Search Results

Summer School at K2 2020

K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Summer School K2 Academy are offering an exciting range of 1-day jewellery short courses during the first two weeks of August. Each class focuses on a different technique. 3 - 7 August 2020 & 10 - 14 August 2020   Intro into jewellery making / surface textures (beginners, intermediate) This course offers you an insight into jewellery making with a focus on surface texture. You will be making a simple pendant and learn different surface texture techniques like roll-printing, hammering and reticulation as well as piercing and soldering. Monday 3 August 2020 10am - 4pm 

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery Summer Courses 2017

One Week Jewellery Courses During the summer the Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery offer one week long intensive daytime courses. These courses are suitable for beginners and enable you to make a lot of progress in just one week. For summer 2017 we are offering the following classes in July and August Stone Setting Silver Casting & Wax Carving Introduction to Rhino/CAD Advanced Rhino/CAD If you are unsure which course is best for you then please don't hesitate to get in touch. Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery Panther House, 38 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X 0AN 0207 837 0045 mail@vannetta.com www.vannettaseecharran.com

Penland Scholarships Summer 2023

Penland Scholarships Summer 2023  Penland School of Craft Penland, North Carolina, USA Penland is an intentionally inclusive and dynamic creative community—a community that values the creative energy that arises from diverse artistic visions and approaches. Penland’s scholarship program exists to make our workshops accessible to those who are not able to participate without financial assistance and to create educational opportunities for people who have been underrepresented at Penland and in the craft world. Scholarships are one way we are pushing back on historic imbalances and barriers. We recently made some changes to reduce barriers in our scholarship application process. The

Carmarthen School of Art Virtual Graduate Show 2020

Carmarthen School of Art Graduate Show Friday 26 June 2020 - all summer Carmarthen School of Art @ Coleg Sir Gar create the UK’s largest bespoke and hand built Virtual Reality (VR) gallery to showcase student art and design work Despite the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, staff at Carmarthen School of Art in Wales have created a virtual showcase to celebrate the achievements, creativity and innovation of final year students from all of their Art & Design courses. Students have had a real challenge on their hands to adapt to what has been an unexpected end to their courses

Retirement Send-Off: Gaynor Andrews, Head of School, School of Jewellery Birmingham

​ Retirement Send-Off: Gaynor Andrews, Head of School, School of Jewellery, Birmingham After 40 years at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham, their very well respected Head of School, Gaynor Andrews will be taking early retirement. She will be leaving the School at Christmas. The School will be having a send off for her on Friday 16th December from 4.30pm – 7.30pm in the atrium at the School of Jewellery (presentations / speeches around 5.30pm).   It is a busy time of year for everyone, but please join them to remember and celebrate Gaynor’s time at the School and to wish

Cockpit Summer Festival

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

Creative Copper Summer Courses

Creative Copper Summer Courses Are you tempted to work in copper for the first time... or add these adaptable skills to your silversmithing and jewellery repertoire this summer? Bryony is offering three courses working with this beautiful material for all levels and price ranges. More info below.... if you are interested just email me back at info@bryonyknox.com or book at Embossed Copper Box in a Morning- £55 Saturday 10-1pm . Sat 18th June 2022 Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement, design and make an embossed copper shim box in this 3 hour workshop. An ideal  way for beginners to

Sizzle in Summer Sparkle

In our opinion, summer is one of the most exciting times to experiment with jewellery. Whether you're packing your flipflops and jetting off to tropical lands or want to elevate your laid back look for another beer garden invitation, there's nothing that transforms an outfit than a bit of sparkle! Right now there is some seriously chic sparkle on our radar. From cascading earrings that dust past the decolletage to sleek sculptural pieces, there is no shortage of new sparkly silhouettes to try out this summer. If you're looking for some summertime sizzle with some blinged out, dripping crystals or

Tropicool Charm for Summer

You've got the paradise destination ready and booked, your holiday wardrobe is getting locked down and your suitcase is already out of the attic loud n'proud so what 's left to take your SS18 holiday style to the next level? Pile on the colour, texture, print and shapes with the perfect summer colour-popping jewellery! Life becomes a whole lot more fabulously fun with a taste of the exotic so dive into the tropical world of summer with palm leaf prints, juicy fruit motifs, multi-coloured parrot pendants and brighten your life with statement style. Transform your life in rich ornamental synergy

Summer Open Studios 2017

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

Artist in Residence - School of Jewellery

Call for Applications: School of Jewellery Artist in Residence Scheme 2019-2020 This is a fantastic opportunity to develop new work and technical skills in a creative environment, working collaboratively within the Artist in Residence team. You will have an opportunity to exhibit your work in Vittoria Street gallery, and engage with the vibrant and rich community in the School. The residency scheme offer you access to facilities from September 2019 to August 2020 for no charge in exchange for student support one day per week. You will be expected to commit at least 2 to 3 days a week and

Cockpit Summer Open Studios - Deptford

Cockpit Summer Open Studios 2024 - Deptford Deptford 14 - 16 June 2024 Cockpit summer open studios returns this June with over 20 new makers and a new late opening in Deptford Summer Open Studios is back at Cockpit for two weekends this June, offering the public a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of a working makers’ studio and buy direct from over 175 renowned craftspeople. Bloomsbury: 14-16 June (VIP Preview on 13 June) Deptford: 21-23 June (VIP Preview on 21 June) Cockpit is the UK’s centre for excellence in craft, with two locations in Bloomsbury and Deptford, and one

Cockpit Summer Open Studios - Bloomsbury

Cockpit Summer Open Studios 2024 - Bloomsbury Bloomsbury 14 - 16 June 2024 Cockpit summer open studios returns this June with over 20 new makers and a new late opening in Deptford Summer Open Studios is back at Cockpit for two weekends this June, offering the public a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of a working makers’ studio and buy direct from over 175 renowned craftspeople. Bloomsbury: 14-16 June (VIP Preview on 13 June) Deptford: 21-23 June (VIP Preview on 21 June) Cockpit is the UK’s centre for excellence in craft, with two locations in Bloomsbury and Deptford, and one

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

Glasgow School of Art

The  Glasgow School of Art  is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading university-level institutions for the visual creative disciplines – a reputation grounded in the international impact and standing of our academic staff, our international student community drawn from over 80 countries Undergraduate: Silversmithing & Jewellery BA (Hons) www.gsa.ac.uk

School of Jewellery Graduate Show 2018

Graduate Show 2018: School of Jewellery The School of Jewellery's Inspired festival, is a culmination of graduate shows, exhibitions and events highlighting the creativity, hard work and progression of our Art, Design and Media students. The shows will be a celebration of the students and their innovative work, and an opportunity for them to showcase their inventive, fresh ideas to audiences. The School of Jewellery welcomes you to the 2018 graduate exhibition. The graduate exhibition sets out to inspire visitors and provide an insight into the prestigious School. It shows how individual talent has been developed through our courses and

Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery

Birmingham  School of Jewellery , founded in 1890, is a jewellery school in Birmingham, England. Located on Vittoria Street in the city's Jewellery Quarter, it is the largest jewellery school in Europe. Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk

Wiltshire Creative Summer Open 2019

Call for Applications: Wiltshire Creative Summer Open 2019 Wiltshire Creative is a new pan-arts organisation that brings together the energy and aspirations of Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse. It is an ambitious and innovative joint arts offer that shapes and strengthens a future for audiences, artists and participants. Based in the city of Salisbury Wiltshire Creative draws audiences from across the county and beyond. As part of the visual arts programme we seek to showcase work that has been created locally. This year we are looking forward to introducing the first ever Wiltshire Creative Summer

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

Summer-ise Your Seasonal Style

Prep your jet-set summer staples with only one concern in mind this year: Make it unashamedly bright. Welcome to the season of fun all you sun-seekers! As the warm weather begins to creep into our daylight hours and beer garden fairy lights start to glisten, the season of fun and luxury calls for everything bold, bodacious and brave. Nothing screams summer relaxation louder than a full-on tropical explosion of colour, textures, tones and motifs. From sunflower yellow, hibiscus fuchsia pink to chalky pillar red and zingy forest green, the time to throw out your timid shyness is now! Unleash your

School of Jewellery Artist in Residences 2020-2021

Call for Applications: School of Jewellery Artist in Residences 2020-2021 The School of Jewellery is welcoming portfolio applications for Artists in Residence. This is an opportunity for graduates to develop new work and technical skills in a creative environment, working collaboratively within the Artist in Residence team, engage with the vibrant and rich community in the School,in exchange for helping support students within studios and workshops. Subject to an evolving COVID-19 UK situation and our future position in 2021, the residency scheme aims to continue to offer agreed access to facilities from January 2021 to August 2021. To apply please

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School Vannetta Seecharran is pleased to present a collection of works by former diploma students of VS Jewellery School, London. Based in Hatton Garden the school offers an array of courses from taster classes for the complete beginner to specialist courses including wax carving and stone setting as well as year-long diploma courses. Coming together for this exhibition, eight designers, who have all graduated within the last three years, will showcase a diverse body of work reflecting their various passions and influences – from bold geometric forms constructed with precision to free flowing organic shapes

School of Jewellery Artist in Residence Opportunity

School of Jewellery Artist in Residence Opportunity 2017 The School of Jewellery is pleased to announce that applications to the Artist in Residence (AiR) mentoring scheme scheduled for September 2017 to August 2018 is now open. About the Residency The position offers space and facilities in exchange for student support one day per week. You will be given access to bench space and the School’s outstanding facilities for the duration of the residency, for which there is no charge. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop new work and technical skills in a creative environment, through collaboration with the Artist

The Maker’s Fair - Summer Weekender

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

Colour in Jewellery Summer Workshop - Italy

Colour in Jewellery Summer Workshop - Italy Colour has got me. I no longer need to chase after it. It has got me forever. I know it. That is the meaning of this happy hour. Colour and I are one. I am a painter.  -  Paul Klee What does it mean for us ? We will work with coloured pencils to express our personal idea of color. We can use pencils in different ways. The idea is to transform them into something else.  The workshop is aimed at students, artisans, artists, designers, teachers and anyone intends to get involved with

The Sorting Office Summer Open Studios

This year The Sorting Office Summer Open Studios will be held over the weekend of 17th - 18th June. The popular event is run as part of Eastleigh Unwrapped Festival and welcomes visitors to take a look around the studios, meet the artists and shop for locally made products and gifts. To read more about the line-up for Eastleigh Unwrapped, see their website. Formerly a Royal Mail Sorting Centre, The Sorting Office is now home to 16 creative makers, from illustrators and print designers to jewellery makers and textile artists. As part of the Open Studios we'll once again be

Galerie Marzee - Summer Exhibitions

Galerie Marzee Exhibitions: Lisa Walker, Eva Jünger, Margit Jäschke & Pedro Sequeira From 26 May 2024 Nijmegen, Netherlands Galerie Marzee opens three new exhibitions: Lisa Walker (NZ), Eva Jünger (D), Margit Jäschke (D) and Pedro Sequeira (PT) Lisa Walker and Eva Jünger Iconoclastic, intuitive and impetuous, Lisa Walker challenges traditional notions about jewellery and questions what it is and what it can be. With an open yet rigorous approach, she works with found objects, precious materials, abandoned bits and bobs, combining and transforming them to create jewellery that questions its very nature, reconsiders its own answers and explores relationships to

Summer Sizzlers from domino

Domino has recently launched a collection of 27 new designs to support and refresh its popular Diamond Ring Mount (DRM) Collection. The new rings, which are designed and created at Domino’s sophisticated manufacturing facility in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, include a mixture of styles ranging from classic solitaires through to more contemporary pieces. “These rings received terrific customer feedback when we previewed them at Baselworld  under our ‘Created & Crafted in Britain’ brand earlier this year and our customers’ comments informed our choices as to which pieces made it through into the final range,” explains sales and

MA Summer Show Camberwell College of Arts 2017

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

International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg

Program 2017 of the International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Salzburg Why produce art? The motto of 2017 is the very general and fundamental question: Why art produce? This applies to the summer academy as an institution as well as to all art-makers. What does it mean to produce art today, how is art related to the socio-political situation? And why do art teach and teach art over and over again? Art is a way to relate to the world. However, art is also a place of retreat, art allows for immersion, that is, fusing with it or with certain

The Glasgow School of Art Graduate Showcase 2021

The Glasgow School of Art Graduate Showcase 2021 Wednesday 9 June 2021 -  The Glasgow School of Art Graduate Showcase 2021 will launch on  www.gsashowcase.net  on Wednesday 9 June. The digital Showcase will feature work by graduating students from all undergraduate and 2-year postgraduate programmes across the Schools of Design, Fine Art and Simulation & Visualisation and Innovation School, and Stage 3, 4 and 5 students in The Mackintosh School of Architecture. Graduates will be able to add new work to their profiles for 12 months, offering the opportunity to showcase their professional practice. A programme of associated core and

Artist in Residence Opportunity 2018, School of Jewellery

Call for Applications: Artist in Residence, School of Jewellery The School of Jewellery Artist in Residence (AiR) mentoring scheme is open for applications for 2018-19. The AiR mentoring scheme offers space and facilities in exchange for student support one day per week. You will be given access to bench space and the School's outstanding facilities for the duration of the residency, for which there is no charge. It is expected that you are able to commit to at least 2-3 days a week and agree to a common meeting day at least once a month. This is a fantastic opportunity

Summer Fayre at St Donat’s Castle 2019

Call for Applications: Summer Fayre at St Donat's Castle Sunday 9th June, 10.30am - 6pm Join us at our inaugural Summer Fayre at St Donat’s Castle, UWC Atlantic College and browse a wonderful collection of over 50 food, drink and craft stalls.  The fayre is set across the charming rooms of St Donat’s Castle and Arts Centre as well as the striking outdoor gardens that overlook the sea.  This fayre offers a mix of traders from family friendly and charity stalls to luxury handmade crafts and gifts. Stalls include a variety of jewellery, wood, glass, ceramic and textiles.  You will

ADORE launches 2018 Spring Summer Collection

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

Spring/Summer 2017 Trends: Revealed at IJL

IJL 2016 delivered an in-depth preview of the latest and most important jewellery trends for Spring Summer 2017. Visitors enjoyed the catwalk shows, which showcased the key looks selected by IJL’S trend partner, Adorn Insight. Adorn Insight's Spring Summer 2017 jewellery trends were showcased on the IJL Catwalk alongside more than 500 exhibitors who also presented their take on the key looks for 2017. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, commented: “The designers and brands at IJL really do have their fingers on the trend pulse – from the Bright Young Gems and Kick Starters and Design Gallery to the Designer

New building for University’s School of Jewellery

Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery is set to expand, following a new building acquisition in the city’s St Paul’s Square. Previously home to Abbey College, the School will take on 10 St Paul’s Square in April, opening in September 2019 as a new postgraduate jewellery design and research facility with new design studios and offices for staff and doctoral researchers. The School of Jewellery’s library and computer suite will also move to the new 11,200 sq ft building, enabling the conversion of rooms at the existing and historic core Vittoria Street site for additional studio space for undergraduate students.

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery at New Designers

The Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery will be exhibiting at New Designers 2017 at the Islington Business Design Centre from Wednesday 28th June - Sunday 2nd July 2017. The School will be showing in the Jewellery & Contemporary Design Crafts Zoe on stand JC38. Exhibitors from the school have graduated from the School's  Diploma in Jewellery Design course. New Designers Part 1 Design disciplines – Textiles & Fashion  – Costume Design  – Jewellery & Precious Metalwork  – Ceramics & Glass  – Contemporary Design Crafts  – One Year On Dates 28 June – 01 July 2017 A Venue Business Design Centre 52 Upper

Degree Show The Glasgow School of Art 2017

Degree Show 2017 The Glasgow School of Art The annual undergraduate Degree Show featuring work from graduating students across the School of Design, School of Fine Art and the Mackintosh School of Architecture. Dates 10 - 17 June 2017 Open Monday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Tuesday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Wednesday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Thursday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Friday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Sunday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Dates 10 - 17 June 2017 Open Monday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Tuesday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Wednesday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Thursday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Friday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 9.00pm Sunday,

Undergraduate Summer Show Camberwell College of Arts 2017

Undergraduate Design Programme Undergraduate Fine Art Programme University of the Arts London Camberwell College of Arts Undergraduate Summer Show 2017 Catch the up and coming artists, designers of tomorrow at Camberwell College of Arts from the following courses: Undergraduate Fine Art Programme BA Drawing BA Painting BA Photography BA Sculpture Undergraduate Design Programme BA Graphic Design BA Illustration BA 3D Design FdA Graphic Design FdA Illustration Dates Friends and Family day: Saturday 17 June, 11am - 5pm Private View: Monday 19 June, 6pm - 9pm Summer Show open to public: Tuesday 20, 10am - 8pm Wednesday 21, 10am - 8pm

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Holborn

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

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

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

Jeweller in Residence, Vanilla Ink Jewellery School

Jeweller in Residence, Vanilla Ink Jewellery School November 2019 - November 2020 Glasgow, Scotland Vanilla Ink Jewellery School are looking for their next Jeweller in Residence to work with them for the next year, where the resident will get a mentor, skills training, workshop & teaching experience a package worth over £2,500. Please see the website for full details. Application Deadline 10am Monday 21st October. Residency begins November 2019  vanillainkstudios.co.uk

Carmarthen School of Art Degree Show 2018

Carmarthen School of Art - Degree Show 2018 Exhibition is open between 22nd May - 8th June Private View - Friday 25th May at 7pm Opening Times 22nd, 24th May, 4th, 5th, 7th June - 9.30am to 7.30pm 23rd, 26th, 30th, 31st May, 1st, 6th, 8th June - 9.30am to 4pm Venue Carmarthen School of Art, Jobs Well Campus, Jobs Well Road, Carmarthen, SA31 3HY  

Summer Open Studio Event with Melissa Hunt Jewellery

Summer Open Studio Event with Melissa Hunt Jewellery Brampton Bryan, Herefordshire The workshop will be open on Friday 1st June between 4pm and 8pm, Saturday 2nd June from 12pm - 6pm and then until Sunday 17th June by appointment.  There will be jewellery making demonstrations, course information and pieces for sale. Guest exhibitors The Banshee Jewellery Group will also be showing their work with me for the first time. Other Nearby Attractions The nearby  Smithy Studio  will be selling beautiful gifts and homewares, and  Aardvark Books  will be launching their Out of the Hills Exhibition Marches Art 2018, a new event showcasing

Hoops Of Summer Fun: Trend Alert '16

Guess whose back, back again? Miss Hoop is back, c-e-lebrate! Statement earrings were the cool and effortless 'it' girls of the fashion accessory hierarchy throughout 2015 and it seems that this little fashionista is looping back round this Summer 2016 as a jewellery box mainstay: Hoop earrings. We've fiddled and fumbled around with stud encrusted ear cuffs and crawlers and quite frankly they're a ruddy pain in the ear to keep in place and if you manage to keep it attached to your lobe for more than two hours then you my friend are a triumph! The fashion flurry magpies

Cheffins’ Summer Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale

A series of highly collectable watches will lead the Cheffins’ summer Jewellery, Silver & Watches Sale on Thursday 17 August. Amongst the 58 lots of watches and consigned from private collections from across the country, are 13 Rolex models, including a matching his and hers steel and Everose ‘Yachtmaster’. In addition, there is a steel and gold ‘Submariner’ and a steel ‘Explorer II’ as well as the much-coveted steel and Everose ‘GMT Master II’ ‘Rootbeer’. Also among the watches is an original Omega Speedmaster ‘Pre moon Ed White‘ from 1967 with its original box and papers which has an estimate of

Former George Ward School Site, Melksham

Public Art Commissions: Former George Ward School Site, Melksham Persimmon Homes are seeking expressions of interest for two linked commissions in a residential development at the former George Ward School site in Melksham. The commissions will deliver a suite of functional artworks including seating and waymarking in Public Open Space and Green Corridors across the site. Artist Fee The budget for the commissions is £34,000 and £20,000 There is also a commission for a bursary artist to the value of £2,500 (may suit a local and/or emerging Artist) to lead creative engagement on the project. Project Details More details in

Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art 2018

Call for Applications: Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art Silversmithing and Jewellery Department BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery Design at the Glasgow School of Art is pleased to announce its Artist in Residence(AIR) programme and invites interested individuals to apply directly to Anna Gordon, Head of Department.   The residency position is in essence, space and facilities in exchange for a small teaching assistant input.  You would be given access to bench space and facilities within the School’s workshops for the duration of the residency, for which there would be no charge. The position should be viewed as

Alex Monroe launches new Jewellery School

One of Britain's best known jewellery designers Alex Monroe has launched a jewellery school in his recently completed award-winning studio in Bermondsey in London where he will take the lead in passing on his techniques and passion in a series of themed tutorials. After months of planning and preparation, the ‘Alex Monroe Jewellery School’ will open this month, launching with a theme special to Monroe. It has been 10 years since he launched his iconic and much admired Bumblebee necklace and finally he will let his first 10 Jewellery School customers  into his secret as to how it came about,

Vanilla Ink Launches Scottish Jewellery School

Vanilla Ink Studios has teamed up with Goldsmith Scott McIntyre to create the Vanilla Ink  Jewellery  School; aimed at bridging the gap from education to industry, helping to  shape and grow the  jewellery  trade across Scotl and. Glasgow based Vanilla Ink Studios want the new school to inspire, educate and empower the jewellery and silversmith industry by helping to mould the next generation of goldsmiths. Just like any new and innovative idea, a helping hand unleashes the potential to soar to success. So Vanilla Ink Studios have also now  launched a crowdfunding campaign  where they hope that together with help

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

Focus Gallery Launch Nottingham Jewellery School

Having j oined forces with local designer-makers, the midlands based Focus Gallery has launched the  Nottingham Jewellery School .  This will be the first fully equipped jewellery workshop in the city centre, a place where everyone is welcome to come and learn new techniques, brush up on existing skills and engage their creativity.    The launch event will offer demonstrations and hour-long sessions with various tutors as well as an exciting chance to win free workshops and vouchers. A Nottingham based school bucks the trend of jewellery training locations, as it is a vibrant, creative city that is home to

The Glasgow School of Art Degree Show 2024

The Glasgow School of Art Degree Show 2024 31 May - 9 June 2024 2024 Graduate Showcase Launch Physical + Online Work from this year's GSA Degree Show can also be viewed from anywhere in the world via our digital online platform, the GSA Graduate Showcase launching on 30 May. This website features bespoke, curated pages by our graduating students featuring not only their Degree Show work but also other projects and works in progress. The Showcase is a rich resource for industry and those interested in our graduates and keen to find out more about them and look into

Degree Show 2018 The Glasgow School of Art

Degree Show 2018 - The Glasgow School of Art The annual showcase of final year work across our campuses in Glasgow, 2 - 8 June, free and open to all. Open 2 Jun 2018 - 8 Jun 2018 Times Mon 10:00 - 19:00 Tue 10:00 - 19:00 Wed 10:00 - 19:00 Thu 10:00 - 19:00 Fri 10:00 - 19:00 Sat 10:00 - 17:00 Sun 10:00 - 17:00 Location Renfrew Street campus and Tontine Building More Info www.gsa.ac.uk

Graduate Show School of Jewellery Birmingham 2017

Silicone to Silver: Jewellery like you’ve never seen before! Final year students at the world famous School of Jewellery will be unveiling their collections for the first time at the Graduate Show this June. The show launches on Monday 12th June through till Saturday 17th June, with an Industry evening on Tuesday, 13th June from 5:30. With over 50 graduates exhibiting their unique collections there is most certainly something for everyone. Examples of this variety include kinetic elements, are 3D printed, involve unusual and tactile materials and even include hand cultivated crystals and homemade eco-resin. The aesthetic ranges from fun

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

Experimental Enamelling Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School

Experimental Enamelling Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School Explore a range of experimental enamelling techniques to give lasting colour and texture to your jewellery. What will I learn? On this dynamic 2 day course you will have lots of scope to experiment with enamelling techniques on a range of materials. You will learn to sift powdered enamels onto copper sheet. You can try blending colours, you can use stencils to give definition, and you can draw through it to produce unique patterns and textures. Using pre-enamelled steel sheet you will then have the opportunity to use liquid vitreous enamels

Studio Casting Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School

Studio Casting Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School This weekend course introduces numerous home- studio casting techniques for jewellery and other small accessories. What will I learn? With focus firmly on the experimental, this is an exciting opportunity to try out a variety of approaches to casting and mould making. The aim is to equip you with techniques you can carry on exploring in your in the home studio.. When casting your outcome is determined by the type of mould you made. We present you with a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used in casting, both for studio and commercial use. We

Silversmithing and Jewellery Design Degree Show - The Glasgow School of Art 🎓

The Glasgow School of Art Programmes of Silversmithing and Jewellery Design and Textile Design showcase 2023 graduates work during the general opening hours of the undergraduate degree show: you will be able to explore the works from programmes across all five Schools at The Glasgow School of Art - Design, Fine Art, Innovation, Architecture and Simulation & Visualisation. Silversmithing and Jewellery + Textiles Design Reid Gallery, Ground Floor, Reid Building The Glasgow School of Art Degree Show 2023 Full Show Venues and Opening Hours: 2 – 11 June 2023 Monday – Friday: 10am  – 8pm Saturday – Sunday: 10am –

Hatton Garden's London Jewellery School Celebrates its Tenth Year

Since opening its doors in 2009, London Jewellery School has been host to an estimated 37,283 students. Founded by jewellery entrepreneur, Jessica Rose, the school was designed to make the art of jewellery-making accessible to everyone.  From such humble beginnings, the school has since grown in strength and size, offering courses 7 days a week in a full range of topics including traditional silver work, stone setting, wax carving, and modern techniques like resin, perspex, and business practices for jewellers - and all in the very apt setting of London’s jewellery hub, Hatton Garden. ‘I am delighted and grateful that

Joanna Hardy Launches The World’s First Online Jewellery School

Acclaimed global jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy has launched her own online jewellery school at Masterpiece this year. The school features an interactive online classroom where you get personal advice from Joanna and is powered by award winning internet company, www.learningwithexperts.com Joanna explained, “My intention is to create a world class online jewellery school, where enthusiastic amateurs or professionals can be introduced to the world of jewellery. I’m expecting people ranging from interested hobbyists, career changers, professionals wanting to improve their knowledge – right through to members of the boutique high-end jewellery trade. Through my course I can teach you wherever

Enamelling Workshop with Danni Schwaag at Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School

Enamelling Workshop with Danni Schwaag at Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School Hatton Garden, London 2nd -  5th September The Vannetta Seecharran Jewellery School is thrilled that German based jewellery artist Danni Schwaag will be visiting our studios in September to offer an enamelling workshop. The course runs for 4 consecutive days 10am – 4pm, from Monday 2 September – Thursday 5 September. Enamelling is one of the world’s oldest technologies.Its brilliant colour and durability make it a favourable technique to add colour to your jewellery and objects. About the Course This workshop is aimed at anyone interested in working with enamel

School of Jewellery present Goblet to British Allied Trades Federation

The School of Jewellery and HND Course Director Dauvit Alexander were delighted to recently present the finished award-winning goblet to Kate Owen, Past President of The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) in the School’s Vittoria Street home. The BATF launched the competition at the School to provide an opportunity for students to design to commission, thereby promoting newly qualified talent in the industry.  Dating back to 1954, the BATF Presidency has been recognised by the addition of a solid silver goblet to the Federation’s silver collection. This collection was instigated to support and showcase craftsmanship and design. For the last three

Camden Pop-Up Business School - Small Business Resilience course

Camden Pop-Up Business School - Small Business Resilience course We’ve partnered with the popular PopUp Business School to help business in Camden become more resilient and build their online presence, if you’re a Camden business who would like to access the free training – sign up today. Day 1 - Hose to make your business resilience (AM) and Protecting your business (PM) Day 2 - Building your online presence (AM) and How to win at social media (PM) Day 3 - The sales mindset (AM) and Find supporters, Not Customers (PM) To view the overview of the training programme,  click

Summer 2021: 1 day and 2 days Jewellery Courses

Summer 2021: 1 day and 2 days Jewellery Courses All Levels Jewellery short courses focusing on different techniques 2 - 12 August 2021 How to Make a Hinge for Jewellery 2 - 3 August 2021 | 10am - 4pm 2 days course | Intermediate and advanced On this course you will learn how to make hinges for jewellery pieces, including a cradle hinge. You might be able to finish a hinged locket or clasp, but the emphasis of this class is on the technique of making a hinge, that you can later incorporate into your designs and jewellery. You will

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

Ariane Chaumeil creates Spring Summer Collection based on Greek Mythology

French jewellery artist Ariane Chaumeil has launched her Spring Summer 2018 Collection with 14 sacrifices, 14 adornments, based in Greek legend. Thrown into the labyrinth to perish in sacrifice with 13 other young men and women, Theseus was saved by Ariane who fell in love with him, giving him the thread that allowed him to escape the Labyrinth after defeating the Minotaur. The collection consists designs utilizing alloys and natural materials such as coral )collected from authorized fishing zones in Spain), worked shells, reconstructed turquoises, red agate, leather as well as faceted crystals. Austrian beads showcase the technical work of

Swarovski reboots new look Gem Visions for Spring Summer 2019

At a time of radical change in the jewellery world, Swarovski Gemstones, the go to brand for gemstones and created stones, transforms the format and focus of Gem Visions, its industry leading trend and design service. Gem Visions will now be presented twice yearly, each issue with a seasonal slant, so that the first new-look Gem Visions is targeted specifically on Spring/Summer 2019. The dynamically different design, and notebook layout, with a fresh, playful freedom, are intended to ignite innovation, stimulate imagination and capture the essence of the season’s theme: YES TO ALL. In the edition of Gem Visions Swarovski embrace and

Under the Sea by Philippe Pfeiffer, Summer 2017

Philippe Pfeiffer is a London-based jeweller who specialises in creating spectacular, hand-crafted jewellery. Founded in 1997 in Zurich, Philippe Pfeiffer Jewellery is now based at 52 Artillery Lane, in the heart of Spitalfields, London.  Each piece is designed and made by Philippe Pfeiffer in his Spitalfields atelier. Dedicated to creating unique pieces from a selection of rare and precious stones, he produces a range of daring combinations made from a variety of materials. A vast and eclectic collection of materials and found objects inform his creative process and can be seen at his atelier. His imagination knows no bounds and

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

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

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

School of Creative Arts Open Day, West Dean - Chichester

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

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters  After the success of the last 16 years, this year Ruudt Peters begins his summer workshop under the title ‘NOW RADICAL’. Peters has been a professor at three of the most prestigious universities in Europe, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam 1990-2000, Ädellab at Konstfack University of Arts and Crafts in Stockholm 2004-2009, Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence 2009-2015. Through his Summer School he continues his teaching with a private program intended for students or graduates of art academies, and artists/designers/teachers who seek to deepen their work. Every year an international group of

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters  After the success of the last 16 years, this year Ruudt Peters begins his summer workshop under the title ‘NOW RADICAL’. Peters has been a professor at three of the most prestigious universities in Europe, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam 1990-2000, Ädellab at Konstfack University of Arts and Crafts in Stockholm 2004-2009, Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence 2009-2015. Through his Summer School he continues his teaching with a private program intended for students or graduates of art academies, and artists/designers/teachers who seek to deepen their work. Every year an international group of

MA Graduate Exhibition of School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University 2019

MA Graduate Exhibition School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University Showcase contemporary jewellery works from 32 graduate students focusing on diverse materials, technique and concept. “sensation” features artwork from: Caifeiyang Shen Chia-Hsien Lin Chien-Yu Liu Chenfeng Xu Haoda Wang Huaiko Hsu Huirong Xiao Jiaxin Ding Jing Ma Lanyue Zhang Mengjia Ding Mingxi Huang Molly Wang Shiqi Cai Shiyun Wang Shu-Ching Wang Shuxin Dong Xiaolin Zhang Xiaoyong An Xinyao Xie Yang Yang Yanlong Duan Yaodan Zhang Yilin Dong Ying Yang Yiran Jin Yixuan Chen Yonghui Duan Yuanyuan Liu Yuke Wang Yuting Lien Xinyu Sheng. For more details www.eventbrite.co.uk Get an in-depth glimpse

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

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

3D CAD Designing and Printing Course at the Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery

3D CAD Designing and Printing Course This is an evening course beginning on Monday 25th February, meeting one evening each week for 5 weeks from 6.30pm - 9pm. This is a beginners course aimed at anyone interested in learning how to design with the 3D Design computer program Rhino. The course is suitable for jewellery makers, small-scale sculptors and anyone interested in 3D modelling with a view to creating physical objects. Modelling ideas in 3D widens the scope for jewellery designers, allowing for more intricate, elaborate and innovative designs. This course is an excellent taster and the perfect introduction to

University of the Arts London: Central Saint Martins

Central Saint Martins , often abbreviated to CSM, is a public tertiary art school in London, England. It is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London. It offers full-time courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and a variety of short and summer courses Undergraduate: Jewellery Design – BA (Hons) www.arts.ac.uk Postgraduate: MA Design (Jewellery) www.arts.ac.uk Foundation: 3D Design Portfolio - The 3D Design Portfolio course includes the areas of product design, ceramics and jewellery. www.arts.ac.uk  

ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020

Call for Applications: ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020 The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM) is now accepting applications for its Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020. This unique accredited program on the History of Western Jewelry is offered through the ILJMuseum’s Education Center in collaboration with esteemed Greek and International academics, archaeologists and jewelry experts. The ILJM will challenge students to discover the fascinating world of Ancient Greece and the history of Western Jewelry through its most spectacular artifacts. For more information, inquiries, and applications, search for the Summer School site at www.jss.gr . Classes The history and archaeology of Ancient Greek

Tropical Coloured Fun

When you think of summer, you think of fun so this season it's all about piling on the colour, texture, print and shapes with your summer colour-popping accessories! The jewellery world is diving into the tropical world of summer with palm leaf prints, juicy fruit motifs and multi-coloured gemstones to brighten your life with statement style. Conjuring up scenes of crystal blue lapping waves, rich and lush rainforests of bushy leaves and exotic animals parading in beautiful arrays of colour, now is the time to get your hands on summers' finest necklaces, statement rings and flirty bracelets. Take a dive

House & Garden Festival 2017

House & Garden Festival - its debut at Olympia London this summer. The four-day event will bring together three leading lifestyle events: Spirit of Summer Fair, The HOUSE Fair and GROW London, to create the ultimate celebration of summer and stylish living.  The House & Garden Festival will play host to over 500 exhibitors from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 June.  Showcasing a hand-selected treasure trove of interior, garden and lifestyle brands. Style Rooms and Decorated Spaces will be designed by stylists using their favourite pieces from the huge array of products available at the Festival. The event will welcome

Frankie Bridge Featured in Thomas Sabo Spring Shoot

Thomas Sabo , the global premium lifestyle accessory brand, is delighted to release their new Spring Summer 2017 imagery featuring UK and Ireland ambassador, Frankie Bridge. Thomas Sabo   is releasing five new images featuring two distinct looks; which continue to be inspired by the universal ‘Together’ message that has become a hallmark of the Thomas Sabo brand.   The new images display an eye-catching and fashion-forward selection of the new Spring Summer 2017 range, which includes elements of the new Africa collection.   Frankie Bridge said of the shoot,  “ Summer  is nearly here, so I need to update my

Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19

Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with

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

Jewellery Quarter Festival and Open Studios Open Day Event – Selling Opportunity

Call for Applications: Jewellery Quarter Festival, Open Studios & Open Day Event A Selling Opportunity 29 th  June 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham As part of the Jewellery Quarter Open Studios we announce a call out for exhibitors to take part in our School of Jewellery Open Day event on Saturday 29 June – 10am-4pm We are looking for our school Alumni who are trading as jewellery designer makers and currently running their own business. We are offering a ‘market’ stall selling event in the Vittoria street gallery, our main atrium. Limited spaces available so apply now   What you get

PHINE

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School Vannetta Seecharran is pleased to present a collection of works by former diploma students of VS Jewellery School, London. Based in Hatton Garden the school offers an array of courses from taster classes for the complete beginner to specialist courses including wax carving and stone setting as well as year-long diploma courses. Coming together for this exhibition, eight designers, who have all graduated within the last three years, will showcase a diverse body of work reflecting their various passions and influences – from bold geometric forms constructed with precision to free flowing organic shapes

Welcome To The Wonder Ears

Word on the grapevine is the bigger, the better and when it comes to the adornments flaunting their sass and style for Autumn, the oversized disco hoops were rife with a mix match of metals, charm and detail. As the summer begins to make its gentle wind down into the balmy evenings of Autumn, the fashion gurus are revving up their awaited fashion week reveals by breathing life and size into our newfangled ear adornments. It looks as if the reign for statement earrings is not prepared to hang up its crown as the it accessory of Summer 2017 as

May You Say It With Emeralds

Vivid, vibrant and the vivacious colour of May, Emerald in all its zesty rich hue celebrates the arrival of not only Summer soul adventures but the arrival of all those May babies out there. May has forever been known as the month that sits in the deep heart of Spring whilst teasing us with snippets of the sunny blue skies and mischief of Summer days. As the gemstone of Venus and fertility, Emerald is a stone of inspiration and aspiration by encouraging its wearer to live ad act authentically from the heart. A catalyst for the abundance of human emotions,

Plymouth College of Art

Plymouth College of Art  is an independent art school offering extended diplomas, BA degrees, masters and more in art, design and digital subjects. Undergraduate: Jewellery BA (Hons) www.plymouthart.ac.uk

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

Artist in Residence Programme

Artist in Residence Programme at The Glasgow School of Art BA (hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery Design at the Glasgow School of Art is pleased to announce its Artist in Residence (AIR) programme and invites interested individuals to apply directly to Anna Gordon, Head of Department.   The residency position is in essence, space and facilities in exchange for a small teaching assistant input.  You would be given access to bench space and facilities within the School’s workshops for the duration of the residency, for which there would be no charge. The position should be viewed as an opportunity for you

Top Drawer 2018

Top Drawer Spring/Summer 18 Edition SPRING/ SUMMER 18 14 - 16 January 2018  Olympia, London Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers returns to London Olympia on 14-16 January 2018. The Spring/Summer 18 edition will present over 1,500 leading and undiscovered UK and international brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children’s, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season.  The S/S18

International

Here are our favourite international based schools and training providers... Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts Franziskanergasse 5a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria. www.summeracademy.at   If you would like to see your training organisation listed here, please email us .

News Edit: 25 June 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   FOPE Is The Jewellery Brand You Need In Your Life Elle: Hello easy-to-wear elegance. www.elle.com The Sustainable Jewellery To Invest In Now, According To The A-List Vogue: Investing in statement jewellery is one of the easiest ways to update your wardrobe this summer – but how to ensure that any pieces you purchase don’t have a hugely negative impact on the planet? www.vogue.co.uk Jewellery to shell out on FT: Unleash your inner Ariel this summer. www.ft.com Fine Jewelry for Every Part of Your World W Magazine: Among gadgets

SoLo Craft Fair

Call for Applications: SoLo Craft Fair SoLo Craft Fair is delighted to be popping up on Southbank right by the London Eye as part of the Between the Bridges event. The summer will bring 16 weeks of themed markets in the heart of London. Between the Bridges will be home to food stalls, bars, pitch and put, boules, live music, DJs and more. SoLo Craft Fair will be hosting a market every Sunday throughout the summer 11am -4pm. Each event will host 30-40 different traders under a certain theme (please find dates and themes below). SoLo Craft Fair is aiming to

Sun, Sea & Sand @ Salts

Sun, Sea & Sand @ Salts Salts Mill, Saltaire To 1st September 2019 SEASIDE @ SALTAIRE: A Summer Showcase Bringing the Beach to Saltaire Grab your bucket and spade and head to Salts Mill to join the six super talented jewellers holidaying with us throughout the sunny season. They are bringing a sparkle to our special showcase of hand crafted collections that capture the irresistible sensations of summer! Shimmering in the sunshine will be Anthony Blakeney’s precious rings scattered with sparkling diamonds and colourful gemstones. His delightful golden ‘sun kissed’ faces hand engraved onto his silver ‘Rose Root’ rings will

Tradition re-imagined: Nadine Aysoy expands the Celeste Collection

Chinese Tradition serves as the inspiration behind Nadine Aysoy's celebrated Celeste collection. Now, the addition of six new pieces, sees tradition re-imagined once again.  Ushering in the Summer months, the new additions are sprinkled with gemstones in festival colours; blue, yellow and pink sapphires. The more light, petite designs see the wearer shed the larger, decadant styles favoured in the winter, in favour of embracing the carefree attitude of the summer. The Celeste collection has been inspired by art, sculptures and ancient Chinese tradition, using smooth disks of White Jade, which signify harmony, courage and unconditional love; the stone is also said to

Trends to Keep Watch of This Autumn

Hands up who's bored of waking up to nothing but rain, rain with a side of rain? Us too. As the seasonal calendar clicked over to a new month last week, it seems as if the weather Gods have also pulled the plug on any residual sunny heat leftover from summer, leaving us well and truly in the throes of a UK Autumn.  For those of us fashion mavens, not only is the end of summer a happy instance to refill our wardrobes with autumn fashion trends, but it also provides the perfect excuse to snuggle up indoors with a

Scottish Gallery Celebrate Jacqueline Mina at 75

The Scottish Gallery, Scotland’s prestigious art and craft selling venue, will be celebrating esteemed artist goldsmith Jacqueline Mina’s 75th birthday this summer with a blockbusting exhibition from 3rd August – 2 September in Edinburgh. The gallery, which will show a collection of Mina’s most recently work, has timed the exhibition to coincide with the Scottish summer months and is highlighting the event as their Festival Exhibition 2017. Jacqueline Mina has had a longstanding relationship with the Scottish Gallery, having exhibited her first solo exhibition there in 1993. Jacqueline Mina is one of the most significant goldsmiths in the UK today.

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

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

IJL 2017 Launch New Exhibitor Support Programme

International Jewellery London 2017 will be launching a special complementary support programme for all exhibitors this year to ensure that they maximise their experience and commercial success at this year’s show.  The programme is an integral part of the # withyou  campaign, designed to showcase IJL’s continuing commitment to provide year-round support to the UK and international jewellery sector.   Summer Masterclass A comprehensive programme of pre-show support includes online assistance, tailored blog content and webinars on exhibiting guidelines. The initiative comes together in a one day, free-to-attend, Summer Masterclass on 15 June, where all IJL exhibitors are invited to

Drop It Down Low & Swing Into Spring

The impending dreary days of January blues is like the meddling evil step-sister intent on making your life a colourless two-tone existence. A new year marks an exciting period for the world of Jewellery as designers set their sights on the anticipated sunshine showers of limitless summer fun and get to work of capturing such mischief in their spring/summer capsule collections! So with 2016 being a year of inexplicable outcomes, shocking disasters and a general rocky year many willed to end, here at Benchpeg we've decided to gather up our 90s throwback chokers that bombarded our 2016 wardrobes and tie

GSA Silversmithing and Jewellery students unveil lockdown collections

Final year Silversmithing & Jewellery graduating students at The Glasgow School of Art have unveiled collections conceived and made during lockdown in Graduate Showcase 2021. They are among over 500 graduating students from the acclaimed art school to be showing work on the specially-designed digital platform. For many of the young designers the time of isolation and their lockdown locations have created the starting point for the creative process, with re-engagement with nature emerging as a major theme Ellen Kynoch’s  Intangible Mass  explores themes of isolation, emotional decay, and the fragility of our minds during a long period of quarantine,

Knives into Jewels: Crafting a Safer Birmingham

A leading artist, activist and academic is using jewellery as a vehicle for social intervention as he launches a special project aimed at tackling knife crime among young people in Birmingham. The ‘ Swords into Ploughshares: Knives into Jewels’ project had been co-developed by Dauvit Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery and former head of School Professor Norman Cherry. This collaborative project will take jewellery into schools in Areas of Multiple Deprivation (AMDs) bringing together drama, virtual reality, crafting, intensive mentoring, and first-aid training to encourage 14 to 16-year-olds to think

News Edit: 28 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why ‘Slow Jewellery’ Is The Next Big Trend The Times: Nothing beats a piece designed and made by the same jeweller. Wish lists at the ready … www.thetimes.co.uk Coventry school crowned winners of community engagement award In Your Area: The school were praised for their work on inter-faith education and collaboration. www.inyourarea.co.uk A precious jewel of an advent calendar New Post Leader: Imagine opening the window of your advent calendar in the run-up to Christmas and instead of finding a chocolate you find a precious gem. www.newspostleader.co.uk Chester

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

Handmade by Machines: Seized by the Means of Production

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

Q&A: Grant Macdonald

Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art. The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years. Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas

Q&A: Fei Liu

Fei Liu was the first Chinese born student to attend the School of Jewellery, Birmingham, moving specifically from China to attend the historical jewellery school. Some twenty years later he is the founder of an eponymously named multi award winning jewellery brand of international repute. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? My name is Fei Liu. I established my own brand, Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, which allows me to share my art through jewellery, and enjoy the perks of gem hunting. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry?

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

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

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

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch

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

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

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

GIA Gemological Symposium

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will convene its sixth International Gemological Symposium in Carlsbad, California to feature science and business tracks; participation by Harvard Business School Focused on the theme “New Challenges. Creating Opportunities” the three-day event will offer insight into the latest gemological research including recent findings by GIA and other leading researchers. Professors from the Harvard Business School (HBS) will lead a track on business concepts and innovations, using the renowned case-study method employed in all HBS programs, including the annual GIA Global Leadership Program. The Symposium will also celebrate the centennial of Richard T. Liddicoat, the beloved

UFOs take off at Tory Party Conference

Members of the Conservative Party are it seems great fans of UFOs – however not those that flash in the night sky and come complete with little green men! The UFOs which went down a storm in Birmingham earlier this month were in fact ‘Unique Finger Ornaments’ created by Stephanie Holt, winner of the 2016 Weston Beamor prize at the City’s Jewellery School. Holt, who is now Artist in Residence at the Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, was invited, alongside a group of other local and diverse craftsmen and women, to exhibit at the Conference which took place at

‘In The Loupe’ Exhibition, Vittoria Street Gallery

‘In the loupe’ is an exhibition of practitioners from both the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design. The exhibition was created to acknowledge the educational routes of alumni, Victoria Sewart, who is celebrating her 10 anniversary as proprietor of Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery. ‘In the loupe’ brings together a vibrant collection of work created by artists, educators, researchers and practitioners from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design.   The eclectic mix of work on show spans the breadth of the jewellery discipline from commercial

Apprentices Get Skills Training Boost To Put Them On A Path To Success

Apprentices from Holts Academy and Higher Education students from the Birmingham School of Jewellery are set to receive an intensive week of technical skills training in Birmingham. From 12th to 16th September 2016, experienced silversmith Andrew MacGowan taught ten young people how to transform a fixed design into a final piece at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, which has been made possible through financial support from the Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund and coordination via the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London.  Silversmithing, and the technical skills that underpin it, is a rapidly changing trade seeing a revolution in design and technical

Jar Jewellery, Centrala – Digbeth, Birmingham

Jar Jewellery is a company of second year BA Jewellery Design and Related Products students from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham. The cohort is holding a showcase of their new handmade collections on the 29th of November at Centrala, Digbeth from 6.00pm – 10.00pm. “This event promises to fill your senses with an exciting and varied range of innovative work from some of the freshest student talent in the School of Jewellery. The pieces communicate personal inspirations through the explorative use of materials and processes, and are available to purchase. A must see show for those who love all things

A demi-fine day for jewellery

The sky-high price of gold is giving rise to an exciting new 'demi-fine' market sector prompting big name brands in the UK and around the world to invest heavily in its growth for 2018. London department store Selfridges has become the latest retailer to get behind this new category,  investing 'significantly' in an expanded mid-range Spring Summer 2018 collection featuring among others Missoma, Charlotte Chesnais and Astley Clarke. Net-a-Porter has been doing demi-fine for a while and reports a 250% growth in demi-fine brands on their website while Pandora launched a new affordable collection for Spring Summer 2018 named ‘Shine’

Emerald: May's Beautiful Birthstone

Vivid, vibrant and the vivacious colour of May, Emerald in all its zesty rich hue celebrates the promise of sunny summer days but the arrival of all those May babies out there. As the gemstone of Venus and fertility, Emerald is a stone of inspiration and aspiration by encouraging its wearer to live and act authentically from the heart. A catalyst for the abundance of human emotions, Emerald channels the energy patterns that surface straight from the heart chakra. Encouraging us to strengthen our interactions with the external world by opening up our hearts, emerald is seen to be a

Riding the Cool Blue Wave

There's something about the charm of Summer that makes adding a splash of colour seems like the look du jour, right?   We saw this trend make headlines in 2018 but it seems that turquoise jewellery is back under the spotlight again with a twist and a nod to ocean tones. Rich and decadent, blue combines the fresh beauty of modern vibrancy with the style of antique charm. Reinvented and reprised, this nod to the oceans takes vintage classic shapes and combines it with splashes of gold, silver and diamond accents. Historically, turquoise blue is believed to be a powerful

Preciousness Beyond Stones

It is usually thought that the preciousness of a jewel lies in the preciousness of the materials or the stones that have made it... but experimentation in the field of jewellery research and design is instead expanding the boundaries of preciousness in an incredible way, including the combination of more and more alternative materials which are not directly associated with traditional jewellery writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Lodovica Fusco, Italian designer and founder of the COLLANEvrosi brand, for example, in her Sea Bed collection aims at representing the seabed in summer and the creatures to be found there; so that shapes, materials and

Masterpiece London 2017

Masterpiece London launched in 2010 with a unique focus on cross-collecting. Over the past seven years it has established itself as the leading international event for viewing and buying the finest works of art, from antiquity to the present day. This fusion of heritage and style, tradition and the contemporary draws close to 40,000 visitors each year for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Located on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Masterpiece is an unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer arts season. Dates 29th June -

Istituto Marangoni London Launches ‘In Conversation With’ Speaker Series with Fashion & Design Elite

'In Conversation With' Jamie Gill Istituto Marangoni London 2nd November, 2022 at 5:30pm Prestigious Italian School Welcomes Experts & Designers - Jamie Gill,   Bill Prince, Anya Hindmarch &  Shaun Leane  This Year World-renowned fashion and design school  Istituto Marangoni London  announces their 2022 ‘In Conversation With’ speakers, including major names in the industry such as Jamie Gill, Bill Prince, Anya Hindmarch and Shaun Leane.  Istituto Marangoni’s powerful cadre of speakers this academic year highlights the school as a formidable player in the fashion world. Previous speakers include Christopher Raeburn, Massimo Giorgetti of MSGM, Francesca Ragazzi of Vogue, Alastair McKimm and Carlos Nazario of i-D, as well as other notable figures that have spoken at

News Edit: 16 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Edinburgh's Flourish Jewellery Project to host exhibition at Leith's Custom House from January 22 to 25 Edinburgh News: A community project which helps women recovering from trauma learn the skill of jewellery making is hosting a new exhibition later this month. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com Lacloche: L’École School of Jewelry Arts Showcases a Forgotten Master of Jewels in Latest Exhibition Prestigue Online: L’École School of Jewelry Arts shines a spotlight on Lacloche, once one of Paris’ most revered jewellers before its demise in the 1960s. www.prestigeonline.com A Talking-Point Necklace Should Be

News Edit: 1st March 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Washed-up plastics made into jewellery for York Fashion Week show York Press: Plastics from a Scottish beach will make it on to the catwalk in York Fashion Week thanks to local designer Kat Hick. yorkpress.co.uk How to Succeed: Élise Gonnet-Pon, Managing Director of L’École Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts Life Style Asia: Élise Gonnet-Pon, the boss lady of L’École Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts, shares her tips on building a successful career and more. lifestyleasia.com Ana de Armas sparkles as a Bond girl in the Chopard Golden Hearts

Professional Development

We've compiled a list of professional development and short course providers from up and down the country... West Dean College West Dean Nr Chichester West Sussex PO18 0QZ www.westdean.ac.uk Annette Petch Jewellery Studio 1 Manor Oaks Studios 389 Manor Lane Sheffield S2 1UL www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk Barovic Jewellery Academy Barovic Jewellery Academy 2 The Broadway Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 2TH 01234 340006 academy@barovic.co.uk www.barovicjewelleryacademy.co.uk Bezeal 16 Bryn Calch, Morganstown, Cardiff. CF15 8FD www.bezeal.co.uk Bishopsland Nr Reading Berkshire/Oxfordshire www.bishopsland.org.uk Bristol School of Ar Bristol School of Art Queens Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1PX www.sgscol.ac.uk Centrepunch South East London / Kent borders www.centrepunch.co.uk Craftworx Jewellery Workshops

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

West Dean College Assists in Microgapping

As Alison Baxter, Head of School of Art at West Dean College commented: “We are aware how popular Microgapping has become and our courses are the perfect way to begin to learn a new skill in a short time. The courses at West Dean are a great opportunity to spend a day, or longer, if time allows to get into the flow of a new creative experience, and who knows it could be the start of a new hobby, or even a new career!” For those who would like to learn a new creative hands-on skill in a short period

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Jeweller in Residence

Call for Applications: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Jeweller in Residence 2019/20 Open to graduates of the Birmingham School of Jewellery, the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter are looking for a graduate designer to design a new jewellery range for the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and become the Jeweller in Residence 2019-20. About the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (MJQ) is built around a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop offering a unique glimpse of working life in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. When the proprietors of the Smith & Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm retired in

Material Romance @ CAA

Material Romance CAA, London 13 - 19 February 2018 Material Romance celebrates materiality, the passion for and exploration of raw materials and their transformation into objects of desire. The designer / makers of the exhibits are all students on the Jewellery & Silversmithing BA degree course at The Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design. A love of experimentation combined with the pleasure of creating is revealed in works by makers in the early stages of their careers, eager to embrace new opportunities. Their pieces demonstrate a wide-ranging, individual interpretation of the theme of Material Romance, in a variety of responses

CASS Jewellery & Silversmithing Launches Crowdfunder for ‘New Designers’ 2018

The last cohort of students on the Jewellery & Silversmithing BA degree course at The Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design have launched a Crowdfunder campaign towards exhibiting at the New Designers graduate show in 2018. It will be the last time the course exhibits as a dedicated jewellery and silversmithing specialist course. With funding unavailable from their university, the current cohort of students want to ensure their participation in the flagship show for new U.K. design graduates. As a celebration of the end of their degree and the beginning of their journies as designers / makers, the group

Creative Fellow, The Workhouse

The Creative Fellowship scheme is an annual programme of residencies with The National Trust at The Workhouse, Southwell. The scheme is intended to support the production of new creative work, in collaboration with researchers, responding to this fascinating site and engaging audiences in its history through creative means. About The Workhouse From its foundation, the workhouse system cared for those in need. It was a homeless shelter, a children’s home, a care home, a hospital, a school and a job centre; the Welfare State in embryonic form. Today we see the inheritance of this system all around us. The Project

Freelance Artist: Christmas Installation

The Brewhouse in Burton Upon Trent is looking for an experienced freelance artist to help transform the Cafe Bar into a festive space. There is a programme of festive events planned throughout December 2016 and we are looking for an artist to work with the Brewhouse Arts Team who can engage local primary school pupils in the creation of an artwork/installation that will transform the Brewhouse Cafe Bar into a Festive Space; a celebration of all things winter, Christmas, fun and sparkly! All workshops with local primary schools will take place during November 2016. The final artwork to be installed

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

Call for Applications: Chair of Material and Design Innovation

Call for Applications: Chair of Material and Design Innovation Applications are invited for the position of Chair of Material and Design Innovation, University of Edinburgh. We are seeking to appoint an outstanding designer/maker to the post. The major remit of the role is to provide outward-facing strategic leadership in making and innovation by supporting the University’s strategic themes: influencing globally; contributing locally, maintaining and creating partnerships with creative industries. There will also be a requirement to be involved with enhancing learning and teaching initiatives within the School of Design and ECA more generally. Person Specification You will have a specialism

Lettering Project

Lettering artist wanted for project with Ditchling Primary School, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft The purpose of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is to present the story and historical context of the artists and craft workers who lived and worked in Ditchling and its surrounding communities since 1900. This is to be achieved through the acquisition, organisation, presentation and interpretation of relevant and related objects and information and their deployment for public display, research and learning. The Project The museum is looking for a lettering artist to run a series of workshops with Ditchling (St Margaret’s) CE Primary

Graduate Show Cardiff Metropolitan University 2017

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

News Edit: 15 July 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The Most Jaw-Dropping Jewellery Presented At Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Vogue: Despite the riots in France last weekend, Paris was relatively calm by the onset of haute couture week on Monday. www.vogue.co.uk The Jewels That Keep You Looking Chic And Cool In Summer Forbes: I usually like it hot. In winter, I dress in layers, sleep in cashmere and hang out in down slippers that might be suitable for Alaska. www.forbes.com Jewellery industry urged to see the light on sustainability FT: A recent global summit offered warnings

Garden Shed Jewellery Workshop Space to Rent in Hackney

Garden Shed Jewellery Workshop Space to Rent in Hackney Sole use of a garden summer house in Homerton, Hackney.  Lots of windows and natural daylight, sounds of birds, overlooking many flowers and mini vegetable garden. Use of entire space - desk, jewellery bench and tools. Welcome to bring your own extra equipment/ tools and to store them. Available to rent two days a week. Days flexible and negotiable. £50 a week all inclusive. Tea/ coffee facilities provided in the shed.  Electric heater and fan provided.  Full use of kitchen, wc and garden. Bike security indoors. Cost: £50 a week all inclusive (Two days

News Edit: 7 July 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Neons, leopard print and jewels: it’s pure maximalism for men at Dior The Telegraph: Say goodbye to quiet luxury – Kim Jones' new collection fuses Gen-Z futurism with storied classicism. www.telegraph.co.uk Jewellery worth £20,000 to be sold at Goldsmiths North in Sheffield next month Yorkshire Post: Jewellery worth up to £20,000 will be on display and up for sale at a specialist three-day selling fair in Yorkshire next month. www.yorkshirepost.co.uk How to wear holiday jewellery this summer SCMP: Have fun in the sun with Jacquie Aiche’s lapis lazuli

RCA Show 2023 🎓

Royal College of Art Show 2023 13 July to 16 July 2023 Truman Brewery, London This summer, students at the Royal College of Art (RCA) will present RCA2023, a series of exhibitions and events across the College’s Battersea and Kensington campuses, at the Truman Brewery in East London, and online as a digital discovery platform. Encompassing over 2,400 postgraduate students across the RCA’s four schools – Architecture, Arts & Humanities, Communication and Design – RCA2023 will feature an international cohort of emerging artists, designers, architects and creative practitioners. From 13 July to 16 July, students finishing our two year MA

RCA Show 2023 🎓

Royal College of Art Show 2023 30 June to 3 July 2023 Battersea Campus, London This summer, students at the Royal College of Art (RCA) will present RCA2023, a series of exhibitions and events across the College’s Battersea and Kensington campuses, at the Truman Brewery in East London, and online as a digital discovery platform. Encompassing over 2,400 postgraduate students across the RCA’s four schools – Architecture, Arts & Humanities, Communication and Design – RCA2023 will feature an international cohort of emerging artists, designers, architects and creative practitioners. There are two opportunities to see the incredible work of RCA students

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

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

Goldsmiths North 2022

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

Goldsmiths North 2024

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

Silver in the Fast Lane - 40 Years of Fox Silver

Silver in the Fast Lane - 40 Years of Fox Silver 10 June to 22 June 2024 Goldsmiths’ Hall, London The Goldsmiths’ Company is honoured to present a retrospective to celebrate the work of Fox Silver at Goldsmiths’ Hall this summer. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see the work of Fox Silver, revealing Serena and Richard Fox's collaborative partnership over the last 40 years. It includes iconic pieces, from F1®️ trophies to Goldsmiths’ Company commissions, pieces from private collections, Downing Street, Bulgari, Lambeth Palace and a collection of fine jewellery. Alongside the exhibition will be a programme of

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

Call To The Wild - Gill Wing Jewellery

Call To The Wild Gill Wing Jewellery, London 4th July to 26th August Gill Wing jewellery has explored the globe to bring you a summer show of tropical treasures. Adorn yourself in our new selection of the most exciting jewellery from home grown and exotic designers. With a Zoological theme amidst lush foliage, expect experimental materials along with precious metals and rainbow gems for a wild jewellery adventure. Our carefully curated selection of new pieces from Emmeline Hastings, Jessica Pass, Samantha Queen, John Moore, Sian Evans, Tessa Metcalfe, Jessica Briggs, Nikki Coupee, Melanie Tomlinson, Raluca Buzura, Alena Willroth, Blanka Sperkova,

We like big hearts and we cannot lie

What better way is there to make a statement than with a whole load of heart? This summer we welcome the return of statement-making and colourful pieces versus the dainty and delicate trend that trumped the chic list for so long. The heart motif is an ever-popular choice; from text emoticons, clothing embellishments to tattoo design but possibly the most powerful of all is when it appears in the jewellery we wear. These days, the heart motif can represent a range of core themes from friendship and affection to deep romantic love and devotion. A significant motif in antique jewellery,

Playing with Pantone Colour of the Year: Living Coral

It's no new secret that this year's Pantone Colour of 2019 is full of warmth, nourishment and delicately captivating.​ Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral emits the gorgeously natural and energising found in nature and it seems that jewellery designers alike have been swayed by its mesmerising charm. Coral blushed pieces have been spotted amongst the Spring/Summer collections giving a nod towards the playful and expressive elements of nature. Laced into designs of under the seas inspired pieces, taking centre stage as a colourful juxtaposition to sleek metal fastenings and a beautiful compliment to the warm of rose gold, coral is the colour

News Edit: 31 May 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Jewelry crush: The 1970s sunglasses chain by Zoï Paris Vogue: Spotted at several fashion shows recently, the glasses chain is making a comeback. And that's the daring gamble this jewelry designer has taken. We're crushing on this vintage-inspired piece of jewelry for this summer. vogue.fr The Minimalist’s Guide to Elegant, Everyday Jewelry Vogue: Every wardrobe should establish a roster of minimal, everyday jewelry, whether you prefer silver, gold, or a combination of both. Finding the right pieces that feel personal can take

What's in Trend Now: Rocking Rhinestone

If you're wondering how you're going to transition your summer jewellery staples into fall favourites, the trick is to swap out your golden coin medallions and fruity, floral brights for something a little more overstated and substantial: rhinestones. Falling in torrents from the lobes of runway models was unapologetically bold, look-at-me rhinestones in all shapes, styles and colours. We're not talking about the subtle and dainty nod to bling we've seen in previous seasons, no, designers want you dripping and glistening with shiny blinged out bracelets, earrings and necklaces hanging off every ear, wrist, body and decolletage. A little bit

Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, Sam McMahon, to Compete in Worldskills Finals in Russia

Last Friday 8 March, set against a backdrop of luxury cars, three Goldsmiths’ company apprentices battled it out for a spot on the UK team at the Worldskills Finals in Kazan, Russia this Summer.  Apprentices, Sam McMahon from Mappin & Webb , George Schembri from B&M Bijoux and Robert Dean from The House of Garrard, spent three days in Nottingham demonstrating their exceptional technical skills in jewellery making. Set to the task of creating an Aston Martin badge to a specific design, testing their accuracy, time management and problem-solving skills. Sam McMahon proved his mettle against his fellow competitors taking

Q&A: Jos Skeates

Jos Skeates a Goldsmith and the Co-Founder, along with wife Alison, of the leading, multi award winning, Central London jewellery boutique EC One the Jewellers. He is also the Chairman of the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? JS: Jos Skeates, Goldsmith and owner of E.C.One the Jewellers.  How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? JS: Total chance. I was looking for a summer job when I was sixteen and saw an advert for an apprentice Diamond Mounter. I’ve never looked back.  How

The London Artisan - Autumn 2020

Call for Applications: The London Artisan Applications Are Open! We are thrilled to announce the reopening of The London Artisan! After cancelling both our Spring and Summer events, we can once again support independent designer makers by providing a platform to begin marketing and selling your work once again. The London Artisan offers a diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. It’s about people and place; meeting the makers, conversations started and friendships formed. The London Artisan presents a unique selection of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles, homewares, illustration and beauty products. We also welcome applications from coffee/drink

Hardstone & Gemstone Carving: Intensive 5 Day Workshop with Charlotte De Syllas

Hardstone & Gemstone Carving: Intensive 5 Day Workshop with Charlotte De Syllas Summer Course 2019 - Maximum 5 students per course 22 – 26 July 2019 Places still available Absolute beginners as well as those with some experience are welcome. Classes are small and friendly, with expert individual tuition. All equipment & stone provided in a spacious studio in Norfolk, 16 miles from Norwich, in quiet countryside. We have saws, grinders, carving spindles and micro motors as well as burrs, files & polishing pastes so that you can go from sawing a piece of rough stone to blocking it out,

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2019 - Deptford

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

Handmade Chelsea 2020

Call for Applications: Handmade at Chelsea 2020 Handmade Chelsea – The Contemporary Craft And Design Fair   "...feel it's important for you to have events to look forward to later in the year, just as we are looking forward to Handmade Chelsea - The Contemporary Craft and Design Fair (13 - 15 November). Working at the moment is not easy so from selection in May we will start to work with you over the coming spring and summer months, connecting you to our audience who are well informed and great supporters of the craft sector - many of whom have

Autumn '19: Bibs n' bobs

Thought we'd left bib necklaces in 2010? Think again! As we tumble into September, designers have been busy in their summer slumbers putting the finishing touches to their fall collections, ready for a season of all things, bold, sophisticated and striking. If there is one thing we are sure of this fall, it is that the F/W 19 runways are proving that the dainty, barely-there pieces which have ruled in seasons past have been given a bold, bodacious and breathtaking revamp. Whilst designers have doused us with a fresh plethora of jewellery trends fit for any fashion thrill-seeker out there, there

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair & GNCCFonline 2021

Call for Applications: Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester 8-10 October 2021 GNCCFonline Summer Edition: 17-18 July 2021 We invite applications from established, new and recent graduate designers-makers and artists working in ceramics, glass, jewellery, metal, wood, interior textiles, fashion design & accessories, mixed media, basket-making, product design, furniture, print-making and more. We are also looking for established makers who are experimenting with new techniques or materials towards a new body of work, to apply for the “Discuss” showcase at GNCCF Manchester. “Discuss” is an opportunity for makers to engage the GNCCF audience in their new work in progress, to

New Designers 2019

New Designers 2019 3,000 creative minds under one roof 26 June – 6 July 2019 The next generation of visionary designers will come together at New Designers this summer, launching never-before-seen ideas, products and trends in a two-week celebration of the future of design. New Designers will take place at the Business Design Centre, London from 26 June – 6 July. Bringing together 3,000 of the brightest new creative minds under one roof and representing every area of contemporary design, New Designers is a launch-pad for fresh design talent. Bursting with ambition and radical ideas, these designers and makers have

New Designers 2020

New Designers 2020 1 - 4 July 2020 Business Design Centre Islington, London The next generation of visionary designers will come together at New Designers this summer, launching never-before-seen ideas, products and trends in a two-week celebration of the future of design. New Designers will take place at the Business Design Centre, London from 1 - 4 July 2020. Bringing together 3,000 of the brightest new creative minds under one roof and representing every area of contemporary design, New Designers is a launch-pad for fresh design talent. Bursting with ambition and radical ideas, these designers and makers have been hand-picked

Longer Days & Neon Gems: MAYA Gemstones extends Collections to include new Electric Neon Pieces

Last year, MAYA Gemstones released its 'Out of Office' collection . The triangle cut gems, unique to the brand, adorned cutesy stationery inspired jewellery. For summer 2020, MAYA Gemstones is expanding both this collection, and its Sonya collection to include new Electric Neon pieces.  Splashes of neon embellish stackable and mismatched paperclip earrings, quirky ruler bracelets and rings and round enamel and quartz rings with a central triangular diamond.  MAYA Gemstones' new Electric Neon Additions The bent wire 'paperclip' form of the earrings allow them to interlink with one another creating a unique drop earring in a neon rainbow, or

Jewellery fashion will be futuristic, multi-cultural and celebrate the power of nature in SS/20, says IJL

International Jewellery London reveals 6 jewellery trends for SS/20 IJL trends editors and jewellery expert, Paola De Luca, has outlined six key jewellery trend themes for Spring-Summer 2020 for International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. Her vision includes authentic designs that subvert deep-rooted stereotypes with gender, touches on societal pressure with minimalism and brings to life an organic amalgamation of nineteenth century deco with nature; all the while toying with abstract shapes, futuristic expression and dark jewels. These will be showcased on IJL’s SS20 Trends Catwalk where Paola will present her detailed

Isabella Liu showcases new collection 'The Butterfly Lovers' at t IJL 2019

Following the very successful launch of Isabella Liu’s new nature inspired collection, The Butterfly Lovers at the CMJ summer event, the award-winning International jewellery designer and artist will be unveiling new additional pieces at IJL 2019. The collection which pays homage to the beauty of Nature, draws on the classic Chinese legend of two lovers, Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英台), the Chinese Romeo and Juliet. In this the tale ‘The lovers’ spirits, in the form of a pair of butterflies, fly away together, never to be separated again’. This epic story has inspired musicians, artists and performers. Isabella

London Fashion Week 2020

London Fashion Week 2020 17th - 22nd September 2020  British Fashion Council (BFC) today announces that London Fashion Week September 2020 will run from 5pm BST   Thursday 17  to Tuesday 22  September 2020 , inviting both womenswear and menswear designers to take part in its gender-neutral showcase. The event will include both digital activations on londonfashionweek.co.uk and physical, under government social distancing guidelines. A provisional schedule will be announced later in the summer. The digital LFW platform will continue to host exclusive multimedia content and will be available to both a consumer and trade audience, enabling collaboration and bringing

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2019 - Holborn

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

SOUL NOW: A workshop with Ruudt Peters

SOUL NOW: A workshop with Ruudt Peters After the success of the last 17 years, this year Ruudt Peters begins his summer workshop under the title SOUL NOW. Peters loves working around universal and ancient concepts. The spiritual aspect of his work, which can be found in his creations, is also what guides him in transmitting knowledge and skills, a bit like Socrates liked to do with the maieutic: to stimulate the disciples to bring out the truth from themselves, truth that is not teachable, but it is a knowledge of the soul.  In this case, Peters also includes an

News Edit: 11 October 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   All The Best Jewellery Trends From The SS21 Shows Vogue: With lockdown round two and potential economic doom on the horizon, you might be thinking it’s time to put the fripperies of jewellery to one side. But for spring/summer 2021, designers have proven what all true lovers of jewellery know: its ability to lift your mood is undeniable, as is its power to make you look instantly dressed up – even if off camera, you are pairing it only with your pyjamas. vogue.co.uk London Fashion Week: the need-to-know

Spring Ear Candy

Another jewellery trend hot off the catwalk for Spring/Summer 2019 is a modern twist on the classic hoop earring with a splash of colour and beading texture. Say hello to your ear's new best friend for that simple and easy understated demure - the beaded dropper earring!  Perfect for that quick but chic daytime look, the beaded drop earring provides a pop of neck drama without the extra fuss. A coveted staple for your ear candy game this season, over-embellished statement pieces are in for the winning when it comes to taking your 2019 look to the next level.  Whilst

AFFLATUS NOW

Call for Applications: AFFLATUS NOW The NOW workshop, founded by Ruudt Peters in 2000 and now in its twentieth year, will take place once again. Titled AFFLATUS NOW, the workshop will be held from 3 to 9 August 2020 at Peter's summer studio in the countryside of the Netherlands, where he continues his teaching with a private program intended for students or graduates of art academies, and artists/designers/teachers that seek to deepen their work. Every year an international group of fine art artists and jewellery-makers participates in his workshop. Peters has always been inspired by the great ancient myths and

Unleash your Wild Side with Safari Jungle Jewellery

As we head further into the year, jewellery designers are already looking ahead to the warmer climates of Summer and the trends that will roar into the limelight and upgrade our jewellery A-game! The first trend we're shining a spotlight on? Safari-inspired wild animals.  Designers have gone wild by bringing some animal magic to our jewellery boxes with a whole host of jungle-inspired animals making their way onto many-a statement pieces. Wildlife collections have taken inspiration from the Savannah with gold snakes and gemstone encrusted crocodiles wrapping their way onto rings and earrings at Alex Monroe and Gucci while diamond-scattered

A Chunky Trend to Swoon Over

Whilst layering is the thing to do with your necklaces this Spring/Summer 2019, the same goes for the adornments on your hands! The difference is, long gone are the days of fine, fancy and delicate bands and in their place lands jumbo chunky pieces of style power. Dramatic, eye-catching and somewhat ostentatious, chunky, bigger-than-life rings are a fantastic and easy way of taking your look from drab to fab with all the charm and charisma.    Paired with  and a glass of bubbly or paired down with dark wash jeans and a  shirt, chunky exuberant rings will add a touch of eccentricity

BAROQCO shine at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Husband and wife duo, Eduardo and Imelda, created the brand when searching for a tiara for their wedding ceremony; eventually resorting to create their own. Despite travelling the globe, the pair credit Paris as the place where their love for exquisite jewellery was born. From their studio in La Maison BaroQco, the couture couple aim to create timeless jewellery, inspired by its name-sake Baroque style. The Spring/Summer '19 collection held true to the baroque tradition in its ornate, audacious style, substantial yet intricate; but is uplifted by way of unexpected pops of colour in the various stones and crystals used.

Chic Chain Reaction

Whilst the UK succumbs to the plunging temperatures and snow showers that January often delivers, the delights and burst of Springtime warmth feel like a far-distant dream. At Benchpeg, however, we're always of the opinion that you can never be too prepared, especially when your jewellery wardrobe is concerned. This is precisely why we're easing you into the Spring/Summer 2019 jewellery trends week-on-week so that you can invest in the all the sparkle that catches your eye whilst confidently knowing that you'll be a fashion catch when it comes to the style agenda later on this year. Everyone knows that the

Jerwood Makers Open 2018

Call for Applications: Jerwood Makers Open Jerwood Makers Open, now in its seventh edition, is a biennial opportunity and seeks to support exceptional skill and imagination in what are traditionally described as the applied arts. JMO has established itself as one of the best regarded opportunities for makers in the craft calendar. The award and exhibition freely allow makers to develop their creative ideas and further their practice independently of specific commissioning structures. The resulting work will be shown in a group exhibition as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space in London next summer, before touring

Grant Macdonald Exhibition opens at Goldsmiths Hall

The lifetime achievement thus far of silversmith Grant Macdonald has been documented by way of a summer blockbuster exhibition at the traditional home of Gold and Silversmiths – Goldsmiths’ Hall. The exhibition opened with a private view for an array of clients and industry colleagues at the Hall in April. This exhibition of work celebrates five decades of the finest craftsmanship and explores the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of this London silversmith.  The exhibition tells the story of Grant Macdonald's life and work by displaying some of the many remarkable pieces that have been made over the years on

Dining out on design at new Made for the Table exhibition

Made for the Table offers visitors to the Goldsmiths Centre this summer an extravagant feast in more ways than one. At the centre of this new silverware exhibition, which opens on July 13th and runs until August 31st is a modern day table dressed for dinner featuring newly comissioned silverware, by leading makers such as Michael Lloyd, Malcolm Appleby, Jane Short, Angela Cork and Miriam Hanid showcasing contemporary cultures and new silversmithing technogies. A treasure trove of modern items from cutlery and beakers to candlesticks is set in stark contrast alongside some of the Goldsmiths' Company most prized 'ancient' items

Popular Demand Extends Silversmith Exhibition

The blockbuster summer exhibition at the Goldsmiths’ Company - Grant Macdonald: International Silversmith has had an extension to its opening hours due to popular demand and visitor footfall. The exhibition documents five decades of Grant Macdonald design and excellence of craftmanship displaying the unique creativity, execution and entrepreneurism of the London based silversmithing house. Featuring an unrivalled quality of gold and silver items in contemporary designs and showcasing master craftsmanship to the highest order, the exhibition will now be open from Monday to Saturday from 5 July to the end of the exhibition run 26 July. This major exhibition documents

Yellow Bright Lights

After what can only be described as one down-right glorious May bank holiday weekend, It's safe to say that Britain has been swept away by a wave of happiness. Summertime happiness feels just that little bit more special and sentimental when basking in the warmth of the sun. It seems only fitting that with this sudden burst of blazing heat and pimms by the bucketload that we tailor our jewellery game to the occasion. When you think of summer, happiness and positivity, what colour instantly comes to mind...? Why Juicy lemon yellows and citrus bursts of canary brights of course!

Mayfair Jewellers celebrate RA250 with art collaboration

The Royal Academy of Art is celebrating its 250th Anniversary and to commemorate this, Susannah Lovis Jewellers and Liss Llewellyn are collaborating upon an exhibition of their respective floral collections.  This display, entitled ‘A Hanging Garden’, will showcase works by Modern British Artists alongside the Mayfair jewellers stunning collection of antique pieces. The exhibition will run from the 22nd June - 31st August 2018 and shall also work in parallel with Mathilde Nivet’s summer installation in the Burlington Arcade, based around the theme of an English garden. The art on display will range from formal arrangements in oil through to

Flora in Full Bloom

A classic style, popular in the 50s and now growing its way back into the fashion sunlight is colourful, dainty flower and bouquet studded jewellery!  The intricate and delicate botanical shapes and patterns of enchanting blossom gardens turn this trend into one of pure beauty and super-feminine creativity. Designers have kept designs simple and brought them to life in harmonious colours, tones and acute attention to detail in petals, stems and pistils. Spring awakens into summer as our accessories get the full bloom treatment of bold and striking splashes of colour, sparkling embellishment of charming gemstones and a nod to

Charlotte's Web Celebrates 10 Years Online

A decade of adventures by the free-spirited founder, Charlotte Howarth, spanning continents and embracing different cultures, has resulted in the enchanting world of Charlotte’s Web.  This summer, Charlotte's Web is celebrating 10 years of being online as a sophisticated, eclectic and bespoke jewellery collection. Of her success, Charlotte reminises on how her journey began, “My own personal love affair with India began at the age of 21, when I embarked on my first solo adventure there, never imagining that it would have such a powerful impact on my life. Falling, as so many before me, under India’s mystical spell. I

Fringe with Benefits

As the sun slowly begins to grace us with glorious but brief glimpses of pimms-soaked summer days, the month of hay fever and allergies strike in full force. We've been bitten by the bug that's been making its rounds round the fashion houses and we're in dangerous territory of causing a major fringe movement on a global scale. Welcome to the new S/S 2018 trend of flamboyant fringing!  Throwing it back to the glory days of flapper finesse, modern-day fine jewellery has transformed itself from low-key minimalism to XL swinging tassels of personality and style.   With collections bursting with

Dovile B stands out at the Goldsmith's Fair

Since being selected for the Goldsmiths' fair graduate bursary programme- Dovile B has spent her summer planning, designing and creating jewellery for the prestigious fair. Amongst the various stands, her jewellery stood out for its originality.  The jeweller herself exuded a fun energy, perhaps reeling excitement from her Goldsmiths' fair debut, whilst talking through her pieces with a confident and impressive knowledge of her craft. It was a surprise then to learn that phobias were the inspiration behind much of her jewellery. It’s no coincidence that a collection motivated by such original inspiration would yield such head-turning pieces.   Phobia

Creative Urges 2018

Creative Urges 2018 Students Take the Studio for Camberwell Arts Festival 2018 Summer is here and it’s time to let the Flux Studio students shine. We’re giving them reign over our studio to indulge their creative urges. You’re invited too! Join us for a week of thrills including student exhibitions, jewellery demonstrations, family workshops and more. Celebrating the wild creativity of our students at Flux To coincide with Camberwell Arts Week we’re highlighting our brilliant jewellery students at work. We open our doors for you to see them in action. Watch them work their magic to transform raw materials into

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2018 - Deptford

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2018 - Deptford Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from  independent makers  - from master craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni. Jewellers, weavers, ceramicists … and many other crafts A curated display featuring makers participating in the Cockpit Arts /  London Creative Network Programme . Demonstrations and talks from Cockpit makers  Lucy McGrath ,  Shelley James ,  Ian Scott Kettle  and  Onome Otite , and an interactive display by  Ekta Kaul . Enter the Prize Draw to win vouchers to spend with Cockpit makers. Enjoy delicious food in the

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

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2018 - Holborn

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2018 - Holborn Join us for this perfect opportunity to buy direct from  independent makers  - from master craftspeople and artist-makers as well as a selected group of Cockpit Arts’ alumni. Jewellers, weavers, ceramicists … and many other crafts A curated display featuring makers participating in the Cockpit Arts /  London Creative Network Programme . Demonstrations and talks from Cockpit makers  Lucy McGrath ,  Shelley James ,  Ian Scott Kettle  and  Onome Otite , and an interactive display by  Ekta Kaul . Enter the Prize Draw to win vouchers to spend with Cockpit makers. Enjoy delicious food in the

Wild Things to be let loose on London

A new exhibition of luxury avant-garde fine jewellery, tantalisingly known as Wild Things, is coming to London later this month following a launch at the exclusive 2018 COUTURE Las Vegas in the first stop of what is expected to be a summer tour of Europe. Created by founder of the House of Luxury Elio D’Anna, in collaboration with COUTURE, Wild Things is a 'wild and beautiful' collection of six luxury but progressive jewellery brands, all resonating with cosmopolitan younger buyers keen to be associated with contemporary jet set labels conveying attitude and identity. They include the Indian Lebanese Mukhi Sisters,

It's All In The Charm

Bright, bold statement pieces have been on top of the trends radar all summer long so it's about time that something new and understated joined the race to become the ' it'  trend of the new season fashion world. Instead of big oversized hoops looping back round as a cliche style for autumn, a dainty obsession for sentimental chains and charms are taking centre stage for all those fashionistas. From vintage treasure chests of charm jewellery passed down through generations to new designer trinkets, the delicately layered jewellery of autumn is steeped in charming nostalgia and folklore symbolism. From graceful

Wartski to move from Grafton Street

Wartski, the prestigious British antiques dealer specialising in jewellery and works of art by Russian Court jeweller Carl Fabergé, is moving from Grafton Street to a new showroom situated at 60 St James’s Street.  The new premises are flanked by leading heritage brands, fellow Royal Warrant holders and is at the heart of London’s celebrated club land .  The gallery has been designed in partnership with Waldo Works, architects and interior designers renowned for their modern British design output and ability to translate a brand's identity into an engaging physical environment. The new showroom is expected to open late summer 2018. Wartski

Bvlgari’s high jewellery collection ‘Festa’

Bulgari’s summer orientated ‘Festa’ collection is centred around the joy of Italian art de vivre where the Maison have brought together over 100 jewels and high end watches especially created for the collection, that is a homage to the “sense of pure happiness of the Italian Festas”. First launched in June 2017, the collection was presented in Venice, the home town of two Festas which are internationally renowned: the legendary Carnival and the Regatta Storica. The inspiration of the collection steams from Italian life itself - Italy has always been renowned for its spirit of joy, happiness and celebration. Whether

The 2018 Trends Edit: Pearl Revamp

For 2018 there could only be one word to describe the resounding theme of jewellery trends: Big. With big hoops, big jewels, big designs and big logos, it's no surprise that the spotlight is also shining loud and proud on big pearls! Femininity is the buzz word for 2018 with a resurgence of vintage-style florals, summer gingham and plaid as well as mix n'match power pastels. Pearls are back with a punch and nothing says feminine quite like pearls. A fabulous addition to any outfit, pearls are notoriously met with hesitation due to their associations with prim afternoon teas worn

The Four Rings of Forever

Blurred lines have become a common norm in today's society yet history has long shown us that the stages of a relationship are distinguished by four rings of commitment. Is it a casual summer fling, a committed entanglement, short or long term or even warrant an extra pair of house keys? Modern society keeps the boundaries loose and overlapped but the wedding ring has forever been the symbolic sign of love, affection and promise between two individuals. Yet for every stage of a relationship there is a band of meaning to embody it. The evolution of these four rings has

Champagne Showers in Race Day Jewels

Galloping off to a day of sumptuous hospitality, world-class racing, fabulous fashion and sartorial elegance? Welcome to the season of popping corks, fine-dining, frivolous antics and the mixing and mingling of tradition and fun; Race Day tomfoolery is off to a flying start! Experience the spirit of summer out on the racecourses with a winning selection of jewellery wonders that'll have you turning heads come rain or shine. Accessorise your polished champagne flutes with a touch of regal refinement in graceful gemstones and delicate drapery dripping in colour, charm and unforgettable glamour. From classic milky pearls to modern bursts of

Trend Watch: There's No Mellow In Yellow

Hailed as the colour showstopper with enviable transseasonal wearability, canary yellow is making a bold entrance into our accessories wardrobes like Big bird at a politicians debate. The retail industry has followed one rule and one rule only, the brighter the better! Luminous yellow is the go-to colour refresh of the Summer that'll guarantee to spice up any look with an injection of sunshine soul. Ranging from golden sunset golds, silky primrose undertones to bold and striking pops of paintbox hues, this fashion colour of the season will be splattered amongst your head-turning wardrobes. Network this essential " en-vogue "

British Fashion Council 2016/2017 Education Programme

The BFC Education Foundation congratulates their 2017 BA scholars who are graduating this summer: Ian Richardson, Jacob Weir, Harriet Crowther, Kitty Garratt, Lloyd James Husband, Matthew Needham and Polly Thomas as well as MA recipient Gabriella Sardena. Sarah Mower MBE, Co-President of the BFC’s Education pillar commented, "The BFC Education Foundation scholars, for BA and MA are selected based on their outstanding talent, from Universities across the country. Their work this year is the inspiring proof of the creativity, individuality and technical skills which put British fashion educators at the top of every international measure of excellence. In times when art education is under attack and

IJL & Goldsmith's Centre partner to provide designer support

International Jewellery London and The Goldsmiths’ Centre have announced that they will have an official partnership for this year’s show. The sponsorship agreement will focus on providing invaluable support for exhibiting designers. This includes using The Goldsmiths’ Centre as the venue for the IJL Exhibitor Summer Masterclasses on June 15, when inspiring industry leaders will provide mentorship and guidance on getting the most out of IJL’s unique networking, PR and marketing opportunities. The expert tutors at the Centre will also participate in IJL’s Show Seminar programme, as well as sharing valuable mentoring advice in pre-show IJL online content.  Sam Willoughby,

Diamonds Are Forever

Happy birthday month to all you April babies out there! With Spring in full swing and summer fashion trends ready to ring-a-ding-ding, the diamond dazzles as queen bee in this months gemstone spotlight! Owing to their superior robust structure, remarkable luster and beautiful crystal lattice patterns reflecting and refracting light spectrums, the diamond sparkles with a hidden beauty of intrigue and desirable finery. Diamonds are not only a notoriously ancient coveted treasure of the wealthy elite but it is highly loved many  gemmologosts  for being one of the only gemstones made entirely from one element- carbon. Owing to its isometric

Artist Residency, Made in the Middle

Artist Residency, Made in the Middle, The Brewhouse Arts Centre The Brewhouse Arts Centre is inviting applications for an artist in residence over the summer to support the Craftspace exhibition ‘Made in the Middle’, coming to the Brewhouse in September 2017. The opportunity consists of a 5 week residency between 31st July - 16th September 2017 in the Brewhouse to create new work, culminating in an exhibition/event. Deadline for Applications Deadline for applications is 19 June 2017. We can't wait to hear your ideas! All artforms welcome from visual arts to craft to theatre. To Apply To enter download the

Kit Heath SS17 shouts silver

SS17 shouts SILVER! and Kit Heath’s Spring and Summer beautifully designed, ready to wear sterling silver jewellery is a stunner! With over 100 new designs and some creative twists on Kit Heath’s favourites offering inspirational buying across the spectrum of style and price from core mini profiles at entry price points to stunning once-in-a-lifetime pieces. With the launch of new headline collection ‘Shore’ created from coastal influences which is a feature trend this season. Shore features Kit Heath’s signature style of relaxed and casual organic forms with textured finishes, highlights of gold plate resulting in a quintessential Kit Heath styling;

Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition Returns

Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, will launch the third edition of its annual Young Designer Competition this summer. Staged at the renowned jewellery store from 6 - 30 June 2017, the exhibition will feature work by 10 emerging designers from the    Bishopsland  Educational Trust , the prestigious South Oxfordshire silver and jewellery design postgraduate skills provider. While competitors will exhibit one new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery, the public will be able to vote for their favourite designs.    Adam Jacobs , of Jacobs the  Jewellers , said, “ After two years,

The Power of A Chain Reaction

We like 'em big and we most definitely like 'em chunky. Bold, buxom and modern, the chain has linked back round into our style wardrobes and is set to be the statement piece of your summer style. The minimalism of this classic linked look has been revamped, remodelled and revitalised so that this standout look packs a heavy duty statement punch. Oozing with character and personality, the chain adornment can be worn solo or mixed and matched with fine chains, fabric chokers, delicate pendants and fearless gemstones for one head turning look of vogue. "More is more and less is

Jubinale 2017

10th edition of International Summer Jewellery and Watches Trade Fair JUBINALE! Do you run a gallery, shop, on-line store or warehouse? Do you design jewellery and constantly look for new solutions and suppliers? JUBINALE is where you need to be - it's been connecting jewellery professionals from Poland and Central Europe for past 10 years! Do you want to get to know the latest trends and would like to establish new contacts? Visit Krakow and check out the latest collections and offers prepared especially for JUBINALE. Personal entry passes, authorizing to enter the fairgrounds, can be prepared and printed free

Dial Into Botanical Beauties of Time

With Spring well & truly sprung and scandalous summer getting ready to sashay onto the scene, it's time to work some bodacious blooms and fiery florals into your new season look.  With Greenery hailed as the trans-seasonal Pantone colour of the year, this fresh and zesty hue of vitality has been dominating the trend forecasts and has now clocked onto our wrist-wear adornments. The beauty of nature is emblematic throughout this botanical theme in watchmaking with themes of escapism, urban revival and restorative wellbeing captured through the floral studded craftsmanship.  Flora and fauna have blossomed their way into our Springtime-wrist

Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Orchard Art Commission

Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Orchard Art Commission, Bristol, Bristol City Council The Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Orchard is a public art project by UK artist David Thorpe. The work is located in Hengrove, South Bristol and was commissioned as part of the Future Perfect public art programme curated by Jes Fernie and Theresa Bergne. Bristol City Council is offering a commission through open call for an artist, artist group or consortium to develop a public project / event for summer 2017 which shall be presented in the public realm in Hengrove, South Bristol. About the Commission At this stage we

Drop 'em Like It's Hot: Earring Shoulder Smoulder

Whilst we hate to be the summer fun kill joys and dare to utter the words 'farewell sunshine you fare weather friend', the shiny new month of September is here loud n'proud and ready to strut into the season of fanciful fall with boldly ornate outlandish pieces your magpie eyes can't help but clock! There's nothing quite like hearing the crunch of fresh fall leaves crumbling under foot on that first break of chilly morning work runs so what better way to maximise the experience by maximising your lobe'drobe in synch! Catwalks have shown no mercy when it comes to

Get The Italian Look with Marco Bicego

Inspired by the statement looks to hit the Milan Catwalk for Spring Summer 2017, Italian Jewellery House Marco Bicego presented their stylish interpretations of the top trends, Statement earrings and Cuffs.     Models took to the catwalk in Milan for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana in spectacular ‘statement’ earrings. The longer the better. Brushing the shoulders these earrings were anything  but subtle in their bright colours and exotic motifs.  Marco Bicego’s large Lunaria Diamond drop earrings are made using the brand signature hand engraving technique ‘bulino’, which makes these earrings lightweight despite their super size. Worn with an elegant

Masterpiece London Highlights 2016

At the height of the international summer arts season over 150 of the world's top exhibitors joined us at Masterpiece London to show works that span 5,000 years of art history, furniture, jewellery and design; from antiquity to the present day. In association with Principal Sponsor Royal Bank of Canada, the fair drew close to 40,000 visitors for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Relive the fair with the highlights video here and hear from the 2016 exhibitors as to why in their opinion Masterpiece has established itself as the leading international

Start selling on Etsy this September and you could win £1000

As we wave goodbye to summer, let’s welcome the season of fresh starts and shiny new stationery. Why not channel that September energy into selling what you make on Etsy? Calling all creative entrepreneurs! Open your Etsy shop using the code BACKTOSCHOOL16 by 3 October for the chance to win £1000 (to spend on absolutely anything you like) AND a personalised review from an Etsy expert to help optimise your new shop. Grab that new notebook and jot down these practical tips to get you started . Good luck! We can’t wait to see what you make. Terms and conditions

Catherine Hills Jewellery Launch Rose Gold Collection

The luscious, rich glow of rose gold is the hue to be seen in this Summer season. The launch of two exquisite new collections by Catherine Hills is therefore very timely. Known for her romantic but edgy style, Catherine’s jewellery emphasises movement and texture. The new Oval Series and Cross Series are no exception, showcasing handcrafted, fluid forms which move with the wearer. The striking Cross Drop Earrings, Cross Necklace, Cross Bracelet and Cross Ring feature finely interlinked crosses which are crafted from rose gold plated silver.    For the evening, flaunt your neckline with the dramatic Cross Collar Necklace which

Top Drawer takes to the runway to present SS17 Trends

Design-led, international lifestyle event, Top Drawer, hosted its stand out Spring/Summer 17 (SS17) edition this January (15-17) at London Olympia. The must-see fashion show took centre stage presenting six key aesthetic trends for the upcoming SS17 season. The fashion show expertly showcased new directions in jewellery and accessories to inspire buyers to source with confidence, knowing what their customers will want to buy in the seasons ahead. Headline sponsor The Design Lab was the creative branding and strategy agency at the helm of this season’s catwalk. The dynamic fashion show featured key sponsors within the edit from Bahamian hand crafted

The Winter Exhibition, The Contemporary Silver Gallery

During the last 8 years, The Contemporary Silver Gallery have concentrated solely on a summer exhibition – initially just showing exceptional pieces of silver by the top UK silversmiths, and in the last 3 years also adding jewellery to the exhibits available for purchase. At the end of 2015, The Contemporary Silver Gallery were asked to trial a winter exhibition, with silver pieces only, and it was extremely successful. Consequently, in 2016 The Contemporary Silver Gallery have decided to repeat the Winter Exhibition, and now we have more time to talk to our favourite jewellery designers, we will also be

The Stony Look: Exposing Raw Power

With the resurgence of bohemian talisman charm flooding the summer runways, the crystal allure has embedded its way back into our jewellery trinket boxes with a plethora of raw stones demanding centre stage on the catwalks this fall. Forgoing dainty, dull and inconspicuous, the array of brushed stones being unearthed are boldly brilliant in their simplistic and effortless composition and infuse a charmingly seductive way to waltz into fashionable fall! An alluring way to inject a powerhouse statement to any outfit this coming winter and a champion detail that can enhance or strengthen an ensemble into high-power fashion territory! Time

Savvy student seals Swiss success

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

HYBRID: Exploring the Intersection of Craft and Collaboration

HYBRID: Exploring the Intersection of Craft and Collaboration The Haberdashery, Glasgow 5th – 7th June 2024 The 'Hybrid' showcase displays individual and collective works of Artists in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art, who are reimagining, challenging, and expanding the notion of craft-making through innovative approaches. These contemporary craft-makers explore hybrid concepts and cross-cultural intersections using analogue and digital means of expression. This thoughtfully curated collection of individual and collective works amplifies the relevance of symbiotic relationships between the poetic and the linguistic, realism and surrealism, fluidity and statics, trauma and intimacy, and the cross-fertilisation of cultures through objects,

Jeweller looking for bench or business work opportunities

Jeweller looking for bench or business work opportunities Dublin based Jeweller with experience across the Gem & Jewellery industry in the UK, Ireland and abroad. Seeking remote freelance work and/ or employment in Dublin to develop Goldsmith skills.  Hardworking, adaptable and reliable. Approaches work with a hands on attitude, environmentally conscious mindset and cross cultural appreciation and understanding. Highly detail oriented and thrives in a creative environment Qualifications  Certificate in Traditional Jewellery and Goldsmith skills, The School of Jewellery Ireland 2021 (1 year course Sept 2020-2021) Gemmology Foundation & Diploma (FGA), Gem-A London (2013 - 2015) Business Management Degree Experience

Radical Jewellery Makeover

Radical Jewellery Makeover Princes Square, Glasgow Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022 The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust is delighted to announce a new exhibition of jewellery, part of the worldwide Radical Jewellery Makeover originated by Ethical Metalsmiths.  The exhibition runs from Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022.  Students and staff from Scotland’s art colleges were invited to make new pieces for the exhibition – colleges involved are: The Glasgow School of Art; Glasgow Kelvin College; City of Glasgow College; Edinburgh College of Art; Fife College and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.  There will be

Queer + Metals Exhibition

LGBTQ+ artists challenge metalwork’s macho image in new exhibition Friday 25 March to Sunday 3 April 2022 Hereford Artists from Birmingham City University’s renowned School of Jewellery are among the contributors to a new exhibition of metalwork this month, inspired by the lives and experiences of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) community. The  Queer + Metals  exhibition, which opens in Hereford this Friday 25 March is the first show of its kind to focus exclusively on the creations of LGBTQ+ metalwork artists. The free to attend exhibition forms part of the annual  Ferrous Festival

‘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

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator Location: Bovey Tracey, Devon Working hours: 3 Days, 9.30am to 5pm, with potential to increase. Fixed term contract: 12 months, with potential to become permanent Salary: £28,000 pro rata About us Craft Festival is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit craft event organisations with a heritage of over 19 years. We host Craft Festival , a multi-award-winning live event programme, currently in Devon and Gloucestershire. We also run Find a Maker, an online portal, community and business school, host a popular podcast The Capital  of Craft and business startup courses. We champion the finest designer makers

Ruby

Ruby Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels 29th July  to 20th October 2024 Raffles Hotel, Singapore From 29th July to 20th October 2024, L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts will present “Ruby”, its first exhibition at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels, in Raffles Hotel Singapore. Part of the “Discover the Gemstones” series, the exhibition will take visitors on an extraordinary journey to observe gems in their natural state, from the depths of the earth to the skilled hands of lapidaries. With more than 20 exhibits, it will trace the path of these exquisite stones

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:

Artist in Residence - Witley

Artist in Residence, King Edward's School Witley September 2022 to July 2023 We are looking for a practising Artist in Residence to complement our thriving Art Department. The successful applicant will receive studio space, a flat and full board (term time only) together with a contribution towards materials. In exchange, they would be required to work with and mentor young artists, assist with workshops, and help out when required. There is an opportunity for the artist’s own work to be shown at an end-of-year exhibition. An interest or specialism in photography/textiles would be welcomed as this is an area we

Myne London to host inaugural charity ball in March 2022

The London-based supplier of ethical emeralds will welcome special guests and VIPs to The Hurlingham Club in London on Saturday, March 19, to raise funds for the Myne London Foundation.  London based ethical emerald supplier, Myne London, has announced further details about its inaugural Myne London Foundation Charity Ball that will raise funds to empower lapidary communities in the Northern regions of Pakistan. The Myne London Foundation was created in September 2021 to support women in Pakistan by giving their daughters the funds they need for school fees, uniforms and transportation. These crucial measures of support can mean the difference

A fond farewell to friend and colleague Tam Savill

T erry Hunt, Chair of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, remembers our friend and colleague Tam Savill. In 2010, in a lunch-hour at the School of Jewellery, I had a visit from Tam. This was the first time we’d met, and therefore my first experience of her “people-persuasion” skills. By the end of the lunch break I suddenly found myself, a lapsed founder-member of the Association, its new chair! And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. A rich and fulfilling time for the ACJ, with Tam achieving so many of her aspirational and bold projects – work that she

Gold and Treasures from Ancient China

Gold and Treasures From Ancient China From December 1st 2022 to April 14th 2023, L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris presents “Gold and Treasures, 3000 Years of Chinese Ornaments”, an exhibition showcasing over three thousand years of goldsmithing work in China, through a selection of masterpieces from the Mengdiexuan Collection. On this occasion, a live online conversation will be broadcast from the exhibition. “Gold is the most valuable thing in all the world because it is immortal and never gets rotten. Alchemists eat it, and they enjoy longevity.” -Wei Boyang, alchemist This Taoist text from the Han dynasty (206

{Queer} + {Metals}

{Queer} + {Metals} 12 November 2022 - 2 April 2023 Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham The transformative power of ‘queerness’ and metal connect in an international exhibition and digital project. {Queer} + {Metals} is a Craftspace exhibition co-curated by its Director Deirdre Figueiredo and Dauvit Alexander artist and tutor at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery in collaboration with artist Rebekah Frank. The exhibition, which opens on the 12 November at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, uses the lens of metalworking to explore the multiplicity of queerness – whether as identity, lived experiences, thinking, cultures, aesthetic, influences, stories, place, and imagination –

KnivesOut: Crafting a Safer Birmingham Launch Crowdfunding Campaign

This multi-disciplinary project seeks new and innovative routes to tackling the issue of knife-crime in local envronments, using a unique programme of social intervention. The project is a partnership between established community activists, a collaborative practice, brought together as “Knives Out” by Swords Into Ploughshares CIC working with experienced staff from Round Midnight Theatre, Street Doctors, TAS Mentoring and Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery. At the core of the project is an innovative approach which uses participant-led craftivist practices to challenge thinking around ‘road life’, gang membership and, specifically, knife-crime. Working with schools in the Jewellery Quarter and Soho

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

CV Audit

Need some help putting your CV together?  Have a one hour 1-2-1 with Benchpeg’s Rebecca spent going through your CV getting it optimised for your next career move. Rebecca has 25 years worth of experience in the craft and industry and has helped individuals find their next job move for over 18 years. Having given CV Audits at shows like International Jewellery London, the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Getting Started course, the GIA’s Careers Fair and the School of Jewellery – Birmingham’s Connect Careers event, Rebecca is used to assessing how to optimise a professional CV for targeted career moves. The session www.paypal.com

Joy Bonfield-Colombara awarded QEST Scholarship

QEST has recently awarded a scholarship to jeweller Joy Bonfield-Colombara to further her training. Joy is an artist and goldsmith who creates jewellery and small-scale sculpture in gold, silver and bronze. She has a BA in Jewellery and Silversmithing from the Glasgow School of Art, and an MA in Jewellery and Metal from the Royal College of Art. Much of her work is inspired by classical Roman and Greek art, which she gives a distinctive contemporary twist. Since graduating she has exhibited both nationally and internationally, and has work in international galleries and museums. Her website is:  https://joybc.co.uk Joy’s QEST funding

Diamond: From rough to diamond

Diamond cutting, an essential step in revealing all the beauty of this unique stone, is a complex art, passed on through a long apprenticeship with a master diamond cutter, a true artist of volume and precision. Diren Ramsamy , a Diamond Cutter at Rubel & Ménasché, who has devoted his entire professional life to this demanding art, will help you discover, during a talk with  Olivier Segura , Gemmologist and Scientific Director at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, not only the tools he uses and the steps involved in cutting a diamond but also the way he understands the stone

Lunchtime Lecture with Alice Fry

Our Salters' Institute lunchtime lecture series is back and we can't wait for you to join us. Our lectures will bring chemistry and how we interact with it to life, in ways you have never imagined. Chemistry can be found everywhere, from the skincare we use, to the jewellery we wear, to modern medicine. Chemistry is essential in helping us live in a more sustainable and socially aware society. Our second guest speaker is Alice Fry, who graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2020 with a First in BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery Design. Alice then completed a year at

Lead Maker, International Centre For Life

Lead Maker, International Centre For Life Life has an exciting vacancy for a creative and highly-motivated individual to lead development in Life’s Making Studios. As someone with a passion for learning, making and tinkering you will lead Life’s Making Studios, developing and facilitating imaginative and innovative making activities for science centre visitors and school groups. Through the programme will engage and inspire our visitors to create, developing their skills and opportunities. The ideal candidate will be confident, approachable and reliable, with excellent communication and organisational skills. You will have relevant experience in a hands-on making, education or science engagement and

New Designers: winners of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards announced

New Designers, a platform promoting new creative talent from graduates, has announced the 2020 recipients of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards for jewellery and silversmithing. The winners are jeweller Coco Liang from Birmingham City University and silversmith Yitong Shang from the Glasgow School of Art. This year, the competition was held digitally with students encouraged to submit design ideas online. Centred on the theme of ‘community’, competition submissions needed to be ‘highly creative, thought-provoking, and capable of triggering discussion and debate’. Coco Liang’s ‘CONNECT brooch’ was named the winner of the Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Award. Coco commented:  “The brooch was inspired

Gioielli In Fermento Award 2019

Call for Entries: Gioielli In Fermento 2019 Award Student Award Undergraduate and Below - Learning Section Eligibility - For students attending secondary art schools, craft schools or first level in any course of studies of art, jewellery design, gold / metalsmithing, or related disciplines (student attendance to be confirmed by teacher / school and sent with submission).  Applicants must not have taken part in previous editions of Gioielli in Fermento – professional section. Entry can be a design dossier (sketches, drawings, cad, prototypes) and or a finished workpiece – interpretation free or inspired to the annual theme (according to the

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

Benchpeg Guest Judges for Vanilla Ink's Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T

Vanilla Ink, Scotland’s unique jewellery school, have been keeping jewellers sane in lockdown with a series of weekly projects. Fuelled by their commitment to staying connected and a deep passion for making, Scott and the team at Vanilla Ink have taken their skills online to help keep the jewellery community entertained and engaged. This week, Benchpeg was delighted to judge the design of the week as part of their project C/O/N/N/E/C/T. Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T sits in a trifecta of online offerings, including ‘Big Answers With Scott (BAWS)’, a weekly topic-led Q&A session with Scott himself, and ‘INKapacitated Sessions’, a weekly Facebook

Oscillations

Oscillations Exhibition Munich Jewellery Week 2019 14 - 17 March 2019 Munich, Germany The Birmingham School of Jewellery MA class of 2018 welcomes you to visit our Oscillations Exhibition as part of Polyphonous at Munich Jewellery Week 2019 Open Opening: Tuesday 14th March at 10:00 Exhibition Dates: 14th - 17th March 2019 Exhibition Times Open daily Thu-Sat 10:00-17:00 and Sun 10:00-16:00 Venue McArthur & McArthur Studios Ltd. Schwanthalerstraße 184 80339 München Germany More Information www.munichjewelleryweek.com www.facebook.com www.instagram.com

Q&A: Wallace Chan

Wallace Chan is a world-renowned jewellery maker and innovator. After leaving school at 13, and becoming a jewellers apprectice, he opened his own workshop in 1974. His 45 years (and counting) in the industry has been landmarked by innovation. His breakthrough techniques have revolutionised the jewellery industry, notably taming titanium for use in high jewellery and creating unbreakable porcelain. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? WC: I am Wallace Chan, a jewellery creator and sculptor. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? WC: I began as a gemstone [youtube

Officine Nora: Preciousness in human relationships

After visiting Officine Nora, the feeling that pervaded me was of an open, free and independent place. Officine Nora is a co-working for jewellery makers and a jewellery shop based in Florence writes Ilaria Ruggiero. It was started in 2014 by the Florentine jewellery designer Margherita de Martino Norante that, after graduating at Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School, wanted to preserve the practice of comparing ideas and techniques with other jewellery makers in a collaborative and lively environment. A place of creation therefore, but without preconceptions or ideologies. A laboratory certainly directed by professional artists, but especially a space for sharing ideas

Benchpeg goes all chatty

As part of lockdown, we thought we'd have a call with an old friend, Fei Liu. The world is slightly different these days, and keeping in touch is all important. We called Fei Liu, Creative Director and Founder of Fei Liu, for one of our regular catch ups, but this time we recorded it to share. Fei and Benchpeg's Rebecca first met back in 1998, in fact, they were the first classmates to meet on the Jewellery and Silversmithing BA Hons course at Birmingham's School of Jewellery. The best of friends, Fei was the bride's gentleman (as the Vicar called [youtube

Q&A: Jeff Lowe

Jeff Lowe is an internationally acclaimed sculptor and jewellery designer. Educated at the famed St. Martins School of Art, under the esteemed Sir Anthony Caro, Phillip King and William Tucker, Lowe's career skyrocketed as a result of his first one man  show at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in Londonʼs Cork Street. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... For the past forty years, Jeff Lowe has remained at the forefront of contemporary abstract sculpture, representing Britain at the Paris Biennale, recieving the Sainsbury award in 1975 and the Pollock-Krasner award in 1993. He has been exhibited at museums and galleries around the world, with significant

Craft Town given funding boost

Makers and craft organisations across Farnham - which was designated as England’s Craft Town in 2013 - are celebrating a funding boost from Arts Council England. The initiative has been awarded funding to develop the town’s annual Craft Month which has taken place every October for the past six years. The month celebrates the town’s deep craft roots – from its earliest involvement with the pottery industry in the 16th century, through the Victorian era and the establishment of the Farnham Pottery and the founding of Farnham Art School in 1880. This remarkable legacy has been continued by a partnership

Pandora and UNICEF forge new global partnership

Pandora and UNICEF have announced a new global partnership to support the world’s most vulnerable children to lead healthier and safer lives and fulfil their potential. The three-year partnership between the international jewelry retailer and the United Nations Children’s Fund will also fund life skills training, with a focus on programmes that support female empowerment. Every day, girls are vulnerable to losing out on their education due to poverty, cultural practices and poor infrastructure. Violence and conflict also play a part in preventing girls from getting an education. Girls’ education goes beyond getting girls into school. It is about ensuring

Q&A: Aishleen Lester

Aishleen Lester is an emerging new talent in the jewellery industry, having founded her new business in 2016 after coming to jewellery design at Kensington & Chelsea College through evening classes. She is a well reputed fine artist in her own right, known for large scale, sculptural installations who’s work is held in private collections and has previously exhibited in the Riflemaker and Nyehaus galleries. Trained at Wimbledon School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools, she built up her jewellery industry credentials by working with the likes of Shaun Leane and Paul Raven before venturing out on her own

Annamaria Zanella: Between Matter and Color

The anthological exhibition ‘ Annamaria Zanella. Between Matter and Color ’ has been extended until 14 July at the San Rocco Oratory in Padua writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Promoted by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Padua and realized with the contribution of the Cassa di Risparmio di Padova and Rovigo Foundation, the exhibition, curated by Mirella Cisotto Nalon, pays tribute to one of the most complete artists of the contemporary jewellery scene, retracing the milestones of her work through a hundred jewels on display. Born within the Paduan goldsmith's school, Zanella quickly moved towards structurally complex forms extensively experimenting

News Edit: 24 February 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Monica Vinader Discusses Jewelry, Fundraising And The Power Of Influencers Forbes: On your background prior to launching Monica Vinader … I studied at City & Guild Art School in London before working with London jeweller Tateossian. www.forbes.com Kate Middleton's jewellery collection - see all of her precious pieces Hello: The Duchess of Cambridge sure has great taste when it comes to jewellery. www.hellomagazine.com Jeweller finds inspiration after discovering a treasure trove of grandparents’ love letters Sunday Post: Trevor Smith and Margaret Gibb had only been together a few short months

Deborah Tseng releases monochrome 'White' collection

In a colourful world, this quiet white jewellery is a rare island for a peaceful mind. Deborah Tseng Jewellery combines two historical crafts to make porcelain jewellery with layers of beauty and meaning. Artist Deborah Tseng established her eponymous jewellery brand in London, after graduating from a masters degree in jewellery Silversmithing and related products from Birmingham City University School of Jewellery. However, prior to this Tseng lived and Taiwan, where she was trained extensively in metalwork.  Her diverse skillset and honed craftsmanship can be seen in her work. She finds her inspiration in repetition, transformation, time and the minutiae of the

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

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

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

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

Space | Craft - A solo exhibition by Stephen Bottomley

Space | Craft  a solo exhibition by Stephen Bottomley  14th October – 1 st  November 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham SPACE: the unlimited or incalculably great three-dimensional realm or expanse in which all material objects are located and all events occur. CRAFT: an art, trade, or occupation requiring special skill.  A ship or other vessel. Definitions from : www.dictionary.com Vittoria Street Gallery is pleased to present Space|Craft a solo exhibition by Stephen Bottomley featuring new and previously existing work. The show aims to capture material fragments and visual elements as a timeline or trail.  This focuses on a slow, developmental process

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

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

Vanilla Ink: Business INKubator Programme

Call for Applications: Vanilla Ink INKubator Programme Vanilla Ink is Scotland’s unique jewellery school, offering Jewellers and Silversmiths in the early stages of their career a professional development INKubator. The Vanilla Ink INKubator is looking for it's next round of ' Inkers ' to immerse themselves in their 9 month professional development programme. Open to Jewellers and Silversmiths taught at any level and within their first 3 years of setting up.  Immersed in a 9 month programme, the Vanilla Inkers are encouraged and supported while developing their craft practice. Content includes: Monthly professional development sessions with industry innovators, you are

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers: JewelFund Is Now Open for Applications Award-winning founder of the Hatton Garden based London Jewellery School, Jessica Rose has recently launched a new online company, Jewellers Academy. Alongside the launch she has created a grant for jewellers to help support them in starting and growing their own jewellery businesses. The award, named ‘JewelFund’ is now open for applications from jewellers from anywhere in the world who have a passion for making and need some funds to launch or grow their business. There are two £1000 grants available this year and plans to grow the fund

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation Teacher Development Fund

Funding: The Paul Hamlyn Foundation : Teacher Development Fund Partnerships consisting of arts/cultural organisations and primary schools have until the 23rd March 2018 to apply for grants of up to £150,000 to support the delivery of effective arts-based teaching and to embed learning through the arts in the curriculum. The aim of the funding is to fund projects that help teachers and school leaders to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, confidence and experience to deliver effective arts-based learning. The funding is being provided through the Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Teacher Development Fund and the Foundation expect to make 5 grant awards

New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Awards Announced

The New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Awards were announced at the Business Design Centre, Islington on 28 June. The Goldsmiths’ Company is a leading sponsor of New Designers, the UK’s principal showcase of creative and innovative work from design graduates. While all students exhibiting jewellery and silver in the Jewellery and Contemporary Design and Crafts zone (Part 1: 28 June – 1 July 2017) were automatically considered for the awards, Andrew Fleming succeeded in the Silversmithing category and Miki Asai in Jewellery. Silversmithing Andrew Fleming from the Glasgow School of Art won for his exquisite Construct set of three ladles. Inspired

Q&A: Ruth Tomlinson

Ruth Tomlinson is the Creative Director of her eponymous jewellery brand. She has developed an internationally recognised luxury jewellery business from her central London based atelier which has associations with some of the world’s most prestigious names. She has been hailed with influencing a new generation of jewellers with her design aesthetic and ipseity. Ruth graduated in 2001 with first class BA (Hons) degree in Three Dimensional Design from Manchester School of Art. After being selected to attend the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Getting Started course, she went on to study on the Bishopsland Post Graduate course and then was appointed as

Ardent 2017

Ardent Jewellery Selling Exhibition From the wonder of the earth and sky to the ravages of fire and war, Ardent is an exhibition of handmade jewellery fuelled by the passions of its creators. Ardent is presented by five recent graduates from Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery. Driven by their love of designing and making jewellery with a message, since completing their course and exhibiting at New Designers, their work has been exhibited at Craft Central, Made London, Artistar Jewels in Milan and Joya Madrid and has attracted critical attention from Oh Comely magazine to The Times. Unique and dramatic, their

British Fashion Council Premieres Film Commissions

The British Fashion Council’s Fashion Arts Foundation has premiered two short films, by two female directors, putting British fashion at the heart of the narrative. This commission saw Jessica de Rothschild’s debut as film director and Anissa Bonnefont’s third directorial endeavour.  Both films were made possible by The Peninsula Hotels. Screening at BAFTA to an audience of industry informers alongside fashion and film students, the films showcase the international language of British fashion. Reflections of Hollywood Scriptwriter and Director Jessica de Rothschild sought inspiration from old school Hollywood to weave a tale of modern, magical glamour. Filmed at the Peninsula

Makers working with Glass in Jewellery

Call for Submissions: Makers working with Glass in Jewellery We are looking for jewellers or glassmakers interested in submitting images of their work and process for upcoming publication about Glass Jewellery. The book will written by Mirka Janeckova and published by Crowood Press, UK. Expected date of publishing will be early 2019. Book will be distributed internationally. About the Author Mirka Janeckova is  an award winning contemporary jewellery maker based in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. She graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2013 and from Royal College of Art, London in 2016. Her practice is based on interdisciplinary research –

A Ring Is A Ring Is A Ring

BAJ, Alchimia and Hocheschule Trier Students showcase results of year long collaborative project in exhibition during London Design Festival. The exhibition titled "A Ring Is A Ring Is A Ring" is the result of a yearlong project between 3 European jewellery schools. Students from the hosting institution, the British Academy of Jewellery based in London; the Department of Gemstone and Jewellery of the Hochschule Trier located in Idar Oberstein, Germany and Alchimia School of Contemporary Jewellery based in Florence, Italy, will be displaying their work during the London Design Festival. As a focal point, the students took inspiration from the

Vanilla Ink Programme: INKubator

Call for Applications: Vanilla Ink INKubator Programme Vanilla Ink is Scotland’s unique jewellery school, offering Jewellers and Silversmiths in the early stages of their career a professional development INKubator. Immersed in a 9 month programme, the Vanilla Inkers are encouraged and supported while developing their craft practice. Content includes: Monthly professional development sessions with industry innovators, you are paired with a mentor from the design sector, Meet the Maker talks with inspirational creators and designers, skills development with our Master Goldsmith Scott McIntyre, peer support with Critical Feedback and a platform to network and showcase your work. The Vanilla Ink

Katy Tromans wins Artistar Jewels 2018 Award at Milan Fashion Week

Last month the winners of the fifth edition of Artistar Jewels were announced in Milan, Italy, where 2016 Birmingham School of Jewellery graduate Katy Tromans picked up an international award for her  amazing standards of detail. Artistar Jewels is an international competition dedicated to promotion of contemporary jewellery culture culminating in an awards ceremony and exhibition. The event took place in Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, Milan, Italy, a historical palace overlooing the Duomo Square, and hosted 450 creations from an array of international jewellery artists and designers. Entries on show at the Artistar Jewels 2018 exhibition in Milan, Italy Artistar Jewels 2018 was

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

Make Your Futures - Makers Call

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

Heavy Metal Charm

This winter kicks it back to the classic glamour of old-school rock n'rollwith heavy metal and lashings of sparkle.  Lustrous metallics, holographic fabrics, oil slick colour-play and shimmers of glitter will transform the way your winter wardrobe makes a statement this season. With designers jumping on this trend left right and centre, be ready to snap up some chunky cuffs, double layered chokers, rich jewel gemstones and colour metal mixes guarenteed to turn a head or two. We've scoured the jewellery collections and picked out our favourtite bike chain necklaces, mixed metal bracelets and clever metal magic to take your

Weston Beamor further invest in 3D print and bespoke teams

Weston Beamor have announced a new starter and two internal promotions to further strengthen their 3D Print and Bespoke Teams as customer demand for personalisation grows.   Just a few months on from Ed Hole’s promotion to Business Manager, WB have more good news for customers as the team responds to the increased consumer desire for bespoke jewellery. Sarah Parry, who graduated from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery following the completion of a BA Design for Industry degree, joined the company at the beginning of July and will work alongside Daniella Webb in the 3D Printing team.  Existing team members

Troll Bridge Commission

Troll Bridge Public Art Commission The Council is calling for artists to submit applications to design and sculpt a replacement troll for the Riverside Walk Troll Bridge in Andover. Now nearly 20 years old, the current troll is rotting and wearing away. The commission asks artists to engage with the community to gather inspiration from local people by hosting workshops at a local school and at one of the Four Fun Friday events in August. Applications are invited from artists who are experienced in creating small scale artworks for the public realm, ideally working with carved oak or similar appropriate material.

West Dean College Open Days 2017

West Dean College Open Day Programme You are invited to come and explore the workshops and studios, take a tour with students, explore your study options and find out about funding at our next Open Day. Friday 1 December 2017, 10am - 1pm Programme School of Arts - Location Edward James Studios 10.00  Registration and Open Studios 10.30-11.00  Informal presentation in the Old Dairy Seminar Room : Welcome and Introduction - Francine Norris, Director of Education Outline Visual Arts Programmes - David Stent, Programme Leader, Visual Arts Outline MA Creative Writing and Publishing - Martine McDonagh Outline Part Time Visual

Ambiguous Implements

Ambiguous Implements  Vittoria Street Gallery 27th November to 15th December 2017 Bringing together practitioners from the fields of design, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork and sculpture Ambiguous Implements presents a collection of contemporary works that playfully reconsider the familiar objects of our day to day domestic life. Re-thinking the tools we use for eating, grooming, cooking and cleaning, the exhibiting artists have employed and subverted traditional craft techniques, reframed existing tools in new sculptural assemblages, or given seemingly banal objects new functions and effects. The third installment of Ambiguous Implements takes place at Vittoria Street Gallery within the School of Jewellery at

New LVMH partnership with Central Saint Martins

LVMH and Central Saint Martins have announced a  groundbreaking  new partnership to promote creativity and identify cutting-edge solutions to  drive  sustainability  and innovation in luxury.  Under the banner LVMH & Central Saint Martins “Sustainability & Innovation in Luxury | Fostering Creativity”, this new program is inspired by a shared desire to address  the  many  challenges facing the luxury industry.  After many years of academic and creative collaboration, LVMH is taking its relationship with Central Saint Martins to a new level in 2017, creating a new program with the renowned art and design school. The partnership will promote creativity, nurture young

Weston Beamor’s Katy Tromans Exhibition Feature

Katy Tromans, a 3D Print and CAD Technician at Weston Beamor, is a woman of many talents. In addition to her work at Weston Beamor, Katy is a prize-winning silversmith recently awarded a Gold Medal for her CAD presentation in the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards. Katy is also Artist in Residence at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, where she trained. Her latest work will shortly go on display in the ‘One Year On’ alumni exhibition being staged by BCU at its Park Side Gallery from Monday 12th of June to Friday the 30th of

Degree Shows Plymouth 2017

Breaking Through Degree Shows 2017 Plymouth College of Art Risk-taking and convention-breaking — discover the future of creative practice at our annual showcase of fresh talent in art, design, craft and digital media. Taking place throughout our HE campus, our state-of-the-art workshops and studios will transform into a dynamic exhibition space, free and open to the public from Saturday 10 to Thursday 22 June 2017. Showcasing work from students across the college’s Undergraduate, Masters and Foundation Diploma in Art & Design programmes, this summer’s Degree Shows offer an exclusive window into life at an independent art school, and a chance

Isabella Liu Unveils ‘Sea Rhymes Collection’ at IJL 2016

A rising star has settled in to jewellery lovers' views as the London-based Chinese artist, Isabella Liu, reveals her new 'Sea Rhymes' collection, which will debut at this year's International Jewellery London this week. Wuhan-born and London-based Isabella Liu is an award-winning jewellery designer. In the few years since leaving Birmingham School of Jewellery, Liu has won awards in Italy and Spain, and has been awarded gold medals at the ‘Jewellery Oscar’ Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Design Award and Milan Expo as ‘the best new designer’ and ‘best product of the year’. The designer is proving herself worthy of such awards

Jewellery Schools Listings

There are very few specialist jewellery and silversmithing courses in the UK, here we have compiled a list of educational institutions offering higer level courses and also courses with jewellery, silversmithing or metalwork offered as part of the course... Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk Short Courses are also available- see website for more

The Royal College of Art is World’s Leading University of Art and Design for Third Year

The Royal College of Art has again been named the world’s leading university of Art and Design in the 2017 QS World University Subject Rankings, beating top-ranking global universities including MIT, Stanford, Yale and Rhode Island School of Design to the top spot for the third consecutive year. The premier ranking confirms the RCA’s position as the world’s leading university of art and design. In the UK, the College is recognised as being at the forefront of innovation, supporting more successful start-ups than Imperial College and Oxbridge combined, and with 45% of our graduates starting their own creative industry and

A Fab Boost For Megan Collins and Her 'Succulent' Collection

When Megan Collins arrived in London from South Africa in 2012, she wasn't sure what path her career would take but she knew she had an opportunity to try something new. She enrolled on a week-long course at Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery and "totally loved it". So much so that she embarked upon the year-long diploma course and soon found herself making jewellery that spoke to her South African roots, based on the shapes of native succulent plants. Since completing the course in 2014, her creative career has been constantly evolving. Along with teaching Art and Design four days

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

Peruvian gold miner joins Hertfordshire jewellery designer to thank Fairtrade supporters

On Friday 7th October, Hertfordshire-based bespoke jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall played host to a Peruvian gold miner who is in the UK to highlight how Fairtrade has boosted his community and saved lives. Roger Arcos Ponte, from Macdesa mine, told an audience of customers, local school children and people interested in ethics about the difference Fairtrade production standards have delivered for his fellow miners and their families. Multi-award winning designer Harriet said: “Welcoming Roger here today for our Fairtrade Festival is one of the proudest moments of my life. It has been amazing to hear personal accounts of how the

Barbara Cartlidge (1922 - 2017)

Barbara Cartlidge, jewellery designer and Founder of the world famous Electrum Gallery has passed away aged 94 on 27 February 2017.  Renowned for her influential creativity and leadership in promoting contemporary art and studio based jewellery, Barbara Cartlidge will forever be hailed for her creative passion, knowledge, and as a driving force within the jewellery industry. Born in 1922 in Berlin, Germany, she later fled to London due to the war in 1938. Barbara went on to study jewellery design at London's renowned Central School of Arts and Crafts which resulted in a solo exhibition hosted by Heal's in 1960.

Designer Spotlight: Anna Hu haute joaillerie

Anna Hu is an international jewelry designer, born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S., who approaches her art with a distinctly East meets West philosophy and aesthetic that is heavily influenced by both cultures. She has studied at the Gemological Institute of America, F.I.T., Parsons School of Design (Masters, 19th century French Jewelry) and Columbia University (Masters, Arts Administration). After working for Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, she founded her namesake brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, at the age of 30 and opened her first boutique one year later in New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. A

Fera Jewellery Launches Animii Collection

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

Micro-Setting Masterclass - The Goldsmiths' Centre

Alexander Sidorov’s Advanced Micro-Setting Masterclass In 2015 the Goldsmiths’ Centre launched London’s first dedicated training workshop for micro-setting and engraving having entered into partnership with Optical Diamond Setter and SEO of the world-renowned Antwerp based Alexandre School, Alexander Sidorov. Alexander Sidorov will be offering a five day intensive practical course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre for experienced jewellers or stone setters from 13 to 17 February 2017.  Micro-setting enables practitioners, with the aid of powerful microscopes, to arrange diamonds and precious stones cleanly and seamlessly across a surface. This short course is for a limited group size of up to 6

Worcester Jeweller Anja Potze Celebrates 21 Year Milestone

A respected Worcester jeweller has marked her 21st anniversary in the city. Award-winning jewellery designer Anja Potze has become one of city’s leading jewellers since arriving in Worcester in the nineties, building a customer base from across the county and beyond. In the past 18 months alone two new members of staff have joined the Friar Street business which was also recently rated as one of the top jewellers in Worcester by the website, Three Best Rated.  Award-winning design expert and Birmingham School of Jewellery graduate Laura Golborne has joined the six-strong team alongside commercial and retail expert, Felicity Allen.

The 2017 ‘GeoGems’ Benchpeg Christmas Decoration Designed by Kate Dugmore

This Autumn Benchpeg launched a competition open to Birmingham School of Jewellery students and alumni to design our annual Christmas Tree Decoration. We had some innovative, thoughtful and creative designs submitted in response to the quite constrained brief, but the winner selected by the Benchpeg team, was designed by Kate Dugmore. The design entitled ‘GeoGems’ has the illusion of shattered facets within a diamond form, which is both contemporary and challenging. Benchpeg creates a limited edition Christmas Tree Decoration each year, and Benchpeg’s Founder Rebecca van Rooijen wanted to open up the opportunity to design the decoration this year to

News Edit: 17 September 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Meghan Markle wore £17 earrings from American female jewellery designer for Invictus Games Daily Mail: Meghan Markle is known for her love of expensive and personalised jewellery - but yesterday, the Duchess appeared to take a new approach to her accessory selection. www.dailymail.co.uk From Jackie Kennedy’s Watch To Princess Diana’s Cross Pendant, Inside Kim Kardashian’s Museum-Worthy Jewellery Collection Vogue: It seems that Kim Kardashian has flown all the way to Tokyo in order to get her hands on the dazzling diamond and gemstone necklace from Chanel’s spring/summer 1995

CSM Shows 2023 🎓

Central Saint Martins Shows 2023: Art, Design, Innovation, Culture, Materials 🎓 In Summer 2023, a new generation of artists, designers, curators, performers and innovators embark on fresh and amazing adventures. Join us at Granary Square as we celebrate the inspiration, energy and creative intelligence of our graduating students. Exhibiting courses: BA Architecture BA Ceramic Design BA Culture, Criticism and Curation BA Fine Art BA Graphic Communication Design BA Jewellery Design BA Performance: Design and Practice BA Product and Industrial Design BA Textile Design M ARCH: Architecture MA Biodesign MA Character Animation  MA Cities MA Design (Ceramic, Furniture, Jewellery) MA Graphic Communication

Marks & Spencer Combat Customer Allergy Concerns

This summer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) will become the first high street retailer to set a new standard in hypoallergenic jewellery – as it launches Skin Kind™.  From May every item in M&S’s fashion jewellery range will meet its new Skin Kind™ standards, so that even customers with the most sensitive skin can wear stylish accessories with confidence.  The project began last year when M&S discovered that more than one in four [28%] of customers didn’t wear fashion jewellery because they were concerned about potential allergic reactions. To help address these concerns, M&S partnered with Birmingham based, world leading precious

Handmade Oxford 2025

Handmade Oxford 2025 12-14 June 2025 Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire For nearly two decades, Handmade in Britain has been a leader in the craft industry, supporting talented makers and connecting them with customers who appreciate quality. Held at Waterperry Gardens—the venue for the BBC series Make It At Market (seasons 2 & 3)—this annual festival showcases ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, fashion, furniture, homewares, art, and textiles. The three-day event also includes craft demonstrations, workshops, live music, and artisan food. Each  exhibitor  is carefully selected by our team to ensure high standards of craft and design. We are now accepting applications –  Apply

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition  Vittoria Street Gallery, Birmingham School of Jewellery 19th September- 28th October 2022  The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches

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