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John Donald (1928 -2023)

John Donald, one of the fathers of Contemporary Jewellery died aged 94 on Thursday 21st September, after a short illness. His contribution to jewellery design cannot be underestimated, from his mentoring of generations of apprentices to his innovative techniques and designs; some of which can be seen in the work of some jewellers at this week's Goldsmiths' Fair. His work can be seen in the collections of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the V&A amongst others, the former have 28 works by him in their collection. 13 pieces of his work commissioned by Princess Margaret, a major client, were auctioned by Christie's in 2006. One of the

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller by John Donald & Russell Cassleton Elliott McNidder & Grace have printed a exceptional account of Johns life and his path into jewellery designer and master craftsman. From his early days of golfing-star dreams, a chance introduction to the Silver and Jewellery Department at the RCA and then onto a fascinating career in jewellery and silversmithing. This unique book tells the story of John Donald, British jeweller, designer and goldsmith, from his early days at art college to establishing a successful business in London and Geneva and an international reputation. In over 50 years

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,

Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council appoints new Chair and Vice Chair

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) has appointed John Ball, managing director at British fine jewellery manufacturer Brown & Newirth, as its new Chair for the next two years. John takes over the role of Chair from Anne-Marie Reeves, who has come to the end of her two-year term, but will remain on Council. Having joined the GC&DC as a council member in 2020, John has held the position of Vice Chair of Council for the last two years, assisting Anne-Marie. He was officially elected to the role of Chair at a full council meeting last Friday (25 October)

London Design Festival

London Design Festival 13 - 21 September 2025 London Wide London Design Festival celebrates and promotes our city as the design capital of the world. The 23rd edition will take place on 13–21 September 2025. London Design Festival celebrates and promotes the city as a design capital on the global stage. London Design Festival was launched by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE in 2003. Building on London’s existing design activity, their concept was to create an annual event that would promote the city’s creativity, drawing in the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable 3rd Meeting

At the third meeting of the UK Jewellery, Silverware & Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable with esteemed colleagues from all facets of the sector there was a full agenda for the 3.45 hour in-person meeting held in the Court Room at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Chaired by Adam Jacobs, Chair, National Association of Jewellers & facilitated by Ben Massey, CEO of the National Association of Jewellers with Annie Warburton, CEO of The Goldsmiths Company hosting, attendees included: Isabel Rhodes, Houlden Group; Janet Weller, Institute of Professional Goldsmiths; Sally Dodson, Hand Engraving Association; Patrick Turner, Company of Master Jewellers; Andrew Hinds, F Hinds; John

Houlden Announce Members Ratification of New Board Appointment Dominic Wakefield

Following their Autumn meeting, Houlden have announced the ratification by members of the new appointment to the Board of Dominic Wakefield as the new Membership Director. Dominic joins the other long-standing board members of Helen Haddow, Houlden CEO, Joe Walsh of Laings, John Lunn of Lunn's Jewellers, James Rice of Hugh Rice, Lizzie McAuley of Baker Brothers Jewellers. “I am delighted to be joining the board of Houlden and feel honoured to serve the group over the next three years. Houlden have been incredibly open and inclusive in the five years since Wakefields joined the group and I am looking forward

Houlden Announce Members Ratification of New Board Appointment Dominic Wakefield

Q&A: Alan Craxford

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

Q&A: Grant Macdonald

Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art. The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years. Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas

The passing of industry stalwart Chris Sellors

It is with great sadness family jewellers C W Sellors announce the passing of their founder Christopher William Sellors. Surrounded by his family, Chris passed away in the early hours of Monday 4th September at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield where he had been receiving wonderful support and care from their fabulous team of staff and volunteers. Tracing back the success Chris made of his life and business, the journey started with a love of his Derbyshire surroundings and a passion to make his own jewellery designs using the locally sourced Blue John gemstone. What started as a hobby with early

Made London 2017

Made London 2017 19 - 22 October 2017 MADE LONDON – Marylebone is an annual contemporary craft and design fair where the very best of national and international designer-makers present and sell their work to the public. Over 120 exhibitors across all media (ceramics, wood, silver, gold, glass, textiles and more) showcase their original, unique and exceptional work to the capital. One Marylebone is a stunning former church designed by Sir John Soane. With sweeping staircases, incredible chandeliers and light and spacious characterful rooms, it’s the perfect backdrop for showcasing high end craft and design. Soane Hall has incredible height, lovely ceilings and the beautiful original

Open Studios: Made In Clerkenwell Winter 2016, Craft Central

Made in Clerkenwell is a bi-annual celebration of Craft Central resident designer makers and Network members. For the first time we welcome visitors to 4 iconic Clerkenwell venues filled with over 150 designer makers selling quality handmade home accessories, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, stationary and prints. Everything you could possibly need for Christmas. Open Studios Throughout Craft Central St John's Square & Clerkenwell Green, you'll be welcomed to discover and meet some the UK's most notable designer makers in their private studios. This is your chance to purchase and commission directly from these designer makers - truly special gifts for Christmas.

Made In Clerkenwell Spring 2017

2 Buildings.100 Designers. New Products. Made in Clerkenwell is a bi-annual celebration of Craft Central resident designer-makers and Network members. Held across our two historic buildings, this is an opportunity for the public to go ‘behind the scenes’ and explore the studios of our renowned design community. Open Studios Throughout Craft Central St John's Square & Clerkenwell Green, you'll be welcomed to discover and meet some the UK's most notable designer makers in their private studios. This is your chance to purchase and commission directly from these designer makers. Inspired by NEW! This spring, Craft Central is focusing on all