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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

House of Bandits

House of Bandits 7 - 12 October 2024 5 Carlos Place, London W1K 3AP Experience & invest in the best of Art, Fashion & Jewellery In partnership with mount street neighbourhood arts festival Welcome to House of Bandits - a concept store by Sarabande Foundation uniting the best of art, fashion and jewellery. Coinciding with Frieze London and in partnership with Mount Street Neighbourhood Arts Festival, Sarabande’s concept store House of Bandits will take over Mayfair’s illustrious 5 Carlos Place. Here, and for one week only, is the opportunity to shop our exclusive pop-up featuring collectables by London’s hottest artists

Sweet Sentiments in Dior's Latest Fine Jewellery Collections

Signs, symbols and icons reside at the very heart of the Dior brand. In her collections, Victoire de Castellane revisits some of those most precious to the man who started a fashion revolution. The story of Dior begins with a star and a “yes”, so the story goes… …While walking up the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Christian Dior hit his foot on an object on the ground and almost tripped, as though it was the object itself that wished to attract his attention. Christian Dior leaned over and picked up the object that had nearly made him fall over: it [youtube

Dior Exhibition at the V&A is Not One to Miss

The Dior Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, was definitely not one to miss. The exhibition was organised by rooms, each one relating to a specific theme or idea.  When entering the exhibition, it appeared almost like the entrance to a mansion and had dressed mannequins stood at the windows. The entrance started off the exhibition with Dior’s infamous ‘The New Look’ collection in honour of his original work. The extravagant entrance was able to express the high stature of Dior’s brand. The first room, rather fittingly, took me to Christian Dior’s next collection. The similar silhouette

Fair Luxury Open House

Fair Luxury Open House Wednesday 18th January ,  2:30 PM Online Fair Luxury Open House: Inclusion in the industry: what it means to be an LGBTQIA+ person within the jewellery profession In the historically conservative world of jewellery, we want to examine and shed light on the challenges being faced by and positive contributions made by, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, both as industry professionals and also our potential customers. In this Open House panel discussion, we will explore the challenges; from the lack of representation to the use of language and self-awareness of learned behaviours and biases, as well

House & Garden Festival 2017

House & Garden Festival - its debut at Olympia London this summer. The four-day event will bring together three leading lifestyle events: Spirit of Summer Fair, The HOUSE Fair and GROW London, to create the ultimate celebration of summer and stylish living.  The House & Garden Festival will play host to over 500 exhibitors from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 June.  Showcasing a hand-selected treasure trove of interior, garden and lifestyle brands. Style Rooms and Decorated Spaces will be designed by stylists using their favourite pieces from the huge array of products available at the Festival. The event will welcome

Designer Open House

Designer Open House FORGE represents independent designers whose work is unique, made in the UK and demonstrates excellence in skills and craftsmanship. We invite designers to showcase with us who share the same values. If you would like to showcase with us then visit us on Wednesday 17 May, 3pm-6pm to view our current showcase and to ask any questions. The FORGE Showcases is centred around a different theme each month and we are currently looking for designers for June. JUNE 1ST - 30TH: RECYCLED TREASURES Celebrating the beauty and creativity that arise from sustainable practices and highlighting the importance

Fair Luxury Open House: Packaging

Fair Luxury Open House: Packaging  Creating that perfect sustainable unboxing experience We’ve dedicated this Fair Luxury Open House to a topic which we know a lot of our community struggle with. You’ve created your dream ring with certified gold, gone out of the way to only use the best responsibly sourced gemstones but the box this comes in will be the first sight that your client has. You want their unboxing moment to be as magic as your ring but not at a cost to people and planet. During this open house session we’ll be exploring why it is so

Launch: PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House

Launch: PEACEGOLD Ethical Jewellery House  31st October 2024 Bishops Auckland PEACEGOLD is proud to announce the official launch of its Ethical Jewellery House on 31st October 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 53 Fore Bondgate, Bishops Auckland. The PEACEGOLD Ethical Jewellery House celebrates jewellery that creates change. With a curated selection of ethical jewellers who are dedicated to crafting stunning pieces with integrity and purpose. PEACEGOLD is a community interest company established to benefit artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in conflict-affected areas. It directly supports these communities, promoting fair practices, economic empowerment and peace building. The evening will feature

Designer Open House

Forging Communities This is an opportunity for designers, suppliers and service providers to come together, to link-up, connect and build professional relationships. Refreshments: Viu Manent Reserva Sauvignon Blanc. Sponsored by Gosset. Please register your attendance online here: theforgespace.com/products/link-up-forging-communities  

Chaumet and Dior Joaillerie present new high jewellery collections

Chaumet and Dior Joaillerie took advantage of this month’s haute couture shows in Paris to unveil their new high jewellery collections. Chaumet drew inspiration from far-off lands for its  Promenades Impériales  collection, while Dior’s  Pièces Secrètes  collection is an homage to French art de vivre and the Château de Versailles. Chaumet has since its founding nurtured close bonds with the creativity of far-off lands and their culture, inspiring some of the Maison’s most stunning jewellery pieces.  Entitled Les Mondes de Chaumet, new high jewellery collection revolves around three precious moments – January, June and July.  The first chapter in the

Join FORGE as its Open House!

Discover how you can be part of our community, how to get involved and what opportunities there are for you. Have a look around and ask questions any time on Thursday 6th April between 11am - 4pm.  Register your attendance here , FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and affordable workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps

Christmas Open Studio, New England House - Brighton

New England House is unique in Brighton: a diverse community of creative and entrepreneurial people working under one roof. Now in its 16th year, the December Open Studios Show is the only time in the year when the artists and makers open their doors to the general public. Visitors will have a chance not only to buy work direct from the makers, but will have the added excitement of seeing how and where they work and even to commission unique new work. Over 50 artists, designers, makers exhibiting & selling beautiful high quality art & unique gifts: Photography, Paintings, Drawings, Illustrations,

In-house Efficiencies Give Hockley Mint the Competitive Advantage

Award-winning Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint has reported that streamlined internal processes and efficiencies have resulted in a significant drop in the average cost to manufacture its wedding rings, with these new lower prices being passed on to its retail customers.  In addition to these new cost savings, at the forthcoming Jewellery & Watch trade fair (stand 17R30/S31), Hockley Mint will be offering customers exclusive promotions and discounts on products ordered at the show. Gary Wroe, managing director of Hockley Mint, said: “The major benefit of being a leading UK manufacturer is that we can set our own prices and

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion 2017

"Haute Couture is like an orchestra whose condusctor is Balenciaga. We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the direction he gives." - Christian Dior In May the V&A will open the first ever UK exhibition exploring the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga and his profound and continuing influence on modern fashion. It will be the first of its kind to look at his unique approach to making and will showcase pieces by his protégés and contemporary designers working in the same innovative way today. The exhibition marks the centenary of the opening of Balenciaga’s first fashion house in San Sebastian and

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

"Haute Couture is like an orchestra whose condusctor is Balenciaga. We other couturiers are the musicians and we follow the direction he gives." - Christian Dior This May, the V&A will open the first ever UK exhibition exploring the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga and his profound and continuing influence on modern fashion. It will be the first of its kind to look at his unique approach to making and will showcase pieces by his protégés and contemporary designers working in the same innovative way today. The exhibition marks the centenary of the opening of Balenciaga’s first fashion house in San

Vintage Garrard pieces, amongst others, to be auctioned at Chorley's Country House sale later this month

Established auction house, Chorley's, will be selling a significant collection of jewellery later this month; belonging to the late Mrs Rook.  Mrs Rook was married to Major Laurence Rook MC at the picturesque Manor Beverston Castle, which was once part of the great lordship Berkeley; taken from Roger de Berkeley by Henry I.  She was a long-standing client of the House of Garrard, the prestigious crown jewellers. The collection on sale features a number of pieces by the House, who also designed the Dutchess of Cambridge's engagement ring.  The prize piece amongst the beautiful collection is a magnificent Victorian diamond-set

Design House Shimell and Madden design London Design Biennale Medals

The medals for the 2018 London Design Biennale have been designed by Shimell and Madden - the Shoreditch based jewellery studio whose work is strongly influenced by the universal and symbolic language of geometry. Taking simple yet powerful primal shapes, the designers create pieces that have both an ancient and modern resonance. In response to the Biennale’s 2018 theme,  Emotional States , Shimell and Madden sought to highlight the mechanics at work when we observe, imitate and reflect facial expressions. They used a mirrored surface in the design as a representative device for this process of emotional identification. Using metal

Jewellery house Alessa announces annual charity campaign to support families, women and children

Alessa Jewelry was born out of a fairy tale romance between Yuvraj Pahuja and Alessandra Robles, after meeting at the Gemological Institute of America. Inspired by Alessandra’s Guatemalan ancestry and Yuvraj’s family experience within the jewellery industry, the brand boasts striking, vibrant and edgy designs for the modern woman, whilst nodding to both Latin-American and Indian heritage. Six years ago, Alessandra; born and raised in Guatemala launched ‘Give Wings,’ a year-long charity initiative on a mission to give back to the community. As part of this, the brand teams up with Not-For-Profits that not only provide housing, health and educational

The most spectacular pieces from Paris Haute Couture week

The most important week in fine jewellery is Paris Haute Couture week, where - at the beginning of July - all of the biggest jewellery maisons showcase their latest collections. In this article, we’ll show you some of the most spectacular designs from Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Chaumet and Louis Vuitton writes Jodie Smith.   Cartier’s ‘Magnitude’ collection is full of briolettes, angular motifs, amd appendages emulating rays of light and explosions of colour.   In this line, the brand has chosen to play with the contrast between a host of different types of materials; gems, minerals and precious stones.  

Mimi Baldwin Sets Hearts Afire this Valentines Day

After 10 years of working at Tiffany’s Mimi Baldwin was ready for a change and moved on to the luxury houses of Asprey, and then Dior before spending eight years working with Kiki McDonough in her shop in Sloane Square, London. In 2012 Mimi decided she wanted to concentrate on designing jewellery herself and started her own company - Mimi Baldwin Fine Jewellery. She now specialises in designing exquisite, feminine, timeless, elegant pieces for every day and formal wear and has developed many loyal clients of her own.  Mimi has a signature range ‘With all my Heart’ available with diamonds

Collect Art Fair 2022

Collect 25 - 27 February 2022 Somerset House, London Collect is one of the world’s most influential fairs focusing on contemporary craft and design and living artists and takes place each year at Somerset House in the heart of London. Collect will take place from 25-27 February 2022 with previews on 23-24 February 2022. Following the success of the online version of Collect 2021, the Fair is excited to be preparing for a physical event in 2022; returning to the beautiful rooms in its home of Somerset House. Tickets are now available. To make a booking, please visit the Somerset

Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices

Fair Luxury Open House:  "Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices" The next Fair Luxury Open House will be held on Tuesday 14th November at 10am (GMT). "Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices" For most of us, we use metal mined from around the world, but we will never get to see and experience the process first hand. In this Open House, we aim to give you insights into mining from those who have seen it first hand. Desiree and Saskia were both on the Fairmined trips to Peru in 2022 and Colombia

International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week 2019

International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week Brave New Worlds: The changing landscape of fashion 11- 24 February 2019 Somerset House, London The International Fashion Showcase The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the most exciting fashion talent from around the world. Working in partnership, British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion and Somerset House provide a tailored programme for 16 emerging international designers, including a business development programme lead by London College of Fashion and a creative residency within Somerset House Studios in London. IFS will culminate with a free public exhibition during

Collect Art Fair 2025

Collect 28 February - 2 March 2025 (previews 26 & 27 February) Somerset House, London In early 2025, Collect will welcome visitors to the stunning neo-classical rooms of Somerset House in central London, for a five-day celebration of international contemporary craft and design. Presented by Crafts Council, and recognised as being at the forefront of the contemporary craft movement, this year marks the 21st edition of the art fair.  Collect offers attendees the opportunity to engage with a line-up of  40 prestigious galleries . Hand-picked by our advisory panel, together they will present 400 living artists and their works, 80% of

Collect 2020

Collect 2019 Somerset House, Strand, London 27 - 28 February 2020 The International Art Fair for Modern Craft and Design is at Somerset House from 27 February - 1 March, 2020. Collect is the only gallery-presented art fair dedicated to modern craft and design. Now in its 16th year, Collect has been instrumental in defining and growing the market for contemporary craft. This year, Collect brings together international galleries from across the globe, each curating their own displays to sell work made in the last five years by the world’s leading contemporary artists and designers. With artists represented from over

Collect Art Fair 2024

Collect 1 - 3 March 2024 Somerset House, London This year marks the art and craft fair's 20th anniversary Collect is back and celebrating its 20th birthday! Since its launch in 2004, the fair has come to be the leading authority on collectable contemporary craft and design, raising the profile of exceptional makers from the world over. The 2024 edition of the fair – taking place 1-3 March at London's Somerset House – will continue this tradition by bringing together a curated selection of 40 international galleries, who will be presenting pieces from over 400 talented craftspeople. Their work will

Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan

Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan Asia House, London 14 -17 September 2019 Renowned jewellery artist and innovator, Wallace Chan, will be presenting his first solo show in London, Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan, at Asia House from 14-17 September 2019. It is Wallace Chan's first-ever solo exhibition in London, and the last in a series of three international exhibitions, following presentations at Crosby Street Hotel, New York in November 2018 and Christie’s Gallery Hong Kong in January 2019. It is also the first time that The Wallace Chan Porcelain will be introduced to art lovers and connoisseurs in

Chopard’s 2019 Red Carpet collection showcased at Cannes film festival

For the 2019 Red Carpet Collection, Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director, has chosen Love as her inspirational theme. “LOVE: when Chopard exalts the finest emotions” writes Jodie Smith. The Cannes film festival marks its 72nd year in 2019, and which the fine jewellery and luxury watch has house has been the official partner of since 2007. The luxury house does not only dressing actors and celebrities for the red carpet in these unique designs, but Chopard also creates the Palme D’or statue for the festival each year. Eschewing the traditional interpretations of ‘love’ in jewellery design, the main lines within

Salt of the Earth

Salt of the Earth 2019 International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week Brave New Worlds: The changing landscape of fashion 11- 24 February 2019 Somerset House, London Salt of the Earth examines the concept of power and submission through the talismanic properties of jewellery and adornment. Exploring the complex historical, political and chemical properties of salt, the collection forms part of a conceptual installation at Somerset House during London Fashion Week 2019. The pieces look at salt’s ability to poison, erode and decay using the process of patina and conversely the material’s ability to create, rejuvenate and give life

Selvedge Fair - London

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Mary Ward House , London. The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. A Grade 1 listed building, the Mary Ward House is a result of Passmore Edwards’ 19th century philanthropy. Mary Ward gave the inspiration  behind this centre for training, care  and entertainment, designed for  society’s less fortunate. Each room has its own ambience; the

Take the Fair Luxury 'Pledge'

Over the past 12 months, jewellery industry change makers 'Fair Luxury' have been hosting a series of on-line events under the banner of the 'Open House. These events have frequently involved guest speakers as well as taking an open conversation format. The overall intention has been to provide those interested in learning more about responsible practise with a forum in which to do so. The team at Fair Luxury say that feedback has been extremely positive with many attendees keen to become further involved. As a response, the ' Fair Luxury Pledge'  was launched during the January Open House session. Fair Luxury member Anna Loucah

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The  South House Silver Workshop Trust  has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue  &  Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship   Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

Christmas Cornucopia at Shipyard Studios

Christmas Cornucopia at Shipyard Studios  Now in it's 7th year, the annual Christmas Cornucopia at Shipyard Studios returns from 25th November - 10th December.   We have new work by our regular favourite artists and exciting additions to our list of exhibitors.  As always, it will be a visual feast...... Open  10am-5pm every day from 25th November until 10th December 2017  Venue Shipyard Studios Keel House Walter Radcliffe Road Wivenhoe Essex  CO79FF www.shipyardstudios.co.uk

Sima Vaziry Jewellery to open first shop at the OXO Tower

Sima Vaziry Jewellery & Katherine Elizabeth Millinery have come together and made the decision to open a boutique studio and shop in order to showcase their award winning creations. The attractive high end items on display will appeal to a wide audience who appreciate exquisite design and craftsmanship. Their strengths are that they have already been in business for many years and have successfully achieved a large client base and following. They are well known in the industry and have already showed their collections in high end venues such as Cliveden House, the Berkley, The British Museum and Fortnum and

Experienced CAD Designer, JewelCast - Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

The role Experienced CAD Designer JewelCast Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham JewelCast is primarily a casting company specialising in high quality precious metal castings. In addition to this we offer an exciting range of in-house CAD design, 3D printing and mould cutting services. We have recently moved into a beautifully restored building in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, and the new site features modern facilities and state-of-the-art equipment in each department. About the Role We are rapidly expanding our CAD Design Team and are looking for an experienced CAD designer to join us. If you have 5+ years industry experience

Contact Centre - Sales Advisor, Cooksongold - Birmingham, West Midlands

The role Business Development Manager Cooksongold Birmingham, West Midlands At Cooksongold, we've been proudly supporting jewellers since 1918, offering everything from precious metals to jewellery tools. As part of the HM Precious Metals Group, one of Europe's largest refiners and processors of precious metals, we are now expanding our team to focus on precious metals for luxury, investment bar markets using in-house technologies, including additive manufacturing. Cookson Industrial is a new, dynamic division dedicated to providing precious metals for industrial applications. This new initiative is vital to our strategic growth, focusing on expanding our offering beyond the jewellery industry. Based

Mobile handheld XRF analyser now available for workshop and shopfloor settings

Every retail jewellery shop will have experienced the scenario where a customer walks through the doors with a treasured family heirloom for repair, re-sizing or valuation, uncertain of its origin or value. Every retail jewellery shop will have experienced the scenario where a customer walks through the doors with a treasured family heirloom for repair, re-sizing or valuation, uncertain of its origin or value. In most cases verifying the precious metals content of the jewellery pieces would involve workshop or external chemical testing or assaying or relying on in-house or external expert judgment, both of which could slow down the process and

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy Creates San Martín Quaich

Banff silversmithing and jewellery school, Vanilla Ink The Smiddy are delighted to announce the creation of the José de San Martín Quaich. The North East social enterprise, which opened in 2018, was commissioned by Friends of Duff House to create a gift to present to the Argentine Ambassador during the bicentennial celebrations of the South American General’s visit to Banff in 1824. San Martín, known as “the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru”, is a true national hero in his home country, whose name and image stir emotions and feelings of pride. Scott McIntyre, founding Director of The Smiddy, explained:

'Out Of The Shallows’ - Falkland Islands jeweller Alice Clarke's new collection

Fine jeweller Alice Clarke creates one of a kind ocean treasures at the bottom of the World in the Falkland Islands. Her new collection ‘Out Of The Shallows’  was launched last week in New York at the Melee The Show. Living and working in the Falkland Islands, where her waterfront studio sits in Stanley, with a population of 3,000, Alice creates all her work in-house. From casting to stone setting, Alice’s little workshop is a hub of creativity. Alice exhibited her jewellery collections in New York for the first time at the beginning of August. Her “ very nautical year”,

Opsydia Collaborates with Emerald Supplier Myne London

Leading gemstone security specialist, Opsydia, has collaborated with ethical and sustainable emerald supplier, Myne London, to permanently place its brand logo beneath the surface of its traceable emerald melee supply from Pakistan. Leading gemstone security specialist, Opsydia, has collaborated with ethical and sustainable emerald supplier, Myne London, to permanently place its brand logo beneath the surface of its traceable emerald melee supply from Pakistan. The Opsydia team worked with Myne London Founders Fiona Wellington and Kate Murray Gordos, and their in-house gemmologist Charles Evans Bsc (Hons) FGA DGA, to create a procedure for placing the business’ unique ‘M’ logo beneath

2023 Silversmithing Graduate Scholarships Announced

Following the success of their 2021-22 programme, the Trustees of the South House Workshop Trust are delighted to announce three fully-funded silversmithing graduate scholarships for 2022-23. These residential scholarships are designed to accelerate the professional careers of promising silversmiths through four months of intensive workshop-based skills training. This year’s scholarships have been awarded to silversmiths Sheng Zhang, Karen Westland and Alice Fry. The scholarships will give the silversmiths the opportunity to learn a variety of professional silversmithing skills in intensive residential placements with leading silversmiths Rod Kelly, Brett Payne, Angus McFadyen and Chris Perry. Each scholar will be placed for

This week we go cuckoo over Amy Mead...

In week four of our lockdown chats, Benchpeg chats to jewellery designer maker Amy Mead of www.amymead.co.uk .  Amy has been a designer maker for over 13 years, and we discuss the evolution of her brand and work, how its been in lockdown managing a house with three children, escape mechanisms and Instagram strategy.  [youtube url=http://youtu.be/aqpBAuc00vE] Amy came to jewellery after recovery from ME, and started her jewellery journey at City Lit and landed up with a workshop in Hatton Garden. She’s founded a micro jewellery start up, and placed it on hold whilst becoming a full time

Full / Part Time Sales Consultant, Anthony Paul Jewellery Windsor

The role Full / Part Time Sales Consultant Anthony Paul Jewellery Cross Store - Windsor | Maidenhead | Henley | Marlow Are you a people person with a passion for jewellery? Do you understand the emotion behind a jewellery sale? Would you like to work for one of the Thames Valley’s leading jewellers? We’ve got the job for you. About us Anthony Paul Jewellery is an award-winning, family-run business with four boutiques across the Thames Valley. We specialise in handmade, bespoke, vintage and second-hand jewellery, as well as offering a comprehensive in-house repair and valuation service. We’re on the lookout

A launch weekend fit for a silversmith

Last weekend Benchpeg spent a long weekend 'At Home with Silver' hosted by the The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) and Marchmont House. The Friday through to Sunday event, located an hour south of Edinburgh near Duns in the Scottish Borders, brought together 82 guests on the Saturday Open Day launch from across the UK and internationally to the Marchmont Estate. Together the collective gathered to celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop - a brand new fully equipped workspace for silversmiths, developed by the SGT in partnership with Marchmont Creative Spaces.  Present at the event were practising silversmiths, curators,

A Maison with a View: Discover Paris through the Eyes of Boucheron in the new 'Paris, vu du 26' Collection

In their latest collection ‘Paris, vu du 26’, high jewellery heritage, Boucheron, transports you to romantic, bustling Paris- taking you on a personal tour of spectacular landmarks and architecture that holds meaning to the Maison. Frédéric Boucheron was the first among the great contemporary jewellers to open a shop in Place Vendôme. Many other notable figures have resided there too since its birth in 1702, including Chopin, Coco Chanel and the Countess di Castiglione; who actually lived above Boucheron itself.  26 V is the Boucheron family house, and the heart of its creative enterprise. Its windows have bore witness to

Ellen Monaghan exhibits new jewellery at Made in Cley’s 40th Anniversary

Ellen Monaghan will be exhibiting her new jewellery collection at established Norfolk gallery and studios Made in Cley as part of their 40 th  Anniversary celebrations from the 8 th  June. Ellen joined Made in Cley three years ago to take over from founder goldsmith Quay Proctor-Mears as the in-house jeweller at the renowned pottery and workshops on the North Norfolk coast. As the studio pottery celebrates it’s Ruby Anniversary, Ellen will be introducing her latest collections of her sculptural precious wirework. Ellen developed her practice in London over 18 years before making the move back to her original home

Wax Carving and Delft Clay Casting Course - Brighton

Wax Carving And Delft Clay Casting Course - Brighton Print Werks, Brighton BN2  14 October - 18 November 2019 Objectives To learn or refine skills in wax carving with the objective of learning casting in house, using Delft Clay with the option of addition of adding gemstones to your designs.   You will be guided through how to carve wax, adapt carving tools to suite your needs, what the limitations and flexibility of carving wax and refining your skills.   You will be shown and will yourself learn how to use Delft Clay to create moulds into which you will pour

Henryka’s ride on the Sausage Dog wave

A new museum devoted to all things sausage dog, a new world record for the largest number of sausage dogs in one place and now a unique sausage dog jewellery collection, which like the dog itself is both feisty and cute. British jewellery house Henryk, well known for their animal designs, have launched a range of four elegant Dachshund pendants and necklaces, riding on the back of a wiener craze that is currently  sweeping the world. All pieces are made from sterling silver and decorated mainly with amber so we have a sausage silver body and amber ears, a sausage

Popular Demand Extends Silversmith Exhibition

The blockbuster summer exhibition at the Goldsmiths’ Company - Grant Macdonald: International Silversmith has had an extension to its opening hours due to popular demand and visitor footfall. The exhibition documents five decades of Grant Macdonald design and excellence of craftmanship displaying the unique creativity, execution and entrepreneurism of the London based silversmithing house. Featuring an unrivalled quality of gold and silver items in contemporary designs and showcasing master craftsmanship to the highest order, the exhibition will now be open from Monday to Saturday from 5 July to the end of the exhibition run 26 July. This major exhibition documents

Wallace Chan to present first-ever solo exhibition in London

Renowned jewellery artist and innovator, Wallace Chan, will be presenting his first solo show in London, Shapeshifter: The Multiverse of Wallace Chan, at Asia House from 14-17 September 2019. Hera Brooch and Ring It is Wallace Chan's first-ever solo exhibition in London, and the last in a series of three international exhibitions, following presentations at Crosby Street Hotel, New York in November 2018 and Christie’s Gallery Hong Kong in January 2019. It is also the first time that The Wallace Chan Porcelain will be introduced to art lovers and connoisseurs in London. The exhibition will feature 20 jewellery pieces realised

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope Adrian Hope is one of the UK’s finest contemporary silversmiths who specialises in refined, traditional techniques. An established silversmith since 1980, now based in The Scottish Borders, Adrian creates beautiful, classic pieces that are both sculptural and functional. Public Collections include: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen; The Museum of Edinburgh; Bute House Collection, Edinburgh; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London; Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow; Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh

Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, Sam McMahon, to Compete in Worldskills Finals in Russia

Last Friday 8 March, set against a backdrop of luxury cars, three Goldsmiths’ company apprentices battled it out for a spot on the UK team at the Worldskills Finals in Kazan, Russia this Summer.  Apprentices, Sam McMahon from Mappin & Webb , George Schembri from B&M Bijoux and Robert Dean from The House of Garrard, spent three days in Nottingham demonstrating their exceptional technical skills in jewellery making. Set to the task of creating an Aston Martin badge to a specific design, testing their accuracy, time management and problem-solving skills. Sam McMahon proved his mettle against his fellow competitors taking

Iconic Frida Kahlo collection goes on show at V & A

The much anticipated 'Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up' exhibition, including her prized jewellery collection, opens at the V&A Museum in London on Saturday showcasing more than 200 items from her house in Mexico City, none of which have ever been seen outside the iconic artist's native country. It promises to be an illuminating collection of personal artefacts, from her brightly coloured rebozo shawls to her signature dangly earrings plus a selection of books, portraits and photographs, epitomising her unique and powerful style against a backdrop of a troubled life. Her jewellery collection comprises a range of pieces handcrafted by

Q&A: Olivia Norman

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

Hush Hush! The Crown Jewels London Debunked

The world-famous coronation regalia known as the ‘Crown Jewels’ are a magnificent collection of ceremonial and sacred objects of immeasurable importance and wealth, symbolising British royal power. As part of the Royal Collection, the Crown Jewels hold a rich cultural and religious significance to the British Monarchy. Stored and displayed in The Jewel House at The Tower of London since 1661, the collection of royal regalia boasting 23,578 precious jewels is still regularly used by the Queen in National ceremonies today as well as drawing in visitors from across the globe. Held by the Queen of Sovereign, the Crown Jewels

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

Wayne Meeten wins another Gold at the #JewelleryOscars

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten picked up another gong at the #JewelleryOscars, the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Awards, this month. Meeten’s piece, ‘Spirit of Energy’ took Gold in the three dimensional finished piece category. The work was a commission made for a client “who was having a house built in the West Country, in Devon by the Estuary. It was designed to be placed under their new glass staircase.” The silversmith said. The  client’s design brief was to design a centre piece with the wonders of the sun as its reference. My client chose their building plot, what will eventually

Ready to Wear: Karl Lagerfeld SS18 Launched

The House of Karl Lagerfeld has revealed its second ready to wear fashion collection for SS18. The first foray into fashion jewellery, Ikonic, Klassic Karl and Essentials, was made last autumn with the launch of the silver-plated, gold-plated and gunmetal finished pieces licensed by the Swarovski Group. For SS18T the Karl Lagerfeld label again offers high street friendly prices in ‘fashion jewellery’ collections which combine elegant, rock-chic styles with playful embellishments, including a new palette of multi-coloured pastel Swarovksi crystals. Again, the collection is divided into three groups:  Klassik Karl, Ikonik and Essentials . The collection will exclusively be available

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Wild Things to be let loose on London

A new exhibition of luxury avant-garde fine jewellery, tantalisingly known as Wild Things, is coming to London later this month following a launch at the exclusive 2018 COUTURE Las Vegas in the first stop of what is expected to be a summer tour of Europe. Created by founder of the House of Luxury Elio D’Anna, in collaboration with COUTURE, Wild Things is a 'wild and beautiful' collection of six luxury but progressive jewellery brands, all resonating with cosmopolitan younger buyers keen to be associated with contemporary jet set labels conveying attitude and identity. They include the Indian Lebanese Mukhi Sisters,

Phillips Presents ‘Jewels Now’ a Lauren Adriana solo exhibition

International auction house Phillips will be hosting ‘ Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now ’, a landmark exhibition tagged as ' A Radical Reimagining of the Future of Jewels ' featuring Lauren Adriana's work, taking place in New York and London. Lauren Adriana creates unique, bold, abstract jewels in a dazzling array of gemstones. Her commitment to abstraction over naturalism sets her jewels apart from others and creates the graphic and sculptural quality that is becoming Lauren Adriana's signature. This immersive, selling exhibition of 50 jewels is the culmination of two years' planning and spans five years of work. It comprises new jewels

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery Summer Courses 2017

One Week Jewellery Courses During the summer the Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery offer one week long intensive daytime courses. These courses are suitable for beginners and enable you to make a lot of progress in just one week. For summer 2017 we are offering the following classes in July and August Stone Setting Silver Casting & Wax Carving Introduction to Rhino/CAD Advanced Rhino/CAD If you are unsure which course is best for you then please don't hesitate to get in touch. Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery Panther House, 38 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X 0AN 0207 837 0045 mail@vannetta.com www.vannettaseecharran.com

‘Legacy Collection’ luxury jewellery line is launched by Parham Ramezani

Entrepreneur and jewellery designer, Parham  Ramezani  introduced his new ‘Legacy Collection’ luxury  jewellery  line to London and the UK during an evening recpetion with guests including the likes of Jenson Button. The event introduced press, influencers and esteemed members of the luxury world to the brand. The celebration was cohosted by F1 world champion and ambassador of the brand, Jenson Button.   Guests included Mark Francis from MIC as well as Ladies of London it girl, Noelle Reno.    The inspiration behind the Legacy Collection comes from the majesty of La Scala, the Opera house in Milan, home to some

Q&A: David Fowkes

David Fowkes has been running his own atelier, David Fowkes Jewellery, for the last 25 years. He specialises in bespoke, avant garde jewellery designs, painstakingly sourcing unique stones, cut and faceted by specialist artisan stone cutters making use of geometric lines and natural inclusions within the stones themselves. He has exhibited regularly at the Goldsmiths' Fair and is based in a Grade I listed Coach House, set in the grounds of the 18th Century Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire.  He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? DF:  David Fowkes, I spend my day playing

Chaumet launch ‘Chaumet In The Sky’ app

To celebrate the launch of the Haute Joaillerie collection ‘Les Ciels de Chaumet’, the high jewellery house has unveiled ‘Chaumet In The Sky’, a mobile application available on iTunes. The app acts as a playful immersion of the celestial sphere, and helps the browser to discover constellations, planets and the jewelery creations of ‘Ciels de Chaumet’, stars among the stars. “Opal comets appear among the stars, diamond stars illuminate the blue of the night...” Developed in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Michel, world-renowned astrophysicist and CNRS researcher, the application ‘Chaumet In The Sky’ makes it possible, by orienting your phone towards

Suri Jewelry: Memories from Renaissance

The women painted by the great Venetian Masters wear jewelry and precious stones, fabrics from the East, embraced by smoky atmospheres of incense and fragrances writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Since childhood Giulia Vecchiato admired the jewels of the eccentric ladies who live in Venice, as they were amulets to access the past and ancient times. She started very little to build her own jewelry by assembling scrap metal found in her house, seals, scraps of fabrics mounted on curtains’ pendant. Growing up and studing traditional techniques of goldsmith, she started her own journey into the jewelry field, by developing a very

Sixteen of the World’s Best Emerging Fashion Designers to Exhibit in London at the International Fashion Showcase 2019

The International Fashion Showcase (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. The biennial fashion presentation is a partnership between the British Council, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion, UAL and Somerset House. For London Fashion Week this February, the showcase has a new format. For the first time, 16 selected designers from across the globe will showcase a series of compelling installations to represent their respective country. The designers will explore politics, sustainability, identity and heritage and show their latest designs in immersive environments. The 16 countries represented are: Bangladesh, Brazil,

Rolls Royce "Cullinan" and Wagner Preziosen

Wagner Preziosen the Berlin based jewellery house was recently selected to partner with Rolls Royce in an exclusive photoshoot for the new Rolls Royce Magazine. The new SUV "Cullinan" will be launched this autumn and at the same time the new Rolls Royce Magazine will be released, and the article featuring exclusive jewellery marries the luxury brand and its new accompanying publication. With a feminine accent, Rolls Royce wanted to include a piece of jewellery for the photoshoot which was of high quality, classical but also novel, chic and modern. The Wagner Preziosen ‘Rainbow Paisley’ was the successfully selected piece

Phillips Presents ‘Jewels Now’ a Lauren Adriana solo exhibition

International auction house Phillips will be hosting ‘ Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now ’, a landmark exhibition tagged as ' A Radical Reimagining of the Future of Jewels ' featuring Lauren Adriana's work, taking place in New York and London. Lauren Adriana creates unique, bold, abstract jewels in a dazzling array of gemstones. Her commitment to abstraction over naturalism sets her jewels apart from others and creates the graphic and sculptural quality that is becoming Lauren Adriana's signature. This immersive, selling exhibition of 50 jewels is the culmination of two years' planning and spans five years of work. It comprises new jewels

Phillips Presents ‘Jewels Now’ a solo exhibition featuring Lauren Adriana

International auction house Phillips will be hosting ‘ Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now ’, a landmark exhibition tagged as ' A Radical Reimagining of the Future of Jewels ' taking place in New York and London. Lauren Adriana creates unique, bold, abstract jewels in a dazzling array of gemstones. Her commitment to abstraction over naturalism sets her jewels apart from others and creates the graphic and sculptural quality that is becoming Lauren Adriana's signature. On the exhibition Sarah O'Brien, International Director, Jewellery, said: "Lauren Adriana, Jewels Now presents a new way of looking at jewels, setting a fresh dialogue for what

Selvedge Fair - Charleston, East Sussex

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Charleston, East Sussex. The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. The fair will take place in a marquee and barns in the grounds of the former home of the Bloomsbury Group. Charleston opened its doors to the public in 1986, 70 years after Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved in. This house, with its renowned

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Spotlight Tour: International Fashion Showcase 2019

Spotlight Tour International Fashion Showcase: Part of London Fashion Week Brave New Worlds: The changing landscape of fashion 11- 24 February 2019 Somerset House, London An exhibition spotlight tour of the International Fashion Showcase 2019, with a chance to meet the IFS team and international designers. The  International Fashion Showcase  (IFS) nurtures and presents work from the best up-and-coming fashion talent from around the world. Join the British Council team for a spotlight tour of this year’s highlights and meet the designers. The tour will be led by Sarah Mann, Director of Architecture Design Fashion, British Council and Jessica Mansfield,

Appointment: Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

French fashion house LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has unveiled former Tiffany & Co design  director Francesca Amfitheatrof as their new artistic director to shape their new high jewellery and watch collections. Amfitheatrof, 49, who was born in Japan and trained at Chelsea Art School, Central St Martins School of Art and Royal College of Art, left Tiffany & Co  last year after overseeing their product lines for four years and has since been instrumental in the launch of new collections for Chanel and Marni. This week, her appointment as artistic director at Louis Vuitton was confirmed, guaranteeing a prime

Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

French fashion house LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has unveiled former Tiffany & Co design  director Francesca Amfitheatrof as their new artistic director to shape their new high jewellery and watch collections. Amfitheatrof, 49, who was born in Japan and trained at Chelsea Art School, Central St Martins School of Art and Royal College of Art, left Tiffany & Co  last year after overseeing their product lines for four years and has since been instrumental in the launch of new collections for Chanel and Marni. This week, her appointment as artistic director at Louis Vuitton was confirmed, guaranteeing a prime

Fabergé's Life in Colour campaign and Edible Easter Egg Experience

April is a busy month for Fabergé, as we begin to reach the Easter period, a time which is particularly special to the House of Fabergé. As well as launching their beautiful new campaign 'A Life in Colour', they have partnered with The Ritz London to create a luxurious edible experience. The new Spring campaign was shot by gem photographer Casey Moore, at Gemfields' ruby auction in Singapore. The campaign is centred around Gemfields' stunning uncut gemstones, in their raw, natural state, and the beauty of coloured gemstones responsibly sourced from Gemfields’ mines in Zambia and Mozambique.and the beauty of coloured

Shannon O’Neill Designs 2018 Randox Health Grand National Trophy

The Grand National has been part of the British landscape since the 1830s and attracts world-leading jockeys with their eye on the glittering trophy. Designed by celebrated silversmith, Shannon O’Neill, this year’s trophy was conceived in her studio, a former stable, in the grounds of Burghley House in Stamford. Its subtle details perfectly tell the story of the greatest horse race in the world and the preventative healthcare innovations of the principal sponsor, Randox Health. This is the second year running that Shannon has been awarded this prestigious commission after Randox representatives saw her work on display at The Goldsmiths’

Silversmiths Put on Winning Display for Royal Highland Show

Hamilton & Inches celebrates 105 years as trophy makers and guardians for Scotland’s  annual farming and countryside show. Scotland’s luxury jewellery house will mark more than 105 years as silversmiths to The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland this week. Hamilton & Inches have responsibility for displaying and caretaking the 300 trophies which are awarded at the Royal Highland Show each year - between 40-45 of which have been handcrafted in the Hamilton & Inches workshops on George Street, Edinburgh - and the show’s trophy room is managed by Alain Wright, Stock Controller from the Royal Warrant holders throughout

MADE LONDON – Bloomsbury 2017

MADE LONDON – Bloomsbury a spring craft and design fair in the capital This is a stripped back, pared down, table top selling event, enabling the quality and diversity of the designer / makers’ work to be simply and honestly showcased in a beautiful and characterful setting. 120 exceptional makers across all media will be showing and selling their work to the public; enabling conversations about techniques, inspirations and future projects. Mary Ward House is a grade one listed arts and craft ‘settlement’ (where rich Edwardians went to live with London’s poor to provide legal advice, education classes, and opportunities

Weston Beamor increases presence on Social Media

Over the past ten months, Weston Beamor, the Birmingham casting house, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company, has made a concerted effort to extend its reach across various forms of digital media. The results have been extremely encouraging, as evidenced by the significant increase in their followers on numerous social media platforms. Since June 2016 Victoria Maher, a Customer Service Administrator at Weston Beamor, has been managing the company’s social media channels in addition to her day-to-day role. Maher has sought to kick-start the company’s online presence by distributing posts covering a diverse array of topics, including bespoke jewellery, castings,

The Fashion Awards 2016 Nominees

On Tuesday 25th October 2016 Dame Natalie Massenet, Chairman of the British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the nominations for The Fashion Awards 2016, alongside Karlie Kloss, Ambassador for the event’s lead partner Swarovski and Caroline Rush, BFC CEO.  The announcement took place during a brunch, at Soho House West Hollywood in LA, attended by media, stylists, talent managers, retailers and friends of the BFC. The Awards nominations were simultaneously revealed at a screening at the Mondrian London and digitally via a private URL to influential international media and retailers. Earlier in the year, 1500 key members of the fashion industry

Get The Italian Look with Marco Bicego

Inspired by the statement looks to hit the Milan Catwalk for Spring Summer 2017, Italian Jewellery House Marco Bicego presented their stylish interpretations of the top trends, Statement earrings and Cuffs.     Models took to the catwalk in Milan for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana in spectacular ‘statement’ earrings. The longer the better. Brushing the shoulders these earrings were anything  but subtle in their bright colours and exotic motifs.  Marco Bicego’s large Lunaria Diamond drop earrings are made using the brand signature hand engraving technique ‘bulino’, which makes these earrings lightweight despite their super size. Worn with an elegant

The Pommier Launches Pop-Up Shop At Boxpark Shoreditch

This May, global online retailer The Pommier will launch its first pop-up shop at Boxpark Shoreditch to showcase its unique and creative range of independent accessory designers. Customers will now be able to experience The Pommier in real life and get to meet the world’s most exciting emerging designers in person for a limited time only. The pop-up will feature 25 designers who will showcase their handmade fashion accessories throughout the week.  The Pommier pop-up shop will launch on 16 May and will be open until 28th May. The shop will house six spectacular designers each day on a rotating

Grant MacDonald: Timed To Perfection

The elegance of a Grant Macdonald timepiece imparts London-made luxury to the mantelpiece, tabletop or desk. The silversmithing house has launched a range of new designs in a portfolio of precious metals and design aethetics. Grant MacDonalds has launched a range of mantlepieces pieces designed as a generous symbol of refinement when given as a gift. The range includes Imperial Timepiece , standing half a metre high and honouring the 18th Century French Ormolu clock tradition, and King's Mantel  in sterling silver and 24 carat gold , as well as bespoke luxury clocks which can fit a range of customer requirements.

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

School of Jewellery Students Impress With Halo Designs

Three second year students studying for a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery have been shortlisted as finalists in an annual design competition run by Birmingham-based casting house, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company Weston Beamor. The brief for this year’s Live Project was to design a halo engagement ring and a fitted wedding band to sit alongside it.  All designs had to include a primary gemstone or pearl, mounted in precious metal. Students were asked to tailor their designs towards 25-35 year olds. Three potential winners – Ruth Hallows, Bethany

Winchester Creative Enterprise Centre Moves Forward

The planning applications have now been submitted for a new Creative Enterprise Centre project in Winchester. The centre proposed, by Winchester City Council, will see the refurbishment of the ‘Goods Shed’ on Barfield Close to house a variety of visual artists and other, office-based creative businesses such as design and architecture practices. A new, warehouse-style building is also being considered as part of the proposal to accommodate performing arts organisations needing to rehearse, create new work or run workshops. The ambition is to provide advice and support to those organisations and individuals taking space in the Creative Enterprise Centre to

Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer 3- 4 days a week ​E.C. One Clerkenwell, London E.C. One is the award winning jewellers based in Clerkenwell, London who are renowned for offering both designer and precious fine jewellery. Voted as  ‘The Most Inspiring Jewellers in the UK’  as well as  ‘Best for Fashion’ , and  ‘Best Boutique Jewellers’ . We are currently looking for a Workshop Assistant/ CAD Designer to join our happy team. About the Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer Role EC One’s workshop creates bespoke work for our clients as well as producing in-house collections for our store. The busy

West Dean Arts and Craft Festival 2017

2017 West Dean Arts and Craft Festival brings together 200+ artists, makers, writers and performers for the UK’s definitive arts and craft festival. Taking place at West Dean College, the former home and gardens of Edward James, poet, Surrealist and arts patron, the festival will deliver a wide range of dynamic workshops, drop-in creative sessions as well as exciting live demonstration, performances and installations. Browse and buy unique pieces from 120 designers and makers, curated by MADE, and visit the dedicated Print Show. Visitors will discover the secrets of West Dean House, with itsintriguing arts heritage, along with the surrounding

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2016 Closes to Huge Success

The 34th edition of Goldsmiths’ Fair, the UK’s premier destination to view and buy fine jewellery and contemporary silver, closed its doors on Sunday afternoon. In what proved to be another successful year for the Fair, over 9,000 people, including royalty, members of the House of Lords, ambassadors, artists, gallerists, international collectors, and jewellery enthusiasts of all stripes, visited the event and sales were strong. Held at the historic Goldsmiths’ Hall, the event unveiled the latest collections from 150 leading designer-makers and the next generation of precious metal stars. All UK-based, the 115 jewellers and 35 silversmiths presented their collections

Scott Armstrong wins CSM Chaumet Design Competition

BA Jewellery Design student Scott Armstrong was announced as the winner of the Central Saint  Martins  BA and MA Jewellery Design student competition to design a new headpiece for the world renowned jewellery house  Chaumet . Several weeks ago Scott Armstrong, a third year BA Jewellery Design student, travelled to Beijing’s Forbidden City with  Chaumet  to launch his  Vertiges  tiara following on from a design project.  The design is the result of the challenge  Chaumet  set for students of BA Jewellery Design and MA Design (Jewellery) to reinvent the tiara for the 21 st   century.   “It’s still the ultimate object,”

Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer 3- 4 days a week ​E.C. One Clerkenwell, London E.C. One is the award winning jewellers based in Clerkenwell, London who are renowned for offering both designer and precious fine jewellery. Voted as  ‘The Most Inspiring Jewellers in the UK’  as well as  ‘Best for Fashion’ , and  ‘Best Boutique Jewellers’ . We are currently looking for a Workshop Assistant/ CAD Designer to join our happy team. About the Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer Role EC One’s workshop creates bespoke work for our clients as well as producing in-house collections for our store. The busy

Summer Open Studios 2017

The Sorting Office Summer Open Studios 2017 The Sorting Office will be opening their doors to the public once again for their annual Summer Open Studios event. Open Studios is the perfect chance for visitors to browse the vibrant studio spaces and buy an exquisite array of wares, expertly hand-crafted by local designer-makers. The 17 resident designer-makers will be on hand to welcome visitors, talk about their crafts and show off their work, while a selection of local artists and makers will also be setting up shop in our Production House for the event’s ever-popular Maker's Fair. A number of

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

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

Festival of Living Crafts 2017

Hundreds of designer-makers will be showcasing British crafts in action at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire from the 4th to 7th May. This four day craft extravaganza is dedicated to promoting cutting edge creativity and excellence in craftsmanship. Pavilions are packed with established makers, carefully vetted for their individuality and innovation with a festival atmosphere combining craft demonstrations, workshops and entertainment. Visitors will be immersed for the day in British contemporary craft of exceptional quality, meet the friendly exhibitors who are passionate about their creative talents and enjoy watching craft masterclasses. This is the perfect opportunity to buy handmade gifts with

International Fashion Showcase 2017 Winners Announced

The British Council, British Fashion Council (BFC) and Mercedes-Benz have announced the winners of the International Fashion Showcase, in a prize-giving ceremony at Somerset House, London earlier this week. Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Chief Critic Vogue Runway, and Bettina Haussmann, Senior Manager Sponsoring and Product Placement Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, presented  The International Fashion Showcase Designer Award  to Younchan Chung of the-sirius for his impressive design showcased in the Korean installation. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz presented the winning designer with the unique opportunity to showcase their collection at Milan Fashion Week, one of over 50

Selvedge Fair - Charleston

Selvedge Fair - Charleston The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge brings a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Charleston. Our exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skillfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends, and pick up that special something. The fair will take place in a marquee and barns in the grounds of the former home of the Bloomsbury Group. Charleston opened its doors to the public in 1986, 70 years after Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant moved in. This house,

Hockley Mint opens its doors for tailor-made Retailer Days

Birmingham-based fine jewellery and bridal manufacturer Hockley Mint has launched an initiative to support independent jewellery retailers, opening its doors to invite businesses to find out more about Hockley Mint and to network with fellow retailers. The tailor-made events, which will take place in early 2017, will start with a comprehensive tour of Hockley Mint’s state-of-the-art in-house facilities, offering retailers the chance to gain a unique insight into the award-winning manufacturer’s extensive jewellery production capabilities. Visitors will then be invited to spend the afternoon in an informal networking session, where they will be free to discuss hot industry topics and

Fair Luxury x Ethical Metalsmiths

Fair Luxury x Ethical Metalsmiths Monday 4th November 5pm (Gmt) 12pm (Est) London / Zoom Following the success of our last Open House together, Ethical Metalsmiths (EM) and Fair Luxury have teamed up again. The Ethical Metalsmiths team plans to share some highlights of work in progress and aspirations for the future!  Highlights include awesome updates from EM's Education Committee, Action Coalition, and so much more! We're looking forward to a lively discussion. Fair Luxury and Ethical Metalsmiths share many common goals and dreams for our industry - we hope you will join the conversation. This will be an interactive meeting, so feel free to

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson 2025

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson 1 - 4 February 2025 Tucson, USA 9am till 6pm daily The Destination for Responsibly Sourced Gemstones from around the World A collaborative partnership of leading responsibly sourced gemstone suppliers Ian Bone/Heather Blake (Capricorn Gems), Stuart Pool (Nineteen48/Moyo Gems), Monica Stephenson (ANZA Gems/Moyo Gems), Jay Moncada (Perpetuum Jewels), Brian Cook/Quendi Cook (Nature's Geometry/Quore), Hewan Zewdi (Agere Treasures), Eric Braunwart/Natasha Braunwart (Columbia Gem House) and Susan Wheeler/Jessica Hudson (Virtu Gems) will gather in Tucson from the 1st to the 4th February 2025 tucsongemshow101.com/ethical-gem-fair

Museum Quality Collection of Emeralds Goes to Auction

Guernsey’s, the New York City-based auction house ,  has announced the auction of the  Marcial  de  Go mar  Collection of rare emeralds  on 25 th  April. T he  Marcial  de  Gomar  Emerald Collection, consisting of La Gloria, which at  887 carats  is one of the largest museum-quality emeralds in the world , along with more than twenty other loose emeralds (both cut and rough) and 13 pieces of extraordinary emerald jewellery.   The event will be conducted live at the Americas Society at 680 Park Avenue with online bidding at liveauctioneers.com. Featured lots in the  Marcial  de  Gomar  Collection include:

Weston Beamor Prototypes Bond: James Bond

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham casting-house, 3D printing and bespoke jewellery manufacturing company, has recently been involved in an interesting project for its customer Big Chief Studios - producers of high-quality, limited-edition, collectable figurines.   WB has been 3D printing photo-realistic body parts in resin, specifically heads, hands, and accessories such as guns and gadgets, for Big Chief’s most recent collection of characters from the iconic Bond film – Goldfinger.  Big Chief has recently taken on the licence to produce action figures from this and several others of the most classic Bond films.  With WB’s assistance, they have now created Bond

Museums

Sometimes a little bit of inspiration can go a long way. Here is a list of national museums which have jewellery or related articles, objects or artefacts in their collections... Abbott Hall Art Gallery Kendal Cumbria LA9 5AL www.abbothall.org.uk Aberdeen Art Gallery Schoolhill Aberdeen AB10 1FQ www.aagm.co.uk Art and Archaeology in Lincolnshire Danes Terrace Lincoln LN2 1LP www.thecollectionmuseum.com Ashmolean Museum Beaumont Street Oxford OX1 2PH www.ashmolean.org Bantock House and Park Finchfield Road Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Bilston Craft Gallery Mount Pleasant Bilston WV14 7LU www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Chamberlain Square Birmingham B3 3DH www.birminghammuseums.org.uk Black Country Living Museum

Galleries and Boutiques

Knowing where to sell your work and being able to develop a list of stockists to sell your work is important for business growth. Here we have compiled a list of shops, galleries and boutiques which sell design-led jewellery... @ work 35 Ponsonby Terrace Pimlico London SW1P 4PZ www.atworkgallery.co.uk 80/81 80/81 Ebrington Limavady Road Derry-Londonderry BT47 6JE www.culturecraft.co.uk Ada 4 The Courtyard Bennett’s Place Market Harborough LE16 7NL www.adagallery.co.uk Alan Vallis 2.09 OXO Tower Wharf Barge House Street London SE1 9PH www.alanvallis-oxo.com Alexander Gallery Kings Road Arches Brighton BN1 www.baileyalexander.co.uk Argenta 82 Fulham Road London SW3 www.argenta.co.uk Artizana Prestbury www.artizana.co.uk

Museum-Quality Collections of Rare Emeralds and Star Rubies at Auction This Spring

Guernsey's, the New York City- ba sed  auction house, is delighted to  announce two extraordinary events. On April 12, the  Marcial   de  Gomar  Collection of spectacular  emeralds will be held, followed less than a month  lat er  by the May 3 auction of the Mountain Star  Ruby Collection. Both events will be conducted live at  the Americas Society at 680 Park Avenue with  online bidding at liveauctioneers.com. The  Marcial  de  Gomar  Emerald Collection consists of more t han   twenty loose emeralds (both cut and rough) plus 13 pieces  of  emerald  jewellery . The emeralds were collected by Manuel 

Pursuit Reveal Next Generation Online Sale Integration

Pursuit  unveiled  the next g eneration  of its revolutionary Lifestyle mobile till  and stock  records retail sales tool at J&W Birmingham.  Running on an iPad or other tablet device and  launche d in 2012, Lifestyle was the first product of its kind  specifically designed for the  jewellery  business. The new  version is being provided free to existing users.    Mike Burns, Managing Director of the market-leading so ftware  house, states, “ The latest version of our iPad-based till and sales tool  incorporates enhanced item- by -item presentation and  benefits from user-feedback and our commitment to contin uous development. It ’