules from the Luxury Institute for reinventing the luxury business model for post pandemic success. Rule 1: From Disruption

Sapphire for those born in September

September can only mean one thing - it's officially Virgo season! Sapphire - the September birthstone - has been treasured as one of the most precious gemstones for thousands of years, long associated with royalty, romance and heavenly blessings.  This ‘royal’ gem is often described as one of the ‘big three’ – sapphire, ruby and emerald – or perhaps ‘big four’ – sapphire, ruby, emerald and tanzanite’ – in the world of coloured gemstones. The word sapphire originates from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘blue stone’. Sapphires are traditionally associated with the blue variety of the mineral corundum but they

Covid Forces Fashion Industry to Explore Virtual Reality Alternatives

As industries across the world have been forced to innovate and be creative in the challenges of COVID-19, one sector which was surprisingly quick to adapt was that of fashion buying. BrandLab, a unique virtual reality showroom developer, saw 500% increase in profit between May and June, as brands moved their physical showrooms to virtual. The growth has led to international investment, with new offices being launched in LA, Paris and New York and plans to expand their business beyond the fashion industry and develop direct-to-consumer platforms for everything from shopping centres and art galleries to car showrooms and football

ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020

Call for Applications: ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020 The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM) is now accepting applications for its Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020. This unique accredited program on the History of Western Jewelry is offered through the ILJMuseum’s Education Center in collaboration with esteemed Greek and International academics, archaeologists and jewelry experts. The ILJM will challenge students to discover the fascinating world of Ancient Greece and the history of Western Jewelry through its most spectacular artifacts. For more information, inquiries, and applications, search for the Summer School site at www.jss.gr . Classes The history and archaeology of Ancient Greek

News Edit: 21 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why Jewellery’s Diversity Problem Is So Hard to Fix BoF: The industry is reckoning with a lack of opportunities for Black designers. But change comes slow in a world where money and connections often determine who has access to precious stones. businessoffashion.com In Conversation With Taiwanese Jewelry Designer Anna Hu Forbes: New York-based, Taiwanese independent jewelry artist Anna Hu is leading the way in nature-inspired looks that speak of the preciousness of gemstones from the depths of the earth. forbes.com Royal Jeweller Garrard at centre of new Kensington

First Minister wears COP26 brooch

The  City of Glasgow College  ran a competition during Lockdown linked to their HND Jewellery students coursework to design a brooch for the First Minister  Nicola Sturgeon  to wear to COP26. It was to be based on rising sea levels as an effect of Climate Change. The winning brooch was designed by a first year student Aileen Dickie-Adams, inspired by the Corryvreckan whirlpool in Scotland, the 3rd largest in the world. Vipa Designs designs kindly cast her brooch using ethical materials and Aileen, alongside the college's Lecturer Maciej Sankowski, hand finished the brooch, adding the layer of Fairtrade Gold. The

Back to Nature

The main talking point for jewellery 2020? Sustainable fashion.  From necklaces, rings, bracelets to ear cuffs, the use of humble materials were leading the way to align with the world's movement towards a sustainable future. As more and more consumers become aware of the effects of over-reliance on fast fashion, the more tuned in designers are becoming on the importance of embedding sustainable fashion materials throughout their designs.  One way designers are playing with sustainable design is simply doing more with less! Infusing creativity with resourcefulness will see many-a collections tuning down the extra details and refined features and simply utilising

Benchpeg goes all chatty

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

News Edit: 3 May 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last six week's international jewellery news...   Coronavirus Causes First Quarter Gold Jewelry Demand To Plunge 39% Forbes: The global novel coronavirus pandemic has caused first quarter year-on-year demand for gold jewelry to plummet by 39% to 325.8 tons, a record low for the quarterly Global Demand Trends report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Rising prices for the precious metal fueled by safe-haven investment, and a shuttered retail and manufacturing environment were credited with the drastic decline. forbes.com Cybersecurity Amid The Pandemic: Protect The Crown Jewels Forbes:

Museum of Arts And Design New York, Appoints Christian Larsen as Windgate Research Curator

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) today announced the appointment of Christian Larsen to the position of Windgate Research Curator, effective immediately.  In this position, funded by the Windgate Charitable Foundation, Larsen will lead an educational and curatorial partnership between the Museum of Arts and Design and Bard Graduate Center (BGC) to increase the visibility of craft and design in art history and the contemporary art world. He replaces Elissa Auther who was named Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator last September. 'With great enthusiasm, we welcome Christian to the curatorial team at

Studio Assistant & Project Coordinator, Antony Gormley Studio

Studio Assistant & Project Coordinator, Antony Gormley Studio Kings Cross, London Antony Gormley Studio is made up of a lively and wide-ranging group of individuals with a common aim of extending the language of sculpture and making it available to a wider world. The Studio Assistant and Project Coordinator will primarily be a fabricator of artworks, while also applying this knowledge to leading the technical aspects of installations and project development. As a core member of the Studio team, you will work closely with both the internal workshop and project teams and external project partners, playing a key technical role

Q&A: Jeff Lowe

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

Media to catch up on whilst in lockdown

We’ve compiled a list of catch up TV, radio and podcasts which you might find useful to while away the hours whilst on lockdown. TV BBC - Handmade https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05ttnd7/broadcasts/upcoming Episode 1 Filmed without voiceover or music, this film is an absorbing portrait of the complex processes behind the crafting of a steel knife by bladesmith Owen Bush. BBC - Secrets of the Museum Unique arts series venturing behind the scenes at the world famous museum of art, design and performance, the V&A. www.bbc.co.uk Episodes containing jewellery: Episode 6 Behind the scenes at the V&A, transporting a unique car is a

The 240-hour in the Making 'Snowglobe' Ring

Every story-teller has to contend with the art of world building. None so much as Ben Crocco and the atelier of Dreamboule. Experts at translating dream worlds from imagination to the physical, Dreamboule's 'wearable snowglobe' rings are all about painstaking attention to the most miniscule of details.  The idea was born when founder Ben Crocco observed the way the snowglobes catch and reflect light whilst watching his children playing on a winters evening. This, combined with his expertise in quality watchmaking was the basis for the Dreamboule's rings.  There are four key components in Dreamboules creations: the Sapphire Cabochon, the

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

Q&A: Gianluca De Girolamo

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

New Makers Opportunity with Toast

New Makers - Toast Celebrating And Supporting Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship TOAST is a unique lifestyle brand, creating and curating simple, functional, beautiful clothing, homeware and editorial. We are known for our thoughtful, contemporary design and commitment to traditional textiles and craftsmanship. We believe strongly in nurturing relationships with established mills, knitters, weavers, ceramicists and artists around the world. The TOAST New Makers programme will support and mentor five emerging makers. We will offer production, design, business and marketing advice, as well as a digital and a physical platform to sell their pieces with full profits being returned to them.

Giovanni Corvaja Talk, Sarabande Foundation

Inspiration Series | Giovanni Corvaja in conversation with Russell Cassleton Elliot Sarabande Foundation, London 5 November 2019 Turning gold into fibre and building a Laboratory High Vacuum Chamber in his studio; Giovanni Corvaja may as well be dubbed the Jesus of Fine Jewellery. Bringing novel and bewildering approaches to his craft and the world of jewellery, and adding 'inventor' and 'innovator' to his extensive list of accolades, Giovanni will be joined by Russell Cassleton Elliot.   A truly fascinating and inspirational conversation awaits you all - tickets are limited so don't miss out! Not many can say they’ve mastered the art

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2021

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

Elements 2020

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

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham 2022

Call For Entries: Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham 2022 Craft Festival Bovey Tracey 17-19 June 2022 Craft Festival Cheltenham 11-13 March 2022 Applications are invited from makers working to the highest standards. 2 Great Events, 1 Application Form You make ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery, metal, wood, plastics, mixed media, leather, recycled materials, printmaking and paper. Your work shows a dedication to quality of making, presentation and originality. You are based anywhere in the world. You can apply for both Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham on the same application form. Applications for our Christmas Festival in Cheltenham will open in

Spring into Colour

With what feels like most of the world working from home these days, many of us are going to have a lot more time on our hands. More time stuck indoors in our pyjamas may well be disastrous for the old waistline but does give plenty of opportunities to swat up on the spring runway jewellery trends! Between clothing, accessories, furniture and makeup trends, Spring's jewellery trends are by far the most fun and adventures to play with. As new collections are released every week, we're seeing designers forgo the single-use of gold and silver for an explosion of colour

JewelryAround at Palakiss Winter 2020 during VicezaOro

JewelryAround at Palakiss Winter 2020 during VicezaOro 17 - 22 January 2020 Vicenza, Italy Persian collective JewelryAround  will be showing at Palakiss Winter 2020 (during VicezaOro January). JewelryAround  is all about the the world of contemporary jewellery presenting emerging designers and artists from all around the Middle-East in Europe one day.  Palakiss is an internationally renowned jewellery exhibition which organizes 4 events a year of which 3 are National Exhibitions in which take part Italian and international companies. Palakiss, operating since 1999, is an internationally renowned jewelery center dedicated to jewelery and goldsmiths, which organizes 4 events a year, mainly

TEFAF Online - New York 2020

TEFAF Online New York 1– 4 November 2020 300 Masterpieces. Exclusively Online TEFAF Online will take place in the time slot of TEFAF New York. This edition is a digital marketplace where every member of our community is invited to showcase one highlight representing their expertise in the top segment of the art market. Every highlight presented at TEFAF Online is vetted by an independent vetting committee composed of the most respected experts in the field. We are honored to showcase 300 dealers from all over the world. The power of TEFAF is in the combined attraction of exhibiting dealers.

International Jewellery London: Inspire Seminar Programme

International Jewellery London: Inspire Seminar Programme 1 - 3 September 2019 Olympia, Kensington  From catwalk theatre to retail theatre, and everything there is to know about fine jewellery, International Jewellery London (IJL), the global meeting place for the jewellery industry, has today announced the full IJL Inspire seminar programme. Leaders from the international jewellery trade will take to the stage to discuss key trends that are shaping the international jewellery and watch industry today, while offering invaluable networking opportunities to jewellery retailers and suppliers from around the world. The IJL Inspire highlights include: SS20 Trends with The Futurist Paola de

News Edit: 19 September 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Masked gunmen rob Bulgari Paris store of £10million jewelry The Street Journal: The world-famous jewelry and luxury product brand, Bulgari store on Place Vendome, in the capital city of Paris, was on Tuesday, robbed by gunmen. thestreetjournal.org Emma Raducanu ‘in talks with luxury jewellery brand Tiffany & Co’ Standard: Emma Raducanu is rumoured to be in talks with jewellery brand Tiffany & Co to become the high-end brand’s new ambassador. standard.co.uk A Groundbreaking Exhibit of Black Jewelry Designers Comes to Sotheby’s This Week Town and Country: These are

London Craft Week 2020

London Craft Week 2020 30 September - 9 October 2020 London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international creativity. This year the festival brings together over 250 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. Authenticity is at the heart of London Craft Week and the programme aims to attract a broad audience united in their appreciation of imagination, individuality, passion and skill. A curated programme of events across London allows visitors to create their own itinerary, meet the makers and gain access to exclusive exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. London Craft Week reflects a global trend,

US$2M Available GIA Scholarships 2021

Call for Applications: GIA Scholarships 2021 Whether you are new to the gem and jewelry industry or a veteran looking to expand your knowledge, education from GIA will equip you with the tools to succeed. A scholarship from GIA makes achieving your educational goals financially attainable. GIA is accepting scholarship applications until March 31, 2021 for classes that start June through December of this year. The scholarships are open to prospective students around the world. For this application cycle, all prospective students may apply for distance education programs, with limited on-campus scholarship availability due to pandemic-related capacity restrictions. For details

Graduate Fashion Week 2020

Graduate Fashion Week 2020 31st May – 3rd June 2020 The Old Truman Brewery, East London Graduate Fashion Week, now in its 29th year, continues to showcase the latest emerging talent to the world, by exhibiting the fashion innovators of tomorrow with an exciting four-day event located in the heart of London’s buzzing creative district, Shoreditch.  On the 31st May – 3rd June 2020 at The Old Truman Brewery in East London, Graduate Fashion Week will present an unrivalled platform for over 3600+ new BA fashion talent, promoting and awarding the freshest upcoming trendsetters in design, creative direction, marketing, communication, photography, illustration

Baselworld 2020

Baselworld 2020 Basel Exhibition Centre, Switzerland  30th April - 5th May 2020 Baselworld is the world's foremost show for watches, jewellery, precious stones and related industries. It interconnects the industry’s top brands (including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Breitling), the most influential media and the world’s most important buyers. Baselworld is the exclusive platform on which the major watch and jewellery brands present the year’s innovations to an eagerly curious international audience. Everyone who wants to know what the latest trends are and how 2019 “ticks” will find the answers live and firsthand at Baselworld. Dates:  30th

Karl & Lisa

For those who are lucky enough to be in Melbourne, Australia, there is still more than a week to visit the Karl & Lisa exhibition at the Funaki Gallery, a double solo show dedicated to two of the most important names in the world of contemporary jewellery writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Lisa Walker necklace, 2019, fabric, stuffing, thread, acrylic paint Lisa Walker necklace, 2019, merino, stuffing, acrylic paint, thread Karl Fritsch and Lisa Walker have been at the forefront of contemporary jewellery for over 20 years, constantly pushing and questioning what jewellery is and can be. They met while studying at the prestigious

News Edit: 12 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Jewellery trends for 2020: recycling deluxe, strange stones and the rise of demi-bespoke The Telegraph: With more precious raw materials and longer production times, jewellery trends move at a slower pace than those in the fashion world. This is a relief for buyers - there’s no need to worry that a new, four-figure piece will scream ‘last season’ in a few short months. telegraph.co.uk The Men’s Jewellery Trend We’re Planning On Copying In 2020 Vogue: At this time of year, in addition to the resolutions and intentions, the winds of

Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2020

Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 25th - 28th July 2020 Asia’s leading mid-year jewellery event is refreshing its brand – Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong will be held from 25 to 28 June 2020 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with an exciting line up of exhibitors and special events.  The refreshed visual identity reaffirms the show’s commitment to the jewellery world, and that is to connect and engage with the global jewellery community, inspire true partnership and celebrate the very best that the industry has to offer.  Occupying 70,000

Milano Jewelry Week 2021

Call for Applications: Milano Jewelry Week 2021 Milano Jewelry Week welcomes  participants from all over the world . To take part in the initiative it is necessary to send an email to the following address  info@milanojewelryweek.com  specifying: Category Academy  Craftsman  Artists  Service company  Designer  Teacher  Art gallery  Jewelry store  Journalist  Master goldsmith  Maison  Students  Other  TYPE OF EVENT  you want to organize or to which you want to take part: Conference  Contest  Event within your location  Lecture  Collective exhibition  Personal exhibition  Awarding  Presentation  Temporary shop  Workshop  Other Also indicate any other useful information. The Milano Jewelry Week team will respond

Head of David Fowkes Jewellery Climbs New Heights

Dr Rona Mackenzie, Chief Operating Officer of jewellery designer, David Fowkes, is to embark upon the challenge of a lifetime in order to support UK innovators in business. Rona has pledged to climb the highest points in each of the seven continents of the world, starting with Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, last month. All funds raised by Rona will support a new charity, D3, launched to help support businessmen and women in getting creative, innovative and dynamic projects off the ground. David Fowkes is generously supporting D3 through the creation of a unique, handmade piece of jewellery

Stephen Einhorn Launches Small Signet Jewellery Collection

Combining style, elegance and history, the signet ring is a unique piece of jewellery. Stephen Einhorn’s new unisex Small Signet Collection has all the design sensibilities of his original Signet Collection, it is simply smaller in size.  Stephen has always been particularly drawn to signet rings, combining as they do his two passions for classic design and functionality. After all, what could be better than something that is not only beautiful, but could enable the wearer to leave their mark on the world? “The inspiration behind my new collection all stemmed from my first signet ring. I wanted to create a

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2020 - Online

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2020 - Online 24 September – 6 October 2020 Online Only Register for the event The Goldsmiths' Company is excited to launch  Goldsmiths’ Fair 2020 , the first ever digital staging of their prestigious event, held exclusively online from Thursday 24 September to Tuesday 6 October, on the newly designed and curated website launching the same day.  They are proud to be able to provide a platform for our exhibitors and thousands of visitors from around the world, old and new, so that you can enjoy the extraordinary works created by some of the best jewellers and silversmiths

News Edit:18 April 2021

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

Winners Announced for The Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship

Inspiration is a driving force in all of our lives, and it was the deciding factor in the difficult decision to select just two recipients for the Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship for full tuition to earn GIA’s Graduate Gemologist diploma through distance education. Inspiration is a driving force in all of our lives, and it was the deciding factor in the difficult decision to select just two recipients for the Beyoncé Knowles-Carter x Lorraine Schwartz GIA Scholarship for full tuition to earn GIA’s Graduate Gemologist diploma through distance education. This scholarship, gifted by world renowned jewelry designer

Midsummer Festival of Making 2020

Midsummer Festival of Making 2020 Friday 19th – Sunday 21st June 2020 Online Cockpit Arts introduces the Midsummer Festival of Making – everyone is invited!  From London to the world, featuring 65 events with over 80 makers, the Festival of Making takes place online, on Instagram, Facebook and Zoom, over the midsummer weekend of Friday 19th – Sunday 21st June.  The packed programme features workshops, panel talks, live demonstrations and studio tours all led by some of London’s leading makers and designers – ceramicists, leatherworkers, weavers, printmakers, jewellers, glass engravers and more.  Many of the events have a midsummer flavour

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

Galactica - Jacqueline Cullen @ The Scottish Gallery

Galactica - Jacqueline Cullen The Scottish Gallery 29 June - 20 July 2019 It’s a coincidence that this month marks the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s Space Oddity and the Apollo 11 Moon landing - there is a also a space theme in the beautiful Galactica jewellery collection by Jacqueline Cullen.  Her Whitby jet and black diamond jewellery is exquisite; offset by her work in grey agate.  It really is out of this world! Jacqueline Cullen creates wearable, sculptural jewellery in 18ct gold featuring materials such as Whitby jet, black diamonds and agate. With diverse inspiration ranging from thunderous skies to

Great Scots in Isolation @ The Scottish Gallery

Great Scots  The Scottish Gallery Online 3 - 27 June 2020 The Scottish Gallery are pleased to introduce  Great Scots in Isolation , which is a series of short 1-2 minute films by Scottish Gallery artists from Scotland, UK and internationally. The Scottish Gallery wants to show solidarity to all at this time of isolation and let you into our artists' worlds.  When the country went into lockdown on the 23rd March 2020, our lives changed dramatically. As the world around us closed down, our instinct was to reach out to our artists and allow them to have a voice [youtube [youtube [youtube [youtube [youtube [youtube

Week One New Designers Award Winners Announced

Bursting with ambition and radical ideas, New Designers 2019 unveils incredible new talent set to shape the design world of tomorrow. Over two weeks, and spanning every discipline in modern making, the event presents the work of more than 3,000 hand-picked design talents. Visitors to the show will discover disruptive new thinking, meet the pacesetters, and get a first look at our creative future. The New Designers Awards brings together 1,500 handpicked designers in areas including textiles, fashion and costume, ceramics, contemporary design craft, and jewellery. Awards are presented to those with the most creative and forward-thinking work. Winners are

Jewels on the Pink Carpet- Who wore what to the 2019 Met Gala

The first Monday of May brought with it the illustrious and captivating Met Gala. The fashion world is still dealing with the fallout. We've collated some of the best jewellery looks of the occassion.  The theme this year was camp, explored in more detail in the complimentary exhibition staged by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum 'Camp: Notes on Fashion'. The exhibition explores how the sensibility, once marginalised, has now become a leading and important part of contemporary mainstream culture.  “Camp’s disruptive nature and subversion of modern aesthetic values has often been trivialized, but this exhibition reveals that it

News Edit: 19 May 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Fairytale that thrust me into the fabulous world of Fabergé! Daily Mail: Sarah started life in a modest semi, now she rubs shoulders with billionaires after discovering she was a scion of the world’s most famous jewellery family. dailymail.co.uk ‘I want to see it, I want to touch it’: the new alchemist at Louis Vuitton The FT: In her first interview since taking over jewellery at the luxury house, Francesca Amfitheatrof talks about the... ft.com The shifting shapes of Scandi jewellery Vogue: Geometric lines are out, soft, organic shapes are

Gemfields Hosts Introductory Course in Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

As a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced, coloured gemstones, Gemfields is perfectly placed in bringing together experts to share their in-depth knowledge with the jewellery industry. And it did just that this weekend, hosting a one-day introductory coloured gemstone seminar in London with an impressive line-up of industry experts at the stylish Ham Yard Hotel in Soho. A panel of speakers – including specialists in sustainability, jewellery and gemmology– addressed sales and retail staff from key jewellery brands, lifting the lid on the charm, attraction and complexities of rubies, emeralds and sapphires, the three most coveted coloured gemstones. The latest

Chaumet launch ‘Chaumet In The Sky’ app

To celebrate the launch of the Haute Joaillerie collection ‘Les Ciels de Chaumet’, the high jewellery house has unveiled ‘Chaumet In The Sky’, a mobile application available on iTunes. The app acts as a playful immersion of the celestial sphere, and helps the browser to discover constellations, planets and the jewelery creations of ‘Ciels de Chaumet’, stars among the stars. “Opal comets appear among the stars, diamond stars illuminate the blue of the night...” Developed in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Michel, world-renowned astrophysicist and CNRS researcher, the application ‘Chaumet In The Sky’ makes it possible, by orienting your phone towards

Celestial Ring launched by W&W Jewellery

W&W Jewellery have taken inspiration from antique jewellery and atomic post-war design to create a strikingly beautiful piece that is out-of-this-world to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. The ‘Celestial Ring’ which interweaves historical and cosmic influences, combines a vintage jewellery aesthetic, upcycled old cut diamonds and a contemporary geometric design concept. Digitally designed and made in platinum the ring incorporates a unique double orbit shank below the star burst set with old cut diamonds, black diamonds and pale blue sapphires. The sculptural black star draws the focus into the heart of the ring and is black

Amberif 2019

Amberif 2019 20 23 March 2019 Amberif  is the world’s most important amber exhibition and the largest jewellery event in Central and Eastern Europe. Here business meets art, creative ideas are born, the latest trends and technologies in jewellery design are presented. Amberif  brings together 470 exhibitors from all over the world and 6,000 trade visitors from 54 countries, with the largest contingents from Russia, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, China, UK, Latvia, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland, USA, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Canada. The event is accompanied by exhibition previews, workshops, scientific seminars and discussion panels. AMBERIF’s highlight is

The Spring Contemporary Craft Fair 2019

The Spring Contemporary Craft Fair 2 - 6 May 2019 RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey An amazing event at an amazing venue! This leading craft fair is held in floored marquees within the world class RHS Garden Wisley. Now in its 10th year, this has become the most popular contemporary craft event in the UK - an event not to be missed! Highlights this year include: Over 200 exhibitors Demonstrating artists Specialist food exhibitors Live music Festival of Silver Whilst visiting the contemporary craft fair don’t forget to head to the stunning Glasshouse to view a collection of work by some

Kickstart 2019

Call for Applications: Kickstart 2019 IJL celebrates the 10th anniversary of KickStart – the leading jewellery industry launch pad for up and coming designers International Jewellery London, the long-established and world-leading jewellery trade event, has launched its hunt for the six of the best up and coming UK-based jewellery designers looking to make waves in the trade– KickStart 2019.  UK up-and-coming jewellery designers, who have been trading for more than 12 months, are invited to apply for IJL’s KickStart. Entries are now open and the deadline is 9 April 2019. The six chosen designers will have access to the many

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

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

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers: JewelFund Is Now Open for Applications Award-winning founder of the Hatton Garden based London Jewellery School, Jessica Rose has recently launched a new online company, Jewellers Academy. Alongside the launch she has created a grant for jewellers to help support them in starting and growing their own jewellery businesses. The award, named ‘JewelFund’ is now open for applications from jewellers from anywhere in the world who have a passion for making and need some funds to launch or grow their business. There are two £1000 grants available this year and plans to grow the fund

Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos at Munich Jewellery Week

​ Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos Munich Jewellery Week Munich, Germany 13th - 16th March 2019 'Nacre' marks Melanie Georgacopoulos's first solo exhibition for ten years. In this time Melanie has cemented herself as a leading figure in the world of pearl jewellery due to her daring and innovative approach which has seen her slice, drill and facet pearls, fearlessly experimenting with them as a material to great acclaim. In a natural progression from her examination of the pearl, Melanie turned her attention in 2016 to the often overlooked by-product of the pearl industry, mother of pearl. MOP, otherwise known as nacre,

London Fashion Week 2018 - September

London Fashion Week September 2018 – A Celebration Of Culture, Fashion & Art For Everyone London Fashion Week has established itself as one of the most creative and innovative fashion showcases in the world, with its home, London, being one of the most multicultural, vibrant and diverse cities on the planet.   London Fashion Week Festival brings a city-wide celebration throughout the month of September 2018 merging creative institutions, designer businesses and global brands, offering consumer activation in London as a backdrop to London Fashion Week. London Fashion Week Festival opens up the city and celebrates the intersection of the creative industries, from music, art, tech and

Jada Dubai launch £200,000 diamond encrusted shoe

Jada Dubai has launched a new collection that could happily solve a heap of 'What should I buy for Valentine's' dilemmas but cheapskates might like to look away now since the Maison's piece de resistance will cost just shy of £220,000. The “Imperative of Royalty” collection is a range of unique jewel encrusted high heeled shoes with the Masterpiece the first in the world to be bejeweled with 54 carats of white diamonds and 416,2 carats white sapphires.  A mix of yellow gold and platinum has been used inside and on the soles and having taken an entire year to

Style Buzz: Bejewelled Bugs

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

British Craft Pavilion 2019

Call for Applications: British Craft Pavilion  Old Truman Brewery, London 19 – 22 September 2019 International Craft Pavilion Applications The British Craft Pavilion has for the last 3 years been an exquisite gallery space dedicated to craft at the London Design Fair. In 2019 the pavilion will open its doors to global makers, becoming the International Craft Pavilion. The focus will be on functional and contemporary craft from around the world, and from across the full spectrum of craft disciplines, inviting both individual makers and organisations such as international crafts councils to represent their nations craft. Both Individual designers/brands and international crafts organisations are invited to apply to

New ethical consultancy launched

New consultancy firm V&V launches to debunk the myth that working responsibly and transparently has to be complicated and costly.    Victoria Waugh, formerly the face behind Fairtrade’s work on gold, has teamed up with supply chain traceability expert Vanessa Brain, to provide tailored consultancy services to jewellery and fashion businesses, in a language that's easy to understand.  Launching ahead of the Fair Luxury conference next week, the duo will work collectively with jewellers and manufacturers to help them understand their footprint on the world and grow  profitable, sustainable businesses.  Services offerred will include support to identify supply chain risks,

1 Year Contemporary Jewellery Course at City Lit with Elizabeth Bone

1 Year Contemporary Jewellery Course at City Lit with Elizabeth Bone 17 January 2019 - 21 November 2019  Delve into the world of contemporary jewellery and develop your skills in drawing, design, critical thinking and technical skills. This rigorous, multi-disciplinary, certificated, level two equivalent year long course is suitable for intermediate to  advanced jewellers. Get to grips with a series of practical projects which will culminate in an end of year public exhibition.  Course Dates 17 January 2019 - 21 November 2019  Time 10:30 - 16:30  Location Keeley Street  Tutor Elizabeth Bone For more information www.citylit.ac.uk/courses What is the course

Fair Luxury calls for jewellers to join the fashion revolution, letting customers know who made their jewellery

It’s said we are the first generation that knows that we are killing the planet, and fast fashion has been amongst one of the biggest targets of criticism. This new era of awareness couldn’t be more apparent- with activist group Extinction Rebellion hosting rallies in cities over the world in the last few days.  At a time where sustainability accounts for a key fashion trend and internet searches for ‘sustainable fashion’ have almost doubled since last year; Fair Luxury looks to the jewellery industry, as a caveat of the fashion trade, to take action and show solidarity for planet Earth. Fashion

News Edit: 28 October 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Historic Art And Contemporary Jewels At TEFAF New York Fall Art Fair Forbes: The third annual TEFAF New York Fall art fair will return to the Park Avenue Armory in New York on October 27 -31 with about 90 exhibitors from around the world... www.forbes.com Jeweller’s tribute to her late husband The Herald: She is known for reflecting her Orkney roots in her work. But Sheila Fleet’s new collection has a deeper meaning than usual, as the jewellery designer was inspired by happy memories of life with her late husband.

SIERAAD Art Fair 2018

Call for Applications: SIERAAD Art Fair  SIERAAD Art Fair is: a very special fair where artists from all over the world sell their jewellery directly and in person. SIERAAD Art Fair presents: unique, personally designed and crafted pieces of jewellery. Here, the emphasis is on jewellery as pieces of art in which ideas are packaged in materials such as rubber, textile, photos, plastics, wood or ceramics, as well as silver and gold. Also on display will be traditional pieces of art produced by contemporary silver and goldsmiths. Artist-designers from all corners of the globe, including highly talented emerging designers from

Inhorgenta Munich 2019

Inhorgenta Munich will take place over four days from 22 to 25 February 2018. There will once again the opportunity to gather and exchange information about new products, trends and developments in the jewellery and watch industry. Messe München Messe München is one of the world’s leading trade-show companies. It organizes some 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods and key high-tech industries in Munich alone. 14 of those events are number 1 in the world in their respective industries. Each year more than 30,000 exhibitors and some two million visitors take part in events held at the Messe

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

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

Appointment: Geena Tok leaves Nike to head up Pandora China business

Pandora has recruited Geena Tok from Nike to head its business in China, where the Danish company has been challenged by a rise in sales on the grey market. Pandora has 200 stores and employs more than 1,400 people in China but has said it needs to counter China's grey market, where increasing numbers of jewellery pieces are imported from other markets and sold online. Last month Pandora, the world's largest jewellery maker by production volume, said it would lower retail prices in the country by an average of 15 percent. Chinese resident Tok joins Pandora next month, having spent

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards 2019

The presentation of the annual Awards of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards took place at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 25 th  February 2019.  This important annual Awards Ceremony – known as the Jewellery Oscars – was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over 300 guests, including world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. This unique annual competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials. The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) which operates the competition, actively encourages established craftspersons and designers

Aesthetica Art Prize 2018

Aesthetica Art Prize 2018 Celebrating excellence in art from across the world, the Aesthetica Art Prize, hosted by the international art and culture publication, Aesthetica Magazine, aims to support innovative practice across a range of media. Providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to an international audience, the renowned Prize presents a fantastic opportunity to further artists’ involvement in the industry. The Prize awards publication within the inspiring Future Now: 100 Contemporary Artists anthology to a longlist of 100 artists, including winners from the Main Prize and Emerging Prize categories. In addition, other prizes include a £5,000 cash

Point of No Return with Christoph Zellweger at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Point of No Return at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery with Christoph Zellweger 4 ½ Day Workshop 14th – 17th August 2018 This workshop 'POINT OF NO RETURN' will be led by Swiss jewellery artist and designer Christoph Zellweger, who’s commitment to applied research as a visionary practitioner and experienced coach has gained international recognition. The workshop is aimed at professional colleagues from all parts of the world, as well as ambitious students and amateurs, who wish to progress their work and to give direction to their practice. Point of No Return Get going, get started, carry on, stretch far, move forward, retreat,

Hush Hush! The Crown Jewels London Debunked

The world-famous coronation regalia known as the ‘Crown Jewels’ are a magnificent collection of ceremonial and sacred objects of immeasurable importance and wealth, symbolising British royal power. As part of the Royal Collection, the Crown Jewels hold a rich cultural and religious significance to the British Monarchy. Stored and displayed in The Jewel House at The Tower of London since 1661, the collection of royal regalia boasting 23,578 precious jewels is still regularly used by the Queen in National ceremonies today as well as drawing in visitors from across the globe. Held by the Queen of Sovereign, the Crown Jewels

CRAFT A/W18

Call for Applications: CRAFT A/W18 Applications to exhibit at the UK’s biggest trade showcase of its type have already arrived in their hundreds, from makers and groups across a broad range of disciplines. With over 40 confirmed makers, the 8th edition of CRAFT at Top Drawer has been expanded and the deadline extended to enable more makers to join this highly successful event. CRAFT introduces UK and international retailers to a world of high quality, handmade products at Top Drawer this September. Filling a gap in the UK market at this key buying time, leading makers will have the opportunity

Gemfields Partner with National Geographic to Capture the Heart and Soul of Vital Projects in Africa

Gemfields, a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, has partnered with National Geographic to show the behind-the-scenes of Gemfields supported projects in Africa.   See the inner workings of Gemfields supported projects through the lens of National Geographic photogrpaher and film-maker, Shannon Wild. Shannon is at the heart of each film and viewers are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the landscape, animals and people she encounters during the filming of the short-films. The first film, shot in Zambia's Kafue National Park, focuses on the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP). The project is dedicated to the study and preservation on large carnivores.  The [youtube

Chills, Shrills & Thrills

Are you ready for a weekend of mischievous, dark and wildly extravagant dress-up guaranteed to make one heart-stopping entrance of smouldering style?   Halloween night is looming which is why d esigners have been slowly unfurling their collections dripping in dark demure, grandeur and sultry sensualism.    With glimmers of sexy r omanticism and hints of gothic tradition, nail your look from the dark side with single statement pieces encrusted with bold baroque designs, multi-layered mixed metals and rich jewels. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of winter gothic charm and spirit and take a look at our treasure trove of bewitching

Swarovski reboots new look Gem Visions for Spring Summer 2019

At a time of radical change in the jewellery world, Swarovski Gemstones, the go to brand for gemstones and created stones, transforms the format and focus of Gem Visions, its industry leading trend and design service. Gem Visions will now be presented twice yearly, each issue with a seasonal slant, so that the first new-look Gem Visions is targeted specifically on Spring/Summer 2019. The dynamically different design, and notebook layout, with a fresh, playful freedom, are intended to ignite innovation, stimulate imagination and capture the essence of the season’s theme: YES TO ALL. In the edition of Gem Visions Swarovski embrace and

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies to show at IJL

Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. With offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR has greatly extended its reach into the UK market, and now enjoys close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the UK industry with a comprehensive range of diamond focused retail-based education modules and leading-edge technology supported by world class

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

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

Tropicool Charm for Summer

You've got the paradise destination ready and booked, your holiday wardrobe is getting locked down and your suitcase is already out of the attic loud n'proud so what 's left to take your SS18 holiday style to the next level? Pile on the colour, texture, print and shapes with the perfect summer colour-popping jewellery! Life becomes a whole lot more fabulously fun with a taste of the exotic so dive into the tropical world of summer with palm leaf prints, juicy fruit motifs, multi-coloured parrot pendants and brighten your life with statement style. Transform your life in rich ornamental synergy

Red Dot Award 2019

Call for Entries: Red Dot Award 2019 from designers and manufacturers worldwide The Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019 starting signal will be given on 15 October 2018. Designers and companies from around the world then have until 1 February 2019 to submit products from all areas of daily life for a chance to win an award at one of the world’s largest design competitions. The first of the three registration phases, which allows participants to benefit from a discounted registration fee, ends on 9 November. 48 different product categories From everyday to unusual, participants can this year choose between

Bounty of riches for Lucara Diamonds at Karowe

Lucara Diamond's stock rises ever higher after they rolled out yet another massive diamond from their treasure trove Karowe mine in Botswana, on the northern fringe of the Kalahari Desert.  This one, a 472 carat light brown stone, is reckoned to be the third largest ever recovered at the state-of-the-art mine, which was only comissioned in 2012 and has quickly become one of the biggest producers of diamonds in the world. The Vancouver-based mining company acquired the Karowe Diamond Mine from De Beers in 2009  when after 40 years of mining small and low grade diamonds at the site, the

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity The Library and Museum of Freemasonry presents Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity By wearing badges we can connect with one another and reveal something about ourselves. With their unique symbols and hidden meanings, Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity features over 150 stunning examples of masonic badges referred to as ‘jewels’. It is the largest public display of its kind ever staged in the UK. Including jewels from around the world, the exhibition sheds light on a long and celebrated tradition. Examples like the Egyptian-inspired Authors’ Lodge jewel and delightful Barraclough Plate jewel tell the story

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosts sell out ‘In Conversation’ with Cartier event

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosted its first ‘In Conversation’ event of 2018, a special evening led by jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy, in conversation with Cartier, the world’s highly esteemed and respected jewellery Maison. The evening provided a unique opportunity to hear from Neil Battes and Vincenzo Marsico working with Cartier in London about their world and work, and the GC&DC’s prized Jacques Cartier Memorial Award. With questions presented by Joanna Hardy, the conversation took a vibrant behind-the-scenes journey through Cartier’s prestigious design studio, workshops and retailing experience - the exemplar for quality and excellence in craftsmanship - to

Gem Empathy Award Returns for IJL 2018 with Dazzling Gemstone Prize

Gem-A’s Gem Empathy Award, which gives IJL 2018 exhibitors the chance to win a spectacular, fancy-cut gemstone by world-renowned cutter, John Dyer for a bespoke jewellery design returns for 2018. In a change to previous years, the long-standing Gem Empathy Award - organised by Gem-A and hosted by IJL – will welcome entries from the entire breadth of IJL 2018 exhibitors, not just Design Gallery exhibitors. All those who enter the competition, whether an established brand or emerging designer, will have the opportunity to win a sensational 18.28 carat ametrine gemstone from Bolivia, which has been hand-cut by master gem-cutter,

Karl Lagerfeld 1933 - 2019

This week, on Tuesday 19 February, saw the loss of fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld. He died in Paris, at the age of 85. With appearances scheduled in to oversee the Chanel Womenswear show on March 5 this year, he fulfilled his promise to never retire.  Known for his tireless work ethic, and unrivalled ability to stay one step ahead in the incredibly fast-paced world of fashion, Lagerfeld created collections for both Chanel and Fendi simultaneously, in addition to his own namesake label, which celebrated his iconic look. His collections were never just that, better described as ‘experiences’ or installations: “His

Karl Lagerfeld 1933-2019

This week, on Tuesday 19 February, saw the loss of fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld. He died in Paris, at the age of 85. With appearances scheduled in to oversee the Chanel Womenswear show on March 5 this year, he fulfilled his promise to never retire.  Known for his tireless work ethic, and unrivalled ability to stay one step ahead in the incredibly fast-paced world of fashion, Lagerfeld created collections for both Chanel and Fendi simultaneously, in addition to his own namesake label, which celebrated his iconic look. His collections were never just that, better described as ‘experiences’ or installations: “His

Ravish In Resin

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

Emerge Competition

Call for Applications: Emerge Competition Zealous set up Emerge in response to the changing nature of the UK’s relationship with Europe. The aim of the competition is to safeguard the creative industries and promote new generations of diverse creative talent from all backgrounds across the UK. Together, let's remind the world that the UK’s creative industries are best in class, worth supporting and open for business. The Competition 12 Emerge prize categories are open to all creative talent residing in the UK. All of the categories will be shortlisted to 15, from which industry judges will select the top 3

London-based online jewellery retailer, jewellerybox, partner with recycling app, reGAIN

Jewellerybox's partnership with recycling app reGAIN is set to benefit both their customers and the environment.  The online retailer, based in South-London, are all about crowd-pleasing.  Concieved in 2014, their  raison d'être is to bring customers real jewellery at costume prices. The staggering range of over 10,000 pieces, fashioned from sterling silver and 9ct gold, are available to customers in over 100 countries world-wide, offering same-day delivery to customers in London. The app, reGAIN, allows customers to recycle unwanted clothing in exchange for exclusive retailer discounts. By posting  a minimum of 10 clothing items, using a printable free-post label or

KunstRAI 2019

KunstRAI 2019 Amsterdam RAI, Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands 17 - 22 April 2019 The KunstRAI will celebrate its 35th edition in 2019. Participating galleries will show their autonomous paintings and sculptures, photography and new media. There will also be applied art and design. A few participants will show a special solo booth as part of their in-dept presentation. Others will show a part of there collection in a ever surprising Raw-Edge booth. The fair is established in 1985 and therefore one of the oldest in the world.  Venue Amstelhal (Hal 7) Amsterdam RAI, Wielingenstraat (1078 KK) Open Wednesday

Into The Blue

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

'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

Deborah Tseng releases monochrome 'White' collection

In a colourful world, this quiet white jewellery is a rare island for a peaceful mind. Deborah Tseng Jewellery combines two historical crafts to make porcelain jewellery with layers of beauty and meaning. Artist Deborah Tseng established her eponymous jewellery brand in London, after graduating from a masters degree in jewellery Silversmithing and related products from Birmingham City University School of Jewellery. However, prior to this Tseng lived and Taiwan, where she was trained extensively in metalwork.  Her diverse skillset and honed craftsmanship can be seen in her work. She finds her inspiration in repetition, transformation, time and the minutiae of the

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

Istanbul International Jewelry, Watch & Equipment Fair

Istanbul Jewelry Show 11 - 14 October 2018  Istanbul Expo Center  47th Istanbul International Jewelry, Watch & Equipment Fair  Istanbul Jewelry Show is comprehensive marketplace for international jewelry community and professionals. The ever growing number of participants and attendants accompanied with the value added trade show services have created a unique business environment in one of the fastest developing regions of the world.  Dates 11 - 14 October 2018 Venue Istanbul Expo Center (CNR Expo)  For More Information october.istanbuljewelryshow.com

Call for Applications: Fairtrade Jewellery Design

Call for Applications: Fairtrade Jewellery Design Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018 Fairtrade Jewellery Design category sponsored by Ingle & Rhode Submissions are now open for the Fairtrade Jewellery Design category of the Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018, sponsored by Ingle & Rhode. The 2018 awards include a new Fairtrade category for ethical jewellery designers. Entrants are asked to design a fine jewellery ring, pendant or pair of earrings that are sympathetic, symbolic and supportive to the natural world and global preservation issues. About the Submission The design should be a one-off exclusive jewel, cast and hand

Jewellery Quarter BID sponsors micro Businesses at event

JQ designer makers are preparing to show off their talents at a new event dedicated to uniting makers, builders and inventors from around the world. A collective of talented designer makers from the Jewellery Quarter are set to exhibit at a brand new international show at the NEC next month. Anticipated to be one of the biggest creative events of the year, Makers Central brings together makers, customers, suppliers and hobbyists to share ideas, products, techniques and tools. To promote the vibrant, creative maker community that exists in the area, the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) is sponsoring a

Diamonds Are Forever: The Birthstone of April

It's true that diamonds are a girl's (and guys) best friend, especially as those fortunate enough to be born in April have one of the most treasured birthstones in the gem world: Diamonds. Diamond Overview Diamonds attain the reputation of being most of the most prized and rare gemstones due to their level of toughness. In fact, diamonds are 58 times harder than any other mineral on Earth and can only be cut by another diamond. Diamonds are made from only one element: a pure carbon lattice which can occur in several colours including pink, yellow, red, green and blue.

Call for Applications: The European Prize for Applied Arts 2018

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

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hold annual awards

The 'Jewellery Oscars', highlight of the Jewellery Industry's design, craft and manufacturing community's year, saw industry came together once again to celebrate the winners of the annual Goldsmiths Craft & Design Awards which took place again at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London last Monday. The culmination of a year's work for industry, where pieces worked upon and finished in the last twelve months are entered and shown at the prestigious awards event was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over 300 guests, including world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. The unique annual competition

Aw18 Global Collection launched by Annie Haak

Annie Haak takes inspiration from  "the wondrous world that we live in, through the diversity of all walks of life that we see on a daily basis"  in her newest collection for AW18 entitled 'Global Collection'. The fascinating shapes that are prominent throughout this varied collection reflect the ever-changing imprint of life that we as humans create. From spectacular geographical architecture which has been captured in the form of our stunning “Shard” pieces, to the new intricately detailed globe charm to symbolise the world  "as we strive to work together as one". The Global Collection includes a variety of styles

NOËL – Designer Gifts Fair 2018

NOËL – Designer Gifts Fair 2018 9 - 10 December 2018 Over 80 designers attentively selected from Romania, Turkey, Bulgaria and Italy are welcoming you at the ninth edition of the designer gifts fair, NOËL – on 9th and 10th December, Casa Universitarilor, in Bucharest. The longest-running and most selective designer gifts fair is inviting you on 9th and 10th December at Casa Universitarilor to seduce you and take you on a super-journey in the world of super-designer creations. “With the occasion of the designer gifts fair’s ninth edition, the image of NOËL is completed by the appearance of the

News Edit: 3 June 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Richemont to Buy Watchfinder as Pre-Owned Watch Market Heats Up NY Times: Swiss luxury goods group Richemont SA said on Friday it is to buy Watchfinder.co.uk Limited. nytimes.com De Beers to Sell Diamonds Made in a Lab Bloomberg: De Beers, which almost single-handedly created the allure of diamonds as rare, expensive and the symbol of eternal love... www.bloomberg.com De Beers admits defeat over man-made diamonds CNN: The world's largest diamond miner is doing the unthinkable: Selling stones produced in a laboratory. money.cnn.com Cindy Chao set to be the only Asian jeweller

Spotted at Top Drawer

Applications to the Next Edition of Spotted at Top Drawer are Open The Autumn / Winter 2018 edition of Spotted at Top Drawer is open, the selection process has begun and stands are already filling fast, indicating that this edition is on track to be the best yet. Open to brands from across the world looking to make their UK trade fair debut, Spotted encompasses each of Top Drawer’s sectors: Home, Gift, Fashion, Craft, Greetings & Stationery and Food. Over the past eight years this programme has helped to launch over 200 small businesses and is now firmly established as

£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

The first edition of New York City Jewelry Week just started!

NYCJW is the first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewelry through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature exhibitions, lectures, workshops, studio tours. Aimed at supporting and fostering jewelry of all types, the initiative also includes participation from both established and emerging brands, individual jewelers, artists, and designers. Image: A yashmak made in the 1990s from aluminum and Swarovski crystals by British jewelry designer Shaun Leane for fashion designer Alexander McQueen Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Created by two industry leaders from the worlds of art jewelry and

News Edit: 30 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Jewellery Brand Casting Three-Dimensional Scans in Silver All Blues is launching a revolutionary three-dimensional scanning service that allows for almost anything to be turned into a piece of jewellery. www.anothermag.com Dior's Victoire de Castellane on why, after 20 years, she's still ripping up the high jewellery rulebook Seismic changes rarely occur in the jewellery world. Material values are so high and the risks so great that houses are crippled by conservatism, averse to trying anything different... www.telegraph.co.uk Bulgari celebrates women with jewellery exhibition in Moscow Russia’s Moscow Kremlin Museums

LOUPE

Call for Expression Of Interest - LOUPE Call for Expression Of Interest for an exciting and valuable opportunity for designer-makers and craftsmen and women looking for affordable workspace and retail opportunities in Hatton Garden - London’s world renowned, historic Jewellery Quarter. LOUPE is a new venture founded by Amanda Mansell, due to open mid 2019. It will offer affordable jewellery bench space, and a range of skills and business support activities uniquely delivered through a retail environment, providing selling opportunities for designer-makers and craftsmen and women who are the beating heart of Hatton Garden. The premises will undergo a major refit with

Crayola Colour Crush

The month of April is now upon us which makes it just the right time to get our new-season wish-lists  brimming with the trend-train must-haves! With the international fashion weeks done and dusted, we've done our trends research for the upcoming months and there's only two words for it: Colour. Explosion. With the politics and news of the world in a permanent state of gloom and malaise, the creative designers of 2018 have taken action to whip away the dullness with a kaleidoscopic dive into Crayola rainbow colours. Nothing short of uplifting, inspiriting and energising, the underlying message from S/S

Formnext 2017 Additive Manufacturing Show

Formnext 2017 Formnext will feature the latest developments in additive manufacturing and how they complement and interact with conventional technologies. This will uncover new potential in the entire manufacturing process, from design to serial production. Amongst the exhibitors are the world's leading manufacturers in additive manufacturing technologies as well as renowned and innovative companies from industrial tooling, materials, mechanical engineering, metrology, prototyping, product processing, accessories and many more. Formnext will, therefore, highlight the next generation of intelligent manufacturing solutions. Our exhibitors offer the following products and services: Solutions for Additive Manufacturing Industrial tooling Manufacturing solutions Design & product development Quality

New GemfieldsxMuse collaboration brings responsibly sourced gemstones to the everyday consumer

This year, Gemfields, a world leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, has once again teamed with MUSE, the fine jewellery industry’s premier showroom for emerging and established talent, to present a new collection of inspired jewellery with a focus on earrings.  With 23 contributing designers, it’s no surprise that the collection offers a vast array of designs, styles and gemstones. The current vogue for mixing, matching and multiples, the 65 pairs of earrings feature hoops, studs and chandeliers, all embellished with Gemfields Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies. The variety doesn’t just stop with design; the collection also encompasses a wide

International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week 2019

International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week Brave New Worlds: The changing landscape of fashion 11- 24 February 2019 Somerset House, London The International Fashion Showcase The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the most exciting fashion talent from around the world. Working in partnership, British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion and Somerset House provide a tailored programme for 16 emerging international designers, including a business development programme lead by London College of Fashion and a creative residency within Somerset House Studios in London. IFS will culminate with a free public exhibition during

Appointment: Michel Loris-Melikoff New Baselworld Managing Director

The longstanding Managing Director of Baselworld, Sylvie Ritter, has decided to step down from her position at the MCH Group. Michel Loris-Melikoff, who has until now held the position of Director of MCH Beaulieu Lausanne SA, will succeed her. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, has decided to hand over the management of the World Watch and Jewellery Show. " After 26 years with the MCH Group – 15 of which were as Managing Director of Baselworld – it's time for me to start something new and take on new challenges" , said Sylvie Ritter in explaining her decision. She

Redefining Luxury: Saatchi Gallery Showcases Karen Westland's Fairmined 'Transmissive Vessel'

In another victory for the battle for responsible design, Karen Westland's Fairmined Silver Vessel was exhibited as part of Collect 2019, at the Saatchi Gallery, London. This marks the first time a luxury item of silverware, with such high ethical standards, had been showcased at the international art fair for modern craft and design. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold and silver from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who meet world leading standards for responsible practices. A Fairmined licensee since 2017, Westland worked closely with suppliers to design a silver item which best utilised the Fairmined

Spotlight Tour: International Fashion Showcase 2019

Spotlight Tour International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week Brave New Worlds: The changing landscape of fashion 11- 24 February 2019 Somerset House, London An exhibition spotlight tour of the International Fashion Showcase 2019, with a chance to meet the IFS team and international designers. The  International Fashion Showcase  (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. Join the British Council team for a spotlight tour of this year’s highlights and meet the designers. The tour will be led by Sarah Mann, Director of Architecture Design Fashion, British Council and Jessica Mansfield,

Berlin-based ethical jewellery brand, VIERI, launches in the UK

Berlin-based ethical jewellery brand, VIERI Fine Jewellery, this month celebrates its launch into the UK. Handcrafted jewellery made of ethically sourced and recycled gold, VIERI designs collections that illicit feelings of a warm Italian sky, interspersed with crisp white clouds and magical pops of colour.  A brand that truly believes fine jewellery and responsible practice cannot exist without each other, its designer Guya Merkle, founded the Earthbeat Foundation - an establishment that promotes better working conditions and alternative income solutions for gold miners world-wide.   “It is my vision to build a company that not only produces and acts responsibly, but

Class of 2017: Structural Composition & One Year On

Class of 2017: Structural Composition & One Year On To launch 2018, NCCD is proud to present two exhibitions showcasing work by artists who we’re tipping to be the future stars of the craft & design world in our new exhibitions Class Of 2017: Structural Composition and One Year On. Each year our Class Of series of exhibitions highlights the work of a number of new graduates chosen from the New Designers event which takes place in London. At New Designers the finest graduating students from art and design courses from across the UK are chosen to exhibit their work,

Beyond the Border 2018

Call for Applications: Beyond the Border 2018 The 25th Birthday Barnstormer will be a very special event, with limited ticket numbers and performances centred around The Castle, The Blue Garden, the new Moondance Hall, and of course the medieval Tythe Barn Theatre. Expect fables and myths, music and magic, love stories and laughter, fun and games for children and fairy tales for grown-ups, all in the beautiful grounds of our castle by the sea. Taking part will be some of the best musicians and storytellers from Wales and the World, including Sweden, Finland, Italy, India, Belgium, Norway and Palestine…. Applications

Dainty Does It

The world of fashion, accesssories, jewellery and trends is one that constantly evolves, reintroduces and reinevents. So it's no surprise that some of you may be questioning whether the 90's trend of chokers might be somewhat - dare we say it -  pass é ?  Well that classic 90's spirit is still standing strong with a new season vibe and twist, guarenteed to add a little boost to your d écolletage. Forget the classic staples of thick velvet ribbons and tattoo style links and instead welcome in some daintier, delicate and ready-to-layer sterling silver pieces. The new wave of on-trend pieces

Nikki Couppee - A pop and gothic flavor

This week we discover the work of a real experimenter in jewelry field, the American jewelry designer Nikki Couppee writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Originally from Pensacola Beach, Florida, she is currently living in Oakland, California. Her work is located in a very special stylistic dimension, between pop culture and gothic flavor, in a mix of very different languages and codes. I addressed her few questions to better understand her world. IR: Where does your passion for jewelry come from? NC:  Growing up I used to look in my mom’s jewelry box and inspected and tried things on and loved hearing the stories,

28th Legnica International Jewellery Competition ‘Silver’

Call for Applications: 28th Legnica International Jewellery Competition ‘Silver’ Preparations for Legnica SILVER Festival are underway. We are pleased to invite you to participate in its most important event - the International Jewellery Competition, as well as to come to Legnica on 17-18 May 2019! The 28th International Jewellery Competition "SILVER" is an open contest - professional artists as well as amateurs and debutants from all corners of the world are welcome. Submitted works are expected to be jewellery in a broad sense of the word, to represent a high level of artistry and execution, to contain an original, creative

New York Jewellery Week 2018

New York City Jewellery Week 10 - 18 November 2018 NYC Jewellery Week is NYC’s first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewellery through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature groundbreaking exhibitions, educational lectures, explorative workshops, exclusive tours, and unique collaborations with the best and brightest businesses, brands, individual jewellers, artists, and designers throughout NYC. Bella Neyman and JB Jones are the new heroines of the contemporary art jewellery movement. Unlike commercial fine jewellery or fashion costume Jewellery, One-of-a kind and limited production artist-made jewellery is a relatively new voice

Gemfields Launch New Website

Gemfields, a world leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, specialising in emeralds and amethysts from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique launches its brand new website dedicated to showcasing all aspects of the company.  The site offers users key insight into Gemfields’ approach to sustainable and responsible mining at each of the Gemfields’ owned mines, its invaluable education programmes, information on gemstones themselves and ongoing collaborations with renowned jewellery houses and designers.  The new site, designed by the bespoke web design specialists, Chaptr, is the result of over 10 months of research, development and testing, with an impactful and luxurious

Amberif Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: Amberif Design Award 2018 22nd Editoion of the International Competition for the Amber Jewellery Design For more than 20 years now, the AMBERIF International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones invites artists and designers from all over the world to spend some time with a piece of amber and present their interpretation of a competition motto, to stop and think a while and perhaps experience a moment of supreme creativity. The competition’s theme this year is: Serendipity  the accidental observation of something occasionally leads to surprising discoveries.  For designers, a space for intuition and subjective expression opens

SIERAAD 2018

SIERAAD a very special fair where artists from all over the world sell their jewellery directly and in person to shops, galleries and consumers SIERAAD Art Fair presents; unique, personally designed and crafted pieces of jewellery Here, the emphasis is on jewellery as pieces of art in which ideas are packaged in materials such as rubber, textile, photos, plastics, wood or ceramics, as well as silver and gold. Also on display will be traditional pieces of art produced by contemporary silver and goldsmiths. Artist-designers from all corners of the globe, including highly talented emerging designers from internationally acclaimed academies, will

Pantone Announce Colour of the Year – for 2018

Pantone, the world renowned authority on colour, has announced its colour of the year for 2018 - Ultra Violet. The Pantone Colour Institute, which forecasts global colour trends, describes the colour as: “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” How this effects jewellery The announcement of the Colour of the Year is significant to the jewellery industry because the fashion industry and media in particular will be picking up on accessories and fashion elements which can incorporate the hottest trend for 2018. This provides

All About That Pink

The jewellery world is taking an effortlessly chic and charmingly stylish hint towards sugar-coated tones of feminity. So what is this colour that's sweeping across new season collections? Think Pink! Trend setters all over have embraced this romantic trend with all things feminine and fun and full of whimsical charm. From pretty sherbert pinks, rich raspberry, pale rose hints to delicious candy floss hues, designers have had fun combining exquisite craftmanship with playful colour spectrum combinations and design. The dainty and delicate array of pinks currently on trend delight when paired with the vintage feel of rose-gold, lending a ladylike

Parliament of Trees

Parliament of Trees - Catherine Dee Artist and landscape designer Catherine Dee is cultivating a  Parliament of Trees  at Persistence Works. ‘Parliament’ refers not only to gallery visitor conversations and debates concerning trees, but to a ‘language’ of trees cultivated by the artist. On show are Dee’s ‘art povera’ stick sculptures, and installations of tiny living trees comprising landscape designs that may be commissioned (free to non-profit organisations) for planting out at the end of the exhibition. Dee is a world-renowned educator in landscape architectural design and will be available to offer free public advice to individuals and groups on

The Beauty Issue, AUTOR Magazine

Call for Submissions: The Beauty Issue, AUTOR Magazine AUTOR Magazine no 6 Submissions are OPEN. The Beauty Issue How do you define beauty? What pleases your eye and tickles your heart and your mind? Which is your interpretation of the interconnection between beauty, jewellery and the body in our shared “now”? Beauty and Jewellery have always been intimately connected and evolved through time side by side. Observe art, watch a movie, or look around you in the real world. Beauty usually is framed by jewellery. And jewellery as an “addition” and an “extra”, attempts to enhance beauty and bring it

Initiation 2018

Initiation 2018 // Kallichoron Munich Jewellery Week 2018 A Jewellery, Narrative & Performance show to reflect the night of the sacred orgies.  The project INITIATION 2018 // KALLICHORON focuses on „ Body – Ritual - Narrativ e“ as a means to bridge jewellery with the sacred context of its origins and to find meaning in its future development.  For 2.000 years Eleusina, a farmers' community close to Athens, was the spiritual capital of the Greek-Roman world. The cult of Demeter and Persephone - Mother and Daughter – also know as "orgies" (work) celebrated the establishment of human settlements and agriculture,

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

Leyla Abdollahi's new Trinity Collection

London based designer Leyla Abdollahi, known for her use of flamboyant palettes of gemstones, has launched a new collection, 'Trinity'. Inspired by and conceived out of Leyla’s fascination with the mysterious world of astrology and divine geometry, the designs of geometrical crafted gemstones blend spirited colour such as tanzanite, white and champagne diamonds, blue sapphire, white opal and emeralds and highlight rhythmic alignments throughout the collection. Abdollahi's exploration of the relationship between dazzling ornaments and the human body is hown through the use of delicate chains, adding fluidity and sensual, subtle movement. Elaborate and intricately complex designs twinned with skillful

Gemfields reveal newly discovered ‘Inkalamu’ 5,655 carat emerald

Gemfields have revealed the discovery of ‘Inkalamu’, the Lion Emerald, a 5,655 carat Zambian emerald crystal with remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue which was uncovered early last month. Inkalamu was discovered at Kagem, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (which belongs in turn to the Government of the Republic of Zambia). “The discovery of this exceptional gemstone is such an important moment both for us and for the emerald world in general” commented Elena Basaglia, Gemfields’ dynamic London-based gemmologist. “We are experiencing

Made for the Table , The Harley Gallery

Made for the Table  Silver Service is Made for the Table The Harley Gallery 4 November 2017 – 7 January 2018 Made for the Table is a glittering new exhibition of contemporary silver from the world renowned Goldsmiths’ Company Silver Collection, showing at The Harley Gallery on the ducal Welbeck estate in Nottinghamshire from 4 November 2017 to 7 January 2018. A table is laid ready for a dinner party, beautifully presented with lustrous silver, fine ceramics and colourful glass. Visitors are invited into the exhibition dining room to see works from leading contemporary makers such as Michael Lloyd, Malcolm

INHORGENTA MUNICH 2018

Inhorgenta Munich will take place over four days from 16 to 19 February 2018. There will once again the opportunity to gather and exchange information about new products, trends and developments in the jewellery and watch industry. Messe München Messe München is one of the world’s leading trade-show companies. It organizes some 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods and key high-tech industries in Munich alone. 14 of those events are number 1 in the world in their respective industries. Each year more than 30,000 exhibitors and some two million visitors take part in events held at the Messe

Stylish Aromatherapy at your fingertips

With a world focused on revolutionising health, wellbeing and lifestyle antidotes, it was only a matter of time before our strive for balanced health was intermingled with the jewels we wear. Carefully designed to enjoy the benefits of wellbeing remedies whilst still remaining sleek, chic and elegant, aromatherapy jewellery is taking the spotlight in innovative creativity. Niche Jewellery designers are tapping into the growing trend of therapeutic jewellery that combines the healing properties of gemstones and essential oils. It is thought that elements from nature can help realign our vibrational energies to help aid healing of health, chakras and energy

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017

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

Grant Macdonald creates 'Ruaha' for TUSK

World renowned silversmih Grant Macdonald has created a handcrafted sterling silver lion representation named 'Ruaha' to be sold in their Harrods showrooms, from which proceeds of sales will support the charity Tusk and lion conservation. Driven by the fact that lions may now number as few as twenty thousand in the wild, the team of designers and craftsmen at Grant Macdonald wanted to create a unique piece to raise awareness and funds to help to preserve this majestic animal. The sale of their unique sterling silver lion ‘Ruaha’ will provide a significant contribution to further the work of Tusk. The beautifully handcrafted

Adorn Your Wrists With Taste & Style

The world is buzzing with over 7 million individual bodies all bustling and running between their daily activities and schedules. 7 million unique personalities striving to pave the way for a unique style status and what better way than through the jewels that you wear. A piece of jewellery holds a lot more power than simply looking pretty, it also reveals a lot about its owner, from their style, taste, their personality and status. A jewellery adornment that is commonly overlooked in favour of flamboyant show-stopping earrings and necklace, the bracelet is an elegant and stylish way to add a

Bex Rox London: Colouring Life Through An Embellished Journey

Renowned for its magnetic fastenings, innovative designs and easily recognised by it’s textural, confident and colourful pieces with an edge; Bex Rox is a British luxury costume jewellery brand based in the heart of Notting Hill. Bex Rox was founded in 2009, launching exclusively in Browns in London. Today, Bex Rox is sold online, through private experiential trunk shows, through luxury department stores and to select concept multi-brand boutiques across the world.  With a sense of humour that weaves throughout the collections, Bex Rox is bold, alive and dynamic. From the detailed designs to the weight and fit of each piece,

Signet Jewelers Confirmed for 4 Consecutive Years as “Conflict Free”

Signet Jewelers Limited, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewellery, recently submitted its fourth consecutive Conflict Minerals Report to the SEC in accordance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Signet was one of only four companies to have its Gold “Conflict-Free” filing with the SEC independently audited in line with the Section 1502 requirements in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Now Signet has extended its “Conflict-Free” reporting under Section 1502 for a fourth consecutive year. Signet believes that a responsible, conflict-free supply chain is fundamental to the reputation of the jewellery industry. Signet is, therefore, committed to continuing our longstanding

Salisbury Contemporary Craft 2017

Salisbury Contemporary Craft is the new-look event for Salisbury based in the magnificent setting of the medieval cloisters and Cathedral, an iconic environment recognised throughout the world. This is a chance to explore and buy exquisite and beautifully hand-crafted pieces from some of our nation’s best contemporary craft makers and designers. Come and browse a range of high quality items made by skilled jewellers, potters, textile artists and more. Buy that special gift for someone special or perhaps even treat yourself. And take part in some workshops run by expert craft makers and artists in a full programme of participation

London Diamond Bourse Joins Responsible Jewellery Council

London Diamond Bourse (LDB) is pleased to announce it is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). LDB is the first Bourse in the world to join the well-known standards and certification organisation. LDB’s Council of Management unanimously voted to apply to join the RJC and will now undertake an independent audit to achieve full RJC Certification.  Victoria McKay, COO commented “LDB has been committed to best business practice for over 75 years. We will now work to achieve independently audited certified status to prove that we are committed to supporting industry transparency and look forward to demonstrating LDB’s

A One-Sided Look: Asymmetrical Earrings

If there's one way to turn heads this coming fall then an asymmetrical eardrobe will be your main squeeze in the accessories field. As the fashion runways for A/W 2017 begin to descend in new season glory, there was one look in particular that certainly got people talking: the world of mismatched earrings! We've all been there and experienced the crushing dismay when you look in the mirror at the end of the way only to find yourself somewhat mismatched with one earlobe very much naked and exposed. The days of when a favourite pair of sparkly droppers become a

Kashka: New fashion led ethical brand launches

KASHKA will be hitting the jewellery market in 2017 as a brand new fashion-led jewellery brand. Holding the core belief that jewellery can and should be ethical, inspirational, thought-provoking and meaningful, the brand wants to be an ode to everyday yet sophisticated jewellery for the modern woman and child.   With a burning desire to do something that would give her reason to get up everyday, designer  Naqiyah Sultan focused her interests upon the topic of world change; staying true to herself, morals and integrity. Travelling across several continents until finally making London her home, she describes how her story

Nailing The Crystal Look In Geode Goodness

With the runways awash with the footsteps of hundreds of models in new season thigh high boots, houndstooth print seen left right and centre and bold granny chic adornments dangly from polished and preened earlobes, fashion week has once again descended upon our calendars! Last fall the jewellery and beauty worlds came together in all their tantalising trends to bring us spellbinding galaxy nail art and geode lips. Makeup artists have made it easier for you to take your covetable crystal collection everywhere with you by drawing inspiration from the world's prettiest gemstones and turning it into gorgeous geode nail

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

The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Global Concept

Blancpain’s commitment to the underwater world took on a new dimension in 2014 with  ocean exploration and preservation under the label 'Blancpain Ocean Commitment', as well as with the launch of the first series of Ocean Commitment limited edition watches. Today, three years, ten expeditions and four million square kilometers of protected ocean later, Blancpain reconfirms its commitment with the recently launched all-blue limited edition.  Driven by a resolutely pioneering spirit since its founding in 1735, the Manufacture Blancpain has enjoyed historical links with diving for more than 60 years, more precisely since the 1953 launch of the Fifty Fathoms

Graduate Show School of Jewellery Birmingham 2017

Silicone to Silver: Jewellery like you’ve never seen before! Final year students at the world famous School of Jewellery will be unveiling their collections for the first time at the Graduate Show this June. The show launches on Monday 12th June through till Saturday 17th June, with an Industry evening on Tuesday, 13th June from 5:30. With over 50 graduates exhibiting their unique collections there is most certainly something for everyone. Examples of this variety include kinetic elements, are 3D printed, involve unusual and tactile materials and even include hand cultivated crystals and homemade eco-resin. The aesthetic ranges from fun

Trash & Treasures, Gallery Weekend Berlin 2017

There are a lot of exciting exhibitions in Berlin around the Gallery Weekend and we will also join the joyful hustle and bustle. The spirit of subversion is a never ending commodity of Berlin’s art world. With this in mind, the exhibition “Trash & Treasures” shows two worlds colliding: The “high” and the “low” of artistic jewellery creation, which par excellence represents power, wealth and status. Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them? Clara Schumann Trash & Treasures Date 27th of April 2017 Time 6pm Venue Clemens Ritter von Wagner, Wagner Preziosen, Mommsenstraße 4, 10629 Berlin

Felieke van der Leest: Once Upon A Time In My West

Felieke van der Leest: Once Upon A Time In My West A showcase from the celebrated Dutch jeweller Felieke van der Leest. This exhibition celebrates the fantastical world of fairy tales and the Wild West. Felieke van der Leest is a trained metalsmith, graduating from the jewellery department at the Rietveld Academie (The Netherlands) in 1996. She has lived and worked in Øystese, Norway since 2008. Living close to a Zoo, her passion for animals probably started in her childhood just like her love for crocheting in textiles. Combining this with precious metals and plastic toy animals, she developed her

Imogen Belfield: Creating Rockesque Jewellery Sculptures

Imogen Belfield’s unique jewellery sculptures range from cascading golden nugget pendants to statement “rockesque” rings. Her textural and organic designs are instantly recognisable and one‐of-a-kind as we bumped into her at London Fashion Week. Tipped by Vogue as one to watch, Belfield was also named by Vogue Italia as one if its " Vogue Talents". Since breaking into the world of fashion and jewellery in 2010, Belfield's covetable pieces have won the attention from a plethora of celebrities, including, Georgia May Jagger, Uma Thurman, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Nicole Scherzinger and Rita Ora. Belfield’s jewellery was also specially chosen for Cameron

London Design Fair 2017

The largest collection of international exhibitions, designers, brands, country pavilions, features and exhibitions in one destination during the London Design Festival. Located in the creative heart of East London, the London Design Fair is a four-day industry event that brings together 500 exhibitors from 28 countries, including; independent designers, established brands, international country pavilions, features and exhibitions. As the destination of the annual London Design Festival over 27,000 influential; retail buyers, architects, interior designers, press, designers and design-savvy public attend to see and specify the very latest; furniture, lighting, textiles, materials and conceptual installations from around the world. www.londondesignfair.co.uk

RIBA North to House Design Led Shop at New National Architectural Centre

A store for architecture and design enthusiasts will be included at RIBA North, the new national architectural centre set to open in Liverpool on 17 June. At the heart of the new retail destination will be a section curated by stylist Katie Patrick, displaying innovative designs from UK artists, makers and craftspeople from the North. This feeds into RIBA’s mission to promote creativity and enables people to own world-class, regionally produced designs for themselves. The curated section features a diverse range of products including home and fashion accessories whilst the rest of the shop will also sell stationary, books and

Charlotte's Web Celebrates 10 Years Online

A decade of adventures by the free-spirited founder, Charlotte Howarth, spanning continents and embracing different cultures, has resulted in the enchanting world of Charlotte’s Web.  This summer, Charlotte's Web is celebrating 10 years of being online as a sophisticated, eclectic and bespoke jewellery collection. Of her success, Charlotte reminises on how her journey began, “My own personal love affair with India began at the age of 21, when I embarked on my first solo adventure there, never imagining that it would have such a powerful impact on my life. Falling, as so many before me, under India’s mystical spell. I

Atelier Romy: Online Only Fine Jewellery Atelier

From a London goldsmith’s workbench a vision developed  for the creation of a new online only fine jewellery brand, offering the combined 20 year experience of two founders jewellery  elegance for the everyday working woman Atelier Romy is underpinned by Sabine Roemer and Hermione Underwood’s vision to develop beautiful pieces manufactured with world class craftsmanship. Created by women for women, Atelier Romy intends to transcend seamlessly across occasions and time zones whilst complementing the wearer’s individual style. With over 20 years experience in the jewellery industry, the founders feel that consumers deserve a brand that focuses on transparency, integrity and

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

Autumn Treasures of Sparkle & Sophistication

Fun, modern styles of ladylike romance are once again back in vogue this September. Oozing exuberant glamour, maximum embellishment and refreshing confidence, the jewellery cupboards of Autumn/Winter 2017 are saturated with artisan filigree, statement enamel accents, fluid shapes and delicately detailed diamond adornment. As industry events and soiree nights of networking and mischief flock to book up our calendar alerts, all things bewitched with a touch of glitz and kitsch are weaving their way into our statement accessories. As the weather outside chops and changes, the jewellery world is delivering a wonderland of inspiration ready to wrap you up into

Artist Marks 100 Years of Mesopotamian Warfare

The  modern day  struggles for Baghdad and Mosul have been vast and blo ody – a Spring Fling sculptor  highlights  a  forgotten  conflict  in this region,  exactly  100 years ago.   Ghostly sculptures  highlight  how modern-day b attles  for  Mosul and Baghdad carry echoes of a clash of empires in the First World War.  Recent commemorations of the Great War have often focused on the Western Front, but Mark Gibbs wants us to remember that it was a truly global conflict. In 1917 the struggle for Mesopotamia, which takes in parts of modern Iraq and Syria, was reaching a crescendo as

Harriet Kelsall Awarded HSBC 'Retail Businesswoman of the Year'

This week jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall was awarded HSBC 'Retail Businesswoman of the Year' at the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016. Trailblazing and pioneering women from enterprise and business gathered at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for the grand final to celebrate each other’s achievements in what is one of the country’s biggest ever searches for successful women in business. Harriet founded her business – Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery - in 1998 and it is now recognised in the UK and across the world as a market leader in bespoke jewellery design, with over 20 national and

Red Dot Award: Best Product Designs 2017 Announced

Manufacturers and designers from 54 countries entered their current product innovations in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017. 39 experts from all over the world convened in Essen to assess each individual object live and in situ in a process spanning several days. Only designs that won over the jury with their high design quality were awarded the sought-after Red Dot. The distinctive winners’ label will decorate the best products of the year with immediate effect. In the areas of bathrooms and personal care, consumer electronics, kitchen appliances and furniture, design as a distinctive feature is playing an ever-increasing role.

Johnson Matthey PLC: 200 Years Of Inspiring Science and Sustained Innovation

Johnson Matthey, one of the longest-trading businesses in the FTSE 100 I ndex, celebrates its 200th  birthday this year. Now a global leader in science and te chnology  that makes the world cleaner and  healthier, the company was founded in London by Percival Norton  Johns on  in 1817 as a gold assaying  business. In the same year, the first bicycle was built, the sta tes  of Mississippi and Alabama were  created and the fifth President of the United States was  swor n in. In the UK, George III was King,  Lord Liverpool was Prime Minister, the first Waterloo Bridge was 

Hypnotic Crystal Lips: Where Jewellery Meets Beauty

Striking gemstones have been setting hearts all aflutter as they dazzle, glitter and shine round the necks, wrists and dainty fingers of models strutting the fall runways. Nothing quite beats the majestical beauty and subtlety of semi-precious crystal stone jewellery that never fails to capture the magpie eyes of the jewellery world. The enchanting light refractions that encompass the delicacy of the gemstone spectrum have been entwined into a new and bewitching creative innovation where the wearing of coloured stone just got magnetising. Capture the passion for coloured stones by painting a new twist upon this old tradition by taking

'Jewellery Oscars' Announced: Goldsmiths’ Crafts & Design Awards 2017

The presentation of the annual awards of the Goldsmiths Craft & Design took place at Goldsmiths Hall in London on 27 February 2017.    This important annual Awards Ceremony - known in the trade as the Jewellery Oscars - was hosted by international jewellery expert, Joanna Hardy, and welcomed over 300 guests, including world renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. This unique annual competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials. The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, which operates the competition, actively encourages craftsmen and

Ruth Hollywood launches new lines at London Design Festival

Ruth Hollywood makes jewellery inspired by natural geometry. Synthesising 100% recycled silver and colourful hand-mixed resin, her work moves over the boundaries between science, nature and art. Ruth has received awards for Excellence in Design from The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, and was selected for the Crafts Council UK Hothouse programme in 2015. Her jewellery is stocked in a variety of shops and galleries across the world. She exhibits at trade shows regularly, and her work has been shown in London, Munich, Montreal and Sydney. The perfect microscopic patterns of atoms and crystals have found their way into Ruth’s newest

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

Laser Specialist Tom Rucker Wins Gold

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

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

The apprenticeship programme in the UK is undergoing its most significant revival in recent years, with the Government announcing its commitment to work with employers to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. For an industry that has been running apprenticeship programmes since 1334, when the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme launched, this announcement has been welcomed. But while many organisations offer highly respected apprenticeship programmes, what does it take to train a world class apprentice jeweller? Steven Jinks, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Jewellery, who is responsible for training three Goldsmiths’ apprentices in Squad UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, explains

Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016: Harriet Kelsall wins ‘Retail Businesswoman’ award

British jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall has won the ‘Retail Businesswoman’ award at the London regional finals of the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016. The regional heat took place on Friday at a celebration lunch at an exclusive London hotel, before an audience of senior and influential business leaders. Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke jewellery designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her business – Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery - in 1998 and it is now recognised in the UK and across the world as a market leader in

Top Drawer S/S – Olympia, London

Journey into Top Drawer S/S17 to explore our expertly curated selection of global brands and innovative new names. Top Drawer is your perfect guide to a careful selection of UK and international lifestyle brands showing he very best, most original and commercially appealing designs across Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft. With more exclusive world launches than ever, an expanded Food Emporium and great new talent to discover in Spotted, your quest for new design-led products starts right here. Rigorous about selection, Top Drawer presents an expert edit of the newest, most exciting products from high quality companies passionate about design

Clogau Announce New Store At Ashford Designer Outlet

Following the success of their Outlet stores in Cheshire Oaks, Bridgend and Resorts World Birmingham, Clogau have announced the launch of a fourth Outlet in Ashford, Kent. Clogau, who were crowned Jewellery Brand of the Year at the 2015 UK Jewellery Awards, are thrilled to have launched their third Outlet store within the McArthurGlen Group. The iconic Welsh brand continue a long tradition of creating jewellery that is expertly hand-finished and uniquely designed. Every piece of Clogau jewellery contains rare Welsh gold, as used by some members of the British Royal Family. Ben Roberts, Managing Director at Clogau talks about the

Spring Fling 2017

Spring Fling is a vibrant visual art and craft open studios event covering the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland; it is highly regarded as one of the UK’s most successful contemporary visual art and craft events.    In Autumn 2015 Spring Fling CIC evolved to become  Upland CIC , a bold, ambitious, world-class rural based visual art and craft development organisation. Spring Fling is Upland's Flagship Event. Dumfries and Galloway; inspiring, vibrant and buzzing with creativity is a well recognised as a haven for artists and makers and Spring Fling has helped put the region on the national

It's All In The Charm

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

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,”

A Hint of Pink to Make Them Wink

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

RHS Wisley 2017

This event, one of our largest, will be held mainly in floored marquees within the beautiful surroundings of RHS Garden Wisley so visitors will be able to view and purchase contemporary craft and art from around 170 exhibitors whilst also enjoying the beautiful spring garden with its huge plant collection. In addition visitors will be able to discover a diverse range of sculptures, garden art and outdoor exhibits as they wander around the world renowned garden and up towards the state-of-the-art glasshouse where there will be a display of work by some of the UK's finest contemporary silversmiths. Venue RHS

The Unspoken Beauty of Moissanite

Moissanite   (/ˈmɔɪsənaɪt/) So what exactly is moissanite; the ugly step-sister of the cinderella gem world? Think again! Incredibly rare and precious, moissanite is a beautifully natural gemstone born from a meteorite star that fell to Earth in 1893. Originally thought to be the discovery of Diamond by French scientist Henri Moissan, it was soon revealed to be a crystal gemstone with very similar properties to Diamond but that was composed of silicon carbide. Due to the natural composition of Moissanite, it has become a very scarce mineral worldwide making moissainte as we see it today almost entirely laboratory-grown. Through

Salisbury Contemporary Craft 2017

Salisbury Contemporary Craft is the new-look event for Salisbury based in the magnificent setting of the medieval cloisters and Cathedral, an iconic environment recognised throughout the world. This is a chance to explore and buy exquisite and beautifully hand-crafted pieces from some of our nation’s best contemporary craft makers and designers. Come and browse a range of high quality items made by skilled jewellers, potters, textile artists and more. Buy that special gift for someone special or perhaps even treat yourself. And take part in some workshops run by expert craft makers and artists in a full programme of participation

Call For Fashion Authors, Instructors and Scholars

We’re looking for authors to write business case studies about the fashion, textiles and cosmetics industries for a forthcoming online educational resource. If you have an idea for a case study we would like to hear from you! We invite cases across a wide spectrum of topics relating to the business of fashion, from design to retailing and beyond. The online collection of cases will explore real-world business problems for a global readership of fashion students, including all levels of undergraduates. We are particularly interested in cases relevant to today’s global fashion industry – about fashion in all regions of

Make Your Futures - Makers Call

Call for Makers: Make Your Future The Crafts Council is looking for craft makers to plan and deliver workshops for our flagship craft education programme,  Make Your Future . Make Your Future is a hands-on programme that connects traditional craft with digital technologies. The project brings together Higher Education Institutions, cultural partners, secondary schools, and makers to reignite a passion for making in schools and shine a light on craft as a cross-curricular bridge between science, technology, and creative subjects.  In the project's first year: Birmingham schools have worked with Birmingham City University's World Class School of Jewellery to explore techniques

Bernhard Schobinger: After Nature

Bernhard Schobinger: After Nature "So, when the optic nerve tears, in the still of the air all turns as white as the snow of the Alps". - W.G Sebald "After Nature", 1988 In figurative art, to paint after nature is the opposite of “imitating art”, with its idealization of reality. The works in this exhibition of recent jewellery by Bernhard Schobinger evince the natural world through a communality of means; rather than “imitating nature” they assimilate the human creative process to that of nature, with its perfect, sophisticated and senseless accidents. The contrast between the polished angular surfaces and rough

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

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

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

Call for Applications: Amberif Design Award 2017

The 21st International Amber Jewellery Design Competition The International Competition for the Design of Jewellery with Amber About the Amberif Design Competition and Award 2017 For more than 20 years the Amberif Fair has invited artists and designers from all over the world to contribute their interpretations on the given subjects within the competition. An impressive group of international renowned artists have previously taken part and surprised and convinced with their work by using amber in an unseen way. The goal and the objective of the Competition is to promote amber as a source of artistic expression. The competition´s aim is

Watches: Maradona Presents Pope with Big Bang Unico United for Peace Offering

The watch will be auctioned to support victims of the recent earthquakes;  The Pope, Hublot & Football: Joining Forces For Peace.  Following on from the Match of Friendship, which it organised in Paris this June, Hublot has assembled thirty stars and legends of world football to take part in the Match for Peace, at the invitation of the Pope. To mark this event, Diego Maradona presented the Pope with a Big Bang Unico United for Peace. This one-off piece, which has a certificate of authenticity signed by the Supreme Pontiff, will be auctioned to raise funds for the Pope's Scholas

Grayton Set To Launch The Origin Mechanical Smart Watch

Grayton introduces the Origin Mechanical watch: a classic self-winding timepiece with open-heart design plus a smart strap for activity tracking, phone notifications, music control and more.  Taking almost 2 years to design Origin, a classic mechanical watch that features an interchangeable slim strap and embedded electronics, the Origin by Grayton has been born!. for Keep watch for the innovative fitness and intelligence to timekeeping with this revolutionary new addition to the watch industry - The Origin encapsulates when the modern tech world meets traditional watchmaking in pure style. Technology evolves but style is timeless As boutique watch makers, Grayton understands that there

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

IKEA Bootcamp Accelerator

IKEA Bootcamp Accelerator for Start Ups Organised by IKEA A three-month Sweden-based accelerator programme for start-ups from anywhere in the world that are creating solutions to everyday problems. Based in Älmhult, Sweden, the programme will offer participating start-ups co-working space in the IKEA Range & Supply Democratic Design centre, including access to the prototype shop, test labs and in-house expertise on topics such as business development, UX, design, growth hacking and fundraising. The selected start-ups will also benefit from a €20,000 grant, tailored mentorship from an IKEA business professional and Rainmaking’s network, and free accommodation in Sweden for the duration.

Ana Thompson Fine Jewellery Launches Macrocosmic Collection

Colombian born jewellery designer Ana Thompson will launch her new jewellery collections; Sedna and Vortex at the international trade show Inhorgenta this February. Her new collections Sedna and Vortex, consisting of a range of rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, are an exploration into the unseen macrocosmic natural world. They take the wearer on a fascinating journey through the universe, resulting in everlasting collections, which encapsulate fluid movement and represent endless time. Provocatively Ana's designs combine stylized form and structure typical of sculpture with the movement and energy inherent in more organic natural forms.  This combination disrupts the cold austerity of

New Designers 2017

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

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,

Daphne Krinos Wins Ambassador Diamond Necklace Commission

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that artist jeweller  Daphne  Krinos  has won the  Ambassador Diamond Necklace Competition. The result of this exciting competition will be a unique diamond-set necklace for the Company’s Contemporary Jewellery Collection, with financial contribution from Boodles.   This commission echoes the 1961 British Jewellery De Beers Competition brief; to stimulate advanced British jewellery design while focusing on the design and creation of a very ‘current’ piece of jewellery. As such, the Ambassador Diamond Necklace design radiates individual creativity, spontaneity, exemplary craftsmanship, and utterly belongs to 2017 in the world of studio jewellery. Eight elite studio jewellers -

New Designers 2017 - Part II

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

Ambassador Diamond Necklace Brought to Life

Jewllery Designer Maker Daphne Krinos has created a unique diamond-set necklace for the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Modern Jewellery Collection, supported by Boodles. The Goldsmiths’ Company awarded Daphne Krinos the commission after selecting her design as the winner in their Ambassador Diamond Necklace competition. The brief sought to stimulate advanced British jewellery design and the judging panel was asked to select a necklace design that ‘ radiates individual creativity, spontaneity, exemplary craftsmanship’ and ‘belongs to 2017 in the world of studio jewellery’. Drawing on Daphne’s fascination and observations of cityscapes, the necklace comprises individually crafted sections in 18ct white gold, plated with

Call for Applications: Collect Open

Exhibit at Collect Open Collect: The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects, presented by the Crafts Council, is returning to the Saatchi Gallery from 22 to 25 February 2018. Collect Open offers a unique opportunity to exhibit alongside international galleries showing the very best contemporary craft from around the world. It has been a rich addition to the fair since 2011 and encourages artists to show work which challenges traditional perceptions of craft and design. This is a unique opportunity to present the unexpected to an influential and high-profile audience. Applications from Individuals & Collectives We are interested in receiving

Baselworld 2017 Launches with Press Conference

The 100th Edition of the one unmissable trendsetting show that unites key players from all sectors of the global watch and jewellery industry and sets the tone for the coming year, Baselworld 2017, commenced this week with its inaugural press conference. As every year, the eagerly awaited start of a new edition of the most unique annual event for the entire industry was witnessed by the most important international press representatives from print, television and digital media and by many thousands around the world who followed the press conference via the livestream. Mr René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group,

British Fashion Council Releases #LONDONISOPEN Video

London is a fashion, business and cultural capital and is open for business. The British Fashion Council is supporting Mayor Sadiq Khan’s #LondonIsOpen campaign by releasing this exclusive film. [http://youtu.be/ebXs4Wnb2ds] Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said, “London Fashion Week begins today, showing that London is open to the world and is an international leader of creativity and entrepreneurship. There’s a fantastic range of designers and talent on the schedule this season, highlighting the very best the industry has to offer – from big brands to independent retailers, the London fashion scene has never been more diverse. The fashion

Barbara Cartlidge (1922 - 2017)

Barbara Cartlidge, jewellery designer and Founder of the world famous Electrum Gallery has passed away aged 94 on 27 February 2017.  Renowned for her influential creativity and leadership in promoting contemporary art and studio based jewellery, Barbara Cartlidge will forever be hailed for her creative passion, knowledge, and as a driving force within the jewellery industry. Born in 1922 in Berlin, Germany, she later fled to London due to the war in 1938. Barbara went on to study jewellery design at London's renowned Central School of Arts and Crafts which resulted in a solo exhibition hosted by Heal's in 1960.

Champagne Showers in Race Day Jewels

Galloping off to a day of sumptuous hospitality, world-class racing, fabulous fashion and sartorial elegance? Welcome to the season of popping corks, fine-dining, frivolous antics and the mixing and mingling of tradition and fun; Race Day tomfoolery is off to a flying start! Experience the spirit of summer out on the racecourses with a winning selection of jewellery wonders that'll have you turning heads come rain or shine. Accessorise your polished champagne flutes with a touch of regal refinement in graceful gemstones and delicate drapery dripping in colour, charm and unforgettable glamour. From classic milky pearls to modern bursts of

Precious Mysteries film to set 'enigmatic' tone for Goldsmith's Fair

Precious Mysteries, a unique new film installation created by celebrated fashion filmmaker Ujin Lin will set an 'enigmatic, highly-polished, and breathtakingly beautiful' tone for the 2017 Goldsmith Fair starting in September. Lin, the guest curator at this years Fair at Goldsmith's Hall was commissioned to create the film which will feature jewellery and silver he selected from this year’s Fair exhibitors having previously created campaigns for global luxury brands such as Prada, Philip Lim and Longchamp, among others. His films are highly acclaimed across the fashion world. Seductive silver Lin's finely crafted cinematic narrative provides the perfect modern complement to

Munich Jewellery Week 2017

Munich Jewellery Week is an independent initiative that supports, communicates and promotes citywide jewellery exhibitions taking place during the week of the annual Handwerk & Design expo, and its historic jewellery exhibitions: Meister der Moderne, Schmuck and Talente. From March 8th till March 14th Munich Jewellery Week will showcase avant-garde contemporary jewellery by established and up-and-coming designers from all over the world. This yearly gathering is by far the most significant event on contemporary jewellery’s calendar; it’s a unique phenomenon which plays a pacemaking role in the contemporary jewellery field. Hundreds of makers, students, educators and collectors come from all

Schmuck 2017

Like every year in March the Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern presents the special exhibition SCHMUCK at the International Trade Fair in Munich (IHM). It is the most popular exhibition about contemporary jewellery and is well known all over the world. Since 1959 SCHMUCK is considered to be the most important exhibition concerning jewellery. This year the juror for Schmuck was Cornelie Holzach.  Her statement will be published in the catalogue Schmuck 2017.  Dates 8th - 14th March 2017 Venue International Trade Fair Munich , Hall B1 "Handwerk & Design" Exhibitors 2017 List of Participants 2017 PDF Event Programme 2017 Programme

Shine On Bright Beauty

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

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

Drop It Down Low & Swing Into Spring

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

Gemstones Set The Tone: GFG Jewellery by Nilufe

GFG Jewellery by Nilufer is a London-based British contemporary fine jewellery brand established by founder, Nilufer Kizilkaya.  With a vision to encapsulate timeless beauty, Nilufer set about creating collections that are easily wearable from day to night with a vision to form a part of a woman’s daily outfit ritual. The aesthetics of the collections are created with love and passion, inspired by the beauty of our surroundings. Each piece is created using precious metals, handset and polished while gemstones, diamonds and pearls are sourced around the world and cut to bespoke specifications for the brand. GFG Jewellery by Nilufer,

New Designers 2017 Events Programme Announced

An opening speech by  British ceramicist   Keith  Brymer  Jones and  Design   Reels ,  the  new digital catwalk and screening area are just two of the event highlights at New Designers, the UK’s leading exhibition for emerging design, announced today. The inspiring programme of public talks, tours and awards has been revealed as over 3,000 graduates and 80 emerging designers finalise their presentations for the show – sharing their making processes, inspiration and a glimpse of their final pieces on social media with the hashtag  # comingtoND .     A leading figure from the world of design will

Indulge In Some Detail Therapy

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

Folli Follie Partner with Photoslurp

Leading visual commerce and marketing platform Photoslurp has announced a partnership with the FF Group to improve their customers’ online shopping experience. The partnership gives flagship jewellery and accessory brands Links of London and Folli Follie the ability to gather user-generated content, such as hash-tagged photos, improving the path to purchase for customers by making them ‘shoppable’. “Social proof has always played an important role in building trust with customers ever more so in today’s digital world. With brand presence growing rapidly on social networks like Instagram, Photoslurp will ensure we are maximising both our engagement levels and our visual

Micro-Setting Masterclass - The Goldsmiths' Centre

Alexander Sidorov’s Advanced Micro-Setting Masterclass In 2015 the Goldsmiths’ Centre launched London’s first dedicated training workshop for micro-setting and engraving having entered into partnership with Optical Diamond Setter and SEO of the world-renowned Antwerp based Alexandre School, Alexander Sidorov. Alexander Sidorov will be offering a five day intensive practical course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre for experienced jewellers or stone setters from 13 to 17 February 2017.  Micro-setting enables practitioners, with the aid of powerful microscopes, to arrange diamonds and precious stones cleanly and seamlessly across a surface. This short course is for a limited group size of up to 6

Southampton Students Get Fashion Fantastic with Plastic

An exciting project with DOW, one of the world leaders in the plastic market, will see a selection of Southampton Solent University students get the chance to showcase their work at a leading event in Dusseldorf this October. Under the theme ‘FaceOfInnovation’, which will focus on showcasing trends and innovation in the plastic industry; a number of students have been challenged to think outside of the box and create stylish, wearable fashion garments by reusing plastic materials. Southampton Solent University spoke with Charlotte and Lily, both now in their final academic year, studying Make-up and Hair and Design, to hear

IJL Announces Bright Young Gems 2016

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

News Edit: 29 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Katherine Ryan revealed as host of BBC Two's All That Glitters I Talk Telly: The six-part series sets out to find the UK’s next up-and-coming jewellery star. italktelly.com Caroline Scheufele and the passion for Gemology CEO World: Caroline Scheufele’s passion for gemstones began long before she began designing jewellery for Chopard. As a little girl, whilst her peers played with dolls, Caroline Scheufele played with diamonds. ceoworld.biz Scarborough auction this week for family collection of jeweller-watchmaking dynasty begun by Samuel Sharpe The Scarborough News: The private family collection

News Edit:22 September 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Chain, Chain, Chain NY Times: A favorite street accessory has been getting a luxury makeover. nytimes.com Hermès Celebrated its Latest Fine Jewelry Collection With a Slick Performance Vogue: Hermès’s latest fine jewelry collection, Enchaînements libres, is on a world tour! Coming from Paris is a performative dance work, commissioned by Hermès from esteemed French choreographer Christian Rizzo. vogue.com The Big Jewelry Trends During New York Fashion Week, Spring 2020 Forbes: New York, the first stop on the international ready-to-wear runway circuit is where we get a glimpse of the jewelry

News Edit: 15 September 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The man who gambled his firm on a £50,000 sword BBC The BBC's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world. This week we speak to London-based silversmith Grant Macdonald. bbc.co.uk   London fashion designer turns abandoned festival tents into couture collection Evening Standard: ‘In Tents: The After Party’ shows what happens once the fun is over. standard.co.uk How artisan skills can empower Syrian refugee women FT: An agency is training aspiring jewellers in Jordan to start their own businesses. ft.com The New high jewellery collections

News Edit: 21th February 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   French town of Vendome sells its name to world's biggest luxury group LVMH for €10,000 The Telegraph: Town in the Loir-et-Cher has sold the rights to its name for jewellery products in move critics say is selling its soul for cheap. telegraph.co.uk The Brand | The lab-grown diamond label here to transform the jewellery industry Harpers Bazaar: The designers behind the royal-approved Kimaï outline their eco-friendly approach. harpersbazaar.com New CEO of De Beers shares her business wisdom: listen more and judge less The Telegraph: Céline Assimon, the house's

News Edit: 15th November 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   5 Black UK-Based Designers Reshaping The World Of Haute Jewellery Vogue: The fine jewellery industry can seem an intimidating one to those looking up at its exquisitely gem-set ivory tower from beyond its walls. vogue.co.uk Meet The Ingenious Jewellery Designers Using NASA-Approved Materials & Ancient Bamboo-Weaving Techniques To Create Desirability Vogue: Motley jewellery fans, get ready. The e-tailer, which specialises in exceptional jewellery design at an accessible price, has just unveiled its latest collection with designer Alice Cicolini. vogue.co.uk Why Andrew Grima, the jeweller beloved of Bond girls

News Edit: 9 May 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Jeweler Pandora Takes Ethical Stand Against Mined Diamonds Bloomberg: Pandora A/S, which makes more pieces of jewelry than any other company in the world, will no longer use mined diamonds, dropping another raw material tainted by ethical concerns. www.bloomberg.com Inside Track: Ex-Facebook chief Dave Spillane gives fine ethical jewellery the thumbs-up The Times: Dave Spillane, who was one of Facebook’s top Irish executives, rising to the post of the social media giant’s chief accounting officer in Silicon Valley, has gone into jewellery and shiny things. www.thetimes.co.uk BBC: All

ten Hompel completes National Museums Scotland’s Glenmorangie Commission

Since 2018, Simone ten Hompel has been taking a journey into the world of National Museums Scotland, its artefacts, and the research that is being currently conducted as part of the Glenmorangie Fellowship into the 9th to 12th centuries, an era of rapid change, political instability and cultural diversity, out of which the Scottish nation was born.  [youtube url=http://youtu.be/w22ppGiynms] The final blog by Sarah Rothwell, Curator, Modern & Contemporary Design can be read here: blog.nms.ac.uk The resulting artwork,  coordinate  explores Scotland’s journey through time – its changing landscape and the continual rediscovery of its past. It represents an abstracted interpretation of Scotland’s landmass, one [youtube

News Edit: 1 December 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   What acquiring Tiffany for $16.2 billion does for LVMH Vogue Business: The French conglomerate will instantly become a hard luxury giant on the same scale as Richemont. voguebusiness.com Louis Vuitton buys jeweller Tiffany for $16bn BBC: The world's biggest luxury goods company is buying US-based jeweller Tiffany & Co for more than $16bn (£12.5bn). bbc.co.uk France's LVMH close to buying Tiffany after sweetening offer: sources Reuters: LVMH (LVMH.PA) is close to buying U.S. jewelry chain Tiffany & Co (TIF.N) for about $16.3 billion after sweetening its offer, sources said on

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,

‘Rationed’ Solo Show - Jo Pond

‘Rationed’ a solo exhibition by jewellery artist Jo Pond Vittoria Street Gallery presents  Following on from the success of her inaugural solo exhibition ‘Intimate’ which toured to Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco), Atta Gallery (Bangkok) and Contemporary Applied Arts (London), we are delighted to host a new collection of works titled ‘Rationed’ by internationally-renowned jewellery artist, Jo Pond. Stirred by a collection of diaries, bequeathed alongside hand-me-down stories, words and trinkets from a generation before, Jo Pond draws on evocative World War 2 artefacts to craft her own heirlooms. Almost in spite of itself, each static and inanimate object comes to

Karolina Baines: Beauty in Interaction

Not only goldsmith tradition characterizes Karolina Baines’s work. She starts from there to explore the creation through many different techniques like sketches, painting, printmaking and mixed media. She aims at balancing shapes, colours and texture in a very refined and delicate way. Her pieces are always very malleable while keeping a strong and independent sense of movement. I addressed her few questions to better understand her world, writes Ilaria Ruggiero. IR: Where does your passion for jewellery come from? KB: I suppose I think of myself as a designer/maker first, and then as specifically a jewellery designer/maker. I love bringing ideas IR: Have

Watch loving boxer Floyd Mayweather adds to his sumptuous collection

Less than two months after forking out almost £14 million for a unique Jacob Arabo watch, the world's wealthiest sportsman and prolific watch lover Floyd Mayweather has made another couple of extravagant purchases to add to his diamond-encrusted custom collection. In June, the boxing champion who last year reportedly earned around £230 million from a short 36 minute fight against another well known watch lover Conor McGregor, snapped up the now famous Billionaire Timepiece, featuring 260 carats of emerald cut diamonds. Previously sponsored by Hublot, Mayweather, 41, whose nickname is 'Money' , has long been a fan of luxury bling

News Edit:19 August 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   [youtube url=http://youtu.be/vtExACnYmKs] Van Cleef & Arpels weaves fairytales through high-jewelry Luxury Daily:  French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels is  immersing consumers in a storybook world to debut its latest haute creations to a digital audience. www.luxurydaily.com Inside Tiffany & Co’s New London Store Living Etc: Meet the chicest vending machine you've ever seen...Tiffany & Co. have launched an interactive concept store in Covent Garden. www.livingetc.com   Maria Tash Isn't Finished Mapping Out Our Ear Estate Vogue: When Liberty London invited

Gem-A Open Evening Event 2018

Gem-A Open Evening Event 2018 Gem-A welcome prospective students to first 2018 Open Evening event Gem-A is pleased to announce its first Open Evening of 2018, giving prospective students the chance to explore its historic London teaching centre. Tour our facilities, meet our tutors and learn something new. Have you always wanted to learn about gemmology but weren’t sure where to start? Gem-A are the oldest gem and jewellery educators in the world. We are based in London’s historic jewellery quarter and in January we are opening our doors for you to come along, meet the team and try some gemmology for yourself. Visitors are invited to attend

Call for Applications: Red Dot Award

Call for Applications: Red Dot Award Product Design 2018 – Designers and manufacturers are now invited to submit their products    The Red Dot Award: Product Design is entering the next phase: From 9 October 2017, designers and manufacturers from all over the world can once again take the opportunity to submit their products to one of the world’s largest design competitions. The registration period breaks down into three different phases: “Early Bird” from 9 October to 28 November 2017, “Regular” from 29 November 2017 to 16 January 2018 and “Latecomer” from 17 January to 9 February 2018. Diversity from every

Captivating Brilliance by Peter Schmid

Peter Schmid, world-renowned jewelry maker, is launching his all-new exhibition at Patina Gallery,  Captivating Brilliance , inspired by the Santa Fe Opera’s 2018 production of Giacomo Puccini’s  Madame Butterfly , writes Ilaria Ruggiero in this exhibition review.   The exhibition will open on August 10th at Patina Gallery at 131 West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe.  Captivating Brilliance  will showcase pieces greatly influenced from the movements of Orientalism and Exoticism that were popular at the time of Puccini’s  Madame Butterfly  debut. An amazing crossover of inspirations and ideas, on one hand coming from the most current interpretations of Puccini's opera, on the other hand from ancient rituals,

News Edit 27 May 2018

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

A demi-fine day for jewellery

The sky-high price of gold is giving rise to an exciting new 'demi-fine' market sector prompting big name brands in the UK and around the world to invest heavily in its growth for 2018. London department store Selfridges has become the latest retailer to get behind this new category,  investing 'significantly' in an expanded mid-range Spring Summer 2018 collection featuring among others Missoma, Charlotte Chesnais and Astley Clarke. Net-a-Porter has been doing demi-fine for a while and reports a 250% growth in demi-fine brands on their website while Pandora launched a new affordable collection for Spring Summer 2018 named ‘Shine’

Museum Quality Collection of Emeralds Goes to Auction

Guernsey’s, the New York City-based auction house ,  has announced the auction of the  Marcial  de  Go mar  Collection of rare emeralds  on 25 th  April. T he  Marcial  de  Gomar  Emerald Collection, consisting of La Gloria, which at  887 carats  is one of the largest museum-quality emeralds in the world , along with more than twenty other loose emeralds (both cut and rough) and 13 pieces of extraordinary emerald jewellery.   The event will be conducted live at the Americas Society at 680 Park Avenue with online bidding at liveauctioneers.com. Featured lots in the  Marcial  de  Gomar  Collection include:

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

Marks & Spencer Combat Customer Allergy Concerns

This summer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) will become the first high street retailer to set a new standard in hypoallergenic jewellery – as it launches Skin Kind™.  From May every item in M&S’s fashion jewellery range will meet its new Skin Kind™ standards, so that even customers with the most sensitive skin can wear stylish accessories with confidence.  The project began last year when M&S discovered that more than one in four [28%] of customers didn’t wear fashion jewellery because they were concerned about potential allergic reactions. To help address these concerns, M&S partnered with Birmingham based, world leading precious