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Tradition re-imagined: Nadine Aysoy expands the Celeste Collection

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

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

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

Fabergé create limited surprise locket for Chinese New Year

Fabergé have launched a new egg in time for Chinese Year. 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The modern interpretation draws from its famous Heritage Collection. The new additiion, the 'Palais Tsarskoye Selo Dog Locket' features red guilloché enamel and round white diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold. The locket opens to reveal a golden dog with dazzling diamond eyes, in honour of Chinese Year of the Dog, 2018. The Heritage Collection draws inspiration from Fabergé’s original jewelled masterpieces, capturing their refinement, cultural richness and technical perfection. The 'Palais Tsarskoye Selo Dog Locket' is a limited edition of

The Bling Dynasty: Why the Reign of Chinese Luxury Shoppers Has Only Just Begun (Wiley Finance)

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 @ Wolverhampton Art Gallery

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

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

Fei Liu unveils ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara with 88ct sapphire

Last week, the Designer of the Year, Fei Liu, unveiled his latest masterpiece ‘The Blue of Dreams’ in Shenzhen City, China, to press and the Chinese jewellery industry. ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara is a collaboration between Fei and the Chinese beauty pageant. Fei sought inspiration from the flying fairy murals of Dunhuang , China. A city which symbolises the beginning of the Silk Road. The marvellous main sapphire stone has a weight of 88ct and is worth approximately £3million. The entwined ribbons of platinum are set with hues of sapphire and rose-cut diamonds, to give the tiara

Call for Participants: Pass it Along Project

Call for Participants: Pass it Along Project New year; new inspiration? The applications to join in the 2018 edition of the Pass It Along Project / Challenge are now open - for any jewellery makers that are looking for a fresh challenge for the new year... The Pass it Along Project is an international collaboration challenge for jewellers - think of the kids games 'Pass the Parcel' or 'Chinese Whispers' but with jewellers instead. Designed as a personal creative challenge for those involved, each jeweller starts work on a piece of jewellery, but then passes it along to another jeweller

Bulgari Inaugurates New Jewellery Manufacturing Facility in Valenza

Bulgari inaugurated its new jewellery manufacturing facility in Valenza , Italy, on 17 March. Bridging tradition and innovation, the 14,000-square-meter site expands Bulgari’s exclusively “Made in Italy” manufacturing network. Bulgari has continually amazed, innovated and renewed its creativity since its founding in Rome in 1884. The storied Maison bridges tradition and future once again with the inauguration of a new jewelry manufacturing facility in Valenza , Italy, a cradle of goldsmithing . The launch of the new 14,000-square-meter site will lead to the creation of 300 new jobs by 2020. The Valenza site joins the network of Italian manufacturing

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

News Edit: 30 June 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... Mystery of jeweller Vashi’s vanishing diamonds and Middle East investors who lost millions The National News: Vashi Dominguez's eponymous company was touted as the future of the diamond trade, but collapsed owing £170m. The National investigates what went wrong. www.thenationalnews.com High Jewelry Artist Anna Hu Celebrates Chinese Culture In Paris Forbes: 2024 is a year of milestones for France. Not only are eyes on the capital for the LVMH-sponsored Olympic Games, the fashion calendar is packed with events like Vogue World: Paris and now there’s a snap general election.

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?

Liu Yifei wears Chaumet for the premiere of Mulan in Los Angeles

This week in Los Angeles, on the occasion of the premiere of Mulan, directed by Niki Caro, Liu Yifei, ambassador of the Maison, was wearing the Nuages d’Or earrings from the High Jewellery collection Les Ciels de Chaumet, as well as a ring from the High Jewellery collection Soir de Fête. Ambassador of Maison Chaumet in China, Liu Yifei is one of the leading actresses of her generation. Sharing with the Maison the same vision of elegance, the Chinese-American actress personifies the contemporary femininity of Chaumet jewellery creations. Author: Published:

Miss World China crowned with Fei Liu's glorious £11 million masterpiece

Fei Liu's magnificent Blue of Dreams tiara, worth £11 million and featuring a stunning 88 carat sapphire, was placed ceremoniously on the head of Chinese beauty queen Guan Siyu last week when she won the Miss World China 2017 pageant in Dalian, China. The Fei Liu Fine Jewellery founder collaborated with the New Silkroutes Group Ltd to create his amazing masterpiece and took a full 9 months to complete it - in a painstaking process of design and intricate craftsmanship. Look closely and you will see the majestic 88ct Sri Lanka blue sapphire set in platinum, six high-grade over sapphires,

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

Isabella Liu Unveils ‘Sea Rhymes Collection’ at IJL 2016

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

News Edit: 11 September 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... My Favourite Pieces: Jacqueline Gestetner’s top five pieces from a lifetime of collecting FT: The woman behind the Jacqueline’s Choice events picks items including a stylish Emmeline necklace and a Barbara Crowe bangle bought in the Sixties. ft.com Art of the experimental: young Chinese jewellery designers to watch FT: Emerging talents are producing innovative, dynamically coloured high jewellery pieces. ft.com 'A year ago I was unhappy in my job, but now I've made £200,000 from jewellery' The Daily Mirror: A mum-of-two has managed to take her handmade jewellery

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 -

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

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

Five Launches At Collect International Art Fair 2022

A brand-new collective, ‘FIVE’, will launch this year at the Collect International Art Fair 2022 with ‘Conversations in Silver & Metal’ supported by Goldsmiths’ Fair. FIVE comprises UK based silversmiths Angela Cork, Jessica Jue, Ane Christensen, Patrick Davison and Sheng Zhang. The group is a diverse mix of exciting emerging and mid-career makers that represent a cross-section of generations and backgrounds with a shared ethos of creativity evolving around precision and fine craftsmanship. Each maker applies contemporary ideas to traditional materials and techniques to challenge the preconceptions and expectations of tradition, value, and the use of silver and fine metalwork.

News Edit: 12 December 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news... In London, the Goldsmiths’ Company Gets Ready to Mark 700 Years NY Times: The organization says improving diversity and creating a digital archive of its 12,000 pieces of jewelry and silver will help propel it into the future. www.nytimes.com Want a Diamond? Why Not Paint Your Own? NY Times: Interest in the luxury house tradition of drawing gems has led to classes in the technique, including one at a museum in Belgium. www.nytimes.co In fine jewelry and watches, sustainability shines through Mckinsey: Consumers shopping for high-end jewelry and

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

Two Largest Coins Ever Made in the UK Face The Trial of the Pyx

Steeped in ancient tradition, the Trial of the Pyx plays an essential role in supporting The Royal Mint’s reputation for excellence in production. 2020 sees a Royal Mint first as the largest coins ever made in the UK will be tested at the Trial - the five kilo and two kilo ‘Una and The Lion’ coins. The Trial of the Pyx, one of Britain's oldest judicial processes. Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, since 1871, The Goldsmiths’ Company is responsible for testing these coins and ensuring they are of the correct quality and composition. During the ceremony, jury members are required to [youtube

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

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.

Ellie Goulding sports Aisha Bakers' Fairy-tale themed Jewellery

Aisha Baker's Mirror Mirror collection is designed more as a notion of wearable art than of jewellery, sitting right at the intersection of tradition and modernity; of childhood and adulthood. Charming and playful, each thoughfully designed piece, once adorned, acts as a protector from reality, a means of safe transportation to an escape. The collection, which is a brand new commercial line of the high jewellery 'Mirror Mirror' collection, will launch in three parts throughout 2019. Unlike the high-jewellery line which is comprised of only 5 pierces per design, each individually numbered, the commercial line is widely available via the Aisha Baker website.

BAROQCO shine at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

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

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

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

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

Museum of Arts and Design Announce Winners of the Loot Acquisition Prize 2018

This week, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) announced Isabelle Molénat and Sarran Youkongdee as the winners of the third annual LOOT Acquisition Prize. Awarded on the occasion of the eighteenth edition of LOOT: MAD About Jewelley, the Museum’s annual exhibition and sale of contemporary art jewellery, this year’s prize will result in the acquisition of two jewellery works, Molénat’s Collection Knots Necklace (2018) and Youkongdee’s Siam Rattikarn (2017), for MAD’s permanent collection. “We are thrilled to add these two new works to the Museum’s collection, as they continue our tradition of support for new artists and new thinking

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,

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

The Modern Pearl Collection by Margot McKinney

Internationally acclaimed jewellery designer Margot McKinney is redefining the way women wear pearls with a new collection created from the unusual beauty of Australian South Sea pearls. Based in Australia, Margot McKinney hails from a long family tradition of luxury retail dating back to 1884. Transcending mere adornment, her jewelry designs are statement pieces of pristine craftsmanship that lend any ensemble a touch of the sublime. For Margot, it often begins with the stone, sourced with extreme care from rare finds. Out of its intrinsic qualities, she fashions the ideal setting for the gem to shine at its most

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

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.

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

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

Johnny Rocket Jewellery: A Contemporary Vision Online

A new chapter is now being written with the launch of the Johnny Rocket website, encapsulating classic collections alongside newly created collections. The website introduces the diversity of Johnny’s designs and makes them widely available for the first time. Johnny is bringing his personal touch and quality of service to the internet, blending technology & tradition with a contemporary vision. With the advent of this new ecommerce site, he introduces Renaiscemento Rose: a signature women’s collection alongside the new androgynous Flame collection. Johnny relaunches his perennial classic original Swallow and classic 1950s Sci-fi inspired debut Space collection with the addition

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

Heritage Crafts Award Winners Announced

The last remaining professional fore-edge painter Martin Frost has been awarded Maker of the Year by the Heritage Crafts Association at its Textures of Craft conference on 6 th May. Fore-edge painting is one of the seventeen critically endangered crafts identified by the HCA. Martin took up the craft of vanishing fore-edge painting in 1970, continuing an English tradition that dates back to the 17 th century. Since then he has produced over 3,300 edge-paintings, many on carefully restored antique books.  His commitment to the craft as an artist and untiring efforts to raise its profile have won him respect

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

Clogau Announce New Store At Ashford Designer Outlet

Following the success of their Outlet stores in Cheshire Oaks, Bridgend and Resorts World Birmingham, Clogau have announced the launch of a fourth Outlet in Ashford, Kent. Clogau, who were crowned Jewellery Brand of the Year at the 2015 UK Jewellery Awards, are thrilled to have launched their third Outlet store within the McArthurGlen Group. The iconic Welsh brand continue a long tradition of creating jewellery that is expertly hand-finished and uniquely designed. Every piece of Clogau jewellery contains rare Welsh gold, as used by some members of the British Royal Family. Ben Roberts, Managing Director at Clogau talks about the

Mappin & Webb Launch Beau Han Xu Glasswear Collection

Mappin & Webb has announced a collaboration with award winning RCA graduate designer and artist Beau Han Xu. Drawing on nature and the ethereal, the London based designer captures and preserves inspirational moments in his creations, particularly the split second of beauty as a raindrop bursts with a splash. Continuing a silver and glassware tradition spanning more than 240 years, Mappin & Webb continues pioneering innovation with this latest, exclusive product collaboration. The Collection An exquisite collection of twelve elegant glass shapes has been created, including Red, White, Rosé, Martini, Cocktail, Whiskey, Cognac, Shot Glass and, of course, Champagne, with

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

Grant MacDonald: Timed To Perfection

The elegance of a Grant Macdonald timepiece imparts London-made luxury to the mantelpiece, tabletop or desk. The silversmithing house has launched a range of new designs in a portfolio of precious metals and design aethetics. Grant MacDonalds has launched a range of mantlepieces pieces designed as a generous symbol of refinement when given as a gift. The range includes Imperial Timepiece , standing half a metre high and honouring the 18th Century French Ormolu clock tradition, and King's Mantel in sterling silver and 24 carat gold , as well as bespoke luxury clocks which can fit a range of customer requirements.

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

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

Bloomin’ Jewels Talk: In Conversation with Corinne Julius

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

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

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

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill Megan Brown’s new collection ‘Woven’ draws together her family heritage and talent for jewellery making. Growing up in Yorkshire, with a family legacy of textile weaving going back over 100 years, inspired Megan’s lifelong love of fabrics. The new collection explores how the soft, flowing qualities of fabric might be translated into something as hard as metal. Creating sculptural designs which have been intricately woven, using fine silver and gold chain to create a dynamic collection steeped in history and tradition. Alfred Brown

News Edit:29 September 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... The best vintage-inspired chunky gold jewellery The Times: It’s an easy instant update, starting at £3. By Annie Hertikova. thetimes.co.uk Sculptural simplicity is the order of the day at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair Wallpaper: Goldsmiths’ Fair’s annual showcase of contemporary jewellery is one of the highlights in the jewellery calendar wallpaper.com Chanel's New High Jewellery Collection Is Fit For Russian Royalty Tatler: Twinkling gemstones and decadent designs celebrate Russian tradition and splendour. Chanel's latest high jewellery line, called Le Paris Russe de Chanel, alludes to Gabrielle Chanel’s starry-eyed ties with

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

Jewellers Recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

In a tradition which dates back to 1860 when Queen Victoria gave out the first Birthday Honours, a total of 1,057 people have been recognised in this year’s Queen's Birthday Honours list including two well known figures in industry. From left to right, clockwise: Nicholas Wainwright, Stuart Laing, Pippa Pearce, Vanessa Swann and Sam Fanaroff. The Queen's Birthday honours lists recognise the achievements and service of people across the UK who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities. This year members of the jewellery, craft and metalwork industries were recognised with the Order of the British Empire. Sam Fanaroff, Founder of the Sussex Guild for

Head of Customer Service, Brown & Newirth - Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Head of Customer Service Brown & Newirth Hatfield, Hertfordshire Role Overview We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and hands-on Head of Customer Service to lead our customer service department. You will be responsible for driving excellence in customer interactions, ensuring every customer touchpoint reflects our brand values of quality, precision, and dedication. This role is integral to enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty and ensuring high standards of customer service are maintained. Key Responsibilities Leadership: Lead and inspire a team of customer service professionals, fostering a culture of exceptional customer care. Strategy Development: Develop and implement customer service strategies that align