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James Handyside Wins Young Apprentice of the Year Award

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

Philip Kydd Apprentice wins Gold at Jewellery Oscars

James Kydd , silversmithing apprentice under his master (and father) Philip Kydd , recently had a very successful evening at the Goldsmiths ’ Craft and Design Council Awards – the ‘ Oscars ’ for the jewellery and silversmithing trades. The ceremony was held in the pre stigious and beautiful surroundings of Goldsmiths ’ Hall in London. James won the Gold Award in the Junior Craft category ; the Gold Award in the Junior section of the Polishing category; the Bronze Award for Setting; and the Special Award (presented for the first time this year) for ‘A n appropriate design that

Job Market Change: Apprenticeships are the new Educational Future

According to a new survey it was found that the UK is once again emerging as a hotbed for apprenticeships. Almost half (47%) of the respondents said they would accept an apprenticeship in their chosen field, given the opportunity. In a job market where you can find opportunities on your Twitter feed and be formally interviewed via Skype, it’s little surprise that attitudes are changing as to how you gain employment. Working alongside universities, modern apprenticeships are making a mockery of the idea that academic progression and hands-on experience are mutually exclusive. Young people can learn on-the-job, whilst studying in

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Alexander Wood receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice of the Year Award

First granted in 2015, this prestigious annual award celebrates excellence in skill, attitude and commitment. This year Alex was nominated not only for his exceptional performance since starting his training as a diamond mounting apprentice, but also to recognise the support he has received from his former Master, Nathaniel Groves. Selected by the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship team and his fellow Apprentices, it was acknowledged that Alex - who is a former Goldsmiths’ Centre Foundation Programme trainee now working for E C Wolfe - had proven his exceptional capability throughout his four-year diamond-mounting apprenticeship with Nathaniel Groves. In particular, Alex was

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

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

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

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

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

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Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association 3 Day Intensive Course Friday 9 - Sunday 11 November at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association Wednesday 5 September for 6 weeeks at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to just eight

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Three Day Intensive Course Learn Hand Engraving in London with The Hand Engravers Association 5 - 7 March at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to

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A new verge for Westminster Abbey

Ottewill Silversmiths and Jewellers Ltd proudly watched as the new verge manufactured for Westminster Abbey was used for the first time on Tuesday by the Dean’s Verger, Martin Castledine. The special service, to celebrate the 750 th Anniversary of the re-building of the Abbey, was attended by Her Majesty The Queen. The commission by Westminster Abbey following a tender process overseen by The Goldsmiths’ Company, stipulated that the piece had to be made by an apprentice. Our 5 year apprentice, 21 year old William Sullivan, relished the challenge and it was hand made to an exceptional standard in our Ashford

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

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles Course Online 8th - 9th February 2025

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles Course Online 8th - 9th February 2025 Booking is now open for this online, "two day plus" course aimed at complete beginners and those with limited experience of the craft. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the basic techniques of hand engraving from a master engraver. Book now! "Overall a very good, friendly experience delivering excellent value for the money" - Student, March 2024 Course Details Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th February 2025, 10am - 4pm with short follow-up on Saturday 22nd February at 10am Tickets £305 discounted to £270 for members of the

Jeweller/Mounter at Jewelworks

Due to the retirement of a very experienced and valued member of our team we now have a position for a highly experienced and qualified jobbing jeweller or hand made mounter. The successful applicant will have completed a five year apprenticeship and have at least another five years experience as a working jeweller with references to support. The job will require working knowledge of all precious metals, ie, silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Together with a comprehensive understanding of precious and semi precious stones and their characteristics from a working point of view.

How can Apprentices help your Business ?

Apprenticeships: How can Apprentices help your Business ? Are you an employer looking to engage with the next generation of talent? Join us at BAJ London or Birmingham to find out about the new Apprenticeship Standard for Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades Professional. Our team of experts will be on hand to provide IAG on re cruiting an Apprentice, as well as information on the programme, funding, and delivery. You'll even get to see our premises and student work, giving you a comprehensive understanding of everything our programme has to of fer. We understand that re cruiting an

Crafts for the Future Conference

Crafts for the Future The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce that booking for the 2018 conference, Crafts for the Future, is now open. Keynote speakers this year will be HCA Patron and ceramics producer, Emma Bridgewater and Sam Walton from Hole & Corner magazine, a bi-annual print magazine devoted to celebrating craft, beauty, passion and skill. In the afternoon session, makers from the critically endangered category of The HCA/Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts will be addressing the audience. Martin Frost, fore-edge painter Kate Hetherington, horse collar maker Wim Visscher, parchmenter JoJo Wood, apprentice clog maker and wood

Q&A: Stephen M Goldsmith FIPG MBGG

Stephen M Goldsmith FIPG MNGG KCHS is a precious metal polisher of high repute having worked in some of the most prestigious jewellery houses in the country. With some 45 years of experience as a craftsman in the jewellery and silversmithing industry, a former employee of the crown jewellers he has even worked in the Tower of London on the Crown Jewels. Starting out on a pre-apprentice course at Rochester, and then an apprenticeship, he can now be safely described as a Master Craftsman, and has just has his first book published, ‘Polishing and Finishing for Jewellers and Silversmiths’ which [youtube

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

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

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

New Appointment Shatters 700-year Glass Ceiling

Jewellery Apprentices Compete to Represent UK

Billed as the world’s toughest skills competition, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi , will see over 1000 apprentices and students , under the age of 23, come together to compete to be named the top apprentice in their skill. Three talented apprentices are aiming to represent the UK in Jewellery at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. The competition takes place from 14 to 19 October and over 70 countries will be taking part . Participating in a four day selection competiti on from 29 March to 1 April at Trafford College , with the hope of win ning the one coveted place in

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

The apprenticeship programme in the UK is undergoing its most significant revival in recent years, with the Government announcing its commitment to work with employers to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. For an industry that has been running apprenticeship programmes since 1334, when the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme launched, this announcement has been welcomed. But while many organisations offer highly respected apprenticeship programmes, what does it take to train a world class apprentice jeweller? Steven Jinks, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Jewellery, who is responsible for training three Goldsmiths’ apprentices in Squad UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, explains

Learn Hand Engraving - Online Courses for Beginners

Learn Hand Engraving - Online Courses for Beginners Led by a highly skilled, professional engraver, these intensive, online “two-day plus” sessions are aimed at complete beginners and those with limited experience of the craft. Dates Our next courses: Saturday 10th June – Sunday 11th June 2023 (short follow-up Saturday 24th June 2023) Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th October 2023 (short follow-up Saturday 11th November 2023) Times Courses run 10am – 4pm each day (UK time) Cost : £260 (members) / £295 (non-members) The course fee includes all the tools you need to start and carry on engraving; the graver,

Learn Hand Engraving - Online Courses for Beginners

Full Time Mounter, Diamond Avenue - Hatotn Garden, London

Full Time Mounter DiamondAvenue Ltd Hatton Garden, London We are looking for a Mounter to join us full time, 5 days a week in our Greville Street, Hatton Garden HQ. Must be able to use Laser. Must have 5 years experience, We offer: Good / Friendly Environment Competitive Wage Paid Holidays Paid Pension To apply, please contact us on 07494119405 or send us your CV and covering note by using the application form below. About Us We are a Hatton Garden workshop based on Greville Street, London. Apply Now Applying for a job on Benchpeg is easy. All

Production Planning Manager – Manufacturing (Maternity Cover), Asprey - London

The role Production Planning Manager – Manufacturing (Maternity Cover) Asprey West London (W6) Asprey London Limited has an opportunity for an experienced Production Planning Manager – Manufacturing to join their team. Job Purpose The Production Planning Manager – Manufacturing is responsible for ensuring an efficient production process, resulting in orders being delivered on time and to budget. Providing support to the Senior Manufacturing Workshop Manager and ensuring department administration runs smoothly. Overview of Responsibilities 1 Production Management: Implement best standards in external purchasing for internal production, outsourcing of overflow orders and incorporation of third-party specialist sourced products or subcomponent parts.

Jewellery Administrator, Greenspark - Wilmslow, Cheshire

The role Jewellery Administrator (P/T) Greenspark Wilmslow, Cheshire We are a well established fine jewellery, diamond and gemstone manufacturer and wholesaler based near Manchester Airport. As Jewellery Manufacturers and Diamond & Gemstone Merchants we have the resources available to scour the world markets for our stock selection and for our customers individual requirements. With an expansion plan in place we are now looking for a bright and motivated individual to join our small team on a part time basis as a Jewellery Administrator. About the Job Role involves the following as a guideline: Basic every day admin Recording post received and processing

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

Trainee / Junior Silversmith, Grant Macdonald - London

The role Trainee / Junior Silversmith Grant Macdonald London SE1 Grant Macdonald is a high-end silversmithing manufacturer. We are market leaders in our specialised field and our global customer base ensures we produce a wide range of fascinating products. An opportunity has arisen to join our expanding silversmithing team in our central London workshop. We are currently looking for a talented junior silversmith/trainee to join the team. The chosen candidate needs to be a hardworking, enthusiastic craftsperson who is looking to expand their skills and grow as a silversmith at a prestigious London workshop. About the job 5 days a week Traditional

Full / Part Time Sales Consultant, Anthony Paul Jewellery Windsor

The role Full / Part Time Sales Consultant Anthony Paul Jewellery Cross Store - Windsor | Maidenhead | Henley | Marlow Are you a people person with a passion for jewellery? Do you understand the emotion behind a jewellery sale? Would you like to work for one of the Thames Valley’s leading jewellers? We’ve got the job for you. About us Anthony Paul Jewellery is an award-winning, family-run business with four boutiques across the Thames Valley. We specialise in handmade, bespoke, vintage and second-hand jewellery, as well as offering a comprehensive in-house repair and valuation service. We’re on the lookout

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

Delicate Delights for November Nights

If there ever was a time of year to go big, bold and all things beautiful, the season of sugar and spice and all things nice most definitely hits the mark! As invitations of Christmas nights of festive fun and mischief begin to flock your inbox, it's time to add a bejewelled touch of delicate glitz, glamour and charm! As the winter nights grow colder and daylight hours go to bed far too early, it's our job to inject the sizzling heat and fire of festive finery with a treasure trove of flamboyant sparkle and delightfully delicate statement jewels, guaranteed

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

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

The Jewellery Industry Salary and Benefits Survey 2017

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

Sarah Millsop to join Create and Craft TV as Craft Ambassador

Create and Craft are proud to announce that jewellery expert Sarah Millsop has joined them to become a Craft Ambassador. Sarah joins other crafting experts including the ‘The Crafty Beggars’ Wendy Turner-Webster and Julie Peasgood, Mich Turner MBE, Cassie Brown and Sarah Hurley. Sarah’s love and passion for jewellery making started 16 years ago as she took up jewellery demonstrating at her local craft store as weekend work whilst she studied at college. From there she began to teach Jewellery making courses at a local college and for the past 6 years has taken on the full time job of

Sarah Salmon

Meet Benchpeg's Trends Editor. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers Sarah Salmon Trends Editor Sarah has a natural flair for creativity and design, and is our trends and blog guru. She manages Benchpeg's weekly trends and fashion content . Her full time job is as a Digital Marketing Executive in the Educational Sector. Previously she worked as the Editorial and Digital Assistant at Gem-A , where she worked on Gem-A's Gems & Jewellery and The Journal of Gemmology publications as well as on

Silent Protest - Political Jewellery by Mahtab Hanna

Silent Protest Political Jewellery by Mahtab Hanna Silent Protest is an interactive, thought-provoking and controversial show that fuses wearable art with social commentary. Political jewellery is about perspective: the ability to transform an individual’s or group’s isolation and pessimism into a method of communication, to bring people together to share values, beliefs or ideals, in a single action. War, identity, gender and consciousness are important themes within politics and therefore translate into interpreting political jewellery as progressive, oppressive or radical. The beliefs of many can be divided: those who have invented messages, the patrons of the jewellery; those whose job

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The South House Silver Workshop Trust has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue & Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

NPD CAD Designer, Domino Jewellery - Birmingham B18 6LT

The role NPD CAD Designer Domino Jewellery Birmingham B18 6LT Salary: Negotiable / dependent on experience Hours: Negotiable, Standard 37.5 hours per week, 08:00-04:00 Job Type Permanent, full-time Holidays: 24 days per annum, plus 8 bank holidays (able to buy or sell an additional 5 days per year) Benefits: Workplace pension with Scottish Widows Life assurance (4x gross annual salary)