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Jessica's winning hydrangea depicts Hockley Mint's growth

Jessica Mead, a designer at independent retailer Page Fine Jewellery in Cambridge, struck on the idea of a climbing hydrangea to depict Hockley Mint’s 25 years in business and swept to victory in their competition to mark the occasion Her winning design was made up of 25 leaves in sterling silver with Fairtrade gold elements and 25 0.01ct diamonds symbolising prosperity and vigour, the hallmarks of the Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer’s growth since it was established in 1992. “The idea behind using a hydrangea is that there is no stopping its potential for growth,” said Jessica, who previously worked as a

Mead Final Project Award

Call for Applications: Mead Final Project Award Are you a UAL undergraduate student in your final year? Do you need financial help to achieve your final major project? The Mead Final Project Award offers between £200 to £2,500 to help students who need extra funds to complete their final major project. Applications are now open. To read about past awardees, and to apply, please see the Mead Awards website . Applications deadline: Monday 26th November. For more information www.arts.ac.uk

This week we go cuckoo over Amy Mead...

In week four of our lockdown chats, Benchpeg chats to jewellery designer maker Amy Mead of www.amymead.co.uk .  Amy has been a designer maker for over 13 years, and we discuss the evolution of her brand and work, how its been in lockdown managing a house with three children, escape mechanisms and Instagram strategy.  [youtube url=http://youtu.be/aqpBAuc00vE] Amy came to jewellery after recovery from ME, and started her jewellery journey at City Lit and landed up with a workshop in Hatton Garden. She’s founded a micro jewellery start up, and placed it on hold whilst becoming a full time

Discover Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection- a swarm of beauty

Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection is a striking feat in style and design. A homage to the Curio and the cabinets that contain them, Pass’ own glass cabinets are a-flutter with beautiful gilded insects, frozen in tableau at each stage of flight like an ornate flip-book. The magnificent pieces are beautiful in their own right, yet, each piece is hinged to reveal an inner cubby. As is the case with the standout ‘Cicada Neck Piece’; This contemporary locket opens to reveal a stunning golden beryl in the clutches of a miniature figure whose limbs serve as the stone setting. The veins

Contemporary Jewellery Classes with Jessica Turrell

This course will allow you to explore a contemporary approach to jewellery making using both traditional and alternative materials and techniques This 25 week course will encourage a contemporary approach to jewellery making and using both traditional and alternative materials and techniques. Students can choose to work on a series of set briefs or on individually negotiated projects. What will I learn? The course covers techniques including: silver soldering, saw piercing, surface texturing, forming, annealing, wire and sheet metal techniques, and making fittings and findings. The course will also cover the use of alternative materials such as wood, paper and

The Art Of Jewellery: Jessica Trafford, Gill Wing Gallery – Islington, London

At Gill Wing Jewellery Gallery our team are made up of makers with a love of sharing the artist’s process. We seek to showcase jewellers with unique skills developed through hands on practice and a dedication to their craft. The exciting work they produce couldn’t be achieved without allowing themselves the freedom to explore ideas, the spontaneity invaluable in the advancement of their field. We chose to celebrate this artistic approach to jewellery with a solo show by new Central Saint Martin’s Jewellery graduate Jessica Trafford. Jessica’s work reminds us of the value of the artist’s skills honed during their

Hockley Mint reveals finalists of anniversary design competition

Birmingham based jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint has revealed the finalists in its 25th anniversary design competition, with six designers making the shortlist.  The finalists are Anna Carter, Yasmin Everley, Roxanne Gilbert, Angela Gillies, Yvonne Knights and Jessica Mead, who were all applauded by the judges for their creativity and vision. Gary Wroe, Managing Director of Hockley Mint, said: “ We were overwhelmed by the high quality of entries we received and I was particularly impressed by how inventively the concept of our anniversary was incorporated into the shortlisted designs. I am really looking forward to revealing the winner – and

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

Call To The Wild - Gill Wing Jewellery

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

British Fashion Council Premieres Film Commissions

The British Fashion Council’s Fashion Arts Foundation has premiered two short films, by two female directors, putting British fashion at the heart of the narrative. This commission saw Jessica de Rothschild’s debut as film director and Anissa Bonnefont’s third directorial endeavour.  Both films were made possible by The Peninsula Hotels. Screening at BAFTA to an audience of industry informers alongside fashion and film students, the films showcase the international language of British fashion. Reflections of Hollywood Scriptwriter and Director Jessica de Rothschild sought inspiration from old school Hollywood to weave a tale of modern, magical glamour. Filmed at the Peninsula

CityMade.UK, Shoreditch, London

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

News Edit: 21 October 2018

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

News Edit: 10 November 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The best jewels from the autumn collections The Times: Form an orderly queue, please, for this season’s striped treasures, says Jessica Diamond. www.thetimes.co.uk Boucheron Acquires High Jewellery Workshop Near Place Vendôme GJEPC: Boucheron has recently acquired a high jewellery workshop, renowned for its excellent expertise in traditional craftsmanship as part of its ongoing growth and development strategy. gjepc.org From the coronation to the state opening of parliament, how do jewellery designers use the royals to inspire their craftsmanship? Tatler: As the King and Queen make their annual visit

Five Launches At Collect International Art Fair 2022

A brand-new collective, ‘FIVE’, will launch this year at the Collect International Art Fair 2022 with ‘Conversations in Silver & Metal’ supported by Goldsmiths’ Fair. FIVE comprises UK based silversmiths Angela Cork, Jessica Jue, Ane Christensen, Patrick Davison and Sheng Zhang. The group is a diverse mix of exciting emerging and mid-career makers that represent a cross-section of generations and backgrounds with a shared ethos of creativity evolving around precision and fine craftsmanship. Each maker applies contemporary ideas to traditional materials and techniques to challenge the preconceptions and expectations of tradition, value, and the use of silver and fine metalwork.

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

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

Hatton Garden's London Jewellery School Celebrates its Tenth Year

Since opening its doors in 2009, London Jewellery School has been host to an estimated 37,283 students. Founded by jewellery entrepreneur, Jessica Rose, the school was designed to make the art of jewellery-making accessible to everyone.  From such humble beginnings, the school has since grown in strength and size, offering courses 7 days a week in a full range of topics including traditional silver work, stone setting, wax carving, and modern techniques like resin, perspex, and business practices for jewellers - and all in the very apt setting of London’s jewellery hub, Hatton Garden. ‘I am delighted and grateful that

High jewellery designers fan out for earring inspiration

The trend for statement earrings continues throughout 2019, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Each season’s catwalks are brimming with bigger and more expressive hoops, avant-garde ear climbers and figural shapes. A more subtle, wearable iteration of this trend for bold earrings has emerged within the collections of some of the most important names in high jewellery, and the dynamic forms these earrings take on are splaying out from underneath - and around - the earlobe writes Jodie Smith. Jessica Chastain in-Piaget earrings at the Golden Globes 2019 Piaget - ‘White Sun’ earrings Piaget - ‘White Sun’ earrings

Q&A: Olivia Norman

Olivia Norman is Head of Jewellery at Jessica McCormack Ltd , which has its HQ in Carlos Place , Mayfair, London. She oversees the in-house fine jewellery production for the design led brand, as well as having oversight of main business functions. Olivia was formerly at Shaun Leane for seven years as Commercial Manager and has extensive experience in strategic planning and business development, retail and sales, design, product development and production. She is a graduate of the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.  She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? ON:  Olivia

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,

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

Jewelfund 2019

Call for Appliations: JewelFund 2019 £1000 Grant Available for Jewellers What is JewelFund? Since launching Jewellers Academy membership a year ago I have been so excited to see the progress of the 300 + jewellers that have joined us and committed to growing their businesses to date. There is so much you can do as a small business owner nowadays to but  I do know one of the barriers to growth can be money. This is why I’m so pleased to announce the launch of JewelFund for the second year.’ Jessica Rose. Award-winning founder of the Hatton Garden based London

Decimus 2018

DECIMUS Friday 2nd November 2018 DECIMUS, a collective of ten award-winning goldsmiths and silversmiths. Held in the beautiful Exhibition Rooms, DECIMUS are staging a Salon Privé at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in the lead up to Christmas. The event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy The Goldsmiths' Centre, meet a talented group of designers and try their jewellery. All artists will be available to discuss their work, design techniques and commissions for Christmas. DECIMUS is a collective of 10 award-winning goldsmiths and silversmiths Alma Sophia Gronli Geller Max Danger Ana Thompson Melissa Rigby Flora Bhattachary Samuel Waterhouse Jessica Jue Shivani Patel

Jerwood Makers Open

Following a national call which elicited 271 submissions, Sam Bakewell, Juli Bolaños-Durman, Jessica Harrison, Marcin Rusak and Laura Youngson Coll have been selected for Jerwood Makers Open 2017, a unique commissioning opportunity recognising the most exciting new talents in contemporary applied arts. Each artist will receive an award of £7,500 to realise and make new work. The resulting work will be shown in a group exhibition as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space in London from 28 June –27 August 2017, before touring nationally. Jerwood Makers Open is a biennial opportunity encouraging ambitious and/or radical proposals

£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

Dazzle @ Oxo Tower Wharf, London

Dazzle opens this month at Oxo Tower Wharf, showcasing over 80 contemporary jewellery designers from across Europe, from France to Lithuania. New Graduate Additions This year’s event will Introduce 15 exciting new designer makers, handpicked for the quality of their workmanship and innovation of their designs, from the 2016 graduate shows, including Holly Higgins, Genevieve Howard, Emily Higham, Wanshu Li and Amber Cooper-Green. Established Names These new graduates will rub shoulders with an internationally collected line-up of contemporary jewellery royalty, including, Heather Woof, Hannah Louise Lamb, Lynne MacLachlan, Grace Girvan, Jessica Briggs, Flora Bhattachary and Jane Adam. Styles, Statements and

Talent 2016: Craft Central as part of London Design Festival

As part of the London Design Festival, come and see our choice of top graduate designer makers from across the UK. We have selected 22 superb designer maker graduates to showcase the best in craftsmanship - from furniture to fashion, glass to ceramics and all designed and crafted by them. Take a look at this year’s Talent! 2016 graduates: Alice Heaton – Glass www.aahdesignermaker.co.uk Alison Attwood Ceramics – Ceramics www.instagram.com/alison.attwood AlmaBorealis – Textiles www.almaborealis.com Casabi Designs – Ceramics www.casabidesigns.co.uk CeramicsX – Ceramics www.ceramicsx.co.uk George Riding Studio - Interior Products www.georgeriding.info Isabel Webb - Interior Textiles www.isabelwebb.tumblr.com Jessica Jue – Silversmithing

News Edit: 17 September 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Five Jewels To Covet From MTV VMAs And Venice International Film Festival Forbes: Diamonds, diamonds and more diamonds lit up the 2023 Venice International Film and the MTV VMA awards.  www.forbes.com   How Ole Lynggaard, Copenhagen’s Leading Jewellery House, Remains A Family Affair NX Herald: Jessica Beresford visits the Copenhagen headquarters of Ole Lynggaard, as its founding family marks the brand’s 60th anniversary. www.nzherald.co.nz Peek inside the vast new Boucheron Tokyo boutique Wallpaper: Boucheron unveils its 1000 sq m new boutique in Ginza, Tokyo. www.wallpaper.com Sotheby’s To Host

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The  South House Silver Workshop Trust  has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue  &  Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship   Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

News Edit: 25 October 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Meghan Markle’s go-to jeweller Kimaï launches ethical engagement rings Vogue: The label’s founders, Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus, discuss their new collection of eco-conscious rings that don’t cost the planet. www.vogue.in Missoma launch jewellery advent calendar for second year - and it’s out today Daily Mirror: Priced at £395 but worth over £745, after the huge success in 2019, Missoma’s advent calendar is making a much-anticipated return. www.mirror.co.uk Shop Local: St Albans jewellery stores owner reveals: ‘This Christmas is essential’ Herfordshire Advertising: Sarah Gillow, owner of Galio and