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De Vroomen: Harmony in Colour and Form

De Vroomen: Harmony in Colour and Form The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to present  De Vroomen: Harmony in Colour and Form,  a celebration of five decades of artistic collaboration between renowned husband and wife team, Dutch goldsmith Leo de Vroomen and British jewellery designer and artist Ginnie de Vroomen. The showcase brings together over 100 pieces of De Vroomen jewels, sketches reflecting the creative process, as well as Ginnie’s vivid paintings inspired by nature and the urban landscape. In essence, bold, sophisticated jewellery with flowing lines is placed in conversation with polychromatic abstract art.  When Leo and Ginnie started working together in the early 70s, they developed

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch Celebrating Contemporary British Fine Metalwork 17 October 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham Please join us at the launch of the innovative new ebook Making Form: Contemporary British Fine Metalwork. During the event you will have the chance to hear, question and meet some of the internationally renowned designer-makers who feature in the book. The event special is part of the Talking Practice lecture series at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery, to be held between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday 17 October. A BCU e-book by Kenneth Quickenden and Lee Hewett, entitled Making

Silver Speaks: Form - The Goldsmiths' Centre

Silver Speaks: ‘Form’ is an exhibition of work by members of Contemporary British Silversmiths. It offers a behind the scenes look at the techniques that enable makers to create work in silver, while exploring their relationship with materials, processes and tools. It is part of Silver Speaks, the year long programme of events celebrating the exceptional level of creativity and skill in British silversmithing today. Running from 1st June until 23rd September 2016, it will take place at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London. The exhibition will provide an insight into the processes behind the making of objects and what is

‘De Vroomen Harmony in Colour and Form’ Book

Dutch Master Craftsman and goldsmith Leo de Vroomen has released a book, full of illustrations, which celebrates 50 years of his creative partnership with his artist / designer wife Ginnie. Their bold and colourful jewellery is lavishly illustrated, in combination with Ginnie's vivid paintings. The book also acts as an accompanying tome to the retrospective exhibition of their work recently held at Goldsmiths’ Hall. The book is available at a cost of £50 plus postage & packing Publisher: Leo and Ginnie de Vroomen Page size: landscape 280 X 230 mm Pagination: 224 hardback ISBN 978-1-5272-0650-2 P & P: UK £5.00,

Kelvin J Birk: From the hegemony of value to the freedom of form

Kelvin J Birk loves to explore the concept of value in jewellery, and he does so through the provocation that characterizes his creative process writes Ilaria Ruggiero. His creations are in fact the result of a series of actions to break and pulverise precious stones, which are thus deprived of their first and original form and structure in order to create something new; in some ways the same, but also different. The stones are then mixed together, in some cases with non-precious materials, thus playing with the altered perceptions that such a mixture can create. In this way Kelvin questions what

Well FORMed – A new annual art festival for Cornwall

Well FORMed – A new annual art festival for Cornwall Falmouth 29 September to 1 October 2023 After a successful inaugural year in 2022, the directors of FORM have announced the dates for the second visual arts festival in Falmouth, Cornwall from 29 September – 1 October 2023. FORM was conceived to celebrate the contemporary arts and crafts heritage and vibrant creative culture of the area, and to provide a new platform for people at all stages in their creative journey. The highlight of FORM is a free to visit three-day Art Fair at the landmark Princess Pavilion with over

Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham 2022

Call For Entries: Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham 2022 Craft Festival Bovey Tracey 17-19 June 2022 Craft Festival Cheltenham 11-13 March 2022 Applications are invited from makers working to the highest standards. 2 Great Events, 1 Application Form You make ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery, metal, wood, plastics, mixed media, leather, recycled materials, printmaking and paper. Your work shows a dedication to quality of making, presentation and originality. You are based anywhere in the world. You can apply for both Craft Festival Bovey Tracey & Cheltenham on the same application form. Applications for our Christmas Festival in Cheltenham will open in

Jewelry Stories

Jewelry Stories to 16 April 2023 New York, USA MAD was an early advocate of jewelry as a form of artistic expression. Its 1956 inaugural exhibition,  Craftsmanship in a Changing World , gave many Americans their first exposure to metalsmiths who were challenging the norms of conventional jewelry design and creating works rooted in sculptural experimentation. Because of the support of MAD and like-minded institutions, makers, and collectors around the world, the concept of jewelry as an art form took hold and flourished. To date, the Museum has presented more than 150 exhibitions featuring art jewelry and there are more

The Royal College of Art’s Emerging Fashion Designer Show ‘All at Once’

The Royal College of Art (RCA) will this year present its annual MA Fashion show – All At Once – an immersive event, followed the next day by a showroom made up of talks, walks and performances that investigate fashion as designed identities. The show is being held at the Cork Street Galleries, Mayfair, London 7 – 8 June, 2019. All At Once will take the form of a large-scale, dynamic installation that will combine structural interventions, a diverse ensemble of 50 models; a spectral chess. This will form a live tableaux that demonstrates innovation in fashion from the RCA

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2019

Call for Applications: Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Sheffield & Manchester GNCCF Manchester 10 - 13 October 2019 GNCCF Sheffield 12 - 14 July 2019 Applications are invited from artists and designer-makers working in jewellery, ceramics, textiles, glass, wood, metal, fashion, print-making, lighting and more. How to Apply You need to complete the application form in full to be considered for GNCCF Sheffield taking place 12-14 July at the Millennium Gallery and/or GNCCF Manchester taking place 10-13 October 2019 at Upper Campfield Market Please consult the stand package costs & application guidelines here to help you complete this form.

News Edit: 7 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Most Exquisite Jewellery To See At Masterpiece London 2019 Is jewellery an ornament or an art form? www.vogue.co.uk The most spectacular High Jewellery from Paris Haute Couture Week www.telegraph.co.uk Gucci's Next Target: Place Vendôme BoF: Major fashion brands see growing opportunity in the high-stakes business of haute joaillerie. www.businessoffashion.com High jewellery is being embraced as an art form worthy of public adoration - and it's about time The Telegraph: It’s not just me; jewellery is making headlines more and more these days. www.telegraph.co.uk Dior celebrates 20 years of fine

Massive Leap In 3D Printing For SMEs Formlabs

3D printer manufacturer  Formlabs  is announcing a new manufacturing solution that, for the first time, will make  automated 3D printing a reality for SMEs . For the first time, this hyped technology has taken a meaningful step towards mainstream adoption. At its  Digital Factory  conference  Formlabs  designer and manufacturer of powerful, accessible 3D printing systems announce d the launch of  Fuse 1 , the company’s first selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer, and  Form Cell , an automated production solution for additive manufacturing that uses the Form 2, the best-selling professional 3D printer. Small manufacturers will be able to locally

Start Up Loans of up to £25,000

Start Up Loans of up to £25,000 With Centa Business Services Do you have a business idea, but need funding and support to get it off the ground? Centa can help you kick-start your business, with access of up to £25,000 low-cost loan through the Start Up Loans scheme. How do I apply? Please  click here  and complete the form. Once submitted, providing you are eligible, one of the Centa team will send you the full application form and details of the next steps. In addition we require a copy of some documentation prior to awarding the loan, a list

The Jewellery Pop Up

The Jewellery Pop Up The jewellery brand  Ella Stern  together with  Good Daze  jewellery (formerly Mood Good) are putting on a pop up shop in Shoreditch in November. Tey are looking for applicants that would like to take part for a couple of days each as 'guest designers'.  They have secured a lovely space on Calvert Avenue for 9 days which they are really excited about.  For more information and to apply via the application form please go  here .  gooddazeahead.com/popup-application

Exhibition Volunteer, Stonehenge

Call for Applications: Exhibition Volunteer, Stonehenge The galleries and exhibition spaces at Stonehenge showcase some extraordinary artefacts and objects from across the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. We are looking for volunteers to help our visitors explore the meaning of Stonehenge and bring the collections to life. You can find out more information at: www.english-heritage.org.uk Please register your interest by completing and submitting the online Volunteer Registration Form. If you have any questions, please email volunteer.enquiries@english-heritage.org.uk . Deadline: 1 December 2019

Isabella Liu previews her new ethical collection Twilight at the Zaha Hadid Gallery

Isabella, who has been named as both Influencer and Ambassador for the China Britain International Design Week and the British Council in Asia for 2018, has been invited to preview her new ethical jewellery collection Twilight at the Abstract Expressions exhibition at the Zaha Hadid Gallery The Twilight Collection is a celebration of Love, encapsulating the beauty and energy of the Goddess of the Moon. The Moon and its many phases, often believed to symbolise the female form and the cycle of life, have inspired Isabella to create pieces which tell the tale of life - the crescent is youth

Handmade by Machines 2018

Call for Handmade by Machines 2018 Handmade by Machines is an exhibition and symposium in Dundee, Scotland, which celebrates the use of modern digital technologies integrated with handcraft. The call is looking for artefacts for the exhibition and papers for the symposium that investigate the integration of modern digital technologies within jewellery and 3D object design. They are particularly interested in work that addresses the areas of digital technologies for tooling, integrated practice, added value, social or economical impact and/or aesthetics. Submissions will be accepted in the form of a Paper or Artist Talk or poster. Submissions Submissions and abstracts

Metamorphosis III

Metamorphosis III A Profound Change In Form The aim is to create unique end products – attachments that go beyond the scope of the traditional brooch. This workshop will explore how metamorphosis can be used as a theme in jewellery making and design. The aim is to achieve new and innovative outcomes through transformative processes and consecutive changes. Pieces will be created by using a method of step-by-step alteration. The focus will be on the process as an important catalyst for creating new designs – the journey is as important as the end product. The first part of the course

Survey Request: Vanilla Ink & MakeWorks - Scotland

Vanilla Ink Studios and MakeWorks have teamed up to build an online directory of Scottish based manufacturers and processes for the jewellery and silversmith trade. We are looking for your recommendations of processes you would like to use in Scotland and current services you already use to help us build a better understanding of the current landscape. Add your thoughts to our online form and the most popular will be filmed for the initial stages of the directory. https://goo.gl/forms/YCxmC99bIjoCcUa43

Creative Fellow, The Workhouse

The Creative Fellowship scheme is an annual programme of residencies with The National Trust at The Workhouse, Southwell. The scheme is intended to support the production of new creative work, in collaboration with researchers, responding to this fascinating site and engaging audiences in its history through creative means. About The Workhouse From its foundation, the workhouse system cared for those in need. It was a homeless shelter, a children’s home, a care home, a hospital, a school and a job centre; the Welfare State in embryonic form. Today we see the inheritance of this system all around us. The Project

Enamoured, The British Society of Enamellers

Enamoured: An exhibition celebrating the work of leading and upcoming enamellers organised by The British Society of Enamellers. About the exhibition: The broad spectrum of luminous work in enamel by some of the country’s leading and upcoming enamellers is showcased in a fascinating and colourful exhibition organised by the British Society of Enamellers (BSoE).  Exhibiting makers: In displaying the very best of contemporary enamelling, the exhibition celebrates this complex and ancient art form in all its multiple guises showing 48 members of the British Society of Enamellers.  The majority of the works featured in the exhibition are by members of the

Goldsmiths (Experienced and Junior), Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery - London

The role Goldsmiths (Experienced and Junior) Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery North Hertfordshire Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery is the UK’s leading bespoke jeweller, trailblazing the ground-breaking “jewellery design studio on the high street” concept. Founded in 1998, it has won over 30 UK and International awards for design, business, ethics and innovation and continues to lead the way in the industry. Headquartered in an award-winning refurbished Tudor barn in North Hertfordshire, it combines a design studio, workshop and showroom. There are three more studios and shops in central Cambridge, Primrose Hill (London) and St Albans where the team of 40 is

An Introduction To Silversmithing - 5 Day Course

An Introduction To Silversmithing - 5 Day Course Learn traditional and contemporary silversmithing techniques on this five day course. It is a rare opportunity to practise a range of techniques and study the cross-overs between jewellery and three dimensional form in metal with the option of creating a finished piece or pieces. Tuesday 20th September Tuesday 4th October Tuesday 25th October Tuesday 8th November Tuesday 29th November Tutor:  Melissa Hunt Fee:  £425.00 Westhope College Near Craven Arms Shropshire SY7 9JL 01584 861293 www.westhope.org.uk

QEST Apprenticeships

QEST Apprenticeships The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers apprenticeship funding of up to £12,000 over three years (up to a maximum of £6000 per year) for the training and education of aspiring craftspeople. We provide these opportunities to maintain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts and advance the quality of craftsmanship in the United Kingdom. Applications are now open and will close on Monday 12 February 5 pm. To apply for a QEST Apprenticeship please register via the form below. To support applicants in preparing their application for our Spring funding round, we held an online zoom session 

QEST Scholarships

QEST Scholarships The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers Scholarships of up to £18,000 for the training and education of talented craftspeople. We want to sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts and contribute to excellence in the British craft industry. Applications are now open and will close on Monday 12 February at 5 pm. To apply for a QEST Scholarship please register via the form below. To support applicants in preparing their application for our Spring funding round, we held an online zoom session on Friday 19 January from 1-2pm. If you wish to access a copy of

QEST Emerging Maker Grants

QEST Emerging Maker Grants The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000 for the training and education of talented craftspeople at an early stage in their career. Applications are now open and will close on Monday 12 February at 5 pm. To apply for a QEST Emerging Maker Grant please register via the form below. To support applicants in preparing their application for our Spring funding round, we held an online zoom session  on Monday 15 January from 1-2pm.  If you wish to access a copy of the recording, please email  info@qest.org.uk What does

Diamond Setter, M Christmas Diamond Setters - Hatton Garden, London

The role Diamond Setter M Christmas Diamond Setters Hatton Garden, London We now seek a qualified Diamond Setter or middle weight ability Setter for a full time employed position. Hours are 8.30am - 5.15pm, Monday - Friday. We are based in Hatton Garden. Wages to be agreed on ability after a two week paid trial. To apply please send us your CV and covering letter by using the application form below, or call  Mark to discuss further on 0207 4058835 About us M Christmas Diamond Setters is an established business based in the heart of Hatton Garden on Greville Street.

SIERAAD & FRIENDS

SIERAAD & FRIENDS St. Lambert's Church & Synagogue, Buren 24 - 26 May 2024 After a period of more than 20 years in Amsterdam, Sieraad are moving from the "big city" to a "small" very charming town of Buren in the middle of the country, for a smaller scale and more exclusive event. View and try on the latest collections from renowned designers and discover upcoming talents SIERAAD & FRIENDS is a dynamic, international meeting place where art, craftsmanship, design and passion come together in the form of jewellery. Each piece testifies to unique stories, cultural backgrounds and personal expression.

MAD About Jewelry

MAD About Jewelry Museum of Arts and Design will present   MAD About Jewelry ,  its annual benefit sale of contemporary jewelry featuring designs from 50 emerging and acclaimed international jewelry artists. MAD About Jewelry   has become known as the ultimate pop-up shop for contemporary, artist-made jewelry, where collectors and jewelry enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to meet and acquire pieces from some of the most innovative creators in the field. MAD About Jewelry is free with Museum admission. MAD About Jewelry is in keeping with the Museum’s long-standing commitment to presenting jewelry as an art form. MAD is

Cora Sheibani: Jewels

Cora Sheibani: Jewels by William Grant Cora Sheibani – Jewels  is published to mark the 20th anniversary of Cora Sheibani’s eponymous brand Cora Sheibani’s jewels are the product of a highly active imagination. Her creations are designed to surprise and delight – miniature cakes and jellies that look good enough to eat; rings and bracelets that glow in the dark; shimmering clouds with diamond raindrops; jewels that stare back at you, and plant pots billowing with vegetation. Her design handwriting is predicated on a bold sense of form and colour, allied with a playful, contradictory mindset. Her design philosophy is

2021 LVMH Prize For Young Fashion Designers: 8th edition

Call for Applications: 2021 LVMH Prize For Young Fashion Designers: 8th edition  Entries must be submitted exclusively on the Prize website: www.lvmhprize.com . Applications will close on Sunday 28th February 2021. It should be noted that, as a result of the health crisis that has imposed certain restrictions, the semi-final will this year, as an exception, take the form of a digital forum, to be held from Tuesday 6th April until Sunday 11th April 2021. This forum will enable each of our international Experts to discover and select on line the competing designers. Driven by a “passion for creativity”, LVMH

Newgen - British Fashion Council 2021

Call for Applications: Newgen, British Fashion Council  The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, as Principal Partner of its longest and most internationally celebrated talent identification scheme, NEWGEN. The BFC and TikTok will work together to create a bespoke programme of activity for all NEWGEN recipients, including streaming support of designer shows, mentoring, masterclasses and digital support for the recipients. TikTok will host a NEWGEN venue during London Fashion Week September 2021, with designer shows, content creation and hospitality opportunities. This partnership will also enable even more innovative fashion content

Gemfields brings to auction the Kafubu Cluster, a colossal 37,555-gram cluster of emeralds

Discovered at the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia in March 2020, the Kafubu Cluster is a colossal cluster of emeralds. Close inspection of the 37,555-gram (187,775 carat) cluster reveals that it contains very little matrix or other minerals, meaning the piece is almost entirely made up of emeralds, which, given its sheer size and formation, makes this a very rare find indeed. The Kafubu Cluster, our gentle giant, is a testament to the high-quality gemstones that can be produced when Mother Nature allows time for the various crystals to form deep within the Earth’s crust. Gemfields’ geologists describe the formation

Artist Commission, The Story Museum

Artist Commission – The Book of Hopes Exhibition The Story Museum is seeking to commission an artist or theatre prop maker to create a sculpture, based on the illustration The Hope Tree by Axel Scheffler, which will form the central focus for a family-friendly temporary exhibition inspired by The Book of Hopes, from July ’21 onwards. Budget £3000 for labour and materials. Selection Criteria We are looking for individuals who: Can realise the brief in an imaginative and impactful way which references the Hope Tree illustration by Axel Scheffler Have a demonstrable track record of creating large scale public sculptures

Dutch Silver Miniature Collection Proves Popular at Auction

Olympia Auctions is thrilled with the result achieved this week for a highly unusual private collection of Dutch solid silver miniature household objects. The silver pieces, which were down-sized versions of the real thing, proved very popular with buyers far and wide, with bidding on the internet and the telephones. Among the highlights was a pierced and engraved miniature basket with four tiny bottles inside. The basket was intricately engraved with urns and swags and a central finial, which took the form of detachable sugar caster. It sold for a staggering £16,250 - 13 times its pre-sale low estimate of

The Selvedge World Fair 2021

Call for Applications: The Selvedge World Fair The Selvedge World Fair, a celebration of cloth culture and creativity. What's special about this event?  Nurturing the designers and makers who inspire us is crucial to the Selvedge ethos – they are as much a part of our story as we are theirs, and with this event we are bringing the pages of the magazine alive. This event celebrates cloth.  Textiles form an important part of the cultural heritage of every human being on the planet. Whoever you are and wherever you are, there are textiles in your heritage. Textiles are inextricably linked to the history

Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2021

Call for Entries: The Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Enter by Sunday 29 November 2020 to receive detailed written feedback on your submission. To get the entrant benefits and be considered for the group exhibition and £10,000 of prizes and solo exhibitions in London, you will need to complete the below form, then you will be automatically sent to the payment page. Please select the fee for the correct number of artworks you wish to be considered (£20 for the first artwork, then £10 per additional artwork, up to a maximum 5). You can via Stripe and PayPal, via credit and

Mending Community Exhibition

Call for Applications: Mending Community Exhibition We are inviting submissions from either individuals or collectives of artists or makers to propose a touring exhibition of contemporary art or craft addressing the theme of mending community. Mending Community explores how visual arts and/or craft can help repair communities. We are looking for works that might provoke, or inspire, our communities to take action, and where possible, to showcase innovative use of sustainable or recycled materials. Work can be in any form of visual arts practice that is suitable for display and touring in libraries, and can include 2D and 3D work (we

News Edit: 10 November 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The best jewels from the autumn collections The Times: Form an orderly queue, please, for this season’s striped treasures, says Jessica Diamond. www.thetimes.co.uk Boucheron Acquires High Jewellery Workshop Near Place Vendôme GJEPC: Boucheron has recently acquired a high jewellery workshop, renowned for its excellent expertise in traditional craftsmanship as part of its ongoing growth and development strategy. gjepc.org From the coronation to the state opening of parliament, how do jewellery designers use the royals to inspire their craftsmanship? Tatler: As the King and Queen make their annual visit

Journey into Crystal with L'École Van Cleef & Arpels

Journey into Crystal with L'École Van Cleef & Arpels How much do you know about rock crystal? The "Journey into Crystal" exhibition currently presented at the Musée de Cluny - Musée National du Moyen Âge, where this conference will be filmed, is an incredible opportunity to discover this fascinating, transparent material. Found as far back as 5,000 BC, notably in the form of pearls, rock crystal is the most widespread variety of quartz (hyaline quartz). Its name comes from the Greek word "krustallos" meaning "ice", which has long been attributed to a divine creation, and has contributed to enriching the collective

Handmade Oxford 2023

Handmade in Chelsea 2023 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 10 – 12 November 2023 Handmade in Britain is delighted to return to Chelsea Old Town Hall from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 November 2023 for the 16th Edition of its flagship contemporary craft and design fair, Handmade Chelsea. Taking place in the form of a dual model, both in-person and online to increase the accessibility of British craft and expand our reach. Visitors across the world can do their Christmas shopping either in-person or remotely from the comfort of their homes whilst discovering beautiful contemporary handmade products.  “Great to support

Traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires

Navneet Gems provides guidance and tips on traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires in the engagement ring sector for Benchpeg. Sustainable practices, including the issues of tracking and traceability, are gaining momentum in the colored gemstone supply chain. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where and how the materials that form their pieces are extracted and manufactured. The truth is unless you have physically gone directly to the mine to view their extraction practices, or know and work with small-scale miners, right now it is challenging to guarantee that gemstones are 100% ethically and sustainably sourced. “Ethically sourced,” “responsible,”

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension The UK Government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the self-employed and has taken action to provide support. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of 2 further grants, each available for 3 month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021. 1.  Who can claim To be eligible for the grant extension self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, must: have been previously eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they

Longer Days & Neon Gems: MAYA Gemstones extends Collections to include new Electric Neon Pieces

Last year, MAYA Gemstones released its 'Out of Office' collection . The triangle cut gems, unique to the brand, adorned cutesy stationery inspired jewellery. For summer 2020, MAYA Gemstones is expanding both this collection, and its Sonya collection to include new Electric Neon pieces.  Splashes of neon embellish stackable and mismatched paperclip earrings, quirky ruler bracelets and rings and round enamel and quartz rings with a central triangular diamond.  MAYA Gemstones' new Electric Neon Additions The bent wire 'paperclip' form of the earrings allow them to interlink with one another creating a unique drop earring in a neon rainbow, or

Goldsmiths' Centre Precious Metal Grant Winners Announced

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Precious Metal Grant is an annual competition which provides 750 of precious metal bullion to a select group of Jewellery and Silversmithing students across the UK, providing the opportunity to translate their designs into precious metal.  This week, The Goldsmiths’ Centre announced the eleven winners of its prestigious Goldsmiths’ Precious Metal Grant competition. The grant offers students the opportunity to showcase their design skills using up to £750 worth of precious metals, supplied by Cookson Precious Metals (London). The finished pieces form part of the students’ final degree show, many are also showcased at other graduate shows

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery 17 March - 10 May 2020 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff  Drawing inspiration from themes of collecting memories Lindsey creates playful jewellery which might explore a fleeting moment, a chance encounter or a material souvenir charged with meaning. Referencing shape, form, colour and pattern to realise each piece of jewellery she hopes to create something which has both familiar and yet foreign associations, perhaps triggering a vague memory for the viewer too and hopefully raising a smile! Working from her studio in rural Wiltshire, Lindsey constructs jewellery using hand-printed anodised aluminium, precious and non-precious metals

CRAFT at Top Drawer

Call for Applications: CRAFT at Top Drawer Be part of Craft: the community for creative makers Are you a contemporary maker looking to sell your work in stores, museums and galleries? CRAFT at Top Drawer is the hunting ground for the very best professional buyers, retailers and collectors looking for exquisite one-off pieces created by hand with heart and skill. Applications are open for contemporary makers working in fashion accessories, interior design, jewellery, glass, textiles, furniture, stationery, metalwork, ceramics, sculpture, acrylic, woodwork, prints and etchings. Just click here to request the application form and information pack. www.topdrawer.co.uk Deadline: 1st May

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

Jewellery Quarter Cemetery Memories Campaign

A chance to share your memories of the historic Jewellery Quarter cemeteries or make new ones at an upcoming event on 25 th  April 2020 from 1pm to 3pm in Warstone Lane Cemetery. Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries have been part of people’s lives in the Jewellery Quarter for generations, and lots of people have memories to share.  The Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project is calling out for people who have a connection to the cemeteries to share their personal recollections which will form part of an exciting event. From residents and people who work or study in the Quarter,

News Edit: 14 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   The Creative Women Behind Such Prestigious Jewellery Brands As Chopard & Cartier Tatler: Meet the women responsible for reimagining the heritage of world class brands through a 21st century lens. asiatatler.com 22 Black Jewellery Designers Who Deserve Your Support And Investment Vogue: Prominent black voices are rare in jewellery. Even though many of the world’s riches in the form of precious metals and gemstones come from Africa, its residents are far more likely to have been cruelly exploited in the name of

Call for Applications: Gifted 19

Call for Applications: Gifted 19 Extended Deadline - National Centre for Craft & Design 7 & Sunday 8 December 2019 We're delighted to announce that our ever popular Contemporary Christmas Market will be taking place on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December 2019. We're on the lookout for quality designer-makers to be at the heart of our festive celebrations and to make 2019 the best Gifted yet! If you would like to be part of our biggest event of the year, then please download an application form here and return it to Katie at shop@nccd.org.uk by 5pm on Friday 31

News Edit: 24 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Beyond Fabergé: Bykovs And Russian Jewelry Renaissance Forbes: From the Tsars to the Kardashians, uniqueness outweighs carat-count when it comes to fine jewelry ownership. forbes.com Meet Göran Kling, Who Is Crafting Street-Smart “Slang” Jewelry in Sweden Vogue: Peer out jeweler Göran Kling’s window and what do you see? An abandoned concrete factory riddled with graffiti. vogue.com Contraceptive Jewellery Could Be The Next Method Of Birth Control Independent: Contraceptive jewellery is currently being tested by scientists as a new form of birth control. independent.co.uk Mystery of the largest hoard of Celtic

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

Meet the Jeweller Subverting Beauty Standards

Joanne T's conceptual collection 'Not Your Average Beauty' is a range of facial ornaments inspired by tribal jewellery, with a mission to subvert and raise awareness of the pressures of modern beauty standards. The tone of the work is confrontational: a direct criticism of a modern symptom. It subverts the notion of ‘normalising’ imperfect features through surgery, instead the wire serves as an icon – a frame for the imperfections of the wearer, challenging them to embrace their perceived flaws.  The rigidity of the form gives it an unflinching appeal, it does not obscure, nor play tricks with the eyes,

News Edit: 7 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   10 Black Jewellery Designers Who Deserve Your Support And Investment Vogue: Prominent black voices are rare in jewellery. Even though many of the world’s riches in the form of precious metals and gemstones come from Africa, its residents are far more likely to have been cruelly exploited in the name of adornment than to have benefited from it. vogue.co.uk Lockdown prompts a rethink of how we buy and sell jewellery Wallpaper: Gallerist Elisabetta Cipriani offers a creative alternative to trying on jewellery.

Fit for a Queen: Arabel Lebrusan unveils the Crown Collection

Arabel Lebrusan's designs are thoughtfuly crafted to stand the test of time, just like the bonds they commemorate.  The new Crown Collection is a showcase of elegantly crafted women’s rings in beautiful diadem, coronet, tiara and wishbone shapes, all set with ethically sourced diamonds. The pieces are designed to make thoughtful milestone gifts, whether it be a wedding, anniversary, or celebrating the birth of a child. The Crown Collection’s versatile and delicate design allows each individual piece to either stand alone or form part of a unique collected of ‘stacker’ rings,  Designer Arabel Lebrusan says: “The Crown Collection is a feminine

Jewellery: Anthropological Perspectives Lecture by Max Carocci

K Presents: Jewellery - Anthropological Perspectives Lecture by Max Carocci At K Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London 27 February 2019  |  18:00 - 20:00 Jewellery: Anthropological Perspectives What is the purpose of jewellery? How does jewellery function in culture? This lecture/presentation explores the reasons for making decorative artifacts. It explains how it operates in the world of symbolic communication showing how jewellery has a fundamental role to play in culture and society. Anthropologist Max Carocci will discuss jewellery from an anthropological viewpoints through lavish images of jewellery and decoration form around the world.  British Museum-based anthropologists Max Carocci has been

In The Close Distance - Jeff Lowe in Exhibition

Artist Jeff Lowe presents a series of sculptural jewellery alongside his monumental metal sculptures and vibrant screenprints in his 2020 solo exhibition In The Close Distance at Pangolin London. The exhibition is on until 22 February 2020 and marks a major shift in the artist’s usual aesthetic through a change in technique, material and bold use of colour. His newest series uses curved sheets of painted aluminium which form circular structures, revealing layers and overlap. The internationally acclaimed sculptor Jeff Lowe came to prominence in 1974 with his first one man show at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in Londonʼs Cork

From 'Born this Way' to 'Born to Dare' Lady Gaga is the Face of New Campaign for Tudor Watches

Lady Gaga is a global, leading fashion icon, mindful of everything she wears. She has turned celebrity into a comprehensive art form. She knows full well that an outfit is a powerful message, an art performance. Every accessory is a way to shape her image, a means to an end. That's why when she chooses to represent a brand, we sit up and take notice.  Created by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, the Tudor Watch Company was born with a mission to explore new territories, offering “a watch that (his) agents could sell at a more modest price than (his) [youtube

Giulia Savino: Which city belongs to you?

Giulia Savino’s main artistic research explores the concept of identity, ownership and belonging through the representation of city maps writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Giulia Savino’s main artistic research explores the concept of identity, ownership and belonging through the representation of city maps. Her main body of work, called 1: 20.000, is a compilation of maps, a collection of cities in form of jewels. As "the map is not the territory" but just one of the many possible representations of reality, each jewel is a personal interpretation of the city that takes / loses its shape in the interaction with the body. Each

Thoughts Between the Land and Sea Raising the Doggerland - - Jonathan Boyd at Gallery S O

Thoughts Between the Land and Sea  Raising the Doggerland - Jonathan Boyd 6 – 29 September 2019 Gallery S O, London Gallery S O is delighted to present a solo exhibition of recent work by Jonathan Boyd together with the launch of his new book, Thoughts Between the Land and Sea: Raising the Doggerland.   Over the past ten years Jonathan Boyd’s work has sought to explore and understand the actions of language, narrative and communication through the form of objects and jewellery. Through his creation of three-dimensional text forms, he has used words as elastic carriers of meaning where signifying In

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: Jacqueline Mina (DES RCA) OBE

Jacqueline Mina is one of the most significant goldsmiths in the UK today. Known best for her precise technical ability at the bench, meticulous crafted construction processes and predisposition of surface pattern using precious metals and fusion inlay. Her pieces have an unmistakable aesthetic with thoughtful use of form, line and pattern always interrogating the interplay of the surface to create wearable timeless pieces. As well as a practicing goldsmith, Mina was a lecturer at the Royal College of Art from 1972 until 1994 and was an important influence on many practicing jewellers today. She has been recognised with solo

Creative Development Award 2019/20, Association for Contemporary Jewellery

Call for Applications: Creative Development Award Association for Contemporary Jewellery This is an exciting opportunity for an ACJ group or member to apply for an award of up to £500 to assist an in individual or group to enable them to undertake a form of creative development. This could be for any activity or event which will help to enhance your creative practice. The deadline to apply for the ACJ's Creative Development Awards is fast approaching with less than 2 weeks left to get your applications in. Deadline 15th September. These are also available in ‘Grants for Groups’ in the member

Building Your Craft Industry Network and Starting Conversations

Building Your Craft Industry Network and Starting Conversations   6 November 2019 The Goldsmiths' Centre, London Broadening your circle of contacts and networking is crucial to developing your profile and practice, but it can be a daunting process. Start today and join us as we bring together practitioners from across the industry, including blacksmiths and silversmiths, to launch Birmingham City University’s new e-book Making Form: Contemporary British Fine Metalwork. The evening will feature introductions to the topic by industry professionals, Rebecca de Quin and Lucy Quinnell, helping you to understand how they pushed beyond their comfort zone and forged their

Resonance Catherine Martin at The Scottish Gallery

Resonance - Catherine Martin The Scottish Gallery 2 August - 1 September 2018 The Scottish Gallery welcomes back Catherine Martin for the Edinburgh Art Festival 2018. Designer-goldsmith Catherine Martin was the first ever westerner to graduate in Kumihimo – the ancient Japanese art of braiding. She later developed the Asian art into a painstaking weaving of fine gold wire by hand. The resulting silken jewels are breathtaking in their sensual play of light and form. As a professional musician and singer, Martin allows the fluidity of music to influence her pieces. Each design element flows with finesse from her instinctive

Aw18 Global Collection launched by Annie Haak

Annie Haak takes inspiration from  "the wondrous world that we live in, through the diversity of all walks of life that we see on a daily basis"  in her newest collection for AW18 entitled 'Global Collection'. The fascinating shapes that are prominent throughout this varied collection reflect the ever-changing imprint of life that we as humans create. From spectacular geographical architecture which has been captured in the form of our stunning “Shard” pieces, to the new intricately detailed globe charm to symbolise the world  "as we strive to work together as one". The Global Collection includes a variety of styles

Kohatu + Petros

Kohatu + Petros Known and loved by the residents of the Marylebone area, Kohatu + Petros Jewellery will be launching the Autumn/Winter 18 jewellery collection at the pop up at 67 York St with a focus on statement necklaces, earrings and bracelet cuffs. This season accessories are mega strong and bold with a sense of laid back luxury: Seventies hues: camel, rust and yellows are given a modern twist by accessorising with long chunky gold chain necklaces. Antique rose with sage green highlights in the form of bold asymmetrical semi precious stone collars and long rope necklaces complement the new

RELIC

RELIC This is Metalsmith Rebecca Gouldson’s first foray into curating with this exhibition entitled RELIC. The exhibition draws on Rebecca’s interpretation of the theme as “a collection of objects which capture my imagination, chosen for their appearance of being found, rather than recently made; aged rather than new. They appear to have a history, told through their form, their surface marks and sometimes in their arrangement or display.” Exhibiting makers include Rebecca Appleby, Karolina Baines,  Elaine Bolt, Jane Cairns, Anne-Laure Cano,  Amanda Denison, Rebecca Gouldson, Ruth Leslie, Claire Malet, Jo Pond, Paul Wearing, Rachel Wood and others to be announced

Cooksongold Mark 100th Year Anniversary with New Store Opening

Cooksongold, the UK’s largest jewellery making supplier, is celebrating 100 years of being at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The old shop layout In 1918 Cooksongold, established a manufacturing site and sales office on Vittoria Street, to serve both jewellery manufacturers and industrial users in the Midlands area. The business grew considerably in the early years constantly expanding its range of products and production facilities, and as a result bought the premises next door for use as production areas, stock holdings and a store. Following a series of further acquisitions the business has expanded further to form the Cooksongold

Goldsmiths’ Fair Opens for its 36th Edition

The finest goldsmithing and silversmithing is all about innovation and refinement. An alchemy of technique and inspiration, forged through experimentation, and appealing to intellect and passion alike. The resulting treasures embody the rich narrative of craftsmanship, informed by the personality of the maker and the materials, and skilfully made into contemporary form. Now in its 36th year, Goldsmiths’ Fair has built a solid reputation as the foremost destination for precious metal fine jewellery and contemporary silver from the best independent designer craftsmen working in the UK today. More than ever the Fair is focused on contemporary design. The Fair’s recent

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £250.00 which includes VAT and transaction fees. Thank you very much.

Organic glass and fluid landscape

Biba Schutz is one of those artists who has no need to deepen the analytical phase of her creative process. Her intuitive ability and emotional approach to work allow her to achieve incredible results. Rippling Necklace During the course of her evolutionary journey, Biba has experimented with a range of materials, searching for a balanced dialogue between form and content, construction and meaning. However, perhaps it is in the use of glass that her language is best expressed and defined, even though she prefers to define herself as a metal worker. Her approach to glass was born almost casually 10

Gang of thieves raid Cotswold Arts and Craft Museum

A gang of thieves launched a raid on the award-winning Court Barn Arts and Craft Museum and in what looks to be a premeditated crime, took off with a number of silver pieces dating back to 1900. The items taken range from pieces by architect and designer Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942), Hart Silversmiths who joined Ashbee in Campden in 1902 and who still make silver today and designer Robert Welch (1929-2000). They include a silver pendant in the form of a butterfly with wings of enamel and a blue enamel pendant, c1902. The Museum opened in 2007 to  preserve and

Two Sides - One Story - Pin mechanisms & brooch back design

Donna Brennan Contemporary presents Two Sides - One Story: Pin mechanisms & brooch back design International Jewellery Masterclasses 11 July - 15 July 2018 Led by Brooch expert Daniela Malev, author of the definitive guide to brooch pin design, "To The Point - Pin Mechanisms and Brooch Back Design." In this Masterclass, Daniela will lead you through an array of innovative pin solutions which form an integral part of the overall brooch design. Daniela Malev is a jeweller and teacher. Trained as a goldsmith in her hometown Dresden, Germany, she also holds a Master Craftman ́s Certificate for Gold- and

Getting Started 2018

Call for Applications: Getting Started Have you graduated in the last five years form a certified UK Precious Metal course? Do you need support in developing your business skills, but aren’t sure exactly what skills you need? Getting Started could be the course for you. What is this course about? Getting Started is a FREE, one week business taster programme for recent graduates who want to pursue a career within the industry. Funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, the course is delivered and takes place at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell. Course dates 9am until 5pm, Monday 8th to Friday 12th

Make Your Mark Judge Adam Phillips Keen To View Entries

A legal requirement to sell precious metal, the hallmark needn’t simply be regarded as a required stamp to be hidden from the wearer. Adam Phillips, account manager at The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, London, and judge of this year’s Make Your Mark Awards, encourages makers to get creative with their hallmarking to make a real impact.   How creative can makers be with the positioning of a hallmark? "While the hallmark is regarded as the oldest form of consumer protection, it can also be used creatively as a marketing tool. Not only does it provide provenance, but it can also

Shimell and Madden Launch new Film

An insight into the creative and craft process of  Shimell  and Madden, this video profile shows how the duo work together and develop their ideas. London based, they  create structural  gold pattern work that form distinctive fine jewellery pieces.  Shimell and Madden occupy that space where craft, art and fashion intersect. High quality and hand-crafted, their jewellery explores themes of science, nature and time. Shimell and Madden | The Process | 2017 from Shimell and Madden on Vimeo . They have been creating jewellery in their London studio since 2010. Emma

Gemstones Set The Tone: GFG Jewellery by Nilufe

GFG Jewellery by Nilufer is a London-based British contemporary fine jewellery brand established by founder, Nilufer Kizilkaya.  With a vision to encapsulate timeless beauty, Nilufer set about creating collections that are easily wearable from day to night with a vision to form a part of a woman’s daily outfit ritual. The aesthetics of the collections are created with love and passion, inspired by the beauty of our surroundings. Each piece is created using precious metals, handset and polished while gemstones, diamonds and pearls are sourced around the world and cut to bespoke specifications for the brand. GFG Jewellery by Nilufer,

Residency 17/18, Berwick Visual Arts & Centre for Rural Economy

Residency 17/18, Berwick Visual Arts & Centre for Rural Economy Berwick Visual Arts is pleased to announce its fifth annual residency opportunity for visual artists, in partnership with the Centre for Rural Economy (CRE) at Newcastle University, which specialises in teaching and research on rural development. About the Residency The residency is an opportunity for an artist working in any visual art form to respond to rural issues within the context of Berwick-upon-Tweed and Northumberland, to draw on the resources offered by the CRE to inform the production of new work, and to bring new approaches to rural research at

Crafts Council Exhibition for Hull UK City of Culture 2017

  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

McCaul Goldsmiths Launch Arris Collection

The Arris Collection by McCaul Goldsmiths is designed with each one-of-a-kind gemstone in mind where carved curves are made a soft satin texture to compliment its wearer. Elegant raised contour lines form where different surfaces meet around the new collection rings. Deep valleys tunnel underneath the stone, which are highlighted with a mirror shine finish that reflects and enhances the colour of the gemstone. As future heirlooms, these generously proportioned contemporary statement rings are made to last generations. The design direction for McCaul Goldsmiths is constantly evolving where each and every piece is excitingly unique. Two of the most popular

Call for Applications: Desire Fair - London 2018

Call for Applications: London Desire Fair 2018 Now in its 12th year, Desire Fair has grown to become the UK's leading silversmithing and mixed media jewellery consumer fair.   Over the holiday period we have had a couple of cancellations from our Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair being held in London from 2 - 4 March 2018.  We therefore have a 2m and a 3m stand available.  Should you wish to apply for one of these spaces, please click here and return the application form as soon as possible. About the Event This will be our twelfth year of Desire in

Two Sides - One Story - Pin mechanisms & brooch back design

Donna Brennan Contemporary presents Two Sides - One Story: Pin mechanisms & brooch back design with Daniela Malev International Jewellery Masterclasses 5 - 9 September 2018 Led by Brooch expert Daniela Malev, author of the definitive guide to brooch pin design, "To The Point - Pin Mechanisms and Brooch Back Design." In this Masterclass, Daniela will lead you through an array of innovative pin solutions which form an integral part of the overall brooch design. Daniela Malev is a jeweller and teacher. Trained as a goldsmith in her hometown Dresden, Germany, she also holds a Master Craftman ́s Certificate for

Ravish In Resin

Whilst the weather outside is less than Spring fresh and bright, the jewellery world is tapping into trends that will bring our lives some much needed sunshine and colour. Resin jewellery is breaking out into the spotlight and taking centre stage across many springtime collections.  Embodying an organic feel with irregular solid shapes and intricate abstract edges, resin jewellery is increasingly being used by designers to tell a tell a story of a millennial lifestyle. Beautifully preserved organics are embedded within clear and coloured resin cabochons with botanical natural elements in free form design and shapes. A beautifully eye-catching trend

The Flaming Pearl Queen of Conch

Prized for her rarity and creamy unique shimmer, this freshwater gemstone is hailed as The Flaming Pink Pearl Queen of the exotic sea. Whilst many have come across its sister counterparts, freshwater pearls as well as Mikimoto, pink conch pearls remain to be amongst some of the most desirable and rarest form of naturally-occuring organic gemstones. Found within the depths of the Caribbean ocean off the coast of North America, this beautifully spiral shaped snail shell inhabits from Florida down into the waters of the West Indies. The conch shell belongs to a genus family called the Gastropod as it

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

Adi Toch Finalist for The LOEWE Craft Prize 2017

Adi Toch has been  selected as a finalist for the  international Loewe Craft Prize 2017,  an annual international award celebrating excellence in craftsmanship. LOEWE seeks to recognise uniquely talented artisans whose artistic vision and will to innovate will set a new standard for the future of craft.  26 works have been selected as finalists by the Experts Panel out of almost 4,000 participants.  LOEWE Craft Prize 2017 entrant piece - Encircling Vessel from Whispering Vessels Series Works have been submitted to the Jury for their final decision this month and will form part of a touring exhibition.  The winning work

Ana Thompson Fine Jewellery Launches Macrocosmic Collection

Colombian born jewellery designer Ana Thompson will launch her new jewellery collections; Sedna and Vortex at the international trade show Inhorgenta this February. Her new collections Sedna and Vortex, consisting of a range of rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, are an exploration into the unseen macrocosmic natural world. They take the wearer on a fascinating journey through the universe, resulting in everlasting collections, which encapsulate fluid movement and represent endless time. Provocatively Ana's designs combine stylized form and structure typical of sculpture with the movement and energy inherent in more organic natural forms.  This combination disrupts the cold austerity of

Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP)

The Department for International Trade's Tradeshow Access Programme provides funding in the form of grants for eligible businesses to attend overseas trade shows. The Funding Helps Your Business Gain Market knowledge Experience in attending and getting the most from overseas trade shows Advice and support from trade experts How The Service Works The grants are based around the Tradeshow Access Programme Calendar of Supported Events 2016 to 2017 with an appropriate accredited Trade Challenge Partner leading the UK’s involvement at each event. Businesses usually take part as a group, led by the trade challenge partner for that trade show. What

Watchfinder Clocks in with Brand New TV Advertising Campaign

Guerillascope is pleased to announce the launch of the new TV advertising campaign from Watchfinder, the UK’s leading online retailer of pre-owned luxury watches. The campaign, which aired live on August 8 , features on the likes of Sky News, Dave, the Sky Sports network, More 4, BT Sports, Discovery Channel and National Geographic, as part of a strategy targeting adults within the ABC1 demographic. Watchfinder specialises in the buying and selling of pre-owned luxury watches, with customers able to circumnavigate what can often be a stressful process by completing a simple online enquiry form. A preliminary quote is sent within one

Amethyst In The Violet Spotlight

For those birthday babies of February, purple Amethyst marks the precious birthstone of highly esteemed legendary powers and symbolic mythology. February delivers an unpredictable month of gloomy rain showers, shivering temperatures amongst the short, dark days of monotony for many. The semi-precious violet birthstone of Amethyst therefore provides a soothing antidote of strength to fight the February fatigue and inject a little warmth through its calming properties of of peace, stability and courage. As one of the most widely used naturally hard gems, Amethyst is generally sourced in the form of six-sided crystals and contains the second most abundant minerals

Call for Applications: Spring Fling 2017

The 2017 Spring Fling Open Studios are open to applications. Building on the success of 2015, SF2016 welcomed over 40,500 studio visits and brought over £1.5 million to the regional economy.  Why not apply to take part in Scotland's premier art and craft open studios event? In 2017 we are celebrating our fifteenth year, so join us! What you need to know Spring Fling Open Studios will be held on the 27 – 29 May 2017. How to apply Applicants must apply via the  SF2017 Application form  – emails/postal applications will not be accepted. There is a £10 application fee (non-refundable)

London Design Fair - Old Truman Brewery, London

The 10th anniversary of the London Design Fair runs from 22 – 25 September 2016. This year sees the addition of an amazing new 3rd floor, with country pavilions, features and exhibitions including: 100% Norway, China Academy of Art, British Craft Pavilion, Design in South Italy, Design Prize Switzerland, Form & Seek, Inspiring Portugal, Liu Malmsten & Swedish Wood, Nature Lab, Nordic Design Collective, Scotland: Craft and Design, Swedish Design Pavilion, Takram, The Publishing House (Flea Folly), The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, This Is India & Trentino Collaborations Not to mention over 450 independent designers & studios and

Melanie Georgacopoulo: MOP Shell Collection

The MOP Shell collection crafted by Melanie Georgacopoula celebrates Mother of Pearl and its various beautiful colours, featuring seamless MOP diamond and emerald forms, paired with 18ct gold and freshwater pearls. Mother of Pearl, otherwise known as nacre is produced by mollusks as an inner shell layer, it also makes up the outer coating of pearls. It is a strong, resilient and iridescent material that has been used for thousands of years, mainly in the form of inlay. Natural Mother of Pearl has many different applications worldwide, in both expensive and inexpensive items. It can be commonly found in East

Crafted, Walpole

Call for Applications, Walpole's Crafted Programme 2017 Walpole and patron Vacheron Constantin invite traditional and contemporary artisans and craftspeople to submit applications for the prestigious 10th-annual Crafted programme. Skilled craftspeople interested in developing the commercial side of their business with the help of expert luxury industry leaders have until Monday 27th February to apply for the 2017 Walpole Crafted programme. Please click here for the selection criteria and here to download the application form. About Crafted Realising the reliance that many luxury brands have on the fine skilled work and experience of craftspeople and artisans, Crafted was established in 2007

The Snowflake Trail 2016

The Snowflake Trail returns for a third year on 1 December 2016 and Open Culture CIC and Liverpool BID Company are once again seeking proposals from artists and creative organisations to design and decorate fibreglass snowflakes to form part of the trail. The snowflakes will be 1.5m tall and will be installed for the duration of the trail, from 1 December 2016 – 3 January 2017. The 12 fibreglass snowflakes offer a blank, 3D canvas for selected artists to showcase their work to the vast audiences that visit the city centre over the busy Christmas period. We ask all artists

Rebecca Hannon: Contemporary Camouflage

Contemporary Camouflage is Rebecca Hannon’s latest project, one she has developed during two months residency at Studio Rian de Jong, in Amsterdam. Interested in the concepts of concealing and revealing, which stem from the notion of camoiuflage, the artist presents a series of brooches, chignon covers, earrings and necklaces, the result of a paradoxical exploration in the field of contemporary jewellery.  Camouflage means “to blend into”, to conceal oneself in one’s surroundings so as to protect oneself, to go unnoticed, or to become a predator in order to survive. Coloration is the principal form camouflage takes in nature. Adapted by

A Quiet Unfolding of Ideas. A retrospective Exhibition: Pamela Ritchie

A Quiet Unfolding of Ideas. A retrospective Exhibition: Pamela Ritchie  2017 Saidye Bronfman Award Laureate Pamela Ritchie creates jewellery that explores linkages between traditional craft processes, contemporary ideas of science and culture, and the language of alternative materials. Her work celebrates the concentrating effect of detail, and the paradox that an abundance of ideas, form, and pattern can be encapsulated in very small objects.  Her studies include an MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and postgraduate research work in Norway supported by a scholarship from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in conjunction with

Record Number of UK Jewellers to Exhibit at Amsterdam's SIERAAD

Eighteen UK art jewellers and SIERAAD Art Jewellery Fair in Amsterdam are working to help keep artistic ties between the UK and Europe strong and fresh despite the recent UK vote to leave the European Union. A decision that has caused a great deal of division, instability and uncertainty. This year a record number of UK jewellers will be exhibiting at SIERAAD 2016 which takes place at The Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam between 10th -13th November 2016. The eighteen art jewellers are the cream of UK talent carefully selected for their innovative and creative approach to jewellery as an art form. Astrid

The 2017 ‘GeoGems’ Benchpeg Christmas Decoration Designed by Kate Dugmore

This Autumn Benchpeg launched a competition open to Birmingham School of Jewellery students and alumni to design our annual Christmas Tree Decoration. We had some innovative, thoughtful and creative designs submitted in response to the quite constrained brief, but the winner selected by the Benchpeg team, was designed by Kate Dugmore. The design entitled ‘GeoGems’ has the illusion of shattered facets within a diamond form, which is both contemporary and challenging. Benchpeg creates a limited edition Christmas Tree Decoration each year, and Benchpeg’s Founder Rebecca van Rooijen wanted to open up the opportunity to design the decoration this year to

Professional Development Courses at the Goldsmiths' Centre

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell is the leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths. Join our new network, Link at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, for the industry and wider design community by registering for free today. You will be amongst the first to hear about what’s on via our members’ e-newsletter; get priority tickets for in-demand short courses and specialist events; and receive exclusive benefits, including private view invitations and discounts from our café, Bench. Link up as a member at www.goldsmiths-centre.org  and discover our packed programme on offer this season: SILVER SPEAKS: FORM Until Fri 23 September 2016 Mon

Melanie Georgacopoulos: MOP Shell Collection Features New Pieces

Melanie Georgacopoulos recently added new pieces to their "MOP Shell" collection. They will be unveiling the collection this week at Collect at the Saatchi Gallery, London, where  you can discover the new additions!  Mother of Pearl, otherwise known as nacre is produced by mollusks as an inner shell layer, it also makes up the outer coating of pearls. It is a strong, resilient and iridescent material that has been used for thousands of years, mainly in the form of inlay. Natural MOP has many different applications worldwide, in both expensive and inexpensive items. It can be commonly found in East Asian and

GSFA 2016 | April Doubleday | Fairtrade Gold Mining in Colombia

April Doubleday is an Ethical deigner/maker of Contemporary Jewellery, living on the North Coast of Devon. She uses the coastline, rock formations and the sea as inspiration for her designs. Her Jewellery is bold and energetic using line, form and colour where every piece is given its own sense of creation and individuality of its own.  April's vision of her company is to strive for complete transparency throughout her business. This transparency spreads from her sourcing of precious metal suppliers and gemstones to the design process with clients. April is committed to ensuring she uses suppliers that have social and

Body Language Collection Timely for International Women’s Day

With female empowerment themes strongly present amongst all media channels this week for International Women’s Day , Anissa Kermiche's Body Language collection is timely. Body Language  celebrates the female form and is a reflection of the generation of successful, powerful and funny women that Anissa sees all around her and uses as inspiration. The collection features the iconic Rubies Boobies, La Derriere and Precieux Pubis necklaces and the playful Yes We Can singular earrings amongst other pieces crafted from different golds, silver and precious stones. From her London-based studio, Anissa has sourced the finest stones and used both her technical

Chalk Jewellery: AW16 'Lagos' Collection

Complex patterns, geometric shapes and vibrant colour-ways form a range of bold, contemporary and unique jewellery. This season London based jewellery brand Chalk have joined forces with accessories brand Sarah & Sorrentino, this collaboration made way for the inspiration behind the newest  AW16 collection named 'Lagos'. Taking influence from the 'Lagos' scarf designed by Sarah and Sarrentino, the designers wanted to mirror the strong graphic lines and abstract patterns seen throughout this particular piece whilst adding a touch of 'Chalk' aesthetic to the materials. The designers cleverly abstracted the patterns seen in the scarf and re-worked the forms to create

Flo: The Jewellery Edit 2016, Crafts Central

  FLō: The Jewellery Edit 2016 sees the return of contemporary jewellery collective Flō to Craft Central in a new show following its successful exhibition in 2015. Flō is made up of six designer-makers from Spain, Portugal, Sweden, South Africa and the UK working out of the same studio in London. This showcase highlights how individual approaches to design that draw inspiration from sources as diverse as arid vegetation, the London skyline, tribal patterns and Scandinavian summers can find common ground through the exploration of form and body adornment. Flō is made up of: Viveka Alvestrand        www.vivekaalvestrand.com

ENSEMB7E Presents: ‘Hidden Layers’

‘Hidden Layers’ - An exhibition staged by MA by Project Artists Jewellery | Ceramics | Sculpture | Painting | Installation Hidden Layers serves as a metaphor for the outcomes encountered on the path of the search .  The ‘deep learning’ uncovers hither-to protected or concealed layers within an individual’s practice.  Diverse research areas and fine art practices combine to form this multi-disciplinary group – building an individually stronger practice.  Through our research, lost, yet to be discovered, or the newly imagined are encountered. Installations and memory objects subvert conventional notions of home as a safe haven | Evocative landscapes allude

Silver Light and Shade, The Holburne Museum

Silver: Light and Shade  explores the different processes used by silversmiths to create a range of surface textures and patterns, highlighting the continuity between the techniques used for centuries and those used today. Work by contemporary makers including Hiroshi Suzuki, Malcolm Appleby, Rod Kelly and Adi Toch are shown alongside some of the finest and rarest pieces in silver to have survived from the last 500 years. This is an exhibition that brings together historic and contemporary silver masterpieces to tell a new story about the texture, form and colour of this precious metal.  Silver:  Light and Shade  explores the

British Fashion Council Launches British High-End Manufacturers Database

Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of the British Fashion Council and Professor Christopher Moore, Director of the British School of Fashion, Glasgow Caledonian University have  launched the British Fashion Council’s new  British High-End Manufacturers Database. The national database of UK-based manufacturers aims to make it easier for designers to form supply chain relationships and reach production units. The British High-End Manufacturers Database  is the first milestone of 2017 for the BFC’s Positive Fashion initiative. In March 2015 the BFC and a working group comprising of M&S, UKFT, Creative Skillset, The Alliance Project and Centre for Fashion Enterprise worked alongside independent specialists

Royal Academy Schools Announce New Project: Fashion Arts Commission

The BFC Fashion Arts Foundation and the Royal Academy Schools are committed to encouraging and nurturing future talent. A new commissioning project will bring together fashion designers and visual artists to collaborate across art forms. The project is called Fashion Art Commissions and will pair graduates from the RA Schools with NEWGEN and NEWGEN MEN designers. The commission will produce artworks that will form part of an auction at Christie’s. The pieces will be on display from the 31st October – 11th November at Christie’s King Street gallery and will then be part of an online auction from 22nd November

Royal Academy Schools Announce New Project: Fashion Art Commissions

The BFC Fashion Arts Foundation and the Royal Academy Schools are committed to encouraging and nurturing future talent. A new commissioning project will bring together fashion designers and visual artists to collaborate across art forms. The project is called Fashion Art Commissions and will pair graduates from the RA Schools with Newgen and Newgen Men designers. The commission will produce artworks that will form part of an auction at Christie’s. The pieces will be on display from the 31st October – 11th November at Christie’s King Street gallery and will then be part of an online auction from 22nd November

Silver Speaks: The Silversmiths' Toolbox Talk

Contemporary British Silversmiths is partnering with the V&A, the London Design Festival and the Goldsmiths' Centre to deliver a series of exciting events to promote silver in contemporary life. Over nine days in September, the London Design Festival features hundreds of events taking place across London, showcasing the city's pivotal role in global design. The London Design Festival 2016 will be held 17-25 September. Talk: The Silversmiths' Toolbox In Conversation with Contemporary British Silversmiths Join five prestigious members of Contemporary British Silversmiths in conversation on the importance of tools and materials to their practice. Led by Silver Speaks: Form exhibition

Fei Liu’s Bespoke Brooch Sells At Auction For A Five-Figure Sum

Jewellery Quarter-based designer Fei Liu has sold his bespoke ‘Poppies in Love’ at auction. In 2021, Fei Liu Fine Jewellery revitalised its fine jewellery line with one-of-a-kind pieces in gold and platinum; selling across the UK, US and Asian markets. Since its rejuvenation, the designer brand has seen sales double from the prior year and a higher intake of bespoke commissions from private collectors. More recently, award-winning jewellery designer Fei Liu sold a one-of-a-kind brooch at auction for a five-figure sum (US dollars). Entitled ‘Poppies in Love’, the brooch reimagines the poppy flower in an abstract wearable form. The brooch

News Edit: 7 April 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Van Cleef & Arpels Welcomes Spring With New Additions To Its Frivole Collection Tatler: One of the French jeweller's most well-loved lines, the Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole collection with its new family members looks set to adorn the female form and capture more women's hearts this season. asiatatler.com Hamilton & Inches CEO departs after 40 years as jeweller eyes £20m sales The Scotsman: Hamilton & Inches has unveiled a change in leadership as the jeweller and silversmith seeks to double turnover by 2024. scotsman.com Jeweller Hamilton & Inches picks

Jacobs the Jewellers starts 70th anniversary

2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Reading’s oldest independent family run jewellers founding. Jacobs’ 2018 anniversary centres around the ambitious goal of raising £70,000 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity, specifically the Berkshire Cancer Centre in what is also the NHS’s 70th anniversary year.   70 for 70: raising £70,000 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital in their 70th year 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of Reading’s oldest independent family run jewellers founding. Jacobs’ 2018 anniversary centres around the ambitious goal of raising £70,000 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital Charity, specifically the Berkshire Cancer Centre in what is also the NHS’s 70th anniversary year.   Jacobs has kicked off 2018 in dazzling form, launching the first three innovative