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Kritha: The eco of the tradition

It is always interesting to see contemporary designers continuing the tradition. Krithaa is an Indian brand that reinterprets the tradition of Indian craftsmanship with a new look and attitude. It uses and further develops some concepts belonging to the traditional philosophy making it as its own identity, and then elaborate a coherent and original aesthetic writes Ilaria Ruggiero. All characterized by a contemporary look, which uniforms the pieces as well as the visual language. In general, their design philosophy is driven by the idea of ‘adaptive re-use’ and ‘context building’. Each of the designs has one urban collectible; that urban collectible

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery 13 November 2024 The Melting Pot, Edinburgh Tech Meets Tradition: The Jewellery Collective to host knowledge-sharing and networking event exploring the future of AI in the jewellery industry The Jewellery Collective – a community-driven members’ association founded on a vision of breaking down barriers, fostering trust and encouraging new connections – has announced an upcoming panel talk and networking event in Edinburgh called Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery . Hosted by co-working and event space The Melting Pot, this exciting event is designed to invite fresh perspectives

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China @ Wolverhampton Art Gallery

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China

The Other Mountain: Contemporary Jewellery from China The National Centre for Craft & Design is a unique and ambitious gallery that seeks to exhibit the most innovative, challenging and accomplished artists practicing within the craft and design arena today. The Other Mountain showcases an innovative jewellery collection from contemporary Chinese jewellers. The exhibition title stems from the ancient Chinese art of Jade carving, with Jade carvers typically perceived as the aristocrats of Chinese jewellery making. Traditionally, Jade that was mined from one mountain had to be cut using stone from another mountain. In the same way as the Jade was cut with stone from another mountain,

Gold and Treasures from Ancient China

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

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?

News Briefing: 9 February 2025

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Bulgari’s new exhibition pays homage to the snake in culture, art and jewellery Anna Solomon, February 2025, Wallpaper:  The high jewellery maison celebrates the Chinese zodiac in ‘Serpenti Infinito’, a Shanghai exhibition that traces how the symbol of the serpent has manifested throughout history. www.wallpaper.com Pharrell Williams and Tiffany & Co put Tahitian pearls and diamonds in the spotlight Anne Soward, February 2025, Wallpaper:  Two new jewellery collections combine Tiffany & Co’s inventive craftsmanship with the creative vision of Pharrell Williams www.wallpaper.com LVMH achieves a solid performance despite an

Appointment: Geena Tok leaves Nike to head up Pandora China business

Pandora has recruited Geena Tok from Nike to head its business in China, where the Danish company has been challenged by a rise in sales on the grey market. Pandora has 200 stores and employs more than 1,400 people in China but has said it needs to counter China's grey market, where increasing numbers of jewellery pieces are imported from other markets and sold online. Last month Pandora, the world's largest jewellery maker by production volume, said it would lower retail prices in the country by an average of 15 percent. Chinese resident Tok joins Pandora next month, having spent

Masterpiece London 2017

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

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture Pforzheim Jewellery Museum 11 March - 1 October 2023 The art of jewellery making, whose lines of tradition in technology and design reach back to antiquity, interpreted in a modern way and refined further - this is what the jewellery manufacturer Wellendorff stands for. In 2023, the family business will celebrate its 130th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Pforzheim’s Jewellery Museum is looking back at the individual decades since 1893. For each decade, a precious object from the Wellendorff company that exemplifies its time will be on display. As interventions

A touch of modern romance

When you think of heart-shaped accessories, what springs to mind? For many, thoughts would fly to the heart-shaped chocolate boxes, teddy bears holding heart-shaped cushions and delicate heart pendants that come out in full force around the annual Valentine's Day holiday tradition.  Whilst some may adore these heart-shaped accessories, others have found them to be too sickly and girlish. Whatever your personal opinion of this symbolic shape, the heart has been an iconic motif used throughout period antiques for many centuries.  First created as a symbol of enduring love and romance, the heart shape was first reported at the end

Glass with a world inside: Jewellery by Mio Toyoda

Glass Tradition in Japan is very old and the first glass in Japan is found among archaeological remains dating to the Yayoi period (3rd century B.C. to 3rd century A.D.). Over the centuries and up until the Edo period (1603-1867), glass of any kind was considered a luxury to be enjoyed by society's upper class. In addition to the European imports, much of Japanese early knowledge and technology in regard to glassmaking was derived from China writes Ilaria Ruggiero. While the western influence was strong, the Japanese style in glass retained its identity and spirit. During the 19th century, glassmaking took

When digital meets craft: An open view by Chiara Scarpitti

Chiara Scarpitti is an Italian multidisciplinary artist and designer specializing in contemporary jewelry. Her research investigates different aspects of the contemporary material culture, exploring technology through a humanistic approach. She is one of the few designers able to perfectly synthesize the historical dimension of research, through the eyes of the present, projecting it directly to the future, thanks to the ability of balancing technique, narrative and vision. Through her work, the tradition finds a new identity, thanks to aesthetic and technical innovation. In Chiara’s pieces emerges, perfectly balanced, a collection of suggestions from different narrations and imaginaries. Nature, in its

Collect Art Fair 2024

Collect 1 - 3 March 2024 Somerset House, London This year marks the art and craft fair's 20th anniversary Collect is back and celebrating its 20th birthday! Since its launch in 2004, the fair has come to be the leading authority on collectable contemporary craft and design, raising the profile of exceptional makers from the world over. The 2024 edition of the fair – taking place 1-3 March at London's Somerset House – will continue this tradition by bringing together a curated selection of 40 international galleries, who will be presenting pieces from over 400 talented craftspeople. Their work will

The Society of Jewellery Historians (SJH) Symposium: BEADS 2025

The Society of Jewellery Historians Symposium: BEADS 2025 Saturday 28 June 2025 Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BE This one day multidisciplinary symposium brings together an international group of scholars who will explore the role and significance of beads in global adornment from antiquity to the present day. We are delighted that the renowned artist-jeweller, Caroline Broadhead will give the keynote speech. Her talk will consider how she uses beads in her practice, pushing the boundaries of tradition to explore contemporary narratives. £70* early bird for members (£80 after the 28th of April)  £85* early bird for

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery Mobilia Gallery 18th May  - 21st June 2019 "Trained as a silversmith in Germany and having spent several years constructing tableware, my approach to jewelry making is informed foremost by the European tradition of applied art. I limit myself to creating jewelry that is wearable and also, to a big degree, to the materials traditionally perceived as precious. Within these limitations I am trying to develop my own language, hoping to be able to not only communicate my own sensibilities but also a sense of contemporary aesthetique." Exhibition Dates 18th May  - 21st June 2019

Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair

Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair 13 - 18 December 2024 Protein Studios Shoreditch, 31 New Inn Yard London EC2A 3EY We are delighted to invite you to the Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Fair, running from Friday, 13th to Monday, 18th of December—an event recognized by Condé Nast, GQ, SheerLuxe, Country & Townhouse, and more as an unmissable highlight of the cultural calendar. Now in its fifth edition, the fair continues to break barriers in contemporary art and design, offering a refreshing and democratic platform for emerging talent. This year’s theme, Metamorphosis, embraces the spirit of creative reinvention, seamlessly merging tradition with innovation

OROAREZZO 2019

OROAREZZO 2019 6 - 9 April 2019 Everything is ready for the next edition of OROAREZZO, the event that promotes the best Italian goldsmithing production internationally, which this year reaches the important milestone of the 40 anniversary. The quintessential appointment of the Made in Italy goldsmithing sector, managed by Italian Exhibition Group and scheduled from April 6 to 9 at Arezzo Fiere e Congressi, brings together some of the best Italian manufacturing companies through exhibitions dedicated to jewelry, silverware, semi-finished products and stones. Innovation, stylistic and technological research; state-of-the-art products that, according to tradition, follow the rules of industrial production.

Bloomin’ Jewels

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Celebrating Eighty: Art In The Hand

This March the exhibition Celebrating Eighty: Art in the Hand at the Goldsmiths’ Centre unites eighty contemporary art medals by students from more than a dozen UK art colleges with work by renowned Iranian sculptor, jeweller, writer and designer Parviz Tanavoli and his former students in celebration of his 80th Birthday. All exhibitors have been invited to participate in the British Art Medal Society’s 24th Student Medal Project. A surprising and challenging medium for artists and viewers alike, the modern art medal has its roots in the Renaissance tradition of making medals as hand-sized works of art. Each year over

Hypnotic Crystal Lips: Where Jewellery Meets Beauty

Striking gemstones have been setting hearts all aflutter as they dazzle, glitter and shine round the necks, wrists and dainty fingers of models strutting the fall runways. Nothing quite beats the majestical beauty and subtlety of semi-precious crystal stone jewellery that never fails to capture the magpie eyes of the jewellery world. The enchanting light refractions that encompass the delicacy of the gemstone spectrum have been entwined into a new and bewitching creative innovation where the wearing of coloured stone just got magnetising. Capture the passion for coloured stones by painting a new twist upon this old tradition by taking

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: Christine Lalumia, Executive Director of CAA

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: In Conversation with Corinne Julius

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: Geoffrey Munn – The Floral in Jewellery

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme ‘Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: Geoffrey Munn – The Floral in Jewellery

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme ‘Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Champagne Showers in Race Day Jewels

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

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity

Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity The Library and Museum of Freemasonry presents Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity By wearing badges we can connect with one another and reveal something about ourselves. With their unique symbols and hidden meanings, Bejewelled: Badges, Brotherhood and Identity features over 150 stunning examples of masonic badges referred to as ‘jewels’. It is the largest public display of its kind ever staged in the UK. Including jewels from around the world, the exhibition sheds light on a long and celebrated tradition. Examples like the Egyptian-inspired Authors’ Lodge jewel and delightful Barraclough Plate jewel tell the story

Fasten Up a Look of Style, Luxury and Suave

It's without question that cufflinks add nothing short of stylish sauve and charm to a man's attire. If you're looking for that final touch to your look then why not add a touch of luxury and individuality with your accessories? Cufflinks are often described as a popular tradition of the past with today's generation preferring a more relaxed look of rolled up sleeves as part of their smart-casual attire. That being said, it is undenaible that there is still something rather charming and suave about a pair of well-worn cufflinks.  Whilst cufflinks are practical in their function of keeping your

Making a Winter's Tale, Contemporary Applied Arts - London

Making a Winter's Tale, Contemporary Applied Arts - London Making a Winter’s Tale Handmade gifts for the festive season This winter, Contemporary Applied Arts (CAA), home to works from Britain’s leading craftspeople, will launch ‘Making a Winter’s Tale’, a seasonal selling exhibition. It will offer a range of meaningful gifts at accessible price points, as well as high-value collectors’ pieces. This curated selection is imbued with skill, innovation and tradition. From the decorative to the functional and wearable, in a range of diverse materials from clay to precious gemstones, each handmade object is a one off. From the decorative to

Chills, Shrills & Thrills

Are you ready for a weekend of mischievous, dark and wildly extravagant dress-up guaranteed to make one heart-stopping entrance of smouldering style? Halloween night is looming which is why d esigners have been slowly unfurling their collections dripping in dark demure, grandeur and sultry sensualism.  With glimmers of sexy r omanticism and hints of gothic tradition, nail your look from the dark side with single statement pieces encrusted with bold baroque designs, multi-layered mixed metals and rich jewels. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of winter gothic charm and spirit and take a look at our treasure trove of bewitching pieces to

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: Geoffrey Munn – The Floral in Jewellery

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Spirit of Christmas, Studio Fusion Gallery - London

The use of drinking vessels to celebrate special occasions and to mark life’s milestones is part of our tradition and history. Contemporary designers and artists can enhance our drinking experiences with joyful, tactile and beautiful objects and Studio Fusion Gallery in their ongoing engagement with metalsmiths is delighted to present a selection from some of the top UK makers this Christmas. Work by Juliette Bigley, Angela Cork, Adrian Hope, Simone ten Hompel, Edward Mahoney, Rebecca De Quin, Mary Ann Simmons, Hazel Thorn, Adi Toch, Tamar de Vries Winter. Studio Fusion Gallery Unit 1:06 Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse Street London SE1

Crafting Creative Magic: Origami Jewellery

Beautifully delicate, light, infinetly refined and undeniably eye-catching, Origami can only be described as a touch of magical tradition folded within creative craftsmanship. The elegant art of Japanese paper folding encapsulates not only an innovative drive of talent and imagination but an artistic way of expressing personality. Folded, flipped and curled into a mix of precious fine metals, the fresh and charming appeal of Origami Jewellery is the inspired child of French designers Claire Naa and Arnaud Soulignac. Influenced from the beauty of Japanese originality, these two founding partners sought to showcase the light and dreamy allure of oriental art

Present & Collect 2017

Present & Collect 2017 This November, Contemporary Applied Arts, home to works from Britain’s leading craftspeople, will launch Present & Collect, their annual seasonal selling exhibition. It will offer a range of meaningful gifts at accessible price points, as well as high-value collectors’ pieces. This curated selection is imbued with skill, innovation and tradition. From the decorative to the functional and wearable, in a range of diverse materials from clay to precious gemstones, each handmade object is a one off. As the leading authority on high-end British craft, CAA is a trusted resource for collectors and first time buyers alike.

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: In conversation with Corinne Julius

Bloomin’ Jewels The blossoming of the floral in contemporary jewellery Special exhibition and talks programme Bloomin’ Jewels’ , is a new selling exhibition at Contemporary Applied Arts in Bankside, which sows the seeds for a regrowth of the floral motif. This special exhibition spotlights cutting-edge, imaginative and technically accomplished modern work whilst celebrating the long and esteemed tradition of depicting flowers and foliage in jewellery. Over 20 respected contemporary jewellers have been invited to offer work using the botanical as a starting point for the creation of jewellery. The results will surprise and dazzle anyone interested in contemporary jewellery, decorative

Karolina Baines: Beauty in Interaction

Not only goldsmith tradition characterizes Karolina Baines’s work. She starts from there to explore the creation through many different techniques like sketches, painting, printmaking and mixed media. She aims at balancing shapes, colours and texture in a very refined and delicate way. Her pieces are always very malleable while keeping a strong and independent sense of movement. I addressed her few questions to better understand her world, writes Ilaria Ruggiero. IR: Where does your passion for jewellery come from? KB: I suppose I think of myself as a designer/maker first, and then as specifically a jewellery designer/maker. I love bringing ideas IR: Have