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Graduate crafts heavy metal jewellery for rock legends

Since graduating from BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts in 2018 at Plymouth College of Art, Sam Ritte has secured a role at The Great Frog, the pioneers in handcrafted, iconic statement jewellery for rockers, bikers and those favouring their metal heavy. Crafting jewellery at The Great Frog. They have produced bespoke pieces for a cross section of the fashion and music industry since 1972, including rock legends Metallica, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Slash and Aerosmith. Every piece of jewellery sold at The Great Frog is hand carved and crafted on site, at their shop in Soho, London, each imbued with an [youtube

Great Scots in Isolation @ The Scottish Gallery

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

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition 21- 22 November 2020 The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is a curated showcase of designer-makers and craft artists, handpicked by an independent panel of craft experts to give you the best in cutting-edge design and beautiful craftsmanship . Great Northern Events, the not for profit company behind the award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair presents GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition 21-22 November 2020. GNCCFonline is an online selling showcase featuring 150 designer-makers selected for their excellence; from jewellery and fashion accessories to functional and statement pieces for the home. Director

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2023

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

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2023

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

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2024

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 17 - 20 October 2024 Victoria Baths, Manchester Plans for this October’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair – our 17th no less – are ramping up. We’ve got lots of exciting new content for you and over 200 makers to browse and buy from, including the best of our regular exhibitors and many new makers joining us for the first time. Our exhibitor line up is now up on our website so have a browse and start saving! Tickets will go on sale in late July. GNCCF has always been the best place in the

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2019

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2019 10 -13 October 2019 Upper Campfield Market Hall, Manchester The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair returns for its 12th edition from 10-13 October 2019 to Upper Campfield Market Hall, Manchester. The GNCCF is the last word in contemporary craft selling events in the north. Founded by passion-fuelled people with an obsessive love of craft, and a desire to create a nationally renowned event, it’s no coincidence that the GNCCF has become the must-attend event for exhibitors and buyers alike. Expect a diverse range of work, talent and stories from leading designer-makers, including contemporary ceramicists,

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018 Now in its 11th year, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is the North’s largest and most established annual celebration of contemporary craft. Set in a Grade 2 Victorian market building in the heart of Manchester on Deansgate, this award-winning event hosts over 150 of the UK’s finest designer-makers and craft artists. All exhibitors taking part have been specially selected for their excellence, with jewellery, interior and fashion textiles, ceramics, glass, furniture, print and more on show. Meet and talk to the makers and discover the inspiration and stories behind their work. This is

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2022

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair brings 200 of the UK’s finest makers to the Edwardian splendour of Victoria Baths over the weekend of 13-16 October 2022. Already a firm favourite with those in the know, the fair offers an unrivalled line up of designer makers from all over the country, each one selected for the quality, desirability, and innovation of their work. Craft says something in a society obsessed with mass production and throw-away culture. It says that something is unique, joyful, special, and out of the ordinary. It says that something was made with love and built to last. It

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online GNCCF ONLINE 25 - 31 July 2020 An opportunity to buy outstanding contemporary craft & design online from 160 designer-makers and artists selected for their excellence; from jewellery and fashion accessories to functional and statement pieces for the home. GNCCF ONLINE will go live from 10am, Saturday 25th July until Friday 31st July. See us on Facebook and Instagram and buy work via the GNCCF website. Put the dates in your diary and join the conversation. In the meantime, take a sneak preview at this year’s makers below and follow us at #GNCCF

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

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

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Online Provides Boost for Designer-Makers

So if there’s a hierarchy of how badly affected your sector is, when it comes to Covid 19, it’s safe to say that both the craft sector and events, come pretty high. The Crafts Council’s recent landmark survey ‘Market for Craft’ showed that 84% of makers surveyed cited fairs as their foremost revenue source. With the majority of fairs cancelled due to the pandemic, the impact on makers has been devastating. Manchester’s award winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) was one such casualty. The annual GNCCF is one of the top fairs in the UK for makers and a

Bellore's Great British Bake Off & Stand Up 2 Cancer Raffle

Bellore's Great British Bake Off & Stand Up 2 Cancer Raffle We all know someone whose life has been drastically altered by cancer and the staff at Bellore Rashbel are no exception. We decided we want to take a stand in this fight. Bellore Rashbel are running a Stand Up 2 Cancer raffle The prizes you could win include: An Ultrasonic Cleaner RRP £700!!!!! A Student Starter Tool kit A Stringing Starter Kit A £50 Bellore Rashbel Voucher A 10x10cm of 0.5mm 925 Sheet Wheatsheaf Set of Mandrels and rings A Set of Freeman Solid Wax sticks + Ring Sizers

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Old Granada Studios, Manchester

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is recognised as one of the leading selling events for contemporary craft in the UK, attracting over 6000 visitors to Old Granada Studios. It showcases contemporary craft to buy from over 160 selected designer-makers in: ceramics, glass, jewellery, interiors and home-wares, fashion design and fashion textiles, wood, furniture, paper, silver, metal, product design, print-making and more. Visitors can buy or commission work directly from the makers, learning about the process, inspiration, materials and stories behind the work. The GNCCF champions contemporary craft and makers at all stages of their careers. From emerging graduates

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair once again brings the UK’s top makers to Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths

The North of England’s most exciting craft event returns to Manchester this autumn! The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair brings 200 of the UK’s finest makers to the Edwardian splendour of Victoria Baths over the weekend of 13-16 October 2022. Already a firm favourite with those in the know, the fair offers an unrivalled line up of designer makers from all over the country, each one selected for the quality, desirability, and innovation of their work. Craft says something in a society obsessed with mass production and throw-away culture. It says that something is unique, joyful, special, and out of the ordinary. It

Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos: Fool-Proof Techniques to Make Your Handmade Creations Shine Online

Enamelling Workshops - Blending Colours with Enamel

Enamelling Workshops FORGE, Hatton Garden 16 March, 20 April, 6th July Immerse yourself in the vibrant colourful world of enamelling with FORGE’s upcoming workshops! Did you miss out on our last enamelling taster session a few weeks ago? Not to worry! Here’s your chance to join in and master this ancient craft with the talented and multi award winning Linda Connelly with our upcoming enamelling workshops. "Great venue, great tutor, great course, great fun!" - Andrew Beney, February 2024 workshop participant. Cloisonné In this class you will learn how to use vitreous enamelling techniques and cloisonné wires to create a

Enamelling Workshops - Cloisonné

Enamelling Workshops - Enamel with Decals

Thomas Lyte commissioned to create the Laver Cup

Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe have unveiled The Laver Cup for the first time, amid great expectation for the new competition. It will be contested to celebrate the career and exceptional achievements of Australian great Rod Laver, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis player of all time. Six of the best players from Europe will compete against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world for the new trophy in September. Three of the greats of tennis, past and present, unveiled the newest trophy in world tennis, the Laver Cup. Rod Laver,

Armogan Celebrates The Past With Its' Antique Collection

Armogan celebrates the adventurers of the past by proposing a vintage and affordable watch collection inspired by the very instruments that guided the pioneers and great explorers of the past century. "In a mass produced and permanently innovative market, we wanted our watches to be a subtle recall to the great adventures and pioneers of the past century. An endless source of stories, beautiful engines and the instruments of yesteryear are the primary source of inspiration for our timepiece designs.We want our watches to be the symbol of the past and the present encounter, the meeting between explores of the

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

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

'The Market for Craft' research report published

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

ATELIER 51

For the past few months Atelier 51 has been working on an exciting new project - a permanent shop based in their HQ and studio in the London Road area of Brighton just down from Brighton Station. They've refitted their tiny shop and have assembled a great variety of makers to show their work. We must say it is looking great! They will be launching an online shop soon featuring unique and beautiful work, handmade in Britain, delivered to you at home. For more information, register your email here . Atelier 51 Studio Shop will be open 11am-5pm Tuesday to

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party - London WC2

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party 2016 Presman Mastermelt are hosting a Jewellery Trade Christmas Party on the 14th December, at SWAY Bar, Great Queen Street, Holborn, all in support of the Silversmith and Jewellers Charity. Tickets cost just £25.00, which includes a donation to the Charity, live music, DJ, entertainment, food and even a Christmas gift! Date: Wednesday 14th December Times: 7pm till Late Venue: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BZ Tickets: Cost £25.00 each To find out more about the Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity, please click here tsjc.org.uk Tickets are selling fast, so If you would like

Call for Applications: London Craft Week 2025

Call For Applications: London Craft Week Applications for the opportunity to participate in London Craft Week 2025 close on Thursday 12th December. London Craft Week c elebrates outstanding British and international creativity, the festival brings together over 1000 established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world. A curated selection based not on price or fame, but underlying substance. Plus, that essential dash of magic and inspiration that separates great from good. Contact harriet@londoncraftweek.com for more details. Source: London Craft Week / Walpole

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

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020

Marzee International Graduate Show 2020 25 October 2020 - 6 January 2021 Academies around the world had to close their doors last Spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final exams of a lot of the graduating students needed to be postponed for this reason as well. In previous years the Marzee International Graduate Show was held in August, but this year we moved it to the end of October to make sure that we could still make this show happen. We are very pleased with the end result – it is yet again an amazing show with a great

British Academy of Jewellery to Celebrate Young Talented Designers

The annual graduation ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of the students from the British Academy of Jewellery, will be held at The Royal Institution on Friday, 1 st December. Situated in an idyllic Mayfair location The Royal Institution is steeped in history, boasting a variety of stunning ceremony and reception rooms. The event is anticipated to be a great celebration of fresh talent emerging into the industry of jewellery design and manufacturing. This year’s graduation will include an exciting VIP guest panel, answering the questions of the Academy’s students and inspiring them in their futures as they leave the Academy. This

Handmade Oxford 2023

Handmade in Chelsea 2023 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 10 – 12 November 2023 Handmade in Britain is delighted to return to Chelsea Old Town Hall from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 November 2023 for the 16th Edition of its flagship contemporary craft and design fair, Handmade Chelsea. Taking place in the form of a dual model, both in-person and online to increase the accessibility of British craft and expand our reach. Visitors across the world can do their Christmas shopping either in-person or remotely from the comfort of their homes whilst discovering beautiful contemporary handmade products. “Great to support

PAD 2022

PAD LONDON Great Portland Street, London 10 -16 October 2022 Founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin, PAD London is the only fair in the UK exclusively dedicated to 20 th -century and contemporary Design. The week-long event takes place every October on Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair district. PAD London is the sister fair to PAD Paris which was launched in 1998 and takes place every April in the Jardin des Tuileries. A permanent fixture on the two capital’s vibrant art and design circuits, PAD fairs have become a byword for connoisseurship, exquisite taste

Pandora to set up new digital group

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

Affordable elegance: Sustainable jeweller Lebrusan Studio unveils new collection of ethical cluster engagement rings

This month, leading ethical jewellery brand Lebrusan Studio lifts the lid on its new Daisy collection of delicate cluster engagement rings. Inspired by the iconic Edwardian daisy ring, these timeless pieces are designed to be lightweight and affordable. Cast in the customer’s choice of 100% recycled platinum or 18ct gold, each ring will be encrusted with traceable and conflict-free Canadian diamonds. Set and painstakingly hand-engraved in London’s Hatton Garden, each finished piece will tell a quaint story of enduring design and traditional British craftsmanship. “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail,” says the brand’s award-winning

The Art of Movement, Van Cleef & Arpels

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

LUSTRE 2022

LUSTRE 2022 Lakeside Arts, Nottingham 4 - 6 November 2022 Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at our much-anticipated contemporary craft and design fair. At Lustre you can find everything from artisan jewellery and bags to ceramics, glass and tableware – a great place to look for unique gifts for your family and friends (or as a treat for yourself). We are delighted to welcome you back to Lustre at Lakeside, our annual, contemporary craft and design fair. Visitors can buy beautiful handmade objects or commission work direct from over 40 of the UK's finest established and emerging

Dazzling Diamonds, Sparkling Sapphires! @ Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery

Dazzling Diamonds, Sparkling Sapphires! Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery 28 August - 27 September 2020 "It's been a delight to welcome so many of you back and we have got off to a great start, thank you! So going forward here are our dates and times for the bank holiday weekend and on into September. Although we are operating an appointments only system we are managing as well to offer on the spot 'pop in' appointments! So if you are in the mill do pop in and ask and we will give you the next available slot." August Bank Holiday Fri

PAD 2023

PAD LONDON Great Portland Street, London 10 -15 October 2023 Founded in 2007 by fourth-generation Parisian antique dealer Patrick Perrin, PAD London is the only fair in the UK exclusively dedicated to 20 th -century and contemporary Design. The week-long event takes place every October on Berkeley Square, in the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair district. PAD London is the sister fair to PAD Paris which was launched in 1998 and takes place every April in the Jardin des Tuileries. A permanent fixture on the two capital’s vibrant art and design circuits, PAD fairs have become a byword for connoisseurship, exquisite taste

Dazzle London 2024

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

Help Alan Craxford fulfil his final project

My name is Janice Hosegood, and I'm fundraising to help Alan Craxford complete his final project. We've known each other for over thirty years, first through work and in later years, we've become great friends. With a career spanning over 50 years, Alan Craxford is an artist, jeweller, silversmith, engraver, and teacher, acknowledged for his precision and mastery of precious metals and gemstones. Alan’s artworks are highly prized and have been exhibited over his career with examples shown within the Victoria & Museum’s permanent collection. In 2003, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a devastating condition and although

Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Retires

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

Lustre 2024

Lustre Friday 8th – Sunday 10th November 2024 Lakeside Arts, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD Put the date in your diary for our much anticipated contemporary craft and design market. A great chance to get ahead and start your Christmas shopping or simply treat yourself with over 50 of the UK’s top designer-makers and craft artists handpicked to bring you this beautiful craft fair. We’ll be bringing you the best in covetable collectable craft, showcasing jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, leather, wood and much, much more. If you love handmade, beautiful things, then our nationally renowned craft fair is for you!

The passing of industry stalwart Chris Sellors

It is with great sadness family jewellers C W Sellors announce the passing of their founder Christopher William Sellors. Surrounded by his family, Chris passed away in the early hours of Monday 4th September at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield where he had been receiving wonderful support and care from their fabulous team of staff and volunteers. Tracing back the success Chris made of his life and business, the journey started with a love of his Derbyshire surroundings and a passion to make his own jewellery designs using the locally sourced Blue John gemstone. What started as a hobby with early

A new home for silversmithing

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

Co-collaboration maker space opens with a ching

Last Thursday Benchpeg went along to the launch of FORGE, which is the new multi-functional, co-collaborative space based on Leather Lane in Hatton Garden. The launch party was extremely well attended with the great and the good of industry showing up to support the new initiative conceived by Amanda Mansell. Officially opened by Natalie Melton, the Executive Director of the Crafts Council, who congratulated Amanda with her huge achievement in navigating a multitude of complex requirements to get the ‘maker space’ off the ground and completed. Subsequently she has added that, “It’s the kind of creative space that should

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

Festival of Crafts

Festival of Crafts Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 October 2024 Farnham Maltings Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham's October Craft Month, the event champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With exhibitors hand-picked from across the UK, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Enjoy meeting the makers and learn about the processes used in both traditional and modern techniques with our expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and programme of bookable workshops.

Part Time Sales Associate Mondays to Wednesdays, Tomfoolery - London

The role Part Time Sales Associate - Mondays to Wednesdays Tomfoolery London Muswell Hill, London, N10 About the Role We want you to be sublimely customer-service focused and truly excited by contemporary jewellery. You will ensure the customer experience is nothing short of excellent by being knowledgeable, proactive, supporting the front of house working as a team to create the ultimate customer experience. Serving customers, regular visual merchandising changes to make sure our displays always look great, keeping the shop looking tidy & inviting including an everyday in-depth clean. Assisting on inventory management workflow: making sure our ever changing stock

Elsa Peretti (1940 – 2021)

Tiffany's star jewelry designer and philanthropist Elsa Peretti dies in Spain It is with great sadness that Elsa Peretti’s death yesterday from natural causes was announced by her family office in Zurich and by the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation. The designer, who was famous for her creations for high-end US jewelers Tiffany, passed away in a village close to Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 80. Her legacy comprises a body of exceptional design work as well as a foundation dedicated to humanitarian, environmental and conservation causes. A true citizen of the world, her absence will be strongly felt

Highlights of New Designers 2023

On Friday Benchpeg visited the New Designers show 2023. With a sparse showing of jewellery and silver specific courses in representation, combined craft courses are clearly becoming a dominant factor in educational pathways. However, it was great to see strength in many of the jewellery, silver, gold and horology specific course degree shows. Here are a selection of our found highlights of the show (in no particular order). Shinta Nakajima Shinta Nakajima In an age where ancient symbolism has lost its mysterious power, Shinta Nakajima, has confronted the question, “Why do we decorate?” In traditional silversmithing, flora has been used

Benchpeg turns 18 - A selection of quotes

We've been delighted and humbled to recieve some fantastic quotes on how Benchpeg's contribution to the sector over the last two decades has effected change... “ www. benchpeg .com wittily gathers all corners of the jewellery trade through the ubiquitous symbol that identifies us: the humble benchpeg. As with many great things, simple is often best and most effective! Congratulations." Cassandra Goad “Benchpeg is the authoritative resource for the jewellery sector, and it is testament to the regard in which it is held, and the tireless work of its staff and supporters, that it is still going strong after 18

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

InnovationRCA Creative Brands Accelerator Pop-up

Introducing… Royal College of Art RCA Battersea, Howie Street, London SW11 4AS 7 - 8 December 2022 You are invited to Introducing… a pop up event by InnovationRCA , the Royal College of Art’s centre for entrepreneurship. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the innovative jewellery start-ups they support by meeting the founders, all recent alumni from the RCA, and seeing their products first-hand. A curated selection of 20 startups that have progressed through the Creative Brands Accelerator programme over the past 3 years will be showcased, from sectors including homeware, fashion, jewellery, ceramics and textiles. Through this programme,

Engraving Masterclass with Dario Bartzella

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

Are you a UK Jewellery Student or Apprentice? Read This!

At Benchpeg, we love encouraging and nourishing future creative talent by inspiring you with unique stories, promoting new designers and signposting you to other great resources for those new to the industry. We're excited to let you know about a new membership programme, launched by the Goldsmiths' Centre, for Students and Apprentices registered on UK precious metal courses (sign-up link below). The initiative delivers full access to the Goldsmiths' Centre back-catalogue of Creative Links talks, technical articles and industry-specific resources created by specialist craftspeople for those in the goldsmithing industry. From personal experience, you only tend to realise just how

Craft Festival Cardiff 2019

Craft Festival Cardiff 1 - 3 November 2019 City Hall, Cardiff This will be our 5th year at City Hall, Cardiff and you can meet over 130 of the UK's finest designers makers over two floors, in the heart of Wales' capital city. As well as meeting the makers, there are workshops for all ages, craft demonstrations and the great cafe. 10 Reasons to Visit Craft Festival Cardiff Reason #1 Craft Festival Cardiff is Wales’s largest Contemporary Craft Festival presenting over 140 of the finest, award-winning makers from all over Wales and the UK. Shop for ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture,

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

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

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

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

Argent College Students and Cooksongold Launch Beginner Jewellery Making Kits

In the lead up to Christmas 2023, jewellery making supplier, Cooksongold, has collaborated with students from Argent College, to create three inspiring sterling silver jewellery making kits. As part of their work experience module, students from Argent College designed a sterling silver flower necklace, swirly heart shaped earrings necklace set and feather themed bracelet and earrings, from scratch. The students then packed the boxes with all the components needed for Cooksongold customers to buy and make the pieces at home. This was a great opportunity for the students to be involved in developing and bringing a product to market. Founded

Christie's Unveils the Collection of Warhol Muse, Barbara Allen De Kwiatkowski

“Barbara holds the keys to the other side of the amazingly enormous Warhol story. She was there for all the great statements of Andy’s for years before she cared. She was completely innocent, and she literally saw and heard everything and didn’t give a damn. She had the most naïve and unspoiled eye of any human to enter Manhattan.” – Peter Beard Christie’s has announced that it has been entrusted with The Collection of Barbara Allen de Kwiatkowski, which will be offered across eight sales, beginning in New York this December with Post-War & Contemporary Art, Impressionist and Modern Art,

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

The Benevolent Society bestow 50 goodwill hampers to beneficiaries

The Benevolent Society were delighted to identify up to 50 of their hardest up and longest standing beneficiaries and to send to each of them this week a beautiful hamper full of goodies as a timely reminder that they have not been forgotten. The Society issued a statement which said: "With all of the talk of worldwide pandemic, economic disaster, job losses, the NHS being overwhelmed, it is important that we do not forget those that have gone before us and contributed so much to making our great industries what they are today." Simon Dawe the BenSoc Chairman said: “It

A Maison with a View: Discover Paris through the Eyes of Boucheron in the new 'Paris, vu du 26' Collection

In their latest collection ‘Paris, vu du 26’, high jewellery heritage, Boucheron, transports you to romantic, bustling Paris- taking you on a personal tour of spectacular landmarks and architecture that holds meaning to the Maison. Frédéric Boucheron was the first among the great contemporary jewellers to open a shop in Place Vendôme. Many other notable figures have resided there too since its birth in 1702, including Chopin, Coco Chanel and the Countess di Castiglione; who actually lived above Boucheron itself. 26 V is the Boucheron family house, and the heart of its creative enterprise. Its windows have bore witness to

Striking Futures

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

New Designers 2019 sparkles with a strong focus on Jewellery

Last week, New Designers kicked off its celebration of new design talent; connecting fresh graduates with industry professionals across a plethora of creative fields. On a glorious sunny Wednesday, Benchpeg attended the Business Design Centre in London to get a sneak-peak at the fresh talent; and was extremely pleased to see such a strong jewellery presence at the event. New Designers prides itself on its progressive nature, stating “Great design never stands still, and should challenge the status quo. We champion new thinking, and new approaches to solving today’s problems through design. As society changes, so do New Designers.” This

Sara Peymanpour makes Wolf & Badger debut

Newly launched luxury jewellery designer brand Sara Peymanpour London, whose collections are inspired by Sara’s Persian heritage, will be stocked by concept store Wolf & Badger in London, New York City and online from August 2018. The eponymous, responsibly sourced Sara Peymanpour London brand launched in June at Couture London, a showcase invitation-only event for designer brands on Old Bond Street. “Wolf & Badger are very selective and only stock designers with a distinctive style, so this is a great start for my brand,” Sara said. “I am particularly pleased because it is very unusual for Wolf & Badger to

Vintage Garrard pieces, amongst others, to be auctioned at Chorley's Country House sale later this month

Established auction house, Chorley's, will be selling a significant collection of jewellery later this month; belonging to the late Mrs Rook. Mrs Rook was married to Major Laurence Rook MC at the picturesque Manor Beverston Castle, which was once part of the great lordship Berkeley; taken from Roger de Berkeley by Henry I. She was a long-standing client of the House of Garrard, the prestigious crown jewellers. The collection on sale features a number of pieces by the House, who also designed the Dutchess of Cambridge's engagement ring. The prize piece amongst the beautiful collection is a magnificent Victorian diamond-set

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

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

Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos at Munich Jewellery Week

Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos Munich Jewellery Week Munich, Germany 13th - 16th March 2019 'Nacre' marks Melanie Georgacopoulos's first solo exhibition for ten years. In this time Melanie has cemented herself as a leading figure in the world of pearl jewellery due to her daring and innovative approach which has seen her slice, drill and facet pearls, fearlessly experimenting with them as a material to great acclaim. In a natural progression from her examination of the pearl, Melanie turned her attention in 2016 to the often overlooked by-product of the pearl industry, mother of pearl. MOP, otherwise known as nacre,

British Craft Trade Fair 2018

The British Craft Trade Fair 2018 The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is a three-day event taking place at the Great Yorkshire Showground in beautiful Harrogate. The next Harrogate fairwill take place on 8th-10th April 2018. The fair is strictly trade-only and showcases work from exclusively British and Irish makers. BCTF differs from other trade fairs in that no mass-manufactured products or products made overseas are allowed. Visitors can be confident, therefore, that they will be presented with a selection of the best hand-made British giftware available in the UK. BCTF Harrogate has been running for more than 43 years. For the

Kickstart Winner, Alice Barnes, to exhibit expanded 'Pleated' collection at this year's IJL

Having received the coveted ‘KickStart Industry’s Choice Award’ at last year’s International Jewellery London, Alice Barnes is set to return to the show this September with new additions to her Pleated Collection. The prize included a complimentary stand at IJL 2018 and Alice will feature alongside some of the industry’s best talent in the prestigious Design Gallery on stand R28. “It was such an honour to win the award last year and I can’t wait to exhibit as an established designer,” says Alice. “As a KickStarter I made some invaluable contacts, gained several new stockists and received some great feedback

Triennale européenne du Bijou contemporain 2017

European Triennial of Contemporary Jewelery At the Great Hall of the Former Abattoirs of Mons / Triennial Every year, the WCC-BF organizes alternately the European Triennial of Ceramics and Glass, the European Triennial of Contemporary Jewelery and the European Prize for Applied Arts. These exhibitions have an international reputation, they involve many partnerships. For this edition f the European Triennial of Contemporary Jewelery, Sweden and France are investing with Belgium the Grande-Halle des Anciens Abattoirs with their many contemporary variations of jewelery. The current hybridization of disciplines, characteristic of global contemporary creation, no longer spares jewelery. In recent years, the fundamental

'On the Surface' Exhibition Brings Jacqueline Ryan back to the Scottish Gallery after Twenty Years

Ten years on Italian time has done Jacqueline Ryan a wealth of good. The ambling pace of the sleepy Umbrian region of Italy is evident in the painstaking details of her work. Today, 'On the Surface', opens- an exhibition that see's Jacquine Ryan return to the Scottish Gallery after 20 years, since the seminal exhibition Art Jewellery by Jacqueline Ryan and Giovanni Corvaja A great source of inspiration for the maker is her own childhood, she recalls fondly trips to museums with her parents, where she would marvel at ancient objects and intricate technical equipment. Born of sketches from memory, and

Homage to Earth: Hidden Treasures by Teresa Seabra

During one of her last visits to India, Teresa Seabra met an old man who had been collecting wonderful dendritic agates since his childhood. He then confided her with great sadness, that none of his successors cared about his treasure. She so decided to take some of them, working with these mysterious stones by combining them with others, with tiny Basra pearls and rough little diamonds writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Necklace: Hidden Treasures I, 2016 Oxidized silver, dendritic agates and crystal rock Necklace: Hidden Treasures II, 2016 Gold, dendritic agates and amber Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony,

Nexus

Nexus at the Ruthin Craft Centre ‘Nexus’: a connection or a series of connections linking two or more things This exhibition looks at some of the ways in which 21st -century artists and makers are changing preconceptions about their art forms. Jewellery, silversmithing, textiles and ceramics all have long histories and deep-rooted traditions behind them. Today their familiar, often restricting, boundaries are being expanded by makers taking leaps of imagination and devising fresh approaches to the way they work. Several pieces in this exhibition are hybrids that are impossible to categorise. The exhibitors in Nexus are linked by great technical skill,

Gem-A Conference 2018

Gem-A (the Gemmological Association of Great Britain) Conference 2018 County Hall, London 3 - 4 November 2018 World-Renowned Jewellery Artist, Wallace Chan, to Speak at Gem-A Conference 2018.The Hong Kong-based jewellery artist will showcase his innovations on the opening day of the Gem-A Conference in November. The Gem-A Conference 2018 will bring together the greatest minds in gemmology to celebrate 110 years of gemmology education. Alongside the opportunity to network with fellow gemmologists and leading experts in the field, guests will also have the chance to attend workshops, field trips and a very special celebratory dinner cruise aboard the Elizabethan: a replica

Suri Jewelry: Memories from Renaissance

The women painted by the great Venetian Masters wear jewelry and precious stones, fabrics from the East, embraced by smoky atmospheres of incense and fragrances writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Since childhood Giulia Vecchiato admired the jewels of the eccentric ladies who live in Venice, as they were amulets to access the past and ancient times. She started very little to build her own jewelry by assembling scrap metal found in her house, seals, scraps of fabrics mounted on curtains’ pendant. Growing up and studing traditional techniques of goldsmith, she started her own journey into the jewelry field, by developing a very

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

Amanda Mansell, fellow jeweller and great friend of the late Nick Philippe, writes a fitting tribute and obituary to a golden personality within the industry. On Friday 22 September 2017 our dear friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 57 after a courageous and dignified 6 month battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. This was a deeply sad day for Nick’s family, his many friends, and a tragic loss to the jewellery industry. I remember the first day I met Nick, it was about 15 years ago. He came into my workshop and showed me a

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

Amanda Mansell, fellow jeweller and great friend of the late Nick Philippe, writes a fitting tribute to a golden personality within the industry. On Friday 22 September 2017 our dear friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 57 after a courageous and dignified 6 month battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. This was a deeply sad day for Nick’s family, his many friends, and a tragic loss to the jewellery industry. I remember the first day I met Nick, it was about 15 years ago. He came into my workshop and showed me a watchcase he’d

Beyoncé Donates Papillon Ring to V&A

The V&A have announced that they have received the gift of a ‘G’ Papillon ring, generously donated by Beyoncé Knowles. The Papillon ring will be on display in the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery from 11 May 11th 2018, alongside jewels associated with some of history’s most notable women including Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great and the Empress Josephine. Jewellery Curator Richard Edgecrumbe said: “Beyoncé is a figure whose personal style the V&A is proud to represent, and a gift from whose personal collection we are honoured to receive. The papillon ring she has gifted is an exquisite example

The Hand Engravers Association Celebrates 10 Years

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

Best of Britannia London 2017

Best of Britannia London - The Home of Great British Makers Best of Britannia, the unique showcase for British brands, is proud to announce that its annual London trade and consumer event will take place on Thursday October 12th and Friday October 13th 2017. Launched in 2012, Best of Britannia is a celebration of all that is beautifully made in the UK. From British heritage products to exciting new innovations, the annual London exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reach trade and consumer customers who care about quality, provenance and sustainability and want to purchase high quality products made

New Studio 'The Smiddy' to Launch with a Project that Celebrates Local Crafts People

Vanilla Ink’s is throwing open its doors for its first expansion in beautiful Banff. The brand new, recently renovated The Smiddy: Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing & Jewellery, will open to the public on September 22nd – and for their first project and exhibition, they want to hear from you! The Royal Borough of Banff is richly steeped in silversmithing heritage, with locally made silver fetching great interest and fantastic prices at auctions. Vanilla Ink mean to revive that history, firmly returning local craft to the global silversmithing map. This is where you come in; to help the revive tradition,

Clothworkers' Hall to Play Host to Two Prestigious Silversmiths in a Live Demonstration and Meet the Maker Event, as part of London Craft Week

The Clothworkers' Company will the doors to it's prestigous hall to the public in May, in an event that provides a rare opportunity to watch Silversmiths' at work. The event will take place as part of London Craft Week, an initiative that started in 2015, where iconic buildings, institutions and smaller venues accross the City host craft-based events for the public. In keeping with this spirit, Clothworkers’ Hall will open it's doors, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. The Clothworkers' Company are hosting two Silversmith's from

Designer Sophie Breitmeyer launches new website

Jewellery designer and maker Sophie Breitmeyer has launched her new website, with the tag line ‘the modern-day family jeweller’. With her ancestry steeped in jewellery heritage, the re-positioning of her brand hails back to days gone by when families had one go-to trusted family jeweller. The website is clean, bright and owns a photomontage appeal reflecting her own modernity in jewellery design and style, and acts as both an ecommerce site as well as offering a comprehensive portfolio of work to commission and work up bespoke designs from. Breitmeyer’s great-grandfather was one of the founding members of De Beers, and

Pulse 14–16 May 2017 - Olympia, London

If you don’t know about Pulse already, it is a beautifully curated, boutique trade event designed for busy buyers who are searching for the next must-have products and the freshest design talent in one central location. For 2017 we are launching Makers , the first trade event dedicated to emerging creative talent, and Brands , a must-attend edit of exciting new launches from 30 of the industry’s leading brands. Pulse is all about making an impact so we have no doubt you will find great products that will do really well in your stores! Dates 14–16 May 2017 Venue Olympia

British Craft Trade Fair 2017

The British Craft Trade Fairs (BCTF) are three-day events taking place at the Great Yorkshire Showground in beautiful Harrogate, the Fair will take place on 2ndth-4th April 2017. BCTFS’ first fair in London took place on the 11 to 13 September 2016 at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick lane. The next London fair will take place on 10th – 12th September 2017. The fairs are strictly trade-only and showcase work from exclusively British and Irish makers. BCTF differs from other trade fairs in that no mass-manufactured products or products made overseas are allowed. Visitors can be confident, therefore, that they will

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

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

Harriet Kelsall is invited to join the British Hallmarking Council

Leading jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall has been invited to join the British Hallmarking Council. The statutory body ensures all items being sold in the UK as precious metals are hallmarked to confirm they meet the legal standard. The process of hallmarking in Great Britain began over 700 years ago and in Harriet’s new role as Non-Executive Director, she will represent retail jewellers and continue the protection of consumer rights in the British Jewellery industry. Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke jewellery designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her business –

Domino’s Diamonds Scintillate at IJL

Domino’s recently refreshed ‘Scintillating Diamond’ collection was very well received at International Jewellery London earlier this month. The stunning earring and neckwear range features diamonds suspended on fine threads to create additional movement and sparkle. There are 46 individual designs, 37 of which are brand new for Autumn 2016. Pieces can be purchased as a suite, providing great add-on sales, or can be mixed and matched across the collection to suit individual style and taste. Available in 18ct white, yellow or rose gold, this striking range features HSi certificated diamonds. So what are the reasons for the pull that this collection

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

Gem-A revives historic ties with Canadian Gemmological Association

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has renewed its historic partnership with the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) to offer students and graduates at both institutions the very best in gemmological education. Taking inspiration from a previous agreement between the two associations, the new GemA and CGA educational partnership aims to create a stronger international community of gemmologists through access to a core syllabus; a shared body of information and learning that underpins both the CGA Certificate and Gem-A Diploma courses. In practice, this will enable CGA students to achieve a region-specific Certificate qualification, while also providing the core competencies

The Goldmsiths' Centre Celebrates Its 5th Birthday

On 25th April the Goldsmiths’ Centre celebrated its 5th Birthday and its continuing support for the growth of the UK jewellery and silversmithing industry with over 200 of its friends, partner organisations and alumni. The event also marked the launch of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s new Impact Report and film, which illustrates its achievements over the past 5 years. Founded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, the Goldsmiths’ Centre provides an unrivalled facility for jewellers, silversmiths and craftspeople in the allied trades to excel and thrive in their careers. Since opening

Benevolent Society Ball 2016

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

National Apprenticeship Week 2017

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

Chinese Designer RUI XU Makes A Stand For Wildlife

Following on from her successful exhibition Beauty On Fire – For Zaha at the Zaha Hadid Gallery (in memory of her friend and muse – the late, great Dame Zaha Hadid), Rui Xu is firmly cementing her position as a leading designer in the UK. Rui Xu is an award-winning Chinese fashion designer and contemporary artist whose works bridge fashion, painting, music and performance, blurring the boundaries of culture and aesthetics. She was the Director of Fashion at China Central Academy of Fine Arts Beijing (CAFA), and now lectures at the university as an Associate Professor. After a year of

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

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

Allum & Sidaway Shortlisted for Three Awards

Allum & Sidaway, independent retail jewellers, are thrilled to announce that they have been shortlisted for three awards in the Retail Jeweller UK Awards 2017. Their flagship Salisbury store, which opened its doors in November 2016, has made the shortlist for ‘Best Store Environment’, whilst the company have been nominated Finalists for Independent Retailer of the Year and Employer of the Year. The UK Awards are celebrating their 25 anniversary. These aspirational awards showcase achievements from a hugely talented field of the UK’s jewellery and watch retailers and suppliers. It is therefore a great achievement for Allum & Sidaway

Primrose Hill Designer Sale - London NW3

This is the ever popular annual event at St Mary’s, where you can come along to browse a great selection of quality fashion and gift items. Grab a last min gifts for christmas or just treat yourself! We also set up a fantastic cafe where you can have lunch, cake, hot drinks and even a glass of mulled wine. The fair is open to the public from 10am all day until 6pm. All proceeds from the cafe and 15% of the stall holders profits go towards St Mary’s community projects, such as Youthwork and homeless shelter Ceramics, glass, stationary, wonderful

Artist Marks 100 Years of Mesopotamian Warfare

The modern day struggles for Baghdad and Mosul have been vast and blo ody – a Spring Fling sculptor highlights a forgotten conflict in this region, exactly 100 years ago. Ghostly sculptures highlight how modern-day b attles for Mosul and Baghdad carry echoes of a clash of empires in the First World War. Recent commemorations of the Great War have often focused on the Western Front, but Mark Gibbs wants us to remember that it was a truly global conflict. In 1917 the struggle for Mesopotamia, which takes in parts of modern Iraq and Syria, was reaching a crescendo as

Gemfields confirmed as sponsors of the 2016 Gem-A Conference and Graduation Ceremony

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has announced that leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, Gemfields, has signed up as Silver Sponsor of the Gem-A Conference and as exclusive Ruby Sponsor of Gem-A’s annual Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards — a prestigious new sponsorship package created exclusively for the London-based company. Gemfields, who also own Fabergé, is one of the world’s largest producers of coloured gemstones including emeralds and amethysts from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique. The company delivers a constant supply of professionally-graded, uncut coloured gemstones to world markets via their highly acclaimed auction platform, as

Top Drawer S/S – Olympia, London

Journey into Top Drawer S/S17 to explore our expertly curated selection of global brands and innovative new names. Top Drawer is your perfect guide to a careful selection of UK and international lifestyle brands showing he very best, most original and commercially appealing designs across Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft. With more exclusive world launches than ever, an expanded Food Emporium and great new talent to discover in Spotted, your quest for new design-led products starts right here. Rigorous about selection, Top Drawer presents an expert edit of the newest, most exciting products from high quality companies passionate about design

'Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia’ Collection To Be Unveiled At Baselworld

Following from the success of her first collection titled, 'Inner Brilliance' Reena Ahluwalia is set to unveil her new line 'Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia' at Baselworld. The jewellery collection marks the second step in the designers' partnership. At The Hong Kong September 2016 show, Aaron Shum and Reena revealed a hyperrealistic diamond painting of the Coronet diamond setting which was a custom commission at the time. With great anticipation for this new collaboration, "Coronet" encompasses a beautiful range of diamond jewellery creations; both meaningful and affordable. Reena designed these pieces by keeping in mind the self-purchasers and women who want

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

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

Amazon Backs 2017 Rural Business Awards

The Rural Business Awards have announced that Amazon will join the CLA as a supporter of this year’s awards, with entries now open through 30 th June 2017. Entering its third year, the Rural Business Awards is the only UK-wide programme dedicated to showcasing the success of rural businesses – a segment which employs in excess of 3.4 million people in over 600,000 businesses. “We’re incredibly proud that the Rural Business Awards have reached such a great scale, three years from inception, and to have Amazon on board in addition to our long-standing partner, the CLA, is testament to this

‘In Conversation’ with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

‘In Conversation’ with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council to host ‘In Conversation’ event with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council in partnership with The Goldsmiths’ Centre will host its third exciting ‘In Conversation’ event in February 2017 - an exclusive evening of captivating conversation with British jewellery stars Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster. Chaired by the Council’s chairman Jos Skeates, the evening will delve into the careers, collections and opinions of Webster and Fennell, who are great champions of the annual Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design

Record Number of UK Jewellers to Exhibit at Amsterdam's SIERAAD

Eighteen UK art jewellers and SIERAAD Art Jewellery Fair in Amsterdam are working to help keep artistic ties between the UK and Europe strong and fresh despite the recent UK vote to leave the European Union. A decision that has caused a great deal of division, instability and uncertainty. This year a record number of UK jewellers will be exhibiting at SIERAAD 2016 which takes place at The Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam between 10th -13th November 2016. The eighteen art jewellers are the cream of UK talent carefully selected for their innovative and creative approach to jewellery as an art form. Astrid

Shine On: Carolina Bucci & her Superstellar Collection

Carolina Bucci is a jewellery designer whose creations are synonymous with a modern and effortless sense of luxury. Her jewellery is a vibrant re-invention of her family’s rich heritage, and it has redefined what fine jewellery can be, and how it should be worn. Working with the same techniques and tools used by her great-grandfather, who founded the family business in Florence in 1885, the designer continues to explore new methods of her craft. She creates unique pieces that combine the tradition of Florentine artisanship with a distinctly hip and modern sensibility. How is a star born? In Carolina's own

Babette Wasserman Makes Welcome Return to the CMJ

Babette Wasserman London returned to the recent Company of Master Jewellers show after a four year absence and showcased her range for men, based in current fashion trends and cultural references. We were delighted to reconnect with a number of CMJ me mbers at the show and it was a great opportunity for us to showcase our newest men ’ s products in a friendly and relaxed environment. ” said Babette Wasserman. Forever brimming with original ideas, Babette Wasserman unceasingly creates ingenious and innovative designs. Reflecting her great verve for life, influences from classical film, vintage men's fashion and

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

V&A Museum Acquires Rare Jewelled Medieval Brooch

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

In-conversation with Vicki Ambery-Smith and Corinne Julius

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

JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects 2019

JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects 2019 10th, 11th, 12th, October 2019 Disseny HUB Barcelona, Spain JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects is the main art jewellery and art objects event in Spain. Gathering a great number of independent artists as well as related organizations, schools and other entities. JOYA, in its 11th edition will be focused on the communicative and diplomatic meaning of the art jewellery and objects in nowadays. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/gBepnvf4bDg] Schedule Thursday 10th 10.00h – 11.00h Conference Pravu Mazumdar 11.00h Press presentation 11.00 – 19.00 Fair 18.00h DTerra Award – Ambar Magazine Award – Arte y Joya

Publications

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