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Evening Soiree, Meet The Maker

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

Symposium: Made in the Middle, Meet the Maker

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

Meet the Maker - From nature to artifice in Art Jewellery

Hortus Conclusus - Donna Brennan Contemporary Applied Arts Working with stones, minerals, gold and silver, my work explores the dichotomy between nature and artifice… transporting stones and minerals from the realm of nature into the realm of culture. Donna Brennan is a fine art jeweller who has adopted a cross-disciplinary approach to photography and sculptural jewellery, crafting a narrative from image to object which blurs the dichotomy between fine art and applied art. Derived from the Latin term for ‘enclosed garden’, Hortus Conclusus is a series of wearable sculptural art pieces, crafted from a mélange of minerals, stones, gold, bronze

Meet Jacqueline Ryan @ The Scottish Gallery

On the Surface - Jacqueline Ryan The Scottish Gallery 24 July - 24 August 2019 Meet the Maker 11-12 noon, Saturday 27th July  Jacqueline Ryan’s spectacular On the Surface is now open. This is Jacqueline’s first major presentation with The Gallery since the seminal exhibition ‘Art Jewellery’ twenty years ago and it is ten years since Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museum acquired a similar enamel necklace to the one shown opposite for their permanent collection.  Jacqueline is in Edinburgh this week to celebrate her new body of work.  You can meet Jacqueline Ryan on Saturday 27th July 11-12noon and find

Clothworkers' Hall to Play Host to Two Prestigious Silversmiths in a Live Demonstration and Meet the Maker Event, as part of London Craft Week

The Clothworkers' Company will the doors to it's prestigous hall to the public in May, in an event that provides a rare opportunity to watch Silversmiths' at work.  The event will take place as part of London Craft Week, an initiative that started in 2015, where iconic buildings, institutions and smaller venues accross the City host craft-based events for the public. In keeping with this spirit, Clothworkers’ Hall will open it's doors, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. The Clothworkers' Company are hosting two Silversmith's from

The Maker’s Fair - Summer Weekender

The Maker’s Fair - Summer Weekender 13 - 14 July 2024 Brighton The Maker’s Fair at One Garden Brighton is one of our most popular events of the calendar, with a carefully curated display of up to 70 exhibiting artists and designers. This event showcases the very best creative talent in the South. Visitors can also enjoy a schedule of practical demonstrations including wood carving, willow weaving, pottery wheel throwing and more. Come and ask questions, meet makers and hopefully become inspired to try something new.  One Garden Brighton is a regenerated historical walled garden nestled in the Stanmer Park

Meet The Manufacturer to feature 'Meet The Expert' Sessions

For people thinking about starting up or expanding a business, 'Make it British' will have a team of experts on hand at this year’s Meet the Manufacturer event, offering one-to-one practical advice and hands-on experience on different aspects of manufacturing and business development. The 'Meet the Expert' team will be on-site to answer questions on the hot topics of sourcing, production, branding and finance.  The Meet the Expert team includes: David Reay, previously Manufacturing and Sourcing Director at J Barbour and Sons. Daliah Simble, previously Production Director at Roland Mouret, set up her own fashion consultancy in 2015. Alison Lewy

Meet the (IPG) Masters at IJL

Meet the Masters The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths at IJL 2018 The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths [IPG] proudly presents Meet the Masters, a series of demonstrations by Fellows of the institute. These master craftspeople will be displaying their skills and taking questions from visitors at the IPG stand, E149, at International Jewellery London. This is a  fantastic opportunity to meet some of the most highly skilled and experienced veterans in our industry. Come and see them  at work, find out more about the Institute and perhaps become a member yourself. The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) is an organisation that

Meet The Manufacturer 2017

Meet The Manufacturer Trade Show, Seminars & Workshops Meet the Manufacturer is back for 2017 and we’d love you to join us!  Organised by Make it British and now in its fourth year, Meet the Manufacturer is the only major sourcing event specifically for British manufacturers of clothing, textiles, leather goods and homeware.  This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before and will include a two-day trade show with free drop-in seminars, workshops and live demonstrations with, of course, plenty of opportunities for networking. Day one will culminate in a VIP drinks reception & BBQ, so

Meet the Benchpeg Team

This is us. We are the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers.   Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has 20 years of experience in the industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery industry could share and access information. Along with being Editor-in-Cheif of Benchpeg, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust , Committee Member for the  Communications and Marketing Committee at  The Goldsmiths’ Company ,

Meet the Experts at Jewellery and Watch 2018

In partnership with  Jewellery & Watch , taking place on the 4 th  until the 8 th  of February, the  NAJ  will be hosting five ‘ Meet the Expert ’ events on the NAJ stand (Hall 17 U22/W23). The sessions have been devised in a direct response to what is happening in the business environment and will offer solutions to businesses wanting to gain competitive advantage during 2018. A different expert will be on the stand each day of the show and available for 15-minute, one-to-one appointments from 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm. Sessions with the experts are pre-bookable, you can read

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards 2025

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards Visual artists and crafts makers in Scotland can apply for funding through small grants funded by Creative Scotland and developed in partnership with Local Authorities and arts agencies across Scotland. About the Programme The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grants schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners.  The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.  VACMA is supported by Creative Scotland through funding

Co-collaboration maker space opens with a ching

Last Thursday Benchpeg went along to the launch of FORGE, which is the new multi-functional, co-collaborative space based on Leather Lane in Hatton Garden. The launch party was extremely well attended with the great and the good of industry showing up to support the new initiative conceived by Amanda Mansell. Officially opened by Natalie Melton, the Executive Director of the Crafts Council, who congratulated Amanda with her huge achievement in navigating a multitude of complex requirements to get the ‘maker space’ off the ground and completed.   Subsequently she has added that,  “It’s the kind of creative space that should

Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards 2025

The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grants schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners.  The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.  VACMA is supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery.  VACMA 2024/25 In 2024/25 VACMA is offering fixed bursaries of £500 and £1000.  £500 Early-Career Bursary is for artists and makers that have been practicing for less than 5 years. This includes recent graduates (2019

David Poston, The Lateral Maker @ The Scottish Gallery

David Poston: The Lateral Maker Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh 4 January - 1 February 2020 The Gallery presents a showcase of jewellery from David Poston, covering different aspects of his creative career including his signature work in stainless steel and forged titanium. Born to British parents in Moscow, Russia in 1948, David was educated in the United Kingdom and graduated from the jewellery design course at Hornsey College of Art. He worked as an artist-jeweller using mainly non-precious metals and other materials from 1970 until 1984. In 1985 David chose to change course by studying for a PhD in Engineering focused on the

Meet the Jeweller Subverting Beauty Standards

Joanne T's conceptual collection 'Not Your Average Beauty' is a range of facial ornaments inspired by tribal jewellery, with a mission to subvert and raise awareness of the pressures of modern beauty standards. The tone of the work is confrontational: a direct criticism of a modern symptom. It subverts the notion of ‘normalising’ imperfect features through surgery, instead the wire serves as an icon – a frame for the imperfections of the wearer, challenging them to embrace their perceived flaws.  The rigidity of the form gives it an unflinching appeal, it does not obscure, nor play tricks with the eyes,

Meet the Masters - The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths at IJL 2017

Meet the Masters Come and find out about The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths at International Jewellery London, Stand B154. Demonstrations The IPG will have a range of demonstrations by master craftspeople ot the Institute, as well as a broad range of other experts on hand to talk to about the craft and the IPG. Displays On show will be a cabinet of work by Fellows and Associate Fellows of the Institute, as well as a slide show demonstrating the range of work of the IPG membership. Films A selection of training films will viewable at the IPG stand. The demonstrations Programme

Collective a Maker’s Exhibition - Craft Central, London

Thirteen of Britain’s most exciting new designer-makers are staging an exhibition.  Collective: a Maker’s Exhibition  runs from 15-20 November 2016, and will showcase a unique blend of styles and media, including jewellery and textile designs, stylish, modern furnishings, laser-cut marquetry and breath taking ceramics. All thirteen are members of the Craft Council’s prestigious Hothouse scheme, an intensive yearly development programme that gives selected emerging makers the tools and skills to create a sustainable and successful business. All were awarded places as the southern cohort of Hothouse 2016, and decided to work together as a group to create a unique, multi-disciplinary

Jewellery Designers meet Queen at London Fashion Week

This week Her Majesty The Queen visited London Fashion Week to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. While at the event the Queen also met a number of jewellery designers who were exhibiting as part of the Designer Showrooms. Her Majesty was greeted upon arrival at London Fashion Week by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. The Queen toured the Designer Showrooms to view the collections and met Rock Vault jewellery designers  Completedworks ,  DAOU ,  Frances Wadsworth Jones ,  Lily Kamper ,  Rachel Boston ,  Shimell and Madden  and Headonism designers

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector meet with MP

On Thursday the 8th February Benchpeg was privileged and honoured to attend, with 23 other senior leaders representing the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector, a roundtable discussion with meeting Sir Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) who was on a fact finding mission to learn more about our sector. Facilitated by The National Association of Jewellers, and ably Chaired by CEO Ben Massey, the 24 seats around the table demonstrated the myriad of specialisms which the sector is made up of. Selected individuals gave presentations to Mr Bryant MP

Watch this Space: Meet the Six IJL Kickstart 2019 Winners

Earlier this month, International Jewellery London announced the winners of their 2019 Kickstart competition. The six 'Kickstarters' recognised for their emerging talent, will have access to a mentoring package, workshop days and introductions to key industry figures, as well as ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support- and a presence at IJL this year. The six winners are: Aurelie Dellasanta, Aurelie Dellasanta Jewellery Becca Macdonald, Becca Macdonald Studio Bine Roth, Bine Roth Jewellery Hannah Blackwood, Hannah Blackwood Jewellery Lukas Grewenig, Lukas Grewenig Jewellery Vanessa Pederzani, Heirloom Jewels    Katie Morris, IJL Exhibition Director said: “Congratulations to all six KickStart 2019 designers.

Raid On Design Maker Studios Results in Plea to Help Track Down Over 200 Pieces of Stock

Last weekend, following a successful weekend-long Open Studios event at Cockpit Arts, Holborn, London, a jewellery workshop was targeted and broken into in the early hours of Sunday night /Monday morning and the occupants’ entire stock was stolen. Ros Millar, Victoria Coleman and Alex Hammond had over 200 pieces of jewellery - stock, loose stones and bullion - stolen, wiping out any inventory they had in the run up to the Christmas selling period. Minimal Damage Caused in Break-In The culprits were not caught on CCVT, and managed to enter the building without causing any damage to main doors or

Preparing to Sell - Bovey Tracey

Preparing to Sell - Bovey Tracey Wednesday 5 February  2025 Make Southwest, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9AF Preparing to Sell on Tour After a thumping success of Preparing to Sell in Cardigan last week, don't miss the chance to meet Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey and Hereford. These lively and useful days, led by Sarah James MBE, Director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker, gives makers at all stages of their career, the best possible advice for selling directly to the public, marketing and diversifying your business. Each day has a different flavour. Dates and Locations: Feb 5th at Make

Preparing to Sell - Hereford

Preparing to Sell - Hereford Thursday 20th February 2025 Hereford College of Arts Preparing to Sell on Tour After a thumping success of Preparing to Sell in Cardigan last week, don't miss the chance to meet Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey and Hereford. These lively and useful days, led by Sarah James MBE, Director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker, gives makers at all stages of their career, the best possible advice for selling directly to the public, marketing and diversifying your business. Each day has a different flavour. Dates and Locations: Feb 5th at Make Southwest Bovey Tracey⁠

Handmade at Kew 2017

Following the storming success since its launch in 2015, Handmade in Britain will return to Kew Gardens for the third edition of HANDMADE AT KEW in October 2017. This four-day international contemporary craft event offers you the opportunity to meet and buy directly from over 200 extraordinary designer-makers working across all disciplines including: ceramics, jewellery, fashion and textiles, glass, paper, furniture, metalwork, sculpture and interior accessories. It’s a really special chance to invest in beautiful, unique products at a show where you can buy, browse and commission directly from the maker; unearthing the stories, inspirations and processes behind the exquisite

Trove, Aspex - Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Presenting ‘Trove’, a collection of bespoke craft objects inspired by coastal landmarks and natural forms. The exhibition showcases makers from Portsmouth to London, featuring bold ceramics, delicately hand-crafted silver jewellery and driftwood sculptures. Each maker utilises traditional craft techniques to create objects in response to nautical seascapes and organic materials. ‘Trove’ offers visitors to the gallery the opportunity, not only to enjoy high quality craft, but to discover the perfect gift in the run up to the festive season! Meet the makers: Laura Bennett, Portsmouth Laura graduated with a First Class degree in Three Dimensional Design at UCA Farnham -

Made London: The Design and Craft Fair - Marylebone, London

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. A friendly, relaxed, highest quality contemporary craft and design fair, where the makers themselves meet the public to discuss inspirations, design processes and future projects, enabling maker / consumer relationships. Work can be bought at the fair or commissions can be taken. One Marylebone is a stunning

CAA launches new website

Contemporary Applied Arts have announced the launch of a completely new website – which features an extensive directory of our maker members and their work and introduces an all new e-commerce section on www.caa.org.uk. The new website is a highly anticipated enhancement to our gallery space in the heart of Marylebone Village.  CAA was established as a visionary organisation with the sole purpose of supporting its maker members and advocating for the fine crafts in Britain over 70 years ago. The new website will help the organisation to do this more comprehensively and it hopes that it will be welcomed

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

Appointment: Pandora picks Alexander Lacik as new CEO

Denmark’s jeweller Pandora has named Alexander Lacik as its new Chief Executive, who will oversee a plan to help the firm regain its competitive edge in a weak retail market. Lacik, 54, joins Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery maker by production capacity, from British childcare products maker Britax.  Pandora announced on the 14 February 2019: The Board of Directors of Pandora has today appointed Alexander Lacik as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lacik’s strong track-record as a consumer marketer and brand architect will help drive the execution of Programme NOW and assert Pandora’s position as the world’s largest jewellery

Crafts for the Future Conference

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

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

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2024 - Deptford

Winter Open Studios 29 November - 1 December Cockpit Arts, Deptford Cockpit’s celebrated  Winter Open Studios  returns this festive season, bringing you the chance to meet and shop direct from over 175 of London’s finest artist-makers. Join them on  21-24 November in Bloomsbury  and  29 November-1 December in Deptford  to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, meet incredible craftspeople and find truly special gifts for the holiday season — all while supporting independent makers. Tickets Advance tickets £5 (includes entry to both Holborn and Deptford) Tickets available from www.cockpitarts.com

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2024 - Holborn

Winter Open Studios 21 - 24 November 2024 Cockpit Arts, Holborn Cockpit’s celebrated  Winter Open Studios  returns this festive season, bringing you the chance to meet and shop direct from over 175 of London’s finest artist-makers. Join them on  21-24 November in Bloomsbury  and  29 November-1 December in Deptford  to discover one-of-a-kind pieces, meet incredible craftspeople and find truly special gifts for the holiday season — all while supporting independent makers. Tickets Advance tickets £5 (includes entry to both Holborn and Deptford) Tickets available from www.cockpitarts.com

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2019 - Holborn

Winter Open Studios 29 November – 1 December Cockpit Arts, Holborn Cockpit Arts’ celebrated Winter Open Studios - located in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford and heart of Bloomsbury – brings you the chance to meet and shop directly with over 140 of London’s finest makers during two weekends. This twice-yearly shopping event is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the public, making this an exclusive chance to meet some of the best craftspeople in London, see where it all happens and support this hub of creative talent. Throwing open the studio doors, it’s the

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,

Cockpit Arts Winter Open Studios 2019 - Deptford

Winter Open Studios 6 – 8 December Cockpit Arts, Deptford Cockpit Arts’ celebrated Winter Open Studios - located in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford and heart of Bloomsbury – brings you the chance to meet and shop directly with over 140 of London’s finest makers during two weekends. This twice-yearly shopping event is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the public, making this an exclusive chance to meet some of the best craftspeople in London, see where it all happens and support this hub of creative talent. Throwing open the studio doors, it’s the destination

Ilaria Ruggiero

Meet Benchpeg's Contributing Writer Ilaria. As an authority of contemporary and art jewellery, her features aim to cover the current European contemorary jewellery movement.   Ilaria Ruggiero Contributing Writer Ilaria Ruggiero is a cultural manager and curator working in the field of contemporary art. She is the founder of  Adornment - Curating Contemporary Art Jewelry , a curatorial integrated project dedicated to contemporary art jewelry. It aims to develop the knowledge and consciousness of contemporary jewelry as artistic discipline and as ground search for technique, aesthetics, and philosophy. www.adornment-jewelry.com Meet the rest of the team here . If you'd like

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Raffle  is an opportunity for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths to raise funds for its charitable work. As a small arts charity operating in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Incorporation is now having to diversify and fundraise for all of its projects and programmes. This fundraiser, along with donations and grants, will support the work at The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and help preserve it during this challenging year and for the future. Funds raised through this raffle will be targeted to directly support Jewellers and Silversmiths at student and emerging maker level through three

Disa Allsopp Launches New Website

Renowned jeweller Disa Allsopp has announced the launch of her brand new website, which features an online shop making it easier than ever to purchase from her bespoke work. Initially the designer maker has made a collection of the signature ‘Spaghetti Rings’ available for online purchase with plan to expand on the selection over time. The new site also lists of our stockists enabling customers to source the designer’s work worldwide. www.disaallsopp.com  Author:  Published: 

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

The Shape of Eros

Lore Langendries’ work balances between the unique and the serial with a particular focus on the tactile and physical of artefacts, the behavior of material in combination with digital technology and her own intuitive role as a maker. Central to her work is the use of geometrical forms by showing the essence and beauty of animal hides in their most elementary forms writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Her work focuses on different type of leathers, treated by obtaining pieces always very balanced and minimal, where the living element, the material, becomes strictly connected with the body and its sensuality. I asked her few This [youtube

Irish goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly’s work go under the Sotheby’s hammer

For the first time in history an Irish high jewellery maker will showcase his works at auction in the US.  October 22nd sees the inclusion of Mayo based jewellery designer and goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly in Sotheby’s Important Jewels live auction in New York.  In the face of a global pandemic creating uncertainty with many small businesses who depend on international trade for expansion, the inclusion of two of Nigel O’Reilly’s pieces in the renowned auction house’s October sale marks a progressive step forward towards ‘the new normal’ for private business in Ireland.  Hailing from and working in Mayo, Nigel has

The Royal Mint announces partnership with Heritage Crafts

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

Bespoke Goldsmith and Designer - Maternity Leave Cover, Maya Magal - Islington, London

Bespoke Goldsmith and Designer - Maternity Leave Cover  Maya Magal London Islington, London N1 About Us As Bespoke Jewellery Maker & Designer at Maya Magal you will be instrumental in the design and production of some of our most exciting pieces of jewellery. Your goldsmithing expertise will allow you to speak confidently one-on-one with clients about their dream piece of jewellery and your design capabilities will help bring each project to life. This is a hybrid role that allows you to channel your creativity into unique designs and push your craft abilities in creating them from scratch and with CAD.

William & Son Limited cease trading

William & Son the Mayfair based luxury goods maker and retailer have gone into administration. The doors remain closed on the Bruton Street, London address with RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP appointed as Joint Administrators on 10 July 2020. Holder of the Royal Warrant, the retailer dealt with jewellery, watches, silverware, sporting guns, sporting accessories and other luxury gifts including, assorted leather items, games, handbags, briefcases, albums and books. Founded in 1999 by William Asprey, a seventh-generation member of the Asprey family, William and Son was a brand dedicated to using the highest quality British craftsmanship and materials, which led it

Davina Mallinckrodt Appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cockpit Arts

Davina has been confirmed in the role on 8th April 2021, following her appointment as Chair-Elect in December 2020. She succeeds Cornelius Medvei, who has held the post for the past nine years.  Davina joins Cockpit following a year in which the award-winning social enterprise and leading creative business incubator has successfully supported its 150 strong maker community through the pandemic. In addition to the 40 young creative businesses receiving awards and bursary support, in 2020/21 Cockpit has provided substantially reduced rents to its makers at its two hubs, Cockpit Holborn and Cockpit Deptford and successfully pivoted to digital delivery

QEST Grants Spring 2025

Applications for QEST Grants funding are now open 📢 Calling all Makers & Craftspeople! 📢 QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK. They provide funding for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary. Successful Scholars also get a place on the @cockpitstudios Professional Development Programme. Since 1990, QEST has awarded £7 million to almost 900 individuals, thanks to the generous support of its donors. Supporting a broad

Handmade in Chelsea 2024

Handmade in Chelsea 2024 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 6 - 9 November 2024 “ Handmade Chelsea show is one of a kind. A fantastic setting in such a busy and popular location in London, attracting buyers for all different craft disciplines. Its long and well established reputation draws in repeat customers every year as well as attracting new visitors. As a maker who has exhibited for 16 years, it is fabulous and friendly show to take part in, a highlight of my working calendar. ” – Annie Ruthven-Taggart, Exhibitor 2023 We are pleased to announce that the 17th edition

GPE announces Pandora signs lease for new store at 70/88 Oxford Street, W1

GPE has announced today that the world’s largest jewellery maker, Pandora, has signed a lease for a new concept store in London within 70/88 Oxford Street, taking the retail space to 96% let.   Pandora will occupy the prime corner unit of the Oxford Street development, located directly opposite the Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line exit, on Dean Street. The renowned jewellery brand has acquired space across two floors, with fantastic double-height signage immediately visible from the station exit.  The new unit will be Pandora’s third on Oxford Street, but its first one east of Oxford Circus. Pandora will join

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.

Cooksongold commits to 100% Recycled Silver and Gold

Cooksongold, have made a 'precious' commitment to all their customers. Their full range of gold and silver bullion products are now made using 100% recycled precious metals. All of their gold and silver sheet, wire, tube and grain will be made using 100% recycled precious metals, fully traceable and equal in quality to unrecycled precious metals. The company have put into place that any future gold and silver bullion purchased will be 100% recycled and supplied with a card of authenticity to ensure that as a jewellery manufacturer or maker, you can ensure to your clients that that the pieces you make are eco-friendly. www.cooksongold.com

Digital Craft Festival 2020

Digital Craft Festival 2020 27th - 29th November 2020 Online 3 Day event, online. 150 of the finest maker are busy making new work to present to you over the weekend of November 27-29th at Digital Craft Festival. The programme will be announced next week where we reveal the full collection and all the activities to immerse yourself in craft and making.  You can follow our progress over on  Facebook  and  Instagram . Here is a preview of some of our makers from Digital Craft Festival  www.craftfestival.co.uk

Shine 2020

Shine 2020 The Goldsmiths’ Centre Part of London Craft Week: 18th September – 22nd December 2020 Shine 2020, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s annual new talent showcase in jewellery and silversmithing, returns this year as a digital-only event, in response to our changed circumstances and consumer patterns. Celebrating up and coming UK designer makers, it will present eleven new collections hand-picked for their originality and quality. Each maker will be supported through an intensive online skills training programme, delivered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre, and designed to get them market ready for the online opening on 17th September 2020. Shine 2020 provides a

20 Years in the Making

20 Years in the Making 27 April - 22 June 2024 Part of Craft Festival’s 20-year celebration Amazingly, Craft Festival has been going for 20 years. What started as a small project with 2000 visitors in Bovey Tracey has grown into the fantastic, diverse and vibrant event it now is, shaping the town where it started into the ‘Capital of Craft’, spreading the word to Cheltenham, Cardiff and online, and perhaps even transforming our views of making to appreciate the handmade that little bit more. In recognition of this, Sarah James, Director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker, was

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019 23 September – 6 October 2019 Goldsmiths’ Hall, London Goldsmiths’ Fair, organised by  The Goldsmiths’ Company , is recognised internationally as the premier showcase in the UK for contemporary designer jewellery and silver.  It’s a celebration of the best of British goldsmithing and silversmithing talent and a treasure trove of creativity, design innovation and superb craftsmanship. Over two weeks, this unique public event draws collectors, design lovers and luxury shoppers to the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall to browse the latest collections of the most exciting contemporary design talent in Britain.  Visitors can buy directly from the maker or commission personal

Designer Sophie Breitmeyer launches new website

Jewellery designer and maker Sophie Breitmeyer has launched her new website, with the tag line ‘the modern-day family jeweller’. With her ancestry steeped in jewellery heritage, the re-positioning of her brand hails back to days gone by when families had one go-to trusted family jeweller. The website is clean, bright and owns a photomontage appeal reflecting her own modernity in jewellery design and style, and acts as both an ecommerce site as well as offering a comprehensive portfolio of work to commission and work up bespoke designs from. Breitmeyer’s great-grandfather was one of the founding members of De Beers, and

Cooksongold is stockist of Europe’s largest Fairtrade gold range

Multi-channel retailer Cooksongold, the UK’s largest one-stop shop for the jewellery maker, has recently added 9ct Fairtrade Gold to its range of Fairtrade Gold products, meaning it now stocks the largest range of Fairtrade Gold in Europe. Fairtrade Gold ensures small-scale and artisanal miners are paid a fair price and receive an extra amount of money to invest in building the future of their families and their communities, through education, clean water and healthcare. The Fairtrade Gold Standards include strict requirements on working conditions, health and safety, handling chemicals, women’s rights, child labour and protection of the environment. Cooksongold became

Tweet

Tweet 16th March - 22nd June 2019 The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Leeds, West Yorkshire Makers inspired by the beauty of birds come together in this remarkable display of jewellery, ceramics, stone, wood and works in mixed media.  Each maker translates their inspirations into unique handmade creations for you to own or admire. Jewellery Sally Ayling Sally’s jewellery is inspired by nature, in particular birds.  The graphic images from field-guide books and wildlife illustrations, ordinance survey maps, charming old packaging, classic industrial design and many other bits and pieces Sally sees on her travels.  Sally enjoys using unconventional materials

Turquoise Mountain Announce New Collaboration with Sima Vaziry

Turquoise Mountain was established in 2006 at the behest of HRH the Prince of Wales and they now work in Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Middle East. Turquoise Mountain, a British not-for-profit organization, aims to support traditional Afghan craft by connecting artisan businesses with designers and retailers across the globe. This latest collaboration unites Sima Vaziry, an award-winning jewellery designer and maker based in London, with Afghan jewellery businesses based in Kabul. Afghanistan’s population is made up of several ethnic groups or tribes. Despite these tribes collectively residing in the region for hundreds of years they each have their own distinctive

Diana Porter Jewellery Celebrates 25 Years

This month award winning jeweller, UK Jewellery Designer of the year 1999, Diana Porter is celebrating her 25 th  year as a designer maker. To mark this special anniversary, she is launching a range of new Sibyls to add to her popular original collection. Diana focused her time at college on inequality within the arts. She researched ancient images of strong women and these stylised women pendants, which she called Sibyls developed from this. Her degree work was about women and empowerment and she designed the Sibyls with words to give the wearer something positive to focus on.  The 21

The Handmade Fair 2017

The Handmade Fair is brought to you by Kirstie Allsopp and is all about appreciating the beauty of handmade, and learning the skills to become a maker yourself. Whether your day at the Fair teaches you how to make something yourself, upcycle a piece you already own, or if you buy it from an expert, it’s here to help everyone to make their life a little more beautiful. The Shopping Villages are full to the brim with handmade products of the highest quality, brought to you by our hand-picked and incredibly talented makers, along with an enviable range of tools

Evgeniia Balashova to Showcase Collection of Unique 3D Printed Jewellery at Sieraad Art Fair

Contemporary jewellery designer and maker Evgeniia Balashova will present a collection of striking 3d printed and precious metal jewellery during the 17th edition of Sieraad Art Fair, taking place in Amsterdam 8-11 November. Evgeniia’s intriguing designs combine 3D printing technology and traditional jewellery techniques as a means of exploring the theme of balance between chaos and order.  Evgeniia’s works have previously been exhibited in the UK and internationally and this year will be shown at Sieraad Art Fair for the first time. Her innovative approach to making pushes the possibilities of 3d printed nylon - each piece is a careful

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival The first UK festival dedicated to craft and moving image, Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival returns to Picturehouse Central during London Craft Week from 8 - 10 May 2018 in its third edition. Produced by the Crafts Council and Crafts magazine, the festival presents an eclectic programme of shorts exploring our relationship with materials and making. Discover documentaries, maker profiles, music videos and hand-crafted animations from around the globe that celebrate craft in all its facets across two screenings on 8th and 9th May. A special event on 10th May delves

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

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival The first UK festival dedicated to craft and moving image, Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival returns to Picturehouse Central during London Craft Week from 8 - 10 May 2018 in its third edition. Produced by the Crafts Council and Crafts magazine, the festival presents an eclectic programme of shorts exploring our relationship with materials and making. Discover documentaries, maker profiles, music videos and hand-crafted animations from around the globe that celebrate craft in all its facets across two screenings on 8th and 9th May. A special event on 10th May delves

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival The first UK festival dedicated to craft and moving image, Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival returns to Picturehouse Central during London Craft Week from 8 - 10 May 2018 in its third edition. Produced by the Crafts Council and Crafts magazine, the festival presents an eclectic programme of shorts exploring our relationship with materials and making. Discover documentaries, maker profiles, music videos and hand-crafted animations from around the globe that celebrate craft in all its facets across two screenings on 8th and 9th May. A special event on 10th May delves

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

ADORE launches 2018 Spring Summer Collection

Contemporary fashion jewellery maker ADORE has launched its collection for the 2018 Spring-Summer seasons which promises a contemporary twist to ADORE'S trademark modern elegance. The collection includes on-trend ear crawlers and ear jackets, uniquely adjustable bracelets, statement rings and necklaces. It has been created with mixed crystal shapes in an array of colorful crystals inspired by  summer jewel tones – Rose gold with Indian Sapphire accents, Gold with hues of light topaz, and Rhodium with soft shades of blue and lilac. Within the collection is ADORE'S Signature Collection which can be worn as stand alone pieces or layers, fashioned in tri-tone

Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software

Donna Brennan Contemporary Presents Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software with Ann Marie Shillito International Jewellery Masterclasses 13 & 14 October 2018 This intensive Masterclass is geared to the requirements of jewellers, designer makers, applied artists and creative people who want to expand their business by taking advantage of 3D digital designing and 3D printing opportunities but find standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes very intimidating. Led by designer/maker/jeweller Ann Marie Shillito: author of the book ‘Digital Crafts – Industrial Technologies for Applied Artists & Designer Makers’. Ann Marie is CEO of Anarkik3D, which develops 3D modelling

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2017

Desire Fair @ Winchester 2017 Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  The fairs present highly talented exhibitors who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  See and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Visitors to Desire have often commented on how they welcome the opportunity of discussing a purchase direct with the maker, and listening to what inspires them in

'On the Surface' Exhibition Brings Jacqueline Ryan back to the Scottish Gallery after Twenty Years

Ten years on Italian time has done Jacqueline Ryan a wealth of good. The ambling pace of the sleepy Umbrian region of Italy is evident in the painstaking details of her work.  Today, 'On the Surface', opens- an exhibition that see's Jacquine Ryan return to the Scottish Gallery after 20 years, since  the seminal exhibition  Art Jewellery  by Jacqueline Ryan and Giovanni Corvaja A great source of inspiration for the maker is her own childhood, she recalls fondly trips to museums with her parents, where she would marvel at ancient objects and intricate technical equipment. Born of sketches from memory, and

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2018 - Part II

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2018 Week Two: 2 – 7 October 2018 Goldsmiths’ Fair, organised by  The Goldsmiths’ Company , is recognised internationally as the premier showcase in the UK for contemporary designer jewellery and silver.  It’s a celebration of the best of British goldsmithing and silversmithing talent and a treasure trove of creativity, design innovation and superb craftsmanship. Over two weeks, this unique public event draws collectors, design lovers and luxury shoppers to the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall to browse the latest collections of the most exciting contemporary design talent in Britain.  Visitors can buy directly from the maker or commission personal one-off pieces

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

Goldsmiths’ Fair Opens for its 36th Edition

The finest goldsmithing and silversmithing is all about innovation and refinement. An alchemy of technique and inspiration, forged through experimentation, and appealing to intellect and passion alike. The resulting treasures embody the rich narrative of craftsmanship, informed by the personality of the maker and the materials, and skilfully made into contemporary form. Now in its 36th year, Goldsmiths’ Fair has built a solid reputation as the foremost destination for precious metal fine jewellery and contemporary silver from the best independent designer craftsmen working in the UK today. More than ever the Fair is focused on contemporary design. The Fair’s recent

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

Ambitious designer Ruth Mary releases four collections for SS19

Young designer Ruth Mary has been making waves in the jewellery industry of late. Just this year, she was chosen as one of six international jewellery London Kickstarter winners, featured in the Guardian as one of its ‘Top 100 Businesses’ and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s ‘’Young Jewellery Designer of the Year’’.  Ruth’s passion was ignited at an antique fair, where her mother (a keen lace maker herself), pointed out   a curious object with a crochet hook called a tatting shuttle and suggested Ruth buy it. Ruth perfected her lace making, and then taught herself to silversmith in order to realise

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

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

Jewellery Surgery at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Jewellery Surgery at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Let us help you solve your technical and design problems 1 or 2 Day Course - Saturdays 10 and/or 17 Mar 2018 What will be taught? As a maker we all face challenges from time to time: We get stuck with our technical skills, progress or design development and wish we had someone to talk to and discuss it with! On this course you will have the possibility to get advise on the practical and design problems you come across when making jewellery. It will focus on your specific project, your work in

Kathy Kraus' VERTEX collection captures the city skline

Katharina Kraus is a fine jewellery designer and maker from Munich, Germany. She first graduated from the Berufsfachschule für Glas- und Schmuck, Neugablonz in 2007. In 2016 she graduated from the Städtische Meisterschule für das Gold- und Silberschmiedehandwerk in Munich with a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Katharina is currently completing her Master’s in Jewellery Design at the Central St. Martins University in London. With more than 10 years of experience in the luxury and jewellery sector Katharina is delighted to have launched her first fine jewellery collection this year.  Kathy’s graduate collection VERTEX, uses natural light reflection in custom-cut

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

Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software

Donna Brennan Contemporary Presents Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software International Jewellery Masterclasses 7 July - 8 July 2018 This intensive Masterclass is geared to the requirements of jewellers, designer makers, applied artists and creative people who want to expand their business by taking advantage of 3D digital designing and 3D printing opportunities but find standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes very intimidating. Led by designer/maker/jeweller Ann Marie Shillito: author of the book ‘Digital Crafts – Industrial Technologies for Applied Artists & Designer Makers’. Ann Marie is CEO of Anarkik3D, which develops 3D modelling software used in

Summer Open Studios 2017

The Sorting Office Summer Open Studios 2017 The Sorting Office will be opening their doors to the public once again for their annual Summer Open Studios event. Open Studios is the perfect chance for visitors to browse the vibrant studio spaces and buy an exquisite array of wares, expertly hand-crafted by local designer-makers. The 17 resident designer-makers will be on hand to welcome visitors, talk about their crafts and show off their work, while a selection of local artists and makers will also be setting up shop in our Production House for the event’s ever-popular Maker's Fair. A number of

ARTESANA i TRIBU Launches Ethical Range, KAIRO

Sana López Abellán is an anthropologist and jewellery maker from La Bisbal, Spain who has recently launched her new exlusive range of Jewellery. KAIRO is a collection of bold and colourful jewellery, based on West African textiles set in metal. This exclusive collection of jewellery is a true color explosion, expressive and fun! Each piece is centered around the prints of West African textiles, recovered from a tailor in Gambia, his leftovers now feature in these works of art. “Jewellery is a feature which all societies have in common. Even though its expression may be quite different, adornment is used in

Ortwin Thyssen Master Jewellery Makers to celebrate the business’ 10-Year Anniversary

Autumn leaves, secret keepers, archaic forms and Princess Cuts… these are just a few clues to the very special jewellery pieces, crafted by the makers at Ortwin Thyssen Master Jewellery Makers to celebrate the business’ 10-Year Anniversary. Local business owner and passionate artisan jewellery maker Ortwin Thyssen is asking the public to participate in the judging of these pieces. “This competition was designed to encourage each team member to challenge themselves in their own jewellery design and making skills. The pieces are very different and showcase our range of traditional ‘at-the-bench’ jewellery making skills and the artistic creativity that we

GSFA 2016 | April Doubleday | Fairtrade Gold Mining in Colombia

April Doubleday is an Ethical deigner/maker of Contemporary Jewellery, living on the North Coast of Devon. She uses the coastline, rock formations and the sea as inspiration for her designs. Her Jewellery is bold and energetic using line, form and colour where every piece is given its own sense of creation and individuality of its own.  April's vision of her company is to strive for complete transparency throughout her business. This transparency spreads from her sourcing of precious metal suppliers and gemstones to the design process with clients. April is committed to ensuring she uses suppliers that have social and

The Handmade Fair 2017

The Handmade Fair is brought to you by Kirstie Allsopp and is all about appreciating the beauty of handmade, and learning the skills to become a maker yourself. Whether your day at the Fair teaches you how to make something yourself, upcycle a piece you already own, or if you buy it from an expert, it’s here to help everyone to make their life a little more beautiful. The Shopping Villages are full to the brim with handmade products of the highest quality, brought to you by our hand-picked and incredibly talented makers, along with an enviable range of tools

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Habitats, Alloy Jewellers

Habitats:  An exhibition by Alloy Jewellers at the Courtyard Hereford Centre for the Arts  The Courtyard Hereford Centre for the Arts will be hosting a group exhibition by twelve members of Alloy Jewellers. Entitled ‘Habitats’ this exhibition takes as it’s starting point from a poem by a local writer, Omar Majeed,  describing the countryside and animal habitats within it. Each of the contributing artists took a section of this poem as their inspiration. The brief was to produce a piece or body of work that would give each maker an opportunity to expand their existing skills, maybe taking them outside

MA Summer Show Camberwell College of Arts 2017

MA Summer Show 2017 Camberwell College of Arts Camberwell College of Arts Postgraduate Summer Show 2017 Catch the up and coming artists and designers of tomorrow at the Camberwell College of Arts Summer Show, featuring work by graduating students from the MA Visual Arts courses: MA Book Arts MA Designer Maker MA Fine Art Digital MA Illustration MA Printmaking Dates Private View: 6 - 9pm , Thursday 13 July 2017 Open to the public: Saturday 15 July, 11am - 5pm Monday 17, 10am - 8pm Tuesday 18 July, 10am - 8pm Wednesday 19 July, 10am - 5pm Venue Camberwell College

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

Museum of London & Craft Central Christmas Pop-Up

The Museum of London shop and designer-maker charity Craft Central have teamed up for the first time to create a special pop-up store for Christmas. The collaboration will offer shoppers a festive destination to buy original, stylish and handcrafted gifts for friends and family. Opening on 14th November, the pop-up will feature 10 independent designer-makers, specially selected by the Museum and Craft Central, selling handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, stationery, homewares, prints and paper craft all made in the UK with most made in London. For more original gifts, browse the Museum of London shop for a number of exclusive products including

RJC Hosts Its First Ever Open Day In Birmingham

Last week, the RJC held its very first Open Day  in  Birmingham.   The newly built Birmingham Assay Office located in the Jewellery Quarter, played host to the event where attendees gathered to hear more about the commercial relevance and necessity of RJC membership and certification in today’s jewellery industry. Attendees heard from a panel of industry experts that consisted of David Lewis, Managing Director of Maker Mends (RJC member since 2011);   Himesh  Pala, Managing Director of Pala Diamond Company Ltd (RJC member since 2011) and Gary  Wroe , Managing Director of Hockley Mint Ltd (RJC member since 2013). The panel

Fera Jewellery Launches Animii Collection

Jo Gordon, the designer maker behind FERA Jewellery has announced the official launch of her formal debut collection for the brand she first c reated in 2014. Jo graduated from the prestigious School of Jewellery in 2014 where she first be gan to make and sell her jewellery  whilst studying traditional jewellery making techniq ues , winning  numerous industry awards for her designs .  Jo is a nomadic  and inquisitive  soul and  spends much of her time travelling the globe, searching for adventure and inspiration.  Currently living the island life in Bali, she can otherwise been found sourcing precious stones

Heritage Crafts Award Winners Announced

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

DECIMUS

DECIMUS  - Salon Privé Hosted by The Goldsmiths’ Centre Held in the beautiful Exhibition Rooms, DECIMUS are staging an invitation only Salon Privé on 16th and 17th November 2017 at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell, London. The event is a perfect opportunity for clients to enjoy the Goldsmiths’ Centre, meet a talented group of designers and try on their jewellery in the lead up to Christmas.  All artists will be available to discuss their work, design techniques and background stories. DECIMUS is a collective of 10 award-winning designers, selected for their individuality, unique design and the high quality of their

Opportunities knock for youngsters at BAJ event

Soon to be graduates of the British Academy of Jewellery will get their chance to impress movers and shakers in the British jewellery industry at a special networking event where dreams could turn into reality for the next generation of jewellers looking to progress. A group of trade members, doubling up as potential employers, are being invited to meet the students and their teachers over lunch where they can discuss the BAJ's apprenticeship programme and the funding before they are given a tour of the workshops to find out more about the training. Students of the “Preparation for the Jewellery

Open Studios: 401 ½ Studios

401½ are pleased to offer a warm welcome for pre-Christmas shopping or browsing and a chance to meet and chat with makers about their work. The artists and makers at 401½ studios are opening their doors once more this November, giving visitors the opportunity to view and buy from a vast array of different crafts and arts. This year they are excited to have been joined by a number of new members who will be opening their studios for the first time. On the 19th - 20th November, 11am-5pm, Studio 401 ½ throw open the doors to their South London

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,

Artists Announced for Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2021

The Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2021 awardees are announced as Anna Berry, Cecilia Charlton, Jahday Ford, Vicky Higginson and Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell. These outstanding early-career artists and makers will create five new commissions for display at Jerwood Space in London before going on a national tour throughout 2022-2023, travelling from Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange in Cornwall to Aberdeen Art Gallery in the North East of Scotland. The artists were selected from over 500 applications by an independent panel comprising: Yinka Ilori, artist and designer; Junko Mori, artist maker in metal; Dame Magdalene Odundo, potter; Christine Rew, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Manager; and Harriet Cooper, Head of Visual

Collect 2021 Talks Programme

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

Sp-Ring Exhibition @ Anne Morgan Jewellery

Sp-Ring Exhibition Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth, Wales 14 February - 31 May 2020 Exclusive contemporary jewellery exhibition showcases cutting edge alternative engagement and wedding rings from UK designer/makers this February. This February 14th sees the return of the annual Sp-Ring exhibition at Anne Morgan Jewellery. An award winning contemporary jewellery maker in her own right Anne also owns and runs her beautiful shop and gallery in Penarth, in the Vale of Glamorgan. Now in its third year, the exhibition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing high-end work from some of the UK’s most celebrated and visionary independent jewellery designers.

Ruth Brown Jewellery Pop Up

Pop Up: LDN 65a Sheen Lane, London 10 - 23 August 2018 ‘Pop Up: LDN’ in Mortlake showcases innovative work by new and emerging makers across various design disciplines. This August, Glaswegian Jewellery Designer/ Maker Ruth Brown will bring together a curated selection of new work by independent designers across a range of disciplines. Alongside Ruth’s own jewellery collection, the Pop Up will show a diverse range of work by designers: Douglas Pattison (Graphic Design and Illustration); Claire Scott (Ceramics); Aillie Anderson, Dominika Kupcova, Ellys Woods, Odette Jewellery, Shona Dobie, Sophie Daw, and Zoe Rogers (Jewellery and Silversmithing). A recent graduate

Creative Stars Join London Craft Week at Official Opening

This week more than 500 artists, designers, makers, artisans, collectors and patrons of craft descended on the V&A to celebrate the beginning of London Craft Week 2017, which takes place across London from 3 - 7 May. Notable guests in attendance on the night included Hussein Chalayan, Johnny Coca, Tom Dixon, Stephen Jones OBE, Bill Amberg, Lady Carol Bamford and Azzi Glasser plus various international stars including Korean artist Do Ho Suh, Hong Kong designer Elaine Yan Ling Ng and third generation Spanish guitar maker, Felipe Conde.  Award-winning fashion designer Hussein Chalayan presented acclaimed potter Edmund de Waal with the

Winter Jewels

Winter Jewels 2024 Free entry to the exhibition 27 November – 5 January 2025 We are pleased to welcome back the ACJ (Association for Contemporary Jewellery) Wessex group of local jewellers for their 12th annual Christmas selling exhibition at the Gardens. Come and meet the talented jewellers in person and see what new designs have been created in their individual studios throughout the year. Their popular prize draw will be returning too, with the opportunity to win £100 to spend on jewellery at the exhibition. 27 November – 5 January 2025, 10am – 4pm* Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Jermyns Lane

Goldsmiths Fair 2025

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths Fair 2025 Applications For Goldsmiths’ Fair 2025 are open from 6 January to 28 February 2025. Dates of Goldsmiths’ Fair 2025 Week One: 23-28 September | Week Two: 30 September – 5 October 2025 Application Criteria Applicants must meet the following criteria for their application to be considered: Not in full-time education at time of application (excluding studies for UK Level 8 qualifications – PhD, DPhil, level 8 diplomas, etc.) Is a UK resident, spending 183 days or more in the UK in the tax year Employing 6 people or fewer at the bench Be available

Goldsmiths' Fair 2023

Goldmsiths' Fair 2023 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Week One: 26 September to 1 October | Week Two: 3 October to 8 October 2023 Goldsmiths’ Fair, The Goldsmiths’ Company’s annual selling event for independently made fine jewellery and silver, has today announced the 136 craftspeople who will be exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the City of London, from 26 September until 8 October. For more than 40 years, Goldsmiths’ Fair has provided both private collectors and international museums and collections with the opportunity to meet with, and buy pieces from, the most talented independent silversmiths and jewellers working in the

In:Site 2024

In:Site Cathedral Square, Birmingham 21 – 24 May 2024 11am­-4.30pm Free. Drop in. Over 4 days, 14 recently graduated artists will work with people passing by to create new artworks in Cathedral Square. Showcasing the work of art, craft and design graduates from across the UK and bringing the work of emerging artists to new audiences. Come and meet the artists and take part in their workshops which, this year, explore themes of care. Everyone is welcome and it is free to watch and take part. The artworks created with the public will be on display inside the Cathedral and

Jewelry in a Duet

Laura Volpi’s work is a synthesis of energy, research and matter that takes shape through the elaboration of visual stimuli from our contemporaneity, to create jewels that reveal each a different part of her creative storytelling. She conducts an accurate study of volume and a research of the sculptural shape, to create a jewel that explores the boundaries of movement in a wearable dimension writes Ilaria Ruggiero. She was first influenced by Davide De Paoli, who initiated her to the potentialities of plate sculpture, and by Arnaldo Pomodoro, whom she could meet through a scholarship. During the collaboration with Pomodoro, which

Workshops/ Showrooms To Let St John’s Square

Workshops / Showrooms To Let St John’s Square Two characterful workshops / showroom spaces are available near St John’s Square, Clerkenwell not far from Hatton Garden and The Goldsmith’s Centre. The spaces are currently configured as offices but would make ideal spaces for jewellery businesses requiring space to meet clients along with workshop facilities. Facilities Access is 24/7 The self-contained spaces have air-conditioning Each space has a tea point The ground floor / basement unit has laminated glass (jewellers’ glass) in all of the windows. There is a sophisticated alarm installed in the ground floor and basement unit that is

MAD About Jewelry

MAD About Jewelry 5 - 8 May 2024 Museum of Arts and Design 2 Columbus CircleNew York, NY, 10019 United States Museum of Arts and Design will present   MAD About Jewelry ,  its annual benefit sale of contemporary jewelry featuring designs from 50 emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists. MAD About Jewelry   has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, where collectors and jewelry enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field. MAD About Jewelry is free with Museum admission. MAD About

Goldsmiths North 2022

Goldsmiths North 2019 Contemporary Silverware & Jewellery Selling Fair 12 -14 July 2019 Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield A contemporary silverware & jewellery fair hosted in the magnificent Cutlers Hall, Sheffield. The Fair Goldsmiths North is a new annual summer selling fair bringing the finest contemporary Silverware & Jewellery to the North of England, hosted in the magnificent Cutlers’ Hall in the heart of Sheffield. Visitors to the Fair will have the opportunity to meet and buy from 70 independent makers from all over the UK. Our exhibitors are all independent makers at the top of their game and represent some of

Bench to Rent in Goldsmiths’ Centre Workshop

Bench to Rent in Goldsmiths’ Centre Workshop We have a bench space available to rent in our spacious studio workshop. The workshop is in the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Britton Street, London (2 minutes walk from Farringdon Station) and very close to Hatton Garden. The Goldsmiths’ Centre is a fantastic building, and workshop space is very sought after. It is a great place to meet with clients – the atrium with receptionist provides an impressive welcome into the building and it also has an onsite café. The bench to rent, includes use of workshop tools, including polishing machine & rolling mill. The

Lead Goldsmith, Queensmith - Hatton Garden, London

Lead Goldsmith Queensmith Hatton Garden, London Culture & Values At Queensmith, we understand that our greatest asset is our exceptional team. As a Lead Goldsmith, you are pivotal in setting the benchmark for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation within our workshops. You lead the mounting team, inspire confidence, and elevate technical expertise to meet our uncompromising standards and ensure QC standards are met each and every single time. Collaborating closely with the Head of Workshop Operations and the Head of Workshop L&D, you contribute to training programmes, masterclasses, and skill development initiatives. Your work upholds the highest levels of craftsmanship and

Top Drawer 2023

Top Drawer 2023 - S/S Edition Olympia, London 15 - 17 January 2023 Held in the heart of London, Top Drawer is the UK's leading design-led trade show, carefully curated with buyers in mind. Join us at Olympia London on 15-17 January for the S/S edition. More than just a retail tradeshow, Top Drawer is where tastemakers meet to connect, discover, buy, sell, explore and learn. Top Drawer is created to put you in touch with the newest design stories from emerging brands and established names showcasing new design-led products from all corners of the lifestyle spectrum. Combined with tips and trips to

Goldsmiths' Fair 2024

Goldmsiths' Fair 2024 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Week One: 24-29 September | Week Two: 1-6 October 2024 For more than four decades, Goldsmiths’ Fair has brought together some of the UK’s best contemporary jewellers and silversmiths, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to buy directly from makers and to discuss their skills, practices and inspirations. It is widely regarded as an essential stop in the international fine jewellery and contemporary silver events calendar. For more than 40 years, Goldsmiths’ Fair has provided both private collectors and international museums and collections with the opportunity to meet with, and buy pieces from, the

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,

Orkney’s Alison Moore Designs Wins Second Platinum Trusted Service Award

Orkney jewellery business  Alison Moore Designs  has won a second Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award – an independent seal of excellence recognising companies that deliver exceptional customer experiences. Trusted Service status is awarded to firms using online reviews site Feefo to collect genuine feedback and insights from shoppers. Sellers who meet the high standard, based on the number of reviews they have collected and their average rating, receive the award. As all reviews on Feefo are verified as genuine – the company matches feedback to legitimate transactions - the accreditation is seen as a true reflection of a business’ commitment

Top Drawer 2025 - S/S Edition

Top Drawer 2025 - S/S Edition 12 -14 January 2025 Olympia, London More than just a retail tradeshow, Top Drawer is where tastemakers meet to connect, discover, buy, sell and learn. Top Drawer is created to put you in touch with the newest designs from emerging brands and established names showcasing new design-led products from all corners of the lifestyle spectrum. Combined with tips and trips to navigate the changing retail landscape, our invited line-up of inspirational speakers will tackle the industry’s struggles head on. www.topdrawer.co.uk

Cockpit Summer Festival

Taking place over two weekends – 10-12 June in Bloomsbury and 17-19 June in Deptford  -  Cockpit Summer Festival and Open Studios will be a joyous, experience of all things making. Cockpit is home to some of the most exciting makers in the world. Spanning every kind of craft, the Cockpit makers are united by their extraordinary skill and imagination.   With free entry , Cockpit Summer Festival and Open Studios is a chance to experience craft, meet with makers in their studios and buy their products direct - and enjoy a great day out. Go behind the scenes and into

Cockpit Makers Market - Bloomsbury

Cockpit Makers Market - Bloomsbury 25 - 27 November 2022 Home to over 150 makers, Cockpit is a hotspot for discovering creative talent. Cockpit Makers’ Market is a unique opportunity to meet and buy direct from the makers’ own studios and source one-of-a-kind gifts that are truly locally-produced. From collectible artworks and fine jewellery to readily affordable stocking fillers, Cockpit Makers’ Market offers gifts for a wide range of budgets; smashing any preconception that high-end craft is just for those with deep pockets. Cockpit Bloomsbury Cockpit Yard Northington Street London WC1N 2NP cockpitstudios.org

Pure London x JATC 2024

Pure London x JATC   11 - 13 February 2024 Kensington Olympia We bring together the brightest minds in the industry twice a year to showcase the best must-have collections, discover the latest trends, get exclusive business insight, and make all-important international connections. Pure London x JATC provides a global platform for brands and designers to meet with buyers that matter the most to their business and connect. Join the next edition as we arrive back at the iconic Kensington Olympia in London, 11-13 February 2024. www.purelondon.com

Open Days at West Dean

Open Days at West Dean Saturday 8 February 2020 West Dan College, Chichester Book your place at open day and see for yourself why 97% of students would recommenstudying at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation (2018 student survey). A visit to the College is the perfect opportunity to: Meet the tutors and discuss study options See the large studios, workshops and  brand new  science facilities Tour the student accommodation and library Chat with current students about student life and what it's really like to study here Explore the historic interiors used for site-specific work Find out more about

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen

Scotland’s Annual Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold Pops Up in Aberdeen The highly successful Elements Festival – Scotland’s biggest celebration of jewellery, silver and gold – is staging its first ever event in Aberdeen this weekend. While most of this year’s festival is digital, due to COVID-19, a series of pop-ups are taking place which will allow people to meet some of the finest emerging and established designers and makers from Scotland and the rest of the UK.   This Saturday and Sunday Aberdeen Art Gallery will be hosting four Scottish makers selected for this year’s festival: Christina Hirst

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

H S Walsh & Sons present Elma Clean EC55 Ultrasonic Solution, proven to be effective against Covid 19

As the jewellery and watch trade looks to re-open to the public, H S Walsh are pleased to exclusively add Elma’s ultrasonic fluid Elma Clean EC55 – HF7055, proven to be effective against Coronavirus, to their range of cleaning solutions. With the Government go-ahead for non-essential retail to re-open from the 15 June, many businesses are making careful preparations to meet the guidelines for ensuring the safety of both staff and customers. One of the key areas to consider is the effective cleaning of retail stock or items for repair. Andrew Willgress, Walsh’s Chief Horological Buyer says: “Jewellery and watches, by their very nature have

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Deptford

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Deptford 2 - 3 December 2023 Cockpit is a centre for excellence in craft, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. We are an award-winning social enterprise, home to 160 independent creative businesses in London. Twice a year we open our doors to the public, for the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most celebrated craftspeople in their studios. Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, this is a rare authentic glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear first-hand about their inspiration, process and the often meandering journeys they’ve been

Goldsmiths North 2024

Goldsmiths North 2024 Contemporary Silverware & Jewellery Selling Fair 12 -14 July 2024 Cutlers’ Hall, Sheffield An international shopping experience bringing the finest contemporary Silverware & Jewellery from the UK and Europe to the North of England, hosted in the magnificent Cutlers’ Hall in the heart of Sheffield. The Fair Goldsmiths North is a summer shopping experience bringing the finest contemporary Silverware & Jewellery to the North of England, hosted in the magnificent Cutlers’ Hall in the heart of Sheffield. Visitors to the Fair will have the opportunity to meet and buy from over 50 independent makers from all over

Scotland’s annual festival of gold, silver and jewellery is set to sparkle

Elements - Scotland’s only festival celebrating the very best in gold, silver and jewellery – begins tomorrow, bringing a weekend of unparalleled sparkle to Edinburgh.   It will feature a spectacular exhibition of   award-winning work from the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition – being showcased in Scotland for the first time.   There will also be workshops and expert talks.  But the highlight for many will be a selling fair where visitors can meet close to 50 superb makers from all across Scotland and the rest of the UK who will be showing wonderful designer gold, silver

A gift, an idea and some generosity

Benchpeg has met Ebba Goring a few times now. She has a generosity of spirit which shines through as soon as you meet her. You can feel the warmth of personality she emits as you approach her to say hello. She’s also a fiercely intelligent woman which is conveyed through carefully considered words, a warm countenance and an extraordinary vision for what could be. But she’s also a person of action, and these attributes very rarely collide in a single person. As CEO of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) she is in an enviable leadership position within an entire country

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,

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Bloomsbury

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Bloomsbury An Open Studios event from London’s leading makers 23 - 26 November 2023 Cockpit is a centre for excellence in craft, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. We are an award-winning social enterprise, home to 160 independent creative businesses in London. Twice a year we open our doors to the public, for the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most celebrated craftspeople in their studios. Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, this is a rare authentic glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear first-hand about their inspiration, process

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

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2020

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show  Wan Chai, Hong Kong 4 - 8 March 2020 The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is the perfect stop for international and regional jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, buyers and designers to meet and tap into the global markets. This sparkling event features themed zones showcasing magnificent finished jewellery products. Major exhibit categories include antique jewellery, brand name watches & clocks, fine jewellery, finished jewellery, IT solutions for Jewellery, jade jewellery, jewellery accessories, jewellery display and packaging material, jewellery tools and equipment as well as silver jewellery. Dates 4 - 7 March 10am -

Houlden Group Welcomes New Member Deacon & Son at 42nd London Event

The Houlden Group have announced that the premium retailer, Deacon & Son, will join as a new member as of March 1. The news was revealed this week at the Group’s successful two-day London Event 2018 for members and suppliers. Now in its sixth generation, Deacon & Son, the highly respected independent family business, was founded as a jewellery, watch and clockmakers in 1848 and now runs four stores across Swindon, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Richard Deacon, Managing Director of Deacon & Son, who attended the event commented: “The reason we joined to meet up with likeminded people with the same

Appointment: Scott Williams Appointed NAJ’s New Head of Membership

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has appointed Scott Williams, previously the association’s Membership Services Officer, to fulfil the Head of Membership position. Scott will lead the Membership team based in the Birmingham office and travel across the UK to raise awareness of the association and its services. NAJ Chairman, Simon Johnson commented: “Since joining the association Scott has streamlined the administration process in the Membership department, his due diligence and sparkling personality have gone down well with members. Having excelled in his previous role, we are thrilled to offer Scott the opportunity to lead the Membership team and meet

Winter Market @ The Forge

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

Open Studios: 401 ½ Studios

401½ are pleased to offer a warm welcome for pre-Christmas shopping or browsing and a chance to meet and chat with makers about their work. The artists and makers at 401½ studios are opening their doors once more this November, giving visitors the opportunity to view and buy from a vast array of different crafts and arts.  401 1/2 Studios is a happy industrious warehouse space in South London, the creative home of an eclectic mix of contemporary artists, designers and craftspeople.  Once a year we open our doors to those curious minds who want to explore the studios and

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

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

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

Loot 2018

Loot: Mad About Jewelry The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) will yet again present LOOT: MAD About Jewelry, its annual five-day exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewelry, with all proceeds benefiting the Museum’s programs and exhibitions.  Now in its 18th edition, LOOT remains the only event in North America to provide the public with the opportunity to meet and directly acquire contemporary pieces from the most skilled, innovative, and creative jewelry artists working globally today. Open to the public from April 17 through April 21, this year’s LOOT features a curated selection of jewelry by thirty-five international emerging

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL The Women’s Jewellery Network (WJN), a new organisation designed to connect, grow and inspire women in the industry, will make its debut at International Jewellery London (IJL) in September. The WJN aims to create a UK-wide network of women working across all sectors of the UK jewellery and watch trades, providing career advice and business networking opportunities. It will launch as a membership platform with access to online support and resources, strengthened with seasonal meet-ups and events to connect women with their peers in the trade. While the full concept will be unveiled

Jewellery community members flock from all over the country to attend Make Your Mark 2019

On Tuesday, Goldsmiths’ Hall opened its doors to the jewellery community for its first major networking event of the year. Designers, makers and students alike flocked to London from across the country to attend a range of talks and demonstrations. It was heartening to meet with so many people, both established and emerging, within the trade. The talks programme was ever-popular, providing invaluable advice and insight from a range of speakers, including Bobby and Tommy White, Jos Skeates, Gary Williamson and Jo Bride; as well as a select few of insiders from the Goldsmiths’ Company. The topics were carefully curated

Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen Show 2019

Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen Show 2019 9th & 10th November 2019 Stockbridge Town Hall, Hampshire The H&B Guild return to this spacious and interesting venue along the vibrant Stockbridge High Street. They will be joined by guest artists Jules Hogen (Designer Knitwear), Kathryn Greene (Textile Designer) and Reuben Goadby (Hand-carved Spoons in a range of unusual wood). Come along and meet the makers to gain insight into their skills and specialised techniques… The Guild is a group of craftsmen and women who have a common interest in maintaining the design and manufacturing skills required to produce the highest

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018 Now in its 11th year, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is the North’s largest and most established annual celebration of contemporary craft. Set in a Grade 2 Victorian market building in the heart of Manchester on Deansgate, this award-winning event hosts over 150 of the UK’s finest designer-makers and craft artists.  All exhibitors taking part have been specially selected for their excellence, with jewellery, interior and fashion textiles, ceramics, glass, furniture, print and more on show. Meet and talk to the makers and discover the inspiration and stories behind their work. This is

Craft Festival Cardiff 2019

Craft Festival Cardiff  1 - 3 November 2019 City Hall, Cardiff This will be our 5th year at City Hall, Cardiff and you can meet over 130 of the UK's finest designers makers over two floors, in the heart of Wales' capital city. As well as meeting the makers, there are workshops for all ages, craft demonstrations and the great cafe. 10 Reasons to Visit Craft Festival Cardiff Reason #1 Craft Festival Cardiff is Wales’s largest Contemporary Craft Festival presenting over 140 of the finest, award-winning makers from all over Wales and the UK. Shop for ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture,

Fei Liu Launches New Website

Fei Liu Fine Jewellery is continuing to enhance its brand presence with the launching of their new website to meet international demand. Fei Liu Fine Jewellery is continuing to enhance its brand presence with the launching of their new website. The new Fei Liu Fine Jewellery website focuses on easy navigation and an engaging customer journey. The essence of the brand is reflected by the sophisticated imagery, which illustrates their elegant portfolio of fine jewellery. Under the new domain www.feiliufinejewellery.com , the new website is sleek with clean aesthetics, which showcases the brand’s portfolio of luxury and accessible jewellery. Its

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2019 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2019 - Deptford 18-22 Creekside London, SE8 3DZ 21 - 23 June 2019 Cockpit Arts is open over two weekends for a midsummer celebration; visit for a glimpse behind the studio doors and a chance to buy direct from London’s best independent makers, alongside demonstrations, workshops and a secret postcard sale. Meet over 140 different craftspeople during the two weekend openings at Cockpit Arts’ studios; located in Holborn, at the heart of Bloomsbury and in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford. Open Studios is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the public, making

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

Welcome to The Spring Garden Party

What would Spring be without the excitement of fresh blooms and buds poking their heads through making our weekend walks vibrant and pretty? Well, it looks like this season, designers are taking the excitement of nature and putting it right at the very heart of their runway designs. Flowers of all shapes, sizes, colours and textures were in abundance across the runways, adorning the models like draped vines of wild garden bundles. From small, delicate and dainty blossom to bold and dramatic oversized fauna, there's a take on this spring garden trend to meet the style and personality of everyone.

Corrinne Eira Evans Opens new gallery shop

Award winning jeweller Corrinne Eira Evans and her talented painter partner, Olly Oliver, have opened up a handmade lifestyle gallery shop in the up and coming Victorian Arcade in Okehampton, Devon.  The historic building has become a hive of indie activity in recent months, with other small businesses opening up there.  On entering Moon & Moor you are meet with the soft aroma of handmade soaps, a homely room full of indoor plants, cacti, objects of curiosity, and a wealth of handmade pieces and original art adorning the walls. The pair are also passionate about skill-sharing. As well as a

Art& Show 2019

art& show 2019 25 - 27 October 2019 York Racecourse Knavesmire Stand, North Yorkshire art& show 2019 is a fantastic opportunity for collectors, buyers, art lovers and anyone else who is interested in meeting artists and buying unique art works to come along to this friendly, accessible and affordable show. Set over 3-days the art& show has over 120 artists work for sale & commission from a wide price range of £10-£10,000+. Its a chance to actually meet the artists, talk to them about their work and inspirations and buy and commission direct. Artists taking part in the show pay

Yorkshire Artspace Open Studios

Yorkshire Artspace Open Studios Open studios is our special, once a year opportunity for you to meet artists and makers in their studios, get geeky about tools and materials, see work in progress that is destined for national and international audiences and maybe leave with a special purchase. We are looking forward to welcoming you. We have 170 artists in our studios now and most of them will be throwing open their doors during the weekend of November 17th,18th and 19th. With that number of studios to visit you may want to curate your visit in advance using Our Artists

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch Celebrating Contemporary British Fine Metalwork 17 October 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham Please join us at the launch of the innovative new ebook Making Form: Contemporary British Fine Metalwork. During the event you will have the chance to hear, question and meet some of the internationally renowned designer-makers who feature in the book. The event special is part of the Talking Practice lecture series at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery, to be held between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday 17 October. A BCU e-book by Kenneth Quickenden and Lee Hewett, entitled Making

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

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

Loot 2019

Loot: Mad About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, USA 8 – 13 April 2019 The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) presents the nineteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelry , its annual exhibition and sale of one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry. Open to the public April 9 through April 13, following the Opening Benefit on April 8, LOOT 2019 showcases the work of fifty-five emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists and designers, most of whom have never been shown in New York. The event provides the rare opportunity for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts to meet and acquire

The London Artisan 2019

Call for Applications: The London Artisan 19 & 20 October 2019 Old Truman Brewery, London 'The best place to meet and buy unique products from Designer Makers' The London Artisan is a curated marketplace in the heart of East London. Taking place on a quarterly basis throughout the year, this Spring we bring 60 contemporary designer makers to Old Truman Brewery for a two-day shopping event like no other. The London Artisan offers a diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. But more than that, it’s about people and place; meeting the makers, conversation with friends and

Appointment: Michael Prideaux elected as Prime Warden for 2018-19

Each year, four Assistants at the Goldsmiths' Company are elected to become Wardens, who meet regularly and act as the Company's executive committee. The senior warden is known as the Prime Warden and serves for a year, changing over in May. Michael Prideaux has been elected as Prime Warden for 2018-19. Michael spent much of his executive career at British American Tobacco, where he was a member of the Management Board and responsible for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs from 1998 - 2012.  He joined B.A.T.  Industries, then a diversified conglomerate spanning tobacco, financial services, retailing and paper and pulp in

CFE Manufacturers Trade Show

The CFE Manufacturers Trade Show The CFE Manufacturers Trade Show is the sourcing event for fashion businesses looking to connect with high-end production units and supporting services. Come and meet our array of exhibitors, including manufacturers, pattern cutters, fashion software and embroidery services, that cater to smaller scale quantities for fashion entrepreneurs. The Centre for Fashion Enterprise is London’s pioneering Fashion and FashTech business incubator whose purpose is to fast-track designers and entrepreneurs into successful businesses. We work with designers and creative entrepreneurs to transform talent and ideas into businesses by providing support programmes to facilitate their USP, vision and

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

RCA Show 2019

Royal College of Art Show 2019 29 June – 7 July 2019 Hester Road, London SW11 3AN  Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7AG Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU The Royal College of Art’s annual Show offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very best of emerging contemporary art and design practice. Over 800 postgraduate art & design students will showcase work of exceptional quality, imagination and skill across a broad spectrum of creative disciplines. The RCA Show presents the opportunity to meet the artists and designers of the future, as well as to see their creations that range from

K2 Jewellery Academy Open Day

K2 Jewellery Academy Open Day Wednesday 5th September 12pm - 8pm Our open day will give you the chance to visit K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, meet the team and gain in–depth information on our jewellery courses and student experience. You will be able to ask questions about the course, see the studio and facilities and get a taste of the creative atmosphere at the centre. Just drop in at any time, no need to book. See you there! Venue Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, Northington Street, London WC1N 2NP Contact T: +44 (0)7450 257 207 or +44 (0)7786 911 724

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2019 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2019 - Holborn Cockpit Yard, Northington St, London, WC1N 2NP 14 - 16 June 2019 Cockpit Arts is open over two weekends for a midsummer celebration; visit for a glimpse behind the studio doors and a chance to buy direct from London’s best independent makers, alongside demonstrations, workshops and a secret postcard sale. Meet over 140 different craftspeople during the two weekend openings at Cockpit Arts’ studios; located in Holborn, at the heart of Bloomsbury and in the creative South East London neighbourhood of Deptford. Open Studios is the only time Cockpit Arts is open to the

Selvedge Fair - Charleston, East Sussex

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Charleston, East Sussex. The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. The fair will take place in a marquee and barns in the grounds of the former home of the Bloomsbury Group. Charleston opened its doors to the public in 1986, 70 years after Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved in. This house, with its renowned

Festival of Living Crafts 2017

Hundreds of designer-makers will be showcasing British crafts in action at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire from the 4th to 7th May. This four day craft extravaganza is dedicated to promoting cutting edge creativity and excellence in craftsmanship. Pavilions are packed with established makers, carefully vetted for their individuality and innovation with a festival atmosphere combining craft demonstrations, workshops and entertainment. Visitors will be immersed for the day in British contemporary craft of exceptional quality, meet the friendly exhibitors who are passionate about their creative talents and enjoy watching craft masterclasses. This is the perfect opportunity to buy handmade gifts with

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios  Meet 170 makers at two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings of both

Selvedge Fair - Charleston

Selvedge Fair - Charleston The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge brings a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Charleston. Our exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skillfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends, and pick up that special something. The fair will take place in a marquee and barns in the grounds of the former home of the Bloomsbury Group. Charleston opened its doors to the public in 1986, 70 years after Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved in. This house,

Harriet Kelsall is invited to join the British Hallmarking Council

Leading jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall has been invited to join the British Hallmarking Council. The statutory body ensures all items being sold in the UK as precious metals are hallmarked to confirm they meet the legal standard. The process of hallmarking in Great Britain began over 700 years ago and in Harriet’s new role as Non-Executive Director, she will represent retail jewellers and continue the protection of consumer rights in the British Jewellery industry.  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 –

Selvedge Fair - London

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Mary Ward House , London. The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. A Grade 1 listed building, the Mary Ward House is a result of Passmore Edwards’ 19th century philanthropy. Mary Ward gave the inspiration  behind this centre for training, care  and entertainment, designed for  society’s less fortunate. Each room has its own ambience; the

New launches signal a successful start to Spring Fair

Independent retailers and buyers from across the country gathered at Birmingham’s NEC  as the Spring Fair opened its doors. With thousands of suppliers showcasing everything from scented candles and artificial flowers to toys and kitchenware, as well as jewellery, the Spring Fair affirmed itself as a top destination to source products. And with hygge, velvet furnishings, faux-fur, marble and rose gold expected to be in-vogue this year there is no better place to identify merchandise to meet consumer demand. Over the four days of the fair retailers sought to identify products and trends that will help them succeed in 2017. The

Handmade at Kew

Handmade in Britain will return to Kew Gardens for the second edition of Handmade at Kew in October. The four-day international contemporary craft event offers visitors the opportunity to meet and buy from over 200 extraordinary designer-makers working across all disciplines including: ceramics, jewellery, fashion and textiles, glass, paper, furniture, metalwork, sculpture and interior accessories. Over four days, the picturesque gardens at Kew will showcase exceptional and innovative British and international craftsmanship, for both fashion and interiors. Handmade at Kew is a very special chance to invest in beautiful, unique products at a show where you can buy, browse and

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.

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Holborn

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Deptford

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Weston Beamor Restructures Management Team

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham-based 3D printing, casting and bespoke manufacturing company, has restructured the workings of its Management Team and appointed new staff in a bid to grow further its customer base. Glen Day remains as Head of Business Development, but, rather than being office based as in the past, he will now spend four days a week travelling the country to meet with Weston Beamor’s customers and potential customers. Day, who reports directly to the company’s Managing Director Andrew J Morton, retains his overall, supervisory role within Weston Beamor. However he hands over greater responsibility for the day-to-day running

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

Kate Laven

Meet Benchpeg's Contributing Writer Kate Laven. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers   Kate Laven Contributing Writer Kate is a journalist with over 20 years’ extensive experience and has written for an expansive range of titles including the Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, the BBC and the Daily Express as well as being a contributing writer for The Times, The Sunday Times and the Guardian. Kate brings her background in  corporate communications, PR, marketing, blogging and media consultancy  to Benchpeg. Kate maintains

Rebecca van Rooijen

Meet the Co-Founder and Editor of Benchpeg.    Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has over 25 years of experience within the jewellery industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery trade could share and access resources in order to democratise information. In addition to editing Benchpeg and the weekly newsletter (which just celebrated its 800th issue) which she created 18 years ago, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust and Chair of the Goldsmiths' Fair Advisory Board at The Goldsmiths'

Sarah Salmon

Meet Benchpeg's Trends Editor. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers   Sarah Salmon Trends Editor Sarah has a natural flair for creativity and design, and is our trends and blog guru. She manages Benchpeg's weekly  trends and fashion content . Her full time job is as a Digital Marketing Executive in the Educational Sector. Previously she worked as the Editorial and Digital Assistant at  Gem-A , where she worked on Gem-A's Gems & Jewellery and The Journal of Gemmology publications as well as on

Home Secretary Supports Home Grown Talent

"I never imagined that I’d meet the Home Secretary, or that her first words to me would be, “So you’re the jewellery teacher that inspired all of these makers…”." Amber Rudd was referring to the shop she’d just opened called The Peer Collection, the vision of Sue Jones, a character as indomitable as the tide and the freshly renovated Hasting’s Pier makes the perfect location for her venture. The Peer Collection is a lovely play on words coming from the element that Sue started as a jewellery student of mine, and through the class, gained the skills to make jewellery,

Graduate Show University of Brighton 2017

MDes and BA Hons 3D Design and Craft Graduate Show University of Brighton The University of Brighton’s annual Graduate Show is when their talented graduating students in the arts, design, architecture and media stage their final-year shows. Our courses cover a range of disciplines and on show will be work from the following subject areas: architecture and interior architecture, fashion and textiles, film, fine art, photography, graphics and and illustration, design, craft, media, history of art and design. Meet the Makers on Sunday 4th June Graduating students from the 3D Design & Craft course will be presenting the processes used to

Jeremy France rolls out the red carpet for Fei Liu

On Friday 21st October, Jeremy France Jewellers welcomed British Jewellery Designer of the Year, Fei Liu, to showcase his entire collection of award winning designs - officially launching his recent addition to the family jeweller’s exclusive brand list.  Guests were greeted with champagne and invited into the three-storey luxury showroom by a grand red carpet entrance; what else could one expect from a VIP ‘Meet the Designer’ soirée?! Situated at the very heart of Winchester High Street, there were whispers from passing shoppers that perhaps Royalty was inside! Fei was on hand all evening to introduce his collections, giving Jeremy’s

The Pommier Launches Pop-Up Shop At Boxpark Shoreditch

This May, global online retailer The Pommier will launch its first pop-up shop at Boxpark Shoreditch to showcase its unique and creative range of independent accessory designers. Customers will now be able to experience The Pommier in real life and get to meet the world’s most exciting emerging designers in person for a limited time only. The pop-up will feature 25 designers who will showcase their handmade fashion accessories throughout the week.  The Pommier pop-up shop will launch on 16 May and will be open until 28th May. The shop will house six spectacular designers each day on a rotating

McCaul Goldsmiths Launch Arris Collection

The Arris Collection by McCaul Goldsmiths is designed with each one-of-a-kind gemstone in mind where carved curves are made a soft satin texture to compliment its wearer. Elegant raised contour lines form where different surfaces meet around the new collection rings. Deep valleys tunnel underneath the stone, which are highlighted with a mirror shine finish that reflects and enhances the colour of the gemstone. As future heirlooms, these generously proportioned contemporary statement rings are made to last generations. The design direction for McCaul Goldsmiths is constantly evolving where each and every piece is excitingly unique. Two of the most popular

School of Creative Arts Open Day February, West Dean - Chichester

Create your future is the message from West Dean as the College opens its doors to students interested in the Visual Arts incorporating Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, and Tapestry and Textile Art.   The School of Creative Arts Open Day (Saturday 4th February 2017, 10am to 1pm) is an opportunity for prospective students to tour the art studios; meet the  tutors; hear about funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries; talk to students; and tour the campus and residential accommodation. Edward James, the founder of the College was a poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. During his lifetime James

School of Creative Arts Open Day, West Dean - Chichester

Create your future is the message from West Dean as the College opens its doors to students interested in the Visual Arts incorporating Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, and Tapestry and Textile Art.   The School of Creative Arts Open Day (Friday 2 December, 10am to 1pm) is an opportunity for prospective students to tour the art studios; meet the  tutors; hear about funding opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries; talk to students; and tour the campus and residential accommodation. Edward James, the founder of the College was a poet, artist, designer and patron of the Surrealist Movement. During his lifetime James sponsored

Crafts for Christmas Fayre, St Donat's Castle - Vale of Glamorgan

Come along to St Donats annual Crafts for Christmas Fayre to browse a wonderful collection of stalls including jewellery, wood, glass, ceramics, and so much more! Enjoy festive entertainment and new this year, an outdoor birds of prey display in the beautiful castle gardens. Relax over coffee and cake whilst taking in the stunning sea views from our café before continuing on to the food hall in our medieval Tythe Barn. All in all a fantastic start to the festive season… and you might even meet santa too! Crafts for Christmas at St Donats Castle Tickets: £6.00 per car or

Brain Waves: Central Saint Martins - London N1

Following on from 2014’s London Design Festival exhibition, Restless Futures, and 2015’s The Intelligent Optimist, Central Saint Martins is pleased to present Brain Waves. As part of the London Design Festival, Central Saint Martins invites you to meet the minds of design’s next generation. At the heart of the King’s Cross design district, welcoming Design Junction as a neighbour, Brain Waves presents the work of our leading design graduates, exploring the varieties of design intelligence they deploy in their work as they engage with uncertain futures. As the complexities of contemporary life demand new ways of thinking, breadth of approach

Made Brighton - Corn Exchange, Brighton

MADE BRIGHTON and the Brighton Art Fair the conjoined art, craft and design fair, takes place between Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th September. Last year MADE BRIGHTON celebrated ten years of bringing the most exciting contemporary designer/makers to the Corn Exchange for this annual show. This year we will present 50 of the best makers in the country selling work ranging from cutting edge ceramics, contemporary jewellery, blown and kiln formed glass as well as wood and textiles. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet the artists and makers, to discuss their practice, their inspirations, their techniques and to buy direct

MADE LONDON - Canary Wharf - The Contemporary Design and Craft Fair - Part II

MADE LONDON - Canary Wharf - The Contemporary Design and Craft Fair Canary Wharf is an exciting new free contemporary design and craft event bringing together around 120 of the best craft talent in the country, as part of Canary Wharf Group’s diverse Arts + Events programme. A high quality, contemporary craft and design fair, MADE LONDON - Canary Wharf offers members of the public the chance to meet makers and discuss inspirations, design processes and future projects, as well as purchase works from a host of makers. Taking place over two weeks, 17 - 20 March and 22 -

Assay Offices

By law all items sold as gold, silver, platinum or palladium in the UK must be hallmarked to confirm that they meet the legal standard of alloy proportionality for the precious metal they are being sold as. This can only be carried out by one of the four UK Assay Offices, or an Assay Office belonging to the International Convention. Here are where to find the four UK offices... Assay Office London Goldsmiths' Hall Gutter Lane London EC2V 8AQ www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk                 Birmingham Assay Office 1 Moreton Street Birmingham B1 3AX theassayoffice.co.uk    

The Bristol Artisan

The Bristol Artisan is the newest addition to a portfolio of successful events organised by Designers/Makers in collaboration with cultural venues. This two day weekend selling event is highly consumer oriented and offers visitors the opportunity to meet the designers and view, buy or commission products from over 40 Designer Makers. The event targets and appeals to an informed and highly motivated audience of consumers, collectors and aficionados as well as a select audience of professionals; including those who represent corporate and public sector buyers. Dates 25 & 26 March 2017 (Mother’s Day Weekend) Open 11.00am – 6.00pm  Venue Arnolfini,

A Treasure of Sentiment

"Jewellery is like a biography. A story that tells the many chapters of our life." There's no doubt that as a nation, the power of our minds has a lot to answer for in how we talk, we walk, we meet, greet and relate. The fleeting emotions we experience on a day-to-day basis help build the individuals we become through experience and curate the interpersonal relationships of who we cross paths with. Arguably the mind is our emotional powerhouse which holds our most treasured memories; from the time you first played truth or dare, that time you got punished for

Pandora’s Green Profile Soars

New environmental study shows that the impact on the environment can be reduced significantly when using recycled silver and gold as well as man-made stones. In order to further minimize the Company´s impact on the environment and meet consumers' expectations for ethical jewellery, Pandora focuses more on green production facilities. The recently released Pandora Ethics Report 2016 reveals a strong commitment to high ethical standards throughout the company´s value chain. A new and independent environmental study carried out for  Pandora shows that the impact on nature can be reduced to less than 5 percent when using recycled gold and silver

Pure London 2017

Pure London and Pure Man is the best place to source new collections for your store, department or online showroom. Our trade only event also provides 3 days of discovery, content-rich insights, trend inspiration and the opportunity to network and make buying connections.  We’re a transactional show, not just a PR showcase, you can discover the products from the brands you want and order them at the show.  Join us and be confident you’re in the right place to do business, network and meet with peers. There are hundreds of brands to discover over 3 days which would be impossible

Rebekah Ann Jewellery Expands

Brighton’s most exciting new jewellery label Rebekah Ann Jewellery has announced further business growth with a move to the city’s Rodhus Studios. The designer brand, already stocked with Jewel Thief Gallery and Daisy’s of Maldon, has made its move to a larger studio during November. Its new location at Rodhus will allow for further collection development and room to meet with clients seeking commissions. The space will also provide a number of ‘hot benches’ for jewellers or silversmiths to rent by the day or on a monthly basis, and a chance for members of the public to attend introductory jewellery

Graduate Show Cardiff Metropolitan University 2017

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/ENO7R-H1jlM] Summer Show Cardiff Metropolitan University CSAD Summer Show 2017 The exhibition will take place at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Llandaff Campus and will feature work from across CSAD’s undergraduate courses including: Architectural Design & Technology Artist Designer Maker Ceramics Fine Art Graphic Communication Illustration International Design Product Design Photographic Practice (Bridgend College) Textiles Dates May 27th – June 2nd 2017 Opening Hours 12:00 – 18:00   Saturday 27th May 12:00 – 16:00   Sunday 28th May 12:00 – 16:00   Monday 29th May 10:00 – 18:00   Tuesday 30th May 10:00 – 18:00   Wednesday 31st May 10:00 – 21:00   Thursday 1st

LINK-UP: FORGING Communities

Date:  Thursday 23 February, 2023 Start Time:  6.00 PM End Time:  8.00 PM Venue:  FORGE FORGE is a place to share knowledge and advice and will signpost and connect Hatton Garden’s thriving jewellery community of students, new talent, and established brands with industry experts, suppliers, and services. Join us at our first LINK-UP – A trade networking event to connect, discuss and forge new professional relationships. Also meet Amanda Mansell founder of FORGE and Emma Perry of Emerald Studio. Hear about how FORGE proposes to nurture new talent by offering business mentoring including, coaching, planning, marketing and financing, as well

MAD About Jewelry 2023

MAD About Jewelry 2023 25 - 29 April 2023 New York, USA The ultimate contemporary jewelry pop-up. April 25–29, the Museum of Arts and Design will present   MAD About Jewelry ,  its annual benefit sale of contemporary jewelry featuring designs from 50 emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists. MAD About Jewelry   has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, where collectors and jewelry enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field. MAD About Jewelry is free with Museum admission.  Sale Hours Wed,

International Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi 2018

Jewellery & Watch Show has hosted leaders in the jewellery and watchmaking sector attracting enthusiasts from across the Middle East and beyond. Now in its 26 edition, this year’s revamped event will feature exclusive curated culinary and cultural experiences offering you never-before-seen niche collections and a chance to meet the experts behind the brands.  Dates 25th – 29th October 2018 Location ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE Organiser Reed Exhibitions FZ LLC   Countries Represented UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, UK, USA, Brazil, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, China and Hong Kong. Contact info@jws.ae www.jws.ae

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 Meet 170 makers at our two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 Meet 170 makers at our two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Jewellers, glass makers, weavers, ceramicists… and a host of other crafts Featured showcase curated by renowned leather designer Bill Amberg Delicious food by Hand Made Food café Crafts magazine pop-up stall Demonstrations and talks from makers including Dovile Bertulyte, Julie Kouamo, and Lucy McGrath Yorkshire born singer Eleanor Rastall will perform summer time jazz tunes during the Friday evenings

Howard van Rooijen

Meet the other of Benchpeg's Co-Founders. Although on a day to day basis he takes a back seat, he makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds possible to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers   Howard van Rooijen Co-founder Howard  has been at Benchpeg since the beginning. With an exceptional  understanding of business and technology , he has provided us with practical, financial and moral support for over a decade. We couldn't have achieved half of the things we've done without his stalwart presence.  When he's not involved in Benchpeg stuff Howard

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

The Design Museum Market, Design Museum Kensington

The Design Museum Market bring over forty leading contemporary designers to the Design Museum for a three-day market, in time for Christmas. The Design Museum Market presents a beautiful selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, graphic design, digital and children’s products - everything from original stocking fillers to stand-out gifts. Launching for the first time this year the market offers visitors the opportunity to meet new designers, find out more about their work, and view, buy or commission items. Featuring: Myia Bonner Jewellery, Josef Koppmann, Heather O'Connor, Sarah Herriot Design, Before Breakfast, Lollipop Designs, Meylor Paper Goods, Baker Street Boys, SenaGu, Markless

Ingle & Rhode Launch First Silver Collection

Ethical fine  jeweller , Ingle & Rhode, has launched its first silver collect ion ahead of  Mother s  Day.  This is the first range of earrings and necklaces designed to be worn every day,  outside their  engagement and wedding ring offering.  Every piece has been designed and crafted in the UK from Fairmined sterling silv er, set with conflict- free Canadian diamonds. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies silver from em powered  responsible artisanal and small-scale m ining  organisations  who meet world  leadin g standards for  responsible practices.   David Rhode, Director, Ingle & Rhode said, " Our customers