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Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Commercial Sales

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Ching-I Chien Allure Spiked Drop Earrings This category invited entries to the competition which had been designed specifically to have price points for commercial markets and be produced in batch production or mass manufacture. Judges looked at the most economical way of manufacturing the submitted piece, and also considered the design aesthetic which best fitted into a current trend. The judges were also mindful of selecting the design that best represented a commercial impact in todays’ retail market. Ching-I’s inspiration for her submitted piece came from snakes and gemstones. She says of her design, "Playing with the

Government extends support to stop business evictions this year

Commercial tenants will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020 helping businesses to protect jobs. The government has extended support to prevent business evictions until the end of 2020 This move will help businesses over the coming months and protect people’s jobs This is an addition to the £160 billion package of support available for businesses during the pandemic Businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of year, providing commercial tenants with greater security and protecting vital jobs, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced today (16 September 2020). Today’s measures

Q&A: Gianluca De Girolamo

Gianluca De Girolamo is a hugely experienced photographer who cut his teeth in the photography world in packshot studios taking pictures of branded goods for commercial use. He now has a reputation second to none for advertising and creative moodshots to commercial, editorial, e-commerce and product photography for the fashion and jewellery industries. He was previously the Head Fashion & Creative Photographer at The Packshot Company, where he worked with clients such as Vivienne Westwood, Swarovski and Burberry. He now heads up Adshot, which specialised in creative jewellery photography. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

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.

IJL Announces Bright Young Gems 2016

IJL has announced the five Bright Young Gems selected to show at this year’s event. Now in its eleventh year, this initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the leading commercial opportunities for emerging designers, providing these talented young designers with an outstanding commercial platform and excellent exposure. These emerging stars of the contemporary jewellery world are selected from final year students at colleges and universities across the UK by a prestigious panel – comprising Hilary Alexander, OBE: Editor at Large Hello! Fashion Monthly Magazine, Vivienne Becker: jewellery historian and Contributing Editor to the Financial Times - How

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2016 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, December 3rd. smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Luxury in the Age of Technology

Luxury in the Age of Technology – On Line In Collaboration with  Politecnico di Milano 26, 27 & 28 May 2021 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE Click for  Call for Papers The 2021 ‘In Pursuit of Luxury’ conference continues to provide a platform to expand our understanding of luxury. As with our previous three conferences we look forward to welcoming contributions from various disciplines and practices, across the academic and commercial sectors, including automotive, architecture, engineering, fashion, product, digital design, retail, and hospitality. Our aim is to explore all of these subject areas through a critical lens, to encourage debate about changing notions

Trade Shows

Selling work is how businesses survive, and knowing where to sell helps fill the diary with hot spots of commercial activity. We've compliled a list of national and international trade shows and events which are regular dates in the trade diary... Additive Manufacturing Europe  When: June Where: RAI, Amsterdam  This is the business-to-business show for the additive manufacturing / 3D printing industry - with more products, more launches and more live demonstrations! amshow-europe.com Autumn Fair  When:  Annually, September Where: NEC Birmingham Autumn Fair is the season's No.1 gift and home wholesale trade show for the retail industry. Launched in September 1990,

Matthew Burgess appointed New Head of Goldsmiths’ Fair for 2021

Digital engagement and arts professional, Matthew Burgess, takes on the role for one year as maternity cover for Harriet Scott Friday 15 January: Matthew Burgess joins The Goldsmiths’ Company as Head of Fair for the upcoming 2021 Fair this autumn, covering maternity for Harriet Scott who has been with the Company for over six years. Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with leading Mayfair galleries, museums and individual artists both in the UK and internationally. He has organised and managed numerous high-profile commercial and educational events as well as exhibitions and fairs for renowned international artists

The John Lewis Partnership Supports Bright Young Gems® 2022 As New Retail Associate Partner

British high street retailer, The John Lewis Partnership, joins the expert line up supporting the Bright Young Gems® 2022 mentoring scheme for graduating jewellery designers.  Bright Young Gems®, now in its sixteenth year, is the highly successful jewellery industry’s mentoring platform designed to discover and nurture new talent whilst providing the winners with their first commercial showcase.  Elena Bergonzi, Jewellery Buyer for John Lewis, will join the winners’ selection judging panel and contribute to the winners’ mentoring sessions with the winning designers and existing associate, the National Association of Jewellers.  Elena Bergonzi says: “We are excited and honoured to be

Navneet Gems & Minerals unveils a unique selection of 1ct + Unheated Color-change Sapphires from Tanzania at GJX Tuscon Gem Show 2024

Thailand-based gemstone manufacturer Navneet Gems and Minerals launches a collection of responsibly sourced Unheated Color-change Sapphires from Tanzania ranging between 0.50 ct to over 2 cts+ sizes in commercial to fine investment grade qualities. The collection comprises 50-100 pieces from the Songea region in Tanzania, catering to all preferences—from single stones, fancy shapes to investment-grade sapphires. Navneet will also unveil a selection of calibrated color-change sapphires ranging from 5mm to 5.5mm, featuring diverse shapes and cuts, notably round brilliant cuts that are well-suited for bracelets and necklaces. Each gemstone is hand selected and cut in their facility in Thailand. Agarwal

NAJ Reveals Brands Participating in ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’ at the NAJ Summit 2021

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is pleased to announce an initial list of suppliers that are participating in this year’s  NAJ Summit  and its trade event-style ‘Suppliers’ Showcase’. Download the NAJ Summit Brochure Visiting retailers will have chance to reconnect with the teams at Hockley Mint, Ntinga, CW Sellors, Clarity Jewellery, Cadfolio, Fei Liu, GVUK Design, Code by Edge, Mireya, Lucy Quatermaine, Goodman Bros., Ruppenthal, LBJ Jewellery, Angel Whisperer, TI SENTO – Milano and Headline Sponsor, Continental UK, across all three days of the event. Garry Lane, NAJ’s Commercial Manager overseeing the Supplier Showcase says: “We’re delighted to be

HCA's Red List of Endangered Crafts Grows with 37 New Additions

For the 2019 edition of the Heritage Craft Association's Red List of Endangered Crafts, 212 crafts were assessed to identify those which are at greatest risk of disappearing. Of the 212 crafts featured in the research, four have been classified as extinct, 36 as critically endangered, 70 as endangered and 102 as currently viable.  Sixteen new crafts have been added to the ‘critically endangered’ category of the Red List, meaning that they are at serious risk of dying out in the next generation, including withy crab pot making, millwrighting and commercial handmade paper making. They join 20 other critically endangered

Top Drawer A/W

Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers, returns to London Olympia on 10-12 September 2017. The Autumn/Winter 2017 edition presents thousands of leading and undiscovered UK and International brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic worlds of Home, Gift, Fashion, Craft, Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season. Food Emporium will make its September debut, adding a delicious selection of the finest giftable food products from the best producers and artisans.  Spotted brings the

Appointment: Victoria Waugh Announced as Women’s Jewellery Network First Ethics and Sustainability Ambassador

The Women’s Jewellery Network, the UK’s only dedicated organisation supporting women working in the UK jewellery industry, today announces Victoria Waugh as its first UK Ambassador for Ethics and Sustainability. Waugh has more than 15 years’ business development experience across the clothing, jewellery and accessory sectors, plus leading the Fairtrade Foundation's work to launch Fairtrade gold, bringing a wealth of commercial expertise and knowledge of sustainable and ethical practices to the WJN and its members. Waugh joins four existing WJN regional Ambassadors in a role that will provide support and direction for WJN members wishing to know more about ethical

Q&A: Olivia Norman

Olivia Norman is Head of Jewellery at Jessica McCormack Ltd , which has its HQ in Carlos Place , Mayfair, London. She oversees the in-house fine jewellery production for the design led brand, as well as having oversight of main business functions. Olivia was formerly at Shaun Leane for seven years as Commercial Manager and has extensive experience in strategic planning and business development, retail and sales, design, product development and production. She is a graduate of the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.  She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? ON:  Olivia

Gecko debuts more than 200 new lines at IJL 2019

Gecko Jewellery will take International Jewellery London by storm with more than 200 new lines across just five collections, delivering on their commitment to provide customers with commercial design and consistent newness.  As well as the addition of a further 39 new lines to the Elements Gold collection, which grew by 140 pieces in June, Gecko will also add 70 new lines each to both Elements Silver and Fiorelli, with Diamonfire growing by 30 pieces and select items, including zodiac pendants and 18 th /21 st  pavé-set birthday discs added to the Beginnings range. Commenting on the increased piece count,

Artistar Jewels celebrates its sixth successful year and announces prize-winners

The sixth edition of Artistar Jewels has celebrated another successful year as the destination for the contemporary jewel from all corners of the globe. The event has grown to become a key event in the Italian fashion calendar.  Not just a showcase, but a genuine tool to champion, promote and grow jewellery businesses through tangible strategies, such as its book and e-book, commercial website and press office support for all exhibitors, it is serious about making a difference within the industry.  Over five-hundred jewels from around the world were on display, most of which were created specifically for the event. 

Q&A: Vivien Johnston

Vivien Johnston is the original ethical jewellery pioneer. Trained at Glasgow School of Art, she had quickly developed a career as a commercial Jewellery Designer, reaching the position of Head Designer in the early noughties where she was placed in charge of sourcing. This led to Johnston founding the first British ethical jewellery brand, Fifi Bijoux, in 2006. Since then she has established herself as a leading light in the field of responsible sourcing of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones – an Ethical Supply Chain Specialist, who has consulted on a national and international basis for a variety of jewellery

New York Jewellery Week 2018

New York City Jewellery Week 10 - 18 November 2018 NYC Jewellery Week is NYC’s first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewellery through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature groundbreaking exhibitions, educational lectures, explorative workshops, exclusive tours, and unique collaborations with the best and brightest businesses, brands, individual jewellers, artists, and designers throughout NYC. Bella Neyman and JB Jones are the new heroines of the contemporary art jewellery movement. Unlike commercial fine jewellery or fashion costume Jewellery, One-of-a kind and limited production artist-made jewellery is a relatively new voice

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies to show at IJL

Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. With offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR has greatly extended its reach into the UK market, and now enjoys close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the UK industry with a comprehensive range of diamond focused retail-based education modules and leading-edge technology supported by world class

ILJ KickStart winners announced

The lives and careers of six talented young jewellery designers are poised for lift off after they were selected as beneficiaries of the 2018 IJL KickStart initiative. Chosen for their 'strongly individual stories' the six will get premium exhibition spots at International Jewellery London 2018 in addition to a raft of marketing and business tips from ILJ and their sponsors The National Association of Jewellers to fast track their young careers. The benefits of winning this accolade will ensure they get a head start in what has become a challenging and tricky commercial environment. These benfits include a mentoring package,

Vegas Edge 2019

Vegas Edge Alexis Park All-Suite Hotel and Conference Centrer, Las Vegas, USA 12 th  -13 th  August 2019  The 3 Vegas Edge Show Reports Record Breaking Sales for Upcoming Event Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 August 2019 are set to go down in history as the Vegas Edge Team have pre-sold a record breaking 80% of the floor space for their August event. The sister show to LondonEdge, an international event established for 20 years, Vegas Edge is the only commercial platform stateside dedicated to lifestyle, creative alternative apparel, footwear & accessories businesses. Exhibitors, buyers, influencers & press will gather

Three IJL Editors' Choice Pre-Show Winners Announced

The winners of IJL’s very popular and highly regarded exhibitor Editors’ Choice Awards have been announced this week; designer Isabella Liu, The Rock Hound, and Franco Florenzi. Re-launched this year with an exciting new format and inspirational new categories to reflect the breadth of creative flair and innovative design talent at the show, the pre-show winners have been selected by the two judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor and Event Director, Sam Willoughby. Sam Willoughby comments: “These three winning collections really do showcase the best in creative originality, technical finesse and commercial know-how.  Created by a designer,

Worcester Jeweller Anja Potze Celebrates 21 Year Milestone

A respected Worcester jeweller has marked her 21st anniversary in the city. Award-winning jewellery designer Anja Potze has become one of city’s leading jewellers since arriving in Worcester in the nineties, building a customer base from across the county and beyond. In the past 18 months alone two new members of staff have joined the Friar Street business which was also recently rated as one of the top jewellers in Worcester by the website, Three Best Rated.  Award-winning design expert and Birmingham School of Jewellery graduate Laura Golborne has joined the six-strong team alongside commercial and retail expert, Felicity Allen.

‘In The Loupe’ Exhibition, Vittoria Street Gallery

‘In the loupe’ is an exhibition of practitioners from both the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design. The exhibition was created to acknowledge the educational routes of alumni, Victoria Sewart, who is celebrating her 10 anniversary as proprietor of Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery. ‘In the loupe’ brings together a vibrant collection of work created by artists, educators, researchers and practitioners from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design.   The eclectic mix of work on show spans the breadth of the jewellery discipline from commercial

IJL Name Five Editor’s Choice Winners For 2016

The winners of IJL’s popular and hard-fought exhibitors’ competition, Editor’s Choice have been announced.  Chosen for their creative and innovative designs as well as commercial aptitude, the winning line-up includes David Miracca John Moore Jewellery Kickstarter Vicky Lew Samsares Jewelry from Switzerland and Tezer Design from Germany The judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor, and Event Director Sam Willoughby, selected the winners from a range of categories, which included the new category ‘German Style’ - in recognition of the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the Market Focus for 2016.  Image caption or

IJL 2017 Launch New Exhibitor Support Programme

International Jewellery London 2017 will be launching a special complementary support programme for all exhibitors this year to ensure that they maximise their experience and commercial success at this year’s show.  The programme is an integral part of the # withyou  campaign, designed to showcase IJL’s continuing commitment to provide year-round support to the UK and international jewellery sector.   Summer Masterclass A comprehensive programme of pre-show support includes online assistance, tailored blog content and webinars on exhibiting guidelines. The initiative comes together in a one day, free-to-attend, Summer Masterclass on 15 June, where all IJL exhibitors are invited to

Studio Casting Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School

Studio Casting Techniques for Jewellery @ Flux Jewellery School This weekend course introduces numerous home- studio casting techniques for jewellery and other small accessories. What will I learn? With focus firmly on the experimental, this is an exciting opportunity to try out a variety of approaches to casting and mould making. The aim is to equip you with techniques you can carry on exploring in your in the home studio.. When casting your outcome is determined by the type of mould you made. We present you with a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used in casting, both for studio and commercial use. We

RJC Hosts Its First Ever Open Day In Birmingham

Last week, the RJC held its very first Open Day  in  Birmingham.   The newly built Birmingham Assay Office located in the Jewellery Quarter, played host to the event where attendees gathered to hear more about the commercial relevance and necessity of RJC membership and certification in today’s jewellery industry. Attendees heard from a panel of industry experts that consisted of David Lewis, Managing Director of Maker Mends (RJC member since 2011);   Himesh  Pala, Managing Director of Pala Diamond Company Ltd (RJC member since 2011) and Gary  Wroe , Managing Director of Hockley Mint Ltd (RJC member since 2013). The panel

Q Branch Bespoke Casting Opens Its Doors

A new casting facility ‘Q Branch Bespoke Casting’ have launched, opening their doors to jewellery trade customers across the UK. Srvices will be available to workshops, designers, makers, retailers and manufacturers alike. Q Branch Bespoke Casting will offer high quality precious metal casting for models and waxes in all commercial precious metal alloys with a special emphasis on platinum and palladium casting. Equipped with the highest quality machinery Q Branch will aim to deliver a friendly and reliable service at competitive prices.  Other services offered by Q Branch will include 3D Printing on one of their three Solidscape prototyping machines or in

The Contemporary Craft Festival 2017

The Contemporary Craft Festival came about when three Bovey Tracey craft businesses joined forces and formed a non-profit making company with the aim to bring a large craft Fair to Bovey Tracey. The aim of the Fair was to showcase the very best in British craft and the create a new, sustainable and strong market place for contemporary craft but also to bring greater prosperity to the town of Bovey Tracey. The town has a long history of making and at one point up to 15 commercial potteries were running in the area. Dates 9 - 11 June 2017 Venue

Miracca London Launch New White Label Collection

Miracca London is to present its national launch of an all new, cohesive wholesale offering created by jewellery craftsman David Miracca and designed by fine jewellery designer Guy Robertson.  The dynamic young team have combined their expertise to produce a refreshingly new offering of commercial fine jewellery, engagement and bridal collections, and show-stopping one off pieces featuring rare and important stones as a white label collection. The collection will be showcased as part of IJL this week, 4 – 6 September at Olympia, Stand C29. davidmiracca.com Author:  Published: 

Weston Beamor Announce Winner of BCU Live Project 2018

Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery student Kai-Blu Triassi has won the annual Weston Beamor  Live Project  with his contemporary geometric ‘Dyad’ engagement and wedding ring set design. Kai-Blu’s award was announced on the WB stand at this year’s Jewellery & Watch show. Kai-Blu impressed judges with his striking and bold ring set, commercial-focus, unique design and understanding of thickness and tolerances, demonstrated through his strong CAD modelling skills. The annual competition is open to all BCU SoJ students in their second year of a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing. Commenting on his win, Kai-Blu said,  "I'm really pleased to

Top Drawer 2018

Top Drawer Spring/Summer 18 Edition SPRING/ SUMMER 18 14 - 16 January 2018  Olympia, London Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers returns to London Olympia on 14-16 January 2018. The Spring/Summer 18 edition will present over 1,500 leading and undiscovered UK and international brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children’s, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season.  The S/S18

Diamonds Dominate at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham 2017

Leading bridal and fine jewellery companies are expected to showcase brand new collections at Jewellery & Watch Birmingham 2017 providing a platform for bridal launches in the New Year. Within the show’s new Fine & Diamond section, Domino Jewellery, Gemex, Hockley Mint and Clogau will headline 2017’s line-up of bridal brands, with new diamond designs, trends and retail solutions set to dazzle buyers.   Domino’s bestselling Sienna range will continue to inspire, with marketing co-ordinator Chantelle Serrell-Cooke stating,  “Our Sienna collection combines the latest trends with years of design expertise to provide retailers with fashion led, commercial rings. All pieces within