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Could 2018 mark new crypto era for UK jewellers?

Attempts to persuade UK gold dealers and jewellers to embrace the cryptocurrency Dash in their business plans in 2018 could enjoy a surge of activity following the award of 'wallets' of digital cash to 10 jewellers around the country. As part of a project to promote wider use of digital currency among retailers, a market survey, conducted in conjunction with the National Association of Jewellers last November, asked 2200 NAJ about their plans for the future use of Dash, an alternative to Bitcoin. A total of 201 companies responded, including some of the largest UK firms in the sector, many of them

Catapult Project’ propels Weston Beamor into a new era of casting

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham Casting house, 3D printing and bespoke m anufacturing company has recently been engaged in a Government funded High Value Manufacturing Catapult initiative. It has been working closely with academics at a well-known Midland University to m ove its casting processes forward for the next decade. The company has invested heavily in new casting equipment, which is parti cularly ideal for platinum and palladium casting, and has worked closely with university staff to fi nd the best possible methods of dealing with the nuances of the lost wax casting process using synth etic casting resins developed

Vibrant meets Vintage in Fei Liu's new 'Victoriana' Collection

For Autumn Winter 2019 Fei Liu Fine Jewellery will launch their new 18ct gold ‘Victoriana’ collection, which will form as part of a campaign with their top ten retail partners. Characterised by Fei Liu’s aesthetic of colour, three-dimension and femininity, the collection breathes new life into vintage inspired looks. The victorian-era stones are cut in two ways: the first being octagonal, popular in the Victorian Era, and the second is Octagonal, which is longer, giving it elegant appeal. For the campaign, Victoriana will exclusively launch with ten chosen retail partners, and will be promoted through offline, on social media and through

On The Rocks: The Statement Cocktail Ring Soaked in History

As the temperatures outside begin to wind and cool down, the autumnal season trends are heating up to bolstering attention and flamboyant glamour. New season forecasting ushers in a new era of historical jewellery revival; a statement jewel like none other - the striking Cocktail ring. Dramatic, eye-catching and somewhat ostentatious, the cocktail ring is the epitome of excess which first found a name for itself as a symbol of independence and rebellion against the Prohibition over a century ago. A bygone era, 1920s America was a time of tension and excess between deep rooted morals of the world war

Anna Lewis: Stay

In the series Stay, Anna Lewis investigates the aesthetic, symbolic and costume imagery of the Victorian era, starting from an antique corset made of whalebone, linen and silk, dated 1780 writes Ilaria Ruggiero. The corset is an object of conflict and contrast; it represents both control and support. A ubiquitous object and outward symbol of self-control, or social control by men. The corset is a political element, for her it is symbolic of discipline, beauty and sexuality yet hides a dark truth by painfully punishing the body in order to fit this feminine ideal. The restriction of this tight cage, crushing

Competition for the Design and Production of a Caddy Spoon

The Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors was founded in 1963 to promote “the study of a delightful memento of a gracious era and to assist its Collectors”, the Society now promotes the study and appreciation of Caddy Spoons, both modern and antique. The Society has in the past commissioned spoons from prestigious makers such as Gerald Benney and Malcolm Appleby. The aim of this competition is to assist and encourage new silversmiths entering the field at the start of their careers, and to publicise their work. Eligibility The competition is open to new silversmiths trained and working in the United

Holts Academy of Jewellery Under New Management

Holts Academy of Jewellery has announced that it is now under new leadership, and has been undergoing strategic change over the last year. The change in ownership for the educational establishment means a new era and with this a new name. Holts Academy of Jewellry announced with this that ss of the 25 January it will be known as will be known as the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ). The BAJ have further announced the intention to retain its traditional values and dedication to teaching excellence, which it developed as it evolved as an education provider. A spokesman for the

The World’s First Functional Bitcoin Watch

A combination of luxurious craftsmanship and technical innovation, the Vanguard Encrypto by Franck Muller is the world's first functional Bitcoin watch. While the watch serves not only its purpose of telling time but also acts as a gateway to accessing the millennial gold of this era, the cryptocurrency. About Bitcoin Bitcoin, a well-known digital currency, with no centralised bank, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without a 'middle-man'. The software for Bitcoin was implemented in 2009, as open-source code. Since then, it's captured the imagination of the press and the criticism of economists, with some calling it a 'speculative bubble', where asset prices

News Edit: 21 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... How the Moon Landing Changed Jewelry History Town and Country: Jewelers have always looked to the heavens, but the Apollo 11 mission inspired a new era of designs. www.townandcountrymag.com Serena Williams Wears the Most Unusual Ear Jewelry in Harper’s Bazaar Feature In Store Magazine: A new Serena Williams feature in Harper’s Bazaar is sure to attract attention. But what might be most interesting to jewelers is the unique ear ornament she wore in one of the photos. We’re not even sure you can call this Gucci accessory an earring. instoremag.com

Simply brilliant, Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s

Simply Brilliant Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s In Cooperation with the Cincinnati Art Museum 27 March through 27 June 2021 Simply put, jewellery of the 1960s and '70s was revolutionary. If the 1950s were demure and controlled, the 1960s became an era of youthful rebellion and radical cultural change -and a new style of jewellery was part of that zeitgeist. Rock 'n' roll, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassinations, the civil rights and women's movements, the widespread use of hallucinogenic drugs, and the concept of free love are all associated with these tumultuous decades. From space-age plastic hoop earrings to the hippie's

Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme

Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme A twenty first century silversmith is a maker, designer, problem solver and independent thinker; qualities of the Contemporary British Silversmiths membership that have enabled the organisation to quickly adapt and diversify in the face of Covid-19. Where face-to-face courses sadly were cancelled, our team of volunteers and staff came together to develop online silversmithing educational content which we are really excited to be developing further. The Contemporary British Silversmiths Skills Training Programme is entering a new era; we are committed to continuing to provide essential skills training for graduate and professional members as we

Craft Town given funding boost

Makers and craft organisations across Farnham - which was designated as England’s Craft Town in 2013 - are celebrating a funding boost from Arts Council England. The initiative has been awarded funding to develop the town’s annual Craft Month which has taken place every October for the past six years. The month celebrates the town’s deep craft roots – from its earliest involvement with the pottery industry in the 16th century, through the Victorian era and the establishment of the Farnham Pottery and the founding of Farnham Art School in 1880. This remarkable legacy has been continued by a partnership

Fair Luxury calls for jewellers to join the fashion revolution, letting customers know who made their jewellery

It’s said we are the first generation that knows that we are killing the planet, and fast fashion has been amongst one of the biggest targets of criticism. This new era of awareness couldn’t be more apparent- with activist group Extinction Rebellion hosting rallies in cities over the world in the last few days. At a time where sustainability accounts for a key fashion trend and internet searches for ‘sustainable fashion’ have almost doubled since last year; Fair Luxury looks to the jewellery industry, as a caveat of the fashion trade, to take action and show solidarity for planet Earth. Fashion

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London 17 - 20 July 2019 A 4 Day Masterclass led by Manon van Kouswijk at K Academy Of Contemporary Jewellery, London Masterclass - Sources & Resources The project of contemporary jewellery started out as an idealistic one that aimed to change our thinking about what jewellery was and what it could be. In our increasingly image-driven era of late capitalism how do you articulate and shape your position within contemporary jewellery practice? What is it that draws you to work with this particular subject matter and

Touchstone Award

Call for Applications: BHC Touchstone Award National Association of Jewellers and British Hallmarking Council announce new collaboration for 2019 The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and British Hallmarking Council (BHC) are pleased to announce a new collaboration as the NAJ joins the four UK Assay Offices in supporting the prestigious BHC Touchstone Award. The award is presented annually to the Trading Standards teams who have delivered the most effective initiative relating to either the enforcement or awareness of hallmarking. In this era of high precious metal prices enforcement of hallmarking is extremely important. There is robust, long established hallmarking legislation

Wiltshire based Moleroda Finishing Systems put a shine on their brand new website

2019 marks the start of a new era at Wiltshire based company Moleroda Finishing Systems, because they have recently launched their new www.polishingjewellery.co.uk website to enable online sales. Moleroda Finishing Systems are a long established business which supply finishing systems to the jewellery trade, holding the UK’s largest felt and specialist polishing accessories. The south west based firm export to over 20 countries and manufacture polishing products in felt, diamond, wood, calicos, fine abrasive cloths, unitised material and abrasive non-woven nylon. Although originally a jewellery specific supply based company, over the years the company has diversified and widened their market

Jewellery Industry expert Karin Paynter speaks at BAFTA on campaign she co-created

This week jewellery industry expert Karin Paynter saw the ERA 50:50 campaign which she co-created, backed by thousands of supporters including Emma Thompson, Olivia Colman and Lena Headey, bring together 200 of the most powerful names in the entertainment industry in one room and called on them to change the way women are represented on stage and screen. Currently, whilst women make up 51% of the population, there are 2 men for every 1 woman across film, television and theatre. Even in crowd scenes, men vastly outnumber women by more than 4 to 1. In fact, there are proportionately fewer

States of Play, Crafts Council - Hull

  The Crafts Council’s new exhibition ' States of Play' , will launch at Humber Street Gallery in Hull in July, UK City of Culture, and will look at how playfulness shapes our lives and the world around us. The Crafts Council’s new exhibition will be on show from 7 July – 24 September. Through the eyes of 16 international makers and designers it presents play as a way of being, of understanding the world and giving it form. In an era of screen-based games, it celebrates the physical element of play in ways that will delight, provoke and surprise

Crafts Council Exhibition for Hull UK City of Culture 2017

The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter Opens

The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter has opened to the public creating a beautiful and unique new civic space for London, and a world-class gallery space for the V&A’s internationally acclaimed exhibition programme. The project is designed by Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda Levete and her practice, AL_A. The launch of the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for the Museum, as it prepares to expand its UK and international presence. The project is the Museum’s largest architectural intervention in over 100 years and offers a 21st Century interpretation of the V&A’s founding principles - to

Xifu Announce Judging Panel for International Jewellery Design Competition

The Xifu International Gold Wedding Jewellery Design Competition 2017 has announced its prestigious panel of judges, comprising distinguished luminaries in the fields of design, jewellery and the arts. Organised by   JNA   and   CJNA   of UBM Asia, the World Gold Council and the People's Government of Yantian District,   Shenzhen, the biennial competition aims to usher in a new era in gold wedding jewellery by encouraging designers from around the world to reflect wedding traditions and customs through fresh and creative designs. The independent judging panel of the competition's inaugural edition consists of highly respected, esteemed

The New Heirloom: Pyrrha Jewellery Gift Guide

The yearly search for a memorable holiday gift – one that will be kept, worn, and talked about for years to come – ends here . Perfect for family, new loves, old loves, friends, and mentors, there is a Pyrrha talisman to represent and celebrate each and every relationship. Why Pyrrha? Inspired by wax seals and imagery from the Victorian era Handcrafted and cast in reclaimed sterling silver, bronze, and 14K gold Comes with a hand-torn meaning card detailing the jewelry’s unique and symbolic significance culled from heraldry A certified B Corporation due to its commitment to sustainable practices Currently

ten Hompel completes National Museums Scotland’s Glenmorangie Commission

Since 2018, Simone ten Hompel has been taking a journey into the world of National Museums Scotland, its artefacts, and the research that is being currently conducted as part of the Glenmorangie Fellowship into the 9th to 12th centuries, an era of rapid change, political instability and cultural diversity, out of which the Scottish nation was born. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/w22ppGiynms] The final blog by Sarah Rothwell, Curator, Modern & Contemporary Design can be read here: blog.nms.ac.uk The resulting artwork, coordinate explores Scotland’s journey through time – its changing landscape and the continual rediscovery of its past. It represents an abstracted interpretation of Scotland’s landmass, one [youtube

News Edit: 24 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Editor’s pick: TEFAF jewellery finds Wallpaper: Hemmerle’s recent creations have incorporated ancient Egyptian artefacts or carved pieces of jade resembling Leibniz coffee biscuits. www.wallpaper.com House of Hemmerle Exhibits High Jewelry at TEFAF Maastricht Forbes: This week, in Maastricht, the Netherlands, high jewelry, fine art and antiques collectors have been flocking to TEFAF. www.forbes.com Shaun Leane on Alexander McQueen and Era-Defining Jewellery Luxury London: As his jewellery brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, Shaun Leane talks about falling in love with his craft, starting an apprenticeship at 15 and his great friend