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

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

Richard Fox takes office in a challenging year as 'Trade' Prime Warden

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to announce that Richard Fox, Managing Director of Fox Silver, has taken office as Prime Warden, in succession to Dr Timothy Schroder. With a background in silversmithing, design and business leadership, Richard has successfully created beautiful silverware for the likes of Formula One and Rolls Royce for almost four decades. His primary focus will be championing the trade of silversmiths, jewellers and allied industries during his year in office. Richard’s distiguished career as a silversmith started as an extra-curriclar activity at school, but soon became “an all-consuming passion”. After gaining a Master’s degree in design

Appointment: Dr Timothy Schroder makes history being elected Prime Warden for second term

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that Dr Timothy Schroder has been elected Prime Warden. Dr Schroder, who previously served in the role during 2015-16, is the first member of the Goldsmiths’ Company to be appointed Prime Warden for a second term since 1951, when Walter Godfrey Allen served two consecutive years. Timothy Schroder was born in 1953 and educated in Oxford, where he attended St Edward’s School and Christ Church at Oxford University. At Christ Church he read philosophy and theology, before going on to specialise in the decorative arts, completing a Diploma at the Study Centre for the History

Appointment: Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company

Wednesday 17 May marked the installation of trailblazing Londoner,   Judith Cobham-Lowe OBE,  as the first woman Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company. Judith has a background in academia, corporate strategy and business leadership, and her year as Prime Warden will launch the decade running up to the 700th Anniversary of the Company's first Royal Charter. At least £70m  will be gifted by the Livery Company and its Charity over the next 10 years in support of the gold and silversmiths’ trade, apprentice training and other charitable activities. Recent projects include: Funding the ‘Worship and Life’ section of

Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Retires

The Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in London, Dr Robert Organ, is to retire after 21 years of service. Robert began his career at the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2000 as Superintendent Assayer of the London Assay Office, before taking over as Deputy Warden (Managing Director-equivalent) in 2006. The Goldsmiths’ Company has been responsible for guaranteeing the purity of items made of precious metals since 1300, when the hallmarking statute was passed. Commenting on his retirement, Robert said, “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Deputy Warden. I have taken great pride in adding to

New Appointment Shatters 700-year Glass Ceiling

The Prime Minister Hosts A Celebration Of British Fashion At 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Theresa May and Chairman of the British Fashion Council Dame Natalie Massenet welcomed representatives from across the British fashion industry to a reception at 10 Downing Street last night. Ahead of London Fashion Week, Theresa May emphasised the importance of the UK’s fashion industry, one of the country’s greatest success stories which contributes £28billion to Britain’s economy and supports nearly 900,000 jobs. London Fashion Week is a global showcase which welcomes guests from over 58 countries, promotes designer brands to an international audience of trade and consumers and generates orders of over £100million each season. The Prime Minister

News Edit: 12 June 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... New faces and promotions at Roseberys, Bonhams and Freeman's - Antiques Trade Gazette Antiques Trade Gazette: The Goldsmiths' Company has appointed its 695th prime warden. Lord Mark Bridges succeeds Dame Lynne Brindley. Former private solicitor to the ... www.antiquestradegazette.com Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Brooches, New and Old Royal Central: Symbolism abounds this week during the Platinum Jubilee. The jewellery on display is no exception and no one does messaging through jewels better than the Queen herself. royalcentral.co.uk The Queen’s Jewellery: Platinum Jubilee Brooch Crown Chronicles: As part of

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

Stuart Devlin, the internationally renowned designer, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor, furniture, interiors and architecture designer and previous Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, has died on 12 April 2018 at the age of 86 in Chichester. “I hope that my work reflects four maxims: That future is much more important than the past That creativity is paramount That skill is fundamental And that the justification for being a goldsmith is to enrich the way people live and work.” - Stuart Devlin Devlin, an Australian by birth, became renowned as a contemporary designer of coins, medals and design led precious metal work

The Goldsmiths’ Company’s ‘Moon Trophy’ Remembered 50 Years After the Moon Landing

Fifty years ago in 1969, the first men landed on the moon, and with that the Goldsmiths' Company fittingly commissioned a piece to commemorate Sir Alan Herries Wilson’s time as Prime Warden from 1969-1970. Sir Alan Herries Wilson, a distinguished physicist laid the foundations for today’s understanding of microelectronics, as well as the Apollo 11 mission itself which landed the first men on the moon. The ‘Moon Trophy’ stands at 38.7 cm tall, and depicts a hand reaching out toward a magnificently modelled, oxidised and electroformed moon, hand sand cast in silver. Surrounding the moon are silver-gilt rings, set in

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

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

Young Designer winners announced at Jacobs the Jewellers

Jacobs the Jewellers and the Bishopsland Educational Trust, together with sponsors the Goldsmiths’ Company and HS Walsh, announced the winners of the third edition of the annual Young Designer Competition.  The awards ceremony, held at the Reading-based Jacobs the Jewellers store, saw   the Jacobs team joined by the Deputy Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis; Judith Cobham Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company; Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh; Penelope Makower , Principal and Oliver Makower , Vice-principal of Bishopsland ; and loy al Jacobs customers . Georgina Burgess, Jessica Jue , Rachel Hewison and Rebecca Black

Make Your Mark Awards 2019 Winners Announced

Now in its third year, the Make Your Mark award ceremony, organised by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, was held on Tuesday as part of the wider Make Your Mark event. The event, and the competition, were designed to celebrate and promote the British Hallmark. As the event is largely geared towards newcomers to the trade, the competition has two entrance categories, one for industry members who completed their training within the last 5 years, and one to accommodate those who are a little earlier in their careers, for students and apprentices. Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the

Q&A: Robert Organ

Robert Organ is the Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Assay Office in London. Robert, of Welsh heritage, hails from Gwent. He gained a degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge. He joined the Assay Office London as Superintendent Assayer in 2000, and has been responsible, over the seventeen years of his tenure, for the introduction of new technologies such as laser marking and XRF machines within the modern day assaying process, as well as the introduction of sub-assay offices. He also played an active part in the successful lobbying for the exclusion of

Big Names Get Set for Make Your Mark

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has announced the line-up for the first ever Make Your Mark Q&A Panel of Experts. “We are introducing the Panel this year in response to the huge popularity of talks at previous Make Your Mark events,” explains Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. “The success of Make Your Mark in 2014 and 2015 proved that there is huge demand for advice and inspiration among students wanting to set out on careers in precious metals and so this year, alongside the very popular talks by Theo Fennell and Michael Wainwright -

Call for Applications: Makers at Market Hall - Warwickshire

Opportunity for Warwickshire artists, Heritage and Culture Warwickshire, Warwickshire County Council In February 2017, Market Hall Museum in Warwick will open its doors to the public following a £1.1million refurbishment funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Market Hall Museum is in a prime location in Warwick, and as part of this refurbishment a new shop and cafe area is being installed to the front of the Museum. The New Market Hall Shop The new Market Hall shop is situated within the entrance to the Museum, adjacent to the new café. The Museum entrance is located on the main Market Square

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

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

News Edit: 17 October 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... New-season jewels – with all the trimmings FT: Adorn yourself in the patterns and palette of the Bauhaus Weavers. www.ft.com Explain the Crown Jewels’ colonial history to visitors, says Marina Wheeler The Telegraph: The former wife of the Prime Minister suggested exhibition notes on the diamond’s Punjab origins would be ‘a lot more interesting’. www.telegraph.co.uk Perthshire jeweller Laura’s journey from insecure to entrepreneur The Courier: When Laura Grace Caldwell got jewellery classes from her mum, little did she know it would eventually change her life. www.thecourier.co.uk The Essex

Dragons’ Den and The Workbench

The Workbench: Best-friends-turned-jewellers appear on prime-time BBC One TV show after world-first ring carving kits shake up jewellery industry. Best friends Katie and Kirstie built their business after a eureka moment during a craft night with friends. The new series of Dragons’ Den saw this week The Workbench girls pitch their business on the BBC programme. The Workbench, the world’s first design-your-own ring carving kit, is the result of a lightbulb moment in 2014 between best friends - founders Katie and Kirstie who appeared on the finale episode of the 18th series of Dragons’ Den on the 8th July pitching

Jewellery & Watch Returns

Jewellery & Watch is preparing to return to Birmingham’s NEC from February 2-6, 2020 with a refreshed and revitalised show in a prime location. As part of the complete re-edit of Spring Fair, which has seen all product categories and show sectors moved to new locations, Jewellery & Watch will take its new place at the front of Hall 1, just off the main Piazza of the NEC. This accessible location allows for the integration of Jewellery & Watch with Fashion sector exhibitors, as well as easy access to Greetings & Stationary in Hall 2, Gifts in Halls 3 and

NAJ create 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' for industry

The Nationl Association of Jewellers have creates a set of special webpages, a 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' blog intended to share information, opinion and intelligence for the Jewellery Industry leading up to the UK leaving the EU, and afterwards as the Jewellery community acclimatises to post-Brexit Britain. Along with other Association members of the British Allied Trades Federation, NAJ has commissioned specific guidance notes in case the UK crashes out of the EU with no deal, which remains unclear despite today’s positive noises from the Prime Minister meeting with EU Negotiators. The guidance notes covering key topics such as Intellectual property,

Appointment: Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

French fashion house LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has unveiled former Tiffany & Co design director Francesca Amfitheatrof as their new artistic director to shape their new high jewellery and watch collections. Amfitheatrof, 49, who was born in Japan and trained at Chelsea Art School, Central St Martins School of Art and Royal College of Art, left Tiffany & Co last year after overseeing their product lines for four years and has since been instrumental in the launch of new collections for Chanel and Marni. This week, her appointment as artistic director at Louis Vuitton was confirmed, guaranteeing a prime

Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

Johnson Matthey PLC: 200 Years Of Inspiring Science and Sustained Innovation

Johnson Matthey, one of the longest-trading businesses in the FTSE 100 I ndex, celebrates its 200th birthday this year. Now a global leader in science and te chnology that makes the world cleaner and healthier, the company was founded in London by Percival Norton Johns on in 1817 as a gold assaying business. In the same year, the first bicycle was built, the sta tes of Mississippi and Alabama were created and the fifth President of the United States was swor n in. In the UK, George III was King, Lord Liverpool was Prime Minister, the first Waterloo Bridge was

Watch This Space: Fashion Wrist-wear Strikes Like Clockwork

The seasons are swiftly chopping and changing as the winds blow in the new trend treasures so as time ticks on, it's prime time to clock onto the new faces taking centre spotlight for all to watch. As hotfooted magpies to anything refined, sparkly and delicately ornate we know the power that a piece of jewellery holds in sculpting a look into new extraordinary territory. The ticking accessory set to hit a strike this coming 2017 is the unsung wrist wear usually reserved only for daily practicality: The Watch. Peaking into the forefront of trend wear must-haves, the demure and

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

Small Business Saturday Businesses Invited to 10 Downing St.

A small jewellery business from Penarth was chosen to be among 100 selected businesses from around the country invited to Downing Street on this week to attend a reception to mark the UK’s fourth annual Small Business Saturday on Saturday 3 rd December. Anne Morgan, owner of Anne Morgan Jewellery, a gallery that specialises in selling handmade jewellery by 30 jewellery designer makers as well as her own work, joined other small business owners at a reception at No.10 Downing Street attended by the Small Business Minister Margot James. Prime Minister Theresa May said about the initiative, “Small Business Saturday

News Edit:12 August 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Jewellery maker Pandora sees shares sink on sales downturn BBC: Danish jewellery maker Pandora is to cut almost 400 jobs, after warning that full-year sales will be lower than expected. bbc.co.uk Danish jeweller Pandora’s chief executive steps down after profit warning World Press: Danish jewelry maker Pandora’s chief executive, Anders Colding Friis, is stepping down, the firm said... world-press.co.uk Knightsbridge jeweller sues wife of Malaysia's former prime minister for return of £11.5million in diamonds he claims were delivered to her but never paid for Daily Mail: Malaysia's former first

News Edit: 9 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Ami Doshi, Kenyan Jeweller Who Designed British PM Theresa May's Necklace Kenyan: British Prime Minister Theresa May was in Kenya in August and while on a State House dinner event, she was... www.kenyans.co.ke The five young African designers you need to know Financial Times: From Cairo to Soweto, they’re changing the face of global fashion. www.ft.com My Favourite Pieces: Evan Michelson on human-hair jewellery Financial Times: The collector discusses her fascination for adornments made from dead people’s locks. www.ft.com Star-studded Hatton Garden film angers victims for 'glorifying' the £14m jewellery