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Traditional jewellery with a modern edge by Olivia and Pearl

There is no simpler statement of elegance than a pearl- its opaque allure has long been recognised by fashion muses and taste-makers, famously Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana. Now, the worlds oldest gem has captured the eye of young designer Olivia Smith, Founder of Olivia & Pearl London. Destined for a new generation of pearl-lovers, the brand aims to be the epicentre of a Venn diagram that encompasses both affordability and luxe design, all whilst walking the fine line between traditional and contemporary. It’s no mean feat, but with the collection’s subtle curves, geometric lines and minimalistic design,

Q&A: Olivia Norman

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

Eric N Smith 1949 – 2019

1 June 1949 – 3 April 2019 Scottish jeweller Eric N Smith has passed away at the age of 69. The jeweller was a celebrated designer, master craftsman and jewellery business owner for more that 50 years. Smith was born in Ralston, Paisley, the elder of two children to Margaret and Alexander Smith, a Senior Designer at the Templeton Carpet Factory in Glasgow. Eric attended the Croftfoot Primary and King’s Park Secondary, and later secured a bursary to complete his secondary education at the independent Allan Glen’s School, Glasgow. He went on to study at Glasgow School of Art where

Best Actress Olivia Colman wears silver ERA5050 badge

The BAFTAs took place this week and Olivia Colman took the award for Best Actress for her role in The Favourite . The BAFTAs are recognised for their importance in Britain but are also seen as an indicator for the Oscars which will happen on 25 th February, later this month and as such garner international press coverage. Olivia Colman wore a specially commissioned silver edition of the Equal Representation for Actresses (ERA5050) badge to the ceremony, clearly seen on the red carpet, an organisation which is closely aligned with the Time’s Up movement. The badge which was designed by

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery x Paul Smith Collaboration

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery has been working with Paul Smith in a collaboration for a collection planned for AW17. The new designs were featured in the Paul Smith AW17 Men's Paris Fashion Week Show. The Paul Smith show merged men's and women's collections into one show with both collections sharing a direct design association, with their roots firmly planted in tailoring. Rachel Entwistle's own approach to design, which transcends traditional concepts of male or female, perfectly complemented the Paul Smith Collections. Jewellery included minimal engraved pendants, hand carved necklaces, plaque bracelets and pendants as well as signet rings. All of the

In-conversation with Vicki Ambery-Smith and Corinne Julius

In-conversation with Vicki Ambery-Smith and Corinne Julius Date: Wednesday 24 May, 2023 Start Time: 6.00 PM End Time: 8.00 PM Venue: FORGE Please join us for a wonderful and very special In-Conversation with Vicky Ambery-Smith and Corinne Julius. Hear Vicki's incredible journey as designer, her inspirations her processes, her impressive commission undertaken and how its all culminated into her new book - Jewellery & Silverware, Inspired by Architecture This special evening is sponsored by Champage Gosset. Vicki Ambery-Smith’s distinctive style of silversmithing reflects her great interest in architecture. Using techniques of manipulation and trompe d’oel to get her desired effect to play with the power

Susie Freeman, Martin Smith and Jane Adam @ Ruthin

Susie Freeman, Martin Smith and Jane Adam @ Ruthin Ruthin Craft Centre 18 January – 29 March 2020 Gallery 1: Susie Freeman: WOWI + A Retrospective of work by Susie Freeman including Pharmacopoeia with Dr Liz Lee Susie established herself as a textile artist of great originality early in her career. As a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Art, following Manchester School of Art where she had studied weaving, she invented a knitted network of pockets using a monofilament thread: into each small transparent pocket she dropped a tiny object before safely sealing them with a further row

Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history

Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel. The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states “They were banished from England by King John in 1291.” Ambrey Smith was asked

Cad / Design Intern, Pruden and Smith Ltd - Ditchling, East Sussex

The Role CAD / Design Intern Pruden and Smith Ltd Ditchling, East Sussex (Nr Brighton) Paid 6 month Internship potential for ongoing employment We are looking for a Jewellery Designer to work 5 days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) in the village of Ditchling near Brighton. This is an exciting chance to be a part of a fast growing and award winning jewellery business. About the Job Daily tasks will include: In CAD: Modelling existing designs for the digital design library. In CAD: Modelling and costing existing designs with clients variations after or during client appointments. Conducting client consultations and

Student takes inspiration from lillies to win Alba Rose design competition

British Academy of Jewellery student Olivia Thurlwell took the Calla lilly as her inspiration for the design of a new bridal collection to win the BAJ's Final Project Design competition backed by Alba Rose. The talented final year student was praised by judges for her designs, which were part of a project to design, develop and create a unique bridal collection which appealed to Alba Rose's target audience. Every Level 3 DJP features a live final project where the students are asked to work to a professional brief. The main objective of the project was to design pieces that can

Jewellery Industry expert Karin Paynter speaks at BAFTA on campaign she co-created

This week jewellery industry expert Karin Paynter saw the ERA 50:50 campaign which she co-created, backed by thousands of supporters including Emma Thompson, Olivia Colman and Lena Headey, bring together 200 of the most powerful names in the entertainment industry in one room and called on them to change the way women are represented on stage and screen. Currently, whilst women make up 51% of the population, there are 2 men for every 1 woman across film, television and theatre. Even in crowd scenes, men vastly outnumber women by more than 4 to 1. In fact, there are proportionately fewer

‘Us at Work’ – Jewellery Showcase

‘Us at Work’ – Jewellery Showcase Romilly Saumarez Smith with Lucie Gledhill, Anna Wales, Rachel Jones, Carola Solcia and Laura Ngyou. Wednesday, 15 November 2023 Wednesday, 31 January 2024 Flow Gallery 1-5 Needham RoadLondon, England, W11 2RP Acclaimed jeweller Romilly Saumarez Smith works with fellow jewellers Lucie Gledhill, Anna Wales, Rachel Jones, Carola Solcia and Laura Ngyou to create her work – referring to their collaborative practice as ‘Us at Work’. This significant showcase at Flow will present Romilly’s work, alongside the independent practices of the makers’ she collaborates with. www.flowgallery.co.uk

Craft Focus - Trentham Gardens

Craft in Focus at Trentham Gardens 22 - 25 September 2022 Trentham, Stoke on Trent Our fourth annual event here will feature a wide range of the UK's finest contemporary artists and makers and will be staged in semi open-sided marquees within Trentham Gardens with its vast perennial plantings providing breathtaking vistas. This stunning contemporary revival of a historic garden is amongst the very best in the UK. The gardens have been transformed over the last 15 years and are now some of the finest in Britain with the revival being led by multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. Admission to

Allumer has teamed up with Maggie’s, everyone’s home of cancer care

Natasha Leith-Smith Founder of Allumer jewellery has teamed up with Maggie's the cancer charity to create the Maggie's X Allumer Bell Necklace – for every necklace sold £5 will be donated to the charity. Clashing colours collide with the introduction of tiny bells – the only necklace to be heard in as well as seen in this season! Colourful orange ball chain necklace / bracelet with a silver colour bell. The colours allow the chains to be stackable and stylish, perfect for special occasions. A £5 donation can do wonders for Maggie’s and their families, offering them a helping hand

Goldsmiths' Centre Launches New Grant for 'Ambitious Learning Experiences'

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered for 'ambitious learning experiences' as part of the Career Catalyst initiative, offered by the Goldsmiths' Centre, with support from the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and the Radcliffe Trust. The idea was inspired by former Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, award-winning jeweller and engraver Castro Smith, whose 2018 travels to Japan have informed and enhanced his recent work. In a similar vein, the Career Catalyst Grant is designed to encourage jewellers, silversmiths and others working in the allied industries to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment and develop an innovative approach to their practice. The grant

Introducing the latest Harry Winston collection ‘Winston Gates’

Signature design codes from luxury maisons are often reinterpreted time and time again, however, Harry Winston’s latest jewellery collection looks to a unique part of the brand’s history for inspiration writes Jodie Smith. What do you think of when you hear the name Harry Winston? Renowned for his acquisition of some of the world’s most famous diamonds such as the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy diamonds - as well as his philanthropic pursuits - Harry Winston is a name usually associated with enormous jewels, like the headline grabbing purple sapphire and diamond necklace which Jennifer Lopez sported on the Met Gala

Installation VOID Showcases the Hidden Galaxies Within Gemfields' Gemstones

As part of London Design Festival, an installation seeks to venture into the depths of gemstones, showcasing the chasms inside and amplifying them to cavernous proportions. Designer Dan Tobin Smith and creative studio The Experience Machine, in partnership with Gemfields, present VOID; a multi-sensory spatial installation at Collins Music Hall, Islington. The immersive experience allows visitors to travel through a series of large-scale projections, exploiting the intricate beauty in nature. A selection of Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds from Gemfields’ mines, which date back millions of years, are brought to life through photography of tiny microcosms magnified. Expanding the gemstones

Chopard’s 2019 Red Carpet collection showcased at Cannes film festival

For the 2019 Red Carpet Collection, Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director, has chosen Love as her inspirational theme. “LOVE: when Chopard exalts the finest emotions” writes Jodie Smith. The Cannes film festival marks its 72nd year in 2019, and which the fine jewellery and luxury watch has house has been the official partner of since 2007. The luxury house does not only dressing actors and celebrities for the red carpet in these unique designs, but Chopard also creates the Palme D’or statue for the festival each year. Eschewing the traditional interpretations of ‘love’ in jewellery design, the main lines within

Made at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Future: Made Yorkshire Sculpture Park MADE is YSP Shop's changing programme of contemporary craft and applied arts which showcases the work of established and up-and-coming artists, designers and makers. This silver tower by Vicki Ambrey Smith is inspired by Bella Vista, a folly that used to stand in the grounds before it became the Sculpture Park. It is a stacking set of small containers for perfume perhaps, or potpourri. ‘As a folly the original tower was built for fun. Ed’s picture evokes a story of exploration. I like my silver objects to have a playful, unexpected aspect to them. This

The most spectacular pieces from Paris Haute Couture week

The most important week in fine jewellery is Paris Haute Couture week, where - at the beginning of July - all of the biggest jewellery maisons showcase their latest collections. In this article, we’ll show you some of the most spectacular designs from Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Chaumet and Louis Vuitton writes Jodie Smith. Cartier’s ‘Magnitude’ collection is full of briolettes, angular motifs, amd appendages emulating rays of light and explosions of colour. In this line, the brand has chosen to play with the contrast between a host of different types of materials; gems, minerals and precious stones.

Celestial Inspired Jewellery

Jewellers turn to celestial bodies for design inspiration time and time again, with some of the biggest names in fine jewellery returning to star, sun and planet motifs for 2019. These forms are both familiar and yet magical to us, becoming part of the pantheon of jewellery history for many collectors and admirers writes Jodie Smith. Cartier Released during Paris haute couture week, Cartier introduced an entire galaxy of 14 limited edition pieces of jewellery in ‘Les Galaxies de Cartier.’ This is the first in the series of Cartier’s collections based on the mission statement: ‘Explore New, Create Amazing’, and

High jewellery designers fan out for earring inspiration

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

Chaumet’s new ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’

The maison’s latest pieces celebrate nature in all its forms writes Jodie Smith. The French maison was founded in 1780, in Paris, and its prestige was quickly certified when they became the official jeweller to Empress Josephine. In the 235 year history of the brand, Chaumet has been faithful to its natural inspiration, with numerous iterations of this theme. In this new series of pieces, Chaumet celebrates flora and fauna with a whole host of jewellery designs, including captivating brooches and cocktail rings which are perfect for occasionwear. These latest jewels vary wildly between the traditional, vintage style brooches of the

James Handyside Wins Young Apprentice of the Year Award

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, presented the latest Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund Young Apprentice of the Year Award , which recognises excellence in vocational skills and career progression, to former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, James Handyside. Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Judith Cobham -Lowe, congratulated James at the presentation, part of the Prince Philip Medal Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace. In 2013 James undertook a three year apprenticeship with leading Hatton Garden engravers R.H. Wilkins, specialising in hand engraving. Trained by Master Engraver, Emmet Smith, James learned

Jose Marin : Primavera

Jose Marin : Primavera When anodized, Titanium is the most jewel-like metal with it's glowing spectrum of colors shifting playfully in the light. It is also one of the most challenging materials to smith, but Jose Marin makes the challenge look effortless. Inspired by plant and marine life Marin sets precious and semi-precious stones in the Titanium. These new works dance with sophisticated and playful color at every movement. "When I choose a material, it is always with the idea of transforming it into a magical object. At this time I have opted for Titanium, a unique metal. Its hardness

Alexis Dove Re-Locates to Lewes High Street

Award winning jewellery designer Alexis Dove proudly launched her newly located store this week, on Lewes High Street, East Sussex. Having moved from a quaint boutique and studio in The Needlemakers, the new location opened its doors to VIP guests, press and longstanding customers for a festive night of fun and celebration. An invite only event, the party was attended by over 125 guests, who enjoyed a selection of delicious wines donated by long time customer, British TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith. Championing her passion for all things eco after a trip to two Fairtrade accredited gold mines

Joanne Haywood: A woman’s work is never done

21 Jewellery works made for 15 trailblazing women. This frieze of jewellery represents the women who have been important to mixed media jeweller Joanne Haywood from childhood to present day and were created over three year period. The project was prompted by an ACJ exhibition in 2014, where Haywood made a neckpiece in honour of Patti Smith, in response to the theme of ICONS. She accumulated a long list of trailblazing women and decided to make further works in honour of each of them and their work. The frieze of jewellery was exhibited for the first time during Made Canary

Precious Proposal, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Continuing the Woldstone Gallery's launch of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths, 'Precious Proposal' is launched. Woldstone will showcase jewellery and silverware by over twenty contemporary British and European goldsmiths; many award–winning. The Woldstone ‘Spotlight’ series of temporary exhibitions enables the gallery to introduce new designers and show a wider body of work by designers they represent on a permanent basis. “Precious Proposal” Woldstone was established in June 2015 by sisters Sian Perry-Smith and Bronwen Jameson who drew on their love of design and passion for craftsmanship in setting up the

Refined, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Continuing the Woldstone Gallery's launches of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths, 'Refined' is launched. Woldstone will showcase jewellery and silverware by over twenty contemporary British and European goldsmiths; many award–winning. The Woldstone ‘Spotlight’ series of temporary exhibitions enables the gallery to introduce new designers and show a wider body of work by designers they represent on a permanent basis. “Refined” This December, an exhibition “Refined” looks at work by Catherine Mannheim, Vicki Ambery-Smith and Sarah Pulvertaft. These internationally acclaimed and experienced goldsmiths are some of the finest working in the

Shine

Shine 18 September - 20 December 2024 The Goldsmiths Centre, London The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Shine showcase returns with dazzling line-up of new talented jewellers and silversmiths Shine 2024, the annual new talent showcase in jewellery and silversmithing, returns to the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London on 18 September 2024 with an evening pop-up event, a free exhibition until Christmas 2024 and online at goldsmiths-shop-talent.org Explore and shop handcrafted work by sixteen emerging makers: Alice Biolo, Charlotte Smith, Clare Maiden (Clare Maiden Jewellery), Emma Lawrence (Spangle Fandango), Gillian Finlay, Inca Starzinsky, Kayla Rimmon & Chloë Woodmansterne (Aril Jewels), Kumiko Kihara (Field of

Goldsmiths Fair Features Celebrated Film by Ujin Lin

Celebrated filmmaker Ujin Lin has created a video installation for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017. His film 'Precious Mysteries' features jewellery and silver he selected from this year’s Fair exhibitors. Ujin has previously made video campaigns for brands such as Prada, Philip Lim and Zara. Ujin was inspired by the interiors of Goldsmiths’ Hall to create his video, and to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of work by Goldsmiths’ Fair exhibitors. Included in the teaser trailer is work by (L-R) Max Danger , Vicki Ambery-Smith , Ulla Hornfeldt , Maria Frantzi , Tom Rucker , Stacey Bentley , Tina Engell and Ingo Henn