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John Donald (1928 -2023)

John Donald, one of the fathers of Contemporary Jewellery died aged 94 on Thursday 21st September, after a short illness. His contribution to jewellery design cannot be underestimated, from his mentoring of generations of apprentices to his innovative techniques and designs; some of which can be seen in the work of some jewellers at this week's Goldsmiths' Fair. His work can be seen in the collections of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the V&A amongst others, the former have 28 works by him in their collection. 13 pieces of his work commissioned by Princess Margaret, a major client, were auctioned by Christie's in 2006. One of the

John Donald (1928 -2023)

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller by John Donald & Russell Cassleton Elliott McNidder & Grace have printed a exceptional account of Johns life and his path into jewellery designer and master craftsman. From his early days of golfing-star dreams, a chance introduction to the Silver and Jewellery Department at the RCA and then onto a fascinating career in jewellery and silversmithing. This unique book tells the story of John Donald, British jeweller, designer and goldsmith, from his early days at art college to establishing a successful business in London and Geneva and an international reputation. In over 50 years

Energetic amulets: ‘’living technology’’ by John Farris

John Farris, affectionately deemed just 'Farris' by his fans, is not your average jeweller. From the red rocks of Sedona, he creates beautiful jewellery and sculpture using a unique ''guided'' technique. By his own admission, John Farris’ business was born out of reactionary emotion. His story begins in picturesque Northern California, in 2010. ‘’Making these amulets was not even on my radar. I had purchased an amazing pendant from a friend’s store and had really fallen in love with it! Well, the next day she contacted me and said I needed to return it as the pendant was her [business] partner's

Artist Jeweller John Moore named IJL Jeweller of the Fair 2019

International Jewellery London Celebrates the Best of British with Jeweller of the Fair International Jewellery London have announced a new, exciting trade accolade with the introduction of The Jeweller of the Fair. This year’s honour, which was created to shine a light on the UK’s best and brightest talent, will go to Artist Jeweller John Moore. John Moore, winner of two IJL-supported Goldsmith Company Gold Awards (2016 and 2019), was selected because the complexity and engineering dexterity of his creative jewellery couture. John is universally acknowledged as a highly skilled artisan and visitors to IJL will get the opportunity to

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

John Moore wins the Prestigious Goldsmiths' Company Award for the Second Time in Three Years

For the second time in just three years, British jewellery artist John Moore receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Award. The presentation of the annual Awards of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards took place at the Goldsmiths ’ Hall in London on Monday 25 February 2019. This important annual Awards Ceremony – known as the Jewellery Oscars – was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over three-hundred guests. Earlier in the evening John had already been awarded the IJL (International Jewellery London) Gold award for silver jewellery, for his Lacewing Verto Necklace, then at the end of the ceremony, Theo Fennell

Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council appoints new Chair and Vice Chair

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) has appointed John Ball, managing director at British fine jewellery manufacturer Brown & Newirth, as its new Chair for the next two years. John takes over the role of Chair from Anne-Marie Reeves, who has come to the end of her two-year term, but will remain on Council. Having joined the GC&DC as a council member in 2020, John has held the position of Vice Chair of Council for the last two years, assisting Anne-Marie. He was officially elected to the role of Chair at a full council meeting last Friday (25 October)

Stellar line up set for IJL 2019

Artist jeweller John Moore, The Futurist Paola de Luca, DeBeers, Sotheby’s, Fairtrade Gold, Hilary Alexander OBE and Graduate Fashion Week among stellar IJL 2019 line up IJL,, opens on Sunday 1 September and will welcome some of the biggest brands, cutting-edge designers and the latest in Jewellery and Watch technology and sustainability to the show. IJL’s event programme features designers including: Jeweller of The Fair John Moore @IJL, Monday 2 September: The inaugural Jeweller of The Fair John Moore will show his collection on the IJL Inspires Catwalk Theatre on Monday 2 September (13:45 - 14:30) followed by questions from

Hatton Garden gang ordered to pay back £27.5 million

The four criminals who pulled off one of the biggest jewellery heists in British history will have to pay back every penny of their ill-gotten gains, around £7 million each, or have their prison sentences increased. Almost three years after Brian Reader, 78, John ‘Kenny’ Collins, 77, Terry Perkins, 69, and Daniel Jones, 63 drilled a hole into the wall of a Hatton Garden vault and took off with 73 boxes of stolen cash, gold and gems a judge has ruled they must find a way of paying back £27.5 million in total. Hatton Garden ringleaders John "Kenny" Collins, Danny

Thomas Lyte commissioned to create the Laver Cup

Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe have unveiled The Laver Cup for the first time, amid great expectation for the new competition. It will be contested to celebrate the career and exceptional achievements of Australian great Rod Laver, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis player of all time. Six of the best players from Europe will compete against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world for the new trophy in September. Three of the greats of tennis, past and present, unveiled the newest trophy in world tennis, the Laver Cup. Rod Laver,

London Design Festival

London Design Festival 13 - 21 September 2025 London Wide London Design Festival celebrates and promotes our city as the design capital of the world. The 23rd edition will take place on 13–21 September 2025. London Design Festival celebrates and promotes the city as a design capital on the global stage. London Design Festival was launched by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE in 2003. Building on London’s existing design activity, their concept was to create an annual event that would promote the city’s creativity, drawing in the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to a deliver

The passing of industry stalwart Chris Sellors

It is with great sadness family jewellers C W Sellors announce the passing of their founder Christopher William Sellors. Surrounded by his family, Chris passed away in the early hours of Monday 4th September at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield where he had been receiving wonderful support and care from their fabulous team of staff and volunteers. Tracing back the success Chris made of his life and business, the journey started with a love of his Derbyshire surroundings and a passion to make his own jewellery designs using the locally sourced Blue John gemstone. What started as a hobby with early

Burglar who stole millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London loses appeal at the High Court

A burglar who helped to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London has failed to reduce his extended sentence at the High Court on19 March 2021. A burglar who helped to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London has failed to reduce his extended sentence at the High Court today (19 March 2021). John Collins (79) was part of a gang of six men who burgled the Hatton Garden Safety Deposit Company in April 2015. Six men wearing high-visibility jackets entered the London premises over a Bank Holiday weekend, overcame

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable 3rd Meeting

At the third meeting of the UK Jewellery, Silverware & Allied Crafts Industry Roundtable with esteemed colleagues from all facets of the sector there was a full agenda for the 3.45 hour in-person meeting held in the Court Room at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Chaired by Adam Jacobs, Chair, National Association of Jewellers & facilitated by Ben Massey, CEO of the National Association of Jewellers with Annie Warburton, CEO of The Goldsmiths Company hosting, attendees included: Isabel Rhodes, Houlden Group; Janet Weller, Institute of Professional Goldsmiths; Sally Dodson, Hand Engraving Association; Patrick Turner, Company of Master Jewellers; Andrew Hinds, F Hinds; John

Houlden Announce Members Ratification of New Board Appointment Dominic Wakefield

Following their Autumn meeting, Houlden have announced the ratification by members of the new appointment to the Board of Dominic Wakefield as the new Membership Director. Dominic joins the other long-standing board members of Helen Haddow, Houlden CEO, Joe Walsh of Laings, John Lunn of Lunn's Jewellers, James Rice of Hugh Rice, Lizzie McAuley of Baker Brothers Jewellers. “I am delighted to be joining the board of Houlden and feel honoured to serve the group over the next three years. Houlden have been incredibly open and inclusive in the five years since Wakefields joined the group and I am looking forward

Houlden Announce Members Ratification of New Board Appointment Dominic Wakefield

2020 GC&DC competition launched at IJL

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) returns to International Jewellery London in 2019, where it will formally launch the 2019/20 edition of its nationwide annual competition, The Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards. The GC&DC’s competition launch and appearance at IJL is supported by an exciting programme, including: An exclusive showcase of 2018/19 GC&DC Award winners’ work including Cartier Award winner Tony Bedford, as well as IJL and Goldsmiths’ Company Awards recipient and 2019 Jeweller of the Fair, John Moore. An unmissable ‘In Conversation’ with Tony Bedford and Neil Battes, Cartier’s workshop manager, hosted and facilitated by the GC&DC and

Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history

Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel. The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states “They were banished from England by King John in 1291.” Ambrey Smith was asked

Call To The Wild - Gill Wing Jewellery

Call To The Wild Gill Wing Jewellery, London 4th July to 26th August Gill Wing jewellery has explored the globe to bring you a summer show of tropical treasures. Adorn yourself in our new selection of the most exciting jewellery from home grown and exotic designers. With a Zoological theme amidst lush foliage, expect experimental materials along with precious metals and rainbow gems for a wild jewellery adventure. Our carefully curated selection of new pieces from Emmeline Hastings, Jessica Pass, Samantha Queen, John Moore, Sian Evans, Tessa Metcalfe, Jessica Briggs, Nikki Coupee, Melanie Tomlinson, Raluca Buzura, Alena Willroth, Blanka Sperkova,

Gem Empathy Award Returns for IJL 2018 with Dazzling Gemstone Prize

Gem-A’s Gem Empathy Award, which gives IJL 2018 exhibitors the chance to win a spectacular, fancy-cut gemstone by world-renowned cutter, John Dyer for a bespoke jewellery design returns for 2018. In a change to previous years, the long-standing Gem Empathy Award - organised by Gem-A and hosted by IJL – will welcome entries from the entire breadth of IJL 2018 exhibitors, not just Design Gallery exhibitors. All those who enter the competition, whether an established brand or emerging designer, will have the opportunity to win a sensational 18.28 carat ametrine gemstone from Bolivia, which has been hand-cut by master gem-cutter,

Made London 2017

Made London 2017 19 - 22 October 2017 MADE LONDON – Marylebone is an annual contemporary craft and design fair where the very best of national and international designer-makers present and sell their work to the public. Over 120 exhibitors across all media (ceramics, wood, silver, gold, glass, textiles and more) showcase their original, unique and exceptional work to the capital. One Marylebone is a stunning former church designed by Sir John Soane. With sweeping staircases, incredible chandeliers and light and spacious characterful rooms, it’s the perfect backdrop for showcasing high end craft and design. Soane Hall has incredible height, lovely ceilings and the beautiful original

Q&A: Alan Craxford

Alan Craxford is an esteemed master craftsman, probably best known for his painstaking and meticulous hand crafted work with hand engraving and the creation of one of a kind jewellery and silver pieces. His career spans some 40 years in the Craft, having held positions, other than his work as a practitioner, at Sir John Cass as Senior Lecturer, and as a founding member and former Chair of the Hand Engravers Association, and well as being a member of the Contemporary British Silversmiths. Using form, colour and surface texture in precious materials, as a metal artist he creates bespoke pieces

Q&A: Grant Macdonald

Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art. The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years. Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas

The Hand Engravers Association Celebrates 10 Years

The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a VIP tour of the Clockmakers’ Museum in September. Sir George White Bt FSA, Keeper of the Collection, treated members to a fascinating tour, packed with wonderful insights and anecdotes on London’s clock making trade from 1600 to the present day. Highlights included John Harrison’s marine chronometer and a four-month duration longcase clock by the father of English watchmaking, Thomas Tompion. Historically, the clockmaking and hand engraving trades have always been intrinsically linked, with clockmakers and engravers working alongside each other, often in the same studio. Many of

Silver Swan Automation To Visit Science Museum, London

The much loved Silver Swan automaton - the emblem of The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle - is to migrate to the Science Museum in London. The unique, life-size musical automaton will make the journey south in the New Year, where it will take its place as one of the star attractions in the Science Museum’s 2017 blockbuster exhibition, Robots. It will be the first time this culturally important artefact has left The Bowes Museum since its purchase in 1872 by the Museum founders, John and Joséphine Bowes. They had earlier seen it at the Paris Exhibition of 1867, where

Saunders Shepherd & Co Return to Jewellery & Watch

Fine jewellery distributor Saunders Shepherd & Co will make a welcome return to Jewellery & Watch in February following several years’ absence. The Birmingham-based heritage company, who distribute fine and fashion collections by Fope, Ponte Vecchio and Al Coro, has chosen Jewellery & Watch as the destination to launch its new range of Italian-made silver jewellery by Dog Fever. John Coupland, MD of Saunders Shepherd & Co, commented, “We are delighted to be participating in the UK’s spring premier jewellery show again, and look forward to unveiling our exquisite new silver collection from Dog Fever; it is unlike anything we

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards Welcome The Judges Line-Up 2017

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council has concluded three weeks of successful judging for its 2017 Awards, with an illustrious line-up of industry experts helping to select this year’s winners. Featuring over 100 judges, deliberations for the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards drew from the knowledge of celebrated designers, makers, retailers and experts across jewellery, silversmithing and the allied trades. Among new judges involved in the 2017 Awards were Liz Olver, design director at Annoushka, Julia Clarke of award-wining retailer Hester Clarke, and notable winner from the 2016 Awards, designer John Moore. British jeweller Shaun Leane was also handpicked

Open Studios: Made In Clerkenwell Winter 2016, Craft Central

Made in Clerkenwell is a bi-annual celebration of Craft Central resident designer makers and Network members. For the first time we welcome visitors to 4 iconic Clerkenwell venues filled with over 150 designer makers selling quality handmade home accessories, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, stationary and prints. Everything you could possibly need for Christmas. Open Studios Throughout Craft Central St John's Square & Clerkenwell Green, you'll be welcomed to discover and meet some the UK's most notable designer makers in their private studios. This is your chance to purchase and commission directly from these designer makers - truly special gifts for Christmas.

Made In Clerkenwell Spring 2017

2 Buildings.100 Designers. New Products. Made in Clerkenwell is a bi-annual celebration of Craft Central resident designer-makers and Network members. Held across our two historic buildings, this is an opportunity for the public to go ‘behind the scenes’ and explore the studios of our renowned design community. Open Studios Throughout Craft Central St John's Square & Clerkenwell Green, you'll be welcomed to discover and meet some the UK's most notable designer makers in their private studios. This is your chance to purchase and commission directly from these designer makers. Inspired by NEW! This spring, Craft Central is focusing on all

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

Salon with Peridot Expert: Constance Lauvinerie -

We had a salon with Constance Lauvinerie, Head of the Jewellery Department at Collector Square First discovered almost three thousand years ago close to St John's Island near Egypt, the Peridot was one of the favourite stones of Cleopatra and was celebrated by the Ancient Egyptians as the "Gemstone of the Sun" under its ancient name, Chrysolite. The legends around this stone are numerous: lt is supposed to aid friendship, to free the spirit of the sin of envy, to make its carrier more eloquent and to cure the diseases of the liver. Nowadays, this semi-precious gemstone - the birthstone

IJL 2016 Announce KickStarter Winner

Marina Skia has been voted by the industry as the winner of the eighth IJL 2016 ‘People’s Choice’ award and will receive a free stand in the IJL Design Gallery in 2017. Marina Skia is currently Artist in Residence at Sir John Cass, London Metropolitan University. She cleverly identified people and organisations with large groups of followers, mainly through Facebook, to engage their support of her campaign. This included several fashion bloggers as well as Cass students, staff and friends on Facebook. Her strategy paid off and her campaign reach grew thanks to numerous shares, new followers and messages of