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Our history
Just over a decade ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information. Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments. In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the latest news stories and promoting business opportunities. Our website and newsletter has a national
A History of Coronation Dress and Jewels
Talk: Ceremony And Splendour A History Of Coronation Dress And Jewels Clothworrkes’ Hall, London Monday, 6th March 2023 The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) will host a talk on coronations in the elegant surroundings of Clothworrkes’ Hall on Monday 6th March, with Caroline de Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art 100% of the proceeds will go towards TCDT's fully funded workshops, taught by craft specialists, for 14-19-year-olds who wish to develop their hand skills. Focussing on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the lecture will explore the origins, design and evolution of Coronation dress and jewels – from richly embroidered fashionable
A History of London Jewellers and Jewellery
The UK’s capital city is renowned for many things, but nothing more so than it’s proud history and ancient traditions, many of which are still practiced to this day. Therefore, it’s really no surprise to discover that in this rich environment, London jewellers design and produce engagement rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that boast an almost unrivalled historical pedigree. Rebecca Smyth from bespoke jewellers Taylor and Hart, takes us through the journey..... Harness the Past for the Designs of the Future At Taylor & Hart, our designers use London’s past as an unlimited source of inspiration – adopting, embellishing and reinterpreting motifs
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
Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding @ K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery
Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding Lecture By Alex Estorick at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Cockpit Arts, London 26th February 2020 / 6:30 - 8:30pm For centuries, decorative arts have been considered separately from fine art, with museums continuing to display functional, ‘applied‘ arts apart from those of primarily aesthetic consideration. Yet art‘s contemporary meaning has always depended on its decorative appearance. Proof of this lies in the almost uncanny similarity between the language employed in the 9th century to discuss Byzantine mosaics and that used to explain modernist paintings in the 20th. This talk seeks to come
Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history
Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel. The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states “They were banished from England by King John in 1291.” Ambrey Smith was asked
Appointment: Dr Timothy Schroder makes history being elected Prime Warden for second term
The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that Dr Timothy Schroder has been elected Prime Warden. Dr Schroder, who previously served in the role during 2015-16, is the first member of the Goldsmiths’ Company to be appointed Prime Warden for a second term since 1951, when Walter Godfrey Allen served two consecutive years. Timothy Schroder was born in 1953 and educated in Oxford, where he attended St Edward’s School and Christ Church at Oxford University. At Christ Church he read philosophy and theology, before going on to specialise in the decorative arts, completing a Diploma at the Study Centre for the History
SIERAAD to relocate from Amsterdam
Astrid Berens & Maarten Bodt have announced the change of title and location of the now internationally attended Dutch event SIERAAD which has previously has its home in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Due to post-pandemic conditions and increased costs the events 20 year history of being based in Amsterdam will end in 2023. As a result the event will be scaled back and relocated to the city of Buren, in the Betuwe region of Holland. Buren was selected because of its charm and rich history. As the organisers of the event say, “It offers a breathtaking setting that will be the perfect
The Goldsmiths’ Centre collaborates with London Museum to Showcase Emerging Jewellery Designers
London Museum is showcasing UK handmade jewellery by emerging designer-makers in an exciting collaboration with the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This joint retail project, piloted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths' Company and Charity, will be available at London Museum Docklands, showcasing pieces that connect to the rich history of London, the River Thames, and stories of trade and migration told in the museum’s galleries. London Museum’s latest showcase features five jewellers and silversmiths whose designs blend history, technology, and culture with sustainable materials and modern techniques. Xinyi Chen, Suzanne Seed, Cara Lowe, Jo Boateng, and Caitlin Murphy present
November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine
Those born in November are lucky enough to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Often mistaken for one another throughout history, these two sunny stones are the perfect way to warm up as the winter weather chills set in strong! Whilst both November birthstones are known for their calming energies and believed to bring good fortune to its wearer, these two gems each have their own unique set of qualities and characteristics that make them the perfect affordably priced gemstone for many a jewellery collections. Topaz Throughout much of history, topaz was the term once given to
Amethyst Crush for February Birth Babies
One of the most revered stones for centuries, amethyst crystal is one of the most treasured variety of quartz. With its stunning tones of violet-purple and its rich history saturated with medieval lore and legendary powers, few crystals are as distinctive as arresting amethyst. Today, amethyst is classified as a semi-precious stone but throughout history, many ancients regarded it as a "Gem of Fire", worth as much in value and beauty as a diamond. Believed to carry energies of passion and fire, creativity and spirituality, amethyst has always been associated with the month of February and the Roman water-god, Neptune.
First ever online Goldsmiths' Fair opened by Prince Charles
[youtube url=http://youtu.be/GGvGiWC4RJE] Goldsmiths' Fair opened this year, for the first time in its 38 year history, as an online only event, due to to the global pandemic. In an act of support of the jewellery and silversmithign craft and industry Prince Charles made a personal address to open the event on 23rd September. The Goldsmiths' Company took the decision in Spring 2020 not to cancel their support for the industry to which they are wedded, but to pivot the event so that it continue to go ahead, providing an essential route to market for the small independent businesses [youtube
First King Charles III submitted for testing at the Trial of the Pyx
Landmark year as the first King Charles III coins and the largest coin in The Royal Mint’s history are submitted for testing at the Trial of the Pyx The Royal Mint has today submitted nearly 10,000 coins for testing at the UK’s oldest judicial ceremony, the Trial of the Pyx, held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London. The 700-year-old ceremony aims to protects consumers by upholding the quality of the nation’s coinage through rigorous testing – as important today as it was at the first recorded public trial in 1248. The process ensures that the coins produced by
The Art of Brooches - L'École Van Cleef & Arpels
The history of brooches reflects the social and technical evolution of humanity. During Antiquity, some mysterious fibulae made with bronze spirals tell us that this object was perhaps firstly used to secure clothing. Subsequently, this utilitarian and functional aspect will be lost in favor of an ornamental role: decorated with precious stones, brooches will express the wealth and power of their wearers. As a military badge, a sign of love and devotion, an expression of personal opinions or simply worn for Glamor, the brooch is rich in many meanings which we invite you to study in this Talk. With a
AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019
For the fourth consecutive year, Athens Jewelry Week will open its doors at the end of May, with a renewed program, new collaborations and more energy than ever writes Ilaria Ruggiero. As often happens around jewelry festivals, institutional moments will complement an off program that will allow the rediscovery of the city for residents and not only. A new way of looking at the art and history of this ancient civilization, through the filter of the jewel that allows to open up to new meanings, experiences and stimulate the growth of a lively sector in Greece. The objective of this dynamic Athens
Christian Dior Exhibition opens at V&A, Supported by Swarovski
Today marks the official opening of the exhibition ‘Dior: Designer of Dreams’, at the V&A. The exhibition, focusing on not only the founder, but his successive Artistic Directors and the design House as a whole, will be the largest and most comprehensive ever staged in the UK on the spectacular House of Dior. The exhibition is sponsored by Swarovski, who have a longstanding history of collaboration with Dior. In 1956, Swarovski worked with Monsieur Dior to create a unique crystal with rainbow-like effects called Aurora Borealis. Since then, the partnership has grown ever stronger, with each of Dior’s artistic directors
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art
Edinburgh College of Art ( ECA ) is an art, design, creative and performing arts school in Edinburgh, the oldest and largest in Scotland, providing higher education in art and design, architecture, history of art and music disciplines for over two thousand University of Edinburgh students. Undergraduate: Jewellery & Silversmithing – BA (Hons) www.eca.ed.ac.uk BA Jewellery & Silversmithing www.ed.ac.uk Postgraduate: Jewellery – MA www.ed.ac.uk
The Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph Collection
The stars, and the time they measure, have seen many stories start and end. Some stories end abruptly. Others echo down the eons. Start your chronograph. #StartYourStory. Precisely 100 years after the start of the Russian Revolution, Fabergé unveils a chronograph of revolutionary significance in the horological cosmos and pays tribute to the unfinished Constellation Egg of 1917. The constellations of the universe allow us not only to look back into the history of the stars and galaxies, but also to measure accurately the time that has elapsed as our universe, and the story of humankind on Earth, continue to
Cartier: The Story Behind the Style
Cartier: The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor Cartier: The Story Behind the Style is a beautifully illustrated, handbag-sized visual history of one of the world's most iconic brands. From the brand's inception in Paris in 1847, Cartier has been the go-to jeweller for the world's most stylish set. Filled with photographs and information from the company's 175 years, go behind the scenes to discover the story of how Cartier became synonymous with luxury. Chart the rise of the famous jeweller and watchmaker from humble beginnings in 19th-century Paris to the slick empire it is today. Discover how the
Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style
Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style is a beautifully illustrated, handbag-sized visual history of one of the world's most iconic brands. Open the world's most famous little blue box to discover the story of Tiffany & Co. since its founding in 1837. Packed with photographs and information from the company's 185 years, get a glimpse of the legendary designs that have made Tiffany & Co. a household name. Starting in New York City in 1837, you will discover just how far plucky upstart Charles Lewis Tiffany went
Pantone Colour Of The Year 2022
Pantone the universal mark of international colour language, has announced the colour of the year for 2022, 'Very Peri'. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri A new pantone colour whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational colour program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking
Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19
Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with
Online event celebrating the Jewellery Quarter’s independent businesses
Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) organises one-day online event celebrating the Quarter’s independent businesses On Saturday June 13, viewers can enjoy an exciting day filled with online entertainment within the safety of their own four walls. JQ at Home is a celebration of the artistry, creativity and history of this unique Quarter of Birmingham - an area of the city which has been hit especially hard during the Coronavirus crisis. With a large proportion of businesses in the Jewellery Quarter being part of the hospitality, retail and arts sectors, many businesses were forced to cease trading from as early
Pearls - A Practical Guide by Wendy Graham
Pearls - A Practical Guide by Wendy Graham Pearls are one of the oldest precious gemstones. They have been revered through history and the best reserved to adorn royalty and their favourites. Now, with the arrival of freshwater pearls, they are available to suit every pocket and every style, from the classic to the most creative. Includes a guide to the types of pearl and to the farming process. Gives advice on buying pearls; what to look for and what to avoid. Gives instruction on working with pearls, including drilling, setting and knotting. Finally, there is information on South Sea,
Contemporary British Silversmiths launch skill share films
The Contemporary British Silversmiths have launched a skills share initiative where members will be sharing some of the skills that have been passed onto them by other craftspeople throughout their career. The Contemporary British Silversmiths has a long history of community and skills sharing - peer to peer learning is one of the organisation’s founding principles. The first skill share is from Rauni Higson, and shows master silversmith Tony Bedford demonstrating how to solder a wire rim onto a flared vase. Tony agreed to answer any questions on the CBS Instagram page on the video post when it was launched [youtube CBS
News Briefing: 9 February 2025
A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Bulgari’s new exhibition pays homage to the snake in culture, art and jewellery Anna Solomon, February 2025, Wallpaper: The high jewellery maison celebrates the Chinese zodiac in ‘Serpenti Infinito’, a Shanghai exhibition that traces how the symbol of the serpent has manifested throughout history. www.wallpaper.com Pharrell Williams and Tiffany & Co put Tahitian pearls and diamonds in the spotlight Anne Soward, February 2025, Wallpaper: Two new jewellery collections combine Tiffany & Co’s inventive craftsmanship with the creative vision of Pharrell Williams www.wallpaper.com LVMH achieves a solid performance despite an
The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space
The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024 Paris Rock crystal has fascinated every civilisation since time immemorial for its mysterious translucence. From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024, the Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge will be taking visitors on a journey through the history of crystal from the present day to the Middle Ages and beyond. During medieval times in particular, this colourless quartz was a much coveted material for making tableware and other precious items such as
Benchpeg enjoys a lockdown chat with Maria Spanou
Continuing our lockdown need for conversation, we chat to long time friend and industry colleague Maria Spanou. Maria is a jewellery industry professional who is ex Central St Martins trained, has a history in finance, project management, jewellery communications, the jewellery retail space and is also a jewellery designer who works to commission. She is an excellent networker and all round good egg. We chat about lockdown, current work coping strategies and making plans for the future… [youtube url=http://youtu.be/x8xt-sRH_oY] Author: Published:
Luxury Institute: The 7 Rules For Reinventing Your Luxury Business Model Post Pandemic
Citizens of the world have endured months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. When we are past the worst of the crisis, we will not be the same, but we know from history that there will be many major opportunities for economic prosperity. How can luxury business leaders take creative, effective steps right now to shift the growth curve to a higher plane, with a steeper growth trajectory? To help brands achieve their well-intentioned purpose and values, here are seven rules from the Luxury Institute for reinventing the luxury business model for post pandemic success. Rule 1: From Disruption
The Goldsmiths' Company appoints Annie Warburton as its new Clerk and CEO
Annie Warburton has been announced as the new Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Annie becomes the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its 700 year history, she has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public and charity sectors. She will join the Goldsmith’s Company in January 2024. This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina ( Annie ) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024. With
Matrixgold Tips & Tricks Part 2
Matrixgold Tips & Tricks Part 2 Join us on Tuesday 27 September at 10:00 for this 2 hour free webinar with MatrixGold CAD Tutor Jack Meyer. In the class we’ll discuss: NURBS problem solving strategy in MatrixGold The difference between Rhino History and MatrixGold Dynamic Commands, and how to get the most out of both Effectively managing and organising Dynamic Command trees The limitations of solid modelling We will be using the latest version of MatrixGold V3 and Rhino 7, Join us at 10am on Tuesday 27 September 2022 To enrol, visit the Eventbrite link at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/matrixgold-tips-tricks-lecture-part-2-tickets-421717106217
Annie Warburton appointed as new Clerk and CEO at the Goldsmiths' Company
Annie Warburton has been announced as the newly appointed Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Annie becomes the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its 700 year history, she has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public and charity sectors. She will join the Goldsmith’s Company in January 2024. This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina ( Annie ) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024.
Icons of British Fashion
Icons of British Fashion Blenheim Palace 23rd March to 30th June 2024 Who’s Who of British designers collaborate for Icons of British Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace has collaborated with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers and brands to create Icons of British Fashion , the largest exhibition in its 300-year history, open to the public from today (23rd March) to 30th June, sponsored by nearby British luxury retail destination; Bicester Village. From the moment visitors arrive and step onto the red carpet leading up to the Palace, they’ll experience a world-class fashion exhibition featuring designs and
Vasundhara: An Interaction
I admit to be attracted by those experiments that mix traditions and contemporary life, if they are successful, like the new series of works called An Interaction and created by Vasundhara Mantri, an Indian designer with an international background writes Ilaria Ruggiero. In this case the experimentation is even more interesting, given the use of glass, an unusual material in Indian culture and history. The designer expresses creativity in experimentation as if it were a new awakening, which requires an approach made up of precision, confidence and control: "Art is forged in emotion. Wearable art must follow its own journey. As it
Irish goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly’s work go under the Sotheby’s hammer
For the first time in history an Irish high jewellery maker will showcase his works at auction in the US. October 22nd sees the inclusion of Mayo based jewellery designer and goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly in Sotheby’s Important Jewels live auction in New York. In the face of a global pandemic creating uncertainty with many small businesses who depend on international trade for expansion, the inclusion of two of Nigel O’Reilly’s pieces in the renowned auction house’s October sale marks a progressive step forward towards ‘the new normal’ for private business in Ireland. Hailing from and working in Mayo, Nigel has
F.Hinds Celebrates New Store Refit
Family owned and run jeweller, F.Hinds, has recently refurbished their Dover branch. The store at 42 Biggin Street, Dover, originally opened in 1985, having surviving two World Wars and numerous financial crashes over its 166-year history. The new Dover store refit features modernisation to match the current F.Hinds branding, new wall decoration, carpet and a new seated area for serving customers. Alison Riddle, store manager at F.Hinds Dover said, “Having originally opened in 1985 we are now very established on Dover high-street which is wonderful. Even though times are hard, our store refit only shows that we are here it
CAD / CAM Designer, G. Collins & Sons - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The role CAD/CAM Designer G. Collins & Sons Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent At G. Collins & Sons, we have a full-time opportunity to join our first-class team as an integral member of our workshop. With a history that spans back to 1985, we are a small, family-run jewellers tucked away in Tunbridge Wells, Kent with an ever-expanding team in search of a CAD/CAM Designer. The position will be based in Royal Tunbridge Wells in our innovative, traditional highly skilled workshop. The successful candidate must have strong design skills in Rhino or Matrix and have a good knowledge of jewellery fabrication,
Annoushka Launches new Lovelock & Lovelink designs
“The ‘lock’ has been celebrated throughout history, in the world of punk rock as much as in the realms of religion. For me, its symbolism of security and strength has a particular resonance, at a time when the world seeks both” - Annoushka Ducas MBE The five new Lovelock designs have each been exquisitely crafted in 18ct gold and set with precious gemstones. Each one depicts a different talismanic symbol; The Bee, an icon of endurance and community, The Eye, to keep the wearer safe, The Star, a decorative symbol of guidance, and The Heart, our universal symbol of love.
Introducing the latest Harry Winston collection ‘Winston Gates’
Signature design codes from luxury maisons are often reinterpreted time and time again, however, Harry Winston’s latest jewellery collection looks to a unique part of the brand’s history for inspiration writes Jodie Smith. What do you think of when you hear the name Harry Winston? Renowned for his acquisition of some of the world’s most famous diamonds such as the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy diamonds - as well as his philanthropic pursuits - Harry Winston is a name usually associated with enormous jewels, like the headline grabbing purple sapphire and diamond necklace which Jennifer Lopez sported on the Met Gala
A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust
The Incorporation of Goldsmiths have announced the launch of the new Scottish Goldsmiths Trust website where you will find information about who they are, projects, opportunities, events and history. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) was founded by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh in the year 2000. Its aims remain to support and promote the education, art an craft of Scotland’s gold and silversmithing heritage and trade. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has a dynamic programme of opportunities, exhibitions and awards. The SGT curates the Millennium Silver collection, Silver of the Stars and the historical archives of The
Chaumet’s new ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’
The maison’s latest pieces celebrate nature in all its forms writes Jodie Smith. The French maison was founded in 1780, in Paris, and its prestige was quickly certified when they became the official jeweller to Empress Josephine. In the 235 year history of the brand, Chaumet has been faithful to its natural inspiration, with numerous iterations of this theme. In this new series of pieces, Chaumet celebrates flora and fauna with a whole host of jewellery designs, including captivating brooches and cocktail rings which are perfect for occasionwear. These latest jewels vary wildly between the traditional, vintage style brooches of the
Celestial Inspired Jewellery
Jewellers turn to celestial bodies for design inspiration time and time again, with some of the biggest names in fine jewellery returning to star, sun and planet motifs for 2019. These forms are both familiar and yet magical to us, becoming part of the pantheon of jewellery history for many collectors and admirers writes Jodie Smith. Cartier Released during Paris haute couture week, Cartier introduced an entire galaxy of 14 limited edition pieces of jewellery in ‘Les Galaxies de Cartier.’ This is the first in the series of Cartier’s collections based on the mission statement: ‘Explore New, Create Amazing’, and
Digital Jewelry Week
Digital Jewelry Week 7 - 12 October 2024 www.digitaljewelryweek.com Digital Jewelry Week makes history with first-ever hybrid event setting a new standard for the global jewelry industry The immersive event will blend digital innovation with an exclusive in-person gathering in Milan’s iconic garden senato. Digital Jewelry Week (DJW), returning for its second year taking place from the 7th to the 13th of October, has today announced that the event will expand into both digital and physical spaces, marking the jewellery industry’s first-ever hybrid event. On the 12 of October, DJW will host an exclusive one-day gathering in Milan’s prestigious Garden Senato.
Goldsmith & Mounter, G. Collins & Sons - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The role Goldsmith & Mounter G. Collins & Sons Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent G. Collins & Sons are a family-owned business based in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Due to expansion, we have a unique opportunity for a skilled Goldsmith and Mounter to join our on-site workshop team. With a history that spans back to 1985, we are a small, family-run jewellers that handcrafts all our jewellery on-site and looking to expand our team. Our Goldsmiths & Mounters are essential to our production workflow, and they must show meticulous attention to detail when carrying out their work. We are keen to hear
Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies
The exhibition Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies is organized by Gallery Loupe for Contemporary Art Jewelry, Montclair, New Jersey, in collaboration with the Arkansas Arts Center and aims at celebrating the dazzling and witty work of the master goldsmith, craftsman and leading scholar in the field of archaeometallurgy. Everything in his creative research started when The Metropolitan Museum of Art encouraged him to make copies of pieces in their collection and testing them. This has developed his personal understandings that jewelry artifact crystallizes “human drama” and this knowledge base has empowered my trajectory into playing with jewelry history and
Actinia by Raluca Buzura wins the Gold International Design Award
The Spanish porcelain brand obtains international recognition for its latest jewellery collection created by the renowned Romanian designer As part of the International Design Awards 2020 (IDA), Lladró was the recipient of the Gold Award in the Jewelry category for its Actinia collection created by Romanian designer Raluca Buzura. Actinia is a series of seven dazzlingly beautiful pieces that submerge us in Raluca’s fascinating imagination and concentrate on the true essence of luxury while at once defending the magic of underwater life. Now in its 14th year, the International Design Awards 2020 have been the most successful in its history.
A fond farewell to friend and colleague Tam Savill
T erry Hunt, Chair of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, remembers our friend and colleague Tam Savill. In 2010, in a lunch-hour at the School of Jewellery, I had a visit from Tam. This was the first time we’d met, and therefore my first experience of her “people-persuasion” skills. By the end of the lunch break I suddenly found myself, a lapsed founder-member of the Association, its new chair! And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. A rich and fulfilling time for the ACJ, with Tam achieving so many of her aspirational and bold projects – work that she
Objet d’Emotion x Ecru launch Jewellery Memory Game
Valery Demure, Founder of Objet d’Emotion, is proud to present the ‘Lady of the Rings” Memory Game, in collaboration with Nur Kaoukjhi, Creative Director of Ecru. With the challenges 2020 presents, we’ve learnt to adjust to a slower pace and enjoy simple pleasures. Spending time with her daughter Paloma reminded Valery of her own childhood, playing memory games with her grandmother Marie-Louise. Valery has travelled extensively, India being one of her favourite places, Jaipur connecting with her more intimately due to its jewellery history. As well as the beauty she admired, she also witnessed the obstacles the communities are facing
Museum of Arts And Design New York, Appoints Christian Larsen as Windgate Research Curator
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) today announced the appointment of Christian Larsen to the position of Windgate Research Curator, effective immediately. In this position, funded by the Windgate Charitable Foundation, Larsen will lead an educational and curatorial partnership between the Museum of Arts and Design and Bard Graduate Center (BGC) to increase the visibility of craft and design in art history and the contemporary art world. He replaces Elissa Auther who was named Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator last September. 'With great enthusiasm, we welcome Christian to the curatorial team at
Spectacular £30 million diamond found at Letsing
One massive diamond, worth more than £30 million, has been recovered by British mining company Gem Diamonds at their Letsing Mine in Lesotho, South Africa. Yet to be given a name, the 910 carat colourless diamond is roughly the size of a cricket ball and is the largest ever found at Letsing. It is also the fifth largest to be extracted in history and its discovery sent shares in Gem Diamonds soaring following a difficult couple of years where the world famous mine has struggled for major finds and wrestled with a fall in prices. Some of the most significant
Vegas Edge 2019
Vegas Edge Alexis Park All-Suite Hotel and Conference Centrer, Las Vegas, USA 12 th -13 th August 2019 The 3 Vegas Edge Show Reports Record Breaking Sales for Upcoming Event Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 August 2019 are set to go down in history as the Vegas Edge Team have pre-sold a record breaking 80% of the floor space for their August event. The sister show to LondonEdge, an international event established for 20 years, Vegas Edge is the only commercial platform stateside dedicated to lifestyle, creative alternative apparel, footwear & accessories businesses. Exhibitors, buyers, influencers & press will gather
Stephen Einhorn Launches Small Signet Jewellery Collection
Combining style, elegance and history, the signet ring is a unique piece of jewellery. Stephen Einhorn’s new unisex Small Signet Collection has all the design sensibilities of his original Signet Collection, it is simply smaller in size. Stephen has always been particularly drawn to signet rings, combining as they do his two passions for classic design and functionality. After all, what could be better than something that is not only beautiful, but could enable the wearer to leave their mark on the world? “The inspiration behind my new collection all stemmed from my first signet ring. I wanted to create a
SIERAAD Art Fair 2019
[youtube url=http://youtu.be/Snjqq3Hf7Os] SIERAAD Art Fair 2019 7 - 10 October 2019 Gashouder WesterGasterrein, Amsterdam The 18th edition of SIERAAD International Jewellery Art Fair will be held aa MARJAN UNGER TRIBUTE in cooperation with the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Marjan Unger (1946-2018) was a well known Dutch art historian, writer, curator, teacher, design expert and a collector of jewellery but most of all a very dedicated promoter of jewellery design. A warm, kind and humorous lady who was always curious and ready to cross boundaries. She was a reseacher, studied art history and completed her doctoral dissertation, but she also did an
British Museum Acquires “Brexit” Medal
An art medal, titled Exit Britannia , created by designer and craftsman Fred Wyver has been purchased by the British Museum. Fred Wyver teaches on the Silversmithing and Jewellery BA at the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester and produced Exit Britannia as an accompaniment to a student competition organised by the British Art Medal Society. The medal was displayed alongside a collection of work from students and practitioners from universities around the country in an exhibition titled ‘Holding Stories’ (17 April – 10 May 2018) hosted by UCA Rochester which has a long history of teaching precious metalworking
Sian Evans Second Aluminium collection, Pars Pro Toto, Crosses the Boundaries of Art, Design and Fashion
Sian Evans is an award-winning British Jewellery designer, living and working in London. Her new collection, Pars Pro Toto, was launched at Paris Fashion Week last year to wide acclaim. Sian’s love of archaeology, fashion, nature and technology; the history of tools and materials have informed her collections since she started her creative practice. Sian Evans Jewellery was first established in 1986, developing into an international label during the 1990s. Sian is a lapsed fossil collector, brought up on the Jurassic coast in Dorset where she studied Geology. She has created pieces which are reminiscent of microscopic fossils, diatoms and
TEFAF Maastricht 2018
TEFAF Maastricht 2018 Established in 1988, TEFAF is widely regarded as the world’s pre-eminent organization of fine art, antiques, and design. TEFAF runs three Fairs internationally - TEFAF Maastricht, which covers 7,000 years of art history; TEFAF New York Spring, focused on modern and contemporary art & design; and TEFAF New York Fall, covering fine and decorative art from antiquity to 1920. TEFAF champions the finest quality art from across the ages by creating a community of the world’s top art dealers and experts to inspire lovers and buyers of art everywhere. TEFAF Maastricht will present more than 280 of
The Four Rings of Forever
Blurred lines have become a common norm in today's society yet history has long shown us that the stages of a relationship are distinguished by four rings of commitment. Is it a casual summer fling, a committed entanglement, short or long term or even warrant an extra pair of house keys? Modern society keeps the boundaries loose and overlapped but the wedding ring has forever been the symbolic sign of love, affection and promise between two individuals. Yet for every stage of a relationship there is a band of meaning to embody it. The evolution of these four rings has
New Studio 'The Smiddy' to Launch with a Project that Celebrates Local Crafts People
Vanilla Ink’s is throwing open its doors for its first expansion in beautiful Banff. The brand new, recently renovated The Smiddy: Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing & Jewellery, will open to the public on September 22nd – and for their first project and exhibition, they want to hear from you! The Royal Borough of Banff is richly steeped in silversmithing heritage, with locally made silver fetching great interest and fantastic prices at auctions. Vanilla Ink mean to revive that history, firmly returning local craft to the global silversmithing map. This is where you come in; to help the revive tradition,
AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019
AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019 Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece 22 – 29 May 2019 For the fourth consecutive year, Athens Jewelry Week will open its doors at the end of May, with a renewed program, new collaborations and more energy than ever. As often happens around jewelry festivals, institutional moments will complement an off program that will allow the rediscovery of the city for residents and not only. A new way of looking at the art and history of this ancient civilization, through the filter of the jewel that allows to open up to new meanings, experiences and stimulate
Made for the Table
Made for the Table Made for the Table presents contemporary silver from the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, together with the curated work of leading UK artisans in furniture design, glass, ceramics and textiles. This modern table setting is introduced by examples of extraordinary antique silver acquired over several hundred years by the Company. This reflects its long history of patronage and contextualises the outstanding work of makers practicing in Britain today. The exhibition demonstrates both a continuation of silversmithing techniques and innovation in the treatment of the material. The process of handforging allows cutlery to be created in precisely the same
Fair-trade jewellers get together at London Fashion week to show that fashion can be fair
This coming Monday and Tuesday marks a pivotal moment in London Fashion week history: for the first time ever, four of the leading ethical jewellers will come together to prove that fair fashion, without comprimise, can be (and should be) achieved. From an exclusive location in Old Bond Street, adjecent to the main-catwalk, the four renowned designers will showcase their collections to celebrities, industry experts and the public alike. This, coming after the BOF State of Fashion report prophecised that ''For fashion players, 2019 will be a year of awakening. The ones who will succeed will have to come to
Jewellery: Wearable Glass
Jewellery: Wearable Glass - National Glass Centre in Sunderland National Glass Centre presents an exhibition of newly commissioned glass jewellery, made through exciting new collaborations between four glass artists and eight jewellers. Glass jewellery has a history going back to the Ancient Egyptians. In the 19th and early 20th the artist Rene Lalique used glass to make jewellery but more recently the use of glass in jewellery by artists has been limited. Through the exhibition Jewellery: Wearable Glass National Glass Centre aims to re-introduce glass as a material to be used by leading jewellers based in Britain. National Glass Centre
Signet rings all the rage again
The recent hike in signet ring sales, among both men and women, represents a tiny sliver of heraldry history, with trends and customs in 'pinky' rings and regalia dating back almost 3,500 years. Today, it is no longer necessary have a family coat of arms and a small fortune to wear a signet ring. Most high street jewellers can engrave initials on a ring for as little as £100 but the desire to embellish one's appearance with an item that indicates heritage and pedigree or power remains as strong as it was in around 1300 BC when the Greeks and
Hatton Garden gang ordered to pay back £27.5 million
The four criminals who pulled off one of the biggest jewellery heists in British history will have to pay back every penny of their ill-gotten gains, around £7 million each, or have their prison sentences increased. Almost three years after Brian Reader, 78, John ‘Kenny’ Collins, 77, Terry Perkins, 69, and Daniel Jones, 63 drilled a hole into the wall of a Hatton Garden vault and took off with 73 boxes of stolen cash, gold and gems a judge has ruled they must find a way of paying back £27.5 million in total. Hatton Garden ringleaders John "Kenny" Collins, Danny
Muriel Wilson 1933 – 2018
Muriel was a Founding Member of ACJ, and was for seven years our Honorary Secretary. She initiated our print magazine Findings and served as its Editor for 15 years, from 1998 to 2013. She was a keystone member of ACJ and keeper of its history. She retired from the Board meetings in 2014 (always identified as attending ex officio Editor of Findings) and thereafter served on our Panel of Advisors wirites Tamizan Savill from the Association for Contemporary Jewellery in Muriel Wilson's obituary. Jane Adam wrote “Muriel proved herself to be pivotal to the formation of ACJ, giving us a good
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
Graduate Show University of Brighton 2017
MDes and BA Hons 3D Design and Craft Graduate Show University of Brighton The University of Brighton’s annual Graduate Show is when their talented graduating students in the arts, design, architecture and media stage their final-year shows. Our courses cover a range of disciplines and on show will be work from the following subject areas: architecture and interior architecture, fashion and textiles, film, fine art, photography, graphics and and illustration, design, craft, media, history of art and design. Meet the Makers on Sunday 4th June Graduating students from the 3D Design & Craft course will be presenting the processes used to
Spring Fair 2017, NEC Birmingham
Spring Fair is the UK’s No.1 trade show for gift and home, welcoming more than 60,000 visitors through the doors of Birmingham NEC, over the course of 5 days. Connecting people and products for 40 years, Spring Fair attracts a purchase power of £2.4 billion, making it a must-do for over 2,500 exhibitors with must-have items and a must-see for buyers across independents, multiples, e-Commerce and more. Officially opened by the Queen at the NEC in 1976, Spring Fair has a history of high standards. Dates : 5 - 9 February 2017 Open: Sun 5 February - 9:00 - 18:00
Spirit of Christmas, Studio Fusion Gallery - London
The use of drinking vessels to celebrate special occasions and to mark life’s milestones is part of our tradition and history. Contemporary designers and artists can enhance our drinking experiences with joyful, tactile and beautiful objects and Studio Fusion Gallery in their ongoing engagement with metalsmiths is delighted to present a selection from some of the top UK makers this Christmas. Work by Juliette Bigley, Angela Cork, Adrian Hope, Simone ten Hompel, Edward Mahoney, Rebecca De Quin, Mary Ann Simmons, Hazel Thorn, Adi Toch, Tamar de Vries Winter. Studio Fusion Gallery Unit 1:06 Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse Street London SE1
About Benchpeg
A little bit about our history... 18 years ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information. Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments. In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. In 2024 we published our 800th issue of the Benchpeg newsletter. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the
The Contemporary Craft Festival 2017
The Contemporary Craft Festival came about when three Bovey Tracey craft businesses joined forces and formed a non-profit making company with the aim to bring a large craft Fair to Bovey Tracey. The aim of the Fair was to showcase the very best in British craft and the create a new, sustainable and strong market place for contemporary craft but also to bring greater prosperity to the town of Bovey Tracey. The town has a long history of making and at one point up to 15 commercial potteries were running in the area. Dates 9 - 11 June 2017 Venue
TALK: In Conversation With Mary Ann Wingfeild And Rachael Taylor
TALK: In Conversation With Mary Ann Wingfeild And Rachael Taylor Date: Tuesday 21 February, 2023 Start Time: 6.00 PM End Time: 8.00 PM Venue: FORGE Mary Ann Wingfield is author of Modern British Jewellery Designers 1960-1980. An introduction to the most influential British designers spanning two decades and reveals the inspirations behind the evolution of their identifiable designs and signature styles. Rachael Taylor author of two books about Tiffany & Cartier - The Story Behind the Style. A visual history of two of the world's most iconic brands and jewels of our times. Hear Mary Ann and Rachael discuss what inspired them to choose these
Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being
Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being (exhibition) 29 October - 8 November 2024 Loughborough University Arts A jewellery exhibition of doctoral research on how contemporary jewellery impacts well-being. Throughout history, jewellery as an intimate object, has decorated our bodies and developed a variety of meanings and functions. This exhibition presents parts of Yajie’s doctoral research, exploring whether and how contemporary jewellery impacts people’s well-being. The exhibition also traces Yajie’s artistic practice in contemporary jewellery, from initial inspiration and material experimentation to the creation of final pieces. This PhD research employed various methods, including well-being scales, diaries, and semi-structured interviews
Study of Rare Diamonds Unlocks More of Earth's Secrets
Scientists at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) continue to delve deep into earth's geologic history, using diamonds' distinctive characteristics to go – virtually – where no scientist has ever gone. In two recent scientific papers, GIA researchers and their colleagues at other leading research institutions share their latest discoveries based on information gleaned from extremely rare and pure diamonds from very deep within the earth. "Our unparalleled access to millions of diamonds each year, long-standing relationships with major research institutions and mission-driven dedication to sharing everything we learn make GIA uniquely able to help expand understanding of the fundamental forces
Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill
Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill Megan Brown’s new collection ‘Woven’ draws together her family heritage and talent for jewellery making. Growing up in Yorkshire, with a family legacy of textile weaving going back over 100 years, inspired Megan’s lifelong love of fabrics. The new collection explores how the soft, flowing qualities of fabric might be translated into something as hard as metal. Creating sculptural designs which have been intricately woven, using fine silver and gold chain to create a dynamic collection steeped in history and tradition. Alfred Brown
Anthropologie Celebrates 'Women who Weld' this International Women's Day
From today, right up 'til April 23rd, the Anthropolgie store on Kings Road, London, will play host to a curated selection of jewellery, designed by Britain's most inspiring female jewellers. The showcase, which will feature eight designers, was designed to celebrate both International Women's day and Women's History Month, as well as British design. Throughout the event, customers will have the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind and numbered pieces, all of which have been carefully handcrafted in the UK. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also
Fabergé and Rolls-Royce come together to create the Second Imperial Fabergé Egg since 1917
Two champions of innovative design, impressive craftsmanship and undeniable heritage collide in a momentous collaboration between automotive giant Rolls-Royce and legendary jeweller Fabergé. The 'Spirit of Ecstasy' Fabergé egg is the second of it's kind to be made in the Imperial class, since 1917. In celebration, Benchpeg takes a look at the history of the two unforgetable brands, and the story behind both the Fabergé egg and the 'Spirit of Ecstasy'. A World-wide Easter Egg Hunt... Fabergé, as we know it, was born when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his Father's 'very ordinary' jewellery business in 1882. Born and educated in St. Petersburg,
Imperial Splendours Exhibition - Beijing
Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial Splendo u rs' exhibition spans the history of the Maison Chaumet from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st; illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd and is built around Chaumet’s patrimonial wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and objets d’art illustrate Chaumet’s characteristic “art of jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come
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