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

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

Luxury in the Age of Technology

IPOL Special Issue Journal 7.1 Call for Papers: Luxury in the Age of Technology We are pleased to announce a call for papers for the 3rd Special Issue In Pursuit of Luxury journal in collaboration with the Journal of Design, Business & Society, published by Intellect. Luxury, innovation and technology have always been intertwined. Whether rooted in the manufacturing techniques developed during the eighteenth century or the emergence of the kinds of digital processes that impact on design, craftsmanship and production today, this fundamental relationship persists. Technology continues to influence our lives and decision making processes, as it always has.

FREE Technology Open Day

FREE Technology Days Hosted by Coherent Rofin Hatton Garden, London Jewellery experts Coherent Rofin will again be co-hosting two forthcoming Technology Events at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Hatton Garden, London.   Evening Seminar 6 June 2017  6.30pm - 8.30pm The Goldsmiths' Centre On 6 June 2017 at 6.30 pm there will be an evening seminar with industry experts offering an insight into developing laser and additive technologies. Talks will cover all the laser applications offered by Coherent Rofin, together with CAD software and 3D printing (both resin and metal powder bed technologies)  and how future technologies will shape and benefit the jewellery industry. Technology Day

FREE Evening Technology Seminar

FREE Technology Days Hosted by Coherent Rofin Hatton Garden, London Jewellery experts Coherent Rofin will again be co-hosting two forthcoming Technology Events at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Hatton Garden, London.   Evening Seminar 6 June 2017  6.30pm - 8.30pm The Goldsmiths' Centre On 6 June 2017 at 6.30 pm there will be an evening seminar with industry experts offering an insight into developing laser and additive technologies. Talks will cover all the laser applications offered by Coherent Rofin, together with CAD software and 3D printing (both resin and metal powder bed technologies)  and how future technologies will shape and benefit the jewellery industry. Technology Day

Luxury in the Age of Technology

Luxury in the Age of Technology – On Line In Collaboration with  Politecnico di Milano 26, 27 & 28 May 2021 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE Click for  Call for Papers The 2021 ‘In Pursuit of Luxury’ conference continues to provide a platform to expand our understanding of luxury. As with our previous three conferences we look forward to welcoming contributions from various disciplines and practices, across the academic and commercial sectors, including automotive, architecture, engineering, fashion, product, digital design, retail, and hospitality. Our aim is to explore all of these subject areas through a critical lens, to encourage debate about changing notions

Luxury in the Age of Technology

Call for Papers: The 4th international In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) Conference  Milan, Italy 28 - 29 May  2020  'Luxury in the Age of Technology' This 2020 conference provides a platform to continue to expand our understanding of luxury. As with previous conferences we welcome contributions from various disciplines and practices including automotive, architecture, engineering, fashion, product, digital design, retail, hospitality - all of which explore luxury through a critical lens to encourage debate.  The 2020 IPOL conference will be held in collaboration with the Design Department - Politecnico di Milano / co-chaired by Associate Professor, Dr Chiara Colombi  Our key

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024 Halls 1 & 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City 12 – 14 November 2024 JGTD Dubai  is a  three-day business-to-business sourcing event for jewellery, gemstones and related technology . Visitors can additionally sign up for the Targeted Buyers Programme running throughout the show, DMCC’s Dubai Diamond Conference and Informa Market’s Jewellery World Awards Dubai. https://www.jgtdubaijewelleryshow.com

Energetic amulets: ‘’living technology’’ by John Farris

John Farris, affectionately deemed just 'Farris' by his fans, is not your average jeweller. From the red rocks of Sedona, he creates beautiful jewellery and sculpture using a unique ''guided'' technique. By his own admission, John Farris’ business was born out of reactionary emotion. His story begins in picturesque Northern California, in 2010. ‘’Making these amulets was not even on my radar. I had purchased an amazing pendant from a friend’s store and had really fallen in love with it! Well, the next day she contacted me and said I needed to return it as the pendant was her [business] partner's

Informa Markets Jewellery and Atelier Technology announce strategic partnership to tap digital opportunities in jewellery sector

Informa Markets, the world’s largest exhibitions organiser, and Atelier Technology, the leading technology provider in the jewellery supply chain, are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic cooperation that aims to create growth opportunities for the jewellery community through a carefully tailored digital service that leverages their combined strengths, technologies and industry relationships. Under the partnership, Informa Markets’ jewellery vertical — Informa Markets Jewellery — and Atelier will launch a platform centred on digital product meetings, which will endure as a valuable service beyond the pandemic. With Atelier Technology's network of over 1,000+ retailers, brands and their supply

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024 gathers momentum with debut of new country pavilions

Primed and ready to achieve new milestones in its new home this November,  Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD)   is further gaining momentum with 10+ exhibit zones, including four new country pavilions, showcasing quality suppliers from around the world, trade fair organisers Informa Markets Jewellery and Italian Exhibition Group SpA (IEG) announced today.  The B2B fair will take place in its new venue – Halls 1 & 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City – from 12 – 14 November. Notably, JGTD will be held against the backdrop of Dubai Diamond Week set for 11 –

Stirling Jeweller Wins Women’s Enterprise Scotland Award

Gillian Crawford, founder of Stirling-based Lily Blanche, has emerged triumphant at the prestigious Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2022 after picking up the Embracing Technology award. Luxury jewellery company, Lily Blanche, won the Embracing Technology Business of the Year prize sponsored by HFL Holistic Financial Leadership at the Women’s Enterprise Awards. The glittering ceremony took place at Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central Hotel celebrating established and emerging business leaders across ten categories. The event was the first one to take place since the pandemic with guest speaker Nicola Sturgeon opening the event. Lily Blanche is thrilled to have won the Embracing Technology

Cooksongold Wins at the Birmingham Post Business Awards

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

Gübelin Gem Lab Announces Emerald Paternity Test

The Gübelin Gem Lab, one of the world’s leaders in the analysis of precious gemstones is has announced the launch of their Emerald Paternity Test; a new traceability technology creating independent proof of provenance for emeralds This new technology uses customised DNA-based nanoparticles enabling traceability of emeralds back to the exact place of mining. The Emerald Paternity Test is a true game-changer for the coloured gemstone industry. It is the first of a series of technologies and services developed by Gübelin Gem Lab dedicated to bringing more transparency into the gemstone industry, united under the Provenance Proof label. This breakthrough technology

Opsydia Secures Investment to Drive Growth in its Innovative Security Solutions for the Diamond Sector

The UK-based laser technology specialist welcomes significant funding from three core investors to support the next phase of its growth and development.  Leading gemstone security specialist, Opsydia, has secured significant funding to kickstart the next phase of its development and support its continued growth in the international diamond and coloured stone industries. The investment will enable the wider roll-out of Opsydia’s secure laser inscription technology to international businesses, including numerous new client acquisitions in 2021/22. The funding will also enable Opsydia to expand its sales team and invest further in its Oxford-based production facilities. Elsewhere, the injection of funds will

TCT 3Sixty 2020

TCT 3Sixty ReScheduled  29 June - 1 July 2021 NEC, Birmingham TCT 3Sixty will provide tangible value to an attendee, providing a return on investment immediately. Intelligence and contacts will continue to pay dividends long after the show closes. Through new content styles, new exhibiting methods and new networking opportunities, we can achieve this. 2020 will offer attendees innovative and interactive 360-degree insights into how to get the best from their existing additive technology or choose the appropriate new 3D printing technology. Whether YOU decide to invest, are ready to invest for the first time or are looking for an

Q&A: Ed Hole

Ed Hole is Head of CAD Design and 3D Printing at Birmingham based jewellery industry giant Weston Beamor Ltd. He has been at the company since 2003, and for some 14 years he has been creating bespoke pieces and new product development lines for a wide variety of clients. He is an expert CAD Designer and 3D Print specialist and has built up a team specialising in the use of cutting edge technology at the firm. Ed has a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

News Edit: 21 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   The jewellery industry announces a scholarship to support black students Wallpaper: Fifty jewellery brands have united to create a long-term scholarship and mentorships to support black students at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. wallpaper.com 50 Jewelers Have Created a $50,000 Scholarship for Black Students to Study Design Robb Report: On Wednesday, a group of fifty jewelry designers and jewelry-related businesses announced the creation of a $50,000 endowment for black students studying jewelry design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.  robbreport.com

'Digital Meets Handmade' New York Symposium Review

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

British Fashion Council Fashion Forum 2017

The British Fashion Council and The Ned bring together business leaders to tackle the future of the industry at the Fashion forum 2017. The Fashion Forum - organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and The Ned in collaboration with the open innovation advisory firm, The Current - brought together a carefully curated group of 140 industry leaders from fashion, investment and technology to debate, share knowledge and insight on how individual businesses and the fashion industry collectively, can be ‘Fit for the Future’. The Fashion Forum is a think tank to debate the important issues of the sector; engage

Call for Applications: Benchpeg Awards

The Benchpeg Awards are aimed at helping students, fledgling businesses or those emerging to create a new career in jewellery or the allied trades. The emphasis of the Benchpeg Awards are to provide an opportunity to assist in the trajectory of the winner’s careers and give them a helping leg up on the first rung of the career ladder. Competition Categories There are three categories to enter as part of the competition: Design for Technology: CAD and Manufacture Design for Commercial Sales: Competitive Retail Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption: Something which hasn’t been seen before What to Enter You

Avoid a Faux-Pas: Spotting a Fake Rolex

With the rate technology is improving, it’ s becoming easier and easier for the manufacturers of fake Rolex watches to copy the timepieces we all know and love. With the millions poured into research and development by the genuine manufacturers, the increasing ability to copy products with alarming  accuracy is taking a greater toll on the industry. With that in mind, we look at five ways to help you steer clear of fake watches. But be warned! With fakers even duplicating the very machinery the watchmakers use to make their watches with, the days of  easily spotting fakes are long

Savvy student seals Swiss success

A Birmingham City University [BCU] horology [the study of watches and clocks] student was treated to a trip to the historical home of Swiss watchmaking, after winning a major competition sponsored by British watch retail giants Christopher Ward. Marcus Laing, a student at BCU’s School of Jewellery, enjoyed a week-long trip to the picturesque town of Biel, Switzerland – complete with a grand tour of Christopher Ward’s manufacturing facilities. The competition saw second-year BA Horology students at the university enter unique watch and clock designs as part of an end-of-year module. Laing used cutting-edge Computer Aided Design [CAD] technology available

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture Pforzheim Jewellery Museum 11 March - 1 October 2023 The art of jewellery making, whose lines of tradition in technology and design reach back to antiquity, interpreted in a modern way and refined further - this is what the jewellery manufacturer Wellendorff stands for. In 2023, the family business will celebrate its 130th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Pforzheim’s Jewellery Museum is looking back at the individual decades since 1893. For each decade, a precious object from the Wellendorff company that exemplifies its time will be on display. As interventions

Cooksongold launch new Laser Cutting Service

Cooksongold, the UK’s leading jewellery making supplier, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Laser Cutting service on 27 August 2024. With its state-of-the-art laser cutting technology, Cooksongold now offers exceptional accuracy, allowing for high levels of detail and customisation in designs that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.  This service provides the opportunity to get personalised names, words, design shapes and blanks cut in eight different precious metals, including gold, silver and platinum, ready for you to finish at home. Using Cooksongold’s online portal, you are able to create and customise your chosen designs through

The Goldsmiths’ Centre collaborates with London Museum to Showcase Emerging Jewellery Designers

London Museum is showcasing UK handmade jewellery by emerging designer-makers in an exciting collaboration with the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This joint retail project, piloted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths' Company and Charity, will be available at London Museum Docklands, showcasing pieces that connect to the rich history of London, the River Thames, and stories of trade and migration told in the museum’s galleries. London Museum’s latest showcase features five jewellers and silversmiths whose designs blend history, technology, and culture with sustainable materials and modern techniques.  Xinyi Chen, Suzanne Seed, Cara Lowe, Jo Boateng, and Caitlin Murphy present

The Jewellery Show 2023

The Jewellery Show 20 - 21 September 2023 ExCeL London Join us at the Jewellery Show, the UK’s premium trade event for retailers, buyers, manufacturers, designers, and suppliers of fine jewellery, returning to the ExCeL London on 20-21 September 2023. Free to attend for trade professionals, the Jewellery Show will be an international hub for fine, luxury, silver, and contemporary designer jewellery, as well as loose precious stones and retail technology and solutions. Approved attendees will have access to the largest exhibition of its kind in the UK, including a trend forecasting runway and an exciting seminar programme covering the latest

Elma Ultrasonic S15h, 1.75 Litre

Elma Ultrasonic S15h, 1.75 Litre (including basket) Elma S15H Ultrasonic Cleaner for new 2 years ago for £631 (£581 + internal basket for £50). The cleaner has has light use and is in perfect condition. A 1.75 litre capacity tank, and is made in Germany by market leading ultrasonic technology manufacturer Elma. The S15H is easy to use, with the option of either a continuous operation or a 1 to 30 minute timed setting, and has a selection of high tech features for ultrasonic cleaning which is fast, efficient and effortless. This heated ultrasonic cleaner can be programmed to clean

First Ever State of the Art Jewellery Summit Held in the Summer

The first ever collaboration between The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), The Mineralogical and Geological Museum at  Harvard University  (MGMH) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) took  place this summer on 23 rd  June in-person at Harvard University. Three of the world's most respected thought leaders come together to explore challenges, opportunities, and the future of responsible practice at the  'State of the Art Jewelry Summit'. Climate change and its implications on the supply chain, the business of technology and the evolution of consumer expectations - the unique day of panel discussions and presentations by global experts, academics and artists shared

Handmade by Machines: Seized by the Means of Production

Handmade by Machines: Seized by the Means of Production 20 November 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham The School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University will be hosting the 2019 Handmade by Design one-day symposium 20 November 2019 and an accompanying exhibition 11 November – 6 December 2019. This will be the fifth outing for the successful “Handmade by Machines” symposium and this year will have international speakers, a keynote from Troy Richards of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and an exhibition of work which straddles the man/machine boundaries with a focus on jewellery and wearables. The conversation will

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

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

Q&A: Sooryia Tharayil and Hina Israr

Sooryia Tharayil and Hina Israr are the joint Founders of fine jewellery brand Zaabel. Sooryia graduated with top honours from   India’s prestigious design institute - National Institute of Fashion Technology and has previously worked with renowned design houses and Indian jewelry brands. Hina spent a decade in the investment banking and private equity sector, before an overwhelming need for creativity compelled her to begin the Zaabel journey, spurred on by a childhood fascination of the Gold Souks. Zaabel is founded on the principle that there is tangible chemistry between a woman and her jewelry; together the pair design delicate, contemporary jewellery

The 4th international In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) Conference

The 4th international In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) Conference  Milan, Italy 28 - 29 May  2020  'Luxury in the Age of Technology' This 2020 conference provides a platform to continue to expand our understanding of luxury. As with previous conferences we welcome contributions from various disciplines and practices including automotive, architecture, engineering, fashion, product, digital design, retail, hospitality - all of which explore luxury through a critical lens to encourage debate.  The 2020 IPOL conference will be held in collaboration with the Design Department - Politecnico di Milano / co-chaired by Associate Professor, Dr Chiara Colombi  Our key questions: How is

Vicenzaoro Hosts Industry's First Ever Hackathon

An earring able to call the police when in danger. A bracelet that warms up thanks to solar energy. A ring that staves off skin problems. A bracelet that explains Italy’s cultural heritage. An accessory able to exploit time. These were the best ideas to come out of the jewellery industry's first hackathon at this year's Vicenzaoro. Vicenzaoro January, staged the first edition of  The Gold Run , the jewellery technology hackathon for more than 60,000 students and researchers, devised in collaboration with Padua University within the context of T.Gold. The Gold Run opened Vicenzaoro to fusion with the world of research, [youtube

The Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Materials Congress

The Goldsmiths' Company Jewellery Materials Congress Monday, 8 - Tuesday, 9 July 2019 Goldsmiths' Hall, London The Goldsmiths' Company will be holding its first Jewellery Meterials Conference from 8 to 9 July 2019 at Goldsmiths’ Hall. This Congress forms part of a series of activities designed to advance and disseminate knowledge and to encourage research and its exploitation in the field of jewellery & silverware technology.  About the Congress The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office will be holding a major international conference on 8 and 9 July 2019, at Goldsmiths' Hall.  The Jewellery Materials Congress will support the jewellery and silverware community by providing a collaborative,

Stellar line up set for IJL 2019

Artist jeweller John Moore, The Futurist Paola de Luca, DeBeers, Sotheby’s, Fairtrade Gold, Hilary Alexander OBE and Graduate Fashion Week among stellar IJL 2019 line up IJL,, opens on Sunday 1 September and will welcome some of the biggest brands, cutting-edge designers and the latest in Jewellery and Watch technology and sustainability to the show. IJL’s event programme features designers including: Jeweller of The Fair John Moore @IJL, Monday 2 September: The inaugural Jeweller of The Fair John Moore will show his collection on the IJL Inspires Catwalk Theatre on Monday 2 September (13:45 - 14:30) followed by questions from

Pandora to set up new digital group

New unit to drive digital innovation and deliver seamless customer experiences online and offline. Pandora is establishing a dedicated group at its Copenhagen headquarters to boost the company’s digital presence, omnichannel expertise and use of data. Bringing together software engineers, designers and analysts, the group will be tasked with the rapid evolution of Pandora’s digital customer experience and driving sales through digital channels. The group will also strengthen Pandora’s abilities to capture, analyse and apply customer data to enable better personalisation of the customer experience. ‘How we derive the benefits from technology and data to create a great customer experience

DiamArt and Desall Competition

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

New York City Jewelry Week: Inclusion and diversity

The week of New York City Jewelry Week was characterized by a flurry of events, exhibitions, symposia, workshops, demonstrations and talks... which marked the days with a fitting rhythm, covering topics and presenting very different types of jewelry writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Together with important partners such as Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), suggestive venues and prestigious interventions, there has been talks of jewelry touching various themes:  starting from sustainability with a symposium called  Full Circle: A Responsible Jewelry Cycle , which was a one day crash course on the sustainability challenges that face the

Brazillian designer who turned her back on fast-fashion to exhibit at Milan Fashion Week

Brazillian designer, Roberta Mattos’, evolution from fast-fashion student to slow-design is encapsulated in her latest collection: Pause.  The designer began her career in the clothing industry but fell out of love with it due to wide-spread ‘fast-fashion’ practices. She finally settled on jewellery design after trying her hand at other creative industries, such as gastronomy and culture, inspired by a visit to a local jewellery atelier.. The ‘’Pause’’ collection is intentional and conspicuous with its meaning, incorporating the geometric ‘pause’ symbol as a motif within the designs, serving as a gentle reminder to take a break from technology and connect

Glass with a world inside: Jewellery by Mio Toyoda

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

Sian Evans Second Aluminium collection, Pars Pro Toto, Crosses the Boundaries of Art, Design and Fashion

Sian Evans is an award-winning British Jewellery designer, living and working in London. Her new collection, Pars Pro Toto, was launched at Paris Fashion Week last year to wide acclaim.  Sian’s love of archaeology, fashion, nature and technology; the history of tools and materials have informed her collections since she started her creative practice. Sian Evans Jewellery was first established in 1986, developing into an international label during the 1990s.  Sian is a lapsed fossil collector, brought up on the Jurassic coast in Dorset where she studied Geology. She has created pieces which are reminiscent of microscopic fossils, diatoms and

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

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

When digital meets craft: An open view by Chiara Scarpitti

Chiara Scarpitti is an Italian multidisciplinary artist and designer specializing in contemporary jewelry. Her research investigates different aspects of the contemporary material culture, exploring technology through a humanistic approach. She is one of the few designers able to perfectly synthesize the historical dimension of research, through the eyes of the present, projecting it directly to the future, thanks to the ability of balancing technique, narrative and vision. Through her work, the tradition finds a new identity, thanks to aesthetic and technical innovation. In Chiara’s pieces emerges, perfectly balanced, a collection of suggestions from different narrations and imaginaries. Nature, in its

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

Micro and Macro Inspired Jeweller Debuts at LFW

Macro and mirco  inspired jeweller Ana Thompson will make her London Fashion Week debut this week with must-see collections of arresting fine jewellery for SS18.  Housed within LFW’s Designer Showrooms, three intrepid collections Vortex, Sedna and Spin will embody Ana’s fascination with the macroscopic and microscopic worlds of nature, science and technology. With statement bangles, chokers, rings and cufflinks, the collections are a daring antidote to delicacy, and highlight the return of bold jewellery for SS18.   Crafted in sterling silver, gold vermeil and precious 18ct gold, Ana Thompson Fine Jewellery combines skilful hand craftsmanship with cutting edge technological applications.  The

News Edit: 29 April 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Police launch murder probe after builder 'viciously attacked' at work in Hatton Garden The Independent: Forty-seven-year-old found dead on roof of business www.independent.co.uk Kate jeweller Annoushka loses sparkle The Times: A jeweller favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge and celebrities such as Rihanna swung to a loss last year. www.thetimes.co.uk Jewelry consortium to use IBM blockchain technology to verify, authenticate diamonds, engagement rings ZDNet: The TrustChain Initiative is being launched with IBM and a consortium that represents every step of the jewelry value chain from mine to manufacturer to retail. www.zdnet.com

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

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

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

Make Your Futures - Makers Call

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

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

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

Appointment: Ed Hole Promoted to New Business Manager at Weston Beamor

Weston Beamor are pleased to announce changes to its leadership team, with current Head of CAD Design and 3D Printing, Ed Hole promoted to the role of Business Manager for the bespoke precious metals casting, 3D printing and production division. Ed has worked at Weston Beamor for more than 14 years, joining the team in 2003 having recently graduated from Loughborough University with a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design and Technology. Ed instantly impressed both colleagues and clients with his personable approach, knowledge and passion. Commenting on the promotion, Managing Director, Andrew Morton, said: “I am really pleased with this

Massive Leap In 3D Printing For SMEs Formlabs

3D printer manufacturer  Formlabs  is announcing a new manufacturing solution that, for the first time, will make  automated 3D printing a reality for SMEs . For the first time, this hyped technology has taken a meaningful step towards mainstream adoption. At its  Digital Factory  conference  Formlabs  designer and manufacturer of powerful, accessible 3D printing systems announce d the launch of  Fuse 1 , the company’s first selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer, and  Form Cell , an automated production solution for additive manufacturing that uses the Form 2, the best-selling professional 3D printer. Small manufacturers will be able to locally

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

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

Anburis to Represent TFL & Craft Central at Clerkenwell Design Week

Mine Bilgutay-Ozkurt, founder of jewellery brand Anburis has been selected as one of thirteen designers to showcase a specially designed brooch during Clerkenwell Design Week.  Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and Craft Central in collaboration with Joanna Sterling the creator of TubeFlash and The Casket of Fictional Delights; the competition required designers to design and produce a brooch inspired by the London Underground, in order to to celebrate TfL's unique history and heritage of design. Created using the latest CAD technology, Anburis’ selected brooch designs feature commonly used phrases on the Underground such as ‘Mind the gap’, ‘Underground’ and

Greenery: The Colour Set to Revive, Refresh, Renew

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

Johnny Rocket Jewellery: A Contemporary Vision Online

A new chapter is now being written with the launch of the Johnny Rocket website, encapsulating classic collections alongside newly created collections. The website introduces the diversity of Johnny’s designs and makes them widely available for the first time. Johnny is bringing his personal touch and quality of service to the internet, blending technology & tradition with a contemporary vision. With the advent of this new ecommerce site, he introduces Renaiscemento Rose: a signature women’s collection alongside the new androgynous Flame collection. Johnny relaunches his perennial classic original Swallow and classic 1950s Sci-fi inspired debut Space collection with the addition

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Shuming Chen Monitoring in the Dark Collection This category invited entries which displayed design and or creativity in a disruptive manner to create a piece which is completely unique. Judges considered all the entries and favoured those which displayed thinking outside of the box – those entries which displayed the most unconventional jewellery design. In their selection the judges really wanted to question the very nature of the meaning of jewellery and how it could project the best representation of future British jewellery design. Shuming’s methodology of working attempts to combine daily life with the science technology

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Manufacture

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Victoria Barker This category invited entries to the competition which used either technology or hand craft skills to manufacture and create a high quality finished piece taking into account construction processes. Judges took into consideration methodology of production, ease of manufacture and how the design would best translate when placed into production. Victoria submitted a range of 2D CAD designs which the judges looked upon with merit when looking at the deigns of the pieces entered and the consideration given by the designer to production methods. Victoria says of her inspiration and designs, “The somatic senses are

will.i.am,'s i.am+ Launch BUTTONS

i.am+   has announced that its 'BUTTONS' premium bluetooth earphones product are now widely available in the UK, in four new  colourways .  The wireless earphones – styled by fashion legend, André Leon Talley – are the brainchild of global music artist and entrepreneur, will.i.am, with brand ambassadors and investors including Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell.   BUTTONS fill a gap in the Bluetooth earphone market, offering a  product that allows for high design without the loss of high technology.    Jenner, a next-generation model starring in the campagin alongside Shaun Ross and India Love says, “Getting to be a part

GIA Demonstrates Prototype Mounted Gem Testing Device

The GIA have announced their intention to introduce for sale later this year an easy-to-operate, sophisticated desktop instrument to reliably identify natural diamonds, separating them from all simulants and from diamonds that may be synthetic or treated.   The GIA mounted gem testing device combines advanced spectroscopic technology; GIA’s extensive research into the qualities of natural, treated and synthetic diamonds; and decades of diamond analysis experience to identify more than 97% of untreated natural mounted and un-mounted D-to-Z diamonds 0.9 mm or greater in diameter (approximately 0.005 carat). Diamonds that may be synthetic or treated and all simulants are referred

GIA Demonstrates Prototype Mounted Gem Testing Device

The GIA have announced their intention to introduce for sale later this year an easy-to-operate, sophisticated desktop instrument to reliably identify natural diamonds, separating them from all simulants and from diamonds that may be synthetic or treated.   The GIA mounted gem testing device combines advanced spectroscopic technology; GIA’s extensive research into the qualities of natural, treated and synthetic diamonds; and decades of diamond analysis experience to identify more than 97% of untreated natural mounted and un-mounted D-to-Z diamonds 0.9 mm or greater in diameter (approximately 0.005 carat). Diamonds that may be synthetic or treated and all simulants are referred

3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful

3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful In partnership with the University of Lincoln, The National Centre for Craft & Design presents a thought provoking exhibition exploring 3D printing technology. The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful, urated by Bryony Windsor, Head of Exhibitions for NCCD, in partnership with Professor Anne Chick for the University of Lincoln, celebrates innovation, poses ethical questions and considers the future of the manufacturing process. Works on display explore the innovative, political, social and environmental aspects of 3D printing. The show highlights that whilst the process is opening up new creative possibilities for makers, the

The New Trend: 3D Scanning for Jewellery

Imagine being able to copy anything in perfect detail at the touch of a button. Only ten years ago this would just have been merely a pipe dream. Now the dream has become reality. David Valle of Gala Creations takes us through what you need to know about 3D scanning and its every day uses for the jewellery industry. What is 3D scanning? 3D scanning is the technology used to digitalize any small object, including any type of jewellery, wax and gemstone. 3D scanners work by shining different patterns and intensities of light onto an object to be scanned. Then, a built-in

The New Trend: 3D Scanning for Jewellery

Imagine being able to copy anything in perfect detail at the touch of a button. Only ten years ago this would just have been merely a pipe dream. Now the dream has become reality. David Valle of Gala Creations takes us through what you need to know about 3D scanning and its every day uses for the jewellery industry. What is 3D scanning? 3D scanning is the technology used to digitalize any small object, including any type of jewellery, wax and gemstone. 3D scanners work by shining different patterns and intensities of light onto an object to be scanned. Then, a built-in

Grayton Set To Launch The Origin Mechanical Smart Watch

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

Welcoming A Bespoke Beauty: Vaessen | Walker

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

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

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