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

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

National Museums Scotland and Glenmorangie Commission Major Silver Artwork

National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company have commissioned a major new piece of contemporary silverwork for display in the National Museum of Scotland. Leading artists and designers currently working in the medium of silver were invited to submit proposals and following close consideration of the applications by the judging panel, The Glenmorangie Commission was awarded to Simone ten Hompel. German-born Simone ten Hompel is a silversmith of international repute, and has been working with metal for over 40 years. Based in the UK, she is known for her metalwork being regarded as one of the most inventive silversmiths of

ten Hompel completes National Museums Scotland’s Glenmorangie Commission

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

Silversmith Claire Malet completes National Museum Wales Commission

‘The Company of Old Roads’, a new sculptural installation by metal artist and silversmith Claire Malet, commissioned by the P & O Makower Trust, will go on display at the National Museum Wales Cardiff, from 12 December 2017.  The installation, in fine silver on a walnut base carved by woodworker Nick Barberton, makes reference to ‘Roads’ by the poet Edward Thomas (1878-1917), the centenary of whose death on the Western Front falls this year.  Inspiration The piece grew out of Claire’s love of walking holloways, tracks and drove roads. Her explorations of old roads and the literature and art they’ve

The Scotland Craft & Design Pavilion, Craft Scotland as part of London Design Fair

First ever Scottish pavilion at London Design Fair. More than 20 cutting edge craft makers have been selected for a showcase of Scottish excellence at the London Design Fair. It will be the first time Scotland has had its own pavilion at the prestigious four-day event and aims to raise the international profile of its talent in everything from ceramics, lighting and jewellery to glass, furniture and textiles. The Scotland: Craft & Design pavilion is an initiative between Craft Scotland (the national agency for craft) and Emergents, a community interest company supporting the development of creative careers, enterprise and the

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel 7:00pm – 8:15pm, Thursday 10 October 2019 National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Silversmith Simone ten Hompel discusses her commission from National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company to create a new piece of contemporary metal artwork inspired by the museum’s early medieval collections. About the Commission As part of the Creating Scotland project, National Museums Scotland and Glenmorangie have commissioned a major new piece of contemporary metalwork for display in the National Museum of Scotland. The current phase of the Glenmorangie Project, Creating Scotland, sees the research focus on the 9th to 12th centuries,

Art of Glass 2018

Art of Glass The National Centre for Craft & Design  20 October 2018 – 20 January 2019 Following its hugely popular exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, this Autumn The National Centre for Craft & Design is proud to present Art of Glass. The exhibition explores the work of artists embracing the medium of glass in innovative and exciting ways, challenging the perception of glass as merely a material for creating functional objects. Presented in partnership with National Museums Scotland, Art of Glass showcases 15 leading and emerging glass artists working in Britain today. 20 Oct 2018 – 20

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope Adrian Hope is one of the UK’s finest contemporary silversmiths who specialises in refined, traditional techniques. An established silversmith since 1980, now based in The Scottish Borders, Adrian creates beautiful, classic pieces that are both sculptural and functional. Public Collections include: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen; The Museum of Edinburgh; Bute House Collection, Edinburgh; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London; Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow; Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh

The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space

The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024 Paris Rock crystal has fascinated every civilisation since time immemorial for its mysterious translucence. From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024, the Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge will be taking visitors on a journey through the history of crystal from the present day to the Middle Ages and beyond. During medieval times in particular, this colourless quartz was a much coveted material for making tableware and other precious items such as

Q&A: Stephen Bottomley

Stephen Bottomley is a Jewellery Designer, Academic and Researcher and  will take up position as the new Head of School at the School of Jewellery Birmingham this Spring. Formerly he was the Head of Department and Programme Director of BA & MFA Jewellery and Silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art. Up until recently he was also Director Post Graduate Research in the School of Design, the Chair of RAFT an Interdisciplinary Network at ECA and on the Board of Craft Scotland. Stephen's jewellery is represented in collections at the National Museums Scotland, British Museum, South East Arts Collection and Royal

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2019

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2019 White Stuff, Edinburgh 2 - 25 August 2019 Discover statement handmade objects for you, and your home, from 41 Scotland-based makers in one unique location. Craft Scotland is delighted to announce the 41 talented makers that have been selected for Craft Scotland’s Summer Show 2019. Discover statement handmade objects for you, and your home, from 41 Scotland-based makers in one unique location. Now in its seventh year, the Craft Scotland Summer Show is a firm fixture in the calendar. During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the second floor of White Stuff, in Edinburgh’s city centre, transforms into

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2018

Craft Scotland Summer Show 2018 3 - 26 August 2018 Edinburgh, Scotland This August, discover contemporary design-led craft from 37 Scotland-based makers in one unique venue right in the centre of Edinburgh. You can shop curated handmade objects, including beautiful homewares, exquisite jewellery, stylish accessories and handcrafted gifts. Unleash your creativity with the careful guidance of our knowledgeable makers in the inspirational surroundings of our Summer Show. Many of the workshops are sold out, but we do have some spaces left: Carve a Ring Workshop with CARVE Carve your own ring in jeweller's wax. Get creative and make your own

National Apprenticeship Week 2017

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2017) is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, the week is designed to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships and traineeships have on individuals, businesses and the economy. National Apprenticeship Week 2017 will be taking place from 6 to 10 March. The 10th National Apprenticeship Week will bring together employers and apprentices from across England to celebrate the success of apprenticeships over the last decade and will seek to encourage even more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career. Search the NAW  online map  to find more information about National Apprenticeship Week events

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

Orkney Jewellery Designer Re-Creates Rare Pictish Necklace

A young Orkney jewellery designer has re-created a rare, 1,400-year-old Pictish necklace, the original of which is kept within the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Zoe Davidson crafted her 1kg solid silver version of the famous Whitecleugh Chain, discovered in Lanarkshire in 1869, after a personal commission from Orkney archaeology tour guide, Caz Mamwell. The original chain, thought to date from between 400 and 800AD, is comprised of 44 silver rings, interlinked into 22 pairs. “The Whitecleugh Chain is full of mystery as nobody really knows who wore it, when they wore it, or how they even made it,”

Sparkle With Silver Christmas Tree Decorations

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to present a brilliant selection of Christmas tree decorations designed and curated by some of the most prominent silversmiths working in the UK today. This exquisite selection of festive celebration is currently on display at the Goldsmiths' Hallwith the opportnity to purchase a piece that captches your eye and ignites your Christmas spirit! Following on from last year's successful display at the National Museum of Scotland in conjunction with the Silversmiths' Art, this years showcase selection of Silversmiths' Christmas Tree decorations celebrates the artistry of our creative industry within one of the most exciting and

The National Festival of Making

The National Festival of Making 5 & 6 July 2025 Blackburn The seventh edition of the National Festival of Making will return to Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of July 2025! The National Festival of Making is curated, produced and delivered by the Festival of Making Community Interest Company (CIC) – registered number: The social enterprise, set up in 2017 has evolved to deliver a festival weekend and year round cultural programme that celebrates making and manufacturing from the kitchen table to the factory floor and advocates for impactful and place specific cultural regeneration in Blackburn, Lancashire

National Festival of Making 2017

A new kind of festival for a new age of making The first National Festival of Making will take place in Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May, 2017. This is an opportunity to see, make and do for residents and visitors to Blackburn town centre as The Festival of Making takes over the streets with music, markets, street food, art, performance, tours, talks and above all, an eclectic mix of making experiences for everyone. With twice the national average of people employed in the manufacturing industry, and a community of talented and creative makers working from homes

Lily Blanche wins Business Women Scotland Award

Stirling-based jewellery company Wow (Scotland) Ltd has triumphed in the main Scottish awards for female entrepreneurs. The company, which trades under the name Lily Blanche, won the award for best use of social media in the BWSWES Awards run jointly by Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland. Founder Gillian Crawford was presented with the award by the Financial Times’ Miss Moneypenny and Dean of the Edinburgh Business School, Professor Heather McGregor. The company won the award for its Facebook campaign Lin’s Locket, which promoted the Lily Blanche Memory Keeper Locket. This innovative locket opens to reveal six secret photographs

National College of Art and Design

The  National College of Art and Design  occupies a unique position in art and design education in Ireland. It offers the largest range of art and design degrees in the State at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Undergraduate: Jewellery & Metalwork - BA (Hons) www.ncad.ie Postgraduate: Jewellery & Metalwork - MFA www.ncad.ie

Margit Jäschke at Schmuck Museum

Margit Jäschke Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 10 December 2022 - 16 April 2023  The artist Margit Jäschke describes herself as a wanderer between art worlds. Transcending the common boundaries of installation, painting, sculpture and art jewellery, she has created a distinctly individual oeuvre. Deliberately blurring the distinction between wearable jewellery and autonomous works of art, she emphasises details that evoke different associations in different viewers. The jewellery artist describes her approach as follows: “If you ask me about the ‘leitmotif’ running through my work, my main priority is not on ideas, concepts, materials or processes, but I try to be aware of

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland This November, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull will be holding the second ‘Elements’, an annual festival celebrating contemporary jewellery and silverware in Scotland. Elements Festival Jewellery Fair Elements 2 will see forty-eight of the UK’s most talented jewellers and silversmiths exhibit their work, which will also be available to buy. Exhibitors include Sarah Hutchison, who was recently commissioned to create a diamond-studded teapot to add to the prestigious Chitra Collection of Newby Teas, Bryony Knox who was previously artist in residence at Edinburgh Zoo and Rebecca Joselyn,

National Festival of Making Launched

The first UK festival bringing together manufacturing, art and design is to be held in the heartland of British industry, developing celebratory acts of creativity and uniting makers of diverse disciplines. The first National Festival of Making will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May 2017 in Blackburn Lancashire, where 25% of the population still works in making and manufacturing The influential designer, Wayne Hemingway will be amongst the organisers and list of supporters bringing together the first UK festival of its kind, initiating a series of newly commissioned works Documentary films will capture the diversity of the

Elements – Scotland’s Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold

Elements – Scotland’s Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold 8 to 10 November 2019 Lyon & Turnbull, Edinburgh Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest Jewellery, Silver and Gold will be a chance to see work by 50 of the finest designer makers –with around half from Scotland and half from the rest of the UK. The event, organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, is the perfect opportunity to buy beautiful Christmas gifts that will be cherished for many years to come. Attractions include a sales fair with jewellery and silverware

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This Symposium on Ethical Making is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. The day will be animated by a fantastic panel of speakers, including Greg Valerio MBE,  award winning British fair trade ethical jeweller and environmental activist; jeweller Ute Decker; silversmith Karen Westland; Tim Ingle of ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode; researcher Dr Peter Oakley

Silver Swan Automation To Visit Science Museum, London

The much loved Silver Swan automaton - the emblem of The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle - is to migrate to the Science Museum in London. The unique, life-size musical automaton will make the journey south in the New Year, where it will take its place as one of the star attractions in the Science Museum’s 2017 blockbuster exhibition, Robots.  It will be the first time this culturally important artefact has left The Bowes Museum since its purchase in 1872 by the Museum founders, John and Joséphine Bowes. They had earlier seen it at the Paris Exhibition of 1867, where

British Museum Acquires “Brexit” Medal

An art medal, titled Exit Britannia ,  created by designer and craftsman Fred Wyver has been purchased by the British Museum. Fred Wyver teaches on the Silversmithing and Jewellery BA at the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester and produced Exit Britannia as an accompaniment to a student competition organised by the British Art Medal Society. The medal was displayed alongside a collection of work from students and practitioners from universities around the country in an exhibition titled ‘Holding Stories’ (17 April – 10 May 2018) hosted by UCA Rochester which has a long history of teaching precious metalworking

The Goldsmiths’ Company becomes a Founding Partner of The Museum of London

The Museum of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths (one of the major City Livery Companies) today announced that the Goldsmiths' Company is to become a Founding Partner of the new Museum of London, due to open in West Smithfield in 2022. The Goldsmiths' Company and its affiliated Charity have pledged £10 million to the Museum project.  This landmark donation goes towards the Museum’s plans to create a spectacular new home for the history of London and its people in the beautiful but disused market buildings at West Smithfield. This follows the news earlier this year that the City

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

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

Scotland’s art colleges sign up to Ethical Making Pledge

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

All Cleared Out - The Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation

All Cleared Out - The Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation 5 July through 29 September 2024 The Votes Are Being Cast  – Visitors‘ Choices Hand-selected – by Sam Tho Duong Within in the context of »Ornamenta Pleasure« (Ornamenta Lust) and concurrent with ORNAMENTA 2024 in Pforzheim and the Northern Black Forest region, Pforzheim’s Jewellery Museum hosts a number of participative activities in dialogue with its Historical and Modern collections. It showcases individual positions of contemporary jewellery artists and students, as well as all those who are interested, and gives them an opportunity to participate in discussions and to share creative ideas.

Gang of thieves raid Cotswold Arts and Craft Museum

A gang of thieves launched a raid on the award-winning Court Barn Arts and Craft Museum and in what looks to be a premeditated crime, took off with a number of silver pieces dating back to 1900. The items taken range from pieces by architect and designer Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942), Hart Silversmiths who joined Ashbee in Campden in 1902 and who still make silver today and designer Robert Welch (1929-2000). They include a silver pendant in the form of a butterfly with wings of enamel and a blue enamel pendant, c1902. The Museum opened in 2007 to  preserve and

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter announce First Jeweller In Residence

One budding Midlands jewellery designer has been given a unique opportunity with the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to be its first Jeweller in Residence, a project which aims to support emerging jewellery designers. Winner Fiona Harris, who previously studied at Birmingham City University School of Jewellery, is the first designer to be crowned with the title. As part of the prize Fiona, now based in Nottingham, has the unique opportunity to work from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter’s perfectly preserved jewellery workshop for the next year and have her bespoke handcrafted jewellery sold in the museum’s acclaimed shop. The

Gifted, The National Centre for Craft & Design - , Sleaford, Lincolnshire

The National Centre for Craft & Design (NCCD) host their much loved Gifted Contemporary Christmas Market this December, which celebrates its 5th Anniversary this year. The event is on over the weekend of Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December, kicking off an exciting programme of seasonal activities at The National Centre for Craft & Design. Go along for a festive weekend of shopping, entertainment and free activities for everyone to enjoy. This year there will be musicians, local choirs and demonstrators as well as free drop-in workshops all weekend. Gifted 2016 Dates: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December Times: 10am

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

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

Orkney Jewellery Designer’s Collection Helps Lifeboat Museum Fundraising

Orkney jewellery designer  Zoe Davidson  has been raising funds to help with the refurbishment of an island lifeboat museum through sales of a limited-edition collection of her work. Stromness-based Zoe created the special silver Longhope collection after learning that the Longhope Lifeboat Museum , on the Orkney island of Hoy, was launching a fundraising drive. The museum – housed in a former lifeboat shed - was created in 2000 to highlight the bravery of Longhope RNLI lifeboat volunteers over the decades, displaying many important artefacts and records.  Most poignantly, the museum pays tribute to the eight-man strong crew of the

The Missing, Linda Brothwell - The Holburne Museum, Bath

 In a new commission by the Holburne Museum, renowned artist and pioneer of contemporary British Craft Linda Brothwell has created a playground of textures and colours in stone, wood and metalwork in response to the most intricate works in the Holburne Museum’s collection. Brothwell’s work will be shown alongside the elaborate carved wooden, gilt bronze and hardstone plinths upon which Sir William Holburne displayed his porcelain and bronzes.  Many of Holburne’s plinths were separated from their objects in the 20th century, leaving an alluring and eclectic collection of empty plinths. Brothwell has created pieces of wearable jewellery in silver and

Elements: A Festival of Gold and Silver in Scotland 2017

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull are delighted to confirm that Elements 3 will take place from 2 nd -5 th  November 2017 in the stunning showrooms of Lyon and Turnbull in Central Edinburgh. Elements is a 4-day festival of gold and silver in Edinburgh produced by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull. The festival comprises an exhibition, a varied programme of events and a selling fair showcasing some of the UK’s most exquisite work in silver and jewellery. The Incorporation and Lyon & Turnbull have a heritage of producing, exhibiting and selling work at the

Jewels by Jar (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Silver Light and Shade, The Holburne Museum

Silver: Light and Shade  explores the different processes used by silversmiths to create a range of surface textures and patterns, highlighting the continuity between the techniques used for centuries and those used today. Work by contemporary makers including Hiroshi Suzuki, Malcolm Appleby, Rod Kelly and Adi Toch are shown alongside some of the finest and rarest pieces in silver to have survived from the last 500 years. This is an exhibition that brings together historic and contemporary silver masterpieces to tell a new story about the texture, form and colour of this precious metal.  Silver:  Light and Shade  explores the

V&A Museum Acquires Rare Jewelled Medieval Brooch

Found on former Royal hunting grounds, this unique Medieval Brooch was a rare find for metal detectorist Justin Owens. After being mistaken for a dirty bottle cap, it's now proudly on display within the V&A's incredible jewellery collections. If jewellery could talk, we wonder what stories it could tell... The V&A Museum has acquired a rare jewelled late Medieval cluster brooch after it was uncovered in 2017 by a metal detectorist in the former Royal Hunting Ground known as 'Great Park' near Brigstock, Northamptonshire. Dating fromc. 1400-1450, the brooch hails from either France or Germany. It's one of only seven known

Museum Quality Collection of Emeralds Goes to Auction

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

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

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

Appointment: Christopher Scoates Named Director Of The Museum Of Arts And Design

The Board of Trustees of the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) today announced the appointment of Christopher Scoates as the Museum’s next Nanette L. Laitman Director. Currently serving as the Maxine and Stuart Frankel Director at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Scoates will stay in that role through the end of the academic year. He will join MAD on July 1, 2018. “I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead MAD,” said Scoates. “I greatly admire the Museum’s track record of experimental exhibitions, and I look forward to building upon

Jerwood Makers Open 2019 @ The National Centre for Craft & Design

Jerwood Makers Open 5 October 2019 – 19 January 2020 The National Centre for Craft and Design, Lincolnshire Jerwood Makers Open, now in its seventh edition, is a biennial opportunity that recognises and promotes the significance of making and materials within contemporary visual arts. This exhibition showcases new works and installations in textiles, ceramics, wood and metal, by five contemporary artists. The artists were selected from over 300 applications in response to a national call for proposals from UK-based makers and collaborators. The award and exhibition, which will tour to venues throughout the UK, freely allows makers to develop their

Narratives In Making, National Craft Gallery - Kilkenny

Narratives In Making An exhibition of new and innovative works from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017-18. The 28 designer makers represented were selected by an international panel, for demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship, design quality and technical skill. Narratives in Making, curated by Gregory Parsons, considers the provenance of the objects, who made it, where it was made, how it was made and what it is made of. All this is inextricably linked. It informs our relationship with the object. There are fascinating stories here, from the love of material, rituals of making, the design

Gone Astray – Jewellery and Utensils on the Fringe of Reason at Schmuck Museum

Gone Astray – Jewellery and Utensils on the Fringe of Reason Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 6 October 2023 through 14 January 2024 Curated by Ellen Maurer Zilioli Where does usefulness end, and where does experimenting far beyond functionality begin? After all, it’s not a new thing anymore that some contemporary gold- and silversmiths question the classical canon of their respective genre, as well as their historical roots and traditions, creating wildly unusual things that violate taboos of their trade and bear witness to disobedience and to breaking rules. They unhinge golden rules and challenge or satirise aesthetic norms, transmuting jewellery, utensils and

Museum of Arts and Design Announce Winners of the Loot Acquisition Prize 2018

This week, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) announced Isabelle Molénat and Sarran Youkongdee as the winners of the third annual LOOT Acquisition Prize. Awarded on the occasion of the eighteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelley, the Museum’s annual exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewellery, this year’s prize will result in the acquisition of two jewellery works, Molénat’s Collection Knots Necklace (2018) and Youkongdee’s Siam Rattikarn (2017), for MAD’s permanent collection. “We are thrilled to add these two new works to the Museum’s collection, as they continue our tradition of support for new artists and new thinking

GIA Museum Acquires Highlights of the Joel and Barbara Hauser Mineral Collection

GIA’s museum has acquired 63 ornamental minerals of exceptional size and quality, made possible through a generous donation by the family of Joel and Barbara Hauser. Many of the pieces are from localities with restricted access or that are no longer producing. These serve as prime learning tools for students and visitors to GIA about mineral formation and lapidary artistry. Nearly 50 of these minerals went on view at the Institute’s Carlsbad museum on Nov. 9 2016.       For more than 60 years, native Californian Joel Hauser ardently pursued his hobby of collecting agates, geodes, ornamental minerals and petrified wood. His decades

Faberge Revealed: At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

South Coast Watch Business Appoint Head of National Sales

South Coast watch business Elliot Brown has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Guy Allen as Head of National Sales. Allen brings 35 years of industry experience to his new role with the Poole-based watch brand. For the past eight years Allen was the UK distributor for French brand Pequignet. Prior to that he owned a retail watch and jewellery business and ran a distribution business in the United States.  During this time Allen was Sales and Marketing Director of both Avia and Burberry and became the first UK distributor for Skagen. Co-founder of Elliot Brown, Ian Elliot, saif of

‘Make Christmas happen’ programme launched by the National Association of Jewellers

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has today announced an exclusive programme of support for just 16 independent jewellery retailers who have their sights set on a successful festive trading period. ‘Make Christmas happen’  is a structured commercially led support programme for a cohort of 16 participants, put together for those who are best positioned within an independent jewellery businesses to ‘make it happen’. The programme will push the cohort as a group, and the individual representatives in the respective jewellery retailers to promote their business as efficiently and effectively as possible, to maximise sales through October, November and December,

Appointment: Andrew Mills - New National Sales Manager at Hockley Mint

Birmingham fine and bridal jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint has appointed Andrew Mills as National Sales Manager. Andrew will start with Hockley Mint on 30 April 2018 and will be responsible for all the company’s sales, client relationships and new business. Andrew joined the jewellery industry in 1995 as a sales executive at bridal manufacturer Brown & Newirth. In 2006 he and his wife, an award-winning jewellery designer, bought a small jewellery wholesale business, which she still runs today. He then moved to CW Sellors as wholesale sales manager before joining Hot Diamonds, in 2014, where he joined as Brand Manager

Shannon O’Neill Designs 2018 Randox Health Grand National Trophy

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

Appointment: Harriet Kelsall elected first female Chair of the National Association of Jewellers

One of the UK's most respected bespoke designers Harriet Kelsall has been elected as the first female chair of The National Association of Jewellers after serving as Vice-Chair for the past two years. Well-known for championing the causes of education, ethics and the environment in the jewellery industry, Harriet brings a wide range of skills and know-how to her new role, tapping into her experience and expertise from acting as chair of the NAJ's new Education steering group, advising the Government on jewellery making skills as part of the Creative and Cultural skill academy and growing her business Harriet Kelsall

National Centre for Craft & Design Commissions Limited Editions by Lynne MacLachlan

To  celebrate 3D Printing: The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful  at The National Centre for Craft & Design, NCCD has commissioned an eye catching and exclusive range of contemporary 3D Printed limited edition brooches by exhibitor and designer, Lynne MacLachlan. 24 pieces are available in three colours priced at £24 each. A unique combination of experience fuels MacLachlan’s design innovation and her work is a fusion of practical and degree level experience in formal Aerospace Engineering, Jewellery and Metalwork and a Royal College of Art Masters – the designer is one to watch. Design pieces play with light, space,

Scotland's Paul Adie 'proud' to be 2018 Loewe Craft Prize finallist

Scottish jeweller Paul Adie will find out next week if he has won the prestigious 2018 LOEWE Craft Prize after he became one of just 30 finallists shortlisted for the second iteration of the awards, created to recognise the merits of artisanal excellence. Glasgow born and Munich based, Adie, 34, crafts rings, pendants and brooches from steel and solder, his most recent collection called The Earth is Moving' launched in 2016, following the success of 'Fruits from the Wasteland' the previous year. His latest collection 'Searching for Solid Ground' was submitted for the LOEWE Craft Prize as one of 1865

Scotland’s Top Open Studios Event Makers Revealed

Spring Fling has unveiled the diverse range of 93 artists, makers and designers selected for Scotland’s premier open studios event in 2017. Nearly a third will also show work in a curated craft focused exhibition that will offer a taste of the much-loved annual Scottish cultural event to Cirencester in the heart of England. The 15th annual Spring Fling takes place across Dumfries and Galloway from 27 to 29 May and will include 15 new participants as well as familiar exhibitors such as the Langholm-based landscape painter Julie Dumbarton and watercolour artist Hazel Campbell from near Castle Douglas. Visitors will

All Cleared Out – the Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation The Votes Are Being Cast – Visitors Curating an Exhibition

All Cleared Out – the Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation The Votes Are Being Cast – Visitors Curating an Exhibition Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 5 July through late September 2024  Hand-picked – by Sam Tho Duong ​ The Secret of Luxury – the Wellendorff Manufactory and the Art of Jewellery-Making  Concurrent with Ornamenta 2024 in Pforzheim and the Northern Black Forest, the Jewellery Museum will be staging three parallel exhibitions  Under the motto of »all cleared out«: one put together by visitors, another featuring individual artistic positions, and a third presenting haute joaillerie creations. In the Historical Collection room, visitor groups assembled by

'The Market for Craft' research report published

The Crafts Council and a national partnership of 8 organisations, Arts Council of Wales ,  Contemporary Visual Arts Network ,  Craft Northern Ireland ,  Craft Scotland , Crafts Council,  Creative Scotland ,  Creative United ,  The Goldsmiths’ Company ,  Great Northern Events/Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair , have launched the first report into the consumer market for British craft in over a decade. The main finding that craft sales exceeded £3 billion in 2019 in the Market for Craft Report . The first report to identify and gauge appetite for British craft for over a decade reveals our passion for

QEST and national Saturday club launch craft&making clubs for 13-16 year olds across the UK

QEST and The National Saturday Club  launch craft&making clubs for 13-16 year olds across the UK The National Saturday Club gives 13–16 year olds across the UK a unique opportunity to study subjects they love for free, on a Saturday at their local university, college or cultural institution.  This new National Saturday Club programme aims to introduce young people to the world of craft and making, creating valuable opportunities for them to develop their creativity and practical skills. Club members will work with varied materials, such as wood, ceramics, glass, metal, and textiles, and will gain an understanding of the

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appointment: Museum of Arts and Design Appoints Elissa Auther as Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs & Chief Curator

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) has announced the appointment of Elissa Auther to the position of Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator, effective immediately. In this role, Auther will collaborate with Nanette L. Laitman Director Chris Scoates to create diverse exhibition programs and collections, foster relationships with artists and designers, and develop forward-looking strategies for engaging a broad audience. “A highly valued colleague, Elissa is a gifted curator and scholar who is passionate about the vital and evolving importance of craft in contemporary art,” said Scoates. “ In her new leadership position at MAD, she will

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins national ‘Inspiring Independents’ Award

Independent jewellers across the country took to London’s Riverbank to honour and support the hardworking independent jewellery sector, where Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery took home one of only five category awards at Retail Jeweller Magazine’s 5 th  annual Inspiring Independents Awards. Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery’s London studio, found in fashionable Primrose Hill, was celebrated by a team of esteemed judges for its use of ‘visual merchandising and store design’ by Retail Jeweller Magazine and their peers. This new category looked at fresh and original store design and use of visuals to convey the brand’s ethos. Since Harriet Kelsall’s Primrose Hill

Jana Reinhardt jewellery partners with National Animal Welfare Trust

Passionate about animal welfare, brand founders Jana and Ross have also created several exclusive pieces intended to raise awareness of the plight of orangutans, greyhounds and foxes. When one of these pieces is purchased, a donation will be made to a range of different animal welfare charities, raising much needed funds. Passionate about animal welfare, brand founders Jana and Ross have also created several exclusive pieces intended to raise awareness of the plight of orangutans, greyhounds and foxes. When one of these pieces is purchased, a donation will be made to a range of different animal welfare charities, raising much needed funds. Passionate about

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Veteran jewellery industry stalwart Michael Hoare has passed after a long battle with cancer. Michael studied in the mid seventies at Leicester Polytechnic now De Montford University, and achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art. After graduation he started his professional career in the retail business and joined the Co-operative Midcounties where he worked as a Department Store Manager until 1988. As a brief spell as a Training Consultant he joined the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) as saw a very speedy transition into management, and Executive management level. Furthering his interest in both training, retail and trade bodies, [youtube

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Veteran jewellery industry stalwart Michael Hoare has passed after a long battle with cancer. Michael studied in the mid seventies at Leicester Polytechnic now De Montford University, and achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art. After graduation he started his professional career in the retail business and joined the Co-operative Midcounties where he worked as a Department Store Manager until 1988. As a brief spell as a Training Consultant he joined the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) as saw a very speedy transition into management, and Executive management level. Furthering his interest in both training, retail and trade bodies, [youtube

Secret Images of Randox Health Grand National Trophy Revealed

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

Museum-Quality Collections of Rare Emeralds and Star Rubies at Auction This Spring

Guernsey's, the New York City- ba sed  auction house, is delighted to  announce two extraordinary events. On April 12, the  Marcial   de  Gomar  Collection of spectacular  emeralds will be held, followed less than a month  lat er  by the May 3 auction of the Mountain Star  Ruby Collection. Both events will be conducted live at  the Americas Society at 680 Park Avenue with  online bidding at liveauctioneers.com. The  Marcial  de  Gomar  Emerald Collection consists of more t han   twenty loose emeralds (both cut and rough) plus 13 pieces  of  emerald  jewellery . The emeralds were collected by Manuel 

Modern Jewellery 1960-1998: Catalogue of the Modern Collection in the Jewelry Museum Pforzheim

Unique by Design: Contemporary Jewelry in the Donna Schneier Collection (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Extreme Beauty: The Body Transformed (Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)

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

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

Appointment: South Coast Watch Business Appoint Guy Allen as Head of National Sales

South Coast watch business Elliot Brown has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Guy Allen as Head of National Sales. Allen brings 35 years of industry experience to his new role with the Poole-based watch brand. For the past eight years Allen was the UK distributor for French brand Pequignet. Prior to that he owned a retail watch and jewellery business and ran a distribution business in the United States.  During this time Allen was Sales and Marketing Director of both Avia and Burberry and became the first UK distributor for Skagen. Co-founder of Elliot Brown, Ian Elliot, saif of

Made in the Middle: Contemporary Craft from the Midlands - Coventry

Featuring 32 makers, there is a wealth of creativity on display, including ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and textiles. Promoting the best of contemporary craft from makers living and working in the Midlands, the exhibition is a great opportunity to purchase and commission work. Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in collaboration with The National Centre for Craft & Design. Made in the Middle is part of Craftspace’s 30th anniversary programme. Dates: 2 December 2016 - 19 February 2017 Venue: The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum,  Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP madeinthemiddle.craftspace.co.uk

Campaigners invite public to Unwrap Art from Scotland’s artists and makers this Christmas

Public invited to buy unique gifts and creative experiences from Scotland’s artists and galleries this Christmas. Scottish Contemporary Art Network’s (SCAN) Unwrap Art campaign will encourage Christmas shoppers to buy handmade, unique and sustainable gifts from artists’ workshops, gallery stores, seasonal markets, and artists’ websites. A drive has been launched today to encourage shoppers to discover amazing work by Scotland’s artists and makers when they are searching for Christmas gifts. The Unwrap Art campaign is run by SCAN (the Scottish Contemporary Art Network) to connect the public with galleries, artists, shops, workshops, and websites where they can find gifts that

Zoe Davidson to unveil new ‘Spring Tides’ collection at upcoming Scotland’s Trade Fair

An Orkney-based jeweller will unveil her new Spring Tides collection at a Scottish Trade Fair this week. The striking new collection takes its inspiration from the sea-carved shorelines of the designers home-land; and sits amongst her previous collections as another tribute to Orkney’s unique landscapes: Saltaire, Barriers and Hoy Sound . The collection will launch with a selection of pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings. Each piece consists of silver and combines Zoe’s signature fold-formed metalwork with contrasting gemstones, accents of gold and bold patina treatments; all handmade with great craftmanship and care from her Stromness-based Studio, open to visitors on

Felieke Van Der Leest: Jewelrassic Park @ Mobilia Gallery

Felieke Van Der Leest: Jewelrassic Park @ Mobilia Gallery Mobilia Gallery 18th May  - 21st June 2019 "When I am working with color, I feel like a painter, When I am Working with metal, I feel like a constructor, And when I am working with toys, I feel like a child". Recently returning from China and getting ready for its United States debut at Mobilia Gallery, each Dino sculpture is wearable or has a wearable element. Editions held in the Collections of:              CODA Museum Apeldoorn, The Netherlands Stedelijk Museum Den Bosch, The Netherlands National Museum of Decorative Arts and Design,

Museums

Sometimes a little bit of inspiration can go a long way. Here is a list of national museums which have jewellery or related articles, objects or artefacts in their collections... Abbott Hall Art Gallery Kendal Cumbria LA9 5AL www.abbothall.org.uk Aberdeen Art Gallery Schoolhill Aberdeen AB10 1FQ www.aagm.co.uk Art and Archaeology in Lincolnshire Danes Terrace Lincoln LN2 1LP www.thecollectionmuseum.com Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2PH www.ashmolean.org Bantock House and Park Finchfield Road Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Bilston Craft Gallery Mount Pleasant Bilston WV14 7LU www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Black Country Living Museum

Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2021 Recipients Announced

Anna Berry, Cecilia Charlton, Jahday Ford, Vicky Higginson and Francisca Onumah & Helena Russell have been awarded the five commissions 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 earlycareer 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

A new home for silversmithing

Scotland’s new home for silversmithing offers a thriving future for an ancient craft. A new home for silversmithing in Scotland aims to secure a thriving future for one of the country’s great and most ancient traditions. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national centre where up to five silversmiths at a time can design and create stunning pieces from precious metals. Thanks to a generous bequest it is being fully equipped with the entire collection of tools, machinery and books built up by celebrated Scottish master silversmith Graham Stewart, of Dunblane, who died

Simone ten Hompel to discuss Glenmorangie Commission

Silversmith Simone ten Hompel will discuss her major commission for the National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company to create a new piece of contemporary metal artwork inspired by the museum’s early medieval collections. Regarded as one of the most inventive metalsmiths of her generation, of international repute, and one of Britain’s most critically acclaimed craft artists, Simone ten Hompel is one of the foremost metal practitioners in the UK. Working within this medium for over 40 years, she is known for her metalwork and sculptures that subvert our ideas of domesticity and navigate the metaphorical depth of everyday vessels [youtube

Spring Fling 2017

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

Appointment: Dr Frances Parton new Deputy Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company

The Goldsmiths Company has announced that Dr Frances Parton has been appointed as Deputy Curator in the Collections Team. Frances Parton has a long and established career in the museum and heritage sector, having most recently spent time in curatorial roles with The National Trust, English Heritage and the V&A.  She brings to the role a wealth of knowledge in decorative arts, contemporary and historic metalwork, silver and jewellery.  With a PhD and MPhil from Cambridge University, a BA from Durham University and a track record of well received publications, Frances brings an impressive breadth of knowledge and distinctive perspective

Made in the Middle: Contemporary Craft from the Midlands

Featuring both recent graduates and makers with established reputations, there is a wealth of creativity on display, including ceramics, glass, jewellery, metalwork and textiles.  Selected by an expert panel through open entry, it promotes the best of contemporary craft from makers living and working in the Midlands or with a strong recent regional connection. Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace  and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in collaboration The National Centre for Craft & Design. A recurring touring exhibition of high quality contemporary craft and applied art from the Midlands, this is the eighth exhibition in

Harriet Kelsall Awarded HSBC 'Retail Businesswoman of the Year'

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

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

Fifth National Conference on Rapid Design, Prototyping and Manufacture: 28 May 2004, Centre for Rapid Design and Manufacture, Buckinghamshire ... Development Unit, Lancaster University, UK

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

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 8 October 2022 Central Scotland School of Jewellery Dunblane, Scotland Join Silversmith Jill Leventon for a day of structural and textural metalworking. By adding small undulations or corrugations to our metal we will add strength and texture to thin sheets of metal, allow us to work in a sculptural yet economic way. Using simple hand tools and a corrugating roller add pleats, folds, and smocking to your designs, or create lightweight hollow bead forms. For makers who are exploring more environmentally sustainable skills this workshop is perfect. Larger, sculptural pieces

FLOCK Contemporary Christmas Craft & Design fair

FLOCK: Contemporary Christmas Craft & Design Fair The Barn's signature Craft and Design fair is returning this year with a festival format and includes satellite makers-venues and an exciting programme of hands-on craft workshops. This year flock provides even more opportunities to make, experience and purchase high-quality craft and design pieces from over 50 of Scotland's top makers. flock brings two days of the best Christmas shopping in Scotland to your doorstep - come early and beat the crowds! Open Saturday 18 November @ 10am - 5pm Sunday 19 November @ 10am - 5pm Tickets Free entryT FLOCK fringe is

Postponed: Loot 2020

Postponed: Loot: Mad About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, USA 20 - 26th April 2020 LOOT: MAD About Jewelry has been postponed to the week of December 7, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution and with careful consideration of evolving public health concerns in New York City, the Museum has determined that the potential risk to the well-being of LOOT's international roster of artists, the attendees, and Museum staff must be the primary consideration. We thank all of our supporters for their understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented situation and for their commitment to support

Loot 2020

Postponed: Loot: Mad About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, USA LOOT: MAD About Jewelry has been postponed to the week of December 7, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution and with careful consideration of evolving public health concerns in New York City, the Museum has determined that the potential risk to the well-being of LOOT's international roster of artists, the attendees, and Museum staff must be the primary consideration. We thank all of our supporters for their understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented situation and for their commitment to support MAD. We look forward to

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

Jewellery: Wearable Glass

Jewellery: Wearable Glass - National Glass Centre in Sunderland National Glass Centre presents an exhibition of newly commissioned glass jewellery, made through exciting new collaborations between four glass artists and eight jewellers. Glass jewellery has a history going back to the Ancient Egyptians. In the 19th and early 20th the artist Rene Lalique used glass to make jewellery but more recently the use of glass in jewellery by artists has been limited.  Through the exhibition  Jewellery: Wearable Glass  National Glass Centre aims to re-introduce glass as a material to be used by leading jewellers based in Britain. National Glass Centre

JASSO Exhibit 2024

JASSO Exhibit 2024 9 - 17 November 2024 The Oxfordshire Museum The JASSO Exhibition for 2024 will be held at  The Oxfordshire Museum  in Woodstock OX20 1SN, from 9th November 2024 until 17th November 2024 Tuesdays-Saturdays 10:00-17:00, Sundays 14:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). Admission is free and there will be items for sale from our members.  www.jasso.org.uk

Jeweller raises funds for Covid-19 Memorial Garden

After learning of the recent campaign in The Glasgow Herald to construct a memorial garden to commemorate those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Scotland, Caitlin Hegney was inspired to get involved and fundraise for the project.  The jeweller was particularly moved by the proposal for the creation of a memorial garden in Pollock Country Park, having worked in Geilston Garden herself, recognising the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individuals’ wellbeing and mental health.  Hegney believes that it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where

Perspectives - Creating Jewellery for a Fairer Future

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

Scottish festival celebrates the finest in gold, silver and jewellery design

Elements 3, a festival celebrating the finest UK and international jewellery, silver and gold will be held in Edinburgh in November. A centrepiece of the event, which is presented by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull, will be a fair at which pieces by 50 carefully selected makers will be on sale. Elements 3 will take place from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 November and will also see the unveiling of a drive to make Scotland a leader in ethical gold and silverwork. Mary Michel, Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, said ,

Scotgold Bulk Processing Trial Sales Update

Scotgold Resources Ltd last week entered into an agreement with Ocean Partners for the sale of up to 120 tonne of the gold rich pyrite concentrate to be generated by the Bulk Processing Trial in Scotland. The first shipment to Ocean Partners’ premises in the Netherlands will take place as soon as the appropriate logistics have been put in place. The Company has now accumulated what is considered to be a cost effective shipping load and as of 26th October, the BPT had generated an estimated mass of approximately 13.5t of pyrite concentrate with a preliminary estimated gold content of

Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Gray’s School of Art

Scotland's  Gray's School of Art  is located on our inspiring parkland campus along the banks of the River Dee on the southern edge of the city of  Aberdeen . Gray's is a highly challenging and stimulating place to develop and refine your creative education.  Undergraduate: Three Dimensional Design (Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery) - BA (Hons) www.rgu.ac.uk

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art

Edinburgh College of Art  ( ECA ) is an art, design, creative and performing arts school in Edinburgh, the oldest and largest in Scotland, providing higher education in art and design, architecture, history of art and music disciplines for over two thousand  University of Edinburgh  students.  Undergraduate: Jewellery & Silversmithing – BA (Hons) www.eca.ed.ac.uk BA Jewellery & Silversmithing www.ed.ac.uk Postgraduate: Jewellery – MA www.ed.ac.uk

Hoffmann Group UK aims to double in size with customer-centric reorganisation

Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has transformed its national strategy in order to better serve its customers.  To provide its customer base with a more bespoke, effective service, the business is bolstering the number of experts available to advise and consult with clients. Specifically, the business is increasing technical expertise, introducing dedicated support for large national accounts and additional specialised resource to support services such as inventory management, calibration and repairs.  The reorganisation also sees Peter Borrowdale, who joined the business last year, being appointed as National Sales Manager. Hoffmann

Media to catch up on whilst in lockdown

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

Turquoise Mountain continues training in Jordan with help of UNICEF

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

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

Motion and Forces

Motion and Forces Design Museum, London Monday 17 October, 18.30 – 20.00 Join artist Conrad Shawcross RA, Fashion Designer Beatrix Ong MBE and Director of Patrimony and Exhibitions at Van Cleef & Arpels, Lise MacDonald, as they discuss the significance of motion and forces in their work with the Design Museum Director Tim Marlow. How do designers, creatives and artists make static objects come alive? What are the secrets to making jewellery, artworks or fashion capture motion? Hear these questions explored with Conrad Shawcross RA, one of the UK’s most important sculptors, Director of Patrimony and Exhibitions at Van Cleef

Bonhams Decorative Art and Design Sale to feature V&A Silver Speaks exhibits

Stunning and pioneering works in silver specially commissioned for the recent Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, Silver Speaks: ‘From Idea to Object’ will be offered at the Bonhams Decorative Art and Design Sale in London on 27 September.  The exhibition, curated by design critic Corinne Julius, was organised by Contemporary British Silversmiths to mark its 20th anniversary and showcased the very best of British silver design and craft. The sale marks the first collection of contemporary silver to come to auction straight from a significant museum display, and will feature number of pieces including: Animus, a sculptured centrepiece by Kevin

Mad Exhibition Explores Fake News, Sensationalist Headlines, and Conspiracy Theories Through Jewellery

Mad Exhibition Explores Fake News, Sensationalist Headlines, and Conspiracy Theories Through Jewellery Fake News and True Love: Fourteen Stories by Robert Baines The Museum of Arts and Design, New York 16 October 2018 – 3 March 2019 The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is pleased to present Fake News and True Love: Fourteen Stories by Robert Baines, a solo exhibition of jewelry by Australian artist Robert Baines, on view October 16, 2018, through March 3, 2019. The exhibition centers on fourteen fanciful news stories, of which Baines' jewelry serves as "evidence." Using rings, parures, neckpieces, and bracelets, the artist

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

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

Contemporary British Silversmiths shine at Bonhams Decorative Art Sale

Stunning and pioneering works in silver specially commissioned for the recent Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition, Silver Speaks: ‘From Idea to Object’ were offered at Bonhams Decorative Art and Design Sale in London on 27 September. The exhibition, curated by design critic Corinne Julius, was organised by Contemporary British Silversmiths to mark its 20th anniversary and showcased the very best of British silver design and craft. The sale marked the first collection of contemporary silver to come to auction straight from a significant museum display, and featured number of pieces including: Animus , a sculptured centrepiece by Kevin Grey. In

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017

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

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

“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.

MAD's The Store Launches Fine Jewellery Collection

The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, will premiere its new collection of contemporary fine  jewellery  in May. Entitled “ Redefining Fine  Jewelry ,” the curated selection features works made by hand and crafted by a global cohort of artists, whose cutting-edge  jewellery  reflects the ethos of the Museum of Arts and Design’s or MAD's mission to champion work at the intersection of arts, craft, and design. Each of the pieces featured offers a dynamic contemporary alternative to the traditional heirloom, responsive to our changing lifestyles while remaining timeless in the face of the shifting aesthetics

Gifted 17 Contemporary Christmas Craft Market

Gifted 17 Contemporary Christmas Craft Market Join National Centre for Craft and Design for a special advent weekend of high-quality craft, local specialist food and a family friendly programme of workshops a Christmas craft trail, activities, demonstrations, musicians and exhibitions. Dates 9 - 10 December 2017 Venue The National Centre for Craft & Design Navigation Wharf, Carre Street Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7TW www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk

Q&A: Patrick Fuller

Patrick Fuller has been at the helm of the jewellery industry for some 30 years. A charismatic individual who has held every senior influential position in the British jewellery industry going. He is currently a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office, a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company and President of the National Association of Jewellers as well as a Freeman of the City of London. A former President of the National Association of Goldsmiths; President of Emagold Europe; Director of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; President of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; Member of the British Hallmarking Council

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair 2021

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

Sweet Ceramic Jewellery with Rebecca Wilson

It’s that time of Year when resolutions are rife, and many of us try, successfully or not so much, to give up our vices. The good news is, if you’re craving sugar, you’re in for a treat. Rebecca Wilson is a ceramicist who is venturing into jewellery, her whimsical designs are sugar-spun into cool confectionary.  Living and working near Edinburgh and Scotland, Rebecca comes from a background in ceramics and has recently introduced jewellery and wearables to her collection. She has exhibited extensively in the UK and abroad, most notably at COLLECT in the Saatchi Gallery, London, SOFA in Chicago,

Elements - Festival of Jewellery 2022

Elements: Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold Edinburgh 28 - 30 October 2022 Elements returns for 2022, bringing together forty-six of the UK’s finest Jewellers and Silversmiths for a selling fair, exhibition and series of events at the stunning showroom of Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh. From silver vases glittering with flecks of gold, to colourful, three-dimensional sculptural jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK. For the first time, award-winning work from the prestigious Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition, will be showcased in Scotland at Elements. The

City of Glasgow College run eco jewellery competition

The City of Glasgow College recently ran a Jewellery Design competition for Secondary Schools in Scotland during Lockdown with the theme  #climatemergency  and received over 300 entries. The competition challenged young people to design a pendant that reflects the world’s climate emergency. Mirin Scott from Carluke High School has won the S1-S3 category for her design which highlighted bees becoming endangered. Grace Anderson from Blairgowrie High School took first place for S4-S6 with her pendant underlining the urgency of time. Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head for Craft and Design at City of Glasgow College, said: “We had over 300 entries for

Introduction to Enamelling with Elizabeth J Campbell

Introduction to Enamelling with Elizabeth J Campbell Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 October Dunblane, Scotland A two-day, weekend course learning the magic of enamel jewellery making, this class is suitable for beginners as well as students looking to expand their skills. Students will learn how to prepare metal before enamelling, apply colour and textures, and then how to use the kiln to fire their pieces. We will also look at how to apply findings to an enamelled design to create final pieces that can be displayed or worn. The workshop will cover a range of decorative techniques such as sifting,

Eco Metal Masterclass – Recycling Precious Metals

Eco Metals Masterclass Sunday 5 November Dunblane, Scotland As increasingly more makers and designers are looking for ways to make their practice more sustainable and less impactful to the environment, CSSJ will host an ‘Eco Metal’ workshop dedicated to learning skills and methods needed to recycle gold, silver and other metals. With very little equipment, it is possible to melt down pieces of precious metal and turn them into fabulous cast pieces of jewellery within a home studio environment! This workshop will focus on charcoal ingots and granulation with students leaving the workshop with a unique cast ring. Other ingot

‘Exceptional’ Silver Goblet Inspired by Seas and Coastlines Joins Prestigious Collection

Incorporation of Goldsmiths award winner’s work shows off Scotland as a home for world-class silversmithing. A young Glasgow-based silversmith is this year’s winner of a unique award where the prize is the chance to create a spectacular handmade goblet – which becomes part of a highly prestigious collection. Caius Bearder (23), left Guernsey to study at Glasgow School of Art, falling in love with the city and the country, and has now been named The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s Outstanding Student of the Year. The title is highly prestigious – with the heads of Scotland’s four

Engraving Masterclass with Dario Bartzella

Engraving Masterclass with Dario Bartzella Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 June 2023 Dunblane, Scotland Join us for an exciting Engraving Masterclass for those with previous jewellery experience. This two-day course is a great opportunity to learn the art of engraving. First we'll learn how to prepare a graver and plate, then we'll begin perfecting the skills of basic core cuts, and explore how to translate them into designs. We'll focus on repeat patterns and mark making to create textured surfaces that can stand alone or be used as a base for transparent enamels. Over the weekend we'll develop a solid

New Fairtrade Gold Jewellery Collection Re-imagined

Alison Macleod Jewellery, a Scottish based fine jewellery designer has launched her new ‘Silhouette Collection’, a range that celebrates the exquisite elements that make up her jewellery, from the lustrous fair trade gold to brilliant-cut diamonds that adorn some of the key pieces. Alison is part of a select group of jewellery designers representing Scotland at New York Jewellery Week taking place between the 16th and 22nd of November. 'I am excited to present the new Silhouette Collection, a series of simple silhouettes with a nod to traditional love tokens, amulets and good luck charms, each piece celebrating the lustrous

Great Scots in Isolation @ The Scottish Gallery

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

First Minister wears COP26 brooch

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

Obituary: Graham Stewart 1955 - 2020

Silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, who has died in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28 October aged 65, was a talented master craftsman who remained humble about his achievements and his skill. His most recognisable work, Three Honours of Scotland, remains on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament. We publish two obituaries of our friend and colleague: Obituary: Graham Stewart, Scottish silversmith whose work graces Holyrood parliament building Graham Leishman Stewart, silversmith. Born: July 10 1955 in Bridge of Allan. Died: October 28 2020, aged 65. www.scotsman.com Appreciation: Graham Leishman Stewart- 1955-2020, Silversmith Graham Stewart, who died in Edinburgh on

Vanilla Ink Open Day

Vanilla Ink Open Day Glasgow, Scotland 10 - 11 April 2019 Vanilla Ink is throwing open its doors to give you a chance to have a good nosey and find out all about the Jewellery School in the West End of Glasgow. Ever wondered what it is we do and all the things we offer, or simply after some tool porn? For the first time since we moved in to our West End location, Vanilla Ink is having an Open Day(s) and welcoming you in to have a wander. This will be a chance for you to come and have

Celebrating Sarah Letts

Celebrating Sarah Letts Sarah Letts: 1936 – 2017 A unique opportunity to view the drawings, paintings and jewellery created by Sarah Letts in her lifetime. Curated with her family, Studio Fusion is proud to present this work in the gallery where Sarah was co-founder and co-director for over 20 years. Sarah Letts originally trained as a fine artist before she started to focus on making one-off pieces of jewellery. All her metalwork had its own distinct identity, with her signature striated engraving bringing depth and luminosity to the enamel. Inspired by her garden, the land and seascapes of north Scotland,

Q&A: Mary Michel

Mary Michel is the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh. She has been with the company for 15 years and is responsible for initiatives such as Elements and the forthcoming online Ethical Making Resource . She also sits on the board of Craft Scotland and is their Vice-Chair. She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MM: Mary Michel, I’m the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh . How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MM: By happy accident – I started here 15 years ago on a

94 Studios selected for this years' Spring Fling: Scotlands top 'open studios' event

Spring Fling is Scotland’s premier visual art and contemporary craft open studios event covering all Dumfries and Galloway. The event, which takes place between 25th-27th May, is a chance for the public to meet high quality painters, original printmakers, ceramicists, jewellers and glassmakers, wood and metal workers, photographers in the places where they live and work. Spring Fling is a much-loved feature of the country’s arts and cultural calendar, attracting more than 10,000 visitors a year from across Scotland, the rest of the UK and overseas – and generating over £1.2 million for the regional economy. Joanna Macaulay, Events and Exhibitions

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

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

Hobby gold hunter may have to hand over 'largest ever' £50,000 find

An anonymous amateur gold hunter is still waiting to be told whether Britain's largest ever gold nugget, which he found in a Scottish stream, will have to be handed over to the Crown Estate. Weighing 85.7g, the nugget which has been named the Douglas Nugget was found in an unidentified river in Scotland two years ago by an amateur prospector who has chosen to keep his identity under wraps. Its value is reckoned to be around £50,000 but under “Mines Royal” law, which sometimes requires successful bounty hunters to hand over their gold and silver booty to the Crown, the

From The Greenhouse @ The Scottish Gallery

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

Silversmiths Put on Winning Display for Royal Highland Show

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

London Design Fair - Old Truman Brewery, London

The 10th anniversary of the London Design Fair runs from 22 – 25 September 2016. This year sees the addition of an amazing new 3rd floor, with country pavilions, features and exhibitions including: 100% Norway, China Academy of Art, British Craft Pavilion, Design in South Italy, Design Prize Switzerland, Form & Seek, Inspiring Portugal, Liu Malmsten & Swedish Wood, Nature Lab, Nordic Design Collective, Scotland: Craft and Design, Swedish Design Pavilion, Takram, The Publishing House (Flea Folly), The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, This Is India & Trentino Collaborations Not to mention over 450 independent designers & studios and

Fairtrade Gold Jewellery UK Push

The Fairtrade Foundation have unveiled an exciting new initiative as part of its Fairtrade Gold campaign, tagged ‘I DO’, to stamp out practices that have tarnished the jewellery industry’s reputation.   The push will kick off with a series of five nationwide conferences which will be held across England, Scotland and Wales throughout September and October. It will also include the launch of a unique new e-learning platform, a Fairtrade gold business advice clinic and seminar hosted by International Jewellery London, and the creation of a suite of new business resources and new campaigner literature. The conferences will be attended

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

Designer Tips for Ethical Practices to Start off a Sustainable Business Our friends from Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths have been up to great adventures in the field of ethical jewellery and sustainability. The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, the charitable arm of the Incorporation, shared with us details of their latest initiative of setting up an online ethical jewellery resource for informing jewellery designers who want to work towards an ethical practice. It’s in Our Hands – Symposium on the Future of Ethical Jewellery Making in Scotland In partnership with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, the Incorporation held their first

Scotgold Resources Ltd To Auction First Scottish Gold Rounds

On November 29 2016, Scotgold Resources Ltd will release 10 limited edition 1oz fine Scottish Gold Rounds. The Gold Rounds are made of the first pure Scottish gold mined from the Cononish Gold Mine in Tyndrum, Scotland and refined to 999.9 purity.  Scottish Gold Rounds can be bought in a sealed-bids auction with the deadline of 4pm 28th November 2016. Each Gold Round is stamped with a unique serial number corresponding to the Chain of Custody system and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Edinburgh Assay Office. The Gold Rounds have been minted by Baird & Co Bullion

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,

Bits and Bobs

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

Bishopsland announces the opening of its new HQ

Bishopsland announces the opening of its exciting new home for professional training and partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre Bishopsland has successfully completed the first phase of its relocation to Buscot and Coleshill and a new partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, marking an exciting milestone in its journey.  Bishopsland Educational Trust have disclosed to Benchpeg that they are thrilled to formally announce that their project to relocate and establish a future for silversmithing has been generously supported by the South Square Trust and the De Beers Group. The project is also

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 22 - 26 February  2025 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

Major overhaul of higher technical education announced

New package of measures for higher technical education will build on the work to transform technical and vocational education in Britain Measures to boost the quality and take-up of higher technical education to help plug skill gaps, level up opportunities and support the UK’s economic recovery have been announced by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. A major review last year revealed that higher technical education – technical qualifications like Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas that sit between A Level and degrees – can unlock the  skills employers need  and lead to highly skilled, well paid jobs. Despite this, not

Mehdi Saadian Appointed NAJ Vice Chair

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mehdi Saadian, Director of the GIA London campus, as the new Vice Chair of the NAJ. A distinguished member of the jewellery and valuation profession, Mehdi is an active member of the Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV) and the Academy of Experts. He has played a significant role in the NAJ's National Committee since   joining in 2022, contributing to simplifying, standardising and visualising the governance model of the Association. Mehdi will succeed Adam Jacobs as Chair in 2026. Commenting on his new role, Mehdi shared, "I'm truly honoured to take

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 21 - 25 February 2024 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

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

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

NAJ Summit 2024

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Summit 22 - 24 June 2024 Park Regis, Birmingham  The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the dates for this year's NAJ Summit - the Association's annual conference bringing all sectors of membership and the wider trade together to network and learn. The 2024 NAJ Summit will take place from 22 to 24 June at the Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, providing an accessible and modern venue for attendees. The extended weekend will once again feature the Valuers' Conference hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers and the Retail Jeweller's Congress hosted by

2021 Bright Young Gems winners announced

The winners of Bright Young Gems® 2021 mentoring scheme for graduating and recently graduated jewellery designers have been announced. The talented line-up comprise Imogen Burch, Amber Doughty, Hannah Gower, Capucine Huguet and Andrea Jose Castro, all of whom will unveil their winning pieces as part of the National Association of Jeweller’s showcase at the one-day UK Jewellery Festival, The Brewery, London, on September 1, 2021.  Thanks to support from the  National Association of Jewellers, the winners  will also benefit from dedicated mentoring from  the NAJ jewellery experts before the event to ensure that they maximise the experience. The designers will

£8000 Silver commission to mark the end of the Great War

Birmingham based British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) receive the commemorative ‘Silence Fell’ silverware to mark the end of the Great War. Last year the BATF board decided to commission a special piece to join its boardroom silver collection of over 50 items and tasked one of its member associations, The National Association of Jewellers, to help find a fitting item.  A national competition was held to design and make a piece of silverware to commemorate the end of the First World War, taking that ceasefire as inspiration. At the beginning of the year Claire Malet was announced as the designer

Jewellery: Wearable Glass at Studio Fusion

Jewellery: Wearable Glass In collaboration with the National Glass Centre. 'Jewellery: Wearable Glass’, a concept realised by the National Glass Centre aims to change the approach and perception of both audiences and artists to the amazing potential of glass as a wearable material. Eight jewellers were each mentored by one of 4 artists with different specialisms in the art of making and forming glass. The jewellers were given 10 days of studio time to collaborate, experiment and develop new forms of jewellery.  The results are truly unique and exciting pieces that show how collaboration between artists in different disciplines can

Rising Stars Symposium 2018

Rising Stars Symposium 2018 Rising Stars is a curated, national platform to foster and champion students and recent graduates from BA and MA crafts, design and applied arts programmes across the UK. Rising Stars aims to offer new makers their first step into the market place, through a curated, selling exhibition. The programme will consist of the Rising Stars exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham, that enables new makers to access the market place and collectors; professional development including knowledge transfer and skills exchange, a national symposium; and a catalogue to act as a promotional tool for the selected

Rising Stars Exhibition 2018

Rising Stars Exhibition Rising Stars is a curated, national platform to foster and champion students and recent graduates from BA and MA crafts, design and applied arts programmes across the UK. Rising Stars aims to offer new makers their first step into the market place, through a curated, selling exhibition. The programme will consist of the Rising Stars exhibition at the New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham, that enables new makers to access the market place and collectors; professional development including knowledge transfer and skills exchange, a national symposium; and a catalogue to act as a promotional tool for the selected makers. 

The Jewellery Industry Salary and Benefits Survey 2017

The National Association of Jewellers has launched its  Jewellery Industry Sa lary and Benefits Survey 2017 which will be open until the 1 August .   The survey will be used to allow businesses to  benchmark themselves against the national wage average across industry. The questions include salary brackets, benefits and rewards across the wide range of job functions and craft skills associated with our sector. Only survey participants will have access to the detailed results where a ll individual responses will be confidential.   Understanding the current market r ates for salaries and wages is  vital as it will

European Prize For Applied Arts 2019

Monumentality / Fragility: European Prize For Applied Arts 7th February – 23rd June 2019 National Design & Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny will host major exhibition of works from 76 makers from 19 European countries at dual locations: the National Design & Craft Gallery and Kilkenny Castle Monumentality / Fragility, a major exhibition of contemporary crafts featuring 76 makers from 19 European countries, including seven Irish participants, will show at two locations in Kilkenny in February 2019. The European Prize for Applied Arts aims to reward the best creations of contemporary expression in applied arts and craftsmanship. The exhibitors and

Alexander Wood to Represent UK at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that Alexander Wood has been chosen to represent the UK in the Jewellery Competition at the WorldSkills Finals in Abu Dhabi.  The 44th edition of the world’s leading vocational education and skills excellence competition, which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 14-19 October 2017, will bring together 1000 apprentices and students from 70 countries, all vying for the top spot in a particular vocational field.    The two-year process has seen competitors win regional heats, a national final, European finals and more recently jump the final hurdle reaching the most

Benevolent Society Ball 2016

Benevolent Society Ball and National Association Of Jewellers’ Membership Awards Event The event, which is taking place on Thursday 1 December at the prestigeous St John’s Hotel in Solihull attracted over 400 key industry guests last year and all looks good for an even greater turnout this year. The evening starts with a champagne reception sponsored by the National Exhibition Centre and the NAJ’s membership awards adds a great deal of excitement as the nominees wait with bated breath to learn whether they have won one of these illustrious awards. As well as helping needy people who used to worked

Jewellery & Watch Collaborate with Industry Figureheads for Dynamic 5 Days Event Programme

Jewellery & Watch celebrates being ‘the heart of the jewellery industry’ with leading figureheads collaborating to front its 2017 content programme: Harriet Kelsall, bespoke jewellery designer and retailer, Fei Liu, fine jewellery designer, Simon Johnson, Chairman of the National Association of Jewellers and owner of Marmalade Jewellery, Alex Monroe, jewellery designer and Gary Wroe, MD of Hockley Mint.  The event will offer retailers the event’s most diverse and inspirational seminar programme to date. Each day has a theme, including a collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers - NAJ Live. The key industry figures will act as the ‘Faces’ of

Donald Friedlich: The Glass Alchemist

Donald Friedlich can be called a glass alchemist. Fascinated by its chemical, material and aesthetic properties, he has dedicated the last twenty years of his artistic research to the discovery and exploration of this material, so elusive and challenging writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Among the many achievements, in 2003 he was the first jeweller to be an Artist in Residence at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass. In 2004 Friedlich was a featured speaker at an international jewellery conference in Melbourne, Australia and an Artist in Residence in both the Glass and Goldsmithing Programs of Canberra School of Art at

21 GRAMS

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

Schmuckmuseum’s 2019 wall calendar goes on sale

The photographer ISA Planck has taken a selection of historical gems from the collection of the Jewellery Museum Pforzheim and placed them on today's people, in everyday attire. A selection of these images is now available as a wall calendar for 2019. With their recordings, Planck explores the effect of the individual gems on people of modern multicultural society - completely free of the conventions that were associated with the wearing of historical jewellery. It is striking how sovereign and of course the gems come into their own. Their strong aura enchanted both the people with whom they were allowed

The Allure of Silver: Past and Present - JASSO

The Allure of Silver: Past and Present - JASSO, The Jewellery and Silver Society of Oxford JASSO, the Jewellery and Silver Society Oxford are hosting an exhibition of jewellery and silver at The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock by society members. Items in the exhibition will be for sale. JASSO is a not-for-profit organisation and all committee give their time for free. The exhibition aims to promote understanding of making, and to provide visitors with a basic understanding of the steps and processes behind the work of the jeweller and silversmith. Dates: 22 October – 6 November 2016 Venue: The Oxfordshire

Sima Vaziry Jewellery to open first shop at the OXO Tower

Sima Vaziry Jewellery & Katherine Elizabeth Millinery have come together and made the decision to open a boutique studio and shop in order to showcase their award winning creations. The attractive high end items on display will appeal to a wide audience who appreciate exquisite design and craftsmanship. Their strengths are that they have already been in business for many years and have successfully achieved a large client base and following. They are well known in the industry and have already showed their collections in high end venues such as Cliveden House, the Berkley, The British Museum and Fortnum and

SIERAAD Art Fair - Gashouder Amsterdam

SIERAAD Art Fair will celebrate its 15th anniversary in November with an exceptional exhibition. The fair will feature a special selection from the largest ethnological jewellery collection in Holland. It is the outcome of an inspiring collaboration with the Amsterdam Tropenmuseum, the Ethnological Rijksmuseum in Leiden and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal. At a fair where the visitor is surrounded by prominent international contemporary design, occasionally featuring very futuristic touches, we felt this anniversary was an occasion to go back to the roots: to the ethnology of jewellery. Ethnological jewellery originates from and is connected with all possible

Adi Toch Aquired by V&A

A di Toch had has had a piece entitled 'Colourful Volume' acquired last month by the V&A Museum, London, for their permanent collection. The piece is due to be exhibited this autumn in a new display of recent acquisitions in the Silver Galleries Discovery Area.  For more information aditoch.com vam.ac.uk Adi Toch, Colourful Volume Author:  Published: 

BE JEWELLED

Be Jewelled  Open Studio exhibition and sale of jewellery by the Flux Studios collective Showing at Fux Studios, 14 of the most exciting jewellers whose exceptional creativity is forged from the streets of South London:  Alex Yule Barbara Yarde Barbora Rybarova Becky Dockree Elena Timbaliuc Emma McGilchrist Ezra December Heidi Agbowu Ilona Guest Jacqui Qinn Katherine Brunacci  Maggie Laing Raffaella Nissi Vicky Forrester Celebrating our diversity with influences from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Slovakia, Moldova, Nigeria, The Carribean, Tasmania  Also showing at Vanguard Court: Creatives including Musu Quilts Black Cactus printed textiles Chris Keenan ceramics Carina Ciscato ceramics

‘Buy Less. Buy Better. Buy Handmade’ This Christmas

Manchester’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair launches national Christmas shopping campaign with support from the repair shop’s Jay Blades. With everyone feeling the squeeze this Christmas, Manchester’s award winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) has joined forces with the Crafts Council and other leading UK craft organisations to launch a national Christmas shopping campaign, designed to support makers across the UK and encourage shoppers to  Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Handmade.   This initiative to promote thoughtful gifting has also received the backing of The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades MBE and The Great Pottery Throwdown’s Keith Brymer-Jones. Ann-Marie Franey,

International Women's Day Event

International Women's Day Event National Design and Craft Gallery Friday 8 March 1pm - 4pm Celebrate International Women's Day at the National Design and Craft Gallery. Join us for crafternoon tea treats, chats and tote bag screen printing to mark the occasion. All are welcome to drop in between  1pm - 4pm. For group bookings please email   events@ndcg.ie  to confirm your time of arrival. FREE event. International Women's Day  (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day

Higher Education Institutions

We've complied a list of all the national organisations offering jewellery, silversmithing or metal at HND or degree level here... Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthen School of Art www.colegsirgar.ac.uk Central Saint Martins www.arts.ac.uk/csm Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh www.eca.ed.ac.uk Glasgow School of Art www.gsa.ac.uk Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University Aberdeen www.rgu.ac.uk Hereford College of Arts www.hca.ac.uk Kensington and Chelsea College www.kcc.ac.uk London College of Fashion www.arts.ac.uk/fashion Middlesex University www.mdx.ac.uk National College of Art and Design www.ncad.ie Plymouth College of Art www.plymouthart.ac.uk School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University www.bcu.ac.uk/jewellery Sheffield Hallam University www.shu.ac.uk Staffordshire University www.staffs.ac.uk Turo and

Gabi Dziuba & Friends

Gabi Dziuba & Friends  Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 25 February through 9 June 2024  Curated by Cornelie Holzach, Vera Gliem, Elisabeth Heine and Stephan Strsembski in collaboration with Pforzheim Arts Association  Matches or tablet cartons, coins, beans or letters of the alphabet, cast in gold or silver and slightly modified – Gabi Dziuba uses anything as a source of inspiration for her jewellery. The results of her experiments with shapes and materials are rigorously inventive, refreshingly unconventional, austerely minimalistic, glamorously sparkling, and progressively modern. Friendships, such as with Günther Förg for example, have a fundamental influence on her artistic work. Hence, the

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

Historical Mughal Jewellery and Objets d’Art from a Private Collection

Historical Mughal Jewellery and Objets d’Art from a Private Collection  Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 22 November 2024 through early February 2025  Architecture, literature and painting, as well as jewellery, experienced a heyday during the Indian Mughal Empire. Mughal jewellery from the 16th to 18th centuries in particular stands out for its excellent quality in terms of design and craftsmanship. Although made of precious gold and embellished with gemstones, it does not look overly ornate but testifies to a well-developed sense of aesthetics and refinement, and is clearly distinct from 19th-century Maharaja jewellery. The exhibition will be featuring superlative examples of the goldsmith’s

Max Carocci Lecture

'Precious Metals-Precious Stones: Symbolism and Technologies of Precolumbian Jewellery' Lecture by Max Carocci  Tuesday 11 October 2022, 18:00 – 20:00 What are the reasons for a culture to produce jewels from very specific raw materials? How do we make sense of the inordinate use of certain metals? What causes certain societies to value certain metals over others? Through examples drawn from the exceptional creativity and craftmanship of Precolumbian master jewellers, we address these and other questions related to the meanings, symbolism, and values differently associated with jewellery, and how they work in society. About the Lecturer: British Museum-based Dr. Max Carocci

V&A unveils refurbished Raphael Court ahead of reopening

The V&A had unveiled a first look at the newly refurbished Raphael Court – home to the Raphael Cartoons – following a landmark renovation in 2020 to mark the 500th anniversary of Raphael’s death. Together with a new interpretive approach, the refreshed gallery will transform the way museum visitors experience the Cartoons, lent to the V&A from the Royal Collection by Her Majesty The Queen. The gallery will reopen to the public for the first time when the V&A reopens on 19 May 2021. The Raphael Cartoons are among the greatest treasures of the Renaissance in the UK. Shortly after his

OBSESSED!

Over the month of November the biennial jewellery festival OBSESSED! will take place in various cities across the Netherlands writes Ilaria Ruggiero. OBSESSED! unites the best jewellery-related events – museum and gallery exhibitions, talks, fairs, book presentations and artist open studios – into one intriguing programme put together by  Current Obsession . The second, 2019 edition of OBSESSED! Jewellery Festival brings together independent artists, galleries and cultural institutions from across the Netherlands in celebration of Jewellery. United. Jewellery. United. is a new paradigm in jewellery discourse. It broadens the scope of what is seen as jewellery in relation to other creative fields and

Simply brilliant, Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s

Simply Brilliant Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s In Cooperation with the Cincinnati Art Museum 27 March through 27 June 2021 Simply put, jewellery of the 1960s and '70s was revolutionary. If the 1950s were demure and controlled, the 1960s became an era of youthful rebellion and radical cultural change -and a new style of jewellery was part of that zeitgeist. Rock 'n' roll, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassinations, the civil rights and women's movements, the widespread use of hallucinogenic drugs, and the concept of free love are all associated with these tumultuous decades. From space-age plastic hoop earrings to the hippie's

Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2022 Finalists 2022 Announced

The Loewe Foundation have announced that their expert panel has selected the 30 finalists of the 2022 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. Having received over 3100 works submitted from 116 countries and regions around the world, this year expereinced an exquisite level of entries. The overall winner will be announced on June 30 in Seoul, followed by an exhibition of all shortlisted works at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art opening on July 1. 30 works have been selected as Finalists by the Experts Panel. These works will take part of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2022 exhibition that will travel

Blunt Blades

Contemporary Intervention by Leading Artist Arabel Lebrusan Opens at The Higgins Bedford: Blunt Blades 11 November 2021 - 30th October 2022  The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum, Bedford  Blunt Blades , a new display exploring our complex relationships with knives and their variety of roles by leading visual artist,  Arabel Lebrusan , opens at  The Higgins Bedford  on Thursday 11 November 2021. Knife crime in the UK is the highest it has been in over a decade. Informed by years of research after Arabel received three crates of confiscated knives and weapons from Bedfordshire Police in 2013, this display explores

The Art of Movement, Van Cleef & Arpels

The Art of Movement, Van Cleef & Arpels Design Museum, London 23 September – 20 October 2022 Featuring almost a hundred creations from Van Cleef & Arpels' patrimonial collection, numerous archive documents and lender masterpieces, this exhibition illustrates the French High Jewellery Maison's constant quest to impart movement into precious materials. Van Cleef & Arpels has constantly blended the excellence of its High Jewellery savoir-faire with great delicacy of vision in order to imbue the most precious materials with lightness and dynamism. Notable for their unique designs, their three-dimensional volume and their composition, the creations showcased stand out as manifestos

Jewelry Stories

Jewelry Stories to 16 April 2023 New York, USA MAD was an early advocate of jewelry as a form of artistic expression. Its 1956 inaugural exhibition,  Craftsmanship in a Changing World , gave many Americans their first exposure to metalsmiths who were challenging the norms of conventional jewelry design and creating works rooted in sculptural experimentation. Because of the support of MAD and like-minded institutions, makers, and collectors around the world, the concept of jewelry as an art form took hold and flourished. To date, the Museum has presented more than 150 exhibitions featuring art jewelry and there are more

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

FERROcity | A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city

Ferrocity: A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city Museum Reich der Kristalle, Munich, Germany & School of Jewellery, Birmingham 21st February - 17th March 2019 & 1st - 18th April 2019 Jewellery and objects by twenty-two contemporary makers displayed alongside gemmological samples and photography that explores the interpretation and influence of Iron as catalyst, material and fundamental element of life. The exhibition is co-curated by Elizabeth Turrell and Stephen Bottomley from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. The selection of contemporary metalwork and jewellery, ranging from steel vessels to recycled iron nail jewellery, will present a range of approaches

Henryka’s ride on the Sausage Dog wave

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

Fiona Rourke presents Reflect, Refract, React at Blinkered

Fiona Rourke presents Reflect, Refract, React at Blinkered Recent Crafts Council Hothouse 2017 participant Fiona Rourke presents her ongoing solo project Reflect, refract, react as part of the alternative jewellery catwalk show Blinkered at Grand Entrance Hall, Brunel Museum during London Fashion Week. About the Project Reflect, refract, react is a project that strikes out from the static norm by subverting the function of mirrors; applying them to the body rather than using them as a way to view the body. Mirrors are culturally synonymous with self-awareness, providing a unique virtual stage in which we play the part of the

Contemporary British Silversmiths at the London Design Festival 2019

Contemporary British Silversmiths at the London Design Festival 2019 TRANSFORMING TRAINING: A free day of live silversmithing demonstrations by Contemporary British Silversmiths at the V&A Sunday 15 September 2019 | 10am to 5pm​ Room 66, Silver Galleries, Victoria and Albert Museum​ Live Demonstrations by Tony Bedford, Rauni Higson and Charlotte Tollyfield​ ​A commitment to passing on craft techniques has been central to the mission of Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS) for more than 20 years. Silversmiths learn their craft over a lifetime and CBS is helping support a new generation of designers to acquire the highest level of craft skills. Join

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity

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

Iconic Frida Kahlo collection goes on show at V & A

The much anticipated 'Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up' exhibition, including her prized jewellery collection, opens at the V&A Museum in London on Saturday showcasing more than 200 items from her house in Mexico City, none of which have ever been seen outside the iconic artist's native country. It promises to be an illuminating collection of personal artefacts, from her brightly coloured rebozo shawls to her signature dangly earrings plus a selection of books, portraits and photographs, epitomising her unique and powerful style against a backdrop of a troubled life. Her jewellery collection comprises a range of pieces handcrafted by

Brighton MA Graduate creates jewellery collection from landfill

Harriet Laurence, a recent graduate of the MA Craft degree at the University of Brighton will present her range of recycled polymer jewellery in a first-time partnership exhibition with Hove Museum and Art gallery, which will run from the 15th September - 6th November 2018.  Created in collaboration with Weez & Merl Ltd, a local polymer recycling studio, Harriet’s three statement necklaces are handcrafted from 3.9kgs of waste plastic diverted from landfill. The range explores how jewellery design can play an active role in responsible, sustainable material use and challenge the perceived hierarchy of materials. www.harrietfrench.co.uk www.weezandmerl.com Author:  Published: 

Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies

The exhibition Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies  is organized by Gallery Loupe for Contemporary Art Jewelry, Montclair, New Jersey, in collaboration with the Arkansas Arts Center and aims at celebrating the dazzling and witty work of the master goldsmith, craftsman and leading scholar in the field of archaeometallurgy. Everything in his creative research started when The Metropolitan Museum of Art encouraged him to make copies of pieces in their collection and testing them. This has developed his personal understandings that jewelry artifact crystallizes “human drama” and this knowledge base has empowered my trajectory into playing with jewelry history and

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

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

FERROcity | A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city

Ferrocity: A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city Museum Reich der Kristalle, Munich, Germany & School of Jewellery, Birmingham 21st February - 17th March 2019 & 1st - 18th April 2019 Jewellery and objects by twenty-two contemporary makers displayed alongside gemmological samples and photography that explores the interpretation and influence of Iron as catalyst, material and fundamental element of life. The exhibition is co-curated by Elizabeth Turrell and Stephen Bottomley from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. The selection of contemporary metalwork and jewellery, ranging from steel vessels to recycled iron nail jewellery, will present a range of approaches

AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019

AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019 Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece 22 – 29 May 2019 For the fourth consecutive year, Athens Jewelry Week will open its doors at the end of May, with a renewed program, new collaborations and more energy than ever. As often happens around jewelry festivals, institutional moments will complement an off program that will allow the rediscovery of the city for residents and not only. A new way of looking at the art and history of this ancient civilization, through the filter of the jewel that allows to open up to new meanings, experiences and stimulate

Dior Exhibition at the V&A is Not One to Miss

The Dior Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was definitely not one to miss. The exhibition was organised by rooms, each one relating to a specific theme or idea.  When entering the exhibition, it appeared almost like the entrance to a mansion and had dressed mannequins stood at the windows. The entrance started off the exhibition with Dior’s infamous ‘The New Look’ collection in honour of his original work. The extravagant entrance was able to express the high stature of Dior’s brand. The first room, rather fittingly, took me to Christian Dior’s next collection. The similar silhouette

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

University of Brighton MA Craft Graduation Show 2018

Work by Harriet Laurence will be on display University of Brighton MA Craft Graduation Show 15 September to 6 November 2018 This display of exciting, contemporary work by MA students at the University of Brighton ranges from jewellery and ceramics to enamelling, polymers and metal work. The show gives you a chance to see what inspires the students, whether experimenting with waste materials, connecting to landscapes or collaborating with particular groups of people. Tickets Free admission Venue Hove Museum & Art Gallery, 19 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4AB Exhibition run 15 September to 6 November 2018 More Information brightonmuseums.org.uk

The Hand Engravers Association Celebrates 10 Years

The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a VIP tour of the Clockmakers’ Museum in September. Sir George White Bt FSA, Keeper of the Collection, treated members to a fascinating tour, packed with wonderful insights and anecdotes on London’s clock making trade from 1600 to the present day. Highlights included John Harrison’s marine chronometer and a four-month duration longcase clock by the father of English watchmaking, Thomas Tompion.  Historically, the clockmaking and hand engraving trades have always been intrinsically linked, with clockmakers and engravers working alongside each other, often in the same studio. Many of

Sarah Straussberg Reveals Latest Commission

Sarah Straussberg has revealed her latest commission, the Photo London 'Master of Photography' award. Straussberg has been commissioned for this award for the past five years, with previous winners including photographers: Sebastião Salgado, Don McCullen, Taryn Simon and Edward Burtynsky. This year’s winner is highly influential photographer Stephen Shore. Shore is a widely published photographer, and has been working in the industry for the past forty-five years. He was the first living photographer to have a one-man show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York since Alfred Stieglitz, forty years earlier. He has also had one-man shows at

The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter Opens

The  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter has opened to the public creating a beautiful and unique new civic space for London, and a world-class gallery space for the V&A’s internationally acclaimed exhibition programme. The project is designed by Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda  Levete  and her practice, AL_A.    The launch of the  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for the Museum, as it prepares to expand its UK and international presence. The project is the Museum’s largest architectural intervention in over 100 years and offers a 21st Century interpretation of the V&A’s founding principles - to

Beppe Kessler: Plenty of Nothing

The Galerie Rob Koudijs hosts a solo show by Beppe Kessler, as poetic as it is unique. In fact, in this latest work Beppe Kessler explores the so-called natural phenomenon  spring snow,  typical of Amsterdam, where the artist lives writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Through her language, she stages a wunderkammer in which the wonder of nature becomes art, and life turns into eternity. To a certain extent, the ancient Wunderkammer can be considered as the first stage of the development of the concept of museum. Historically,  Naturalia and Artificialia  have been those objects with particular or wonderful characteristics that have aroused

Business Growth: How To Sell Your Work

Business Growth: How To Sell Your Work The Goldsmiths' Centre  Your hand-crafted jewellery collection or silversmithing work is ready to sell. Now you are looking to approach a selling event, shops, boutiques and galleries to earn good-sized sales. This can seem like a daunting proposition, so where do you begin? Rebecca Hossain, pictured, former Head of Retail for the Design Museum, will explain how to get your foot in the door and empower you to present yourself and your work confidently to selling event organisers, buyers and wholesalers. This business growth workshop is specifically tailored to jewellers and silversmiths; and

Jewellery: Anthropological Perspectives Lecture by Max Carocci

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

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

Winners of the Goldsmiths' Fair Best New Design Award Week 1 & 2

The winners of Goldsmiths’ Fair Best New Design Award for Week One and Week Two have been announced during the event’s run in the last two weeks. This year’s Week One winner was chosen by Victoria Broackes, senior curator for the department of theatre and performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Vicky chose Hazel Thorn as the winner, for her latest collection of work. Hazel uses a combination of base and precious metals, constructing metal sheets which she transforms into sculptural vessels. Hazel then applies the same chemical patination to the whole object which affects the mixed metals in

Jewellery Certificate Level 2 at Morley Collage

Jewellery Certificate Level 2- VJE070A Morley College 13 Sep 2017 - 4 Jul 2018 This year long course is 3 hours a week from September and is an intermediate course aimed at people wanting to further their skills, start a business, work in the jewellery industry or progress onto further education.  The course covers press-forming, etching, stone setting, fashion jewellery, a competition project with the V&A museum, using found objects in jewellery and enamelling. At the end of the course there is a show which the students organise, run and participate in. It also covers running a small business, setting

Loukia Richards nominated for European Prize for Applied Arts

Loukia Richards has been nominated for this year’s European Prize for Applied Arts within the Jewellery category. The theme of this year’s competition is "Monumentality - Fragility" which pays tribute to the work and life motif of French / Swiss artist Niki de Saint-Phalle. The competition jury, which include Rosy Greenlees the Director of the Crafts Council London ad current President of the WCC-International, and Louise Allen the Director of the Crafts Council Ireland and President of the WCC-Europe, selected eighty nominees from over 600 applications. The nominees' show will open at the Art Museum of Mons in Belgium on

The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia to include Oscar Heyman collection

The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia returns to London from 26 June with a varied collection of high quality jewellery from the distant past to the present day. Featuring pieces from names such as Oscar Heyman, Cartier, Boucheron, Patek Philippe and Van Cleef & Arpels, the Fair offers an unrivalled selection of rings, broaches, necklaces and watches to suit all tastes.  The selection of pieces by Oscar Heyman will be spotlighted by Wimpole Antiques to tie in with the publication of Oscar Heyman: The Jeweller’s Jeweller , created by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), to underscore the undisputed

Loewe announces winner of Craft Prize

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

Gyan Jewels Unveil The Lattice Collection

Inspired and informed by the ambience and ever-flowing emotions of the famous Gyan museum, the latest collection by Gyan Jewels reworks a historic architectural motif to create its latest collection of fine jewellery.  The new Lattice Collection is inspired by one of the Gyan Museum’s rare finds, a stone window which is a slice from the past that celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of Rajasthan and in particular the pink city of Jaipur. The collection reflects the perforated ornamental patterns (jalis) of this ancient window and reinterprets the silhouette with a contemporary twist. The new creations are set in

Announced: Enjoia’t Award Winners 2016

On 30th of September the awards ceremony and party of Enjoia’t 2016 organized by Artists and Artisans of Fomento para las Artes Decorativas (A-FAD) took place at the garden of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, with a large attendance by the Spanish jewellery community. At the party, the creative shortlisted pieces were displayed, which were designed to consider small-scale production, using unforeseen materials and techniques. Twenty three semi-finalist designers presented their jewellery pieces during that same afternoon to the jury, which was the XXII edition of the event, The jury was presided over by the jeweller and member of A-FAD,

Collect 2017, The Saatchi Gallery - London

Now in its 13th edition, Collect returns to the stunning setting of the Saatchi Gallery in London’s Kings Road from 2 – 6 February 2017. During an extended run of five days, the Crafts Council presents an unrivalled opportunity to see and buy contemporary museum-quality ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood, metal and textiles from established and emerging artists and makers represented by over 30 of the world’s finest galleries. In this inspiring environment visitors can indulge both their passion for collecting and their interest in design and interiors. The Collect experience for 2017 also includes: Curated Craft: An exhibition highlighting the rich

Jewellery buying sentiments highlighted as NAJ publish consumer research

The National Association of Jewellers has published its consumer research on the role of Jewellery in the lives of UK customers, in whitepaper and research report format. Profiling the opinions of more than 2500 consumers, the ‘outside in’ research is one of the largest market research activities to be carried out by the trade for a decade, and a first for the Association. Supported by The Company of Master Jewellers and The Goldsmiths’ Company , the research is now available to download. Download Whitepaper The report identifies key themes underpinning purchases such as ‘to celebrate or commemorate a relationship’, which

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series Archivist Exhibit, Garden Museum, London 12th November - 22nd December 2022 The Ukrainian war flower series that finds beauty and growth in a time of destruction. British jewellery designer Phoebe Walsh has created a series of 5 miniature flower pressing books in recycled Sterling Silver, each containing a single war flower from the new frontlines in Kyiv. The project began in March when a brave Kyivan artist Olga Morozova agreed to go searching for flowers as her city fell ablaze. Inspired by the Garden Museum’s collection of Wildflower pressings made by Jane Lindsay in 1956, from London’s WWII

V&A’s Friday Late 2020 Programme

V&A’s Friday Late 2020 Programme V&A’s Friday Late 2020 programme announced on themes of ‘The Body’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Illusions’ Friday Late at the V&A – the original late-night museum event – celebrates all aspects of contemporary visual culture using the V&A collection and building as its inspiration. For the first time, Friday Late will be programmed across three seasons spanning the year and will explore subjects of ‘The Body’, ‘Endeavour’ and ‘Illusions’. Through these topics audiences will come face-to-face with some of the most innovative artists, musicians and designers working today. Brought to life through live performances, film screenings, installations,

Murphy-Johnson flashes her pearly whites in new 'Brace Yourself' collection

Talented young jewellery designer Lili Murphy-Johnson, 25, whose previous collections have been inspired by powerful messages surrounding menstruation and male genitals, has once again looked outside conventional influences for her latest range entitled 'Brace Yourself'. This Central Saint Martin’s graduate has delved deep into the human mouth to get her creative juices flowing and has come up with an intepretation of 'Pearly White Teeth' for a collection that is both outlandish and outstanding.  She has picked up a theme that first surfaced in 2013 when, as a student at CSM, she designed a 'Pearly Whites Bracelet' for the V&A museum

Goldsmiths Fair Talks Programme

Goldsmiths' Fair Host Breakfast and Afternoon Talks Programme Goldsmiths' Fair 2017 will be hosting a comprehensive set of talks throughout the two week event. Breakfast Talks Be part of the exciting discussions hosted by industry specialists at this year's event. Talks begin at 10am with breakfast from 9.30am.  Wednesday 27 September Joanna Hardy will discuss her exhibition 'Timeless Innovation: Selections from the Goldsmiths’ Company Modern Jewellery Collection'. Thursday 28 September Catrin Jones, curator at the Holburne Museum will speak about 'Understanding the Surface of Silver'. Friday 29 September The Jewellery Editor's Maria Doulton will discuss 'Red Carpet Jewellery'. Wednesday 4

Imperial Splendours Exhibition - Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around   Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

Imperial Splendours: Chaumet spans its history in Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around  Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

V&A to Showcase Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

V&A collaborates with artist Nick Veasey to build first ever mobile x-ray art studio ahead of landmark exhibition on designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Ahead of the first ever UK exhibition on the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, opening on 27 May, the V&A teamed up with x-ray artist Nick Veasey to create the world's first mobile x-ray art studio. In the studio, Veasey captured a series of beautifully crafted life-sized x-ray images revealing new and surprising details about the work of one of the 20th century's most revered couturiers. The x-ray project is one of several forensic techniques that the Museum has

Stretch It, Ping It, Twist It!

Gilly Langton Jewellery blends the love of colour and craftsmanship to create statement jewellery from the Scottish Highlands using the colours of the season. This year Gilly is launching at a range of trade shows including this month's Top Drawer, the new 2017 Ombre Collection of hand dyed elastic and sterling silver jewellery in 22 ombre colours, celebrating the New Pantone Colour of the Year, Gilly has selected greens, pinks and yellows - signature colours for 2017 - which make the new collection extremely current for retailers including Museum Stores, Galleries and fashion accessory stockists.  The New Twist Collection combines twisted stands of hand dyed elastic in a variety of

Made Brighton 2024

Made Brighton 28 November – 1 December 2024 Brighton Dome – Corn Exchange The Fair MADE BRIGHTON returns 28 November – 1 December 2024 to the Brighton Dome – Corn Exchange. MADE BRIGHTON is a national craft and design show for Brighton bringing the best makers in the country to the South Coast for an exciting, innovative, top quality, Christmas show. The Corn Exhange Our venue underwent a huge and extensive renovation over the past seven years. MADE BRIGHTON 2023 was one of the first events in the newly reopened venue. The building is stunning, stripped back to its original

V&A P&O Makower Trust Commission awarded to Na’ama Haneman

The P&O Makower Trust Silver Commission is an exciting opportunity that supports a recently graduated or early career silversmith to create a major piece of silver that will go on display here at the V&A. In October we advertised a call for entries, inviting applications for the next commission and, following interviews, we are very pleased to announce that Na’ama Haneman is the 2023 recipient of the V&A P&O Makower Trust Commission. For over 45 years, the Penelope & Oliver Makower (1974) Trust has commissioned major objects of silver to go on long term loan to national museums throughout the

CONTEMPORANIA

CONTEMPORANIA 28 - 30th September 2023 Palau Reial Pedralbes, Barcelona  CONTEMPORANIA High Craftsmanship Barcelona is a brand new exhibition promoting national and international contemporary crafts. It is organised by the Consortium of Commerce, Crafts and Fashion of Catalonia (CCAM), and Le Département. In this first edition, international institutions such as World Crafts Council Europe, World Crafts Council Africa, CCAM, Fundesarte, JORGC, Sudakas – Habitantes del Sur (Chile), and Sichuan Fine Arts Institute will present the best of high craftsmanship worldwide. Participants have been selected based on their professional portfolio, the innovation and artistic vision in their craftsmanship across different types of

News Edit:2 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Jeweller draws inspiration from Dartmoor for her unique creations The Moorlaner reports: Dartmoor’s mystique inspires local jeweller’s craft. www.themoorlander.co.uk Forever sparkling: jewellery shop is launching collection to honour The Goldsmiths Company Islington Now reports: A Jewellery shop in Exmouth Market is launching a collection in early November to honour a seven-century-old jewellery company established by King Edward I. islingtonnow.co.uk Blake Lively Brought Dramatic Diamonds to the 2024 CFDA Awards Natural Diamonds reports: Blake Lively has made a habit out of glistening in Lorraine Schwartz diamonds throughout the years. www.naturaldiamonds.com

Coronavirus: NAJ Postpones Education Awards

The National Association of Jewellers has taken the decision to postpone the NAJ Education Awards until later in the year due to c oronavirus. The event, planned for Tuesday 17 March, is a celebration of those students who have successfully completed their JET Professional Jewellers' Diploma, Certificate of Appraisal Theory (CAT), JET Management Diploma or who have completed the course of study to become Registered Valuers at either MIRV or FIRV level. Simon Forrester NAJ Chief Executive said “With the coronavirus situation getting worse by the hour, and given the examples of other countries’ infection rates, we felt it was

Scottish Goldsmiths Trust announce line up for Marchmont launch

To celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshops, the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has created a day programme on the Saturday 25 March for silversmiths, collectors, curators and industry VIPs to include the formal opening of the workshop, talks, panel discussion and silversmithing demonstrations. Speakers will include Hugo Burge, Director of Marchmont Ventures and Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture – New York. The day will offer a rich day of discussion and ample time to enjoy meeting and talking with fellow attendees.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national

Dazzle London 2024

Dazzle London Royal Watercolour Society Gallery 3-5 Whitcomb Street, London WC2H 7HA 30 October - 3 November 2024 Dazzle are delighted to announce that 'Dazzle London' will be back this October.  They have found the perfect new venue in a great central London location - the Royal Watercolour Society Gallery. The new gallery space is situated in a prime central location on Whitcomb Street, just off Trafalgar Square, the RWS Gallery provides a modern and contemporary backdrop for their exhibition, located directly behind the national gallery and only 5 minute walk from Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Piccadilly stations. The curated exhibition

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2023

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2023 19-22 October 2023 Victoria Baths, Manchester Boasting a national reputation, Great Northern Events organises the foremost selling fairs in the North. Over 150 of the UK’s best designer-makers are presented at our flagship live fair, GNCCF, in Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths in October, complemented by two digital fairs - GNCCFonline -  in May and December. We offer makers an unrivalled opportunity to put their work in front of an eager and savvy audience in a way that suits them and their buyers best. Venue: Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0FE Opening Times  

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2023

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2025 16 - 19 October 2025 Victoria Baths, Manchester Boasting a national reputation, Great Northern Events organises the foremost selling fairs in the North. Over 150 of the UK’s best designer-makers are presented at our flagship live fair, GNCCF, in Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths in October, complemented by two digital fairs - GNCCFonline -  in May and December. We offer makers an unrivalled opportunity to put their work in front of an eager and savvy audience in a way that suits them and their buyers best. Venue: Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0FE www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk 

Rising Stars 2024

Rising Stars 2024 New Ashgate Gallery,  Farnham 16 March - 27 April 2024 Rising Stars  is a curated national platform that fosters and champions early career makers. Rising Stars offers the makers a first step into the professional exhibitions. It offers an exciting opportunity for collectors who wish to support and acquire work by future stars. Following a popular open call with 165 applications,  27 Rising Stars  were selected for the showcase. We recognise there is a lack of representation from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ makers and makers who identify as having a visible or non-visible disability in

NAJ Summit Ends on a High as New Chair Heather Callaway Takes the Helm

The NAJ Summit kickstarted a summer of renewed positivity for the jewellery trade according to Chair, Heather Callaway, and Principal Officer, Ben Massey.  The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) closed the doors on its second annual NAJ Summit, which welcomed guests from across the UK and further afield for four days of education, practical workshops, business development and networking opportunities. The final day of the Summit, dedicated to the JET Business Network’s annual Retail Jewellers’ Congress, took place on Monday, 13 June and signaled the end of a successful and well-attended programme of events.  The Summit also gave new NAJ

The Romanian Jewelry Week 2024

Romanian Jewelry Week 2nd - 6th October 2024  Bucharest,  Romania Romanian Jewelry Week is the largest international event organized in Romania dedicated to contemporary jewelry, organized by Assamblage National Jewelry Association since 2020. The format of event includes each year a large area of exhibitions, fairs, conferences, workshops, seminars and guided tours, with one main location as well as connex locations. The Romanian Jewelry Week awards are designated by an international jury board, as well as special awards each year by official partners. The fifth edition of Romanian Jewelry Week is set to take place between the 2 - 6th

Allum & Sidaway Jewellers Open Bridal Boutique

Allum & Sidaway jewellers are celebrating the launch of their new venture; a beautiful wedding dress boutique situated on the 1st floor of their Salisbury showroom. Stocking a range of coveted national and international designers, the Bridal boutique pairs dresses and accessories with jewellery and gifts for all the bridal party.  Helping couples to find their perfect wedding rings is such a privilege and now we can offer a true destination store for exquisite rings, gifts and gowns. MD Jason Allum said; We are very excited to launch A&S Bridal. We are always on the lookout for new ideas and

Bishopsland Launch £2.5M Capital Fundrasing Campaign

Bishopsland has announced today a new fundraising campaign ahead of its imminent relocation to the National Trust Buscot and Coleshill Estate in South Oxfordshire. The Bishopsland Educational Trust is taking out a 30 year lease on a 7,750sq ft historic Grade II listed derelict building to create a new home for Bishopsland, to develop spacious workshops, dedicated machine/hammering rooms, flexible creative and digital working areas, incubation workshops, offices, meeting facilities and accommodation. The organisation is due to commence activities on site from summer 2024. The Bishopsland Educational Trust is inviting visionary founding partners, dedicated funders, forwardthinking corporate sponsors and those

The Cartier Jewellery Institute opens its doors for the 2024 European Heritage Days

Cartier Jewellery Institute Open Event 9th Arrondissement, Paris 21st - 22nd September 2024 On 21st and 22nd September 2024, the Cartier Jewellery Institute is opening its doors to the public for the third year running, honouring an exceptional event that is part of the European Heritage Days initiative supported by the French Ministry of Culture. Over 300 visitors will have the opportunity to discover Cartier’s exceptional jewellery craftsmanship and savoir-faire. In addition, for the 2024 edition of the event and for operation ‘Levez les yeux’ (Look up), created in partnership with the French Ministry of National Education, the Institute will

Romanian Jewelry Week 2025

Romanian Jewelry Week 1 - 5 October 2025 Bucharest,  Romania Romanian Jewelry Week is the largest international event organized in Romania dedicated to contemporary jewelry, organized by Assamblage National Jewelry Association since 2020. The format of event includes each year a large area of exhibitions, fairs, conferences, workshops, seminars and guided tours, with one main location as well as connex locations. The Romanian Jewelry Week awards are designated by an international jury board, as well as special awards each year by official partners. The fifth edition of Romanian Jewelry Week is set to take place between the 2 - 6th

Jonathan Burton appointed as CEO of Cockpit

Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, have announced that Jonathan Burton has been appointed as CEO. He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024.  Immersed in the arts throughout his career, working across opera, fine art and crafts, Jonathan has a strong understanding of craft and making. His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft

Trade Shows

Selling work is how businesses survive, and knowing where to sell helps fill the diary with hot spots of commercial activity. We've compliled a list of national and international trade shows and events which are regular dates in the trade diary... Additive Manufacturing Europe  When: June Where: RAI, Amsterdam  This is the business-to-business show for the additive manufacturing / 3D printing industry - with more products, more launches and more live demonstrations! amshow-europe.com Autumn Fair  When:  Annually, September Where: NEC Birmingham Autumn Fair is the season's No.1 gift and home wholesale trade show for the retail industry. Launched in September 1990,

Jonathan Burton appointed as CEO of Cockpit

Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, have announced that Jonathan Burton has been appointed as CEO. He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024.  Immersed in the arts throughout his career, working across opera, fine art and crafts, Jonathan has a strong understanding of craft and making. His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy Creates San Martín Quaich

Banff silversmithing and jewellery school, Vanilla Ink The Smiddy are delighted to announce the creation of the José de San Martín Quaich. The North East social enterprise, which opened in 2018, was commissioned by Friends of Duff House to create a gift to present to the Argentine Ambassador during the bicentennial celebrations of the South American General’s visit to Banff in 1824. San Martín, known as “the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru”, is a true national hero in his home country, whose name and image stir emotions and feelings of pride. Scott McIntyre, founding Director of The Smiddy, explained:

Valuers' Conference Headline Speakers Announced for the NAJ Summit 2024

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the headline speakers for this year's Valuers' Conference as part of the NAJ Summit - the Association's annual conference bringing all sectors of membership and the wider trade together to network and learn. The 2024 Valuers' Conference includes a packed roster of presentations, masterclasses and workshops designed for the entire jewellery trade, from jewellery valuers, retailers and sales professionals to students and designers who wish to expand their professional horizons.  Seven expert speakers will deliver their diverse and informative talks on Saturday, 22 June. Branko Deljanin  is recognised internationally as

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

News Edit: 1 December 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... The Royal Mint is turning e-waste into gold jewelery: this new campaign tells the story EveryFriday is looking to help The Royal Mint reposition through its Forever Metal campaign, a circular economy story set in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. www.thedrum.com Wild thing: why the animal jewellery trend is inescapable right now Animals have long been cast in jewellery form, but in 2024, they’re the subject of new fascination. www.vogue.com.au Kering expands its generation award to jewellery with Kering Generation Award x Jewelry The conglomerate, in partnership with CIBJO–the World

The John Lewis Partnership Supports Bright Young Gems® 2022 As New Retail Associate Partner

British high street retailer, The John Lewis Partnership, joins the expert line up supporting the Bright Young Gems® 2022 mentoring scheme for graduating jewellery designers.  Bright Young Gems®, now in its sixteenth year, is the highly successful jewellery industry’s mentoring platform designed to discover and nurture new talent whilst providing the winners with their first commercial showcase.  Elena Bergonzi, Jewellery Buyer for John Lewis, will join the winners’ selection judging panel and contribute to the winners’ mentoring sessions with the winning designers and existing associate, the National Association of Jewellers.  Elena Bergonzi says: “We are excited and honoured to be

News Edit: 24 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Style Edit: Van Cleef & Arpels unveils 4 stunning Rose de Noël pieces in celebration of the holiday season, from pendants to earrings in eye-catching combinations and sporting floral motifs SCMP reports: The intricate designs, including grey mother-of-pearl and vibrant turquoise gemstones set in gold, are inspired by winter flowers and dedicated to the beauty of nature. www.scmp.com Independent jewellers realise potential of physical stores FT reports: A shift in focus from ecommerce is in response to demand from clients for a more personal, tactile experience. www.ft.com In honour

Government Announces ‘Calls For Views’ For Design & Intellectual Property

Once in a Decade Opportunity for Designers to Influence Design Law Reform “From iconic to everyday design is all around us, improving our lives, providing solutions. Design Matters!” ACID Ambassador Sebastian Conran Following their recent survey on the Designs Framework, the IPO have now also announced a major Call for Views on Design and IP, which is long overdue to support an important UK sector that is a USP on a world stage so eloquently communicated by Danny Boyle in the 2012 London Olympics. Design is a national and international asset for Great Britain and is also an impressive export

Experience the magic of a Jewellery Quarter Christmas from home!

With over 50 participating businesses, this year’s Christmas Window Trail was set to turn Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into a true winter wonderland. However, as the country has entered its second national lockdown, they are bringing the magic of the JQ’s streets to you so you don’t miss out on the festive fun!  Browse all the window displays from the comfort of your home and vote for your favourite for a chance to win a JQ Prize Bundle which includes artisanal chocolates, silver earrings, a whisky testing set, vouchers to use in local businesses & more! Vote for your favourite display

Dimexon Transitions To Solar Power At Coimbatore Factory

Diamond manufacturer Dimexon has transitioned to solar power at its manufacturing site in Coimbatore, southern India, reducing its reliance on the national grid by 75%. This will equate to an annual saving of ~1,400 tCO2e, which is equivalent of taking 333 cars off the road for a year. The solar power project is part of Dimexon’s wider ESG commitments, which include its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. The Coimbatore site is responsible for 85% of the global company’s total carbon emissions. To further reduce its emissions at Coimbatore, Dimexon swapped out diesel vehicles for electric vehicles in 2023.

News Edit: 17 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... This Is What It’s Like to Sleep Above a Jewelry Store in Paris Harpers Bazaar reports: At 1, Place Vendôme, you can stay a little while inside the glittering, glamorous world of Chopard. www.harpersbazaar.com These diamond jewellery collections whisper, not shout Vogue reports: You’ve no doubt heard the terms 'demure', 'mindful' and 'quiet luxury' bandied about recently. Understatement is the mood of the times, as proven by these jewellery collections that wear their luxury with a whisper. vogue.sg The Round Up: Statement Crystal Jewellery Sheerlux reports: From fringe earrings

News Edit: 9 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Designer Francesca Amfitheatrof Readly reports: The trailblazing artistic director has revolutionised… readly.com Chaumet’s New Exhibition in Doha Showcases Centuries of Nature-Inspired Jewelry Vogue reports: From its launch 244 years ago, haute jewelry maison Chaumethas been inextricably linked to the effortless harmony and delicate details found in nature, from the beat of a butterfly’s wings to the shimmering elegance of pearls. en.vogue.me Six trends shaping the jewellery industry now Vogue Business reports: The jewellery sector is bucking luxury’s downturn, thanks to investment value, innovation and a stronger stance on social

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

PAN Amsterdam

PAN Amsterdam The largest national art fair 19 - 26 November 2023 in the Netherlands Mark Grol, the Managing Director PAN Amsterdam: "I am incredibly proud of the variety of exhibitors at this 36th edition; many new, young gallery owners are standing alongside trusted international art dealers. All 120 spaces have been filled with exhibitors from the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, France, Belgium, the UK and Italy. They represent some of the finest of modern and contemporary art, design and photography, as well as a strong representation of old masters, 19th-century paintings, silver, Asian art and, for the first

Journey into Crystal with L'École Van Cleef & Arpels

Journey into Crystal with L'École Van Cleef & Arpels How much do you know about rock crystal? The "Journey into Crystal" exhibition currently presented at the Musée de Cluny - Musée National du Moyen Âge, where this conference will be filmed, is an incredible opportunity to discover this fascinating, transparent material. Found as far back as 5,000 BC, notably in the form of pearls, rock crystal is the most widespread variety of quartz (hyaline quartz). Its name comes from the Greek word "krustallos" meaning "ice", which has long been attributed to a divine creation, and has contributed to enriching the collective

NAJ Reveals Brands Participating in ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’ at the NAJ Summit 2021

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is pleased to announce an initial list of suppliers that are participating in this year’s  NAJ Summit  and its trade event-style ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’. Download the NAJ Summit Brochure Visiting retailers will have chance to reconnect with the teams at Hockley Mint, Ntinga, CW Sellors, Clarity Jewellery, Cadfolio, Fei Liu, GVUK Design, Code by Edge, Mireya, Lucy Quatermaine, Goodman Bros., Ruppenthal, LBJ Jewellery, Angel Whisperer, TI SENTO – Milano and Headline Sponsor, Continental UK, across all three days of the event. Garry Lane, NAJ’s Commercial Manager overseeing the Supplier Showcase says: “We’re delighted to be

JewelryAround at Palakiss Winter 2020 during VicezaOro

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

Striking Futures

The NAJ and Sheffield Assay Office Join Forces for Striking Futures Event The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office are pleased to announce Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. Taking place on Thursday, 3rd November, Striking Futures promises to be a must-attend afternoon,   whether embarking on a career in the sector or looking to boost your business. Register NAJ’s Principal Officer, Ben Massey, states, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value,

NAJ Issues preliminary guidance for Jewellery Retailers

The National Association of Jewellers has today published guidance to help jewellery stores across the UK and Ireland make preparations for when ‘lockdown’ is lifted. The guidance  which is presented as ‘non-exhaustive’ is the first of a number of versions the trade body will be making over the coming weeks. Broken down into 4 key areas of start safe, store safe, task safe and home safe, the Association stipulates that the ‘safety and wellbeing of all staff and customers is number one priority, and therefore it is important that virus control restrictions continue to limit transmission’. Speaking about the guidance,

Romanian Jewelry Week 2022

Romanian Jewelry Week 6th - 9th of October 2022 Romanian Jewelry Week is an international event organized by Assamblage National Jewelry Association, dedicated to the contemporary jewelry field in Romania and worldwide. The first edition of the event was organized between the 22-27th of September 2020 in 7 galleries, museums and showrooms in Bucharest. Over 150 contemporary jewelry designers presented their collections at ROJW 1.0: 1 designers, collectives, schools and associations of designers from UK, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Canada, Israel, China, South Korea, USA, Brazil, Mexico and many more. The second edition took place between the

Oh I do like to be by the seaside!

Blazing sunshine, warm tropical breezes and a national shortage of fruity ciders on the supermarket shelves can only mean one thing...Britain has been hit with a wave of unusual summer weather! With temperatures rising to record highs, it's not just nature that is throwing it back to fonder days, old school jewellery has also made a welcome comeback for the second summer running. Last Spring, preteen jewellery of cowrie shells and pukka shell bracelets dominated the must-have list of accessories and this year, it's back - only bigger, better and juicier than ever! It appears that every designer has jumped

Need for flexible working may underpin gender pay gap

A desire for flexible working arrangements and a reluctance to relocate for more senior roles were the reasons behind a gender pay gap in the jewellery retail industry that was higher than the national average, research has shown. Pay differentials between men and women for equal jobs ranged from 2% higher at Links of London to 91.6% lower at Pandora, where women effectively have been earning 28p for every £1 earned by a man.  But the data, collected and collated by the Government’s Gender Pay Gap Service, did not take into consideration the proportion of store employees who make up

Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith

Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith Goldsmiths' Hall, London This glittering exhibition features exquisite gold and silver items of superlative design and craftsmanship from a leading London-based silversmith and represents decades of international export success and national achievement. The Goldsmiths’ Company is proud to present Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith, an exhibition celebrating five decades of elegant modern design and excellent craftmanship fuelled by the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of silversmith Grant Macdonald. This major exhibition brings together stunning silver and gold objects designed by Macdonald to tell the inspiring story of the exceptional British craftsmanship and innovative design that

Appointment: Kate Madelin to step down as NAJ's Director of Education

After a hugely successful tenure as Director of Education for the National Association of Jewellers, Kate Madelin will be leaving her role with the association in March. NAJ will now be looking for a replacement to continue to drive forward the association’s industry-leading agenda, working with the full membership, the leadership team and staff. Simon Johnson, NAJ Chairman said “ Since her appointment to NAG five years ago Kate has had a transformational impact on the Association.  During this time, she has led a forward-thinking and committed team of employees and volunteers, to deliver innovative training for the whole sector. At

Q&A: Adam Jacobs

Adam Jacobs is joint owner of Reading's oldest independent retail jewellery shop, Jacobs the Jewellers . The business has won accolades such as Winner: UK 'Jewellery Retailer of the Year' 2015; Inspiring Independent 2015; Independent Retailer of the Year 2015; Inspiring Independent 2013; Independent Retailer of the Year 2013 and Inspiring Independent 2012. Before joining the family business Adam had worked at Head Office, Marks & Spencer Plc and then at Evidently, a boutique marketing agency in London. Adam holds a BSc (Hons) in Management from Bath University. Adam is a member of the National Association of Jewellers and is

Q&A: Dan Dower

Dan Dower is the Co-Founder and Design Director at Dower & Hall, the company he established in 1990 with wife Diane Hall. The well known independent British jewellery brand has two standalone stores in London and Glasgow, has concessions in top UK department stores and are stocked up and down the country by over 100 independent retail outlets. Dan heads up the design and bespoke element of the Dower and Hall business. A graduate of Middlesex University's Jewellery Degree course, he is a  member of the National Association of Jewellers, a Freeman of the Goldsmith Company and City of London, and

Mari Funaki Award Announce 2018 Winners

Benedikt Fischer, has been announced as the winner of the 2018 Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery in the Established category for his series of five Pearly Whites brooches, made from shell, mother of pearl, remanium and sculpey. Benedikt receives A$8000 (£4,379.78) and his work will enter the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (subject to approval of the Board of Trustees). The judges said of this work: "What stands out in these pieces is the freshness and humour, as well as the incredible material resolution and skill. It’s difficult to work with shell and create something that isn’t

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

Hush Hush! The Crown Jewels London Debunked

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

Justified Sinner leads modern renaissance in men’s jewellery

The renaissance in modern men's jewellery, driven by avant-garde designers prepared to push the boundaries of conservatism, is attracting international attention with a stunning exhibition called The World is Your Dressing Up Box at The National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford. Among the exhibits is a selection of work from the influential designer Dauvit Alexander, the Justified Sinner who is driving the revolution in mens jewellery using customs from the 16th Century when the size of 'bling' was directly related to the wearer's status. Alexander uses scrap metal, mainly corroded steel and iron, alongside precious metals and gemstones,

Get to know IJL's six winning Kickstarters for 2018

International Jewellery London have announced the six winning designers selected as the 2018 IJL KickStarters. This annual mentoring programme, now in its tenth year, offers the six the exciting opportunity to not only exhibit under the KickStart umbrella at IJL 2018 but also receive invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers. This initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent.  Sarah Kitley-Spencer, IJL Show Manager, comments: “Congratulations to all of our six KickStart designers. As ever, they show exceptional creative flair and their styles are very

Q&A: Vivien Johnston

Vivien Johnston is the original ethical jewellery pioneer. Trained at Glasgow School of Art, she had quickly developed a career as a commercial Jewellery Designer, reaching the position of Head Designer in the early noughties where she was placed in charge of sourcing. This led to Johnston founding the first British ethical jewellery brand, Fifi Bijoux, in 2006. Since then she has established herself as a leading light in the field of responsible sourcing of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones – an Ethical Supply Chain Specialist, who has consulted on a national and international basis for a variety of jewellery

Could 2018 mark new crypto era for UK jewellers?

Attempts to persuade UK gold dealers and jewellers to embrace the cryptocurrency Dash in their business plans in 2018 could enjoy a surge of activity following the award of 'wallets' of digital cash to 10 jewellers around the country. As part of a project to promote wider use of digital currency among retailers, a market survey, conducted in conjunction with the National Association of Jewellers last November, asked 2200 NAJ about their plans for the future use of Dash, an alternative to Bitcoin. A total of 201 companies responded, including some of the largest UK firms in the sector, many of them

Appointments: Simon Forrester appointed new NAJ CEO

Association Chief Executive Simon Forrester has been confirmed as the new CEO for the National Association of Jewellers. Simon is a successful trade association leader, with over 22 years’ experience in strategic-level association management. Extremely well regarded by his peers, Simon has previously won the award of Trade Association Chief Executive of the Year in 2016 and his most recent association, The British Pest Control Association, has received several awards and nominations under his leadership. He has a track record of delivering increased member benefits, training courses, governance reviews, best practice and a substantial code of conduct linked to purchaser

NAJ preview new website at IJL

The National Association of Jewellers will reveal the NAJ’s new brand identity and showcase its much-improved website, due to launch later this year. Members of the trade are invited to stop by for an interactive website demonstration. Visitors and exhibitors alike will benefit from one-to-one advice from our Intellectual Property Lawyers and video marketing specialists as well as HMRC, specialist high value experts. Companies’ signing up to membership at the show will benefit from no joining fee, saving up to £120. Individuals and companies enrolling on a JET course at IJL will also save 10%.  Budding entrepreneurs will be able

Made London 2017

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

ILJ KickStart winners announced

The lives and careers of six talented young jewellery designers are poised for lift off after they were selected as beneficiaries of the 2018 IJL KickStart initiative. Chosen for their 'strongly individual stories' the six will get premium exhibition spots at International Jewellery London 2018 in addition to a raft of marketing and business tips from ILJ and their sponsors The National Association of Jewellers to fast track their young careers. The benefits of winning this accolade will ensure they get a head start in what has become a challenging and tricky commercial environment. These benfits include a mentoring package,

Ethical message hitting home at Fair Luxury Presents....

Raising awareness over how luxury jewels are sourced and crafted has been the focus of ‘Fair Luxury Presents....’ at the Goldsmith's Centre in London and with two weeks still to go, the ethical message is resonating with increasing force, according to designer exhibitors. Just 13 exhibitors, all of them influential and vocal in combining provenance, ethics and responsible business practice with stunning design and craftsmanship have been engaged in conversations with a variety of audiences from consumers to journalists to artisan craft campaigners National Geographic among others. Although it is a selling exhibition, the emphasis has been fixed firmly on

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards 2018 Public Exhibition

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards 2018 Public Exhibition The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council is the flagship organisation for the precious metal industry. Each year the Council hosts a unique national competition attracting over 600 entries from exceptionally talented and skilled UK based designers and craftsmen. The annual Awards Exhibition showcases this year's winners from intricate hand-crafted jewellery to tableware and objet d’art – all entered as part of GC&DC’s 2018 competition. Dates 27 February - 2 March 2018 Open 10:00am – 4:00pm Venue The Goldsmiths' Company, Goldsmiths Hall, London EC2V 6BN

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Award Winners Retrospective Exhibition

The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council 2017 Award Winners Retrospective The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council is the flagship organisation for the precious metal industry. Each year the Council hosts a unique national competition attracting over 600 entries from exceptionally talented and skilled UK based designers and craftsmen. This showcase at the Goldsmiths’ Centre celebrates award-winning work ranging from innovative, yet intricate hand-crafted jewellery to tableware and objet d’art – all entered as part of GC&DC’s 2017 competition. Plus, a unique first, a feature and showcase of Cartier jewellery to celebrate 60 years of partnership with GC&DC. Dates 17 January -

Ananya Releases 'Mogra' Collection, inspired by the Jasmine Blossom

Jasmine is the national flower of no less than six countries. Renowned for it's symbolism in culture and religion, the jasmine blossom is a emblem of unity and divine hope; especially throughout India.  Often conceptually rooted in Indian spirituality, it's no surprise then that Ananya's new collection explores and honours the humble jasmine blossom. The woman behind the eponymous brand spent time in workshops all over India, studying indigenous jewellery making traditions, and  collaborated with one of India’s leading jewellery houses, Amrapali. Continuing her exploration of jewels and gemmology with a GG at the GIA, it's easy to see these

AUTOR International Contemporary Jewelry Fair 2019

AUTOR International Contemporary Jewelry Fair 2109 20 – 21st April 2019 National Theatre Bucharest, Romania “Beauty never sleeps” How do you evaluate the beauty of a jewelry? Should a piece of jewelry be beautiful so that we become more beautiful? What do you say? Autor Contemporary Jewelry International Fair aims at answering with 100 designers coming from four continents and bringing over 2000 pieces of jewelry. Beauty can be disruptive. AUTOR 2019 puts the spotlight on the innate relationship between jewelry and beauty. It challenges you to see beyond the limits of your regular beliefs and to express your beauty

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

Jerwood Makers Open

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

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

Bounded + Unlimited Contemporary Jewellery

Bounded + Unlimited Contemporary Jewellery Bounded + Unlimited  is an exhibition of exceptional precious jewellery and goldsmithing by four contemporary jewellery artists from Ireland and China. The exhibition explores the parallel working practices of these jewellery artists across design, techniques and materials, from the perspective of differing cultural contexts. The title refers to how the artists are bounded by their respective personal and national cultural experiences, yet unlimited in opportunities for communication and understanding through the traditions of their craft. The two Irish jewellery artists represented are  Eimear Conyard , manager of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s Jewellery Goldsmithing

Brilliant social media wins Alice Barnes 2017 Industry's Choice Award

Alice Barnes built up a formidable following on social media for her unique paper art jewellery to win the IJL 2017 KickStart ‘Industry’s Choice Award’, beating nine other contenders for the prestigious prize of a complimentary stand in the Design Gallery in 2018. The ten KickStarters went into battle over the summer to win as many votes as possible from the public via social media and an online poll, with the prize awarded at the discretion of the IJL and The National Association of Jewellers.  Showing initiative and enterprise in her use of social media and email marketing, Alice gained

Courses in Jewellery or Silversmithing

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity.... Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National Careers

Jewellery Courses

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity....   Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National

Jewellery Courses

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity....   Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National

The Benchpeg Awards 2016: Winners Announced

This week in partnership with the Make Your Mark event held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London we held the Benchpeg Awards 2016. The event, which included a showcase exhibition, evening awards reception and awards conferment, was a culmination of months of planning, nearly 150 entries to the competition and a glittering array of prizes. Awards Showcase The event kicked off with a showcase which was open to the public, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, home of the London Assay Office, of the 19 shortlisted entries which had been selected by a panel of independent judges from 147 national entries. The Shortlist The

IJL Announce The Ten New Talented KickStarters for 2017

International Jewellery London has announced the ten new designers chosen for the 2017 IJL  KickStart  initiative. T his annual mentoring programme, now in its ninth year, is recognised within the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent. All ten will exhibit under the  KickStart  umbrella at this year’s show and will also benefit from invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers, to help them grow their businesses. The scheme includes this year the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ award, which will reward one  KickStarter  with a complementary stand in

The 2016 Benevolent Society Ball Sparkled

The evening of the 1st of December saw the 81st British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation Benevolent Society Ball take place at The St Johns Hotel Solihull, with Jewellery & Watch as Headline Sponsor. Incorporated within this longstanding annual Charity Event were the National Association of Jewellers Member Awards which are designed to flag up all that is most excellent about the UK’s extremely diverse jewellery industry: its bright new talent, its design skills and creativity and its capacity to truly serve its customers whether they are other businesses, on-line jewellery buyers or the consumer in the High Street. The

British Fashion Council Launches British High-End Manufacturers Database

Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of the British Fashion Council and Professor Christopher Moore, Director of the British School of Fashion, Glasgow Caledonian University have  launched the British Fashion Council’s new  British High-End Manufacturers Database. The national database of UK-based manufacturers aims to make it easier for designers to form supply chain relationships and reach production units. The British High-End Manufacturers Database  is the first milestone of 2017 for the BFC’s Positive Fashion initiative. In March 2015 the BFC and a working group comprising of M&S, UKFT, Creative Skillset, The Alliance Project and Centre for Fashion Enterprise worked alongside independent specialists

Watchfinder Clocks in with Brand New TV Advertising Campaign

Guerillascope is pleased to announce the launch of the new TV advertising campaign from Watchfinder, the UK’s leading online retailer of pre-owned luxury watches. The campaign, which aired live on August 8 , features on the likes of Sky News, Dave, the Sky Sports network, More 4, BT Sports, Discovery Channel and National Geographic, as part of a strategy targeting adults within the ABC1 demographic. Watchfinder specialises in the buying and selling of pre-owned luxury watches, with customers able to circumnavigate what can often be a stressful process by completing a simple online enquiry form. A preliminary quote is sent within one

Harriet Kelsall wins Cambridge's ‘Independent Retailer of the Year' Gong

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has won the ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ gong at the Cambridge News Business Excellence Awards 2017. Leading businesses from across the city recently gathered for a gala dinner in the Great Hall, Kings College where Justin Webb of BBC Radio Four announced the winners.  Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery opened the doors of its Green Street Studio and Shop in May 2005, and since then it has grown from strength to strength, winning a multitude of national awards. The business was praised by a panel of judges for pioneering bespoke jewellery on the UK high street.

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

Weston Beamor’s Marathon Man

Ed Hole, Head of CAD and 3D Printing at Weston Beamor, is to run in this year’s London Marathon which takes place in the capital on Sunday 23rd April. Ed and his fiancée Kerry Jim are running together in support of The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) a charity dedicated to helping change the lives, for the better, of many children and families who are coming to terms with childhood deafness. Both are keen runners and have completed half marathons in the past but Ed admits to being slightly daunted by the need to cover twice that distance in just

Jet Business Network Congress 2017

How do you unlock the value of staff? No business should be an island when we can share experiences to enable us to be more successful. This year’s National Association of Jewellers' Jet Business Network Congress looks at how to unlock the value of your staff. Consisting of, shaping a company’s culture to foster an engaged workforce, coaching and rewarding staff and managing inconsistent performance. The congress attracts NAJ members from all over the UK, and is open to non-members for the first time this year.  This year 6 key speakers have been handpicked to share their experiences and methodologies.

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

School of Jewellery Students Impress With Halo Designs

Three second year students studying for a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery have been shortlisted as finalists in an annual design competition run by Birmingham-based casting house, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company Weston Beamor. The brief for this year’s Live Project was to design a halo engagement ring and a fitted wedding band to sit alongside it.  All designs had to include a primary gemstone or pearl, mounted in precious metal. Students were asked to tailor their designs towards 25-35 year olds. Three potential winners – Ruth Hallows, Bethany

Arabel Lebrusan Shortlisted for E-Tailer of the Year Award

Award winning Arabel Lebrusan has been shortlisted for the E-Tailer category in The National Association of Jewellers Awards 2016. The winners will be announced as part of the Benevolent Society ball which will take place on 1st December. Lebrusan has been committed to designing and making beautiful ethical jewellery for the last decade. Using her Spanish roots as a starting point, she started using the ancient technique of filigree to create stunning contemporary designs. Lebrusan really thrives on the challenge of combining the old with the new, driven by her interest in a sustainable approach to life. Lebrusan started creating contemporary

Our history

Just over a decade ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information.  Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments.    In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the latest news stories and promoting business opportunities. Our website and newsletter has a national

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China @ Wolverhampton Art Gallery

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

Carmarthen School of Art - Coleg Sir Gâr

Established in 1965, the Foundation programme at  Carmarthen  has a national reputation for excellence. It offers learners the opportunity to explore a diverse range of  art  and design options to enable them, through experience, to make an informed choice about future education, training and employment progression.   HERITAGE Carmarthen School of Art has been providing Art education since 1854, being one of the first Art Schools set up in Britain following the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in London. The School has been continually evolving ever since, responding to social, creative and cultural developments and the changing needs of its

Miracca London Launch New White Label Collection

Miracca London is to present its national launch of an all new, cohesive wholesale offering created by jewellery craftsman David Miracca and designed by fine jewellery designer Guy Robertson.  The dynamic young team have combined their expertise to produce a refreshingly new offering of commercial fine jewellery, engagement and bridal collections, and show-stopping one off pieces featuring rare and important stones as a white label collection. The collection will be showcased as part of IJL this week, 4 – 6 September at Olympia, Stand C29. davidmiracca.com Author:  Published: 

Christmas Arrives At Nicholas Wylde

Jewellery designer Nicholas Wylde recognises the importance of striking and eye-catching window display designs having worked diligently over the year to ensure that their displays are fresh, innovative and changing with the seasons. Their latest Christmas display reflects this well, with vibrantly coloured baubles and advertising posters. Nicholas works very closely with his sister Corrinda who designs all of the companies window displays for both Bath and Bristol branches with her unique artistic eye. Nicholas’ window displays have won local and national awards and in 2017 he celebrates 30 years in business and says :“Our displays are very important to

Gifted 2017

National Centre for Craft and Design's successful Christmas market will return in December and kicks off an exciting programme of seasonal activities at NCCD. Following on from the success last year, they will be throwing open their doors for a two day contemporary Christmas event. During this special advent weekend the craft market 'Gifted' will host makers from across the UK selling high quality jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass and tableware. The food market will offer a variety of local and specialist food and there will be a family focused programme of workshops, demonstrations, musicians and exhibitions. Gifted has grown into a

Higher Education Institutions

We've complied a list of all the national organisations offering jewellery, silversmithing or metal at HND or degree level here... West Dean  West Dean is world-renowned for its training in arts, crafts, conservation and design with campuses located in the tranquil Sussex countryside and central London’s thriving Bloomsbury district. Study industry-leading degrees and diplomas and short courses with exceptional teaching, industry connections, flexible learning options, and career support. Courses in metalwork range from making to conservation. You can expect a strong emphasis on developing good hand skills underpinned by theoretical study. Students in all programmes are encouraged to understand historic

9th edition of Jacobs the Jewellers’ Emerging Designer Competition launches this Summer

Supporting craft skills and talent with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh Blake Roberts In this year’s 75 th  anniversary year, award winning Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, today revealed the return of its annual Emerging Designer competition featuring nine emerging designers from Bishopsland Educational Trust.   Helping boost fledgling careers, the event combines a virtual show with instore experience reflecting the local and national audience for amazing craft skills and design. As is customary, each competitor creates both a piece from a  jewellery  and an  object  category. Angela Cork, Principal Bishopsland Educational Trust

Jewellery Show

The Jewellery Show 1-2 September 2024 Olympia, London The  Jewellery Show  will be taking place on 1 - 2 September 2024 at Olympia London. As the premium B2B trade event for jewellery trade professionals in the UK, the  Jewellery Show  will welcome over 2500 delegates  and feature  150+ national and international suppliers . Explore the newest trends in fine, luxury, silver, retail solutions and contemporary designer jewellery. This event presents a unique opportunity to elevate your business, uncover new materials, and connect with other industry professionals. Additionally, you will have the exclusive chance to be among the first to preview exquisite jewellery pieces and acquire highly sought-after products

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner The Benevolent Society (charity of the British Allied Trades Federation) is delighted to offer you the opportunity to buy tickets as a member of the British Allied Trades Federation (and one of it's federated associations: the National Association of Jewellers, The Giftware Association, the British Travelgoods and Accessories Association and the Surface Engineering Association), to join us for a wonderful dinner by candlelight at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Thursday 14th June 2018 commencing at 6.30pm with a drinks reception. Tickets Thanks to the generosity of Goldsmiths' Hall and the British Allied Trades Federation, The Benevolent Society are able to reduce the potential cost of the tickets to all Federation invitees from £295 + VAT to a cost of only £95 + VAT for your first Members

Weston Beamor Announce Winner of BCU Live Project 2018

Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery student Kai-Blu Triassi has won the annual Weston Beamor  Live Project  with his contemporary geometric ‘Dyad’ engagement and wedding ring set design. Kai-Blu’s award was announced on the WB stand at this year’s Jewellery & Watch show. Kai-Blu impressed judges with his striking and bold ring set, commercial-focus, unique design and understanding of thickness and tolerances, demonstrated through his strong CAD modelling skills. The annual competition is open to all BCU SoJ students in their second year of a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing. Commenting on his win, Kai-Blu said,  "I'm really pleased to

Publications

Trade publications are a great way of knowing what's going on and who's who in industry. Here we have compiled a list of national and international trade publications and periodicals, many have their own daily, weekly or monthly e-newsletters. The UK titles are listed first... UK Attire Accessories www.attireaccessories.com Benchpeg www.benchpeg.com Gold Inspirations www.lovegold.com Harper's Bazaar www.harpersbazaar.co.uk Jewellery Focus www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk Jewellery Monthly www.jewellerymonthly.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com JFW - Jewels Fashion Watches Magazine www.jfwmagazine.com JQ Magazine jewelleryquarter.net LUXWorldwide www.luxworldwide.com Making Jewellery Magazines - The GMC Group www.thegmcgroup.com Professional Jeweller www.professionaljeweller.com Retail Jeweller www.retail-jeweller.com Silver Magazine www.silvermag.com Silver Society