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Opal for those born in October

Thought to have originated from India and derived from the Sanskrit Upala, meaning "precious stone", Opal is just one of two beautiful birthstones that those lucky enough to be born in October are blessed with; the second being pink tourmaline. Opal was later thought to be a derivative of the Greek word 'opallios' translating "to see a change of colour" and with Opals' beautiful shifting rainbow hues - otherwise known as "play-of-colour", this Greek derivative captures the essence of Opal perfectly. Valued for millennia, Opal can be found in a number of different places with Australian fields among the most

Sapphire for those born in September

September can only mean one thing - it's officially Virgo season! Sapphire - the September birthstone - has been treasured as one of the most precious gemstones for thousands of years, long associated with royalty, romance and heavenly blessings. This ‘royal’ gem is often described as one of the ‘big three’ – sapphire, ruby and emerald – or perhaps ‘big four’ – sapphire, ruby, emerald and tanzanite’ – in the world of coloured gemstones. The word sapphire originates from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘blue stone’. Sapphires are traditionally associated with the blue variety of the mineral corundum but they

Tanzanite: Born from Lightning

Precious Pearl for Those Born in June

What better way is there to celebrate the fact that we're exactly half way through the year than with a little organic charm for all those June babies out there?! Those born in June are lucky enough to have not just one but three birthstones associated with their birthday; pearls, alexandrite's and moonstones. Unlike most other gemstones that are found within the Earth, Pearls are unique in that they have an organic origin. Pearls are often either created inside the shells of living creatures such as clams and oysters or occur naturally in the mollusks of freshwater species in rivers

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

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

A Treasure of Sentiment

"Jewellery is like a biography. A story that tells the many chapters of our life." There's no doubt that as a nation, the power of our minds has a lot to answer for in how we talk, we walk, we meet, greet and relate. The fleeting emotions we experience on a day-to-day basis help build the individuals we become through experience and curate the interpersonal relationships of who we cross paths with. Arguably the mind is our emotional powerhouse which holds our most treasured memories; from the time you first played truth or dare, that time you got punished for

Aquamarine: The Birthstone of March

Whilst traditionally there are two birthstones for those born in the month of March, it is Aquamarine that is most commonly hailed for its close embodiment to the ocean. Aquamarine's aquatic associations derive from its mesmerising crystalline blue hues which is only further reinforced through its Latin 'aqua marinus', translating to 'water of the sea'. The story behind Aquamarine Aquamarine is a blue-stone variety within the Beryl family and the colour variety seen in aquamarine from light, transparent shades to deep and rich earthy tones of the emerald family is caused by the presence of iron oxides within its chemical

FORGE Launch Event Showcase

FORGE Launch Exhibition 59 Leather Lane London EC1N 7TJ 9 - 23 February 2023 FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps forge long lasting friendships and professional relationships too. There are over 100 jewellery shops in Hatton Garden, but FORGE isn’t just another jewellery shop – it’s a destination where

Q&A: Fei Liu

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

PRESS RELEASE: Introducing The Philipp Collection

Discover a wide range of classic boxes and elegant accessories inspired by Philipp Wolf IV’s designs from the seventies in a new black colourway for the discerning modern man. The collection is hand made from black vegan leather and nubuck and features the iconic ‘Design Philipp’ DP logo in a silver finish. Featuring the watch and jewellery lifestyle box now in black along with nine new accessories; from watch travel products and wallets, to a hip flask and a handy measuring tape. Who Is Philipp Wolf IV Philipp Wolf IV, fourth generation owner of the business, was born in 1936

Q&A: Max Danger

Max Danger is a Danish born Jewellery Designer and craftsman, a self confessed gold obsessive, who has a reputation for innovative and striking pieces of bespoke jewellery. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MD: Max Danger, I'm a bespoke jeweller and part time Jewellery Technician at the London College of Fashion. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MD: I went on a half year jewellery course at technical college in Copenhagen. During my time there I realized that this was what I wanted to do. Afterwards I applied

Dongchun Lee

32nd Edition of the Marzee International Graduation Show Galerie Marzee 14 August - 31 October 2018 Dongchun Lee Mind, 2023 necklace; wood, nickel silver, horse hair 145 x 260 x 25 mm Dongchun Lee Exhibition Nijmegen , The Netherlands Until 19 July 2023 Dongchun Lee creates jewellery that is a contemplative and introspective embodiment of his preoccupation with the passage of time. His work gently breathes life into his belief that time is both the catalyst by which life flourishes and the means by which it will eventually diminish and wither as the years pass. Dongchun Lee was born in 1964

PRESS RELEASE: Renisis Debuts at Jensen Stern with Sculptural Fine Jewelry

The partnership is an alliance rooted in transformation, artistic craft, and personal alchemy Renisis , a sculptural fine jewelry brand born from global journeys, theatrical imagination, and emotional depth, is now available at Jensen Stern , a boutique gallery nestled in the heart of Ketchum, Idaho. This partnership marks the first public presentation of Renisis' inaugural collections, the Evidence of the Future Collection and the Curl Collection —two bold, sensorially charged explorations of wearable art as protection and intention. Jessica Herner, Owner & Partner at Jensen Stern, says, “We at Jensen Stern are thrilled to announce the arrival of Renisis

David Poston, The Lateral Maker @ The Scottish Gallery

David Poston: The Lateral Maker Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh 4 January - 1 February 2020 The Gallery presents a showcase of jewellery from David Poston, covering different aspects of his creative career including his signature work in stainless steel and forged titanium. Born to British parents in Moscow, Russia in 1948, David was educated in the United Kingdom and graduated from the jewellery design course at Hornsey College of Art. He worked as an artist-jeweller using mainly non-precious metals and other materials from 1970 until 1984. In 1985 David chose to change course by studying for a PhD in Engineering focused on the

Obituary: Graham Stewart 1955 - 2020

Silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, who has died in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28 October aged 65, was a talented master craftsman who remained humble about his achievements and his skill. His most recognisable work, Three Honours of Scotland, remains on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament. We publish two obituaries of our friend and colleague: Obituary: Graham Stewart, Scottish silversmith whose work graces Holyrood parliament building Graham Leishman Stewart, silversmith. Born: July 10 1955 in Bridge of Allan. Died: October 28 2020, aged 65. www.scotsman.com Appreciation: Graham Leishman Stewart- 1955-2020, Silversmith Graham Stewart, who died in Edinburgh on

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Canine

Canine 29th June - 28th September 2019 The Craft Centre & Design Gallery, Leeds, West Yorkshire Sculptural works of art for the home or garden by a collection of celebrated UK makers. Man’s best friend is explored through a variety of materials which have been cleverly handcrafted into different breeds of dogs as well as those animals closely related to dogs such as wolves and foxes. Pippa Barrow Born and raised in Southern Africa, Pippa qualified as a goldsmith and went on to work for the artist-jeweller Wendy Ramshaw in London for over ten years. A major career change followed

Annamaria Zanella: Between Matter and Color

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

Canine

Organic glass and fluid landscape

Biba Schutz is one of those artists who has no need to deepen the analytical phase of her creative process. Her intuitive ability and emotional approach to work allow her to achieve incredible results. Rippling Necklace During the course of her evolutionary journey, Biba has experimented with a range of materials, searching for a balanced dialogue between form and content, construction and meaning. However, perhaps it is in the use of glass that her language is best expressed and defined, even though she prefers to define herself as a metal worker. Her approach to glass was born almost casually 10

November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine

Those born in November are lucky enough to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Often mistaken for one another throughout history, these two sunny stones are the perfect way to warm up as the winter weather chills set in strong! Whilst both November birthstones are known for their calming energies and believed to bring good fortune to its wearer, these two gems each have their own unique set of qualities and characteristics that make them the perfect affordably priced gemstone for many a jewellery collections. Topaz Throughout much of history, topaz was the term once given to

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

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

Join FORGE as its Open House!

Discover how you can be part of our community, how to get involved and what opportunities there are for you. Have a look around and ask questions any time on Thursday 6th April between 11am - 4pm. Register your attendance here , FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and affordable workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps

The Birthstone of March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine, the birthstone for those born in March, embodies all things connected to the sea, from its crystalline ocean tones to its Latin aqua marinus, translating to "water of the sea". Aquamarine is the translucent blue variety of crystal belonging to the beryl family. Ranging in colour from transparent, pale-blue hues to slightly greenish-blue tones, the variety seen in aquamarine is caused by the presence of iron oxides within its chemical composition. All about Aquamarine Heat treated aquamarine tends to result in crystals with a strong, deep blue-like appearance whilst natural aquamarine is usually of a lighter hue and more

Eric N Smith 1949 – 2019

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

Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

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

Precious ?

Precious ? 28 members from over 10 countries will take part in the Precious Collective's Launch Exhibition in Plymouth, 16th to 28th April 2019 Born in November 2017 with a membership of over 120 members from 30 countries worldwide it is a very eclectic and diverse group of makers which now boasts over 4 thousand Instagram followers. Previously solely social media based; Ocean Studios will now host the physical launch of the collective. 28 selected members will present what promises to be a very exciting and possibly challenging Art-Jewellery exhibition. If precious means 'of high cost or worth: not to

Diamonds Are Forever: The Birthstone of April

It's true that diamonds are a girl's (and guys) best friend, especially as those fortunate enough to be born in April have one of the most treasured birthstones in the gem world: Diamonds. Diamond Overview Diamonds attain the reputation of being most of the most prized and rare gemstones due to their level of toughness. In fact, diamonds are 58 times harder than any other mineral on Earth and can only be cut by another diamond. Diamonds are made from only one element: a pure carbon lattice which can occur in several colours including pink, yellow, red, green and blue.

Shine bright like a diamond this April

Those born in the month of April are fortunate enough to have one of the most prized and regal gems as their birthstone. For all those April babies, diamonds really are a girl's (and boy's) best friend. From the Greek word " ad ámas " meaning "unbreakable", diamonds have been the desired gem for centuries; arguably as early as 4 BC due to its unique characteristics and qualities. Historically diamonds first became popular in India where the Imperial Colony and moguls mined diamonds from deposits along three major rivers. Diamond is made of pure carbon and it is the way that

Amberif 2019

Amberif 2019 20 23 March 2019 Amberif is the world’s most important amber exhibition and the largest jewellery event in Central and Eastern Europe. Here business meets art, creative ideas are born, the latest trends and technologies in jewellery design are presented. Amberif brings together 470 exhibitors from all over the world and 6,000 trade visitors from 54 countries, with the largest contingents from Russia, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, China, UK, Latvia, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland, USA, France, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Estonia and Canada. The event is accompanied by exhibition previews, workshops, scientific seminars and discussion panels. AMBERIF’s highlight is

David Williams-Bulkeley at Woldstone Gallery

Woldstone Collaborates With Zuleika Gallery To Show The Work Of David Williams-Bulkeley Woldstone, a gallery dedicated to late 20th and 21st century jewellery and silverware is hosting the work of artist David Williams-Bulkeley in collaboration with Oxford’s Zuleika Gallery. Zuleika Gallery is an Oxfordshire based art consultancy and pop-up art gallery. From February until June 2017, Zuleika is popping up at Woldstone in Woodstock, Oxfordshire with an exhibition of Still Life paintings by David Williams-Bulkeley. British-born, Williams-Bulkeley now resides and paints from his studio in Boston, Massachusetts and this is a rare chance to see his remarkable work in the

August Birthstone: Pretty Peridot

Often called the evening emerald because of its light green colour, peridot is known as a symbol of strength. The mellow lime green stone of August is associated with peace, good fortune, prosperity and happiness as well as the famous poem, " Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity, The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved alone”. A rare-gem quality of variety of olivine, peridot is lustrous yellowish-green stone, also known as Chrysolite. Igneous in origin, peridot is formed deep inside the earth's mantle and surfaced through volcanic activity, measuring a hardness of 6.5-7

Cockpit Arts Open Studios 2017 - Deptford

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

The Unspoken Beauty of Moissanite

Moissanite (/ˈmɔɪsənaɪt/) So what exactly is moissanite; the ugly step-sister of the cinderella gem world? Think again! Incredibly rare and precious, moissanite is a beautifully natural gemstone born from a meteorite star that fell to Earth in 1893. Originally thought to be the discovery of Diamond by French scientist Henri Moissan, it was soon revealed to be a crystal gemstone with very similar properties to Diamond but that was composed of silicon carbide. Due to the natural composition of Moissanite, it has become a very scarce mineral worldwide making moissainte as we see it today almost entirely laboratory-grown. Through

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

Wendy Ramshaw was an internationally acclaimed jeweller, designer and artist. Her worked spanned the 1960s through to present day and she can be charged with being at the forefront of the ‘new wave’ of jewellery which emerged in the mid twentieth century pioneering the use of alternative materials which formed the basis of ‘designer’ and ‘art’ jewellery movements, which we see today. Born in Sunderland in on the 26 May 1939, Wendy Anne Jopling Ramshaw was the daughter of Angus and Flora (nee Hollingshead), a Tyne and Wear family, which was based in the shipping industry. As a girl she

Barbara Cartlidge (1922 - 2017)

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

Barbara Cartlidge (1922 - 2017)

Garnet for Those January Birth Babies

With the start of a new year and a new month puts one of the most beautiful birthstones in the gemstone limelight. For those of you who are lucky enough to be born in the month of January, you are gifted with the kaleidoscopic birthstone of garnet. Garnet is a term used to describe a group of closely related silicate minerals which together produce a painter's palette variety of colour. Even today, garnet remains to be the one mineral that displays the largest variety of colour, making it a popular choice across the jewellery industry. 'Garnet' comes from the Middle

Agustina Ros: A Glass Adventure

Agustina Ros is a young and promising glass jewelry artist who combines the sensitivity of art and the resolution of design. Born in Misiones, Argentina, she currently lives in Barcelona, the city where she has chosen to open her own studio with an international vision. Focused on the use of blown borosilicate glass, some pieces are then finished with metals such as gold and silver, and polished to improve the reflection of light. Her hungry desire to experiment, create and improve has already led her to receive several awards and to affirm the presence of her collections in international and creative contexts. Her creations are flexible interpretations of clean and organic forms, in which transparency represents the values of purity and originality.

Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds

Image Credit: Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds, installation views, Serpentine North © Barbara Chase-Riboud 2022. Photo: © Jo Underhill, courtesy Serpentine. Barbara Chase-Riboud: Infinite Folds Serpentine North, London Tuesday 11 October 2022 – Monday 10 April 2023 Serpentine extends the first UK solo exhibition of American visual artist, sculptor, novelist and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud until April 2023. Serpentine is delighted to announce the extension of Infinite Folds, an exhibition featuring over 30 works by American-born visual artist, sculptor, novelist and poet Barbara Chase-Riboud. On display at Serpentine North until 10 April 2023, this is the artist’s first institutional solo presentation in

Cockpit Arts Summer Open Studios 2017 - Holborn

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