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Brilliant social media wins Alice Barnes 2017 Industry's Choice Award

Alice Barnes built up a formidable following on social media for her unique paper art jewellery to win the IJL 2017 KickStart ‘Industry’s Choice Award’, beating nine other contenders for the prestigious prize of a complimentary stand in the Design Gallery in 2018. The ten KickStarters went into battle over the summer to win as many votes as possible from the public via social media and an online poll, with the prize awarded at the discretion of the IJL and The National Association of Jewellers.  Showing initiative and enterprise in her use of social media and email marketing, Alice gained

The IJL Kickstarter ‘Industry's Choice’ Award Now Open For Voting

IJL has announced the launch to choose this year’s ‘Industry’s Choice’ 2017  KickStarter . Now in its fifth year, the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ competition rewards one  KickStarter  with a much sought after complementary stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2018 ,  with   the winning designer will be announced at the show.   IJL Show Director, Sam Willoughby, explains the new format for voting: “This year, once again, we are extremely pleased with our  KickStarters . All ten are extremely talented and very different. I look forward to seeing who comes out tops .  Fingers at the ready

Isabella Liu wins IJL Editor’s Choice Award for Creative Originality

London based  designer Isabella Liu won the International Jewellery London (IJL) Editor’s Choice award for Creative Originality.   Claire Adler, a luxury communications consultant, and Sam Willoughby, the IJL Event Director, selected the awards this month. T he Creative Originality award  is presented to  the brand or designer that impressed the judges with true originality in terms of design, innovative use of materials or striking colour combinations. Isabella Liu was born in China and is now based in London. She founded her own studio in 2014 and is an award winning jewellery designer and artist whose w orks have been

Editors’ Choice Awards, IJL 2017

IJL this week announced the launch of the highly regarded exhibitor Editors’ Choice Awards for 2017. In this ninth year, the competition has been extended to include an exciting new format, together with new categories, to reflect the breadth of innovative and commercial talent across all sectors of the show. Four awards will be judged pre-show with the winners revealed in June, followed by a further four new categories judged during IJL by an extended panel of industry media editors.  The pre-show Editors’ Choice competition is now open for entries, with IJL exhibitors able to nominate their pieces and collections

Dutch jewellery designer only European finalist in JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards

Jewelry designer Alice Sunderland was the only European finalist to win a prize at the annual JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards in the United States. Alice received a ‘silver medal’ in the category ‘Personalized Jewelry’. JCK Jewelers’ Choice Awards is considered to be the leading authority within the jewelry industry when it comes to the best and most innovative jewels. Theirs is one of the largest design contests for jewelry designers within the industry. Alice Sunderland was nominated in the category ‘Personalized Jewelry’ with her famed Calendarring.  This special ring consists of 365 sparkling diamonds, placed in 12 rows. Each diamond

Brian Hill Awarded Outstanding Contribution to Industry

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Consultant Secretary recognised for his dedication and drive to support those working in the UK jewellery and silversmithing trades. Brian Hill, Consultant Secretary of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, has been honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at this year’s UK Jewellery Awards. Held at the Honourable Artillery Club in London, the evening recognised a series of design, retail and marketing talent working in the UK industry, culminating with the Outstanding Contribution Award, awarded to Brian Hill for his 52 years of commitment and drive to promote, advance and future-proof skills

Call for Applications: Inhorgenta Award

For the first time ever, Messe München will confer the Inhorgenta Award in six categories at Inhorgenta Munich 2017. This distinction is intended as a reward for special products and services of the jewellery and watch industry. As of now, applications for the award can be filed and tickets for the festive gala be bought via the new website www.inhorgenta-award.com. The presentation of the Inhorgenta Award will happen on 19 February at the Postpalast in Munich and will be the highlight of Inhorgenta Munich. Categories Messe München confers this distinction for special products and services of the jewellery and watch

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Holds VIP Industry Reception

A VIP  industry focused  reception was held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre last week ,  honouring  the current Patrons, Sponsors and Contributors of the annual Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards, and to encourage new companies and individuals to become supporters for the 2018 Awards.     The VIP event included the unveiling of a new behind-the-scenes video showcasing the 2017 awards and judging, and an exclusive  interview with Paul Jones, winner of  2017 The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, who, to the amazement and bemusement of a the spellbound guests, demonstrated how his outstanding mystery revolving clock functions. Paul Jones spoke about

Master Craftsman urges industry colleagues to re-check gas safety

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten has urged his fellow craftsmen to take care and re-check their workshop gas set up after he experienced a devastating explosion in his studio. The experienced craftsman, who a multi award winning, was  severely injured in his studio from a faulty regulator that was brand new. Hes said exclusively to Benchpeg: "I had know idea it was faulty regulator, as it was brand new. The technician at the store gave me wrong type. I had bought a complete new system and had it put together by a team of specialists. One did the compressor, one

Messe München Launches Inhorgenta Award for 2017

Messe München will present a new highlight in the coming year: the INHORGENTA Award. This distinction is to be awarded in recognition of special products and services of the jewelry and watch industry. The award will be conferred in six different categories. A top-class independent jury will select the respective winners. At the forthcoming trade show taking place from February 18 to 21, 2017, INHORGENTA MUNICH will celebrate a premiere with the presentation of the INHORGENTA Award. “In nearly every sector, there is a prize in recognition of outstanding products and services. Until now, such a recognition has been missing

PGI Conference at Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong To Illuminate Platinum’s Role in Shaping the Future of the Industry

While outlining key trends in jewellery, experts will highlight platinum’s potential for opportunity, innovation and attracting new consumers Platinum Guild International (PGI) spotlights platinum’s prime role in the future of jewellery at the influential trade show Jewellery and Gem WORLD Hong Kong, which returns to the city from 18-24 September 2023 after a three-year absence. Commanding attention on the Fair programme, PGI will host a conference to discuss platinum’s potential as the precious white metal of choice and a significant value creator for future consumers. To be held on 21 September 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the

Ralph Lauren to be Honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award

The British Fashion Council have announced that Ralph Lauren will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award in Fashion at The Fashion Awards 2016 in partnership with Swarovski. The designer will be honoured for his invaluable contribution to the fashion industry on Monday 5th December at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Over the past 50 years, Ralph Lauren and his iconic brand have helped shape and define the American fashion identity in a unique and resonant way. Through his tireless commitment to design, innovation, business and philanthropy, Ralph Lauren has established himself as a pillar of the global fashion community. Ralph

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Award Winners Retrospective Exhibition

The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council 2017 Award Winners Retrospective The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council is the flagship organisation for the precious metal industry. Each year the Council hosts a unique national competition attracting over 600 entries from exceptionally talented and skilled UK based designers and craftsmen. This showcase at the Goldsmiths’ Centre celebrates award-winning work ranging from innovative, yet intricate hand-crafted jewellery to tableware and objet d’art – all entered as part of GC&DC’s 2017 competition. Plus, a unique first, a feature and showcase of Cartier jewellery to celebrate 60 years of partnership with GC&DC. Dates 17 January -

Nicholas Wylde wins UK Jewellery Award for best Marketing Campaign

The annual UK Jewellery Awards was this year held at The Artillery Garden in July and brought together those members of industry involved in jewellery retail. Compared by TV Presenter Gethin Jones, the awards evening celebrated the past year’s achievements of jewellers on the high street. Nicholas Wylde and his team were recognised for their promotional activities, which celebrated founder Nicholas’ 30 years in business, by the presentation of Best Marketing Campaign Award. Promoting not only their own business, Bath’s Wylde Treasure Hunt brought the Bath high street and over 30 indie shops together, promoting the Bath shopping experience and

Goldsmiths’ Company’s Studio Internship Graduate Award

The Goldsmiths’ Company's Studio Internship Graduate Award ( SIGA ), open to recent graduates - within five years of graduation - aims to enhance the skills of the next generation of silversmiths.  Recipients are given the opportunity to train with the country’s leading silversmiths and receive funding to exhibit new work at a Goldsmiths’ Centre group show from 5-12 September 2017. The current SIGA recipients are Patrick Davison, Hamish Dobbie, Errin Quinn and Dominic Simon. There are two parts to SIGA training - eight weeks honing general silversmithing skills with a renowned silversmith, followed by eight weeks learning a particular skill with an industry specialist.

Three IJL Editors' Choice Pre-Show Winners Announced

The winners of IJL’s very popular and highly regarded exhibitor Editors’ Choice Awards have been announced this week; designer Isabella Liu, The Rock Hound, and Franco Florenzi. Re-launched this year with an exciting new format and inspirational new categories to reflect the breadth of creative flair and innovative design talent at the show, the pre-show winners have been selected by the two judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor and Event Director, Sam Willoughby. Sam Willoughby comments: “These three winning collections really do showcase the best in creative originality, technical finesse and commercial know-how.  Created by a designer,

IJL Name Five Editor’s Choice Winners For 2016

The winners of IJL’s popular and hard-fought exhibitors’ competition, Editor’s Choice have been announced.  Chosen for their creative and innovative designs as well as commercial aptitude, the winning line-up includes David Miracca John Moore Jewellery Kickstarter Vicky Lew Samsares Jewelry from Switzerland and Tezer Design from Germany The judges, Claire Adler, luxury communications consultant and Financial Times contributor, and Event Director Sam Willoughby, selected the winners from a range of categories, which included the new category ‘German Style’ - in recognition of the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the Market Focus for 2016.  Image caption or

Alighieri's Rosh Mahtani Receives the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design at London Fashion Week

On Tuesday 18th February 2020, at London Fashion Week, Rosh Mahtani of Alighieri was presented with The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. Mahtani is recognised for the craftmanship of her jewellery which is produced in Hatton Garden, for using responsibly sourced materials, promoting local manufacturing and supporting employment.  The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design was initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society and diplomacy and the movement of young designers that are both talented and making a

Touchstone Award

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

Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016: Harriet Kelsall wins ‘Retail Businesswoman’ award

British jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall has won the ‘Retail Businesswoman’ award at the London regional finals of the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016. The regional heat took place on Friday at a celebration lunch at an exclusive London hotel, before an audience of senior and influential business leaders. Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke jewellery designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her business – Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery - in 1998 and it is now recognised in the UK and across the world as a market leader in

Dundee Student Wins Ingle & Rhode Fairtrade Gold Award

A university student from the University of Dundee has won the Ingle & Rhode 2017 Fairtrade Gold Design Awards. Aspiring jewellery design undergraduate, Angela Gillies,  is the over all winner of the awards, after competing against more than 100 budding designers and impressing the panel of judges.  Highly commended designs, category winners, and the overall winners were announced at the Fair Luxury (FLUX) 2017 conference in Birmingham on 25th April.  This is the first year the awards have run, recognising up and coming talent within the jewellery design industry.  Angela Gillies said of the win,  “Winning the Fairtrade Gold Design

The passing of industry stalwart Chris Sellors

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

Building Your Craft Industry Network and Starting Conversations

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

The Jewellery Industry Salary and Benefits Survey 2017

The National Association of Jewellers has launched its  Jewellery Industry Sa lary and Benefits Survey 2017 which will be open until the 1 August .   The survey will be used to allow businesses to  benchmark themselves against the national wage average across industry. The questions include salary brackets, benefits and rewards across the wide range of job functions and craft skills associated with our sector. Only survey participants will have access to the detailed results where a ll individual responses will be confidential.   Understanding the current market r ates for salaries and wages is  vital as it will

Sustainability Award

Heritage Crafts and the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) have teamed up to create a new QEST/Heritage Crafts Sustainability Award, with a £2,000 prize, open to any craftsperson or micro-business, working with traditional craft skills or materials, who has improved their environmental sustainability within the last 12 months. Crafts are often thought to provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to mass-production. This can be true, with items produced using locally-sourced materials and hand-production methods that may have less impact on the environment. Campaigns like  ‘Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Handmade’  have promoted handmade objects which are built to last, in comparison with

The Longer Long Tail: How Endless Choice is Creating Unlimited Demand

New Technologies make for a growth industry and an emerging one

The advent of electronic mining - the process of extracting gold, silver, copper from discarded electronic objects to make jewellery - is now a growing industry. The 26 year old London based jewellery designer Eliza Walter, Founder of Lylie, is the only jeweller in the UK sourcing all the materials for her designs from ‘urban mining’. Eliza Walter has been awarded a hallmark by the Birmingham Assay Office for her efforts.  Other new technologies in mainstream use include 3D printing in jewellery schools and jewellery manufacturing companies like Weston Beamor (3D printing for jewellery has seen a 450% growth year

Vicenzaoro Hosts Industry's First Ever Hackathon

An earring able to call the police when in danger. A bracelet that warms up thanks to solar energy. A ring that staves off skin problems. A bracelet that explains Italy’s cultural heritage. An accessory able to exploit time. These were the best ideas to come out of the jewellery industry's first hackathon at this year's Vicenzaoro. Vicenzaoro January, staged the first edition of  The Gold Run , the jewellery technology hackathon for more than 60,000 students and researchers, devised in collaboration with Padua University within the context of T.Gold. The Gold Run opened Vicenzaoro to fusion with the world of research, [youtube

NAJ create 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' for industry

The Nationl Association of Jewellers have creates a set of special webpages, a 'Bitesized Brexit Briefings' blog intended to share information, opinion and intelligence for the Jewellery Industry leading up to the UK leaving the EU, and afterwards as the Jewellery community acclimatises to post-Brexit Britain. Along with other Association members of the British Allied Trades Federation, NAJ has commissioned specific guidance notes in case the UK crashes out of the EU with no deal, which remains unclear despite today’s positive noises from the Prime Minister meeting with EU Negotiators. The guidance notes  covering key topics such as Intellectual property,

Jewellery & Watch Industry Trends: Enamel, Pink and Diamonds

The forthcoming INHORGENTA MUNICH will once again offer exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to find new inspiration for the business year. This is ensured, among other things, by the trends of the year in the jewelry and watch industry worth discovering at the trade show. INHORGENTA MUNICH describes what is fashionable in 2017. Diamonds The diamond jewelry market grew by three percent on a global scale last year already and this trend will continue. Why? Well, due to the engagement’s revival and its celebration by giving a solitaire as an engagement present, diamonds continue to gain in importance. However, consumers

Grant-Turnstone Award

Call for Applications: Grant-Turnstone Award Guitar-maker Daisy Tempest and knife-maker Holly Loftus both joined Cockpit as recipients of the Newby Trust Award. Now both firmly footed in their own fields, the pair know what a difference this kind of support makes in the early stages of establishing a craft practice. The Grant-Turnstone Award came from their passionate desire to pay it forward. Named after their respective mentors, blacksmithing lecturer Juliet Grant and Luthier Rosie Heydenrych (founder of Turnstone Guitars), the award is open to anyone in any craft discipline that shows dedication to developing, nurturing and passing on their craft.  “The

Gem Empathy Award 2019

Call for Applicaitons: Gem Empathy Award Gem Empathy Award open to IJL visitors for the first time IJL and Gem-A launch the Gem Empathy competition 2019 and ask for jewellery designs for a unique and precious coral jewel IJL and Gem-A have announced the return of the Gem Empathy Award for 2019, which gives IJL 2019 exhibitors and visitors the chance to win a precious and sustainable coral cabochon for their bespoke jewellery design. The long-standing Gem Empathy Award – organised by Gem-A (Gemmological Association of Great Britain) and hosted by IJL – gives exhibitors and, for the first time,

Endangered Crafts Award 2019

Call for Applications: Endangered Crafts Award 2019 The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) is offering an award of £1,000 for a proposal to help secure the survival of an endangered craft.   The Endangered Crafts Award, which is funded by the Marsh Christian Trust, is to recognise a practitioner of one of the 62 crafts currently listed in the Critically Endangered or Endangered categories of the HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts. The award was made for the first time in 2018 to Steve Tomlin (SteveTomlinCrafts.co.uk), a spoon carver, ash basketmaker and scything tutor. Steve applied to learn to make Devon stave

Endangered Craft Award 2017/18

Heritage Crafts Association launch the HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 The Heritage Crafts Association has launched a new Award of £1,000 with the kind support of Marsh Christian Trust. The HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 will be awarded to the proposal which in the opinion of the judges makes the best use of the funds to secure the survival of an Endangered or Critically Endangered Craft. The winner will be announced at the HCA’s annual conference “Crafts for the Future” on 24th March 2018 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. For the purposes of the Award, eligible crafts are

Jorum Craft Award

Jorum Craft Award   Application deadline:  5pm, Thursday 30 June 2022   Jorum Craft Award – Craft Scotland   The Jorum Craft Award (£500 - £1,000) is a materials-focused grant supported by Jorum Studio, in association with Craft Scotland. Round 5 focuses on the theme of Biomimetics.  

Sustainability and the future of retailing absorb the industry finds INHORGENTA in survey

New online survey among 1,215 trade fair participants explores leading trends. Majority of retailers and manufacturers plan to focus on sustainable products. Future of retail is seen as a major challenge. Altered customer behavior, digitalization and sustainability will be the most important issues for the jewelry and timepiece industry in future years, according to the results of a representative INHORGENTA survey. A total of 1,215 industry professionals took part in the survey and provided a clear picture of the state of the sector. INHORGENTA MUNICH will present a wide range of program areas about the top issues in the industry

Flexibility, Creativity & Productivity: The New Industry Model for Working

In 1926, Henry Ford introduced the 8-hour working day, now not-so-lovingly colloquialised as ‘the 9-5’. Back then, this revolution changed the way people lived- from working 10-16 hours a day, 6 days a week, to what reformist Robert Owen formulated as “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest” .  The dramatic decrease in hours actually led to higher productivity, and consequently higher profit margins. This model has reigned supreme for almost a century, but now people are now beginning to question whether it’s time to rethink working patterns once again. The Swedish famously trialled a 6-hour workday, in

Unfolded: Paper in Design, Art, Architecture and Industry

Precious Metalworker of the Year Award

Call for Applications: Precious Metalworker of the Year Award Heritage Crafts and The Royal Mint have launched the inaugural Precious Metalworker of the Year award as part of their ongoing partnership, with a £2,000 prize for the winning entry, as well as a trophy specially designed by Paul Morgan, the Kings Assay Master and Head of Technical Design at The Royal Mint, to be presented at a high-profile reception at the Vicar’s Hall, Windsor Castle, in November. This award celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to working with precious metals over the past year. It recognises a

Lexus Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: Lexus Design Award 2019 Lexus Design Award 2019 calls upon young creative talent around the world to “Design for a Better Tomorrow”. Since 2013, this international design competition has provided the chance of a lifetime for up-and-coming designers to win the prestigious award for innovative design excellence, propel their growth, and reach world-class exposure. Mentoring. Funding. Exhibit at Milan. As a finalist, you will be provided everything needed to take your design to the next level and present it at one of the world’s premier design events. • Receive mentorship from worldly renowned design professionals. Past years

Red Dot Award 2019

Call for Entries: Red Dot Award 2019 from designers and manufacturers worldwide The Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019 starting signal will be given on 15 October 2018. Designers and companies from around the world then have until 1 February 2019 to submit products from all areas of daily life for a chance to win an award at one of the world’s largest design competitions. The first of the three registration phases, which allows participants to benefit from a discounted registration fee, ends on 9 November. 48 different product categories From everyday to unusual, participants can this year choose between

Princess Royal Training Award

Call for Applications: Princess Royal Training Award Applying for a Princess Royal Training Award will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on what you have achieved through your investment in training. The awards are free to enter and are open to organisations of all sizes, and from all sectors in the UK. Entrants will receive tailored support throughout the application process.  Apply now Applications are open from 02 January – 29 March 2018 . A prestigious awards ceremony to celebrate those who receive the award will take place in the autumn. The Awards provide you with one-to-one support through

The Arts & Crafts Design Award

The Arts & Crafts Design Award is an international, annual competition for all nominated artisans, craftspeople and designers. The primary aim of the award is to honour and support the best ideas and concepts and recognise its excellent realization. Call for Applications We sincerely invite all non-nominated Artisans, Craftspeople and Designers to apply for Nomination to get the opportunity to participate at this international prestigious Arts & Crafts Design Award 2017! Only as a selected Nominee you are able to take part at this Competition at all ! Eligibility The contest is open for all nominated professional, amateur and student

Mead Final Project Award

Call for Applications: Mead Final Project Award Are you a UAL undergraduate student in your final year? Do you need financial help to achieve your final major project? The Mead Final Project Award offers between £200 to £2,500 to help students who need extra funds to complete their final major project. Applications are now open. To read about past awardees, and to apply, please see the Mead Awards website . Applications deadline: Monday 26th November. For more information www.arts.ac.uk

ERA5050 wins an award

On 1st March, stars of theatre gathered at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End for the 20th annual What’sOnStage Awards, broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. During the event, the Equity Award for Services to Theatre was awarded to ERA5050, a movement that campaigns to see women represented on screen, in television and in theatre in equal numbers to men. On 1st March, stars of theatre gathered at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London’s West End for the 20th annual What’sOnStage Awards, broadcast live on BBC Radio 2. During the event, the Equity Award for Services

Gioielli In Fermento Award 2019

Call for Entries: Gioielli In Fermento 2019 Award Student Award Undergraduate and Below - Learning Section Eligibility - For students attending secondary art schools, craft schools or first level in any course of studies of art, jewellery design, gold / metalsmithing, or related disciplines (student attendance to be confirmed by teacher / school and sent with submission).  Applicants must not have taken part in previous editions of Gioielli in Fermento – professional section. Entry can be a design dossier (sketches, drawings, cad, prototypes) and or a finished workpiece – interpretation free or inspired to the annual theme (according to the

The SOLO Award 2018

Call for Applications: The SOLO Award™ 2018 The SOLO Award™ is an annual contemporary art prize open to artists of all ages, working in all media. The finalists are exhibited in a group show each spring and the overall winner receives a cash prize and a solo exhibition at the London Art Fair each January. The SOLO Award is an entirely not-for-profit project, now in its 7th year. Aimed at supporting the careers of emerging and mid-career artists, the award broadens audiences by presenting the winners' ambitious and creatively risk-taking solo projects within the established commercial context of the London Art

Arts & Crafts Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: Arts & Crafts Design Award 2017 The Arts & Crafts Design Award is an international, annual competition for all nominated artisans, craftspeople and designers. The primary aim of the award is to honor and support the best ideas and concepts and recognize its excellent realization. International Competition The contest is open for all nominated professional, amateur and student craftspeople and designers from any country. The Award is not divided in different categories; rather it covers all Arts and Crafts-ideas and design concepts. Nominees To be nominated for the Arts & Crafts Design Award is a great achievement

Covid Forces Fashion Industry to Explore Virtual Reality Alternatives

As industries across the world have been forced to innovate and be creative in the challenges of COVID-19, one sector which was surprisingly quick to adapt was that of fashion buying. BrandLab, a unique virtual reality showroom developer, saw 500% increase in profit between May and June, as brands moved their physical showrooms to virtual. The growth has led to international investment, with new offices being launched in LA, Paris and New York and plans to expand their business beyond the fashion industry and develop direct-to-consumer platforms for everything from shopping centres and art galleries to car showrooms and football

Jewellery & Watch Collaborate with Industry Figureheads for Dynamic 5 Days Event Programme

Jewellery & Watch celebrates being ‘the heart of the jewellery industry’ with leading figureheads collaborating to front its 2017 content programme: Harriet Kelsall, bespoke jewellery designer and retailer, Fei Liu, fine jewellery designer, Simon Johnson, Chairman of the National Association of Jewellers and owner of Marmalade Jewellery, Alex Monroe, jewellery designer and Gary Wroe, MD of Hockley Mint.  The event will offer retailers the event’s most diverse and inspirational seminar programme to date. Each day has a theme, including a collaboration with the National Association of Jewellers - NAJ Live. The key industry figures will act as the ‘Faces’ of

The Arts & Crafts Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: The Arts & Crafts Design Award 2018 The Arts & Crafts Design Award is an international, annual competition for all nominated artisans, craftspeople and designers. The primary aim of the award is to honour and support the best ideas and concepts and recognise its excellent realization. Applications are now open to all non-nominated Artisans, Craftspeople and Designers to apply for Nomination to get the opportunity to participate at this international prestigious Arts & Crafts Design Award 2018. Please note - only as a selected Nominee you are able to take part at this Competition. Eligibility The contest is

The Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award 2020

Call For Applications: The Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award 2020 Applications are invited for The Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award (2020).  This prestigious award, which is now attracting record numbers of applicants, has a generous prize fund and is a wonderful opportunity for new enamellers to showcase their enamelling skills. Deadline for applications is 31st  July 2019.  All applications are made digitally through the Guild of Enamellers’ website, where full details, and terms and conditions are available. www.guildofenamellers.org Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the Award winner will have a free place at the Guild of Enamellers Conference in

Design in Silver Award 2021

Call for Applications: Design in Silver Award 2021 Contemporary British Silversmiths have been fortunate enough to offer an annual ‘Design in Silver Award’ to silversmithing graduates for many years.  This is thanks to a very generous and long standing patron who is keen to support graduates on their journey of progressing their career in contemporary silversmithing. The prize comprises up to £1,000 which is to be spent on a specialist course offered by one of our senior members and three years free graduate membership.  The money can be used towards the course, materials, travel and accommodation as required.  Previous winners

Amberif Design Award 2018

Call for Applications: Amberif Design Award 2018 22nd Editoion of the International Competition for the Amber Jewellery Design For more than 20 years now, the AMBERIF International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones invites artists and designers from all over the world to spend some time with a piece of amber and present their interpretation of a competition motto, to stop and think a while and perhaps experience a moment of supreme creativity. The competition’s theme this year is: Serendipity  the accidental observation of something occasionally leads to surprising discoveries.  For designers, a space for intuition and subjective expression opens

International Jewellery Design Excellence Award 2019 (IJDE Award) 2019

Call for Applications: International Jewellery Design Excellence Award 2019 (IJDE Award) To honour creative and outstanding jewellery designers from all over the world, the IJDE Award provides a platform for international jewellery designers to exchange experience and compete for the highest honour “Champion of the Champions”. In 2017, this biennial event attracted 165 champions of world’s leading jewellery design competitions from 27 countries and regions.  Trophy of “Champion of the Champions” Who can apply? Jewellery designers who have won the championship of any jewellery design competitions worldwide whose result was/will be officially announced between 1 December 2016 and 17 November

The Guild of Enamellers 2018 Bursary Award

Call for Applications: The Guild of Enamellers 2018 Bursary Award This prestigious award, which is now attracting record numbers of applicants, has a prize fund worth more than £1000 and is a wonderful opportunity for new enamellers to showcase their enamelling skills. Prizes Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the Award winner will have a free place at the Guild of Enamellers Conference in April 2018 (sponsored by WG Ball Ltd.) with the opportunity to exhibit their work and enter for a range of awards.  The prize fund also includes  free editorial and promotion in craft&design online and the

The Guild of Enamellers 10th Anniversary Bursary Award 2019

Call For Applications: The Guild of Enamellers 10th Anniversary Bursary Award 2019 Applications are invited for The Guild of Enamellers 10th Anniversary Bursary Award 2019. This prestigious award, which is now attracting record numbers of applicants, has a generous prize fund and is a wonderful opportunity for new enamellers to showcase their enamelling skills. Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the Award winner will have a free place at the Guild of Enamellers Conference in April 2019 (sponsored by WG Ball Ltd.) with the opportunity to exhibit their work and enter for a range of awards. The prize fund

The Cockpit Arts / Arts Society Award 2019

Call for Applications: The Cockpit Arts / Arts Society Award 2019 Cockpit Arts have announced that the Arts Society Award at Cockpit Arts is now open for applications. The Cockpit Arts / Arts Society Award comprises of business support provided by Cockpit Arts as well as subsidised studio space for one year. Applications are invited for the Award which aim to support professional craftspeople working with traditional craft skills. Particular consideration will be given to crafts requiring skills at risk of dying out. The Award is worth £3,000 towards a studio at either Cockpit Arts site, to be supplemented with £1.650

Gemfields Recognised With The Chopard GCC Award

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Creative Director of Swiss luxury jewellery and watch company Chopard, launched The Chopard Green Carpet Collection Award in Cannes last week. Mining organisations that have played a key role in  Chopard’s  Green Carpet Collections were present at the events. Livia and Colin Firth, together with Caroline  Scheufele , took this opportunity to honour  Chopard’s  strategic suppliers who all share the same social and environmental values, awarding them the  Chopard  GCC Award for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice.  The awardees were: Gemfields ,  Kagem  mine , Zambia Lucara ,  Karowe  mine , Botswana Aurora Gems Pty

Call for Applications: Red Dot Award

Call for Applications: Red Dot Award Product Design 2018 – Designers and manufacturers are now invited to submit their products    The Red Dot Award: Product Design is entering the next phase: From 9 October 2017, designers and manufacturers from all over the world can once again take the opportunity to submit their products to one of the world’s largest design competitions. The registration period breaks down into three different phases: “Early Bird” from 9 October to 28 November 2017, “Regular” from 29 November 2017 to 16 January 2018 and “Latecomer” from 17 January to 9 February 2018. Diversity from every

New Showcase App Launches to Release Industry ‘Hidden’ Stock

Two  experienced  professionals  from  within  the  jewellery  trade have launched   a  revolutionary  app  to  the  marketplace. The  app  enables  members  of  the  trade  to  both  showcase  and  source  jewellery,  watches  and  antiques  and  if  they  so  wish,  advertise  items  for  sale  to  consum ers . Fundamental  to  the  anticipated  success  of  the  app  is  its  new  and  original  concept  which   is  based  on  providing  an  innovative,  cost  effective  selling  tool  in  an  easy  to  use  and  manage  platform. Sellers  on  the  app  will  be  able  to  list  items  for  sale ;  at  trade  prices  for  fellow  professionals  and/or 

IJL Success Bodes Well For UK Jewellery Industry Post Brexit

IJL 2016 has reported that many exhibitors took a record number of orders on the opening day but also the show itself also saw an increase in attendance by senior quality international retailers, buyers and suppliers. This, combined with 167 new exhibitors from across the jewellery and watch sectors and over 500 emerging and established companies from 38 countries, provided a positive vote of confidence in the UK’s jewellery sector post the Brexit referendum. Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented on this year's show,  “This year’s show exceeded our expectations, with a noticeable increase in international support and many companies experiencing

Call for Entries: A' International Design Award & Competition

Call for Entries: A' Design Award & Competition A’ Design Award & Competition is the world’s leading international annual juried competition for design. The A’ Design Accolades are organized in a wide range of creative fields to highlight the very best designers from all countries in all disciplines. Entries to the competition are peer-reviewed and anonymously judged by an influential jury panel of experienced academics, prominent press members and established professionals. A’ Design Award & Competition promises fame, prestige, publicity and international recognition to all A’ Design Award Winners through the A’ Design Prize which is given to celebrate the

British Ceramics Biennial’s Award 2019

Call for Applications: British Ceramics Biennial’s Award Prize doubled to £10,000 in celebration of BCB’s 10 anniversary The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) announces the call for entries for AWARD, inviting UK-based artists to submit proposals for this £10,000 prize and exhibition. AWARD is the headline exhibition in BCB, which celebrates its 10 anniversary in 2019 and provides a platform for some of the UK’s most talented artists working in clay. The next BCB festival will take place in Stoke-on-Trent from 28 September to 10 November 2019. Up to 10 artists will be selected for AWARD, each receiving a grant of

The Goldsmiths’ Company 2017 Studio Internship Graduate Award

SIGA The Goldsmiths’ Company 2017 Studio Internship Graduate Award         About the Award A Goldsmiths’ Company award open to two graduates (within 5 years of graduation) to support the next generation of silversmiths. The award offers the opportunity to train with the country’s leading silversmiths for 16 weeks (which can be undertaken on a part time basis) before creating an exhibition of work at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. On completion, a certificate will be awarded at a special ceremony at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Funding for Each Graduate Includes A maintenance living grant of £210 per week for a total of 16 weeks.

Museum Contest Schoonhoven Silver Award 2018

Call for Application: Museum Contest Schoonhoven Silver Award 2018 The Schoonhoven Silver Award is an initiative of the ‘Stichting Zilverkunst’ (Silver Art Foundation). Since its inception in 2001 the Award has had six winners: Oliver Schmidt, Germany (2002), Monika Gimborn-Jochum, Germany (2004), Jan Matthesius, The Netherlands (2006) Hiroshi Suzuki, UK / Japan (2009), Stratos Kantzelis/ Greece (2012), Yuki Ferndinadsen Japan/ Denmark (2015) In 2010 the organisation of the award was transferred to the Nederlands Zilvermuseum in Schoonhoven and the competition has since taken place under the museum’s auspices. The Award’s most recent editions have been dedicated to promoting contemporary ‘great,

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

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

The Red Dot Award Product Design 2019

Call for Applciations: The Red Dot Award - Product Design 2019 Calling all up-and-coming designers: The Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019 is giving away 50 free registration places for the Young Professionals Application Day. On 5 December 2018, all designers who have graduated within the past five years are cordially invited to apply for one of these places. They can enter their product in the competition, which will feature designers and brands from all over the globe. Young professionals who win an award can look forward to further support from Red Dot, with measures that include showcasing their products

Lily Blanche wins Business Women Scotland Award

Stirling-based jewellery company Wow (Scotland) Ltd has triumphed in the main Scottish awards for female entrepreneurs. The company, which trades under the name Lily Blanche, won the award for best use of social media in the BWSWES Awards run jointly by Business Women Scotland and Women’s Enterprise Scotland. Founder Gillian Crawford was presented with the award by the Financial Times’ Miss Moneypenny and Dean of the Edinburgh Business School, Professor Heather McGregor. The company won the award for its Facebook campaign Lin’s Locket, which promoted the Lily Blanche Memory Keeper Locket. This innovative locket opens to reveal six secret photographs

Award Bursaries British Allied Trades Federation (BATF)

Call for Applications: Award Bursaries British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Benevolent Society, charity of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) Following A Hugely Successful Pilot Scheme, The Benevolent Society Are Awarding Further Bursaries For 2018 About the Award Bursaries In 2016 the Benevolent Society, charity of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), changed its constitution to allow the charity to award bursaries to help individuals enter the industries that fall under the BATF umbrella. This has enabled the Benevolent Society to assist not only those at the end of their careers but individuals who are embarking on careers in the

Merci Maman Awarded Prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise

Second royal seal of approval for London-based French mumpreneur. The personalised jewellery brand – worn by the Duchess of Cambridge – receives the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. Merci Maman, the personalised jewellery company founded by a London mum from her kitchen table, has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category and its founder will receive the award from the Queen at a Buckingham Palace Reception. Merci Maman was founded by mother of four Béatrice de Montille in Fulham, London, in 2007. She now works with a team of 22

Open Contemporary Young Artist Award, The Biscuit Factory

Open Contemporary Young Artist Award, The Biscuit Factory The Biscuit Factory is delighted to present a national open call for young artists working across various mediums. The Open Contemporary Young Artist Award is an opportunity for artists 35 years old or younger working in the UK today to submit work to be included in an exhibition at The Biscuit Factory Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne. Open to established and emerging artists that are 35 years old or younger, The Open Contemporary Young Artist Award will profile the successful entrants and raise awareness of mixed contemporary art practices. The Biscuit Factory

Call for Applications: Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award

Applications are invited for The Guild of Enamellers 2017 Bursary Award. This prestigious award, which is now attracting record numbers of applicants, has a prize fund worth more than £1000 and is a wonderful opportunity for new enamellers to showcase their enamelling skills. Due to the generosity of sponsors, the Award winner will have a free place at the Guild of Enamellers Conference in April 2017 (sponsored by WG Ball Ltd.) with the opportunity to exhibit their work and enter for a range of awards. The prize fund also includes: a free editorial in ‘craft&design’ magazine, a free editorial the Guild’s journal and

Susan Blackler Wins 2016 Gem Empathy Award

Gem-A have announced that Susan Blackler, of Sonkai Ltd., is the winner of Gem-A's newly-revamped Gem Empathy Award 2016, with her design titled ‘Supernova’. In previous years the award has been presented to the IJL exhibitor displaying, in the opinion of the judges, a single piece or collection of jewellery that makes captivating use of one or more gemstones. This year, however, Gem-A has remodelled the creative initiative, requesting that designers featured in the Design Gallery at IJL, produce a design based around a breathtaking 10.46ct Fantasy Cut heliodor (also known as golden beryl), sourced from award-winning gem cutter JohnDyer.  

Experienced Sales Associate – Solange Ltd - London W2

The role Experienced Sales Associate Solange Ltd London W2 Solange was established in 1990 by the award-winning jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge. In its 30 years in business, the brand has grown to be internationally recognised, receiving many recognitions and honours. Solange is now recruiting for a Sales & Press Associate to support the day to day operations of the boutique, interacting with clients, press and stylists to promote the brand, collections and generate sales. Daily Tasks Will Include Opening boutique, setting up the jewellery, and taking down every day at the beginning and end of the day Effectively and professionally

The Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award 2022 / 2023

The Guild of Enamellers Bursary Award 2022/2023 The Guild of Enamellers Bursary scheme will be open for applications from 02/01/2023 until midnight on 20/01/2023. The Bursary is aimed at early career enamellers such as students on full or art time courses at Diploma or Degree level, aiming to integrate enamelling into their careers. The Bursary award is worth approximately £1000 and is designed to help towards setting up as a new enameller. It includes: membership of the Guild of Enamellers, membership of the British Society of Enamellers a place at the Guild of Enamellers 2023 residential conference access to teaching

New Heritage Crafts / QEST Sustainability Award

New Heritage Crafts / QEST Sustainability Award Heritage Crafts and the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust - QEST have teamed up to create a new Sustainability Award, with a £2,000 prize, open to any craftsperson or micro-business, working with traditional craft skills or materials, who has improved their environmental sustainability within the last 12 months. Crafts are often thought to provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to mass-production. This can be true, with items produced using locally-sourced materials and hand-production methods that may have less impact on the environment. However, there are still areas that can be improved, such as with energy-intensive crafts

Creative Development Award 2019/20, Association for Contemporary Jewellery

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

Call for Applications: Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery

Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Funaki, a driving force in the promotion of contemporary jewellery in Australia for over 20 years, invites jewellery artists worldwide, at all stages of their practice, to participate in the 2018 Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery. An internationally lauded contemporary jeweller and object maker, Mari Funaki was instrumental in establishing Melbourne’s reputation as a strong centre for contemporary jewellery, founding Gallery Funaki in 1995. An internationally lauded contemporary jeweller and object maker, Mari Funaki was instrumental in establishing Melbourne’s reputation as a strong centre for contemporary jewellery, founding Gallery Funaki in 1995.

Richard Seager Arts Award Commission 2018

Richard Seager Arts Award Commission 2018 In 2018, Butterfly Conservation will celebrate their 50th anniversary as the national charity dedicated to the conservation of butterflies and moths. As part of events being held to celebrate this milestone, the Richard Seager Annual Arts Award is delighted that Butterfly Conservation has agreed to be the recipient of the 2018 commission. This is a charity which Richard Seager supported for many years, and would also have marked his 100th birthday – an event he would be very annoyed to have missed. Butterfly Conservation has decided that the most appropriate commission would be a

Gift card industry launches campaign to drive £2.3 billion high street recovery

The gift card and voucher industry, led by the  Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) , has urged the government  to raise the tax free gift card limit to £500, which could bring the high street an estimated spending boost of more than £2 billion*.  The proposal would involve the government increasing the tax-free gifting allowance of  £50 currently permitted through  HMRC’s Trivial Benefits Allowance  to £500, and encouraging employers across the nation to use the scheme to thank their staff for their hard work over the past few months of COVID-19 uncertainty. This  permanent increase  initiative follows similar proposals

Jewellery & Watch and Fashion will return in 2021

As a reflection on conversations between Hyve, the organiser of Jewellery & Watch and Fashion (JWF), and the community it serves, the show has taken the decision that JWF 2020 will not take place this year and will return as an in-person event in 2021. Hyve have listened to the community and whilst the industry supports JWF, the preferred choice in 2020 is to connect in a virtual environment. They are now working closely with their partners and clients to deliver a unique virtual forum with exclusive seminar content designed to educate and inform. Launching in September, more details will follow

Amberif Design Award 2018 Announce Winners

Silvia Bella of Germany, Kairi Sirendi of Estonia and Miron Kutarba of Poland have been announced as the winners of the 2018 edition of the Amberif Design Award, the 22 nd  International Amber Jewellery Design Competition. The theme of  Serendipity  encouraged participation from 100 artists who submitted 127 entries. Amberif Design Award is one of Poland’s most important design competitions of international renown. This year, ADA’s curator Barbara Schmidt of the Academy of Art and Design, Munich, has set the theme of  Serendipity  to encourage a reflection on how the interplay between nature, technique and intuition can take us far beyond our reason,

Q&A: Tiffany Browne

Tiffany Browne is a Micro Diamond Setter and has worked on some of the most intricate and luxurious pieces which adorn London's Bond Street. With an unconventional entry into industry, she answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? TB: My name is Tiffany Browne, and I'm (mostly) a diamond setter specialising in very fine, close pavé work which I do under microscope. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? TB: It wasn't the obvious choice for me! I started out studying languages and have an MA in translation. Meeting my husband, whom

Mari Funaki Award Announce 2018 Winners

Benedikt Fischer, has been announced as the winner of the 2018 Mari Funaki Award for Contemporary Jewellery in the Established category for his series of five Pearly Whites brooches, made from shell, mother of pearl, remanium and sculpey. Benedikt receives A$8000 (£4,379.78) and his work will enter the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria (subject to approval of the Board of Trustees). The judges said of this work: "What stands out in these pieces is the freshness and humour, as well as the incredible material resolution and skill. It’s difficult to work with shell and create something that isn’t

Guild of Enamellers’ Names Bursary Award Winner for 2019

The Guild of Enamellers is delighted to announce Valentina Boneva as the 2019 winner of their annual Bursary Award. Valentina recently completed the HND Jewellery at Glasgow Kelvin College, Glasgow. Valentina started working with enamels this year as a means to add colour to her work and to complement the use of gemstones in pieces. Valentina’s innovative selection pieces were complex and transformable pieces comprising an etched and enamelled boat “stand” that deconstructed into earrings, necklaces and a ring. Valentina is passionate about enamelling and wants to incorporate it into her future jewellery and silversmithing projects where it will complement

Hailstones Designs boosted by LUX Global Excellence Award

Since winning a LUX Global Excellence Award for the Best Glass Jewellery Designer in the UK back in January, life for Staffordshire-based Sue Hailstones of Hailstones Designs has been turned upside down. To say the win has served as a confidence booster is an understatement. A former local government officer with no formal training in jewellery making, Hailstone has never really considered herself one of 'the designer gang'. The success of her glass design business, set up in 2013, seems to have come as a bit of a surprise to her though she has always been artistic, she says, as

James Handyside Wins Young Apprentice of the Year Award

HRH  The  Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, presented the latest  Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund Young Apprentice of the Year Award ,   which  recognises  excellence in vocational skills and career progression, to former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, James  Handyside. Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Judith  Cobham -Lowe, congratulated James at the presentation, part of the Prince Philip Medal Awards Ceremony at St James’s Palace. In 2013 James undertook a three year apprenticeship with leading  Hatton Garden engravers  R.H. Wilkins,   specialising  in hand engraving.   Trained by Master Engraver, Emmet Smith, James learned

Arabel Lebrusan Shortlisted for E-Tailer of the Year Award

Award winning Arabel Lebrusan has been shortlisted for the E-Tailer category in The National Association of Jewellers Awards 2016. The winners will be announced as part of the Benevolent Society ball which will take place on 1st December. Lebrusan has been committed to designing and making beautiful ethical jewellery for the last decade. Using her Spanish roots as a starting point, she started using the ancient technique of filigree to create stunning contemporary designs. Lebrusan really thrives on the challenge of combining the old with the new, driven by her interest in a sustainable approach to life. Lebrusan started creating contemporary

Top Ten Announced for EC One Unsigned Award

EC One have announced the 'Top Ten' for their Unsigned Award 2016 Following a huge increase on last year’s applications, the EC One team narrowed entrants down to a shortlist of ten excellent contestants, who are now in the running to be in the Final Four. Three contestants will now be nominated by a public vote on the EC One website , and EC One will select a ‘Wild Card’ who will complete the Final Four. The public vote will be open until midnight Wednesday 31 August, where anybody can vote for their favourite. The Final Four will be announced

Call for Applications: Amberif Design Award 2017

The 21st International Amber Jewellery Design Competition The International Competition for the Design of Jewellery with Amber About the Amberif Design Competition and Award 2017 For more than 20 years the Amberif Fair has invited artists and designers from all over the world to contribute their interpretations on the given subjects within the competition. An impressive group of international renowned artists have previously taken part and surprised and convinced with their work by using amber in an unseen way. The goal and the objective of the Competition is to promote amber as a source of artistic expression. The competition´s aim is

Heritage Crafts Award Winners Announced

The last remaining professional fore-edge painter  Martin Frost  has been awarded Maker of the Year by the Heritage Crafts Association at its Textures of Craft conference on 6 th  May. Fore-edge painting is one of the seventeen critically endangered crafts identified by the HCA. Martin took up the craft of vanishing fore-edge painting in 1970, continuing an English tradition that dates back to the 17 th  century. Since then he has produced over 3,300 edge-paintings, many on carefully restored antique books.  His commitment to the craft as an artist and untiring efforts to raise its profile have won him respect

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Manufacture

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Victoria Barker This category invited entries to the competition which used either technology or hand craft skills to manufacture and create a high quality finished piece taking into account construction processes. Judges took into consideration methodology of production, ease of manufacture and how the design would best translate when placed into production. Victoria submitted a range of 2D CAD designs which the judges looked upon with merit when looking at the deigns of the pieces entered and the consideration given by the designer to production methods. Victoria says of her inspiration and designs, “The somatic senses are

Affordable elegance: Sustainable jeweller Lebrusan Studio unveils new collection of ethical cluster engagement rings

This month, leading ethical jewellery brand  Lebrusan Studio  lifts the lid on its new Daisy collection of delicate cluster engagement rings. Inspired by the iconic Edwardian daisy ring, these timeless pieces are designed to be lightweight and affordable. Cast in the customer’s choice of 100% recycled platinum or 18ct gold, each ring will be encrusted with traceable and conflict-free Canadian diamonds. Set and painstakingly hand-engraved in London’s Hatton Garden, each finished piece will tell a quaint story of enduring design and traditional British craftsmanship. “The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail,” says the brand’s award-winning

Kickstart Winner, Alice Barnes, to exhibit expanded 'Pleated' collection at this year's IJL

Having received the coveted ‘KickStart Industry’s Choice Award’ at last year’s International Jewellery London, Alice Barnes is set to return to the show this September with new additions to her Pleated Collection.  The prize included a complimentary stand at IJL 2018 and Alice will feature alongside some of the industry’s best talent in the prestigious Design Gallery on stand R28. “It was such an honour to win the award last year and I can’t wait to exhibit as an established designer,” says Alice. “As a KickStarter I made some invaluable contacts, gained several new stockists and received some great feedback

Gem Empathy Award Returns for IJL 2018 with Dazzling Gemstone Prize

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

Call for Applications: Product Design 2017, Red Dot Award

50 free registration places for upcoming designers     Product Design 2017 Red Dot Award Designers and manufacturers can currently register their products for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017. “Young Professionals Application Day” provides an opportunity for upcoming designers to also take part in the competition. 50 Free Registration Places On 7 December 2016, trained designers who have graduated within the past five years have the chance to apply for one of a total of 50 free registration places. The international design competition thus gives an opportunity to those starting out on their career to prove their abilities and

News Edit: 28 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Alessandro Michele Has Brought His Magic Touch To Gucci's High Jewellery Vogue: The first high jewellery collection dreamed up by Alessandro Michele has a poetic power that is born of his passion for the past. www.vogue.co.uk Messika: The Beyoncé-Backed Diamond Jeweller Disrupting the Industry Luxury London: In less than two decades, Messika has become a byword for refined yet avant-garde diamond jewellery with joie de vivre and a resolutely modern aesthetic. luxurylondon.co.uk Missoma is the jewellery choice of the young royals Tatler: It's the jewellery brand adored by the young

Garnet for Those January Birth Babies

With the start of a new year and a new month puts one of the most beautiful birthstones in the gemstone limelight. For those of you who are lucky enough to be born in the month of January, you are gifted with the kaleidoscopic birthstone of garnet.  Garnet is a term used to describe a group of closely related silicate minerals which together produce a painter's palette variety of colour. Even today, garnet remains to be the one mineral that displays the largest variety of colour, making it a popular choice across the jewellery industry. 'Garnet' comes from the Middle

Gerald Genta Heritage Association creates Inaugural prize

At the occasion of Baselworld 2019, the Gerald Genta Heritage Association is pleased to announce the creation of the annual Gerald Genta Prize, with the aim of recognizing talented young designers and high potentials in the fine watchmaking industry.  The first awards ceremony will take place in Paris in December 2019, then successively in Geneva (2020), Monaco (2021), London (2022) and Basel (2023). In addition to the Special Gerald Genta Prize, different categories of awards will also distinguish several other promising talents across the sector (Innovation Award, Audacity Award, Special Asia-Pacific Award, Special Europe Award, Special Americas Award, Special Africa

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.

Stirling Jeweller Wins Women’s Enterprise Scotland Award

Gillian Crawford, founder of Stirling-based Lily Blanche, has emerged triumphant at the prestigious Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2022 after picking up the Embracing Technology award. Luxury jewellery company, Lily Blanche, won the Embracing Technology Business of the Year prize sponsored by HFL Holistic Financial Leadership at the Women’s Enterprise Awards. The glittering ceremony took place at Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central Hotel celebrating established and emerging business leaders across ten categories. The event was the first one to take place since the pandemic with guest speaker Nicola Sturgeon opening the event. Lily Blanche is thrilled to have won the Embracing Technology

Alexander Wood receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice of the Year Award

First granted in 2015, this prestigious annual award celebrates excellence in skill, attitude and commitment. This year Alex was nominated not only for his exceptional performance since starting his training as a diamond mounting apprentice, but also to recognise the support he has received from his former Master, Nathaniel Groves. Selected by the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship team and his fellow Apprentices, it was acknowledged that Alex - who is a former Goldsmiths’ Centre Foundation Programme trainee now working for E C Wolfe - had proven his exceptional capability throughout his four-year diamond-mounting apprenticeship with Nathaniel Groves. In particular, Alex was

Generation to Generation: Recent Graduates complete Mentorship with Award Winning Goldsmiths

Eight recent jewellery and silversmithing graduates have taken their first steps towards establishing promising careers by completing a pilot mentoring scheme with award winning members of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, made possible by a grant provided by the Goldsmiths' Centre.  Graduate silversmiths Danniella Wilde, Anna Peake, Will Romeril, Abigail Marsh and Jayne Rimington; as well as jewellery designer makers Hannah Viner and Louisa Warren were given time and advice by each of their experienced mentors, helping them to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge.  Over the eight months they gained confidence and deepened their understanding of useful technical

Award-winning designer of eco-friendly jewellery moves to Birmingham

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter welcomes an award-winning designer of eco-friendly jewellery into residence.  Today Elizabeth Anne Norris of EAN Jewellery, will move into the Jewellery Quarter and join other residents in the newly converted 19th-century building, home to world-class jewellery-makers since the early 1900s.  The Jewellery Quarter is Europe's largest hub of businesses involved in the jewellery trade, which produces 40% of all the jewellery made in the UK.  With a highly-regarded reputation, the Jewellery Quarter is a big tourist attraction and people can visit Elizabeth to buy her collections, as well as to attend contemporary jewellery-making workshops, or to

Seeing Elegance in the Everyday - Kinley Jewellery's Award Winning Grid Collection

Kinley Jewellery is the brain-child of jeweller Laura Williams. Meeting her at New Desiners, she spoke with us about the unique inspiration for her award-winning 'Grid' collection.  The collection's motif is wire pushed through a grid, cut to different lengths to create a ripple effect on the surface. At first glace, one could easily mistake the makers' inspiration for a pin-art board, but upon speaking with Laura, we were surpised to learn the collection's inspiration was a little closer to home- stickle bricks! Laura expertly negotiates the fine line between a jeuvenile stimuli and Kinley's mature style, which are seemingly

Winners of the Goldsmiths' Fair Best New Design Award Week 1 & 2

The winners of Goldsmiths’ Fair Best New Design Award for Week One and Week Two have been announced during the event’s run in the last two weeks. This year’s Week One winner was chosen by Victoria Broackes, senior curator for the department of theatre and performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Vicky chose Hazel Thorn as the winner, for her latest collection of work. Hazel uses a combination of base and precious metals, constructing metal sheets which she transforms into sculptural vessels. Hazel then applies the same chemical patination to the whole object which affects the mixed metals in

Katy Tromans wins Artistar Jewels 2018 Award at Milan Fashion Week

Last month the winners of the fifth edition of Artistar Jewels were announced in Milan, Italy, where 2016 Birmingham School of Jewellery graduate Katy Tromans picked up an international award for her  amazing standards of detail. Artistar Jewels is an international competition dedicated to promotion of contemporary jewellery culture culminating in an awards ceremony and exhibition. The event took place in Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, Milan, Italy, a historical palace overlooing the Duomo Square, and hosted 450 creations from an array of international jewellery artists and designers. Entries on show at the Artistar Jewels 2018 exhibition in Milan, Italy Artistar Jewels 2018 was

Red Dot Award: Best Product Designs 2017 Announced

Manufacturers and designers from 54 countries entered their current product innovations in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017. 39 experts from all over the world convened in Essen to assess each individual object live and in situ in a process spanning several days. Only designs that won over the jury with their high design quality were awarded the sought-after Red Dot. The distinctive winners’ label will decorate the best products of the year with immediate effect. In the areas of bathrooms and personal care, consumer electronics, kitchen appliances and furniture, design as a distinctive feature is playing an ever-increasing role.

Week One New Designers Award Winners Announced

Bursting with ambition and radical ideas, New Designers 2019 unveils incredible new talent set to shape the design world of tomorrow. Over two weeks, and spanning every discipline in modern making, the event presents the work of more than 3,000 hand-picked design talents. Visitors to the show will discover disruptive new thinking, meet the pacesetters, and get a first look at our creative future. The New Designers Awards brings together 1,500 handpicked designers in areas including textiles, fashion and costume, ceramics, contemporary design craft, and jewellery. Awards are presented to those with the most creative and forward-thinking work. Winners are

Announced: Enjoia’t Award Winners 2016

On 30th of September the awards ceremony and party of Enjoia’t 2016 organized by Artists and Artisans of Fomento para las Artes Decorativas (A-FAD) took place at the garden of the Maritime Museum of Barcelona, with a large attendance by the Spanish jewellery community. At the party, the creative shortlisted pieces were displayed, which were designed to consider small-scale production, using unforeseen materials and techniques. Twenty three semi-finalist designers presented their jewellery pieces during that same afternoon to the jury, which was the XXII edition of the event, The jury was presided over by the jeweller and member of A-FAD,

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Shuming Chen Monitoring in the Dark Collection This category invited entries which displayed design and or creativity in a disruptive manner to create a piece which is completely unique. Judges considered all the entries and favoured those which displayed thinking outside of the box – those entries which displayed the most unconventional jewellery design. In their selection the judges really wanted to question the very nature of the meaning of jewellery and how it could project the best representation of future British jewellery design. Shuming’s methodology of working attempts to combine daily life with the science technology

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Commercial Sales

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Ching-I Chien Allure Spiked Drop Earrings This category invited entries to the competition which had been designed specifically to have price points for commercial markets and be produced in batch production or mass manufacture. Judges looked at the most economical way of manufacturing the submitted piece, and also considered the design aesthetic which best fitted into a current trend. The judges were also mindful of selecting the design that best represented a commercial impact in todays’ retail market. Ching-I’s inspiration for her submitted piece came from snakes and gemstones. She says of her design, "Playing with the

Nadine Aysoy makes eye-catching IJL debut

London-based designer Nadine Aysoy made a dazzling IJL debut when she scooped the 2017 Editors Choice 'Show Stoppers' Award for displaying the single most eye-catching exhibit of the show. Her Mille et Une Feuilles 18k rose gold ring, set with one 14mm South Sea Pearl and 164 round-cut diamonds, turned the heads of the judging panel of magazine and digital editors, who praised its leaf design and admired it for having 'drama, intrigue and beautiful craftsmanship.’ “I love Nadine’s aesthetic and the consideration she puts into the market she’s targeting,” one judge commented. “Hers are pieces for grown-ups and designs

Orkney’s Alison Moore Designs Wins Second Platinum Trusted Service Award

Orkney jewellery business  Alison Moore Designs  has won a second Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award – an independent seal of excellence recognising companies that deliver exceptional customer experiences. Trusted Service status is awarded to firms using online reviews site Feefo to collect genuine feedback and insights from shoppers. Sellers who meet the high standard, based on the number of reviews they have collected and their average rating, receive the award. As all reviews on Feefo are verified as genuine – the company matches feedback to legitimate transactions - the accreditation is seen as a true reflection of a business’ commitment

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

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

The NAJ Awards

Call for Applications: The NAJ Awards The NAJ Awards celebrate the achievements of members of the National Association of Jewellers. How to Apply The nomination process has changed, awards are no longer about the number of votes from your industry peers – you have to put yourself forward and tell the NAJ why you deserve an award. Why Apply? If you are shortlisted or go on to win an award your business will benefit from a great deal of publicity, as the NAJ let the industry know who you are and why you are special. Online Application It takes just

Cooksongold Wins at the Birmingham Post Business Awards

Cooksongold, the UK largest jewellery making supplier and supplier of precious metals, picked up the award for Excellence in Science and Technology at the Birmingham Post Business Awards 2016 for its Direct Precious Metal 3D Printing technology. The awards, which aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies within Birmingham, took place at the ICC Birmingham. The award is a recognition of Cooksongolds pioneering work to drive the jewellery industry forward. Discussing the award win, Richard Oldroyd, Managing Director, said: “The Cooksongold team have worked extremely hard to bring the Precious M 080 technology to

Award-Winning Jeweller Alex Monroe Announced As Keynote Speaker For Getting Started 2019

The Goldsmiths’ Centre, the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths, announced the keynote speaker for its business taster programme  Getting Started , which takes place from 7 – 11 January 2019, today. Award-winning jeweller Alex Monroe will deliver the keynote address giving an invaluable insight for recent graduates from UK Precious Metal or related courses into what it takes to set up successful creative careers.  Getting Started applications close this Wednesday 3 October 2018. This intensive free course supports talented jewellers and silversmiths to develop their own business or establish themselves as part of a larger company.

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins national ‘Inspiring Independents’ Award

Independent jewellers across the country took to London’s Riverbank to honour and support the hardworking independent jewellery sector, where Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery took home one of only five category awards at Retail Jeweller Magazine’s 5 th  annual Inspiring Independents Awards. Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery’s London studio, found in fashionable Primrose Hill, was celebrated by a team of esteemed judges for its use of ‘visual merchandising and store design’ by Retail Jeweller Magazine and their peers. This new category looked at fresh and original store design and use of visuals to convey the brand’s ethos. Since Harriet Kelsall’s Primrose Hill

Student brings award-winning Make Your Mark design to life

Yanmi Liu, one of the winning designers at last year’s Make Your Mark Awards, has included an original piece featuring her praised braille hallmark concept in her Graduate Show.  Lui, a Central St Martins student of BA Jewellery Design, won joint second prize at the inaugural Awards for her design, called The Simplicity of Braille, which proposed adding a braille version of the Millesimal Fineness mark to a hallmarked item. She has now incorporated this highly praised concept in the creation of a fine silver water bottle cuff, which was included in her 2017 Graduate Show at Central St Martins

Alighieri set to grow brand after landing first NEWGEN award

British jeweller Alighieri has become the first jeweller to receive NEWGEN support from the British Fashion Council under the restructured sponsorship scheme. For the first time in 25 years, jewellery and fine jewellery have been incorporated into the annual womenswear and menswear designers awards as part of a new Accessories category, comprising also shoes, bags and hats.  Jewellery and millinery awards were previously made under the BFC’s Rock Vault and Headonism initiatives but as of 2018, these will cease to exist as the BFC seeks to group all Britain’s emerging talent across all designer fashion sectors into one category.  Previous

IJL 2016 Showcases Record Number of Award Winning Designer Brands

This week IJL is set to showcase a set of exclusive ‘Designer Brands’ at its showcase Olympia event. The show will feature a record number of 17 designers within an expanded area of the show, displaying both silver and fine Jewellery. Elite designers from the UK, alongside those from Sweden, Australia and Brazil, will present the very best in fine and contemporary jewellery with the launch of exciting new collections, as well as acclaimed signature pieces. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, commented, “This year’s Designer Brands showcase is a wonderful celebration of the best in creative flair and innovative talent.

IJL launches #withyou campaign

International Jewellery London (IJL) has announced a new marketing campaign - #withyou – inspired by its industry leading initiatives and designed to showcase its continuing commitment to the UK and international jewellery sector. The #withyou campaign will build on IJL’s experience as the UK’s premier jewellery industry event, focusing on the many ways that the show supports emerging design talents, established brands and industry-wide awards and events. These include IJL’s Gem Empathy Award in partnership with Gem-A and its sponsorship of both the Goldsmith’s Craft & Design Council Awards and the UK Jewellery Awards. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, explained, 

The 2023 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards

Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, the annual Awards Ceremony was opened by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council’s chair, Anne-Marie Reeves, and hosted by Council Trustees Maeve Gillies and Judith Lockwood, who together announced this year’s award winners. The event welcomed more than 300 guests, including representatives from world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers, and the UK media.  The Awards presentation was live-streamed which doubled the immediate audience. In her opening remarks, Anne-Marie Reeves told guests and award winners: “ Congratulations to all the winners and especially those who were honoured with special awards. This is

Sarah Straussberg Reveals Latest Commission

Sarah Straussberg has revealed her latest commission, the Photo London 'Master of Photography' award. Straussberg has been commissioned for this award for the past five years, with previous winners including photographers: Sebastião Salgado, Don McCullen, Taryn Simon and Edward Burtynsky. This year’s winner is highly influential photographer Stephen Shore. Shore is a widely published photographer, and has been working in the industry for the past forty-five years. He was the first living photographer to have a one-man show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York since Alfred Stieglitz, forty years earlier. He has also had one-man shows at

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

Hazel Thorn’s mixed-metal work garners “Best New Design” award at Goldsmiths’ Fair

Hazel Thorn's delicate and intricate works bear resemblance to shards of colourful, patterned eggshells. Her work in mixed-metal silversmithing has taken an interesting turn this year, after placements on an internship scheme run by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. During the 16 week placement, interns undergo intensive one-to-one tuition with master silversmiths, in this case Adrian Hope, Rauni Higson and Mary Ann Simmons. Thorn has credited this opportunity for expanding her skill set and “opening up new design possibilities.”  This new work (pictured below article) comes from learning the technique of seam-raising, where a flat sheet is formed into a cylinder or

Seba Jamal wins Luxury Jewellery Designer of the Year award at the Luxury Network International Awards 2019

On Saturday, February 23rd, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, opened its doors to over 400 guests of The Luxury Network International Awards 2019, presented by CAEL, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. On a red carpet flanked by three pristine Rolls-Royce vehicles, attendees were greeted by H.E. Mr Fares Ghattas, Global CEO of The Luxury Network International, and Mrs Amal Shouman Sleiman, President of CAEL. The occasion brought together more than 50 luxury brands from over 15 countries representing Europe, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the United States. The Gala was attended by representatives from [youtube

2021 Jewellery World Awards

Call for Applications: 2021 Jewellery World Awards (JWA) The 2021 Jewellery World Awards (JWA), formerly known as the JNA Awards, is now accepting entries via  www.JWAwards.com . JWA launched three new categories to its roster - all of which were introduced to cover a wider scope of companies in the global jewellery and gemstone industry. Helmed by Informa Markets Jewellery, the world's largest B2B jewellery fairs organiser, JWA was founded in 2012 to promote innovation and excellence in the international jewellery and gemstone trade. Originally designed to celebrate achievements within the Asian region mainly, the award has grown tremendously over the years

Diana Porter (1943– 2021)

Diana Porter award winning jewellery designer and champion of women’s rights, has died, aged 78.  Claire Wheeler of Diana Porter Jewellery wirites about her friend and colleague. A prolific creative mind, she was not only renowned for her innovative design but creating work with integrity and honesty. She fought tirelessly to raise awareness and promote gender equality and became a leading light for women within the jewellery industry.   In 1990 Diana went to the University of Central England at the age of 47 to do a 3 year full time degree course in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Diana focused her time at

Make Your Mark Awards 2019 Winners Announced

Now in its third year, the Make Your Mark award ceremony, organised by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, was held on Tuesday as part of the wider Make Your Mark event. The event, and the competition, were designed to celebrate and promote the British Hallmark.  As the event is largely geared towards newcomers to the trade, the competition has two entrance categories, one for industry members who completed their training within the last 5 years, and one to accommodate those who are a little earlier in their careers, for students and apprentices.    Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the

Talent Spot: Six Exciting New Jewellery Designers to Watch from New Designers 2019

The array of talent on display at New Designers 2019 was phenomenal- it would appear the future of the jewellery industry is as sparkling as the displays that were on show. Following on from our recent exhibition review and award announcement , Benchpeg shines a spotlight on six exciting designers to watch. Tianyu Zhao  Tianyu’s work stood out at New Designer’s as a delightfully juvenile departure from the seriousness of the more traditional work on display. Working from a deliciously pastel colour-palette, she evokes the naivity of  childhood to instil the wearer of the “adult amulet” with the courage to

Q&A: Gary Williams

Gary Williams is a Director at Presman Bullion Ltd, a company based in Hatton Garden which is one of the largest reclaimers, processors and recyclers of precious metal jewellery scrap, sweeps and residue services to the UK’s jewellery trade. He also sits on the Board of parent company, Mastermelt Ltd. Gary's career in the jewellery industry spans some 40 years, having started out working as a representative for a jewellery wholesaler, then for award-winning manufacturer Brown & Newirth Ltd, leaving as their Sales & Marketing Director. Gary was also a Director with Amore Cranleigh Ltd, a Surrey based retailer specialising

Q&A: Fei Liu

Fei Liu was the first Chinese born student to attend the School of Jewellery, Birmingham, moving specifically from China to attend the historical jewellery school. Some twenty years later he is the founder of an eponymously named multi award winning jewellery brand of international repute. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? My name is Fei Liu. I established my own brand, Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, which allows me to share my art through jewellery, and enjoy the perks of gem hunting. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry?

Q&A: Jos Skeates

Jos Skeates a Goldsmith and the Co-Founder, along with wife Alison, of the leading, multi award winning, Central London jewellery boutique EC One the Jewellers. He is also the Chairman of the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? JS: Jos Skeates, Goldsmith and owner of E.C.One the Jewellers.  How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? JS: Total chance. I was looking for a summer job when I was sixteen and saw an advert for an apprentice Diamond Mounter. I’ve never looked back.  How

School of Jewellery present Goblet to British Allied Trades Federation

The School of Jewellery and HND Course Director Dauvit Alexander were delighted to recently present the finished award-winning goblet to Kate Owen, Past President of The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) in the School’s Vittoria Street home. The BATF launched the competition at the School to provide an opportunity for students to design to commission, thereby promoting newly qualified talent in the industry.  Dating back to 1954, the BATF Presidency has been recognised by the addition of a solid silver goblet to the Federation’s silver collection. This collection was instigated to support and showcase craftsmanship and design. For the last three

Sarah Straussberg creates 4th Photo London ‘Master of Photography’ Trophy

For the fourth consecutive year, London-based sculptor turned jewellery designer Sarah Straussberg has created the trophy for winner of the Photo London ‘Master of Photography’ award. Her commission was landed after the 2018 trophy went to Edward Burtynsky whose work focuses on the damage man has caused the earth through industry and mining. The Canadian photographer uses cutting edge technology to create large scale photographs - often two metres wide - depicting areas of human intervention such as his aerial picture of the open pit copper mine at Logan Lake, British Columbia. As she has done previously, Straussberg immersed herself

Appointment: Andrew Mills - New National Sales Manager at Hockley Mint

Birmingham fine and bridal jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint has appointed Andrew Mills as National Sales Manager. Andrew will start with Hockley Mint on 30 April 2018 and will be responsible for all the company’s sales, client relationships and new business. Andrew joined the jewellery industry in 1995 as a sales executive at bridal manufacturer Brown & Newirth. In 2006 he and his wife, an award-winning jewellery designer, bought a small jewellery wholesale business, which she still runs today. He then moved to CW Sellors as wholesale sales manager before joining Hot Diamonds, in 2014, where he joined as Brand Manager

IJL Announce The Ten New Talented KickStarters for 2017

International Jewellery London has announced the ten new designers chosen for the 2017 IJL  KickStart  initiative. T his annual mentoring programme, now in its ninth year, is recognised within the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent. All ten will exhibit under the  KickStart  umbrella at this year’s show and will also benefit from invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers, to help them grow their businesses. The scheme includes this year the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ award, which will reward one  KickStarter  with a complementary stand in

2018 Oscar Jewels Adorn the Red Carpet and total some £21M for the night

Last Sunday’s 90th annual Academy Awards - more commonly known as the Oscars - are arguably the most prestigious awards and red carpet event of the year for the film and entertainment industry. This year was no exception with actresses waiving the black only dress code seen at previous award ceremonies this year, to make the most of the most prestigious event of the Awards year. It is estimated that the total value of watches and jewellery adorned on the famed Oscars red carpet this year was some $30 million [£21M]. High jewellery houses took advantage of the showcase, Chopard adorned

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

IJL 2016 Announce KickStarter Winner

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

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards Exhibition

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2017 Through this unique competition, The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council promotes excellence in jewellery, smallwork, silversmithing and the allied crafts. These industry focused awards are open to everyone practicing in the UK. Eligible work must have been designed and/or made in the 12 months since the previous competition. All work submitted is judged by experts drawn from their specialist fields within the profession. The competition culminates in a prestigious awards evening at Goldsmiths’ Hall followed by an exhibition of award winning pieces and selected entries. Venue Goldsmiths’ Hall 13 Foster Lane London

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

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

Pamper Your Pooch with The World’s Most Expensive Dog Jacket

With a choice of 24k gold, Swarovski crystals or diamonds you can now kit out your dog with a bejewelled and encrusted 24k gold dog jacket to keep your canine companion blinged up. However, the most expensive doggy jacket in the world has also incorporated nano technology within the specialised fabric to keep working dogs as safe as houses in their daily working lives. Kit out your pooch with 24k gold, diamonds, bows and n ano metallizing technology   Doggy Armour and VeryFirstTo.com have announced the ready to market armoured dog jacket which can be encrusted with a choice of

Christmas Shine with Andrew Geoghegan

Yet again Andrew Geoghegan has presented the luxury consumer with a well heeled choice of delectable jewels this Christmas. The designer has curated his collections to provide a seasonal choice for the most magical time of year. For the cocktail season his flamboyant ode to Versailles, the Chapiteau Paraiba, with its lavish flurry of pink sapphires, aquamarines and pristine diamonds with a distinctive hexagonal setting is the hero piece of the hour.  The Clair de Lune ring with a unique shape, playfully tricking the eye, allows light to bounce from every facet. Set with white diamonds, sapphires, chocolate coloured diamonds or

All That Glitters: Britain's Next Jewellery Star - Series 2

Call for Applications: All That Glitters: Britain's Next Jewellery Star - Series 2 Twenty Twenty Productions Limited are responsible for making award winning programmes such as First Dates, The Choir, A House Through Time and most recently BBC’s Two’s brand new show, All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star and they are on the hunt for people to take part in the next series.  The current series is presented by Katherine Ryan and judged by industry experts Shaun Leane and Solange Azagury-Partridge and is on air from 8pm Tuesday 13 April, BBC2. Call for Applications - Series 2 ‘All That Glitters Britain’s Next Jewellery

News Edit: 17 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Old-cut diamonds and fantastical gems: TEFAF Maastricht's unmissable jewels The Telegraph: It may be a royal pain to get to, but TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) in Maastricht, the Netherlands, is worth the trip. www.telegraph.co.uk Steeple Bumpstead goldsmith with Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery wins industry 'Oscar' HaverHill Echo: A jeweller from Steeple Bumpstead has won a gold award in The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2019, the industry’s ‘Jewellery Oscars'. www.haverhillecho.co.uk Kate Middleton has a collection of earrings from just one designer worth £47k Express: Kate Middleton, 37,

Q&A: Rosie Fortescue

BAFTA award winning reality TV personality, fashion blogger, style writer and jewellery designer  Rosie Fortescue answers the benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? RF: Rosie Fortescue, jewellery designer and fashion blogger. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? RF: I have been obsessed with jewellery for as long as I can remember so it seemed the natural progression of fulfilling my dream. How would you describe your work to someone who doesn’t know it? RF: I design affordable luxury jewellery from women of all ages. What is your creative process? RF: I write down

Wax Carving and Wax Modelling

Wax Carving and Wax Modelling 5th and 19th November 2022 An introduction into working with different types of jeweller’s waxes and modelling them into jewellery pieces. This course is designed to give you an introduction into wax carving and modelling for jewellery. On the course you will produce one or a few wax pieces, that you will take to a casting company for them to cast into a metal of your choice. We will start from exploring different types of waxes which are suitable for the lost wax casting process as well as handling a variety of wax carving tools,

Wax Carving and Wax Modelling

Wax Carving and Wax Modelling 5th and 19th November 2022 An introduction into working with different types of jeweller’s waxes and modelling them into jewellery pieces. This course is designed to give you an introduction into wax carving and modelling for jewellery. On the course you will produce one or a few wax pieces, that you will take to a casting company for them to cast into a metal of your choice. We will start from exploring different types of waxes which are suitable for the lost wax casting process as well as handling a variety of wax carving tools,

News Edit: 7th February 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How powerful women have made jewellery work for them FT: Choice of accessories can be loaded with meaning. www.ft.com How Your Jewellery Origins Might Be Related To Weapon Funding For Terrorists In War-Torn Countries Ed Times: Jewellery is a gift, a piece of integrity often bought as a token of love and thus needs to be treasured. So, it’s very important to note that whenever we make that investment, no matter big or small in monetary terms, do dare to ask about its traceability. edtimes.in Fei Liu’s Artistic

Hampshire jeweller introduces lab-grown diamonds collection

Family-owned and run jewellery business in New Milton, Charles Nobel is bringing more choice to its collection in time for the festive season by launching a new range of lab-grown diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are created by subjecting a diamond seed to extreme temperatures and pressures, with rough lab-grown stones crystalising within three to four weeks. Piers Bollard, Director at Charles Nobel commented: “For as long as any of us can remember, diamonds have been the most coveted of gemstones. The introduction of lab-grown diamonds is now causing shockwaves in the world of jewellery. “The techniques and processes for making these

News Edit: 20 March 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How much will it cost to keep the Herefordshire treasure in county? Hereford Times: Herefordshire Council has set aside over a million pounds to buy, look after and display the famous Herefordshire Hoard. www.herefordtimes.com Kate Middleton pays heartfelt tribute to Ukraine with symbolic jewellery choice Hello: The Duchess of Cambridge, 40, opted to wear a diamond and sapphire necklace with hidden ties to Ukraine at the Commonwealth Day Service alongside Prince Williams. www.hellomagazine.com Introducing Jimmy Choo’s dreamy new jewellery collection Marie Claire: Jimmy Choo is launching jewellery, and

Call for Applications Diversity Champion 2023

Call for Applications Diversity Champion 2023 This new and exciting funded residency is a collaboration between Birmingham City University School of Jewellery and De Beers Group. The Diversity Champion roles aim to accelerate the understanding of underlying barriers / reasons for under-representation from some backgrounds at the School of Jewellery and so why there is a lack of diverse students applying for jewellery related courses and to develop interventions / initiatives / events to raise the awareness of jewellery as a potential career choice within the secondary school setting, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Birmingham. Residency 1: 1st August

News Edit: 23 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Ethical And Eco-Friendly Jewelry Forbes: Jewelry is a classic choice for a Valentine’s Day gift, but it will mean even more if it’s eco-friendly and produced ethically. In fact, if you have someone difficult to shop for this Valentine’s Day, gifting a unique jewelry piece that was produced with fair labor and sustainable environmental practices is a way to win instant points. www.forbes.com Chanel marks 90 years of high jewellery with new 1932 collection The National News: The maison is paying tribute

News Edit: 30 May 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Pandora says lab-grown diamonds the ethical choice. Not so, say diamond miners. Who’s right? SCMP: Tobias Kormind, of online retailer 77 Diamonds, says diamond miners have largely eliminated shady dealings, and notes that lab-grown stones need a lot of power. www.scmp.com My lightbulb moment: Jewellery designer who created a collection of pearls for the modern woman reveals the inspiration behind her business Daily Mail: Olivia, 40, founded the Olivia & Pearl jewellery brand in 2016. She lives in London with her husband James, a major in the Royal

17 of the Best Jewellery Looks from the 2020 Oscars!

Benchpeg brings you a comprehensive look at some of the best jewellery looks of the red carpet at the 2020 Academy Awards. This year, diamonds dominated the red carpet in all their forms, but especially in necklaces.  After several years in hiding, the statement necklace is back with a bang. Rounded shapes cut close to the neckline were a popular choice, worn by Mindy Kaling, Gal Gadot and Greta Gerwig. Pop culture innovators, such as Billie Eilish, bucked the trend by staking reems of jewellery.  Highlights in 2020 were the vintage jewels from the Cartier archives donned by Timothee Chalamet

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2019

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 22nd - 24th November 2019 The Guildhall, Winchester Our mixed discipline Craft In Focus Fair will run alongside the Desire Fair. The two fairs will be in separate halls, but with a single entry fee covering both events. Purchase from a stunning treasure trove of original and affordable designs created by some of the finest craftsmen and artists in the UK. Textiles, paintings, furniture, metal, leather, ceramics, jewellery, glass, fashion and more Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  

Domino Relaunches Revitalised Rosabella Collection

Domino have relaunched a revitalised Rosabella collection. The new Rosabella range now features 25 suites of statement and everyday diamond jewellery, covering a wide range of key carat weights and price points, incorporating both classic and design-led pieces. Commenting on the refreshed collection, Creative Director Naomi Newton-Sherlock said: “Rosabella is one of our most popular collections because of its versatility and wide appeal. We have retained our best-sellers, added new silhouettes and introduced a selection of contemporary design-led pieces. The breadth of style, precious metals and carat weights on offer, means that we can give our customers real choice, in

We like big hearts and we cannot lie

What better way is there to make a statement than with a whole load of heart? This summer we welcome the return of statement-making and colourful pieces versus the dainty and delicate trend that trumped the chic list for so long. The heart motif is an ever-popular choice; from text emoticons, clothing embellishments to tattoo design but possibly the most powerful of all is when it appears in the jewellery we wear. These days, the heart motif can represent a range of core themes from friendship and affection to deep romantic love and devotion. A significant motif in antique jewellery,

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair @ Chelsea 2020

Desire at Chelsea 2020 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 28 February - 1 March 2020 This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Exhibitors

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern 12 October 2019 - 5 January 2020 Discovery Centre, Winchester Orla Kiely is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful fashion and lifestyle designers. Her stylised plant based patterns are innovative, influential and instantly recognisable. With enchanting applications, he r flat, graphic style and choice of colour palette resonate with a nostalgia for vintage style and interiors.  Inspired by the upbeat exuberance of the 1960s, a love of Irish and Scandinavian architecture and mid-century design, Kiely’s designs have grown from humble beginnings in the 1990s to become a global phenomenon. Date 12 October

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing

Lin Cheung: It’s a Jewellery Thing Lin Cheung references normal, traditional, understated jewellery forms and uses standard materials and techniques, then deftly twists these conventions through subtle subversions. Her work explores the conceptual core of her medium of choice but is far from being overtly cerebral or self-referential: starting from a longstanding preoccupation with jewellery, it opens up observations concerning current affairs, gender issues and the everyday. The show includes works made from a range of materials, such as pearls, quartz, lapis, corian, pink opal, black Belgian marble. According to the artist there is a tension between their aesthetic qualities

Enamoured By Enamel Jewellery

Jumpstarting the fashion foray of the A/W '17 style cupboard is the flirty chic element of enamel jewellery. An ancient fashion choice for worldwide style setters, this elegant blend of bright high-gloss hues is the eye-catching trend many designers are leveraging into their new-season collections. Fine enamel jewellery, crafted by blending powered glass to a metal base, has many versatile and vivacious qualities that add an effortless and elegant injection of movement, vibrant colour and sophisticated luminosity to any fashion look.  A perennial wardrobe game-player for A/W 2017, a pop of playful enamel charm can be mixed,  matched and stacked

Midhurst Contemporary Craft Show 2017

Midhurst Contemporary Craft Show Sussex Guild We are delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of the recently-built Midhurst Rother College – last year’s show proved very popular with visitors and exhibitors alike. Once again highly-skilled designer-makers from Sussex and the adjoining counties will provide a colourful feast of creativity to brighten the dark days of winter. The show is perfectly timed for Christmas shopping and, with over fifty members of The Sussex Guild showing their beautiful and varied work, visitors will be spoilt for choice. The café within the show area will provide light refreshments throughout the

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2017

Desire Fair @ Winchester 2017 Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  The fairs present highly talented exhibitors who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  See and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Visitors to Desire have often commented on how they welcome the opportunity of discussing a purchase direct with the maker, and listening to what inspires them in

Top Drawer A/W

Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers, returns to London Olympia on 10-12 September 2017. The Autumn/Winter 2017 edition presents thousands of leading and undiscovered UK and International brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic worlds of Home, Gift, Fashion, Craft, Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season. Food Emporium will make its September debut, adding a delicious selection of the finest giftable food products from the best producers and artisans.  Spotted brings the

Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair Returns to Winchester

Once again the elegant Guildhall in Winchester will be the venue for a stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event from 11-13 November, where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 70 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.   Comments from visitors to the event last

Talent 2016: Craft Central as part of London Design Festival

As part of the London Design Festival, come and see our choice of top graduate designer makers from across the UK. We have selected 22 superb designer maker graduates to showcase the best in craftsmanship - from furniture to fashion, glass to ceramics and all designed and crafted by them. Take a look at this year’s Talent! 2016 graduates: Alice Heaton – Glass www.aahdesignermaker.co.uk Alison Attwood Ceramics – Ceramics www.instagram.com/alison.attwood AlmaBorealis – Textiles www.almaborealis.com Casabi Designs – Ceramics www.casabidesigns.co.uk CeramicsX – Ceramics www.ceramicsx.co.uk George Riding Studio - Interior Products www.georgeriding.info Isabel Webb - Interior Textiles www.isabelwebb.tumblr.com Jessica Jue – Silversmithing

Carmarthen School of Art - Coleg Sir Gâr

Established in 1965, the Foundation programme at  Carmarthen  has a national reputation for excellence. It offers learners the opportunity to explore a diverse range of  art  and design options to enable them, through experience, to make an informed choice about future education, training and employment progression.   HERITAGE Carmarthen School of Art has been providing Art education since 1854, being one of the first Art Schools set up in Britain following the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in London. The School has been continually evolving ever since, responding to social, creative and cultural developments and the changing needs of its

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2017

Chelsea Old Town Hall will be the venue for the superb Desire Fair from 3 - 5 March.   This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established

Handcrafted Wire Findings

Price: £16:54 Why spend hundreds of dollars stocking up on expensive manufactured clasps, jump rings, ear wires, bails, and much more when you can get exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost? Why spend hundreds of dollars stocking up on expensive manufactured clasps, jump rings, ear wires, bails, and much more when you can get exactly what you need for a fraction of the cost? With Handcrafted Wire Findings you can learn how to make all of these things and more with your choice of materials. From sterling silver, fine silver,

Laser Specialist Tom Rucker Wins Gold

Tom Rucker was awarded five Gold Awards at the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards 2017 this week, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, for his latest piece, the ‘GEO.NIOT' Brooch. The GEO.NIOT Brooch features a bright blue platinum that Tom invented and developed over many months and is a world first. The brooch is made using his cutting edge laser technique and decorated with pure white diamonds. Awards: Gold - The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2017 Gold - The Boodles Award 2017 Gold - 3D Design Technological Innovation Award 2017 Gold - The Brown & Newirth Jewellers’ Award Gold - The Senior Award 2017

Cockpit Arts Awards 2018

Call for Applications: Cockpit Arts Awards x4 Cockpit Arts have four awards currently open for application - comprising subsidised studio space and support for one year. Cockpit Arts are looking for talented makers to join the Cockpit Arts community: The Cockpit Arts / The Arts Society Award - This Award supports a maker practicing a traditional craft that requires skills at risk of dying out. The Cockpit Arts / Clear Insurance Award - This Award which specifically aims to support professional makers who have been in business for less than three years and have aspirations to develop their craft business.

News Edit: 11 September 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   My Favourite Pieces: Jacqueline Gestetner’s top five pieces from a lifetime of collecting FT: The woman behind the Jacqueline’s Choice events picks items including a stylish Emmeline necklace and a Barbara Crowe bangle bought in the Sixties. ft.com Art of the experimental: young Chinese jewellery designers to watch FT: Emerging talents are producing innovative, dynamically coloured high jewellery pieces. ft.com 'A year ago I was unhappy in my job, but now I've made £200,000 from jewellery' The Daily Mirror: A mum-of-two has managed to take her handmade jewellery

Top Drawer 2018

Top Drawer Spring/Summer 18 Edition SPRING/ SUMMER 18 14 - 16 January 2018  Olympia, London Top Drawer, the creative powerhouse for inspired retailers returns to London Olympia on 14-16 January 2018. The Spring/Summer 18 edition will present over 1,500 leading and undiscovered UK and international brands, expertly curated and chosen for their beautiful design, exceptional quality, originality and commercial appeal.  Encompassing the dynamic sectors of Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children’s, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Top Drawer provides unique access to this season's hottest new design-led products giving buyers the ultimate choice for a successful season.  The S/S18

News

We all want to know what’s going on in the industry. Catch up with the latest jewellery news here.  

Research

Here you'll find resources and research relating to the jewellery industry and allied trades...

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s New Talent and Tutors Scoop Twenty Five Accolades at the ‘Jewellery Oscars’

The Goldsmiths’ Centre scooped twenty-five accolades at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council competition, known as the 'Jewellery Oscars', seeing its new talented craftspeople and their tutors represented across award categories. The prestigious award ceremony, which was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Monday 25 February 2019, saw the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s current and former Foundation Programme trainees, Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices, Setting Out course participants as well as their tutors win accolades across specialisms, from polishing, diamond mounting to silversmithing, reflecting the exceptional standard of talent, skill and the level of teaching in both the Junior and Senior Award categories. Chosen

One Drop Plus One Drop Makes One Drop

One Drop Plus One Drop Makes One Drop - Adi Toch A solo exhibition from award winning metalsmith Adi Toch. Adi Toch’s practice as a metalsmith centres on making engaging vessels and containers that investigate colour, movement, sound and tactility. Following a BA in Metal at Bezalel Art Academy in Jerusalem, Adi completed an MA at the Cass, London in 2009. Her work is exhibited internationally and has won prestigious awards including the Gold Award from The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council in 2013. She was recently shortlisted for The Loewe Craft Prize and won a 2017 Wallpaper* Design Award. Adi is currently a

Jeremy France Jewellers voted as Winchester's ‘Favourite Independent 2016'

Jeremy France Jewellers are on a winning streak, scooping yet another award for ‘Winchester’s Favourite Independent 2016’. Having recently won the award for ‘Independent Business of the Year 2016’ at the Winchester Business awards, the team were keen to maintain their title as Winchester’s favourite, especially as the award was dependent on votes made by the general public. Annually, July marks the month of Winchester’s ‘Festival of Independents’, which is organised by the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ongoing project to support and celebrate all things independent in the city. Throughout the month, shoppers cast their

Getting Started Online 2023

Call for Applications: Getting Started Online Applications are now open for Getting Started Online, the one-week free introduction to business course. Delivered through live webinars from 20th until 24th March 2023, Getting Started Online helps up to 100 creative start-ups to get their businesses in the jewellery and silversmithing industry off the ground. The course enables participants to learn business essentials from industry experts, network with their peers and others in the industry, and exhibit their work. Getting Started Online consists of five industry-specific themed days covering how to start and run a creative business, product development, raising a business

Work with us

Benchpeg is probably the widest read UK trade website and newsletter. Established over 17 years ago, Benchpeg is written by jewellers, for jewellers; bringing together industry jobs, opportunities, news and classifieds in one place. We have a number of services to trade and industry we offer, gained from 25 years + in the sector. Recruitment Talent Aquisition Services With an unrivalled industry network, spanning all areas of industry from Head Office, Design and Studio based personnel, retail sales staff to skilled crafts people at the bench in the workshop – Benchpeg can help find the right talent for your business

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2018/9

Call for Applications: The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2018/9 These awards have helped to launch the careers of many eminent craftspeople in the industry and are the only peer reviewed awards in the industry's calendar. Fondly known as the 'Oscars of the Industry' they reward outstanding technical skill and design ability. The Awards are open to anyone in the United Kingdom engaged in designing or working with precious metals, gemstones and other allied materials. There are three main categories for entering work and everyone is encouraged to enter these Awards which is the industry's primary competition that rewards

Resources

Navigating the web can be exhausting. We’ve complied our favourite industry resources here, and our Jeweller’s Toolkit is packed with manufacturing advice.  

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hold annual awards

The 'Jewellery Oscars', highlight of the Jewellery Industry's design, craft and manufacturing community's year, saw industry came together once again to celebrate the winners of the annual Goldsmiths Craft & Design Awards which took place again at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London last Monday. The culmination of a year's work for industry, where pieces worked upon and finished in the last twelve months are entered and shown at the prestigious awards event was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over 300 guests, including world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. The unique annual competition

Q&A

Our Q&A profile of personalities in the jewellery industry is based on the Proust questionnaire, aimed at giving a career profile to date, but also injecting a bit of quirky.

This Year's NAJ Awards Shortlist

The NAJ awards acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional contribution of our members to the jewellery industry. Specialist manufacturer  River Mounts  is the headline sponsor of this year’s awards that cover the different sectors of membership acknowledging the inclusive heart of the association that represents the whole of the industry. New Awards for 2016 New for 2016 is Workshop Employee of the Year “In recognition of the importance of specialist skills in our industry and the vital role individual craftsman play” I look forward to the industry acknowledging these hidden gems and their achievements over the year. I personally am really

British Fashion Council Fashion Forum 2017

The British Fashion Council and The Ned bring together business leaders to tackle the future of the industry at the Fashion forum 2017. The Fashion Forum - organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC) and The Ned in collaboration with the open innovation advisory firm, The Current - brought together a carefully curated group of 140 industry leaders from fashion, investment and technology to debate, share knowledge and insight on how individual businesses and the fashion industry collectively, can be ‘Fit for the Future’. The Fashion Forum is a think tank to debate the important issues of the sector; engage

The Burke Prize 2018

Call for Applications: The Burke Prize (US Citizens Only) A new annual award that reinforces the Museum of Arts and Design commitment to celebrating the next generation of artists working in and advancing the disciplines that shaped the American studio craft movement, the Burke Prize is an unrestricted $50,000 award made to a professional artist under the age of forty-five working in glass, fiber, clay, metals, or wood. Named for Marian and Russell Burke, two passionate collectors of craft and longtime supporters of MAD, the Burke Prize will be determined by an annual jury of professionals in the fields of art,

Loewe Reveals Craft Prize Trophy

The newly established Loewe Foundation Craft Prize launched earlier this year with the aim to recognize emerging artisans, has announced the creation of the award’s winner’s trophy.  Designed and made by Alex Brogden, it was engraved by Graham Saggers at the Goldsmiths Centre. The award, sponsored by the Loewe Foundation, was created in an effort to magnify the beauty and importance of original and handmade products. Craftpersons of any medium are encouraged to submit their applications to the award. Fourteen finalists will be selected for an exhibition in Madrid, after a panel of judges select the winning entry, scheduled for

New Council Members - The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

Call for Applications: New Council Members - The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council  The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) is inviting applications from individuals both within and outside of the industry to join its ranks as a Council Member. As part of the GC&DC’s ongoing development as a non-profit Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), it is seeking to diversify and expand the range of skills and expertise present among its voluntary Council Members. This is to further elevate its remit to promote and drive excellence and innovation within the jewellery industry through its prestigious annual Awards and related industry activities. 

NAJ, CMJ and Goldsmiths’ Company syndicate funds key research on jewellery consumers

NAJ’s Consumer Focus steering group will this month launch a survey to understand why people buy - and do not buy - jewellery. The group’s mission is to stimulate demand for the industry, with the end goal of a joined-up industry campaign to inspire more consumers to buy more jewellery, more often. Adam Jacobs, of Jacobs the Jewellers in Reading Chairs the group and said, “We are extremely thankful to both the CMJ and the Goldsmiths’ Company for supporting this important research activity for the good of the industry. Within the group we’ve been calling the project the jewellery census,

Are you a UK Jewellery Student or Apprentice? Read This!

At Benchpeg, we love encouraging and nourishing future creative talent by inspiring you with unique stories, promoting new designers and signposting you to other great resources for those new to the industry. We're excited to let you know about a new membership programme, launched by the Goldsmiths' Centre, for Students and Apprentices registered on UK precious metal courses (sign-up link below). The initiative delivers full access to the Goldsmiths' Centre back-catalogue of Creative Links talks, technical articles and industry-specific resources created by specialist craftspeople for those in the goldsmithing industry.  From personal experience, you only tend to realise just how

Q&A: Wallace Chan

Wallace Chan is a world-renowned jewellery maker and innovator. After leaving school at 13, and becoming a jewellers apprectice, he opened his own workshop in 1974. His 45 years (and counting) in the industry has been landmarked by innovation. His breakthrough techniques have revolutionised the jewellery industry, notably taming titanium for use in high jewellery and creating unbreakable porcelain. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... What’s your name, and what do you for a living? WC: I am Wallace Chan, a jewellery creator and sculptor. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? WC: I began as a gemstone [youtube

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2020

Type your content here... Call for Applications: The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2020 The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council is an organisation that promotes the highest standards in design and craftsmanship within the jewellery, goldsmithing, silversmithing industry and allied crafts.As part of the promotion of excellence the Council runs the annual Craftsmanship & Design Awards. This competition has helped to launch the careers of many eminent craftspeople in the profession and are the only peer reviewed awards in the industry's calendar. Fondly known as the 'Oscars of the Industry' they reward outstanding technical skill and design ability. The

International Jewellery London 2018

International Jewellery London 2018 International Jewellery London is the UK’S leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 520 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones suppliers, and retail services suppliers. IJL attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery-focused and pre-qualified buyers from 71 countries in an exclusive trading environment, to do business, share knowledge and network in the heart of London - the UK’s style capital. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL showcases future industry trends, provides a 100% free comprehensive education programme, and delivers an unrivalled selection of

International Jewellery London 2019

International Jewellery London 2019 1 - 3 September 2019 Olympia, London International Jewellery London is the UK’S leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 520 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones suppliers, and retail services suppliers. IJL attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery-focused and pre-qualified buyers from 71 countries in an exclusive trading environment, to do business, share knowledge and network in the heart of London - the UK’s style capital. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL showcases future industry trends, provides a 100% free comprehensive education

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018 The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council is an organisation that promotes the highest standards in design and craftsmanship within the jewellery, goldsmithing, silversmithing industry and allied crafts.As part of the promotion of excellence the Council runs the annual Craftsmanship & Design Awards.  This competition has helped to launch the careers of many eminent craftspeople in the profession and are the only peer reviewed awards in the industry's calendar. Fondly known as the 'Oscars of the Industry' they reward outstanding technical skill and design ability. The Awards are open to anyone in

IJL KickStart 2017

The search begins for the most talented 10 International Jewellery London (IJL) celebrates the New Year with the launch of its highly successful KickStart industry bursary programme. Up-and-coming British jewellery designers are invited to apply online now to be one of the lucky ten who will exhibit on a group stand at IJL 2017 in September, the UK’s premier international showcase for the jewellery industry. In addition, the KickStart Top Ten will benefit from valuable marketing and industry support from IJL and co-sponsors, the National Association of Jewellers.   Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, comments: “KickStart is a fantastic pool of

The Fashion Awards 2016 Winners Announced

The British Fashion Council announced the winners of The Fashion Awards 2016 this week at the Royal Albert Hall. 4,000 members of the industry and the public gathered to watch this year’s awards, where an international set of winners were announced at a larger ceremony than ever before. The room was a who’s who of the fashion industry and their muses; business leaders, creative influencers, global brands, fashion icons and designers from across the globe came together to celebrate their industry.  Notable attendees included Anna Wintour OBE, Carine Roitfeld, Dame Natalie Massenet, David Beckham OBE, Domhnall Gleeson, Gigi Hadid, Joan

The Dover Prize

Call for Applications: The Dover Prize  The Dover Prize is an award open to any UK-based artist. It supports excellence and experimentation in the arts and creative industries. Applications are welcome from artists and creative practitioners working in the visual arts e.g.  painting, sculpture, ceramics, print- making, photography, digital art, film making, performance and installations. This year the Dover Prize comprises: The Dover Award:  A bursary of £10,000 paid across two years, to an individual or collective to provide time to think, research, reflect and/or experiment with new ideas Creative Awards:  Five awards of £1,500 are available for one year

‘Exceptional’ Silver Goblet Inspired by Seas and Coastlines Joins Prestigious Collection

Incorporation of Goldsmiths award winner’s work shows off Scotland as a home for world-class silversmithing. A young Glasgow-based silversmith is this year’s winner of a unique award where the prize is the chance to create a spectacular handmade goblet – which becomes part of a highly prestigious collection. Caius Bearder (23), left Guernsey to study at Glasgow School of Art, falling in love with the city and the country, and has now been named The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s Outstanding Student of the Year. The title is highly prestigious – with the heads of Scotland’s four

Jocelyn Burton 1946 - 2020

Sara Jocelyn Margarita Elissa Burton (10 January 1946 - 5 April 2020) was an award-winning British silver and goldsmith. Burton was the first woman to receive the City and Guilds of London Institute top award, the Prince Philip Medal. Jocelyn Burton, 74: Effervescent silversmith and a first freewoman The Times: When in 1974 Jocelyn Burton became the first female freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths the certificate that she was handed had to have the words “son of” Roland Burton crossed out in ink, to be replaced with “daughter of”. A determined figure, Jocelyn spent a large part of

Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open

Call for Applications: Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open Selectors Announced and Applications Open Deadline 26 August 2020, 5pm New national partnerships with Art Fund and Aberdeen Art Gallery support early-career artists and makers to develop bold new work   Jerwood Arts and Art Fund are relaunching the prestigious biennial artist development, commissioning and national touring award as Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open. The award, now in its eighth edition, gives five outstanding early-career UK-based artists and makers the opportunity to develop ambitious new works, to be presented in London at Jerwood Space in June 2021 followed by a three-venue national tour

2020 GC&DC competition launched at IJL

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

Lucie Gledhill's Modern Twist on the Victorian Curb Chain Garners Best New Design 2019 at Goldsmiths' Fair Week One

An innovative collaboration, between jeweller Lucie Gledhill and photographer Kasia, has won the attention of this years’ Goldsmiths’ fair expert judge of the Best New Design Award.  This year, Trino Verkade judged the award, a consultant with the Sarabande foundation, an initiative set up by the late legendary designer, Lee Alexander McQueen, who left the majority of his estate to support creative and visionary talent. In addition to providing scholarships and studio space for artists. The curb chain is a feat of craftsmanship, taking three weeks to complete. A chain was fashioned from gold tubing and silver wire, then each

Cockpit Arts subsidised Studio Space Awards 2018

Call for Applications: Cockpit Arts Subsidised Workshop Space Awards Cockpit Arts are looking for talented makers to join the Cockpit Arts community.  They have four Awards currently open for application, comprising subsidised studio space and support for one year. The Cockpit Arts / Clear Insurance Award This Award which specifically aims to support professional makers who have been in business for less than three years and have aspirations to develop their craft business. The Cockpit Arts / The Clothworkers’ Foundation Awards Open to graduates within the last five years, these awards aim to assist weavers to set up in business. The

Q&A: Jeff Lowe

Jeff Lowe is an internationally acclaimed sculptor and jewellery designer. Educated at the famed St. Martins School of Art, under the esteemed Sir Anthony Caro, Phillip King and William Tucker, Lowe's career skyrocketed as a result of his first one man  show at the prestigious Leicester Galleries in Londonʼs Cork Street. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A... For the past forty years, Jeff Lowe has remained at the forefront of contemporary abstract sculpture, representing Britain at the Paris Biennale, recieving the Sainsbury award in 1975 and the Pollock-Krasner award in 1993. He has been exhibited at museums and galleries around the world, with significant

Decimus 2018

DECIMUS Friday 2nd November 2018 DECIMUS, a collective of ten award-winning goldsmiths and silversmiths. Held in the beautiful Exhibition Rooms, DECIMUS are staging a Salon Privé at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in the lead up to Christmas. The event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy The Goldsmiths' Centre, meet a talented group of designers and try their jewellery. All artists will be available to discuss their work, design techniques and commissions for Christmas. DECIMUS is a collective of 10 award-winning goldsmiths and silversmiths Alma Sophia Gronli Geller Max Danger Ana Thompson Melissa Rigby Flora Bhattachary Samuel Waterhouse Jessica Jue Shivani Patel

Hockley Mint to focus on its bridal offer at this year’s IJL

Award-winning British fine jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint will showcase an extensive collection of new diamond jewellery pieces at IJL 2018 . The main focus will appeal to retailers looking for high-quality, British-made bridal jewellery, with a new range that includes 36 single-stone engagement ring designs, as well as a large selection of multi-stone diamond rings, pendants and earrings. For the first time, the show will also see Hockley Mint offer pieces from its Mari Me bridal collection available to order as mounts. These award-winning designs in Hockley Mint’s first fully branded bridal collection have previously only been available to retailers

Artquest Horniman Museum Residency

Artquest Horniman Museum Residency The annual research residency from Artquest in partnership with the Horniman Museum and Gardens is now open for applications. The 2017 residency is focused on the museum’s music collection. One selected artist will receive: An award of £3000 to engage with the work and collections of the museum An additional award of £850 towards a public facing event showcasing the thinking and research undertaken during the residency Privileged access to museum’s music collection objects and curators This is an incredible opportunity for a London-based artist, working in any medium, with at least 5 years’ experience working

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers

£1000 Grant Available for Jewellers: JewelFund Is Now Open for Applications Award-winning founder of the Hatton Garden based London Jewellery School, Jessica Rose has recently launched a new online company, Jewellers Academy. Alongside the launch she has created a grant for jewellers to help support them in starting and growing their own jewellery businesses. The award, named ‘JewelFund’ is now open for applications from jewellers from anywhere in the world who have a passion for making and need some funds to launch or grow their business. There are two £1000 grants available this year and plans to grow the fund

The Sunny Art Prize Competition and Exhibition 2018

Call for Applications: The Sunny Art Prize The Sunny Art Prize is an international art competition hosted by Sunny Art Centre, London. This fine art award is a global platform, giving an opportunity to emerging and established artists to showcase their talents to a wider audience. We aim to display artistic and cultural diversity to the international art scenes of London, Beijing, Guangzhou and Macau. Sunny Art Award will promote an exchange in creativity between Western and Eastern cultures. We are looking for a variety of submissions which can range from two-dimensional works such as paintings, drawings and photographs, to

Federation of Small Businesses Small Business Awards

Call for Entries: Federation of Small Businesses Small Business Awards  The awards showcase the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the UK, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Expert smaller business judges will select category winners in 12 areas across the UK. Winning an FSB Celebrating Small Business Award is a great way to showcase your business achievements and celebrate your business hard work, brilliance and innovation within your own geographical area as well as having the opportunity to win a national award. Awards Ceremony The grand

Heritage Crafts Association Awards 2018

Call for Applications: The Heritage Crafts Association Awards Craftspeople urged to apply for awards and bursaries recognising traditional skills The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) has announced its call for applications for a suite of awards and bursaries recognising people working in traditional skills. Craftspeople can be nominated for Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year, HCA/Marsh Trainer of the Year, and HCA/Marsh Volunteer of the Year. Nominations can also be made for the HCA/Marsh Heritage Crafts ‘Made in Britain’ Award.  Each award is worth £1,000. Heritage crafts make up the largest part of the craft sector, yet many heritage crafts are

Sarah Straussberg Unveils Latest Commission

London based jewellery brand   Sarah  Straussberg   has  revealed its latest commission, the   Photo London    ‘Master of Photography’ Award 2017.   This is the third year running   that  Straussberg  has been commissioned to create the award, with previous winners including photography icons  Sebastiã o  Salgado and Don  McCullen . This year’s winner is another hugely infl uential  artist:  Taryn Simon.   Simon is a multidisciplinary artist working in photography, text, sculpture and performance. Guided by an interest in systems of  categorisation and  classifi cation, her practice involves extensive research into the power and structure of secrecy and the

Allum & Sidaway Strike Gold Twice in their 75th Anniversary Year

CMJ members  Allum & Sidaway are celebrating another win after scooping two awards at the biggest night in the UK jewellery calendar; the UK Jewellery Awards. Amongst stiff competition from a record number of applicants, they received the very prestigious Retailer of The Year award and The Best Store Environment award for their new Salisbury store. The awards, hosted by TV presenter  Gethin  Jones and organised by Retail Jeweller magazine, took place last Thursday at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Marking their 25th anniversary edition of the UK Jewellery Awards, this is the only ceremony of its kind for

Call for Applications: Heritage Crafts Association Awards

The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce a call for applications for a suite of awards and bursaries recognising people working in traditional skills. Applications Open Craftspeople can be nominated for: Heritage Crafts Maker of the Year, Marsh Trainer of the Year, and Marsh Volunteer of the Year. Nominations can also be made for the Marsh Heritage Crafts ‘Made in Britain’ Award. Prizes Each award is worth £1,000. NADFAS Bursary A bursary offered with the support of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS) and worth up to £5,000 is also available for study in a

Welcoming A Bespoke Beauty: Vaessen | Walker

March has arrived in all its glory and as Spring begins to sprinkle her beauty upon the world, new jewellery brand Vassen | Walker have planted their roots in the jewellery world; blossoming with their  debut jewellery collection ALLORA. Louise Vaessen-Walker is the creative and founding director behind the contemporary jewellery and tableware brand where h er innovative collections have received much recognition both nationally and abroad. Louise has been commended in receiving a number of awards in both design and craftsmanship, most notably the London Assay Office Special Gold Award, and the 3D Innovative Technology Design Gold Award from

Cornerstone Creations Celebrates Trade Show Success

Cornerstone Creations is a beautifully made contemporary, classic silver jewellery collection based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire. Founded and designed by award winning British goldsmith Paul Spurgeon, this conscience collection is all made in sterling silver using the best semi-precious stones.  Each piece of this contemporary silver collection is independtely designed by award-winning goldsmith Paul Spurgeon so that every piece portrays his fresh, flowing design. The key desire of Cornerstone Creations is to create jewellery with classic wearability underpinned with a contemporary flair; a jewellery range perfect for every occassion.  The company has triumphed with a fantastic start to the year.

Worcester Jeweller Anja Potze Celebrates 21 Year Milestone

A respected Worcester jeweller has marked her 21st anniversary in the city. Award-winning jewellery designer Anja Potze has become one of city’s leading jewellers since arriving in Worcester in the nineties, building a customer base from across the county and beyond. In the past 18 months alone two new members of staff have joined the Friar Street business which was also recently rated as one of the top jewellers in Worcester by the website, Three Best Rated.  Award-winning design expert and Birmingham School of Jewellery graduate Laura Golborne has joined the six-strong team alongside commercial and retail expert, Felicity Allen.

Isabella Liu Unveils ‘Sea Rhymes Collection’ at IJL 2016

A rising star has settled in to jewellery lovers' views as the London-based Chinese artist, Isabella Liu, reveals her new 'Sea Rhymes' collection, which will debut at this year's International Jewellery London this week. Wuhan-born and London-based Isabella Liu is an award-winning jewellery designer. In the few years since leaving Birmingham School of Jewellery, Liu has won awards in Italy and Spain, and has been awarded gold medals at the ‘Jewellery Oscar’ Goldsmiths' Craftsmanship and Design Award and Milan Expo as ‘the best new designer’ and ‘best product of the year’. The designer is proving herself worthy of such awards

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

IEG: T.GOLD 2023 Expands Its Showcase of Jewellery Technologies and Machinery

The Vicenza exhibition centre will once more host the most important international exhibition of advanced technologies for the jewellery industry: T.GOLD, the number one international showcase for innovation, featuring the most advanced jewellery machinery and the most recent developments in gold and jewellery manufacturing. Organised by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, it will be held on 20-24 January 2023, at the same time as Vicenzaoro January, the leading international exhibition for the gold and jewellery industry. With an even richer offering of technological solutions, T.GOLD presents an overview of new solutions for the production of gold and jewellery, attesting to

H S Walsh & Sons celebrate their 45th Year at Spring Fair

H S Walsh have exhibited since the show opened in Birmingham in 1976. A trusted, well established name in the industry, their knowledgeable staff will be on stand to demonstrate a range of cutting edge equipment. H S Walsh was established in 1947 and have long been the go-to company for tools and equipment for both the jewellery and watch trade. Still very much a family style business, they pride themselves on their customer service and personal connection with their clients. In an increasingly competitive market, they are aware that any technological advantage they can offer the industry is a

Baselworld 2018

Baselworld is the most important marketplace and trendsetting show for the world's watch and jewellery industry. Baselworld distinguishes itself as the only show that regroups all the key players from watchmakers to jewellers, from diamonds, pearls and gemstones dealers through to machines and supply industry. Dates: 23 - 30 March 2018 Venue: Messe Basel, Switzerland Open: Daily from 9 am - 6 pm. (except Thursday, March 30: 9 am - 4 pm) www.baselworld.com

Q&A: Patrick Fuller

Patrick Fuller has been at the helm of the jewellery industry for some 30 years. A charismatic individual who has held every senior influential position in the British jewellery industry going. He is currently a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office, a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company and President of the National Association of Jewellers as well as a Freeman of the City of London. A former President of the National Association of Goldsmiths; President of Emagold Europe; Director of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; President of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; Member of the British Hallmarking Council

Magnesium Is Ready For Take Off

Researchers at Birmingham City University are hoping to transform the fortunes of magnesium this year, by showcasing it as a viable alternative for luxury car makers and the aerospace industry. Researchers at Birmingham City University are hoping to transform the fortunes of magnesium this year, by showcasing it as a viable alternative for luxury car makers and the aerospace industry. It comes as the institution signed an exclusive partnership with the world’s largest producer of magnesium components, Meridian in early January 2017. The strategic alliance will see the two organisations work together in the education, research and development of magnesium

One Year On 2017

One Year On is a high profile, focused feature within New Designers, showcasing designers with an entrepreneurial flair in their first year of business. It is a curated exhibition and those who are chosen to exhibit are selected by a panel of industry specialists on the strength and ambition demonstrated through their work. One Year On is one of the busiest zones of New Designers and is an unmissable destination for buyers, collectors and press alike. It presents an amazing opportunity to meet potential employers, buyers, press and industry professionals. Applications are now open for One Year On 2017. To

JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects 2019

JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects 2019 10th, 11th, 12th, October 2019 Disseny HUB Barcelona, Spain JOYA Barcelona Art Jewellery & Objects is the main art jewellery and art objects event in Spain. Gathering a great number of independent artists as well as related organizations, schools and other entities. JOYA, in its 11th edition will be focused on the communicative and diplomatic meaning of the art jewellery and objects in nowadays. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/gBepnvf4bDg] Schedule Thursday 10th 10.00h – 11.00h Conference Pravu Mazumdar 11.00h Press presentation 11.00 – 19.00 Fair  18.00h DTerra Award – Ambar Magazine Award – Arte y Joya

2016-2017 International Pearl Design Competition Winners

Peter Bazar, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly announces the winners’ of CPAA’S 2016-2017 International Design competition. “We are very happy with the success of this year’s competition, entries from 18 countries we received” Mr. Bazar reported. President’s Trophy  – “Murmuring Stream” Yi-Shiun Tsai of Taipei City, Taiwan .The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best. Luster Award  – “Dentelle” The Pearl Exporting Company of Portland, ME. Most marketable design for retail. Designer’s Award  –“Pearl Blossom” Wan-Fang Ting of Taipei City, Taiwan. Given to the entry that takes

Hockley Mint Shows Off Brand Refresh at IJL

Award-winning fine and bridal jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint will unveil its updated brand identity at International Jewellery London this week. The firm’s new catalogues will feature stunning modern lifestyle imagery to reinforce the brand’s position as a high-end, award-winning bridal jewellery supplier. This brand refresh will also carry through to Hockley Mint’s website, which will include a section dedicated to its new designer bridal jewellery range. Gary Wroe, Managing Director of Hockley Mint, said,  “We are well-established as a leading British manufacturer of jewellery, but we hope that these new innovations will further raise Hockley Mint’s profile with retailers. Our

Crafts Council host FREE online expert discussions

Crafts Council host fortnightly expert discussions The Crafts Council have announced the launch of a series of online discussions which will cover funding, legal advice, e-commerce and website optimisation. The events will be free online discussions with industry experts to support craft businesses.  For more information and to book www.eventbrite.co.uk

Amanda Mansell on why she is committed to creating a jewellery hub in Hatton Garden

Benchpeg spoke to Amanda Mansell this week, as she is nearing the end of her campaign to realise her jewellery hub concept ‘Loupe’ – a multi faceted initiative to support the jewellery industry in the heart of its geographical home. "When I was first introduced to the Hatton Garden jewellery industry about 20 years ago, so much of it operated behind closed doors. It wasn't easy gaining entry. I was lucky enough to receive help which opened some of those doors, but ever since then I’ve been involved in various projects and initiatives to help connect people and encourage the [youtube

Amanda Mansell is equity crowdfunding for a new venture called 'Loupe'

Amanda Mansell a Hatton Garden bespoke jewellery designer of 20+ years - is equity crowdfunding for a new venture called Loupe, a jewellery support initiative which makes use of support from a Camden Council buildings grant. The 'jewellery hub' will aim to create a jewellery destination for London's historic jewellery quarter by providing a customer and trade interface to help promote the industry through experiential customer journeys and provide a route to market for the jewellery industry's supply chains. Loupe will be an experiential retail destination in Hatton Garden where people not only buy jewellery but learn about it and

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

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2023

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards Founded in 1908, The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council is an organisation that promotes the highest standards in design and craftsmanship   within the jewellery, goldsmithing, silversmithing industry and allied crafts. The annual design competition, known as the ‘ Jewellery Oscars ’ , rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials from ‘ apprentices to masters ’ and is highly respected within the industry. Entries are invited and actively encouraged in all aspects of the trade, from new entrants to skilled craftsmen, apprentices and from education.

Striking Futures

The NAJ and Sheffield Assay Office Join Forces for Striking Futures Event The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office are pleased to announce Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. Taking place on Thursday, 3rd November, Striking Futures promises to be a must-attend afternoon,   whether embarking on a career in the sector or looking to boost your business. Register NAJ’s Principal Officer, Ben Massey, states, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value,

Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund awards £21k in grants

The Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund (KLG Fund) has awarded a total of £21,000 in grants to Black people working in the jewellery industry who need support for their businesses and have faced financial hardship because of the current crisis, following a review by a panel of five independent industry judges, who said they were “overwhelmed by the talent, creativity and enthusiasm of the applicants”. In June, Black jeweller and activist Kassandra Lauren Gordon successfully raised £19,483 on a Go Fund Me page, exceeding the original £14,000 target. 328 people, businesses and trade organisations made donations ranging from £5 to £5,000.

Trade Shows

Selling work is how businesses survive, and knowing where to sell helps fill the diary with hot spots of commercial activity. We've compliled a list of national and international trade shows and events which are regular dates in the trade diary... Additive Manufacturing Europe  When: June Where: RAI, Amsterdam  This is the business-to-business show for the additive manufacturing / 3D printing industry - with more products, more launches and more live demonstrations! amshow-europe.com Autumn Fair  When:  Annually, September Where: NEC Birmingham Autumn Fair is the season's No.1 gift and home wholesale trade show for the retail industry. Launched in September 1990,

News Edit: 23 May 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Designer Flora Bhattachary Shares Her Thoughts On The Jewellery Industry Asia Tatler: The British designer sheds some light on her influences and thoughts on the jewellery industry. asiatatler.com Lacock jeweller takes on All That Glitters TV challenges Wiltshire Times: A Lacock jeweller has taken on intricate challenges from the BBC series All that Glitters. www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk Gobbins Crafts Jewellery Studio becomes 11th NI Tourism Business to be granted Économusée Status News letter: Gobbin’s Crafts, a jewellery studio in Islandmagee is the 11th business in Northern Ireland to be granted

Luxury Institute: The Three Skills Of Luxury Customer Experience In The Digital Age

In the Luxury Institite's second July white paper, they challenge luxury executives and brands to step up and lead advanced personalization in the digital age. To do so, they believe that it requires mastery of three critical skills: personal data expertise, AI expertise, and emotional intelligence expertise. Luxury executives and brands that fail to master this triad of critical skills will be marginalized, or worse. This is a challenge worthy of the luxury goods and services industry. Most brands in the luxury goods and services industry were late to the last decade’s digital transformation party. Others are resting easy because

Luxury Institute: How To Build An Elite Client Relationship Team Post Pandemic

Post pandemic, luxury brands cannot afford to have a transactionally-driven sales team. In this environment, high-performance client relationship building teams will thrive. While there will be fewer traditional stores, there will be a desire and need for emotionally intelligent trusted expert advisors. The 2020   State of the Luxury Industry   survey, which has been updating the luxury industry on rapidly emerging global trends for 17 years, indicates that affluent consumers in the top 10% of household incomes in Asia, Europe, and especially the USA, are becoming strongly averse to interacting with luxury sales associates. O nly China, at 51%, registered

Four Accomplished Bright Young Gems Assemble at IJL 2019

International Jewellery London 2019 is set to illuminate four new Bright Young Gems, shining a light on exciting and emerging talent in the jewellery industry. All four of the winners this year hail from the prestigious Central Saint Martins.  Selected by industry judges Nyasha Pitt; Charlie Miller; Katerina Perez; Danny Hall and Bobby White, the four winning designers will be exhibiting at IJL in just a couple of days, all having freshly attended a bespoke mentoring workshop last month, designed to help the winners maximise their IJL experience,  This year, 'Gem' is the operative word for at least two of

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event Friday the 23 November Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh Jewellers, businesses and ethically minded individuals in Edinburgh are being invited to join The Precious Metals Workshop and local Jeweller, Ian Nicholson, in a discussion about how they can play their part in influencing responsible supply chains in the jewellery industry.  Local jeweller Ian, who is also the founder and Director of the Precious Metals Workshop, is calling on support from industry leaders to take part in a unique event being held at Assembly Rooms on Friday the 23 November with a focus on responsible sourcing of

Visual Capitalist:: Charting the Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market

The Visual Capatalist has reported on a post pandemic overview of the global luxury goods market predicting a decline in purchases. The Rise and Fall of the Global Luxury Goods Market - the Executive Summary Global demand for personal luxury goods has been steadily increasing for decades, resulting in an industry worth $308 billion in 2019. However, the insatiable desire for consumers to own nice things was suddenly interrupted by the coming of COVID-19, and experts are predicting a brutal contraction of up to one-third of the current luxury good market size this year. Will the industry bounce back? Or

Gemfields Hosts Introductory Course in Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

As a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced, coloured gemstones, Gemfields is perfectly placed in bringing together experts to share their in-depth knowledge with the jewellery industry. And it did just that this weekend, hosting a one-day introductory coloured gemstone seminar in London with an impressive line-up of industry experts at the stylish Ham Yard Hotel in Soho. A panel of speakers – including specialists in sustainability, jewellery and gemmology– addressed sales and retail staff from key jewellery brands, lifting the lid on the charm, attraction and complexities of rubies, emeralds and sapphires, the three most coveted coloured gemstones. The latest

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019 29th November 2019 The RAC Pall Mall, London The Silversmiths & Jewellers charity dinner is one of the highlights of the industry calendar and raises funds for those who previously worked in the jewellery industry, who have fallen on hard times. The guest entertainment for this year is the amazing magician Jamie Raven, who was a runner up on Britain’s Got Talent. If you or any of your team would like a ticket, please don’t hesitate to on the details below. The charity is also have advertising space available in their brochure for

The Goldsmiths’ Company Delivers the Largest Conference in the World to Date to Address Jewellery Materials

Last week, the Goldsmiths’ Company delivered the first Jewellery Materials Congress. The conference, which is the largest conference world-wide to address jewellery technology, was created to support the jewellery and silverware community, by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge to better the industry, free of commercialisation.  Over the two-day conference, a wide agenda of topics was addressed through a series of talks and Q&A, broadly categorised by four themes: academic research, visions of the industry, and artisan and industrial materials manufacture. These talks were delivered by a panel of eighteen international speakers, including keynotes delivered by Eddie Bell,

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: 

Surface Design Show 2020

Surface Design Show 2020 11 - 13 February 2020 Business Design Centre, London Leading architecture and design professionals gather at Surface Design Show each year to see, touch and feel surfaces from over 180 leading suppliers. Taking place next month, Surface Design Show is also a valuable opportunity for you to hear from industry experts in our dedicated speaker programme. The Main Stage is the heart of the Show and is designed to instigate debate and encourage knowledge sharing amongst visitors. Join us to discover insights and debates from an incredible line-up of industry experts and get your FREE ticket

Benchpeg Offer: Sold Out Tickets Available

This week, we are delighted to announce that Benchpeg are the official Media Partners for Make Your Mark 2019. With over 600 students and graduates already booked to attend, it looks set to be a fantastic event. Benchpeg has supported the jewellery industry for over 10 years now and in particular, those making their first steps into the industry. We have done this through our weekly newsletter, careers advice, jobs boards, funding opportunities to mention just a few and we love promoting beautiful work. Benchpeg at Make your Mark At this year’s Make Your Mark, Benchpeg will be on hand

Q&A: Aishleen Lester

Aishleen Lester is an emerging new talent in the jewellery industry, having founded her new business in 2016 after coming to jewellery design at Kensington & Chelsea College through evening classes. She is a well reputed fine artist in her own right, known for large scale, sculptural installations who’s work is held in private collections and has previously exhibited in the Riflemaker and Nyehaus galleries. Trained at Wimbledon School of Art and the Royal Academy Schools, she built up her jewellery industry credentials by working with the likes of Shaun Leane and Paul Raven before venturing out on her own

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies to show at IJL

Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. With offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR has greatly extended its reach into the UK market, and now enjoys close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the UK industry with a comprehensive range of diamond focused retail-based education modules and leading-edge technology supported by world class

NAJ Awards 2019

Call for Entries: NAJ Awards 2019 5 December 2019 Johns Hotel, Solihull There’s still time to recognise your unique business, super team or invaluable colleague. Application Deadline The deadline for entries to the NAJ Awards 2019 has been extended until midday on Monday 28 October 2019 , in order to increase the number of entries from all areas of the industry. Entrants now have 5 days to perfect their entries to ensure they have the best chance of scooping an industry accolade at this year’s awards. About the Awards The NAJ Awards 2019  recognise companies, teams and individuals in the jewellery

International Jewellery London: Inspire Seminar Programme

International Jewellery London: Inspire Seminar Programme 1 - 3 September 2019 Olympia, Kensington  From catwalk theatre to retail theatre, and everything there is to know about fine jewellery, International Jewellery London (IJL), the global meeting place for the jewellery industry, has today announced the full IJL Inspire seminar programme. Leaders from the international jewellery trade will take to the stage to discuss key trends that are shaping the international jewellery and watch industry today, while offering invaluable networking opportunities to jewellery retailers and suppliers from around the world. The IJL Inspire highlights include: SS20 Trends with The Futurist Paola de

Branded Jewellery Sales to Soar by 2020

A recently published report by consultant firm Mckinsey has forecast annual global sales growth in branded jewellery of between 5% to 6% each year by 2020 to take sales from approximately £132 billion to £223 billion globally. The report states that consumer appetite for jewellery now appears more voracious than ever. which led British marketplace, OnBuy.com to analyse the report further; to draw out the information industry insiders need to know and to share advice among Artisan designers who may need to keep pace. The report entitled A Multifaceted Future: The Jewellery Industry in 2020 states its findings that branded items already account

Meet the Benchpeg Team

This is us. We are the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers.   Rebecca van Rooijen Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has 20 years of experience in the industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery industry could share and access information. Along with being Editor-in-Cheif of Benchpeg, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust , Committee Member for the  Communications and Marketing Committee at  The Goldsmiths’ Company , she sits on the Selection Committee

Pantone Announce Colour of the Year – for 2018

Pantone, the world renowned authority on colour, has announced its colour of the year for 2018 - Ultra Violet. The Pantone Colour Institute, which forecasts global colour trends, describes the colour as: “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” How this effects jewellery The announcement of the Colour of the Year is significant to the jewellery industry because the fashion industry and media in particular will be picking up on accessories and fashion elements which can incorporate the hottest trend for 2018. This provides

Pforzheim: 250th Anniversary of the Golden City

In 2017 Pforzheim, Germany will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its jewellery and watch industry.  The city will mark this anniversary with unique exhibitions and spectacular live acts, with jewellery and design art, with conventions and congresses, with plenty of music and theatre and it will demonstrate which innovations have developed out of Pforzheim’s traditional industry. It was Margrave Karl Friedrich, who in 1767 issued the privilege to create a pocket watch and silverware manufactory in Pforzheim. In doing so, he initiated a story of success that would shape Pforzheim to this day and finally make it the “Golden City”. 

Make Your Mark offer One-on-One Surgeries

This year the  Make Your Mark  event will offer visitors the opportunity to book places on one-on-one Surgeries with industry experts and young designers. The surgery sessions, which will take place throughout the two days, will be provided by specialist jewellery and watch communications agency FACETS PR and will offer visitors the chance to speak to industry experts on a one-to-one basis on subjects including PR, social media for business and how to communicate with press to secure coverage. There will also be a team of young designers available at the surgeries, who can give the attending students a realistic

Call for Applications: Kickstart 2018

Call for Applications: Kickstart 2018 Emerging UK up-and-coming jewellery designers with their sights set on success are invited to battle it out for one of just six places in this year’s KickStart initiative – organised by International Jewellery London, the must-attend annual destination for the jewellery industry, taking place at Olympia London from 2 – 4 September 2018.  This long-running mentoring, advice and exhibition platform is a key link in the IJL Journey – a unique industry path that guides design talent from final year student to successful consumer-facing brands. In a change for 2018, KickStart will accept just six

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

Amanda Mansell, fellow jeweller and great friend of the late Nick Philippe, writes a fitting tribute and obituary to a golden personality within the industry. On Friday 22 September 2017 our dear friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 57 after a courageous and dignified 6 month battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. This was a deeply sad day for Nick’s family, his many friends, and a tragic loss to the jewellery industry. I remember the first day I met Nick, it was about 15 years ago. He came into my workshop and showed me a

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

Amanda Mansell, fellow jeweller and great friend of the late Nick Philippe, writes a fitting tribute to a golden personality within the industry. On Friday 22 September 2017 our dear friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 57 after a courageous and dignified 6 month battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. This was a deeply sad day for Nick’s family, his many friends, and a tragic loss to the jewellery industry. I remember the first day I met Nick, it was about 15 years ago. He came into my workshop and showed me a watchcase he’d

Jewellery & Watch 2017, NEC Birmingham

Jewellery & Watch is the UK’s largest dedicated jewellery trade event, showcasing a dazzling offering of new ideas and inspiration built on traditional skills. The show attracts more than 17,000 buyers at the heart of the UK’s jewellery industry, at the most important buying point of the year. The home of exceptional UK and international brands, Jewellery & Watch is a showcase for classic design and unparalleled craftsmanship. Reflecting the historical link of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and utilising its central location to bring the industry together, Jewellery and Watch is perfectly positioned and ideally timed, providing inspiration, innovation and

Vanilla Ink Launches Scottish Jewellery School

Vanilla Ink Studios has teamed up with Goldsmith Scott McIntyre to create the Vanilla Ink  Jewellery  School; aimed at bridging the gap from education to industry, helping to  shape and grow the  jewellery  trade across Scotl and. Glasgow based Vanilla Ink Studios want the new school to inspire, educate and empower the jewellery and silversmith industry by helping to mould the next generation of goldsmiths. Just like any new and innovative idea, a helping hand unleashes the potential to soar to success. So Vanilla Ink Studios have also now  launched a crowdfunding campaign  where they hope that together with help

CARAT+ 2018

CARAT+, The World’s Premier Diamond Event Covering the full spectrum of the diamond and diamond jewellery trades, CARAT+ features four main sectors: loose diamonds, branded diamond jewellery, non-branded diamond jewellery and services for the diamond and diamond jewellery industry.  This year, due to popular demand, there is also a Coloured Gemstones sector. Taking place in Hall 1 and Hall 4 of the Antwerp Expo, entry to the show is restricted exclusively to industry professionals, including diamond and jewellery wholesalers and manufacturers from around the world, and jewellery retailers from across Europe and the wider world.  Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC)

Scoop 2017 - S/S18

Scoop is a premium and contemporary womenswear and accessories tradeshow held at the iconic Saatchi Gallery, London. Our exhibitors are leaders in the industry – directional, talented, successful and unique. Scoop was launched in February 2011 by fashion industry expert Karen Radley. With an impressive line-up of premium collections, Scoop is based around creating an international design-led and London-based exhibition for niche designers; one where labels do not have to battle one another for attention and where the diverse brand offering guarantees visitors something they have not seen elsewhere. Today, Scoop has become a key destination for showcasing

Jewellery Jobs, Retail Jobs, Design Jobs, Sales Jobs, Marketing Jobs & Internships

Jewellery Jobs, Careers and Recruitment Benchpeg offers the best range of jewellery jobs in the jewellery industry for your career. Find and apply for the latest jewellery jobs and careers on benchpeg.com Benchpeg’s jewellery recruitment listings cover all areas of jobs in the jewellery trade and jewellery making jobs to make it the No. 1 resource for jewellery jobs in the UK.  About benchpeg.com/jobs The jewellery jobs listed on benchpeg.com/jobs provide opportunities for career moves in all types of jobs in the jewellery industry. From creative and jewelery design roles, to craft and jewellery manufacturing jobs, to head office, management

Scoop 2018

Scoop Saatchi Gallery, London 28 – 30 January 2018 Scoop is a premium and contemporary womenswear and accessories tradeshow held at the iconic Saatchi Gallery, London. Our exhibitors are leaders in the industry – directional, talented, successful and unique. Scoop was launched in February 2011 by fashion industry expert Karen Radley. With an impressive line-up of premium collections, Scoop is based around creating an international design-led and London-based exhibition for niche designers; one where labels do not have to battle one another for attention and where the diverse brand offering guarantees visitors something they have not seen elsewhere. Today, Scoop

Flourish Conference

Flourish: A Two Day Conference To Ignite Your Creative Business Ambitions The Talent Development team at Crafts Council brings you leading industry experts so you can share, debate and network; providing you with a vital set of action points and links that will cultivate and shape your creative practice. The event will ignite your creative ambitions by bringing together leading industry experts to help you start, build and sustain a successful business.  Topics will range from practical advice on finance and copyright laws to how you create a strong brand identity and build resilience into your business. The keynote address

FREE Technology Open Day

FREE Technology Days Hosted by Coherent Rofin Hatton Garden, London Jewellery experts Coherent Rofin will again be co-hosting two forthcoming Technology Events at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Hatton Garden, London.   Evening Seminar 6 June 2017  6.30pm - 8.30pm The Goldsmiths' Centre On 6 June 2017 at 6.30 pm there will be an evening seminar with industry experts offering an insight into developing laser and additive technologies. Talks will cover all the laser applications offered by Coherent Rofin, together with CAD software and 3D printing (both resin and metal powder bed technologies)  and how future technologies will shape and benefit the jewellery industry. Technology Day

FREE Evening Technology Seminar

FREE Technology Days Hosted by Coherent Rofin Hatton Garden, London Jewellery experts Coherent Rofin will again be co-hosting two forthcoming Technology Events at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Hatton Garden, London.   Evening Seminar 6 June 2017  6.30pm - 8.30pm The Goldsmiths' Centre On 6 June 2017 at 6.30 pm there will be an evening seminar with industry experts offering an insight into developing laser and additive technologies. Talks will cover all the laser applications offered by Coherent Rofin, together with CAD software and 3D printing (both resin and metal powder bed technologies)  and how future technologies will shape and benefit the jewellery industry. Technology Day

RJC Hosts Its First Ever Open Day In Birmingham

Last week, the RJC held its very first Open Day  in  Birmingham.   The newly built Birmingham Assay Office located in the Jewellery Quarter, played host to the event where attendees gathered to hear more about the commercial relevance and necessity of RJC membership and certification in today’s jewellery industry. Attendees heard from a panel of industry experts that consisted of David Lewis, Managing Director of Maker Mends (RJC member since 2011);   Himesh  Pala, Managing Director of Pala Diamond Company Ltd (RJC member since 2011) and Gary  Wroe , Managing Director of Hockley Mint Ltd (RJC member since 2013). The panel

Gübelin Gem Lab Announces Emerald Paternity Test

The Gübelin Gem Lab, one of the world’s leaders in the analysis of precious gemstones is has announced the launch of their Emerald Paternity Test; a new traceability technology creating independent proof of provenance for emeralds This new technology uses customised DNA-based nanoparticles enabling traceability of emeralds back to the exact place of mining. The Emerald Paternity Test is a true game-changer for the coloured gemstone industry. It is the first of a series of technologies and services developed by Gübelin Gem Lab dedicated to bringing more transparency into the gemstone industry, united under the Provenance Proof label. This breakthrough technology

International Jewellery London (IJL) 2017

International Jewellery London is the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 500 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones, and retail services suppliers and attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery focussed and pre-qualified buyers from 64 countries. Attracting an unrivalled range of exhibitors, IJL provides a unique trading environment to do business, source new ranges and discover future trends or simply top up for the Christmas period and beyond. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL delivers 100% free education from leading speakers. In the exclusive

Baselworld 2017 Launches with Press Conference

The 100th Edition of the one unmissable trendsetting show that unites key players from all sectors of the global watch and jewellery industry and sets the tone for the coming year, Baselworld 2017, commenced this week with its inaugural press conference. As every year, the eagerly awaited start of a new edition of the most unique annual event for the entire industry was witnessed by the most important international press representatives from print, television and digital media and by many thousands around the world who followed the press conference via the livestream. Mr René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group,

Scoop 2017

Scoop is a premium and contemporary womenswear and accessories tradeshow held at the iconic Saatchi Gallery, London. Our exhibitors are leaders in the industry – directional, talented, successful and unique. Scoop was launched in February 2011 by fashion industry expert Karen Radley. With an impressive line-up of premium collections, Scoop is based around creating an international design-led and London-based exhibition for niche designers; one where labels do not have to battle one another for attention and where the diverse brand offering guarantees visitors something they have not seen elsewhere. Today, Scoop has become a key destination for showcasing over 250

Counting Down To Baselworld 2017

At the end of this month new creations and innovations of the global watch and jewellery industry will be presented to the world at Baselworld 2017. Renowned as the unmissable annual show, Baselworld is gearing-up to welcome an array of international visitors. The show is the only one that unites the entire industry under one roof, including world-class players. Baselworld goes live on 23 March and will run until 30 March.  What exemplifies Baselworld is its unique ability to regroup the biggest and most prestigious watch and jewellery brands in the world, emerging design talent, the finest retailers and the

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

The UK Jewellery Awards 2017

Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2017, the UK Jewellery Awards for the retail industry are judged by industry. Over the last 25 years the awards have built up an unrivalled reputation for recognising excellence and outstanding practice across the jewellery and watch trade in the UK with categories spanning retail, design, manufacture, supply and employment. Each year the event attracts in excess of 600 guests who come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers. For the 2017 awards two new enterable categories, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Retail Sales Star, have been introduced along with another

Winners of the Make Your Mark Awards Announced

The winners of the inaugural Make Your Mark Awards were announced at a glittering Reception at Goldsmiths’ Hall this week. The Reception and Awards Exhibition was buzzing with excitement as students, graduates and tutors mingled with well-known industry personalities and members of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Keynote Speaker, Richard Fox, opened the event, talking about the Goldsmiths’ Company and its history of supporting the industry and the challenges faced by newcomers. Commenting on the Awards, he said, “It always fascinates me to see such enthusiasm from our young designers and makers. There seems to be a thirst for knowledge.  It is

Survey Request: Your Training Needs, Crafts Council

Are you a maker wanting to develop your business and looking for specially tailored, industry-specific guidance? Having worked with artists and makers the Crafts Council understand that makers need access to affordable, informative, bite-size offers that fit with their busy schedules. Our tailored workshops bring together like-minded individuals, key industry experts and experienced makers, delivering informative advice that will inspire you to take the next step in your business development journey. To ensure that our offer continues to best serve makers' business development needs, we're asking that you take part in this short survey. Please complete by 15 December 2016.

LFW Limelight: Ejing Zhang SS17 Collection

Born and raised in China, Ejing Zhang's exposure to fabrics and thread came at a very young age, as her Mother worked in the textile industry. Zhang's love of fabrics and fashion continued to grow with her and resulted in an education and passionate career in the creative industry. Ejing Zhang graduated from the Royal College of Art with a MA in Mixed Media Textiles. Through the combination of textiles and resin, Ejing Zhang Studio creates intricate jewellery by highlighting a cross section of the mixed media resin tile, revealing its abstract and detailed core. All the tiles are hand

The Prime Minister Hosts A Celebration Of British Fashion At 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Theresa May and Chairman of the British Fashion Council Dame Natalie Massenet welcomed representatives from across the British fashion industry to a reception at 10 Downing Street last night. Ahead of London Fashion Week, Theresa May emphasised the importance of the UK’s fashion industry, one of the country’s greatest success stories which contributes £28billion to Britain’s economy and supports nearly 900,000 jobs. London Fashion Week is a global showcase which welcomes guests from over 58 countries, promotes designer brands to an international audience of trade and consumers and generates orders of over £100million each season. The Prime Minister

Call for Applications: New Nationwide Fine Jewellery Design Competition

New Nationwide Fine Jewellery Design Competition Launches Call for Entries: The   Fairtrade Gold Design Awards About the Awards Created by ethical fine jeweller Ingle & Rhode with the support of the Fairtrade Foundation, the Awards aim to raise awareness of Fairtrade gold amongst people who are the future of the jewellery industry, whilst helping to identify and promote new up-and-coming talent. Who Can Enter? The Awards will accept entries in four categories: Students in Further Education Students studying in the UK full time on a Level 2 or 3 course related to the jewellery industry. Undergraduates Students registered on an

Harriet Kelsall is invited to join the British Hallmarking Council

Leading jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall has been invited to join the British Hallmarking Council. The statutory body ensures all items being sold in the UK as precious metals are hallmarked to confirm they meet the legal standard. The process of hallmarking in Great Britain began over 700 years ago and in Harriet’s new role as Non-Executive Director, she will represent retail jewellers and continue the protection of consumer rights in the British Jewellery industry.  Harriet Kelsall is one of the most respected bespoke jewellery designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She founded her business –

Trade Organisations

It's always useful to know you are not alone in the industry and knowing where to go for specialist support can be a lifeline. We've complied a list of the industry's trade focused organisations, member associations and bodies as a quick reference... Association of Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) ACJ promotes a greater understanding of contemporary Jewellery and supports jewellers’ creative and professional development. acj.org.uk British Allied Trade Federation The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) is a company limited by guarantee which comprises five trade associations. Together these represent approximately 2,500 enterprises from the jewellery, giftware, surface engineering and travel goods and

About Benchpeg

A little bit about our history... 16 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 2022 we published our 700th issue of the Benchpeg newsletter. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the

LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2024

The LOEWE FOUNDATION launches the seventh edition of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize, an international award celebrating excellence in craftsmanship. The LOEWE FOUNDATION seeks to recognize uniquely talented artisans whose artistic vision and will to innovate set new standards for the future of craft. The prize for the winning entry is 50,000 euros. The shortlisted and winning works will feature in the exhibition and accompanying catalogue in Paris in spring 2024. Apply from 6 July to 25 October 2023

Best Actress Olivia Colman wears silver ERA5050 badge

The BAFTAs took place this week and Olivia Colman took the award for Best Actress for her role in  The Favourite . The BAFTAs are recognised for their importance in Britain but are also seen as an indicator for the Oscars which will happen on 25 th  February, later this month and as such garner international press coverage. Olivia Colman wore a specially commissioned silver edition of the Equal Representation for Actresses (ERA5050) badge to the ceremony, clearly seen on the red carpet, an organisation which is closely aligned with the Time’s Up movement. The badge which was designed by

DECIMUS

DECIMUS  - Salon Privé Hosted by The Goldsmiths’ Centre Held in the beautiful Exhibition Rooms, DECIMUS are staging an invitation only Salon Privé on 16th and 17th November 2017 at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell, London. The event is a perfect opportunity for clients to enjoy the Goldsmiths’ Centre, meet a talented group of designers and try on their jewellery in the lead up to Christmas.  All artists will be available to discuss their work, design techniques and background stories. DECIMUS is a collective of 10 award-winning designers, selected for their individuality, unique design and the high quality of their

Genna Design 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition

The award winning jewellery business Genna Design is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. As part of this celebration, the jeweller will be showing its first solo show at which it will showcase the launch of a brand new 3D printed collection. The exhibition will take place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October between 12.00pm -5.00pm. As part of this celebration, the jeweller will be showing her first solo show and will showcase the launch of a brand new 3D printed collection. A feature of the event will allow members of the public to play with 3D design

New Hatton Garden destination 'FORGE' opens

Forge announces the much anticipated opening of it’s brand new creative jewellery hub in the historic Hatton Garden diamond district. Two weeks of events & workshops will follow a launch party on Thursday 9 February. FORGE is a new Hatton Garden destination conceived and designed by award-winning jeweller Amanda Mansell. After five years of planning and overcoming many challenges including crowd funding during a pandemic FORGE finally opens its doors on 9th February with a long awaited launch party followed by two weeks of exciting events celebrating learning, making and buying jewellery, with special guest speakers and instructors. Part funded

Studio Spaces at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury

Studio Spaces at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury Studio to let in the multi-award winning Fisherton Mill, the South of England’s largest independent art gallery & café with 13 onsite studios. It is set within a converted Victorian mill near the centre of Salisbury & is a vibrant & busy location. Fisherton Street is the main walking route to the railway station from the centre of Salisbury & is full of independent shops and businesses. We have a first floor studio available in this unique setting. Studio Details Measures approx. 11m2 Ideal for creative people & arts related businesses as office/showroom/studio. Unique city

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Online Provides Boost for Designer-Makers

So if there’s a hierarchy of how badly affected your sector is, when it comes to Covid 19, it’s safe to say that both the craft sector and events, come pretty high. The Crafts Council’s recent landmark survey ‘Market for Craft’ showed that 84% of makers surveyed cited fairs as their foremost revenue source. With the majority of  fairs cancelled due to the pandemic, the impact on makers has been devastating. Manchester’s award winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) was one such casualty.  The annual GNCCF is one of the top fairs in the UK for makers and a

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Deptford

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Deptford 2 - 3 December 2023 Cockpit is a centre for excellence in craft, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. We are an award-winning social enterprise, home to 160 independent creative businesses in London. Twice a year we open our doors to the public, for the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most celebrated craftspeople in their studios. Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, this is a rare authentic glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear first-hand about their inspiration, process and the often meandering journeys they’ve been

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair - Online GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition 21- 22 November 2020 The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) is  a curated showcase of designer-makers and craft artists, handpicked by an independent panel of craft experts to give you the best in cutting-edge design and beautiful craftsmanship . Great Northern Events, the not for profit company behind the award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair presents GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition  21-22 November 2020. GNCCFonline is an online selling showcase featuring 150 designer-makers selected for their excellence; from jewellery and fashion accessories to functional and statement pieces for the home. Director

Illuminating Silver, Rauni Higson

Rauni Higson - Illuminating Silver Alchemy in the 21st Century Solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, Cardiff 9 September to 29 October 2023 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff Rauni Higson announces her first solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, the Gallery of the Makers’ Guild in Wales, in Cardiff in September 2023. Supported by Arts Council Wales, the exhibition, entitled ‘Illuminating Silver’ will be an insightful glimpse into the process and practice of one of the UK’s leading sculptural silversmiths, Qest scholar and multi-award winning craftswoman. The exhibition will take visitors through the journey of a silversmith, told

Loewe Foundation Craft Prize

Call For Entries 2022 : Loewe Foundation Craft Prize The Loewe Foundation has opened the call for entries to the fifth edition of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, an international award celebrating excellence in craftsmanship. The Loewe Foundation seeks to recognise uniquely talented artisans whose artistic vision, technical skill and determination to innovate will set new standards for the future of craft. The winning works will be featured in an exhibition and accompanying catalogue in Seoul in Spring 2022. Applications are accepted from 20 July 2021 to 25 October 2021. craftprize.loewe.com

Jewellery Studio Space in N1 Hoxton, London

Looking for a Jeweller our workshop in N1 You will be sharing the workshop with two friendly award-winning jewellery designer-makers. The workshop is just off Hoxton street, approximately 400sq feet in size, and offers you a 24hr access. It is located inside a friendly, creative studio complex that you will share with other makers/creative. There is also a private garden available to be accessed by the workshop tenants. Our workshop offers you with: • Bench spaces • Laptop space • Built-in storage and shelving unit • Tools & Machinery (Polishing machine, ultrasonic cleaner, pickle pot, bench drill, etc) • Soldering

Scotland’s annual festival of gold, silver and jewellery is set to sparkle

Elements - Scotland’s only festival celebrating the very best in gold, silver and jewellery – begins tomorrow, bringing a weekend of unparalleled sparkle to Edinburgh.   It will feature a spectacular exhibition of   award-winning work from the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition – being showcased in Scotland for the first time.   There will also be workshops and expert talks.  But the highlight for many will be a selling fair where visitors can meet close to 50 superb makers from all across Scotland and the rest of the UK who will be showing wonderful designer gold, silver

New Designers: winners of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards announced

New Designers, a platform promoting new creative talent from graduates, has announced the 2020 recipients of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards for jewellery and silversmithing. The winners are jeweller Coco Liang from Birmingham City University and silversmith Yitong Shang from the Glasgow School of Art. This year, the competition was held digitally with students encouraged to submit design ideas online. Centred on the theme of ‘community’, competition submissions needed to be ‘highly creative, thought-provoking, and capable of triggering discussion and debate’. Coco Liang’s ‘CONNECT brooch’ was named the winner of the Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Award. Coco commented:  “The brooch was inspired

Lebrusan Studio reveals an increase in searches of over 1,200% for shoppers looking for commitment rings

Award winning ethical jeweller, Lebrusan Studio, has today released figures that show an increase in searches of over 1,200% for shoppers visiting the site looking for commitment rings. The stats, gleaned from a comparison between January to March versus June to August, show that during the three months coming out of lockdown, more lovers were searching for the term ‘commitment ring’ than ever before. During the first quarter of the year, Lebrusan Studio saw 380 searches for this key term, compared with 5,378 in the last three, showing an exponential spike and an undeniable feeling that when all else fails,

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Bloomsbury

Cockpit Open Studios - Winter 2023 - Bloomsbury An Open Studios event from London’s leading makers 23 - 26 November 2023 Cockpit is a centre for excellence in craft, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. We are an award-winning social enterprise, home to 160 independent creative businesses in London. Twice a year we open our doors to the public, for the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most celebrated craftspeople in their studios. Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, this is a rare authentic glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear first-hand about their inspiration, process

Davina Mallinckrodt Appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cockpit Arts

Davina has been confirmed in the role on 8th April 2021, following her appointment as Chair-Elect in December 2020. She succeeds Cornelius Medvei, who has held the post for the past nine years.  Davina joins Cockpit following a year in which the award-winning social enterprise and leading creative business incubator has successfully supported its 150 strong maker community through the pandemic. In addition to the 40 young creative businesses receiving awards and bursary support, in 2020/21 Cockpit has provided substantially reduced rents to its makers at its two hubs, Cockpit Holborn and Cockpit Deptford and successfully pivoted to digital delivery

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator

Marketing & Community Co-ordinator Location: Bovey Tracey, Devon Working hours: 3 Days, 9.30am to 5pm, with potential to increase. Fixed term contract: 12 months, with potential to become permanent Salary: £28,000 pro rata About us Craft Festival is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit craft event organisations with a heritage of over 19 years. We host Craft Festival , a multi-award-winning live event programme, currently in Devon and Gloucestershire. We also run Find a Maker, an online portal, community and business school, host a popular podcast The Capital  of Craft and business startup courses. We champion the finest designer makers

Eni Jewellery launches statement earrings in lead up to Christmas

The award winning 'Eni Jewellery' has launched two new earring designs ahead of Christmas, the 'Chain Earrings' and 'Unpaired Chain' earrings. The long Chain Earrings, made from eco fine silver, are statement piece with a playful movement, whilst the Unpaired Chain Earrings consist of a long chain link earring, and a stud. The mix and match earrings are made from eco fine silver and also offer a fabulous statement for bold accessorising.  Launched in London 2016 by Eleni Koumara, The brand has incorporated an eco friendly philosophy since inception, using eco and recycled silver and recycled promoting materials. The signature

Jewellery Workshop Experience Assistant, The Ringsmiths - London SE1

The role Jewellery Workshop Experience Assistant The Ringsmiths Oxo Tower Wharf and London Bridge, London SE1 ROP £25,000 - £28,000 per annum based on the candidate’s experience and skill level We are Milena Kovanovic and Ros Millar, award winning jewellers and founders of The Ringsmiths jewellery making workshops. While running successful labels of our own for more than 10 years, in 2019 we joined forces to create The Ringsmiths workshop experiences. Our customers can get an insight into the life of a jeweller, whilst being guided through the process of making a beautiful piece of their own jewellery by our

Serpenti Metamorphosis by Refik Anadol

Serpenti Metamorphosis   by Refik Anadol Gallery 3, Saatchi Gallery, London 25th November - 23rd December 2022 Bulgari embarks on a new chapter with award-winning media artist and director Refik Anadol. After last year’s success with their exhibition and digital experience in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, it is London’s chance to celebrate the second chapter of  Serpenti Metamorphosis. From November 25th to December 23rd, Bulgari will present an immersive experience with Refik Anadol’s artwork representing its most famous icon, Serpenti, within the world-renowned Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London, for the first time ever. It will be the

Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery at Dovecot Studios Edinburgh

Dovecot Studios Edinburgh host Dazzle Contemporary Jewellery  22 August - 12 September 2020 Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh is hosting two new exhibitions this August featuring the very best of contemporary jewellery and Scottish textiles, alongside world-famous tapestries and the mid-century designs of Mary Quant, Terence Conran, Laura Ashley, and Eduardo Paolozzi. From Friday 7 August, Dovecot Studios will fully reopen the world-famous tapestry studio to visitors for the first time since lockdown. Visitors have the opportunity to see Dovecot weavers at work on both rugs and tapestries in the award-winning building. Opening Saturday 22 August, Dazzle will present

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cockpit Arts

Call for Applications: Cockpit Arts Chair of the Board of Trustees Cockpit Arts wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees. We invite applications from individuals experienced in governance and with the commitment, qualities and attributes to effectively lead our award-winning social enterprise supporting craft, design and creative enterprise. Home to over 140 independent creative businesses, Cockpit is London’s leading studios for contemporary craft and the UK’s only business incubator for makers. Over 30 years, we have built an international reputation for quality, integrity and artistic excellence. In 2020 we were once again recognised on the NatWest

Craft Focus - Hever Castle and Gardens

Craft in Focus at Hever Castle and Gardens 8 - 11 September 2022 Edenbridge A visit to Hever Castle and Gardens makes a perfect day out. The craft fair is held in marquees within the award-winning Hever Castle Gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds at Hever Castle. Highlights include the Italian Garden, the topiary chess set, the Tudor Garden and the 38 acre lake. The moated Castle dates back to the 13  century and was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Children can enjoy the playground, while visitors of all ages enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the Water

Elements - Festival of Jewellery 2022

Elements: Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold Edinburgh 28 - 30 October 2022 Elements returns for 2022, bringing together forty-six of the UK’s finest Jewellers and Silversmiths for a selling fair, exhibition and series of events at the stunning showroom of Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh. From silver vases glittering with flecks of gold, to colourful, three-dimensional sculptural jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK. For the first time, award-winning work from the prestigious Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition, will be showcased in Scotland at Elements. The

Wallace Chan to feature in new documentary - The Art of Materials

The latest documentary by award-winning director Martina Margaux Cozzi is a visually stimulating portrait of Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary artist Wallace Chan.  ”Although space is infinite, it is insignificant without material. Both time and space are measured by materials. If there’s no material, there is no time. If there’s no material, there’s no space either. It is only because of material, that time and space matter. It is only through growth, ageing and death that we feel the passage of time. It is only through our existence that we learn about space, the physical and spiritual space that we

Bench space available in shared studio London

Bench space available in shared studio London Bench space is available immediately in a lovely, light mews studio in Iliffe Yard, Kennington/Elephant & Castle, in the renowned Pullens Yard. It is ideal for a designer-maker. The bench comes with a 15 drawer Bisley cabinet for storage, bench peg and light. The set up is comprised of 1.5 benches per person, as the bench has the added bonus of a spare bench in between, creating a spacious working environment or for shared use when required (eg. soldering, computer work etc.) The studio was renovated by award winning architects and is well equipped with

Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions

Call for Applications:  The Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions The Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions are offering grants of  £300 – £700  to produce a new piece of work in any artform – visual arts, performance, music, film, photography, dance, digital, literature, craft and more – plus accompanying documentation (such as photographs, film, text or a combination of different media) that must be submitted at the end of the project. Your Commission must take place in Adur or Worthing, and must be completed by the end of January 2022. SWAG Award One additional commission this year will be

Casting Call - Bling

Casting Call: Bling - A New Jewellery Show Twofour , an award winning television production company based in the South West, are in production of a brand new presenter-led TV series Bling! and are looking for people who would like to take part and visit our one-stop jewellery shop; a place where you can not only buy and sell your items, but also get new pieces made and old treasures fixed. British high street jewellers come in all shapes and sizes, as do their customers, from the nervous young man looking for the perfect engagement ring to someone who has inherited

News Edit: 28 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why ‘Slow Jewellery’ Is The Next Big Trend The Times: Nothing beats a piece designed and made by the same jeweller. Wish lists at the ready … www.thetimes.co.uk Coventry school crowned winners of community engagement award In Your Area: The school were praised for their work on inter-faith education and collaboration. www.inyourarea.co.uk A precious jewel of an advent calendar New Post Leader: Imagine opening the window of your advent calendar in the run-up to Christmas and instead of finding a chocolate you find a precious gem. www.newspostleader.co.uk Chester

Corrinne Eira Evans Opens new gallery shop

Award winning jeweller Corrinne Eira Evans and her talented painter partner, Olly Oliver, have opened up a handmade lifestyle gallery shop in the up and coming Victorian Arcade in Okehampton, Devon.  The historic building has become a hive of indie activity in recent months, with other small businesses opening up there.  On entering Moon & Moor you are meet with the soft aroma of handmade soaps, a homely room full of indoor plants, cacti, objects of curiosity, and a wealth of handmade pieces and original art adorning the walls. The pair are also passionate about skill-sharing. As well as a

British Craft Trade Fair 2020 - Online

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) 2020 Online 14 - 15 June 2020 The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) is about to launch its first ever online exhibition featuring thousands of new product launches from hundreds of British designer makers keen to reach retailers as lockdown ends. Registered buyers will be able to log in between 10.00 – 17.00 on June 14 – 15 via the BCTF web portal and the BCTF award winners will be revealed at 17.00 on Sunday June 14. BCTF Online will incorporate live chat between buyers and exhibitors and an enhanced online catalogue featuring video

Crafts Council Launch Hardship Fund

Crafts Council Launch Hardship Fund The Craft Sector Hardship Fund will open at  11am on Wednesday 17 June Apply here The Crafts Council recognise this is an incredibly challenging time for makers and with generous support of  The Radcliffe Trust  they will be awarding 150 makers with a £500 bursary. They will award on a first come first served basis in order to get cash into makers hands as soon as possible. They are therefore relying on your integrity to only apply if you really need this help. Crafts sector hardship grant FAQs: Who is eligible? This grant is open

So Fresh + So Clean 2019

Call for Entries: So Fresh + So Clean 6th Annual Ethical Metalsmiths International Online Student Exhibition and Emerging Artist Award Fresh: Work that’s happening now, challenging how we define the field of metalsmithing and jewelry. Clean: Objectively looking at where our studio practices intersect with environmental concerns and human health. Call For Entry Mission A Letter from 2019 EM Student Jury: We would like So Fresh + So Clean 2019 applicants to deeply consider how their work & studio practice builds on EM Student's dedication to innovative thinking in their approach to the field of jewelry and metalsmithing. It is

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Call for Applications: Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowships for artists/makers and arts in the built environment The Winston Churchill Trust awards travelling fellowships includes an artists and makers award category and is currently open for applications. If you are inspired by the work of overseas designers, have a project in mind to support craft skills or want to work with overseas craft people/designers and have a project in mind to advance practices in the UK design sector, find out more on the Trust’s website. A new category of Churchill Fellowship has been set up to fund travel that will

Cockpit Arts Awards

Call for Applications: Cockpit Arts Awards Cockpit Arts are once again looking for talented makers to join their community. They ahave a variet of Awards open for application, comprising subsidised studio space and business support for one year. The Cockpit Arts Ros Stracey Ceramic Residency Open to a ceramicist who has a strong desire to experiment and take risks with their practice; we are looking for makers who demonstrate originality, innovation, creativity, craft skill and quality in the work and concepts presented. Closing date = noon, October 5 2018 The Cockpit Arts / The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers’ Award **

Jerwood Makers Open 2019 @ The National Centre for Craft & Design

Jerwood Makers Open 5 October 2019 – 19 January 2020 The National Centre for Craft and Design, Lincolnshire Jerwood Makers Open, now in its seventh edition, is a biennial opportunity that recognises and promotes the significance of making and materials within contemporary visual arts. This exhibition showcases new works and installations in textiles, ceramics, wood and metal, by five contemporary artists. The artists were selected from over 300 applications in response to a national call for proposals from UK-based makers and collaborators. The award and exhibition, which will tour to venues throughout the UK, freely allows makers to develop their

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

Scientist-turned-Jewellery Designer wins support of Theo Paphitis & Kew Gardens

After beginning her working life as a lab-scientist, and spending 25 years in the NHS,  Sarah Greening now uses her science background to experiment with the chemistry of glass fusing in a kiln to create jewellery where each piece is completely unique, as are the techniques she uses. In its first year, Sarah's brand, Sarah Greening Glass, was one of the businesses selected for an award by Dragon’s Den Retail Entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis, as part of his initiative which supports small businesses in the UK. Paphitas meets with Sarah and the other winners annually, providing business advice from both himself and

Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter

As part of our lockdown chats series, this week Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter. Its a long one, but worth a listen, as we go through Karin's career, and the skill sets she developed intentionally and unintentionally along the way. Karin is an Independent Consultant, the Strategic Lead for Contemporary British Silversmiths and the Creative Director of ERA5050, a campaign for gender balance on British Stage and Screen. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/O0qcGGd67C0] She’s also a Medway trained Jeweller and Silversmith, with an MA from the Royal College of Art, is an award winning Silversmith in her own right, has

Jewelfund 2019

Call for Appliations: JewelFund 2019 £1000 Grant Available for Jewellers What is JewelFund? Since launching Jewellers Academy membership a year ago I have been so excited to see the progress of the 300 + jewellers that have joined us and committed to growing their businesses to date. There is so much you can do as a small business owner nowadays to but  I do know one of the barriers to growth can be money. This is why I’m so pleased to announce the launch of JewelFund for the second year.’ Jessica Rose. Award-winning founder of the Hatton Garden based London

British Craft Trade Fair to run interactive online show for 2020

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has announced that it will run an online, interactive exhibition for designer-makers who are already signed up for this year’s event. The online show will be open to registered and approved buyers from June 14 – 15 (10.00 – 17.00) via the BCTF website , with this year’s BCTF award-winners being announced on Monday June 14 at 17.00. The next physical edition of BCTF will run as usual at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate from April 11-13. 2021 Show organiser, Margeret Bunn, said: “Like other exhibition organisers, we were forced to cancel this

Jerwood Makers Open 2018

Call for Applications: Jerwood Makers Open Jerwood Makers Open, now in its seventh edition, is a biennial opportunity and seeks to support exceptional skill and imagination in what are traditionally described as the applied arts. JMO has established itself as one of the best regarded opportunities for makers in the craft calendar. The award and exhibition freely allow makers to develop their creative ideas and further their practice independently of specific commissioning structures. The resulting work will be shown in a group exhibition as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space in London next summer, before touring

Herbert Hofmann Prize 2020

The International Craft Fair in Munich, planned from March 11th to 15th, was unfortunately cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, for the 47th time the coveted Herbert Hofmann Prize of the SCHMUCK special show was awarded to three goldsmiths and jewellery designers writes Ilaria Ruggiero. The jury, consisting of Prof. Otto Künzli from Munich, Prof. Jantje Fleischhut from Düsseldorf, Dr. Gert Bruckner from the Danner Foundation Munich and Dr. Sabine Runde from Frankfurt, met virtually on Friday, March 13, 2020 to select the three award winners: Melanie Isverding and Katrin Feulner from Germany and Carla Nuis from the

The Making of a Silver Commission

The Making of a Silver Commission The Clothworkers’ Company hosts Contemporary British Silversmiths London Craft Week 2019 Friday 10 May 2019 In partnership with Contemporary British Silversmiths, the leading association for contemporary silver, The Clothworkers’ Company hosts a day of events, shining a light on the fascinating process of commissioning and making silver.Meet the makers during free demonstrations by award-winning silversmiths Miriam Hanid and Yusuke Yamamoto and learn about their live commissions for The Clothworkers’ Company during our lunchtime lecture. Both silversmiths have recently been commissioned to create major pieces for The Clothworkers’ Company. This one-day event offers visitors a

Allum & Sidaway Dorchester revamp wins customer approval

Award winning local jewellers Allum & Sidaway report a successful refit and festive period. The family run company closed for several weeks last autumn for a full revamp of their Dorchester head office including the expansion of their sales floor.  “We have been looking forward to creating a more luxurious retail destination for sometime now and are delighted to have invested further in our local high street.  We believe the design and features of our revamped store will prove a winning formula and are thrilled to see this has been reflected in a positive uplift of fine jewellery sales over

Cockpit Arts Awards 2019/20

Call for Applications: Cockpit Arts Awards 2019 / 20 Five Awards at Cockpit Arts open for application Cockpit Arts are delighted to announce that there are four Cockpit Arts Awards now open for applications. All Awards comprise business support provided by Cockpit Arts as well as subsidised studio space for one year. The Cockpit Arts / The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers’ Award Open to a craftsperson practicing basket making. Our aim is to welcome a basket maker to Cockpit Arts to grow as an independent maker and business owner. Closing date - noon, 4 October 2019 The Cockpit Arts / Haberdashers’

Appointment: Cockpit Arts appoints Annie Warburton as new CEO

Cockpit Arts had announced the appointment of Annie Warburton as its new CEO.  After five years as Creative Director of the Crafts Council, Annie will join Cockpit in November. “Home to some of the foremost makers and designers in the country, Cockpit Arts is a beacon for making at the heart of the capital. I am thrilled to be joining this award-winning social enterprise with its admirable track record of social impact and business success. With craft in the ascendant but pressures on creative businesses intensifying, its mission has never been more vital. I look forward to working with the

Fire and Facets

Image credit- Left: Ami Pepper, Middle: Max Danger, Right: Shimell and Madden. Gill Wing Gallery presents​ Fire and Facets​, a pioneering collaboration of craftsmanship across the continents. The project has created new jewellery by leading contemporary British designers featuring opals from Australia’s famous Lightning Ridge. The exhibition takes place in Gill Wing’s beautiful gallery in Islington, the leading London destination for contemporary jewellery. Fire and Facets is guest-curated by renowned New York jewellery blogger A Thousand Facets and will reveal limited edition opal inspired fragrances specially composed by award winning perfumer Sarah McCartney, made in London at her indie perfume

Goldflair event announce exhibitor line-up as final tickets go on sale

With just over a month to go until Goldflair, which will take place in Edinburgh’s historic Assembly Rooms on Friday 23 November, the responsible jewellery event has announced the final line-up of six jewellers who will be exhibiting on the night. Six responsible jewellers who are licensees of Fairmined and/or Fairtrade will be displaying and selling their award-winning collections at the event. The jewellers taking part are Anuka Jewellery, April Doubleday, Ian Nicholson, Natalie Perry, Farah Qureshi and Karen Westland. Four responsible gem dealers will also be displaying their traceable collections of gemstones on the night. Hamilton & Inches craftsmen

Start up Workshops - Poplar Works

Call for Applicaitons: Poplar Works Start Up Workshops CFE , in collaboration with award-winning Housing and Regeneration Community Association Poplar HARCA,  are taking on  eight brand new solo and shared studio spaces will become available for emerging SME fashion and fashion tech businesses. CFE  is London’s pioneering fashion and fashion tech business incubator and part of London College of Fashion (LCF), a constituent college of University of the Arts London (UAL). The studios are situated within Poplar Works, an exciting new development in Poplar, East London, located at 384 Abbott Road, London, E14. Currently under construction, completion is expected end of September

Fei Liu Fine Jewellery introduce new silver Magnolia collection at IJL

Award winning brand Fei Liu Fine Jewellery have taken the natural beauty of the cat’s eye gemstone to offer a capsule range, which will be exclusive to their retailer partners. The Magnolia collection is a modern take on the namesake oriental flower. Floral motifs are largely epitomised across the eponymous designer Fei Liu’s jewellery. For this collection Liu sought inspiration from his art background and his love of oriental flowers. One painting that caught his eye was the ‘Almond Blossom’ by Vincent van Gogh. The painting not only uses understated colours and oriental flowers to allure the eyes, but also

Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council Launch the 19/20 'Jewellery Oscars' at IJL 2019

As well as hosting a programme of glittering events at this years' International Jewellery London, the Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council also launched the 2019/20 edition of the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Awards, lovingly dubbed the "Oscars of the Industry".  The annual GC&DC Awards inspire and encourage excellence and skills development among graduates, apprentices, designers and masters working in jewellery, silversmithing and the allied trades. This year is host to some interesting design briefs, centred around Endangered Species, reinventing the Champagne Glass, and Sustainable Jewellery. Previous recipients of the awards were on display, including  last years' Cartier Award winner Tony

Veronika Fabian: The Political Jeweller

Veronika Fabian is not your average jeweller. Born in a colony of artists in small-town Hungary, she originally rejected her creative roots, opting for a career in finance. After studying at the University of Economic Sciences in Budapest, and successfully forging a career in banking, she missed the tactility of art. Now a multi-award-winning contemporary jeweller, her work can be described as “a rebellion against her past”.  There’s not much that escapes the ubiquitous nature of politics, even jewellery. Veronika Fabian attributes her initial aversion from a career in the arts, in part to the post-communist state of her home-country,

Diana Porter Jewellery Celebrates 25 Years

This month award winning jeweller, UK Jewellery Designer of the year 1999, Diana Porter is celebrating her 25 th  year as a designer maker. To mark this special anniversary, she is launching a range of new Sibyls to add to her popular original collection. Diana focused her time at college on inequality within the arts. She researched ancient images of strong women and these stylised women pendants, which she called Sibyls developed from this. Her degree work was about women and empowerment and she designed the Sibyls with words to give the wearer something positive to focus on.  The 21

Call for Applications: Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey 2020

Call for Applications: The Contemporary Craft Festival 2020 12 - 14 June 2020 Bovey Tracey, Devon Applications are open for the multi award-winning Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey. Craft Festival hosts multiple prestigious craft events in South West England and South Wales. Craft Festival Bovey Tracey is our Flagship Festival and is one of the UK’s largest and most loved craft events, hosting 200 diverse and talented makers of contemporary craft selling directly to over 10,000 people. The Festival includes StartUP, a specially curated area for businesses in the early stages of their career. To celebrate our wider European creative community, this

Elisavet Messi- Essential Jewellery focusing on Sustainability

Elisavet Messi, an award-winning jewellery designer, celebrates sustainability with her new ‘fragments’ collection. Despite the fact that her jewellery is defined by simple lines, they carry sculptural values that focus on the material’s properties.  With a minimalistic approach and belief in the purification of craft through good design; She tries to base her work on efficient essentialism; by embracing the truth of the materials used when possible. This approach results in minimal pieces with sculptural values. "It is quite a challenge to create based on simplicity; however it is also quite rewarding, when people focus on the material itself. You

Goldsmiths' Centre Launches New Grant for 'Ambitious Learning Experiences'

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered for 'ambitious learning experiences' as part of the Career Catalyst initiative, offered by the Goldsmiths' Centre, with support from the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and the Radcliffe Trust.  The idea was inspired by former Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, award-winning jeweller and engraver Castro Smith, whose 2018 travels to Japan have informed and enhanced his recent work. In a similar vein, the Career Catalyst Grant is designed to encourage jewellers, silversmiths and others working in the allied industries to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment and develop an innovative approach to their practice. The grant

Craft Festival Cardiff 2019

Craft Festival Cardiff  1 - 3 November 2019 City Hall, Cardiff This will be our 5th year at City Hall, Cardiff and you can meet over 130 of the UK's finest designers makers over two floors, in the heart of Wales' capital city. As well as meeting the makers, there are workshops for all ages, craft demonstrations and the great cafe. 10 Reasons to Visit Craft Festival Cardiff Reason #1 Craft Festival Cardiff is Wales’s largest Contemporary Craft Festival presenting over 140 of the finest, award-winning makers from all over Wales and the UK. Shop for ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture,

VIA Arts Prize 2019

Call for Applications: VIA Arts Prize 2019 The VIA Arts Prize, the UK’s only Ibero-American themed arts award has launched its 2019 Call For Entries, celebrating its fifth year. The VIA Art’s Prize’s mission is to deepen cultural awareness of Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese arts and cultures in the UK. UK-based artists of any nationality are invited to submit an original artwork specifically inspired by Ibero-American arts and culture. Through this specific brief, those behind the prize seek to promote the significant global and historical reach of Ibero-American art and culture, both past and present, and encourage intercultural exchange. 

‘Masterpiece’ Stolen From Master Silversmith

Wayne Meeten has described himself as “totally devastated” at the loss of his prize winning Mokume Gane silverware piece. The piece, a solid silver truffles container, was stolen from his workshop and was stored in a 9” wooden box at the time. The inspiration for the piece came on a trip to the Grand Canyon, which formed the basis of the silverware vessel design. It went on to win the Grand Prize Saul Bell International Craft Award 2011. Tessa Murdoch, Acting Keeper Department of Sculpture Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass at the V&A called the work a “Masterpiece”. The piece of

An ode to Sophie Harley's new characterful collections

The first time I saw a piece of Sophie Harley jewellery in person, I was captivated. The award-winning, British designer creates the kind of jewellery most of us dreamt of as young girls.  The kind of jewellery that once adorned our Barbie doll’s necks, formed stiffly from bulky plastic, heavily featuring swirls and love hearts, now cast into precious metals and set with sharply cut, radiant gemstones. Analise necklace and Venitian Wing & Amethyst Heart Drop earrings from the Brilliana Collection The Sophie Harley brand is striking; it remains true to itself whilst other brands may opt to lean towards

Salisbury Christmas Market 2018

Salisbury Christmas Market 2018 Call for Applications: Salisbury Christmas Market Bookings are being taken for the 2018 Salisbury Christmas Market event taking place Salisbury Guildhall Square from 29 November until 23rd December 2018. More details online . Salisbury Christmas Market transforms the heart of this beautiful medieval Cathedral city into a winter-wonderland with its authentic German market-style Chalets and festive events. Proudly returning to the historic Guildhall Square for the 7th year, the Salisbury Christmas Market 2018 will see the return of many award-winning exhibitors and products, plus an exciting calendar or festive events throughout the city. We are currently taking bookings for

Isabella Liu showcases new collection 'The Butterfly Lovers' at t IJL 2019

Following the very successful launch of Isabella Liu’s new nature inspired collection, The Butterfly Lovers at the CMJ summer event, the award-winning International jewellery designer and artist will be unveiling new additional pieces at IJL 2019. The collection which pays homage to the beauty of Nature, draws on the classic Chinese legend of two lovers, Liang Shanbo (梁山伯) and Zhu Yingtai (祝英台), the Chinese Romeo and Juliet. In this the tale ‘The lovers’ spirits, in the form of a pair of butterflies, fly away together, never to be separated again’. This epic story has inspired musicians, artists and performers. Isabella

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2018 Now in its 11th year, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is the North’s largest and most established annual celebration of contemporary craft. Set in a Grade 2 Victorian market building in the heart of Manchester on Deansgate, this award-winning event hosts over 150 of the UK’s finest designer-makers and craft artists.  All exhibitors taking part have been specially selected for their excellence, with jewellery, interior and fashion textiles, ceramics, glass, furniture, print and more on show. Meet and talk to the makers and discover the inspiration and stories behind their work. This is

Turquoise Mountain Announce New Collaboration with Sima Vaziry

Turquoise Mountain was established in 2006 at the behest of HRH the Prince of Wales and they now work in Afghanistan, Myanmar and the Middle East. Turquoise Mountain, a British not-for-profit organization, aims to support traditional Afghan craft by connecting artisan businesses with designers and retailers across the globe. This latest collaboration unites Sima Vaziry, an award-winning jewellery designer and maker based in London, with Afghan jewellery businesses based in Kabul. Afghanistan’s population is made up of several ethnic groups or tribes. Despite these tribes collectively residing in the region for hundreds of years they each have their own distinctive

Jewellery Designers meet Queen at London Fashion Week

This week Her Majesty The Queen visited London Fashion Week to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. While at the event the Queen also met a number of jewellery designers who were exhibiting as part of the Designer Showrooms. Her Majesty was greeted upon arrival at London Fashion Week by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. The Queen toured the Designer Showrooms to view the collections and met Rock Vault jewellery designers  Completedworks ,  DAOU ,  Frances Wadsworth Jones ,  Lily Kamper ,  Rachel Boston ,  Shimell and Madden  and Headonism designers

Could 2018 mark new crypto era for UK jewellers?

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

Gang of thieves raid Cotswold Arts and Craft Museum

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

Match Funded Places at Cockpit Arts

Match Funded Studio Opportunities at Cockpit Arts Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople, housing up to 170 small businesses at our two centres in central and south London. We support craft practitioners at the start of their careers, as well as those who are more established, to grow and build successful and thriving businesses both in the UK and internationally. Studios Available We’ve got two opportunities for talented makers to join our Cockpit Arts community on match-funded places comprising studio space and support for one year. The Cockpit Arts /

Varoshe to open showroom in Kent - from handcuffs to handmade!

The handcuffs are off at a former police office in West Malling in Kent as bespoke jewellers Varoshe prepare for the grand opening of their flagship store following more than a year of restoration and restyling. Award-wining team Paul T Owens and Clare Carlson, who between them have 50 years experience of designing and making jewellery, will roll out their brand new showroom on April 21st with their own custom made designs proudly exhibited and their on site workshop ready for new commissions. They will also stock items from various designers, both established and emerging, showcasing the best in British

Angela Georgiou gets new branding with Clout

Shropshire based bespoke luxury jeweller, Angela Georgiou has had a complete brand refresh courtesy of global branding experts, which has successfully strengthened the positioning and identity of the jewellery brand. The jewellery designer who uses inspiration from her Greek Cypriot heritage, re-imagines found and personal antiquities, turning them into unconventional, contemporary pieces for a UK and international client base. Award winning Clout Branding were appointed towards the end of 2017 by the jeweller to help create a more distinct positioning and brand identity within the luxury sector. The new identity, which is focused around the idea of ‘The past re-imagined’

16th Alloy Graduate Showcase - Herefordshire

Alloy Jewellers will present the 16th Alloy Graduate Showcase taking place at The Courtyard, Hereford opening on 12th May until 30th June 2017. The exhibition will be open at the Courtyard until the 30th June 2017 and features jewellery from this year’s Alloy Graduate Award Winners; Rachael Harman and Marcella Andersen They will be joined by past winners Rose Grant, Elizabeth Terzza, Amelia Strong, Melissa Morgan, and Annie Mackay Alloy is a Herefordshire based group of jewellers, small metal workers and silversmiths at different stages of their careers. Formed by Mike Gell in 1993, the aim of the group is to

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Symposium

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Symposium This Symposium is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. Speakers Speakers will include award winning British Fairtrade ethical jeweller and environmental activist, Greg Valerio MBE; jeweller Ute Decker; researcher Dr Peter Oakley; founder of the Precious Metals Workshop, Ian Nicholson; and Jane Barnett and Theodora Panayides of consultancy and social venture, Levin Sources.  Speakers will discuss the importance of implementing an ethical approach and how to face the challenges

Angela Gillies Sees Winning Design Hallmarked In London

Currently  studying Jewellery and Metal Design at the University of Dundee  Angela Gillies, winner of  the 2017 Ingle & Rhode Fairtrade Gold Design Award has had her winning piece hallmarked by the London Assay Office. Angela’s winning piece entitled ‘Nestled’ has been cast and was taken to the London Assay Office to be hallmarked and stamped with the Fairtrade mark last week. Made in Fairtrade 18ct white gold and set with a 0.5ct round brilliant cut Canadian diamond, Angela’s ring is designed to allow a wedding ring to tuck in underneath the feather, so that the two rings will sit

International Pearl Design Competition Eighth Edition: 2017-2018

International Pearl Design Competition Eighth Edition: 2017-2018 Pearl is the artist’s muse; jewellery brings forth the fullest and highest expression. Officially launched during the JCK show, Las Vegas, the contest will run through September 21, 2017. Winners will be announced on November 2, 2017. Winning entries will be on display during the AGTA and JCK shows in 2018. Celebrating one of the worlds' most prized and mysterious gems, this contest invites artistic expression inclusive of all pearl varieties. Whether you are a seasoned artist, award winner, or beginner you are welcome and your design aesthetic is needed. All entries have

Appointments: Simon Forrester appointed new NAJ CEO

Association Chief Executive Simon Forrester has been confirmed as the new CEO for the National Association of Jewellers. Simon is a successful trade association leader, with over 22 years’ experience in strategic-level association management. Extremely well regarded by his peers, Simon has previously won the award of Trade Association Chief Executive of the Year in 2016 and his most recent association, The British Pest Control Association, has received several awards and nominations under his leadership. He has a track record of delivering increased member benefits, training courses, governance reviews, best practice and a substantial code of conduct linked to purchaser

Top female metalsmiths team up for UK campaign

Some of the UK's most distinguished female metalsmiths are set to launch a new campaign to promote the craft in Britain by exhibiting as a collective at the inaugural TRESOR Contemporary Craft in Basel, Switzerland next month. In a pioneering move, the group of award-winning internationally acclaimed artists, including Simone ten Hompel, Rebecca de Quin, Ane Christensen, Adi Toch and Juliette Bigley, will collaborate with a range of individual pieces and a specially made film which focuses on each artist and the craft.  “We’ve worked beside and with each other, shared workshops and taught each other so it is particularly

Fei Liu Fine Jewellery Launch New Bridal Collection

Displayed in a luxurious black wooden box, against the hues of wine, the  Fei  Liu Fine Jewellery bridal rings glisten. Couples can cherish the new chapter with the men’s and ladies edition of the award-winning designer rings. Best known for their signature Cascade Collection, the Designer of the Year 2016 has translated the flowy floral lines through to their bridal rings. The exclusivity of the bridal collection has been limited to the carefully chosen top ten retailers.   The bestselling collections will be available in a variety of precious metals for that perfect ring. Each collection’s design is distinctively unique

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants 2018

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants Grants of £2,000-£7,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan to promote and support interaction between the two countries. In order to fund as many applications as we possibly can, given our limited budget, we typically award £3,000 to successful Small Grant applications. Our funding rarely covers an application’s budget in full, but is meant to be a “contribution” to the proposed project. What kind of project is eligible? Daiwa Foundation Small Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and grassroots exchanges, research travel, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions, and

Learn Hand Engraving in London - Evening Class

Learn Hand Engraving in London Autumn Programme These popular courses are back and the Hand Engravers Association is delighted to announce its autumn programme. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, class sizes are kept to just eight students. Upcoming Dates: Three Day Intensive Courses: Dates: 9-11 September 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Dates: 4-6 November 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Venue St Lukes Community Centre, 90 Central St, London EC1V

Learn Hand Engraving in London - Three Day Intensive Course

Learn Hand Engraving in London Autumn Programme These popular courses are back and the Hand Engravers Association is delighted to announce its autumn programme. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, class sizes are kept to just eight students. Upcoming Dates: Three Day Intensive Courses: Dates: 9-11 September 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Dates: 4-6 November 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Venue St Lukes Community Centre, 90 Central St, London EC1V

Makers working with Glass in Jewellery

Call for Submissions: Makers working with Glass in Jewellery We are looking for jewellers or glassmakers interested in submitting images of their work and process for upcoming publication about Glass Jewellery. The book will written by Mirka Janeckova and published by Crowood Press, UK. Expected date of publishing will be early 2019. Book will be distributed internationally. About the Author Mirka Janeckova is  an award winning contemporary jewellery maker based in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. She graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2013 and from Royal College of Art, London in 2016. Her practice is based on interdisciplinary research –

Learn Hand Engraving in London - Three Day Intensive Course

Learn Hand Engraving in London Autumn Programme These popular courses are back and the Hand Engravers Association is delighted to announce its autumn programme. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, class sizes are kept to just eight students. Upcoming Dates: Three Day Intensive Courses: Dates: 9-11 September 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Dates: 4-6 November 2017 Times: 10am-6pm Venue St Lukes Community Centre, 90 Central St, London EC1V

EU Prize for Women Innovators

Call for Entries: EU Prize for Women Innovators The European Commission has launched the fifth edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators to award women entrepreneurs who have achieved outstanding innovations and brought them to market. Apply by 15 November 2017 and follow us on #WIPrizeEU. Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said:  "The EU Prize for Women Innovators gives public recognition to outstanding women entrepreneurs and inspires other women to follow in their footsteps" [youtube url=http://youtu.be/dI7Edk3WzLw] Prizes Four cash prizes will be awarded to the most innovative women entrepreneurs: First Prize: €100 000 Second

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

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

Alex Monroe launches new Jewellery School

One of Britain's best known jewellery designers Alex Monroe has launched a jewellery school in his recently completed award-winning studio in Bermondsey in London where he will take the lead in passing on his techniques and passion in a series of themed tutorials. After months of planning and preparation, the ‘Alex Monroe Jewellery School’ will open this month, launching with a theme special to Monroe. It has been 10 years since he launched his iconic and much admired Bumblebee necklace and finally he will let his first 10 Jewellery School customers  into his secret as to how it came about,

Natalie Perry secures La Maison Couture as new stockist

Ethical jewellery designer, Natalie Perry has partnered with La Maison Couture, which will see the designer enter the luxury online retail sector. The e-commerce boutique will stock 12 pieces from the contemporary Fairtrade Gold Floral Fragments collection, which includes Natalie’s signature filigree ear jackets, earrings, layering necklaces, bracelets and rings. Founder and curator of La Maison Couture, Tania McNab said of their partnership: “We are thrilled to launch a selection of exquisite fine jewellery pieces from award winning designer Natalie Perry, in our responsible jewellery edit at La Maison Couture. Hand made in the UK using ethically sourced 18ct Fairtrade

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosts sell out ‘In Conversation’ with Cartier event

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosted its first ‘In Conversation’ event of 2018, a special evening led by jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy, in conversation with Cartier, the world’s highly esteemed and respected jewellery Maison. The evening provided a unique opportunity to hear from Neil Battes and Vincenzo Marsico working with Cartier in London about their world and work, and the GC&DC’s prized Jacques Cartier Memorial Award. With questions presented by Joanna Hardy, the conversation took a vibrant behind-the-scenes journey through Cartier’s prestigious design studio, workshops and retailing experience - the exemplar for quality and excellence in craftsmanship - to

Learn Hand Engraving with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving with The Hand Engravers Association The Hand Engravers Association has been running these popular courses for many years and is delighted to announce its first course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre this autumn. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, the class size is kept to just eight students and run over six evenings so students have time to practice and

Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant, E.C One the Jewellers (4 Days a week) 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 Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant to join our happy team. The Role The ideal candidate will work closely with our Website Manager to create engaging content for the company's social media presence. This

Joanna Hardy Launches The World’s First Online Jewellery School

Acclaimed global jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy has launched her own online jewellery school at Masterpiece this year. The school features an interactive online classroom where you get personal advice from Joanna and is powered by award winning internet company, www.learningwithexperts.com Joanna explained, “My intention is to create a world class online jewellery school, where enthusiastic amateurs or professionals can be introduced to the world of jewellery. I’m expecting people ranging from interested hobbyists, career changers, professionals wanting to improve their knowledge – right through to members of the boutique high-end jewellery trade. Through my course I can teach you wherever

Jerwood Makers Open

Following a national call which elicited 271 submissions, Sam Bakewell, Juli Bolaños-Durman, Jessica Harrison, Marcin Rusak and Laura Youngson Coll have been selected for Jerwood Makers Open 2017, a unique commissioning opportunity recognising the most exciting new talents in contemporary applied arts. Each artist will receive an award of £7,500 to realise and make new work. The resulting work will be shown in a group exhibition as part of the Jerwood Visual Arts programme at Jerwood Space in London from 28 June –27 August 2017, before touring nationally. Jerwood Makers Open is a biennial opportunity encouraging ambitious and/or radical proposals

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

Make Your Mark Awards 2017

Applications are now open for the second Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office’s Make Your Mark Awards, which invites students and young designers to design a piece of jewellery or silverware that celebrates the London hallmark, the iconic Leopard’s Head. There are two Award categories to enter – Jewellery and Silversmithing – and the competition is open to current students, apprentices and recently graduated designers (within the last five years) of precious metal-related jewellery and silversmithing courses.  The aim of the Awards To challenge today’s students working in precious metal both technically and artistically  To educate today’s students on UK hallmarking and

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

Weston Beamor team earns full set of Fairtrade certificates

Weston Beamor have started 2018 with a flurry of activity with the entire customer service division earning their Fairtrade Gold Sales Ambassador Certificates of Accreditation. Training for the certificates was prompted firstly by their award recently ‘Ethical Jewellery Business of the Year’ and also by the increasing curiosity among customers for a jewel's back story such as material origins and the supplier's trading practices. So each member of the 12-strong customer facing team took to their computers and completed the Fairtrade Foundation’s online ‘Fairtrade Gold Sales Ambassador Certificate of Accreditation’ courses. It means the team is familiar with how the

Adi Toch Finalist for The LOEWE Craft Prize 2017

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

Cad / Design Intern, Pruden and Smith Ltd - Ditchling, East Sussex

The Role CAD / Design Intern  Pruden and Smith Ltd Ditchling, East Sussex (Nr Brighton) Paid 6 month Internship potential for ongoing employment We are looking for a Jewellery Designer to work 5 days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) in the village of Ditchling near Brighton. This is an exciting chance to be a part of a fast growing and award winning jewellery business.  About the Job Daily tasks will include: In CAD: Modelling existing designs for the digital design library. In CAD: Modelling and costing existing designs with clients variations after or during client appointments. Conducting client consultations and

Philip Kydd Apprentice wins Gold at Jewellery Oscars

James  Kydd , silversmithing apprentice under his master (and  father) Philip  Kydd , recently had a very  successful evening at the Goldsmiths ’  Craft and Design Council Awards  – the  ‘ Oscars ’  for the jewellery and  silversmithing trades. The ceremony was held in the pre stigious  and beautiful surroundings of Goldsmiths ’  Hall in London.  James won the  Gold Award  in the Junior Craft category ;  the  Gold Award  in the Junior section of the  Polishing category; the  Bronze  Award for  Setting; and the  Special Award  (presented for the first time this  year) for  ‘A n appropriate design that

The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

The GNCCF celebrates its 10th anniversary from 12 - 15 October 2017. Applications are now open for this leading award-winning show in the North from UK and international designer-makers working across all craft disciplines including ceramics, glass, jewellery, fashion design, textiles, leather, metal, mixed media, print-making, furniture, wood and sculpture etc. 150 exhibitors will be selected by an independent panel of craft experts. Subsidised stands for new makers in business less than 3 years and shared stands available. How to Apply Apply on line at www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk

MOSTYN Open 20

The call for submissions for the 20th anniversary edition of the MOSTYN Open contemporary art exhibition, to be shown from July 2017. Since its inception in 1989, the MOSTYN Open has nurtured and presented the talent of established and emergent contemporary artists internationally. The exhibition of selected works takes place at MOSTYN, with a cash prize of £10,000 awarded to a single artist or collective. In addition, the 'Audience Award' grants a cash prize of £1,000 to those who receive the most votes from visitors during the exhibition. MOSTYN Open 20 is open to artists working in any medium. There

Call for Applications: Artists in Schools Residencies

Applications are now invited for Cove Park's 2017 Artists in Schools residency project. Cove Park will award two funded residencies, of two weeks each, to individual artists working in any medium with experience and/or a desire to extend their practice into education.  Artists working in Visual Arts, Craft & Design, Literature, Performance, Film etc. are welcome to apply.  The Artists in Schools residencies are part of our wider public engagement programme called  Hands-On Cove Park .  They will take place concurrently during May 2017. Artists on residency are given the time, space and financial support to concentrate upon the development of their work. 

Hockley Mint Welcomes Peruvian Fairtrade Gold Miners to Birmingham

Award winning fine jewellery and bridal jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint welcomed Peruvian Fairtrade gold miners to it's factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter earlier this month, producing a video of the visit that it will use to promote Fairtrade gold on its website and across social media platforms. Peruvian Fairtrade gold campaigner Dajhanna Zarate, who is the daughter of a gold miner in Sotrami, was accompanied by Macdesa miner Roger Arcos Ponte on the visit to Birmingham. The two guests were in the UK as part of a wider Fairtrade gold campaign with the Fairtrade Foundation, and were invited to Hockley Mint

Beau Han Xu launches with a SPLASH!

Beau Han Xu, London is a new, innovative and luxurious lifestyle collection created by the award-winning jewellery designer and artist Beau Han Xu. His works include SPLASH! - The Beau Han Xu Diamond Couture Jewellery Collection. Inspired by Nature and the Ethereal, Beau is driven by the desire to freeze frame inspirational moments in time in his creations: a raindrop’s splash and the subtleties of light playing on light. Beau Han Xu is a graduate of the Royal College of Art, where he specialised in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery (GSM&J). In 2015 Beau showcased his SPLASH! Diamond Couture Jewellery

Rosie Fortescue Speaks to Benchpeg about Launch of 3rd Jewellery Collection

Rosie Fortescue Speaks to Benchpeg about Launch of 3 rd  Jewellery Collection Made in Chelsea’s fashion and style blogger Rosie Fortescue will be launching her third fashion forward jewellery collection at this week’s Scoop trade show. The BAFTA award winning reality TV personality is also an acclaimed fashion blogger and style writer in her own right, with her website At Fashion Forte being a destination spot, where she highlights current trends, her top picks and shows off her own inimitable look. The super trendy Rosie is now combining TV appearances and fashion writing with becoming a jewellery designer, having launched [youtube

Alexis Dove Re-Locates to Lewes High Street

Award winning jewellery designer Alexis Dove proudly launched her newly located store this week, on Lewes High Street, East Sussex. Having moved from a quaint boutique and studio in The Needlemakers, the new location opened its doors to VIP guests, press and longstanding customers for a festive night of fun and celebration. An invite only event, the party was attended by over 125 guests, who enjoyed a selection of delicious wines donated by long time customer, British TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith. Championing her passion for all things eco after a trip to two Fairtrade accredited gold mines

Small Awards

The Small Awards are a new awards body dedicated to celebrating small businesses across the UK. With 5.5 million small businesses in the UK, there are huge numbers of small businesses doing great things that may not be recognised by awards due to geography, scale or even awareness of the benefits such awards can bring. The Small Awards will change that! All applications will receive feedback with all shortlisted businesses receiving free national PR and an invite to the fabulous awards ceremony. The Awards are: High Street Hero Best high street business Bricks and Clicks Award Best multi-channel small business

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants 2017

Grants of £2,000-£7,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan to promote and support interaction between the two countries. In order to fund as many applications as we possibly can, given our limited budget, we typically award £3,000 to successful Small Grant applications. Our funding rarely covers an application’s budget in full, but is meant to be a “contribution” to the proposed project. What kind of project is eligible? Daiwa Foundation Small Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and grassroots exchanges, research travel, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions, and other projects and events

The Hidden Garden Collection by Sarah Ho

Multi award-winning Sarah Ho, has reported a successful show at Vicenzaoro in January. She showcased her next into the realm of high jewellery in The Design Room, a new concept area for the show featuring 12 international jewellery designers and was a destination for press and retailers alike. “The show was very successful for us. We met international retailers from a number of countries including Japan, Russia, and Mainland Europe, opening new international accounts at the show. The Hidden Garden masterpieces were admired and revered by both retailers and the press alike and we have a number of positive avenues

Winners Announced: Amberif Design Awards 2017

This year's winners of the Amberif Design Award have been announced. The competition's theme for the year was 'Periphery', a brief chosen to send entrants to take a closer look at the zone between set and free. An overwhelming number of 124 international artists from 25 countries travelled to this undefined area and explored its options and limits. By sending in a design or photo, they presented to the competition's jury their inspiration, road map or point of view. To dig a little deeper into the thematic theemes of the brief questions arose from entrant's submissions: What can happen when

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

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Launch 2017 Competition

The Goldsmiths ’ Craft & Design Council will return to exhibit at International Jewellery London from 4 - 6 September with a new stand and new location of T50, on the mezzanine and perfectly situated by this year’s designer jewellers . As always , GC&DC’s presence at IJL marks the launch of the Council ’ s annual competition, which has helped and encouraged many careers in the jewellery and silversmithing profession. Its welcoming new stand at T50 will provide details of the 2017 competition and features work from a number of 2016 award winners. Members of the Council, including Chairman

Hidden, RCA

The RCA’s technical staff have a wealth of skills knowledge as staff and students know well – from an award-winning photographer, to Lady Gaga’s shoe designer. To the outside world, these remarkable talents are hidden away.  Hidden  celebrates some of their most innovative creative work. The week-long exhibition will showcase work by over 40 technicians across the College, including an exciting mix of jewellery and textile design, painting and sculptures, as well as handmade bespoke cars and interactive virtual realities. Hidden  will showcase many well-known designers and artists including Natacha Marro, a world-renowned shoe designer. Celebrated for wild and visually

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Holborn

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

Call for Applications: Loewe Craft Prize

Loewe has launched a new award celebrating excellence in craftsmanship, the Loewe Craft Prize. Sponsored by the Loewe Foundation, the Craft Prize expands the commitment of the Spanish house to preserving unique savoir-faire. The Loewe Craft Prize aims to recognize the values that bridge craftsmanship and contemporary culture in every discipline. The prize will be given to outstanding works of craftsmanship that pair an original artistic concept with a modern application of traditional methods. The prize also pays tribute to precise execution, respect for materials and the functional and aesthetic value of the work. “Craftsmanship has immense importance for me

Christmas Open Studios 2016, Cockpit Arts - Deptford

Join Cockpit Arts in their 30th Anniversary year and meet 170 makers over two centres in central and south London. Visitors can see behind the scenes in the studios and buy work direct from Cockpit Arts’ master craftspeople and artist-makers, past and present. Ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists, shoemakers … and a host of other crafts· Featured showcase selection by Jo Newton, Head of Buying for Fashion Beauty and Home, Fortnum & Mason Delicious food by Hand Made Food café The Holborn Magazine pop-up shop Cockpit Arts is an award winning social enterprise and the UK’s only business incubator for craftspeople,

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

CityMade.UK, Shoreditch, London

CityMade.UK, a group of five award-winning designer-makers, present an antidote to mass market products at their upcoming show at the Society of Designer Craftsmen Gallery in Shoreditch. Marshall Colman (ceramics), Euan Cunningham (graphics), Adam Hussain (glass), Tori McLean (textiles) and Jessica Noble (jewellery) bring craft skills to contemporary design, creating high quality, unique objects. Colour features strongly in this show, which references a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. Marshall Colman   Euan Cunningham Adam Hussain   Tori McLean     Jessica Noble   They are all members of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, which has been promoting high quality workmanship for over

Mappin & Webb Launch Beau Han Xu Glasswear Collection

Mappin & Webb has announced a collaboration with award winning RCA graduate designer and artist Beau Han Xu. Drawing on nature and the ethereal, the London based designer captures and preserves inspirational moments in his creations, particularly the split second of beauty as a raindrop bursts with a splash. Continuing a silver and glassware tradition spanning more than 240 years, Mappin & Webb continues pioneering innovation with this latest, exclusive product collaboration. The Collection An exquisite collection of twelve elegant glass shapes has been created, including Red, White, Rosé, Martini, Cocktail, Whiskey, Cognac, Shot Glass and, of course, Champagne, with

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This Symposium on Ethical Making is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. The day will be animated by a fantastic panel of speakers, including Greg Valerio MBE,  award winning British fair trade ethical jeweller and environmental activist; jeweller Ute Decker; silversmith Karen Westland; Tim Ingle of ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode; researcher Dr Peter Oakley

Jeremy France rolls out the red carpet for Fei Liu

On Friday 21st October, Jeremy France Jewellers welcomed British Jewellery Designer of the Year, Fei Liu, to showcase his entire collection of award winning designs - officially launching his recent addition to the family jeweller’s exclusive brand list.  Guests were greeted with champagne and invited into the three-storey luxury showroom by a grand red carpet entrance; what else could one expect from a VIP ‘Meet the Designer’ soirée?! Situated at the very heart of Winchester High Street, there were whispers from passing shoppers that perhaps Royalty was inside! Fei was on hand all evening to introduce his collections, giving Jeremy’s

Chinese Designer RUI XU Makes A Stand For Wildlife

Following on from her successful exhibition Beauty On Fire – For Zaha at the Zaha Hadid Gallery (in memory of her friend and muse – the late, great Dame Zaha Hadid), Rui Xu is firmly cementing her position as a leading designer in the UK. Rui Xu is an award-winning Chinese fashion designer and contemporary artist whose works bridge fashion, painting, music and performance, blurring the boundaries of culture and aesthetics.  She was the Director of Fashion at China Central Academy of Fine Arts Beijing (CAFA), and now lectures at the university as an Associate Professor. After a year of

Peruvian gold miner joins Hertfordshire jewellery designer to thank Fairtrade supporters

On Friday 7th October, Hertfordshire-based bespoke jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall played host to a Peruvian gold miner who is in the UK to highlight how Fairtrade has boosted his community and saved lives. Roger Arcos Ponte, from Macdesa mine, told an audience of customers, local school children and people interested in ethics about the difference Fairtrade production standards have delivered for his fellow miners and their families. Multi-award winning designer Harriet said: “Welcoming Roger here today for our Fairtrade Festival is one of the proudest moments of my life. It has been amazing to hear personal accounts of how the

UK's largest Creative Freelancer Survey

Creative UK has  launched its UK wide survey into freelancing, as part of the Redesigning Freelancing initiative. The survey, open to creative organisations as well as freelancers, will help provide evidence on working conditions that will help to spearhead industry-wide change. The initiative, delivered in partnership with nine Combined Authorities, aims to reach creative communities across the UK and highlight the challenges that freelancers face locally and nationally. The survey is open until 9 January 2023. www.surveymonkey.co.uk www.wearecreative.uk

Seeking Bench Jeweller Apprenticeship

I am looking to start an Apprenticeship as a Bench Jeweller  My name is Ollie am 17 and live in Oxfordshire but could relocate if needed. I have been making jewellery for 3 years now but am mostly self taught. I would like to get into the industry and I think an apprenticeship would be the best way of starting. Please contact me if you might be looking for an apprentice, as I would be very interested. Ollie Ball maniacalkitty42@gmail.com

Hallmarking Figures - June 2020

The latest hallmarking figures have been released by Birmingham Assay Office. Birmingham Assay Office have released the June 2020 hallmarking figures for all four UK offices Birmingham, London, Sheffield and Edinburgh, for June 2020 vs June 2019.  The figures, which are widely regarded as a litmus test for the health of the industry, unsuprisingly show the impact of coronavirus. Figures courtesy of Birmingham Assay Office Author:  Published: 

Meet the (IPG) Masters at IJL

Meet the Masters The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths at IJL 2018 The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths [IPG] proudly presents Meet the Masters, a series of demonstrations by Fellows of the institute. These master craftspeople will be displaying their skills and taking questions from visitors at the IPG stand, E149, at International Jewellery London. This is a  fantastic opportunity to meet some of the most highly skilled and experienced veterans in our industry. Come and see them  at work, find out more about the Institute and perhaps become a member yourself. The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) is an organisation that

British Academy of Jewellery to Celebrate Young Talented Designers

The annual graduation ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of the students from the British Academy of Jewellery, will be held at The Royal Institution on Friday, 1 st  December. Situated in an idyllic Mayfair location The Royal Institution is steeped in history, boasting a variety of stunning ceremony and reception rooms. The event is anticipated to be a great celebration of fresh talent emerging into the industry of jewellery design and manufacturing. This year’s graduation will include an exciting VIP guest panel, answering the questions of the Academy’s students and inspiring them in their futures as they leave the Academy. This

Avoid a Faux-Pas: Spotting a Fake Rolex

With the rate technology is improving, it’ s becoming easier and easier for the manufacturers of fake Rolex watches to copy the timepieces we all know and love. With the millions poured into research and development by the genuine manufacturers, the increasing ability to copy products with alarming  accuracy is taking a greater toll on the industry. With that in mind, we look at five ways to help you steer clear of fake watches. But be warned! With fakers even duplicating the very machinery the watchmakers use to make their watches with, the days of  easily spotting fakes are long

Dendritic Beauty: Still Life In A Stone

As autumn steps up a gear, nature explodes into a fiery mass of natural beauty with not only a sea of leaves amongst our feet but leaves falling into the trends cupboards of the design industry. Welcome to the world of dendritic stone. Within gemmology, agate is an umbrella term for a variety of banded Chalcedony; a mineral belonging to the Quartz family. Whilst not strictly classified as an agate as it is not banded, dendritic agate, also known as tree agate is itself a quartz, displaying a opaque and milky finish. Comparatively, dendritic quartz displays more of a shimmery

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Workshop

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Workshop This in-depth workshop is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery, Greg Valerio MBE and Ute Decker, and is about sustainability and ethical awareness in the jewellery industry. It is aimed at those involved in the designing, making and selling of jewellery as well as students and teachers of jewellery and follows from the Symposium on March 28. There is no required knowledge base for this course; complete beginners, students and professional jewellers will benefit from the material covered. The workshop will provide information and tools

Appointment: David Beckham Appointed Ambassadorial President, British Fashion Council

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Beckham OBE, in a newly created role of Ambassadorial President. The global role will have an initial two-year tenure and will support the organisation in its goal to build networks and partnerships in the United States and Asia. David will partner closely with the BFC team to help the BFC boost support for the British fashion industry on a global scale – raising the profile of emerging British fashion talent with the global investment and media communities alike. Taking on this new role is an incredibly proud

Appointment: Stephanie Phair Made New Chair of British Fashion Council

The British Fashion Council Board have announced that the new Chair of the organisation will be Stephanie Phair.  The role will be formalised at the 5th July 2018 Board meeting with key meetings commencing as early as June. The tenure is for an initial three years, with the option to renew. Stephanie is the Chief Strategy Officer for Farfetch, the global tech platform for the luxury fashion industry, a position she has held since November 2016 and will remain in. The role of Chair will focus on Governance, ensuring the organisation is able to lead the sector in a changing

Giftag - ‘Made in Britain’ Home and Gift Fair 2017

Giftag - ‘Made in Britain’ Home and Gift Fair A brand-new home and gift fair for London, Giftag will offer the discerning retail buyer the opportunity to source products and services that are vetted by the organisers as being designed or manufactured in the UK or Ireland. The organisers have been responsible for the development and management of The British Craft Trade Fair for over 25 years and their experience in this sector of the gift industry is second to none. They will be using their knowledge and experience to ensure the success of Giftag. Buyers who visit the fair

Opportunities knock for youngsters at BAJ event

Soon to be graduates of the British Academy of Jewellery will get their chance to impress movers and shakers in the British jewellery industry at a special networking event where dreams could turn into reality for the next generation of jewellers looking to progress. A group of trade members, doubling up as potential employers, are being invited to meet the students and their teachers over lunch where they can discuss the BAJ's apprenticeship programme and the funding before they are given a tour of the workshops to find out more about the training. Students of the “Preparation for the Jewellery

VICENZAORO 2017

VICENZAORO, the largest Show in Europe for Gold and Jewellery, is an authentic Business Hub for the industry, able to bring together the most authoritative players in the gold and jewellery world. A primary access route to the European markets, the Russian-speaking countries and the Middle East, it is not only the perfect place in which to develop business and consolidate relations, it is also a privileged observatory for understanding the latest trends in terms of style and design on the gold and jewellery market. For centuries, the city of Vicenza and its surroundings have been synonymous with excellence in

National Festival of Making 2017

A new kind of festival for a new age of making The first National Festival of Making will take place in Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May, 2017. This is an opportunity to see, make and do for residents and visitors to Blackburn town centre as The Festival of Making takes over the streets with music, markets, street food, art, performance, tours, talks and above all, an eclectic mix of making experiences for everyone. With twice the national average of people employed in the manufacturing industry, and a community of talented and creative makers working from homes

Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery

Birmingham  School of Jewellery , founded in 1890, is a jewellery school in Birmingham, England. Located on Vittoria Street in the city's Jewellery Quarter, it is the largest jewellery school in Europe. Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk

Fashion Space Gallery

Call for Applications Fashion Space Gallery is pleased to announce its third annual residency for 2017. The residency was created to support designers working within fashion or associated fields, in particular those whose practice is experimental and hard to define. In an industry that is characterised by fast turnarounds and relentless seasons, this initiative seeks to support a moment for the chosen designer to research and develop an aspect of their practice and to enable the outcomes to be shown as part of the exhibitions and events programme here at the Fashion Space Gallery. The residency seeks to encourage collaboration,

Nude Jewellery Celebrates 20 Years of Successful Business

After 20 years of successful business Nikki Galloway, owner and award-winning designer, is celebrating Nude Jewellery's 20 th  anniversary.  Reflecting on the anniversary, Nikki said, ‘ Twenty years on and I’m still really enjoying myself, no two days are ever the same and we are constantly evolving as a business. I love creating bespoke designs for clients and also new designs for our website. ”  In the past few years Nude Jewellery has specialised in creating exclusive gemstone engagement rings offering unique and modern designs. “I’m busier than I have ever been during 2020/21, and look forward to what the future will bring,

News Edit: 22 October 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Wexford jewellery designer Bláithín Ennis is a shining star of Irish design as she scoops award at Irish Made Awards Independent: Jewellery designer Bláithín Ennis is one of the shining stars of Irish design having won the esteemed ‘jewellery’ category at the Irish Made Awards last week. www.independent.ie How I got my job as… Founder of Etika Jewels Emirates Woman: Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and

9th edition of Jacobs the Jewellers’ Emerging Designer Competition launches this Summer

Supporting craft skills and talent with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh Blake Roberts In this year’s 75 th  anniversary year, award winning Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, today revealed the return of its annual Emerging Designer competition featuring nine emerging designers from Bishopsland Educational Trust.   Helping boost fledgling careers, the event combines a virtual show with instore experience reflecting the local and national audience for amazing craft skills and design. As is customary, each competitor creates both a piece from a  jewellery  and an  object  category. Angela Cork, Principal Bishopsland Educational Trust

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

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

‘Buy Less. Buy Better. Buy Handmade’ This Christmas

Manchester’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair launches national Christmas shopping campaign with support from the repair shop’s Jay Blades. With everyone feeling the squeeze this Christmas, Manchester’s award winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF) has joined forces with the Crafts Council and other leading UK craft organisations to launch a national Christmas shopping campaign, designed to support makers across the UK and encourage shoppers to  Buy Less, Buy Better, Buy Handmade.   This initiative to promote thoughtful gifting has also received the backing of The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades MBE and The Great Pottery Throwdown’s Keith Brymer-Jones. Ann-Marie Franey,

Orcadian Jewellery Designer, Sheila Fleet, opens new Glasgow Store

This Friday see's the opening of Orkney jewellery designer, Sheila Fleet's new store in Glasgow. The new store will sit amongst other premium retailers within the award-winning retail and leisure destination, Princes Square.  In addition to showcasing Sheila Fleet’s many collections, the new shop will feature some very special jewellery that’s been created using rare Scottish gold. Sheila Fleet is one of only two jewellers authorised to receive gold from Scotland’s only gold mine, at Cononish near Tyndrum, so this unique range is sure to be an additional draw for Glasgow customers. Image caption or copyright  Months in planning and

Q&A: Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir

Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir is a goldsmith, Jewellery designer and co-founder of the award-winning sustainable jewellery brand Aurum, Iceland's leading jewellery brand. Guðbjörg began her career studying goldsmithing at Copenhagen Technical College, completing her journeyman’s examination in 1993. She completed her master craftsman examination in goldsmithing at Reykjavík Technical College in 1994, subsequently returning to Copenhagen to study jewellery design at the Institute for Precious Metals.  Guðbjörg collaboratively ran the jewellery workshop Au-Art in Copenhagen from 1996 to 1999, before returning to Iceland where she founded the design and jewellery firm Aurum. Guðbjörg’s jewellery designs have attracted much attention worldwide and

News Edit: 11 November 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Jewellery Designer And Celebrity Favourite Fernando Jorge Opens London Showroom Vogue: With his award-winning designs worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Emilia Clarke, Brazilian-born jewellery designer Fernando Jorge marks his first decade in London with an appointment-only showroom . www.vogue.co.uk Bejewelled £115,000 Rare Champagne Launched The Drinks Business: Piper-Heidsieck has launched a super rare edition of its prestige cuvée Rare adorned with hundreds of tiny diamonds, which has gone on sale at Harrods with a £115,000 price tag. www.thedrinksbusiness.com Removing items in ears and noses 'costs NHS £3m a

Sp-Ring Exhibition @ Anne Morgan Jewellery

Sp-Ring Exhibition Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth, Wales 14 February - 31 May 2020 Exclusive contemporary jewellery exhibition showcases cutting edge alternative engagement and wedding rings from UK designer/makers this February. This February 14th sees the return of the annual Sp-Ring exhibition at Anne Morgan Jewellery. An award winning contemporary jewellery maker in her own right Anne also owns and runs her beautiful shop and gallery in Penarth, in the Vale of Glamorgan. Now in its third year, the exhibition continues to go from strength to strength, showcasing high-end work from some of the UK’s most celebrated and visionary independent jewellery designers.

Weston Beamor Announce Winner of BCU Live Project 2018

Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery student Kai-Blu Triassi has won the annual Weston Beamor  Live Project  with his contemporary geometric ‘Dyad’ engagement and wedding ring set design. Kai-Blu’s award was announced on the WB stand at this year’s Jewellery & Watch show. Kai-Blu impressed judges with his striking and bold ring set, commercial-focus, unique design and understanding of thickness and tolerances, demonstrated through his strong CAD modelling skills. The annual competition is open to all BCU SoJ students in their second year of a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing. Commenting on his win, Kai-Blu said,  "I'm really pleased to

Nambé Celebrates Strong Debut at JCK Las Vegas

Designer lifestyle brand, Nambé, enjoyed a positive reception at this year’s JCK Las Vegas (June 5-8), welcoming international media, buyers and retailers to its booth ahead of its London launch event on June 29.  The award-winning brand impressed its existing retail partners and prospective clients with its recently-launched sterling silver jewellery collection and giftware assortment. Initially debuted in the United States in September 2016, Nambé Jewellery proved immediately popular with the brand’s loyal homeware customers who recognised its signature, sculptural aesthetic. Its initial roll-out in 400 doors across the US and the reaction of retail partners at JCK Las Vegas proves

Emma Watson sparkles in Forevermark at MTV Awards

Actress Emma Watson took to the red carpet at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV awards, Los Angeles, looking as stunning as her winning preformance in blockbuster film 'Beauty and The Beast'.  The 27-year old actress was the first to win the show's 'genderless award'; celebrating talent over gender abilities; a meaningful statement Emma made sure to highlight throughout her speech.  Collecting her gong for 'Best actor' in the gender-neutral category for her performance as Belle in 'Beauty and The Beast', Emma triumphed in the limelight thanks to her sequined asymmetrical halter-neck dress. Juxtaposing the elaborate sparkle with a sharp

Creative Stars Join London Craft Week at Official Opening

This week more than 500 artists, designers, makers, artisans, collectors and patrons of craft descended on the V&A to celebrate the beginning of London Craft Week 2017, which takes place across London from 3 - 7 May. Notable guests in attendance on the night included Hussein Chalayan, Johnny Coca, Tom Dixon, Stephen Jones OBE, Bill Amberg, Lady Carol Bamford and Azzi Glasser plus various international stars including Korean artist Do Ho Suh, Hong Kong designer Elaine Yan Ling Ng and third generation Spanish guitar maker, Felipe Conde.  Award-winning fashion designer Hussein Chalayan presented acclaimed potter Edmund de Waal with the

Nambé Celebrates Successful UK Launch Event

Designer lifestyle brand, Nambé, hosted its official UK launch event on June 29, giving retailers, buyers, journalists and social media influencers the chance to see its extensive ranges for the first time.  The award-winning brand took over a private room at London’s popular Hoxton Hotel to bring its lifestyle collections to life, while also displaying its new sterling silver jewellery offer that impressed buyers at JCK Las Vegas earlier this year. Representatives from jewellery retailers and department stores were particularly impressed with the brand’s wide-ranging giftware items, including wedding, baby, new- home and special occasion items. Buyers in attendance also

Diploma In Art & Design Level 3, K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

  K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery  Autumn Short Courses 2017 Introductory Courses Course Title: Award In Art & Design Level 2 Duration: 12 Week Course, One Day A Week Dates: 13 Sept 2017 - 29 Nov 2017 Diploma Courses Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 2 Duration:  Year Long Course, 1 Day A Week Dates:  14 Sept 2017 - 14 Sept 2018 Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 3 Duration:  Year Long Course, 2 Days A Week Dates:  11 Sept 2017 - 11 Sept 2018 Short Courses Course Title:  Experimental Setting Duration:  4 Day Course Dates: 

GNCCF Manchester & GNCCF Sheffield

Call for Applications: GNCCF Manchester & GNCCF Sheffield 2018 Applications are now invited from designer-makers & artists working in ceramics, jewellery, interior textiles, fashion design & accessories, print-making, wood, lighting, furniture, product design, glass, metal, basket-making and more. GNCCF Manchester will return for its 11th edition from 11 - 14 October 2018 as a headline event of Design Manchester, a two week city-wide festival of exhibitions, talks, debates, workshops and conference. The multi-award winning GNCCF is one of the leading selling events in the UK featuring over 150 of the UK's top designer makers.  GNCCF Sheffield is a partnership with

Art & Design Level 2 Course, K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

  K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery  Autumn Short Courses 2017 Introductory Courses Course Title: Award In Art & Design Level 2 Duration: 12 Week Course, One Day A Week Dates: 13 Sept 2017 - 29 Nov 2017 Diploma Courses Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 2 Duration:  Year Long Course, 1 Day A Week Dates:  14 Sept 2017 - 14 Sept 2018 Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 3 Duration:  Year Long Course, 2 Days A Week Dates:  11 Sept 2017 - 11 Sept 2018 Short Courses Course Title:  Experimental Setting Duration:  4 Day Course Dates: 

Contemporary Wax Carving & Wax Modelling, K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

  K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery  Autumn Short Courses 2017 Introductory Courses Course Title: Award In Art & Design Level 2 Duration: 12 Week Course, One Day A Week Dates: 13 Sept 2017 - 29 Nov 2017 Diploma Courses Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 2 Duration:  Year Long Course, 1 Day A Week Dates:  14 Sept 2017 - 14 Sept 2018 Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 3 Duration:  Year Long Course, 2 Days A Week Dates:  11 Sept 2017 - 11 Sept 2018 Short Courses Course Title:  Experimental Setting Duration:  4 Day Course Dates: 

Diploma In Art & Design Level 2, K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

  K² Academy of Contemporary Jewellery  Autumn Short Courses 2017 Introductory Courses Course Title: Award In Art & Design Level 2 Duration: 12 Week Course, One Day A Week Dates: 13 Sept 2017 - 29 Nov 2017 Diploma Courses Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 2 Duration:  Year Long Course, 1 Day A Week Dates:  14 Sept 2017 - 14 Sept 2018 Course Title:  Diploma In Art & Design Level 3 Duration:  Year Long Course, 2 Days A Week Dates:  11 Sept 2017 - 11 Sept 2018 Short Courses Course Title:  Experimental Setting Duration:  4 Day Course Dates: 

Alternative Wedding Showcase 2017, Tomfoolery

Tomfoolery London’s 2017 Alternative Wedding Showcase has successfully launched its stunning collection of innovative jewellery lines. Hailed as the destination for alternative fine jewellery, this show promises to be an essential edit for the discerning bride or groom. To mark the 5th anniversary of this annual event Tomfoolery will be hosting exclusive bridal trunk shows with award-winning designers Polly Wales and Ruth Tomlinson.  The show features Unique Engagement Rings; Wedding Bands; Eternity Bands; Bespoke Ring Service; Bridal Jewellery Styling; Bridesmaid Jewellery; Cufflinks; Designer Trunk Shows. Dates 18th March - 6th May Polly Wales Trunk show: 1st and 2nd April Ruth Tomlinson Trunk

Sell Out Event with Jewellery Superstars

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) has witnessed stellar ticket sales for its upcoming ‘In Conversation’ evening, featuring British jewellery superstars Stephen Webster and Theo Fennell. Tickets for the event sold out in early January, more than a month before the evening at London’s Goldsmiths’ Centre on February 15th 2017 . Bringing together two of the UK’s foremost jewellers to share personal anecdotes and insight from their careers, the GC&DC’s In Conversation series has become a must-attend event in the jewellery calendar. Jos Skeates, GC&DC chairman and founder of award-winning retailer EC One, will compere the event. Skeates said, 

News Edit: 10 December 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The diamond industry is coping with a 20% price drop and worries Gen Z isn’t all that interested in its stones Fortune: When the world’s most important diamond buyers arrived at De Beers’ offices in Botswana late last month, they were presented with a rare offer by their host: the option to buy nothing at all. fortune.com   The hot new jewellery trends for winter 2023 The Times: Make a fun statement with a Dalí-inspired lobster piece or keep it classic but cool with a seriously chunky chain.

News Edit: 3 December 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The diamond industry is coping with a 20% price drop and worries Gen Z isn’t all that interested in its stones Fortune: When the world’s most important diamond buyers arrived at De Beers’ offices in Botswana late last month, they were presented with a rare offer by their host: the option to buy nothing at all. fortune.com   The hot new jewellery trends for winter 2023 The Times: Make a fun statement with a Dalí-inspired lobster piece or keep it classic but cool with a seriously chunky chain.

News Edit: 3 July 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The enticing collection of jewellery from the house of eagle & pearl jewelers The Hiltonian: As one of the oldest jewelers in the world, Eagle and Pearl has continued its legacy over the years by partnering with high-quality brands. thehiltonian.com Singapore chemical engineer sees career bloom after switching from oil to flowers Yahoo News: Janice Lim had always considered herself a risk-averse person who planned her schedules well in advance. news.yahoo.com How to land a job in the luxury industry: 3 tips every student should know Study International:

News Edit: 21 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Why Jewellery’s Diversity Problem Is So Hard to Fix BoF: The industry is reckoning with a lack of opportunities for Black designers. But change comes slow in a world where money and connections often determine who has access to precious stones. businessoffashion.com In Conversation With Taiwanese Jewelry Designer Anna Hu Forbes: New York-based, Taiwanese independent jewelry artist Anna Hu is leading the way in nature-inspired looks that speak of the preciousness of gemstones from the depths of the earth. forbes.com Royal Jeweller Garrard at centre of new Kensington

Freelance Jeweller / Polisher

Freelance Jeweller / Polisher I have many years’ experience within the jewellery and silversmithing industry and now undertake work as a contractor undertaking mounting and polishing work, for a number of casting companies as well as offering bespoke pieces to my customers. I am based in Essex and am happy to work on one off pieces or batch production work. I currently post and can collect work on request. Please feel free to check out my Instagram page to see my previous work, and I happy to provide references from the companies I currently work with. I am available for

British Craft Trade Fair acquired by Kerrison Exhibitions

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has been acquired by Kerrison Exhibitions Limited in a deal completed on 14th April 2021 after the previous owner, PSM Limited, was forced to seek a new owner for the fair following the cancellation of its April 2020 and 2021 events during the lockdown.  The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for the exhibitions and live events industry. Whilst many shows, organisers, contractors and venues may not make it through to the other side of the pandemic restrictions, today’s acquisition announcement confirms that the UK’s leading trade show for handmade British crafts will benefit

Apprenticeship / Assistant maker position wanted (London)

Apprenticeship / Assistant maker position wanted (London) I am looking for a new part-time apprenticeship or assistant maker position in London as my previous job has come to an end. I have experience in soldering, texturing, cleaning, polishing and some basic stone settings (Bezel, Tube, Claw and Flush). My goal is to improve my bench skills and learn more about the jewellery industry in the UK. A CV and images of previous work are available upon request. Availability Immediate start Part-time basis Contact Lauren Abrams Email:  lau.abr@gmail.com   Telephone and Whatsapp: 07874344125

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Competition 2023/4

Call for Applications: The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Competition 2023/4 The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council  (GC&DC) announces the briefs are now open for entries to its competition, the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards 2024. The final date for online entries is Sunday 14th January 2024. The annual Awards reward excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials and is open to all in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades. The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, which operates the competition, actively encourages craft persons and designers in the industry, apprentices, students and hobbyists, to

Freelance Jewellery CAD Designer

I have many years’ experience within the jewellery and silversmithing industry, I am experienced in creating and preparing designs for all types of rings, setting, earrings, brooches, bangles and pendants. I began CAD drawing as part of the design process for creating bespoke pieces for my clients and have moved on to specialising in providing one off designs for jewellers and manufacturers. I also have a volume of past designs available on CG trader. I have experience in the 3D printing and casting process so I am able to offer services outside of the design work if required. Please feel

Navigating the World of Ethical Jewellery and Responsible Mining

'Navigating the World of Ethical Jewellery and Responsible Mining' A panel discussion with jewellery designer Ute Decker and gemstone dealer Stuart Pool Monday, 22 May 2023 18:00 - 20:00 Join ethical-making champions Ute Decker and Stuart Pool for an evening of inspiration and advice. We will look at hot topics in the jewellery industry including the supply chains of gemstones and precious metals, as well as current trends such as recycled metals and their merits. Come and consider how your jewellery practice can evolve and how your choices can cumulatively have a big impact environmentally and socially. There will be

The Goldsmiths’ Centre launches Creative Links

Creative Links The Goldsmiths’ Centre launches new talks and networking events to help start-up businesses to grow On 16th May 2023, the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is launching a new series of monthly Creative Links talks and networking events designed to help emerging makers and start-up businesses learn, network and grow. Creative Links events will see experts and successful business owners in the jewellery and silversmithing industry explore and discuss subjects including range planning, finding new markets, showcasing and digital marketing. With Q&As and plenty of time to network, people will be able to ask questions, seek support and engage

VICENZAORO 2023

VICENZAORO 2023 20 to 24 January 2023 Vicenza, Italia A reference point for the entire supply chain and the chance to update technical skills, boost professional growth and disseminate shared values and best practices within the industry.  Vicenzaoro January 2023 - The Jewellery Boutique Show  confirms its commitment to promoting training and the culture of jewellery. Training and skill enhancement among today's and tomorrow's professionals are major topics for  Italian Exhibition Group , which will be staging the event  from 20 to 24 January 2023 , at Vicenza Expo Centre together with  T.Gold , the international exhibition for jewellery machinery and the

US$2M Available GIA Scholarships 2021

Call for Applications: GIA Scholarships 2021 Whether you are new to the gem and jewelry industry or a veteran looking to expand your knowledge, education from GIA will equip you with the tools to succeed. A scholarship from GIA makes achieving your educational goals financially attainable. GIA is accepting scholarship applications until March 31, 2021 for classes that start June through December of this year. The scholarships are open to prospective students around the world. For this application cycle, all prospective students may apply for distance education programs, with limited on-campus scholarship availability due to pandemic-related capacity restrictions. For details

News Edit: 22 May 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Glittering exhibition tells city’s story Portsmouth Gov: Also on show will be precious silver items loaned by the Royal Navy, the city's Anglican cathedral and the Goldsmiths' Company Charity. www.portsmouth.gov.uk Ethical Jewelry Stunners for Cannes’ Red Carpet Hollywood Reporter: These spectacular pieces will add a feel-good vibe at the film festival, part of the jewelry industry’s new standard of responsible sourcing of diamonds, gemstones and metals. www.hollywoodreporter.com Russia impact: Surat diamond industry stares at massive job losses in June Business Standard: The month of May offers some respite

Senior Jewellery Designer, Luxury Retail Sales, Michael Platt Wimbledon, London

The role Senior Jewellery Designer, Luxury Retail Sales Michael Platt Wimbledon Village, London, SW19 About the Job : Full-time (Tuesday-Saturday) Mid-Senior Level Training Available Do you have experience of successful Luxury Fine Jewellery Design with Sales? Do you want to develop your skills base , deal directly with clients for the design of bespoke unique pieces, learn more about the creation and making of bespoke jewellery on-site in our workshop as well as grow your product and Industry knowledge? If so, we have the ideal position for you! Please apply, we’d love to meet you. Michael Platt is a highly

Setter, Mounter, Lost Wax Casting Worker, House of Casting - Hatton Garden, London

The role Setter, Mounter & Lost Wax Casting Worker House of Casting Hatton Garden, London We are hiring! The House of Casting is currently looking for candidates to fill the position of: Setter Mounter Lost Wax Casting Worker Apply now! Send your CV and join our team!  We work together. Please send us your CV and covering note using the application form below.     About us At the House of Casting, craftsmanship and artistry come together to create exquisite jewellery pieces. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we take immense pride in being a leading jewellery

News Edit: 1 May 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Precious jewellery demand set for continuing recovery, Platinum Guild says Mining Weekly: Following a challenging year for luxury goods marketers in 2020, the latest consumer survey commissioned by worldwide marketing organisation Platinum Guild International (PGI) during the first quarter of 2021 has determined positive sentiment for the jewellery industry, with a strong indication of robust demand for precious jewellery in three of platinum’s major markets during the coming 12 months. www.miningweekly.com Cartographer discovers Sweden's 'most spectacular' trove of Bronze Age jewellery on forest floor ABC: A Swedish orienteering

I'm Working On It!

Maya Selway pledges in association with Fair Luxury to work towards making a positive change within the jewellery industry and use business as a force for good in 2021. Maya Selway Fine Jewellery has taken the next steps in moving towards being a business that nurtures a more sustainable environmental and social future by pledging with Fair Luxury to create jewellery that is handcrafted using only recycled gold, diamonds and sustainably sourced pearls. The first of these pieces have been added to her timeless Held collection and can be viewed as a capsule group at Tomfoolery in Muswell Hill as

Call to Action on Climate Change: Responsible Jewellery Council Webinar

Call to Action on Climate Change - An Overview of the Jewellery Sector Join a panel of sustainability experts and RJC members as they discuss how to engage with climate action. Part of the RJC SDG Roadshow in partnership with United Nations Global Compact.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER The business community, including the global jewellery and watch industry, has committed itself to reducing its impact on the planet and to increasing its engagement with climate action. And, during COVID we have seen companies struggling with the crisis continue their commitment to sustainability and responsible business. What can we learn from each other and

Responsible Jewellery Council Launches SDG Taskforce

Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading standard-setting organisation for the jewellery and watch supply chain, announced today the launch of an SDG Taskforce to create a unified platform to benchmark members’ progress in the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The UN SDGs are a call to action for all countries, organisations and people to come together in partnership to achieve a more sustainable and fairer future for all. The SDG Taskforce includes 26 leaders of the global jewellery industry together with the representatives of NGOs, other trade organisations and academia who will convene on a regular

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 support four jewellers and silversmiths to work in new and innovative ways

Now in its second year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 have been awarded to jewellers and silversmiths, Rachael Colley, Flora Bhattachary, Maya Selway and Sarah Wilson. Supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Radcliffe Trust, each grant is worth up to £5,000 and enables those working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries to innovate and grow their knowledge and skills through ambitious learning experiences. Cutlery Comb, 2019, re-purposed stainless steel cutlery, powder-coated steel frame, Photographer Rachael Colley Selected by an expert judging panel, consisting of Goldsmiths’ Centre Trustees and industry experts, the finalists were highly commended for

Head of Product Development, Monica Vinader - Head Office, Norfolk

The role Head of Product Development Monica Vinader Head Office, Norfolk Monica Vinader is looking for an exciting Head of Product Development role, based 4 days a week in our converted Norfolk Head Office, which is the heart-beat of the business and creative engine. Product is at the core of what we do and this role is integral to bring our designs to life within the bigger context of brand milestones. We are a leader in the Industry and strive for the best quality, fair costs, sustainable, traceable materials and always put the customer first.  This role requires a strong

News Edit:18 April 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   A Girl’s Best Friend: Meet the Ethical Jeweller Empowering Women Vanity Fair: Shiffon Co. Founder Shilpa Yarlagadda is a young entrepreneur making waves in the jewellery industry. www.vanityfair.com 14 Sustainable Jewelry Brands To Support On Earth Day Elle: Since its conception in 1970, Earth Day has become one of the largest secular observances in the world. It spreads awareness about the conditions of our planet and the ways in which we can create a more sustainable lifestyle. www.elle.com 6 Sustainable Jewellery Collections To Celebrate Earth Day 2021 Tatler:

BAFTA Winner Joanna Scanlan wears Ute Decker Jewellery at pre-show event

BAFTA Winner for Best Actress Joanna Scanlan wore Ute Decker to a high profile pre-show BAFTA party for nominees. Joanna Scanlan won a BAFTA for Leading Actress for her film After Love with nominees that included Lady Gaga and Alana Haim. The opportinity was brought about by industry vetran Karin Paynter. "I had previously worked with Joanna through our ERA5050 female writers mentoring project, TellHerVision during the pandemic and we discussed her wearing some of our makers work for the pre launch party and this was the result." said Karin. After brain storming with Harriet Scott of the Goldsmiths' Company

Cancelled: IJL 2021

Reed Exhibitions, the organiser of International Jewellery London, announced this week that the jewellery industry event, which has run consistently for over 60 years, will in addition to the cancelled 2020 show, also cancel the show scheduled for 2021. A statement from Reed Exhibitions said: "Reed Exhibitions has announced that International Jewellery London (IJL) will not take place in 2021 as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Following the cancellation of IJL 2020 on 9th June; we have taken the even more difficult decision to not run IJL in 2021. Both the UK live events and jewellery industries are

Classically trained Diamond Mounter seeks work

Classically trained Diamond Mounter seeks work I am looking for part time work only based in London or the south east (I am from Canterbury, Kent) handling diamonds and gemstones. I am a classically trained diamond mounter and completed a five year apprenticeship in Hatton garden through The Goldsmiths’ Company, I then worked in Paris making fine jewellery. I am looking to expand my knowledge in other areas of the industry especially gemstones. My number is 07712110557 and my email is  info@chloemayjewellery.co.uk www.chloemayjewellery.co.uk

Festival of Silver 2024

Festival of Silver, Cheltenham part of Craft Festival Cheltenham Town Hall 17 - 19 November 2023 Festival of Silver’s mission is to promote the skills, design and craftsmanship of UK silversmiths and to give a high-profile platform to both established and newly qualified silversmiths. We also strive to be a comprehensive resource and showcase for the industry. Originally set up by Gordon Hamme and Brett Payne in 2008, British Silver Week quickly grew to become Festival of Silver and has mounted over 80 major exhibitions across the UK bringing new silversmithing talent to the attention of the media and public. In 2019 Gordon Hamme handed over

Jeweller looking for bench or business work opportunities

Jeweller looking for bench or business work opportunities Dublin based Jeweller with experience across the Gem & Jewellery industry in the UK, Ireland and abroad. Seeking remote freelance work and/ or employment in Dublin to develop Goldsmith skills.  Hardworking, adaptable and reliable. Approaches work with a hands on attitude, environmentally conscious mindset and cross cultural appreciation and understanding. Highly detail oriented and thrives in a creative environment Qualifications  Certificate in Traditional Jewellery and Goldsmith skills, The School of Jewellery Ireland 2021 (1 year course Sept 2020-2021) Gemmology Foundation & Diploma (FGA), Gem-A London (2013 - 2015) Business Management Degree Experience

News Edit: 18 December 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Bentley goes for gold in 3D printing PES Media: Bentley Motors has introduced 3D printed solid gold in the exclusive Mulliner Batur – the first time such a ground-breaking process is believed to have been used in the automotive industry. www.pesmedia.com A Luminous Triumph: How Regional Jewellery Brand Sheen Is Ushering In A New Era Harpers Bazaar: With the Luma collection, Saudi-born, Dubai-based designer Nosheen Bakhsh celebrates emerging from the Covid-pandemic slumber with an ebullient fête of gems and 18-karat gold. www.harpersbazaararabia.com Legend of Diamonds: President And CEO

News Edit: 15 July 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   The Most Jaw-Dropping Jewellery Presented At Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Vogue: Despite the riots in France last weekend, Paris was relatively calm by the onset of haute couture week on Monday. www.vogue.co.uk The Jewels That Keep You Looking Chic And Cool In Summer Forbes: I usually like it hot. In winter, I dress in layers, sleep in cashmere and hang out in down slippers that might be suitable for Alaska. www.forbes.com Jewellery industry urged to see the light on sustainability FT: A recent global summit offered warnings

Bishopsland Educational Trust celebrate 30 Years of success with a Hall full of friends

On Friday 30 June, over 200 members of the industry and Bishopsland Fellows gathered at Goldsmiths’ Hall to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Bishopsland Educational Trust. Since it was founded in 1993 by Pope and Oliver Makower, it has become an internationally recognised and accredited charity dedicated to the training and support of people in the craft of silversmithing. Behind the growth of Bishopsland was Pope and Oliver’s vision, support and dedication and a generous patronage built from a belief in helping others. Bishopsland’s unique one-year residential course has helped over 200 graduates with a passion for precious metalwork

Birmingham City University win at New Designers

An aspiring  jeweller from Birmingham City University is one step closer to her dream career after being crowned ‘Designer of the Year’ at the prestigious New Designers showcase last week.   An aspiring  jeweller from Birmingham City University is one step closer to her dream career after being crowned ‘Designer of the Year’ at the prestigious New Designers showcase this week.       Augusta Lazenb y, a final-year Design for Industry student, is just one of the five BCU Jewellery students recognised for their exceptional creative work at the showcase.    Her 10-piece ring collection won plaudits from the

The Future of Luxury

'The Future of Luxury  ' Italy-America Chamber of Commerce (IACC) Luxury Summit 2021 Wednesday, January 27th 2021 The IACC's fourth annual Luxury Summit, organized in partnership with the Luxury Institute, explores the future of luxury through the lens of post-pandemic consumer habits. Top luxury leaders and industry experts will share their knowledge and expertise in a series of interactive panel discussions, bookended by opening and closing remarks from Alberto Milani, IACC President and Senior Luxury Advisor, Richline Group a Berkshire Hathaway Company. Virtual Event will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 9:00AM to 12:00PM EST REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE

FORGE Membership

Join The FORGE Membership 59 Leather Lane London EC1N 7TJ FORGE provides a secure and fully equipped communal workshop with full time and drop-in benches allows makers to develop and grow their practice through affordable space in a supportive, sharing and learning environment. FORGE offers various 6-month & 12-month memberships to suit artisans wherever they are on their career journey. Practicing Artisans & Designers  If you are a student, recent graduate or practicing artisan JOIN OUR CLUB for access to bench space, specialist equipment, meeting pod, industry advice, promotional opportunities as well as other member perks. We’re offering different Membership

Silver Jewellery Making

Silver Jewellery Making by Machi de Waard & Janet Richardson A beginner's step-by-step guide to creating beautiful silver jewellery. Silver Jewellery Making  is a practical beginners’ guide to making silver jewellery. Seven step-by-step projects guide you through the core skills and techniques that will enable you to progress to making your own beautiful jewellery. The tried-and-tested projects have been developed by Machi and Janet, who have over 40 years of industry experience teaching others this amazing craft. The emphasis is on teaching good practice and acquiring the basic techniques and skills to give the reader a solid basis for developing their

Instant payment for Recruitment Adverts

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £273.04 which includes VAT and transaction fees.     paypal.Buttons({

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. Simply click the paypal button to pay the predetermined amount The link will take you throigh to the Paypal payment gateway This button is for a fixed payment of £270.04.00 which includes Paypal transaction fees.   paypal.Buttons({ style: {

News Edit: 26 February 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   30 Jewellery Companies to Watch in 2022 Techround: With the effects of the pandemic still prevalent for many businesses and startups, the team at TechRound thought it was important to recognise those in the fashion industry creating beautiful, unique and timeless products during February with the month being internationally renowned for fashion. techround.co.uk Jiamini’s powerful jewellery pieces celebrate the strength of Kenyan women Wallpaper: Jennifer Mulli, creative director and founder of Jiamini, brings a modern take to Kenyan artisanal jewellery. www.wallpaper.com Bold in gold: the ‘knuckle-duster’ rings that

News Edit:15 August 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Black designers gain impetus in year of reckoning FT: Despite greater opportunities and strong networks, funding is among challenges that remain. www . ft . com Shaun Leane: All That Glitters proves TV gold for the industry FT: The jeweller and judge on the British talent show says its educational impact has been huge www . ft . com My Favourite Pieces: Contemporary crafts with the power to surprise FT: Consultant and collector Helen Drutt is most impressed by jewellery that stops her in her tracks www .

The Goldsmiths Company Charity helps to address the cost-of-living crisis

£197,380 awarded in donations and grants to support jewellers and those working in the allied trades The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity has issued multiple cost-of-living grants to charities and apprentices within the trade to support them during this difficult period, using the remainder of the funds from its Covid-19 Fund. Originally created to address the impact of the pandemic, the Covid-19 Fund provided financial support to individuals working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades to help them through a period of hardship and help sustain the craft, skills and future of the industry during what was an unprecedented period in most

Benches Available at the Forge

Benches Available New Hatton Garden Jewellery Hub! Get in touch to book a viewing FORGE is a multi-purpose creative hub & retail outlet with a focus on jewellery making. We connect skilled artisans & discerning consumers sharing an appreciation for creativity, craft & unique design. Join our FORGE CLUB for access to bench space and equipment, meeting pod industry advice, promotional opportunities as well as other member perks. We’re offering different Membership & Packages to help support you wherever you are on your career journey - from annual memberships with your own dedicated bench space, to flexible packages giving you

The BATF Platinum Jubilee Competition 2022

Call fro Entries: The BATF Platinum Jubilee Competition 2022 The British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) is commissioning a piece of silverware, to add to its collection, to commemorate Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. The BATF, which represents around 2,500 members – predominantly small businesses designing, manufacturing and supplying jewellery, silverware and giftware – owns an unrivalled collection of silverware, built up since 1954. It was started in order to celebrate the traditions of craftsmanship for which our industry is famous, when technological advances threatened the continuation of skills passed down through generations. The Platinum Jubilee competition, with

Informa Markets Jewellery and Atelier Technology announce strategic partnership to tap digital opportunities in jewellery sector

Informa Markets, the world’s largest exhibitions organiser, and Atelier Technology, the leading technology provider in the jewellery supply chain, are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic cooperation that aims to create growth opportunities for the jewellery community through a carefully tailored digital service that leverages their combined strengths, technologies and industry relationships. Under the partnership, Informa Markets’ jewellery vertical — Informa Markets Jewellery — and Atelier will launch a platform centred on digital product meetings, which will endure as a valuable service beyond the pandemic. With Atelier Technology's network of over 1,000+ retailers, brands and their supply

Dragons’ Den and The Workbench

The Workbench: Best-friends-turned-jewellers appear on prime-time BBC One TV show after world-first ring carving kits shake up jewellery industry. Best friends Katie and Kirstie built their business after a eureka moment during a craft night with friends. The new series of Dragons’ Den saw this week The Workbench girls pitch their business  on the BBC programme. The Workbench, the world’s first design-your-own ring carving kit, is the result of a lightbulb moment in 2014 between best friends - founders Katie and Kirstie who appeared on the finale episode of the 18th series of Dragons’ Den on the 8th July pitching

News Edit: 9 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   How The Jewelry Industry Is Mobilizing To Stamp Out Racism Forbes: In the wake of the global social justice movement over recent weeks, black jewelry designers have found themselves thrust front and center as consumers look for ways to show their support. forbes.com Shiny new business idea from Chippenham jeweller Wiltshire Times: Chippenham jeweller Tamara Eggleston has had a Eureka moment. She had to cancel her silver jewellery making workshops due to lockdown back in March. So she has invented a home jewellery making kit to keep her

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

On a beautiful sunny day this week, Benchpeg was invited to join the Copenhagen Commitment’s second summit meeting hosted by the Goldsmiths' Centre to discuss what, in the most democratic and transparent manner, delegates considered to be the most important key issues around industry ethics, the environment and sustainability at both at macro and micro levels were. Delegates such as Pippa Small, Jos Skeates, Stuart Pool, Peter Crump, Melanie Eddy, Thelma West, Yianni Melas, Karen Westland of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Marcus McCallum, Charlotte Cornelius and many, many others were in attendance. Svend Wennick who drives the Copenhagen Commitment initiative

Opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop

Opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop Join The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust in partnership with Marchmont Creative Spaces as we launch a new home for silversmithing in the Scottish Borders: The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop. Day Programme To celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop, The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has created a day programme for everyone from curators to collectors, and industry experts to those passionate about traditional craft. The day will include the formal opening of the workshop, talks, panel discussion and silversmithing demonstrations. Speakers will include Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture based in New York

Scottish Goldsmiths Trust announce line up for Marchmont launch

To celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshops, the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has created a day programme on the Saturday 25 March for silversmiths, collectors, curators and industry VIPs to include the formal opening of the workshop, talks, panel discussion and silversmithing demonstrations. Speakers will include Hugo Burge, Director of Marchmont Ventures and Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture – New York. The day will offer a rich day of discussion and ample time to enjoy meeting and talking with fellow attendees.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national

Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund for Black Jewellers

Call for Applications: Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund for Black Jewellers  Applications to The Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund launches on Tuesday 28 July at 10am The Fund was set up by Kassandra to support Black jewellers and those in the allied trades facing financial hardship Grants of £1,000 will be made available to 20 Black jewellers and those working in the allied trades The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity will administer the grants on behalf of the Fund A panel of judges, made up of industry experts, will decide who the grants will be awarded to. Applications to a Black jewellers’ hardship Fund,

Sarabande Residency 2022 - 2023

Sarabande Residency 2022 - 2023 Deadline Extension As we announce Sarabande High Road, we have been overwhelmed by the influx of applications so far and very excited at what we’ve seen so far. You’ve now got until 15th August to apply for a Sarabande Residency. From artists, designers and makers who are at a pivotal point in their creative career to those who have worked their way into the industry but have yet to strike a fire, the residency provides business and practical advice in its role as a creative business accelerator. Many artists have felt intimidated or ill-prepared to

New Designers 2022 – One Year In

New Designers 2022 – One Year In One Year In, for talented designers launching new creative businesses. Showcasing to the design community the very best emerging creative talent. All OYI exhibitors will take part in the pre-show mentorship programme, getting new businesses market-ready to exhibit at the New Designers exhibition. Expertly curated, exhibitors receive industry guidance to help make their business a success. How to Apply? OYI covers every corner of creativity and we encourage applications from all design disciplines. Exhibiting Fee: £525 + VAT. An independent panel of judges will be selecting the participants for OYI on the following

Benchpeg turns 15 in Lockdown

We’ve been so busy that we forgot that we recently should have celebrated our birthday! It is very hard to believe, for us, that we turned 15 at the beginning of this month. 15 years ago, when ecommerce was very limited, websites were non-responsive and social media hadn’t really got started in the way that we know it nowadays, we created Benchpeg to help democratise information for the sector and get it to those that needed the information most – micro and SME businesses within the jewellery industry. We’re extremely proud that we were the first digital newsletter in the

News Edit: 20 November 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Boucheron returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a visionary and intimate High Jewelry experience Zawya: The resort is located in Diriyah, the birthplace of the first Saudi state, historical crossroads of pilgrims and traders, and home to one of the kingdom’s most ambitious heritage developments. www.zawya.com Unstitched: Otiumberg Harpers Bazaar: The responsible jeweller talks about changing the industry and why we should all focus on longevity. www.harpersbazaar.com 5 Jewellery Advent Calendars We’re Dreaming Of Opening Refinery 29: Festive fervour seems to have erupted overnight with holiday adverts dominating

Inhorgenta Munich 2020

INHORGENTA MUNICH Messe München, Germany 24 - 27 February 2023 Jewelers are the most important visitor group at INHORGENTA MUNICH, which will host the international watch, jewelry and gemstone industry in Munich from February 24 to 27. How does the retail sector deal with present challenges? We asked Anja Heiden, CEO Jewellery Division and Member of the Board of Wempe in Hamburg/Germany, and Dominik Maegli, Owner of MAEGLI tick different in Solothurn/Switzerland. In late February, INHORGENTA will provide valuable guidance in turbulent times. Despite all the challenges due to the pandemic and current economic developments: “We were rewarded with encouraging

Instant Payment - £135

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg. Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. Instant payment helps too! How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. First, enter your invoice reference number in the box ( the reference number can be found on our invoice begining with bp-00 ) then press the yellow button to pay. This button is for a fixed payment of £135.00 which includes transaction fees.

Crafting Business Seminar

Crafting EuropeSeminar - Crafts Council The project partners of the Creative Europe project ‘Crafting Europe’, are delighted to announce our first ‘Crafting Business Seminar’. Crafting Business is a professional practice training programme that was organised and delivered in 2020. This programme aimed to share expertise and knowledge to support the business development of newcomers to the industry in nine European countries including the UK.  Join us on the 22nd and 23rd February 2021, 10am-12.50pm (GMT/Ireland/UK/Portugal) to find out more about the Crafting Business programme and to hear from the participants and tutors involved about their experiences.     Please  follow this

Co-collaboration maker space opens with a ching

Last Thursday Benchpeg went along to the launch of FORGE, which is the new multi-functional, co-collaborative space based on Leather Lane in Hatton Garden. The launch party was extremely well attended with the great and the good of industry showing up to support the new initiative conceived by Amanda Mansell. Officially opened by Natalie Melton, the Executive Director of the Crafts Council, who congratulated Amanda with her huge achievement in navigating a multitude of complex requirements to get the ‘maker space’ off the ground and completed.   Subsequently she has added that,  “It’s the kind of creative space that should

Shine 2021: Open Call

The Goldsmiths' Centre's annual new talent showcase in jewellery and silversmithing, Shine, returns online in 2021. Applications are now open to UK designer makers, who are within the first five years of running a business to exhibit their new collection to potential customers, buyers and the wider industry. Participants will be given the unique opportunity to undertake a valuable online skills training programme, delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre. Specifically tailored to their needs, the training will cover all key aspects of how jewellers and silversmiths should best present themselves and their work in person and online, culminating in an online showcasing

News Edit: 21 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   The jewellery industry announces a scholarship to support black students Wallpaper: Fifty jewellery brands have united to create a long-term scholarship and mentorships to support black students at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. wallpaper.com 50 Jewelers Have Created a $50,000 Scholarship for Black Students to Study Design Robb Report: On Wednesday, a group of fifty jewelry designers and jewelry-related businesses announced the creation of a $50,000 endowment for black students studying jewelry design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.  robbreport.com

Craft Festival, Cheltenham 2019

Call for Applicaitons: Craft Festival, Cheltenham 2019 (formerly Made by Hand, Cheltenham)  20 - 22 March 2020 Cheltenham Town Hall,  Cheltenham The Craft Festival Cheltenham (formerly Made by Hand, Cheltenham) applications open in June. All exhibitors are selected for quality by a panel of industry professionals. Full details about sizes and prices are on the individual application forms.  There is a non-refundable administration fee of £15 to apply. Stand sharing is not permitted.  Start Up is a dedicated area for makers who have been in business for 2 years or less. Our aim is to support fledgling careers and to encourage and

Q&A: Ed Hole

Ed Hole is Head of CAD Design and 3D Printing at Birmingham based jewellery industry giant Weston Beamor Ltd. He has been at the company since 2003, and for some 14 years he has been creating bespoke pieces and new product development lines for a wide variety of clients. He is an expert CAD Designer and 3D Print specialist and has built up a team specialising in the use of cutting edge technology at the firm. Ed has a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

What Follows

What Follows by Sian Evans 28th October - 2nd November 2019 67 York Street, London Sian Evans and Pond come together to present two gold jewellery collections which seek to extend the life of materials through individual approaches to sustainable practices and traceability. Natalie Holt and Holly Archer Nicholls have worked together for over a decade in the jewellery and fashion industry. Whilst working in a fast paced fashion environment helped to hone their skills as designers, they despaired at the waste that was a by-product of this way of working - both material waste and unexplored ideas. They created

Q&A: Stephen M Goldsmith FIPG MBGG

Stephen M Goldsmith FIPG MNGG KCHS is a precious metal polisher of high repute having worked in some of the most prestigious jewellery houses in the country. With some 45 years of experience as a craftsman in the jewellery and silversmithing industry, a former employee of the crown jewellers he has even worked in the Tower of London on the Crown Jewels. Starting out on a pre-apprentice course at Rochester, and then an apprenticeship, he can now be safely described as a Master Craftsman, and has just has his first book published, ‘Polishing and Finishing for Jewellers and Silversmiths’ which [youtube

Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair 2020

Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre 25th - 28th July 2020 Asia’s leading mid-year jewellery event is refreshing its brand – Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong will be held from 25 to 28 June 2020 at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with an exciting line up of exhibitors and special events.  The refreshed visual identity reaffirms the show’s commitment to the jewellery world, and that is to connect and engage with the global jewellery community, inspire true partnership and celebrate the very best that the industry has to offer.  Occupying 70,000

Brazillian designer who turned her back on fast-fashion to exhibit at Milan Fashion Week

Brazillian designer, Roberta Mattos’, evolution from fast-fashion student to slow-design is encapsulated in her latest collection: Pause.  The designer began her career in the clothing industry but fell out of love with it due to wide-spread ‘fast-fashion’ practices. She finally settled on jewellery design after trying her hand at other creative industries, such as gastronomy and culture, inspired by a visit to a local jewellery atelier.. The ‘’Pause’’ collection is intentional and conspicuous with its meaning, incorporating the geometric ‘pause’ symbol as a motif within the designs, serving as a gentle reminder to take a break from technology and connect

TCT 3Sixty 2021

TCT 3Sixty 2021 29 June - 1 July 2021 NEC, Birmingham Rapid News Group has announced the decision to postpone TCT 3Sixty, the UK’s flagship event for 3D Printing & Additive Intelligence, to 2021. Originally scheduled for 29 September – 01 October 2020, the event will now take place from 29 June – 01 July 2021. The venue for the event, the NEC, Birmingham, UK is unchanged. The decision to postpone the event comes as a result of the unprecedented times the event industry finds itself in as a result of the global Coronavirus pandemic. The rescheduling of the show reflects

Q&A: Max Danger

Max Danger is a Danish born Jewellery Designer and craftsman, a self confessed gold obsessive, who has a reputation for innovative and striking pieces of bespoke jewellery. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MD: Max Danger, I'm a bespoke jeweller and part time Jewellery Technician at the London College of Fashion. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MD: I went on a half year jewellery course at technical college in Copenhagen. During my time there I realized that this was what I wanted to do.  Afterwards I applied

Q&A: Mary Michel

Mary Michel is the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh. She has been with the company for 15 years and is responsible for initiatives such as Elements and the forthcoming online Ethical Making Resource . She also sits on the board of Craft Scotland and is their Vice-Chair. She answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MM: Mary Michel, I’m the Director of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths in Edinburgh . How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MM: By happy accident – I started here 15 years ago on a

The first edition of New York City Jewelry Week just started!

NYCJW is the first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewelry through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature exhibitions, lectures, workshops, studio tours. Aimed at supporting and fostering jewelry of all types, the initiative also includes participation from both established and emerging brands, individual jewelers, artists, and designers. Image: A yashmak made in the 1990s from aluminum and Swarovski crystals by British jewelry designer Shaun Leane for fashion designer Alexander McQueen Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Created by two industry leaders from the worlds of art jewelry and

Ambitious designer Ruth Mary releases four collections for SS19

Young designer Ruth Mary has been making waves in the jewellery industry of late. Just this year, she was chosen as one of six international jewellery London Kickstarter winners, featured in the Guardian as one of its ‘Top 100 Businesses’ and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s ‘’Young Jewellery Designer of the Year’’.  Ruth’s passion was ignited at an antique fair, where her mother (a keen lace maker herself), pointed out   a curious object with a crochet hook called a tatting shuttle and suggested Ruth buy it. Ruth perfected her lace making, and then taught herself to silversmith in order to realise

News Edit: 23 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Celebrated jeweller Helen Britton takes a fresh look at Newcastle The Herald: The brooches, necklaces and rings made by Helen Britton are known, exhibited and admired globally and... www.theherald.com.au Jewellery Digest: Annoushka Ducas Vogue: Sustaining a successful career in the jewellery industry for over two decades is no mean feat, but Annoushka Ducas... www.vogue.co.uk The Monica Vinader effect: how this woman reinvented your jewellery box The Telegraph: Marilyn Monroe famously sang that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but if she were performing today... www.telegraph.co.uk Put a ring on it:

Jordanian husband and wife duo, Elham and Issa, open new showroom in London

Born from a 10 year love story, Elham & Issa Jewellery is the work of a passionate couple creating eclectic fine jewellery. Originally from Jordan, visionary husband and wife Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji illustrate their romantic and refined aesthetic through their unique collections which blend culture, emotion, and craft.   Along with a shared cultural heritage, Elham and Issa are dedicated artists. As one of the first women in Jordan to become a goldsmith and silversmith, Elham has broken gender barriers and exceled in a male dominated industry in creating “wearable art”. She says: “Jewellery has always been a passion

Watch this Space: Meet the Six IJL Kickstart 2019 Winners

Earlier this month, International Jewellery London announced the winners of their 2019 Kickstart competition. The six 'Kickstarters' recognised for their emerging talent, will have access to a mentoring package, workshop days and introductions to key industry figures, as well as ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support- and a presence at IJL this year. The six winners are: Aurelie Dellasanta, Aurelie Dellasanta Jewellery Becca Macdonald, Becca Macdonald Studio Bine Roth, Bine Roth Jewellery Hannah Blackwood, Hannah Blackwood Jewellery Lukas Grewenig, Lukas Grewenig Jewellery Vanessa Pederzani, Heirloom Jewels    Katie Morris, IJL Exhibition Director said: “Congratulations to all six KickStart 2019 designers.

International Pearl Design Competition 2018

Call for Applications: International Pearl Design Competition 2018 The International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC) was created in 2009 to recognize design excellence with all types of cultured pearls under the authority of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. The Awards are international in scope, and have garnered international recognition for both emerging and seasoned artists from all over the world. The judging process is anonymous, transparent, and confidential. Judges are leaders of the jewelry industry and include retailers, editors, buyers, and pearl jewelry craftsmen. Purpose of the Competition Awards are given to entries that demonstrate high levels of design achievement

News Edit: 16 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Piercing Trends That Will Soon Be Everywhere, According To Celebrity Jeweller Maria Tash The Independent: The Independent caught up with Maria Tash at the launch of her new store. www.independent.co.uk Shopping: The New Brands You Need To Know Including Rokh And Cecilie Bahnsen The Times: These up-and-coming labels are loved by fashion editors and other industry insiders. www.thetimes.co.uk The Fashion Week Street Style Jewellery Trends You Can Copy Immediately Elle: Every year, fashion week gives us a rich abundance of #OOTDs and street style inspiration for the coming season. 

New Jewellery Valuers Association Aims to Raise Professional Profile of Valuers

A new membership organisation for Jewellery and Watch evaluators has recently launched in the United Kingdom and Ireland. By  raising the professional profile of valuers with continued training and professional development and promotion of its members to the general public, insurance industry, government departments and the legal profession. Frank Wood, Chair of the Jewellery Valuers Association, said “It is in the public’s interest that jewellery valuations are carried out to a high professional standard, but they are not necessarily aware of the difference between a good valuation and a poor one. It’s up to us to make that distinction clear,

EC One Leads the Way with Sustainability by Becoming B-Corp Certified

London based jewellery boutique E.C. One is leading the way in sustainability within the jewellery industry, by becoming only the second jeweller in the UK to be B-Corporation Certified and joining an established community of companies using business as a force for good.  The accreditation process to become a B-Corp involves an in-depth analysis of the business’ entire social and environmental performance, to assess its impact on its workers, community, environment and customers. Other well-known brands within the B-Corp community include: Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, and Eileen Fisher. Ethics and sustainability have long been high on the agenda at E.C. [youtube

Inhorgenta Hosts 5th Trendfactory in London

The 5th Inhorgenta Trendfactory in the vibrant city of London has once again shown how important it is for the international jewellery and watch sector to share information all year round. On 30 October more than 50 guests from trade and industry came to the historical Goldsmiths’ Hall to make new contacts and discuss future trends. The Inhorgenta Trendfactory is now an established forum for the sector, where companies can discuss current and future growth trends. Inhorgenta Munich, the international trade fair for watches, jewellery and precious stones, has been on tour with a series of events since 2015 and

Graduate crafts heavy metal jewellery for rock legends

Since graduating from BA (Hons) 3D Design Crafts in 2018 at Plymouth College of Art, Sam Ritte has secured a role at The Great Frog, the pioneers in handcrafted, iconic statement jewellery for rockers, bikers and those favouring their metal heavy. Crafting jewellery at The Great Frog. They have produced bespoke pieces for a cross section of the fashion and music industry since 1972, including rock legends Metallica, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Slash and Aerosmith. Every piece of jewellery sold at The Great Frog is hand carved and crafted on site, at their shop in Soho, London, each imbued with an [youtube

Worth Partnership Project 2018

Call fro Applications: Worth Partnership Project After a successful first call, the second call is now open as a new opportunity to develop design-driven products in furniture, textile, footwear, accessories, jewellery and leather sectors WORTH Partnership Project, an initiative of the European Union to boost the fashion and lifestyle industry within Europe and develop innovative and design-driven products, has announced the first 25 winning partnerships from the first call. Now, the #WORTHPartnershipProject reopens applications to discover the next round of promising projects. WORTH is embarking on the second edition of a 4-year journey, aiming to support 150 partnerships throughout the

Kickstart 2019

Call for Applications: Kickstart 2019 IJL celebrates the 10th anniversary of KickStart – the leading jewellery industry launch pad for up and coming designers International Jewellery London, the long-established and world-leading jewellery trade event, has launched its hunt for the six of the best up and coming UK-based jewellery designers looking to make waves in the trade– KickStart 2019.  UK up-and-coming jewellery designers, who have been trading for more than 12 months, are invited to apply for IJL’s KickStart. Entries are now open and the deadline is 9 April 2019. The six chosen designers will have access to the many

GIA open up free online courses to earn GIA diploma

As the global gem and jewelry industry navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is making access to its introductory courses easier than ever before. From May 4, 2020 through June 29, 2020, the GIA Essentials online courses in diamonds, colored stones and jewelry will be available at no cost for first-time enrollments. For additional details and to apply, visit GIA.edu/elearning-offer . This limited time opportunity teaches the fundamentals needed for a profession in gems and jewelry. By completing the three GIA Essentials eLearning courses, students may earn the GIA Applied Jewelry Professional™ (AJP) diploma. Eligible

London Edge 2019

London Edge Business Design Centre, London 1 - 2 September 2019 Started in 1999 in response to an urgent call from the fashion industry to provide an inclusive & respectful platform for the lifestyle & alternative markets. Rooted firmly in an exceptional customer service ethos, the LondonEdge team support, guide & advise our exhibiting & retail partners at a level that’s second to none. As we begin our 3rd decade we look forward with excitement to the future for this cornerstone of global lifestyle fashion. Whilst we continue to adjust to reflect new trends & allow for changes in business

Bright Young Gems 2019

Call for Applications: Bright Young Gems 2019 Unveiling future stars in the contemporary jewellery arena. Bright Young Gems is a free launch pad scheme specifically for final year jewellery students and recent graduates. IJL's Bright Young Gems initiative has steadily grown into one of the most coveted platforms in the industry, spawning a string of high flying careers in particular Tomasz Donocik & Imogen Belfield. The Benevolent Society will be providing each BYG winner with a £200 travel and accommodation grant! Submissions for Bright Young Gems 2019 are now open. Final date for entry is 13 May 2019 To apply

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Veteran jewellery industry stalwart Michael Hoare has passed after a long battle with cancer. Michael studied in the mid seventies at Leicester Polytechnic now De Montford University, and achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art. After graduation he started his professional career in the retail business and joined the Co-operative Midcounties where he worked as a Department Store Manager until 1988. As a brief spell as a Training Consultant he joined the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) as saw a very speedy transition into management, and Executive management level. Furthering his interest in both training, retail and trade bodies, [youtube

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

Wendy Ramshaw was an internationally acclaimed jeweller, designer and artist. Her worked spanned the 1960s through to present day and she can be charged with being at the forefront of the ‘new wave’ of jewellery which emerged in the mid twentieth century pioneering the use of alternative materials which formed the basis of ‘designer’ and ‘art’ jewellery movements, which we see today. Born in Sunderland in on the 26 May 1939, Wendy Anne Jopling Ramshaw was the daughter of Angus and Flora (nee Hollingshead), a Tyne and Wear family, which was based in the shipping industry. As a girl she

Former National Association of Goldsmiths CEO Michael Hoare passes

Veteran jewellery industry stalwart Michael Hoare has passed after a long battle with cancer. Michael studied in the mid seventies at Leicester Polytechnic now De Montford University, and achieved a BA Hons Degree in Fine Art. After graduation he started his professional career in the retail business and joined the Co-operative Midcounties where he worked as a Department Store Manager until 1988. As a brief spell as a Training Consultant he joined the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) as saw a very speedy transition into management, and Executive management level. Furthering his interest in both training, retail and trade bodies, [youtube

Wendy Ramshaw FCSD FRSA OBE RDI CBE 1939 – 2018

Wendy Ramshaw was an internationally acclaimed jeweller, designer and artist. Her worked spanned the 1960s through to present day and she can be charged with being at the forefront of the ‘new wave’ of jewellery which emerged in the mid twentieth century pioneering the use of alternative materials which formed the basis of ‘designer’ and ‘art’ jewellery movements, which we see today. Born in Sunderland in on the 26 May 1939, Wendy Anne Jopling Ramshaw was the daughter of Angus and Flora (nee Hollingshead), a Tyne and Wear family, which was based in the shipping industry. As a girl she

Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos at Munich Jewellery Week

​ Nacre: Melanie Georgacopoulos Munich Jewellery Week Munich, Germany 13th - 16th March 2019 'Nacre' marks Melanie Georgacopoulos's first solo exhibition for ten years. In this time Melanie has cemented herself as a leading figure in the world of pearl jewellery due to her daring and innovative approach which has seen her slice, drill and facet pearls, fearlessly experimenting with them as a material to great acclaim. In a natural progression from her examination of the pearl, Melanie turned her attention in 2016 to the often overlooked by-product of the pearl industry, mother of pearl. MOP, otherwise known as nacre,

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020 13 - 15 September 2020 Alexandra Palace, London IJL, the UK’s Leading Jewellery Trade Event, will take place from Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 September, 2020, at a new London venue, the historic Alexandra Palace. Alexandra Palace is one of the UK’s most renowned and historic exhibition spaces, whose heritage and style evoke the jewellery industry it will showcase. Set in beautiful parkland, only 10 minutes north of Kings Cross, Alexandra Palace has long been a beacon for domestic and international visitors for concerts, events and exhibitions during its 146 years. In the last

Assay Office to host Make Your Mark once again

On the 5th February 2019, Goldsmiths’ Hall is opening its doors once again to all students, tutors,  graduates and apprentices of the jewellery and allied trades to help them make their mark in industry.  This hugely popular free one day event led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company, is a one stop shop to learn everything you need to know about hallmarking, manufacturing and introduce you to the support networks available to help you in your career. This includes the range of support the Goldsmiths’ Company can offer new entrants to the trade such

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

Vanilla Ink: Business INKubator Programme

Call for Applications: Vanilla Ink INKubator Programme Vanilla Ink is Scotland’s unique jewellery school, offering Jewellers and Silversmiths in the early stages of their career a professional development INKubator. The Vanilla Ink INKubator is looking for it's next round of ' Inkers ' to immerse themselves in their 9 month professional development programme. Open to Jewellers and Silversmiths taught at any level and within their first 3 years of setting up.  Immersed in a 9 month programme, the Vanilla Inkers are encouraged and supported while developing their craft practice. Content includes: Monthly professional development sessions with industry innovators, you are

Make Your Mark 2019

Make Your Mark 2019 Once again Goldsmiths’ Hall will be opening its doors to all students, graduates and apprentices of the jewellery and allied trades to help you make your mark in industry. This free one day event led by The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office will be a one stop shop to learn everything you need to know about hallmarking, manufacturing and support networks to help you in your career, alongside a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations and our Make Your Mark awards.  Exhibitor List Who to see at this year's Make Your Mark Association for Contemporary Jewellery Bellore

Market Entry Programme

Call for Applications: Market Entry Programme  Centre for Fashion Enterprise London's Pioneering Fashion and Fashtech Business Incubator Perfect for new businesses, the Market Entry Programme is designed to empower fashion, fashtech, jewellery and accessories SMEs with industry expertise to unlock growth for their brand. Join us for 2 days of business expertise in areas such as protecting your brand, range planning, costing and pricing, selling and the fundamentals of finance, managing your production, and sales strategies. Workshop Dates: 28th and 29th November 2018 Eligibility Criteria All businesses must be operating in a London Borough All businesses must have been operating for

Fair Luxury at IJL - The Human Face of the Jewellery Supply Chain

Fair Luxury at IJL - The Human Face of the Jewellery Supply Chain Fair Luxury will once again be hosting an array of seminars at IJL, with the view to continuing the discussion about fair and ethical ways of working in the jewellery industry. IJL Seminar - The Human Face of the Jewellery Supply Chain The Hidden Cost of Jewellery – Human rights in the supply chain and how to source responsibly. Tuesday, 4th September 2018 10.00 – 10.30am with Komala Ramachandra (Human Rights Watch) Human Rights Watch highlight the human issues in the jewellery manufacturing sector, covered in detail

Inhorgenta Munich 2019

Inhorgenta Munich will take place over four days from 22 to 25 February 2018. There will once again the opportunity to gather and exchange information about new products, trends and developments in the jewellery and watch industry. Messe München Messe München is one of the world’s leading trade-show companies. It organizes some 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods and key high-tech industries in Munich alone. 14 of those events are number 1 in the world in their respective industries. Each year more than 30,000 exhibitors and some two million visitors take part in events held at the Messe

New Designers 2019 sparkles with a strong focus on Jewellery

Last week, New Designers kicked off its celebration of new design talent; connecting fresh graduates with industry professionals across a plethora of creative fields. On a glorious sunny Wednesday, Benchpeg attended the Business Design Centre in London to get a sneak-peak at the fresh talent; and was extremely pleased to see such a strong jewellery presence at the event.  New Designers prides itself on its progressive nature, stating “Great design never stands still, and should challenge the status quo. We champion new thinking, and new approaches to solving today’s problems through design. As society changes, so do New Designers.”  This

Get to know IJL's six winning Kickstarters for 2018

International Jewellery London have announced the six winning designers selected as the 2018 IJL KickStarters. This annual mentoring programme, now in its tenth year, offers the six the exciting opportunity to not only exhibit under the KickStart umbrella at IJL 2018 but also receive invaluable marketing support from IJL and co-sponsors, The National Association of Jewellers. This initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the most successful bursary programmes for new emerging British talent.  Sarah Kitley-Spencer, IJL Show Manager, comments: “Congratulations to all of our six KickStart designers. As ever, they show exceptional creative flair and their styles are very

News Edit: 28 April 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   This Sustainable Fine Jewellery Collection from Dover Street Market Is The Perfect Mix of Creativity And Innovation Vogue: There are few conversations within this industry that have become as profoundly important as that surrounding sustainability. vogue.co.uk In My Jewellery Box: Marla Aaron The Telegraph: New York-based jewellery designer Marla Aaron fell in love with jewellery as a young girl playing with her grandmother’s collection, but she never envisaged making a career out of it. telegraph.co.uk The jewellers turning their hand to home furnishings How To Spend It: Cutting-edge jewellers are

Artistar Jewels celebrates its sixth successful year and announces prize-winners

The sixth edition of Artistar Jewels has celebrated another successful year as the destination for the contemporary jewel from all corners of the globe. The event has grown to become a key event in the Italian fashion calendar.  Not just a showcase, but a genuine tool to champion, promote and grow jewellery businesses through tangible strategies, such as its book and e-book, commercial website and press office support for all exhibitors, it is serious about making a difference within the industry.  Over five-hundred jewels from around the world were on display, most of which were created specifically for the event. 

Craft Town given funding boost

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

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

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

Coronavirus: Antwerp World Diamond Centre postpones all planned events

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre has today announced that it has made the decision to postpone all of its planned events due to the c oronavirus  outbreak. It issued a statement saying: "Due to the recent developments regarding the Cornonavirus and the advice given by the local and federal governments, AWDC has decided to postpone all planned seminars, AWDC Cafes, events, etc., at least for the coming month. W e are evaluating the situation constantly and will keep you posted on any further developments. We also advise all companies within the industry to postpone all non-essential meetings, seminars, business trips etc.

London's Pioneering Fashion and Fashtech Business Incubator

Call for Applications: London's Pioneering Fashion and Fashtech Business Incubator The Market Entry Programme is designed to empower fashion, fashtech, jewellery and accessories SMEs with industry expertise to unlock growth for their brand. Join us for 2 days of business expertise in areas such as protecting your brand, range planning, costing and pricing, selling and the fundamentals of finance, managing your production, and sales strategies. The programme will run on 22nd and 23rd May with a 1-2-1 diagnostic exit session to follow. Eligibility Criteria All businesses must be operating in a London Borough All businesses must have been operating for

Coronavirus: Responsible Jewellery Council orders workers to go remote

As the new coronavirus disease, officially named COVID-19, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization the Responsible Jewellery Council has ordered its staff to work remotely. They issued the following statement: Members of the jewellery and watch industry are going through a challenging time, affected by the current health and economic climate. The Responsible Jewellery Council team would like to extend its thoughts to all stakeholders and their families around the world. As the virus continues to spread extensively, we have taken additional precautionary measures. We need to be proactive and minimise the risk of the virus

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards 2019

The presentation of the annual Awards of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards took place at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 25 th  February 2019.  This important annual Awards Ceremony – known as the Jewellery Oscars – was hosted by Theo Fennell and welcomed over 300 guests, including world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. This unique annual competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials. The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) which operates the competition, actively encourages established craftspersons and designers

IJL to showcase their Bright Young Gems

International Jewellery London has announced the four winning designers nominated as the Bright Young Gems for 2018 – Katharina Kraus, Zeemou Zeng, Daisy Grice and Yayun Fang – at a special celebratory preview in London, IJL Curated 2018. Now in its fourteenth year, this IJL project provides the winners, all  young talented designers chosen as ‘the stars of the future’, with the unique opportunity to showcase their work at this premier industry jewellery show, as well as benefit from dedicated mentoring from jewellery experts before the event to ensure that they maximise the experience. International Jewellery London has announced the

Jessica Green

Meet Benchpeg's Social Media Manager. She heads up brand and strategy for our social channels.   Jessica Green Social Media Manager Jessica had been with Benchpeg for over a year now, and her understanding and comprehension of the brand and its raison d'être is second to none. Jess heads up our strategic brand planning and social media strategy. She is a third year Media and Communications student, and has a background in the Luxury Auto Industry. Jess is also the Funder / Editor of Gaming by Proxy, a blog for game appreciation: www.gamingbyproxy.com   Meet the rest of the team here . If you'd

Gemfields launches ‘Every Piece Unique’ global campaign to highlight responsibly sourced coloured gemstones

Gemfields launches ‘Every Piece Unique’ global campaign to highlight responsibly sourced coloured gemstones Gemfields, the world’s leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, has launched a global advertising campaign with Gutenberg Global and adam&eveDDB in order to raise awareness of responsible sourcing in the coloured gemstone industry and promote Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies. Gemfields believes that coloured gemstones should be mined and marketed by championing three key values [youtube url=http://youtu.be/gOuvHIlYlVo] – transparency, integrity and legitimacy – and seeks to challenge itself and the sector by setting new benchmarks for responsible sourcing. The campaign was designed to bring

Jewellery fashion will be futuristic, multi-cultural and celebrate the power of nature in SS/20, says IJL

International Jewellery London reveals 6 jewellery trends for SS/20 IJL trends editors and jewellery expert, Paola De Luca, has outlined six key jewellery trend themes for Spring-Summer 2020 for International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. Her vision includes authentic designs that subvert deep-rooted stereotypes with gender, touches on societal pressure with minimalism and brings to life an organic amalgamation of nineteenth century deco with nature; all the while toying with abstract shapes, futuristic expression and dark jewels. These will be showcased on IJL’s SS20 Trends Catwalk where Paola will present her detailed

Appointment: Andrew Marshall Joins DBC London as Production Manager

London based jewellery design and manufacturing process bureau DBC London has announced the appointment of Andrew Marshall as its new Production Manager. Andrew has been working within in the jewellery industry for 25 years and has previously successfully managed him own business, reaching out to customers and proactively addressing their queries. David Marshall the Managing Director of DBC London said: “We are all confident that Andrew will take on his new responsibilities with the same enthusiasm and professionalism as he has in his previous positions.” Andrew will take up his new position from 20 August 2018 at the Goldsmiths’ Centre,

Vanilla Ink Programme: INKubator

Call for Applications: Vanilla Ink INKubator Programme Vanilla Ink is Scotland’s unique jewellery school, offering Jewellers and Silversmiths in the early stages of their career a professional development INKubator. Immersed in a 9 month programme, the Vanilla Inkers are encouraged and supported while developing their craft practice. Content includes: Monthly professional development sessions with industry innovators, you are paired with a mentor from the design sector, Meet the Maker talks with inspirational creators and designers, skills development with our Master Goldsmith Scott McIntyre, peer support with Critical Feedback and a platform to network and showcase your work. The Vanilla Ink

Flourish

Flourish Hosted by the Crafts Council 17 - 18 June 2019 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Flourish – the Crafts Council’s two-day professional development conference for makers and designers – will be taking place on 17 - 18 June 2019.  Flourish is primarily for makers who have been in practice for at least four years, and feel their business needs a boost. Taking place at Goldsmith’s Hall, London, both days will be packed with industry leading voices, workshops and panel discussions that cover international trade, business growth, marketing, earning potential, work-life balance, sustainable design, legal advice and articulating your USP.

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

Fair Luxury presents at IJL 2019

Fair Luxury present @ IJL 2019 Since its inception in 2016 the Fair Luxury collective has provided a platform of promotion, information and education surrounding the complex topics of ethics and sustainability in today’s jewellery market. Bringing such challenging and ever evolving subjects to a wider audience requires support from our dynamic industry – therefore the Fair Luxury collective are proud to be once again presenting at International Jewellery London for the third year. Fair Luxury would like you to join them at IJL’s ‘Knowledge Hub’ on Tuesday 3 September for what promises to be a diverse discussion of latest

Market Entry Programme 2019

Call for Applications: Market Entry (MEP) London's Pioneering Fashion and Fashtech Business Incubator Market Entry (MEP) The Market Entry Programme is designed to empower fashion, fashtech, jewellery and accessories SMEs with industry expertise to unlock growth for their brand. Join us for 2 days of business expertise in areas such as protecting your brand, range planning, costing and pricing, selling and the fundamentals of finance, managing your production, and sales strategies. The programme will run on 24 and 25 July with a 1-2-1 diagnostic exit session to follow. Eligibility Criteria All businesses must be operating in a London Borough All

Domino Debuts At Dublin Jewellery Show

Domino Jewellery will be adding a new exhibition to its 2018 calendar, with the team making their debut at Jewellery Ireland on 19th - 20th August 2018, exhibiting in the Fine Jewellery category. Jewellery Ireland, which takes place at the CityWest Event Centre in Saggart, Dublin, is in its 3rd year. The show aims to bring together leading industry brands in a discreet and friendly environment, timed strategically to assist buyers with crucial pre-Christmas planning and purchases. Domino will be taking all of their 2018 collections to the show, including the recently-launched, extended Diamond Ring Mounts range, along with the

Weston Beamor further invest in 3D print and bespoke teams

Weston Beamor have announced a new starter and two internal promotions to further strengthen their 3D Print and Bespoke Teams as customer demand for personalisation grows.   Just a few months on from Ed Hole’s promotion to Business Manager, WB have more good news for customers as the team responds to the increased consumer desire for bespoke jewellery. Sarah Parry, who graduated from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery following the completion of a BA Design for Industry degree, joined the company at the beginning of July and will work alongside Daniella Webb in the 3D Printing team.  Existing team members

Appointment: Victoria Waugh Announced as Women’s Jewellery Network First Ethics and Sustainability Ambassador

The Women’s Jewellery Network, the UK’s only dedicated organisation supporting women working in the UK jewellery industry, today announces Victoria Waugh as its first UK Ambassador for Ethics and Sustainability. Waugh has more than 15 years’ business development experience across the clothing, jewellery and accessory sectors, plus leading the Fairtrade Foundation's work to launch Fairtrade gold, bringing a wealth of commercial expertise and knowledge of sustainable and ethical practices to the WJN and its members. Waugh joins four existing WJN regional Ambassadors in a role that will provide support and direction for WJN members wishing to know more about ethical

Victoria McKay resigns from London Diamond Bourse

The changing of the guard continues at London Diamond Bourse with the resignation of Victoria McKay as Chief Operating Officer, after a busy six years in the role. Just two months after board changes were announced at the LDB, including the appointment of new president Alan Cohen, McKay has said she will step down from her position after signing off the deal to refurbish and reconfigure their premises at 100 Hatton Garden, London which is designed to allow members of the UK diamond industry to work and trade together across a larger improved space. She will remain as a consultant

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert

We've made it really simple to pay us. Just use the Paypal button below. Thank you very much for deciding to advertise with Benchpeg Advertising revenue helps us to keep going and also to deliver good works within industry. How to pay Please use the Paypal button below to pay. First, enter your invoice reference number in the box ( the reference number can be found at the top right hand corner of our invoice under our address in bold and will begin with bp-00 ) then press the yellow button to pay. This button is for a fixed payment of

Appointment: Harriet Kelsall elected first female Chair of the National Association of Jewellers

One of the UK's most respected bespoke designers Harriet Kelsall has been elected as the first female chair of The National Association of Jewellers after serving as Vice-Chair for the past two years. Well-known for championing the causes of education, ethics and the environment in the jewellery industry, Harriet brings a wide range of skills and know-how to her new role, tapping into her experience and expertise from acting as chair of the NAJ's new Education steering group, advising the Government on jewellery making skills as part of the Creative and Cultural skill academy and growing her business Harriet Kelsall

Instant payment for a Recruitment Advert

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

Fei Liu unveils ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara with 88ct sapphire

Last week, the Designer of the Year,  Fei  Liu, unveiled his latest masterpiece ‘The Blue of Dreams’ in Shenzhen City, China, to press and the Chinese jewellery industry.   ‘The Blue of Dreams’ tiara is a collaboration between  Fei  and the Chinese beauty pageant.   Fei  sought inspiration from the flying fairy murals of  Dunhuang , China. A city which symbolises the beginning of the Silk Road. The marvellous main sapphire stone has a weight of 88ct and is worth approximately £3million. The entwined ribbons of platinum are set with hues of sapphire and rose-cut diamonds, to give the tiara

Grant Macdonald Exhibition opens at Goldsmiths Hall

The lifetime achievement thus far of silversmith Grant Macdonald has been documented by way of a summer blockbuster exhibition at the traditional home of Gold and Silversmiths – Goldsmiths’ Hall. The exhibition opened with a private view for an array of clients and industry colleagues at the Hall in April. This exhibition of work celebrates five decades of the finest craftsmanship and explores the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of this London silversmith.  The exhibition tells the story of Grant Macdonald's life and work by displaying some of the many remarkable pieces that have been made over the years on

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery opens in Primrose Hill, London

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery, one of the UK’s leading bespoke jewellery companies, has opened a new studio and shop on Regent’s Park Road, Primrose Hill. The location offers a unique lifestyle destination that will provide customers with the opportunity to discover bespoke jewellery within a cutting edge retail space and working design studio.  Recognised as an industry leading company, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has won over twenty UK and international awards for design, business, ethics and innovation and in 2016 was named Bridal Jewellery Retailer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards. Just moments away from the green open

W&W Jewellery celebrates 10th anniversary with studio refurbishment

Bespoke jewellery firm, W&W Jewellery has unveiled its new look Battersea boutique following a refurbishment last month. To celebrate its 10 th  anniversary, W&W has undergone a brand refresh that has seen it transform its Webbs Road studio and a new website launching in October. Harnessing their family’s 70 years of experience in the jewellery industry, brothers Richard and Simon Warrender founded W&W in 2007 to create a unique business model that specialises in bespoke jewellery, and is tailored to the needs of the modern luxury consumer. The new W&W studio has been carefully designed to create a luxurious yet

Craft Central moves to The Forge, Isle of Dogs

Craft Central have announced that they have taken a twenty-year lease on The Forge,  Westferry  Road, Isle of Dogs, bringing back design and making to this area of traditional industry after  leases on the  Clerkenwell  buildings come to an end. Since 1980 Craft Central have been supporting craftsmanship and craftspeople from two Victorian buildings in  Clerkenwell , a traditional centre for craft. With the leases on the  Clerkenwell  buildings coming to an end, finding other premises has been a priority for the charity which sees them set to move in late August this year. The Forge, grade 2 listed, was

Commemorative Jewellery Design Competition

Commemorative Jewellery Design Competition Hockley Mint invites designers to get creative. Hockley Mint, the Birmingham-based manufacturer, which is located in the heart of the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter, is inviting jewellery designers to create a unique, one-off piece of jewellery that represents Hockley Mint’s standing in the industry and commemorates 25 years in business. Winning Design to be Made in Fairtrade Silver The winning jewellery piece will be made in Fairtrade silver and may contain elements of Fairtrade gold. It will be cast by Hockley Mint and unveiled at the International Jewellery London (IJL) show in September. It will then

Getting Started 2018

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

Harriet Kelsall Confirmed as Keynote Speaker for Make Your Mark

On 31 October and 1 November, Goldsmiths’ Hall will host Make Your Mark, the UK’s biggest careers fair for apprentices and students of jewellery and allied trades. Following the huge success of the events in 2014, 2015, and 2016 the event will deliver even more inspiration, advice and networking opportunities. Harriet Kelsall will act as keynote speaker.  She will describe her story starting a creative business from start-up stage to present day - Harriet is one of the most respected bespoke designers and business trailblazers working in the UK jewellery industry today. She is the 2016 HSBC Forward Ladies Retail

INHORGENTA MUNICH 2018

Inhorgenta Munich will take place over four days from 16 to 19 February 2018. There will once again the opportunity to gather and exchange information about new products, trends and developments in the jewellery and watch industry. Messe München Messe München is one of the world’s leading trade-show companies. It organizes some 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods and key high-tech industries in Munich alone. 14 of those events are number 1 in the world in their respective industries. Each year more than 30,000 exhibitors and some two million visitors take part in events held at the Messe

Appointments: Sarah Kitley-Spencer appointed IJL Event Manager

International Jewellery London, the jewellery industry trade fair event, has announced that Sarah Kitley-Spencer has been appointed as the new Event Manager. Sarah Kitley-Spencer has worked at IJL for the past seven years and Reed Exhibitions for ten years. In her former position as Marketing Manager at IJL, Sarah worked closely with her predecessor, Sam Willoughby and the wider team, to expand the show commercially - nationally and internationally.  She has been involved in implementing many of the market-leading features at IJL 2017, including the newly formatted seminar programme and the innovative 365-day strategy, encompassing content marketing, social media and

#SheDressedMe campaign takes off ahead of UK Jewellery Awards

Guests at the UK Jewellery Awards will get the full paparazzi treatment next week after more than 20 designers signed up for the #SheDressedMe campaign and offered their jewels to ticket holders wanting to 'borrow' a bit of extra dazzle. The #SheDressedMe campaign, launched recently by the Women’s Jewellery Network (WJN),  has attracted the support of a wide range of female jewellers, all prepared to loan out pieces to be worn on the red carpet to gain industry and general media exposure. They include Rachel Galley; Roseanna Croft; Judith Peterhoff Jewellery; Michelle Tuck Jewellery; Shen London; Mona Pink; Domino; Gecko;

BIJOU BIJOU looks to fill gap in UK market

Fashion jewellery brand BIJOU BIJOU has officially launched in the UK hoping to draw on its success in Greece, where it was established, to tap into the UK's £600m fashion and costume jewellery market. Behind the brand is a team of highly-skilled industry heavyweights, who have worked for leading publications. Managing Director Nadia Gkartzonika has herself worked for the well-known fashion magazine Vogue. Designer and own brand The company stocks over 1,000 individual pieces of jewellery, from bracelets, rings and necklaces through to body chains and anklets and handcrafts its own-brand products using precious stones and exquisite materials.  Furthermore, they

Fair Luxury Presents, Goldsmiths’ Centre

Fair Luxury Presents Goldsmiths’ Centre 18th September – 27th October 2017 This first of-its-kind exhibition will demonstrate a new view of what it means to offer ‘fair luxury’ in a contemporary and evolving marketplace. It will explore how fine jewellery can be made all the more exquisite when provenance, ethics and responsible business practice work in synergy with design and craftsmanship. Fair Luxury Presents aims to reach a broad audience with interest in luxury jewellery, UK craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. Building on the overwhelming success of two years of industry focused events, Fair Luxury now bring their independent and catalytic

Fair Luxury Conference 2018 at the RCA

Fair Luxury Conference 2018 at the RCA Fair Luxury at the RCA will be an opportunity for anyone working in or connected to the jewellery industry to hear about and discuss the opportunities and issues around ethical sourcing. The day will include presentations from practicing jewellers, staff working in certification programmes, gem traders, consultants and researchers working on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Confirmed participants now include: Susi Smither ( The Rock Hound ) Tim Ingle ( Ingle & Rhode - The Ethical Jeweller ) Naqiyah Sultan ( Kashka Jewellery ) Gavin Hilson ( University of Surrey ) Yves Bertran (

Aesthetica Art Prize 2018

Aesthetica Art Prize 2018 Celebrating excellence in art from across the world, the Aesthetica Art Prize, hosted by the international art and culture publication, Aesthetica Magazine, aims to support innovative practice across a range of media. Providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to an international audience, the renowned Prize presents a fantastic opportunity to further artists’ involvement in the industry. The Prize awards publication within the inspiring Future Now: 100 Contemporary Artists anthology to a longlist of 100 artists, including winners from the Main Prize and Emerging Prize categories. In addition, other prizes include a £5,000 cash

Take a tour of London Craft Week 2018

Jewellery is expected to play a major part in drawing in the crowds at the upcoming London Craft Week which starts on Wednesday May 9th amid what is regarded as a golden age of creative talent in Britain. The week-long event promises endless opportunities to network and share innovative ideas for anyone involved in designing, making or simply buying and wearing contemporary British jewellery. Throughout the five days, events will be hosted across a series of iconic venues across London by some of industry's most revered brands, including the Goldsmith Company which has teamed up with Fortnum & Mason to

Appointment: Edward Johnson Joins The Responsible Jewellery Council As Director Of Business Development

Edward Johnson joins the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) as Director of Business Development to expand its expertise and drive growth for the organisation, strengthening its influence and reputation across the jewellery industry. Edward joins the team at the RJC from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) where he worked to establish GIA’s presence in the UK and further expand it across Europe from 2015 as Director of Business Development. He brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role at the RJC. Prior to his time with GIA, Edward, a Graduate Gemologist, ran an independent jewellery appraisal company

Signet Jewelers Confirmed for 4 Consecutive Years as “Conflict Free”

Signet Jewelers Limited, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewellery, recently submitted its fourth consecutive Conflict Minerals Report to the SEC in accordance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Signet was one of only four companies to have its Gold “Conflict-Free” filing with the SEC independently audited in line with the Section 1502 requirements in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Now Signet has extended its “Conflict-Free” reporting under Section 1502 for a fourth consecutive year. Signet believes that a responsible, conflict-free supply chain is fundamental to the reputation of the jewellery industry. Signet is, therefore, committed to continuing our longstanding

Millennials embrace the signet ring

The signet ring is back. But move over the traditional buyers and enter the  Millennials ; especially Millennial women who, according to the Birmingham manufacturer Domino, are currently embracing this age-old staple of the jewellery industry and making it very much their own.  B oth m en and women in their 20s and 30s are discovering and reinventing these rings.    Domino’s Marketing Co-ordinator, Chantelle Serrell-Cooke, believes that younger buyers appreciate the real opportunities that signet rings offer for personalisation, which is a key trend coming through across the market.  “This digital generation loves having the chance to make its

Appointment: Kate Madelin to step down as NAJ's Director of Education

After a hugely successful tenure as Director of Education for the National Association of Jewellers, Kate Madelin will be leaving her role with the association in March. NAJ will now be looking for a replacement to continue to drive forward the association’s industry-leading agenda, working with the full membership, the leadership team and staff. Simon Johnson, NAJ Chairman said “ Since her appointment to NAG five years ago Kate has had a transformational impact on the Association.  During this time, she has led a forward-thinking and committed team of employees and volunteers, to deliver innovative training for the whole sector. At

Trend Watch: There's No Mellow In Yellow

Hailed as the colour showstopper with enviable transseasonal wearability, canary yellow is making a bold entrance into our accessories wardrobes like Big bird at a politicians debate. The retail industry has followed one rule and one rule only, the brighter the better! Luminous yellow is the go-to colour refresh of the Summer that'll guarantee to spice up any look with an injection of sunshine soul. Ranging from golden sunset golds, silky primrose undertones to bold and striking pops of paintbox hues, this fashion colour of the season will be splattered amongst your head-turning wardrobes. Network this essential " en-vogue "

New LVMH partnership with Central Saint Martins

LVMH and Central Saint Martins have announced a  groundbreaking  new partnership to promote creativity and identify cutting-edge solutions to  drive  sustainability  and innovation in luxury.  Under the banner LVMH & Central Saint Martins “Sustainability & Innovation in Luxury | Fostering Creativity”, this new program is inspired by a shared desire to address  the  many  challenges facing the luxury industry.  After many years of academic and creative collaboration, LVMH is taking its relationship with Central Saint Martins to a new level in 2017, creating a new program with the renowned art and design school. The partnership will promote creativity, nurture young

British Fashion Council Premieres Film Commissions

The British Fashion Council’s Fashion Arts Foundation has premiered two short films, by two female directors, putting British fashion at the heart of the narrative. This commission saw Jessica de Rothschild’s debut as film director and Anissa Bonnefont’s third directorial endeavour.  Both films were made possible by The Peninsula Hotels. Screening at BAFTA to an audience of industry informers alongside fashion and film students, the films showcase the international language of British fashion. Reflections of Hollywood Scriptwriter and Director Jessica de Rothschild sought inspiration from old school Hollywood to weave a tale of modern, magical glamour. Filmed at the Peninsula

Appointment: Anchorcert Appoints Steve Hamon as New Sales Director

AnchorCert Group, including Assay Office Birmingham, is pleased to confirm that it has appointed new Sales Director, Steve Hamon. Steve has more than 17 years’ experience as a senior sales and business development professional, including more than 4 years’ leading the UK and Eire Product Division for global testing laboratory Intertek and more than 5 years’ managing the BSI (British Standards Institution) Engineering, Testing and Kitemark divisions. Steve was officially appointed in December 2017 and has been working closely with the senior management and executive team to understand the complexities of the jewellery industry, as well as familiarise himself with

Graduate Show School of Jewellery Birmingham 2017

Silicone to Silver: Jewellery like you’ve never seen before! Final year students at the world famous School of Jewellery will be unveiling their collections for the first time at the Graduate Show this June. The show launches on Monday 12th June through till Saturday 17th June, with an Industry evening on Tuesday, 13th June from 5:30. With over 50 graduates exhibiting their unique collections there is most certainly something for everyone. Examples of this variety include kinetic elements, are 3D printed, involve unusual and tactile materials and even include hand cultivated crystals and homemade eco-resin. The aesthetic ranges from fun

'Digital Meets Handmade' New York Symposium Review

PhD researcher Karen-Ann Dicken writes a review for Benchpeg of the recent symposium held at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York - Digital meets Handmade. In May this year I was fortunate enough to attend the ‘Digital meets Handmade’ - Jewellery of the 21 st  Century symposium at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Professor Wendy Yothers of FIT organised the event in conjunction with Alba Cappellieri from Politecnico di Milano. This three day symposium was a brilliant collection of researches, speakers and industry specialists. All with the linked theme of what the world of jewellery looks like now we

Swarovski reboots new look Gem Visions for Spring Summer 2019

At a time of radical change in the jewellery world, Swarovski Gemstones, the go to brand for gemstones and created stones, transforms the format and focus of Gem Visions, its industry leading trend and design service. Gem Visions will now be presented twice yearly, each issue with a seasonal slant, so that the first new-look Gem Visions is targeted specifically on Spring/Summer 2019. The dynamically different design, and notebook layout, with a fresh, playful freedom, are intended to ignite innovation, stimulate imagination and capture the essence of the season’s theme: YES TO ALL. In the edition of Gem Visions Swarovski embrace and

The Goldmsiths' Centre Celebrates Its 5th Birthday

On 25th April the Goldsmiths’ Centre celebrated its 5th Birthday and its continuing support for the growth of the UK jewellery and silversmithing industry with over 200 of its friends, partner organisations and alumni. The event also marked the launch of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s new Impact Report and film, which illustrates its achievements over the past 5 years. Founded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, the Goldsmiths’ Centre provides an unrivalled facility for jewellers, silversmiths and craftspeople in the allied trades to excel and thrive in their careers. Since opening

Atelier Romy: Online Only Fine Jewellery Atelier

From a London goldsmith’s workbench a vision developed  for the creation of a new online only fine jewellery brand, offering the combined 20 year experience of two founders jewellery  elegance for the everyday working woman Atelier Romy is underpinned by Sabine Roemer and Hermione Underwood’s vision to develop beautiful pieces manufactured with world class craftsmanship. Created by women for women, Atelier Romy intends to transcend seamlessly across occasions and time zones whilst complementing the wearer’s individual style. With over 20 years experience in the jewellery industry, the founders feel that consumers deserve a brand that focuses on transparency, integrity and

Flavia Amadeu X :In-Residence

Flavia Amadeu X :In-Residence :IN-RESIDENCE are proud to host Brazilian jewellery designer Flavia Amadeu in store on Friday 20 April 2018 from 17:00 to 20:00 for an exclusive preview of her work prior to her participation in the V&As Fashioned from Nature exhibition which opens to the public on Saturday 21 April 2018.  This is the first exhibition of its kind to explore the complex relationship between fashion and nature from 1600 to the present day.  Flavia will be available to discuss her work and her passion for sustainability within the fashion industry. Flavia Amadeu is a Brazilian jewellery, fashion,

IJL & Goldsmith's Centre partner to provide designer support

International Jewellery London and The Goldsmiths’ Centre have announced that they will have an official partnership for this year’s show. The sponsorship agreement will focus on providing invaluable support for exhibiting designers. This includes using The Goldsmiths’ Centre as the venue for the IJL Exhibitor Summer Masterclasses on June 15, when inspiring industry leaders will provide mentorship and guidance on getting the most out of IJL’s unique networking, PR and marketing opportunities. The expert tutors at the Centre will also participate in IJL’s Show Seminar programme, as well as sharing valuable mentoring advice in pre-show IJL online content.  Sam Willoughby,

Emerge Competition

Call for Applications: Emerge Competition Zealous set up Emerge in response to the changing nature of the UK’s relationship with Europe. The aim of the competition is to safeguard the creative industries and promote new generations of diverse creative talent from all backgrounds across the UK. Together, let's remind the world that the UK’s creative industries are best in class, worth supporting and open for business. The Competition 12 Emerge prize categories are open to all creative talent residing in the UK. All of the categories will be shortlisted to 15, from which industry judges will select the top 3

London Design Fair 2017

The largest collection of international exhibitions, designers, brands, country pavilions, features and exhibitions in one destination during the London Design Festival. Located in the creative heart of East London, the London Design Fair is a four-day industry event that brings together 500 exhibitors from 28 countries, including; independent designers, established brands, international country pavilions, features and exhibitions. As the destination of the annual London Design Festival over 27,000 influential; retail buyers, architects, interior designers, press, designers and design-savvy public attend to see and specify the very latest; furniture, lighting, textiles, materials and conceptual installations from around the world. www.londondesignfair.co.uk

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

For the first time, the Selvedge Fair travels to Pendle in Lancashire, an area that is shaped by textiles. The fair is part of Fabrications, the UK's first festival that celebrates and explores textiles and the textile industry through the eyes of artists. The Selvedge Fair in Pendle will bring together a curated collection of makers and merchants and is an opportunity to meet makers, catch up with friends and find that special something. Visitors can also take part in one of the complimentary workshops, details below. The fair will take place in the 17th century Park Hill Barn at the Pendle Heritage Centre. Set within

Autumn Treasures of Sparkle & Sophistication

Fun, modern styles of ladylike romance are once again back in vogue this September. Oozing exuberant glamour, maximum embellishment and refreshing confidence, the jewellery cupboards of Autumn/Winter 2017 are saturated with artisan filigree, statement enamel accents, fluid shapes and delicately detailed diamond adornment. As industry events and soiree nights of networking and mischief flock to book up our calendar alerts, all things bewitched with a touch of glitz and kitsch are weaving their way into our statement accessories. As the weather outside chops and changes, the jewellery world is delivering a wonderland of inspiration ready to wrap you up into

Jewellery Certificate Level 2 at Morley Collage

Jewellery Certificate Level 2- VJE070A Morley College 13 Sep 2017 - 4 Jul 2018 This year long course is 3 hours a week from September and is an intermediate course aimed at people wanting to further their skills, start a business, work in the jewellery industry or progress onto further education.  The course covers press-forming, etching, stone setting, fashion jewellery, a competition project with the V&A museum, using found objects in jewellery and enamelling. At the end of the course there is a show which the students organise, run and participate in. It also covers running a small business, setting

Need for flexible working may underpin gender pay gap

A desire for flexible working arrangements and a reluctance to relocate for more senior roles were the reasons behind a gender pay gap in the jewellery retail industry that was higher than the national average, research has shown. Pay differentials between men and women for equal jobs ranged from 2% higher at Links of London to 91.6% lower at Pandora, where women effectively have been earning 28p for every £1 earned by a man.  But the data, collected and collated by the Government’s Gender Pay Gap Service, did not take into consideration the proportion of store employees who make up

The Goldsmiths’ Centre Launches New Business Growth Programme

The Goldsmiths’ Centre launched a new Business Growth Programme, designed to offer business skills short courses and inspirational talks tailored to the fine jewellery and contemporary silversmithing sectors, earlier this month. Led by experts and industry practitioners, this programme aims to provide ambitious entrepreneurs with the tools to confidently craft their business skills and spearhead a step-change in their practice. From prestigious business incubation programmes for emerging makers, such as the Getting Started and Setting Out courses, to one-day intensive short courses for more established businesses, and a successful leadership pilot programme started in 2017, the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London

‘In Conversation’ Event with Joanna Hardy and Cartier

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council & The Goldsmiths’ Centre to host  ‘In Conversation’ event with Joanna Hardy and Cartier Acclaimed jewellery specialist, Joanna Hardy, leads an ‘In Conversation’ with Cartier, the world’s most esteemed and respected Maison in the luxury goods industry, for an exceptional event. Founded in 1874 in Paris, Cartier is renowned worldwide for its high jewellery creations and watches – symbols of craftsmanship and elegance, quality and excellence. Hosted by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) in partnership with The Goldsmiths’ Centre, and Joanna Hardy, this exclusive ‘In Conversation’ event celebrates 60 years of unique partnership

Chime with the Times: The Top Watches for 2018

It's not only the outfit that oozes a person's style and charm but also the finer details they wear on the side. With an endless selection of shape, size, colour, design and style, a beautiful, sleek and intriguing timepiece is set to clock in as the must-have accessory for 2018. Just like the economic status of the world, the watch industry has experienced more than its fair share of ups and downs in popularity but this year, the jewellery world has clocked a slow and steady rise in demand for luxury wrist wear. From simple and seamless two-handed tickers to

Market Entry Programme

Call for Applications: Market Entry Programme, The Centre for Fashion Enterprise Unlock growth for your business. We are pleased to announce that our Market Entry programme is now open for applications. Empowering London-based Fashion, Jewellery, Accessory and FashTech SME’s, the intensive two-day programme delivered by industry experts and at no cost to delegates, will cover topics including: Digital, Marketing and PR, Brand development, Range planning, Costing and pricing, Managing your Production, Intellectual Property, and Sales Strategies. The programme will run on 26th and 27th April in East London with a 1-1 diagnostic exit session to follow. Eligibility Criteria To qualify

Huguenot Footsteps - Spitalfields

Huguenot Footsteps - Spitalfields Huguenots walking tours in Spitalfields take place on the first Tuesday of each month from May to October. Many of the Huguenots (French Protestants) who left France after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 were weavers - over the years 25,000 settled in Spitalfields. They brought their skills (known as “the Mysteries of the Strangers”), new techniques, new ideas and the incomparable French style. The master weavers lived in large, elegant houses whilst the journeymen weavers lived in small houses north of Spitalfields and Bethnal Green. You will hear about the silk industry,

Call for Applications: Liberty Open Call 2018

Call for Applications: Liberty Open Call Discovering the unusual and the talented Calling all makers, designers and craftspeople! Liberty Open Call is back and this year, we’re on the hunt for the UK’s best undiscovered interior design talent. Who Can Enter Liberty Open Call is a platform for undiscovered UK-based makers, artists, designers and craftspeople who have contributed to the industry in the last three years – but have no history of being stocked by another London store. This includes teachers, students and those who have sold at craft markets or exhibited work. This year, we’re looking for unique home

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL The Women’s Jewellery Network (WJN), a new organisation designed to connect, grow and inspire women in the industry, will make its debut at International Jewellery London (IJL) in September. The WJN aims to create a UK-wide network of women working across all sectors of the UK jewellery and watch trades, providing career advice and business networking opportunities. It will launch as a membership platform with access to online support and resources, strengthened with seasonal meet-ups and events to connect women with their peers in the trade. While the full concept will be unveiled

Call for Applications: One Year On 2018

Call for Applications: One Year On 2018 One Year On for talented designers launching new creative businesses Are you a new creative business? Need help kick starting your design practice? Apply for One Year On at New Designers 2018. One Year On presents the year’s most exciting design talent. The pre-show mentorship programme gets your business market-ready to exhibit at the New Designers exhibition. Expertly curated by industry buyer, business-owner and designer Rheanna Lingham, you’ll receive the guidance and help to make your business a success. Application Deadline 31st January 2018 To Apply www.newdesigners.com/oneyearon2018

Flux 2017 - Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery Conference

Brining together pioneering figures from the worlds of jewellery, fashion, and beyond - FLUX provides a platform for industry leaders who question the way in which we approach provenance and sustainability by examining the complex journey from mine to market. This two-day event will build on our inaugural conference in 2016 to further encourage a dynamic platform for debate, providing an atmosphere of collaboration between open-minded individuals who wish to be part of something truly trailblazing. Day one will focus on a range of topics relating to responsible and sustainable sourcing in the jewellery sector for small and medium sized

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards 2018 Public Exhibition

Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards 2018 Public Exhibition The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council is the flagship organisation for the precious metal industry. Each year the Council hosts a unique national competition attracting over 600 entries from exceptionally talented and skilled UK based designers and craftsmen. The annual Awards Exhibition showcases this year's winners from intricate hand-crafted jewellery to tableware and objet d’art – all entered as part of GC&DC’s 2018 competition. Dates 27 February - 2 March 2018 Open 10:00am – 4:00pm Venue The Goldsmiths' Company, Goldsmiths Hall, London EC2V 6BN

IJL Show Director to step down after IJL 2017

International Jewellery London biggest stand alone jewellery trade event, will bid farewell to Event Director Sam Willoughby in October, after eight years at the helm and more than 13 years working for Reed Exhibitions. Willoughby and her team have developed unique and market leading features at IJL, including the VIP Diamond Club programme and an innovative 365-day strategy across content marketing, social media and industry support. At this year’s show, as well as over 500 jewellery exhibitors of which 150 are new, there is a revitalised Seminar Programme featuring brand new learning areas such as The Academy, Digifest and Skills

Creative & Cultural Skills Annual Awards Evening 2017

Creative and Cultural Skills recently held their annual awards evening for the winners of the  2017 Cr eative & Cultural Skills Awards which  were judged by leading employers in the creative industries.    The awards were designed to celebrate inspirational individuals, teams and organisations, who show an outstanding commitment to the training and development of new talent in the creative industries. The Awards Evening allowed recognition for those individuals and organisations responsible for passing on their skills, as well as those who show an outstanding dedication to the creative industries. The jewellery industry had two winners in the Craft Skills

Professional Development

We've compiled a list of professional development and short course providers from up and down the country... Annette Petch Jewellery Studio 1 Manor Oaks Studios 389 Manor Lane Sheffield S2 1UL www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk Barovic Jewellery Academy The Barovic Jewellery Acadamy is an independent jewellery school offering the opportunity to develop new skills.  Whether you are seeking a career in the jewellery industry, a professional developing their knowledge and skills or a complete novice, there is no better place to learn being inspired and guided by highly skilled and enthusiastic jewellery professionals. The Barovic Jewellery Academy offers a wide selection of accredited hands-on

Launch of the online-to-offline commerce platform

The launch of  www.watchadvisor.com  presents the first independent platform which connects watch retailers and brands with watch lovers worldwide.  WatchAdvisor  differs essentially from previous watch websites: For the first time ever, the Swiss watch industry has a neutral and cross-brand platform which currently offers detailed information on around 12,000 watch models in the price segment above CHF 2,000. A unique feature is the possibility the users engage directly with official watch retailers who offer the desired watch. In addition to its powerful search engine which can target esthetical and technical features of the watch,  WatchAdvisor  develops algorithms which - depending

Call For Fashion Authors, Instructors and Scholars

We’re looking for authors to write business case studies about the fashion, textiles and cosmetics industries for a forthcoming online educational resource. If you have an idea for a case study we would like to hear from you! We invite cases across a wide spectrum of topics relating to the business of fashion, from design to retailing and beyond. The online collection of cases will explore real-world business problems for a global readership of fashion students, including all levels of undergraduates. We are particularly interested in cases relevant to today’s global fashion industry – about fashion in all regions of

The New Trend: 3D Scanning for Jewellery

Imagine being able to copy anything in perfect detail at the touch of a button. Only ten years ago this would just have been merely a pipe dream. Now the dream has become reality. David Valle of Gala Creations takes us through what you need to know about 3D scanning and its every day uses for the jewellery industry. What is 3D scanning? 3D scanning is the technology used to digitalize any small object, including any type of jewellery, wax and gemstone. 3D scanners work by shining different patterns and intensities of light onto an object to be scanned. Then, a built-in

The New Trend: 3D Scanning for Jewellery

Imagine being able to copy anything in perfect detail at the touch of a button. Only ten years ago this would just have been merely a pipe dream. Now the dream has become reality. David Valle of Gala Creations takes us through what you need to know about 3D scanning and its every day uses for the jewellery industry. What is 3D scanning? 3D scanning is the technology used to digitalize any small object, including any type of jewellery, wax and gemstone. 3D scanners work by shining different patterns and intensities of light onto an object to be scanned. Then, a built-in

Barbara Cartlidge (1922 - 2017)

Barbara Cartlidge, jewellery designer and Founder of the world famous Electrum Gallery has passed away aged 94 on 27 February 2017.  Renowned for her influential creativity and leadership in promoting contemporary art and studio based jewellery, Barbara Cartlidge will forever be hailed for her creative passion, knowledge, and as a driving force within the jewellery industry. Born in 1922 in Berlin, Germany, she later fled to London due to the war in 1938. Barbara went on to study jewellery design at London's renowned Central School of Arts and Crafts which resulted in a solo exhibition hosted by Heal's in 1960.

Unique Apprenticeships at Cockpit Arts

Unique Apprenticeships at Cockpit Arts  The only Apprenticeships of this kind being offered in the craft sector Cockpit Arts has launched a new and unique Apprenticeship Programme for the craft industry and is seeking young people to take up new positions as studio assistants.   The programme is the only one of its kind in the craft sector that gives young people transferrable skills to obtain work in any small and medium-sized creative enterprise. Piloted over the past few years, it is widely considered to be a pioneering initiative that helps craftspeople take on their first employees and offers an attractive employment route for young people choosing not to go to university. The new Apprenticeships

Jewellery & Watch Grows International Offering

Jewellery & Watch will bring together the very best in jewellery collections from across the globe this February as over 350 brands, suppliers and designers prepare to descend upon the UK’s premier spring buying event. Renowned for its thriving jewellery industry, Italy has been selected as the show’s country of focus for 2017, with an exquisite selection of Italian brands set to reveal their latest collections at the forthcoming show.   The esteemed line-up follows the acquisition of a dedicated Italian brand manager for the 2017 event, Maria Nastri, who together with the team at Jewellery & Watch has secured an

Fera Jewellery Launches Animii Collection

Jo Gordon, the designer maker behind FERA Jewellery has announced the official launch of her formal debut collection for the brand she first c reated in 2014. Jo graduated from the prestigious School of Jewellery in 2014 where she first be gan to make and sell her jewellery  whilst studying traditional jewellery making techniq ues , winning  numerous industry awards for her designs .  Jo is a nomadic  and inquisitive  soul and  spends much of her time travelling the globe, searching for adventure and inspiration.  Currently living the island life in Bali, she can otherwise been found sourcing precious stones

Benchpeg Awards Judges 2016

Benchpeg is extremely excited to reveal the Judges for the Benchpeg Awards 2016. Each Judge is an expert in their field, which range from fashion markets, art jewellery, commerciality, manufacture, the craft, image making, design, creativity and innovation. They are listed below in alphabetical order. Kate Baxter - The Cut London Kate Baxter is a jewellery designer and founder of fine jewellery blog & consultancy The Cut London. With over 10 years’ experience working within the jewellery industry; as a designer for global brands and as a freelance creative, Kate brought her unique sense of innovation and intuition to launch

The Creative Journey of Doriana Richman

Living life in the fast lane as one of the entertainment industry's top Automotive Advertising stunt drivers, Doriana Richman has embarked on a new creative journey as a jewellery designer. 'Stone Symbol Jewelry' was inspired by her visit to the excavated city of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. It was in this ancient city that Doriana came across an ancient secret symbol, which had emerged as a code to those seeking refuge from religious persecution. The symbol, that informed the knowing observer of a safe harbor and the existence of like minded believers, was carved

Rare Pink the Custom Engagement Ring Etailer rebrands to Taylor & Hart

Three years after launching, innovative online retailer of custom designed engagement rings, Rare Pink, has rebranded to Taylor & Hart. The company hopes to position itself as the online leader in custom designed jewellery as they expand their focus to include the rest of Europe and the US market. Rare Pink was founded in 2013 by David Sutton and Nikolay Piriankov with the vision to improve the experience of buying an engagement ring. The centuries old jewellery industry, they felt, had failed to evolve, too comfortable in its ways, while millennials wanted so much more than the “off the shelf”

Appointment: South Coast Watch Business Appoint Guy Allen as Head of National Sales

South Coast watch business Elliot Brown has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Guy Allen as Head of National Sales. Allen brings 35 years of industry experience to his new role with the Poole-based watch brand. For the past eight years Allen was the UK distributor for French brand Pequignet. Prior to that he owned a retail watch and jewellery business and ran a distribution business in the United States.  During this time Allen was Sales and Marketing Director of both Avia and Burberry and became the first UK distributor for Skagen. Co-founder of Elliot Brown, Ian Elliot, saif of

Crafted, Walpole

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

South Coast Watch Business Appoint Head of National Sales

South Coast watch business Elliot Brown has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Guy Allen as Head of National Sales. Allen brings 35 years of industry experience to his new role with the Poole-based watch brand. For the past eight years Allen was the UK distributor for French brand Pequignet. Prior to that he owned a retail watch and jewellery business and ran a distribution business in the United States.  During this time Allen was Sales and Marketing Director of both Avia and Burberry and became the first UK distributor for Skagen. Co-founder of Elliot Brown, Ian Elliot, saif of

Make Your Mark Competition

Call for Applications: Make Your Mark design competition *Applications are now closed* Students are invited to Make Their Mark on the Industry - The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office launches design competition to encourage creativity in the use of the Hallmark The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office is launching the Make Your Mark Awards , a new design competition that aims to challenge today’s students working in precious metal. The Awards, which will open in September, will be presented at a special event on Tuesday 1 November 2016, during Make Your Mark . This year’s benchpeg Awards will also be on display, with

London Diamond Bourse Joins Responsible Jewellery Council

London Diamond Bourse (LDB) is pleased to announce it is a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). LDB is the first Bourse in the world to join the well-known standards and certification organisation. LDB’s Council of Management unanimously voted to apply to join the RJC and will now undertake an independent audit to achieve full RJC Certification.  Victoria McKay, COO commented “LDB has been committed to best business practice for over 75 years. We will now work to achieve independently audited certified status to prove that we are committed to supporting industry transparency and look forward to demonstrating LDB’s

Southampton Students Get Fashion Fantastic with Plastic

An exciting project with DOW, one of the world leaders in the plastic market, will see a selection of Southampton Solent University students get the chance to showcase their work at a leading event in Dusseldorf this October. Under the theme ‘FaceOfInnovation’, which will focus on showcasing trends and innovation in the plastic industry; a number of students have been challenged to think outside of the box and create stylish, wearable fashion garments by reusing plastic materials. Southampton Solent University spoke with Charlotte and Lily, both now in their final academic year, studying Make-up and Hair and Design, to hear

Business Growth Programme 2017

The Goldsmiths' Centre has launched a new Business Growth Programme which will bring together ten entrepreneurs who share ambition to transform their businesses.  Are you an entrepreneur with the aspiration to grow a leading business in your sector? The Goldsmiths' Centre is looking for some of the most creative and talented members in the UK with the potential and drive to become game-changes in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries. The Business Growth Programme at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, generously funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, will bring you together with nine other dynamic entrepreneurs in the industry for a 6 module

The 2016 Benevolent Society Ball Sparkled

The evening of the 1st of December saw the 81st British Jewellery Giftware & Finishing Federation Benevolent Society Ball take place at The St Johns Hotel Solihull, with Jewellery & Watch as Headline Sponsor. Incorporated within this longstanding annual Charity Event were the National Association of Jewellers Member Awards which are designed to flag up all that is most excellent about the UK’s extremely diverse jewellery industry: its bright new talent, its design skills and creativity and its capacity to truly serve its customers whether they are other businesses, on-line jewellery buyers or the consumer in the High Street. The

Ortwin Thyssen Unviels Competition Winner 2016

To celebrate his shop’s 10-year anniversary, King’s Mile jeweller, Ortwin Thyssen set his makers a challenge; to design and craft a piece of jewellery of their own inspiration using traditional artisan methods. The pieces were displayed during September and the public were invited to vote, alongside industry professionals, on their favourite piece. “What you see here is the result of a challenge that every artist faces, the challenge to make ‘what you feel is right’” explained Ortwin during his presentation speech at the competition awards evening, held in the intimate surroundings of the Lilford Gallery in Canterbury. After achieving the

Fashion World Tokyo 2017

Call for Applications: Fashion World Tokyo Spring 2017 Fashion World Tokyo is Japan’s largest fashion trade show and held twice a year in April and October. The show gathers all kinds of fashion wear, bags, shoes, fashion accessories, fashion jewellery, men’s fashion, textile and OEM/ODM products from around the world. It shows 890 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors, the next Fashion World Tokyo  provides the fashion industry with abundant opportunities to expand their business in Japan & Asia. Japan is the third largest single country for apparel and fashion accessories markets in the world, which is worth 110 billion USD in

Media Stars Set to Select Bright Young Gems

An eminent panel of consumer media experts, together with the British luxury fine jewellery designer, Shaun Leane, are set to select IJL’s 2017 Bright Young Gems - the five young jewellers chosen to be the industry's next stars. Alice Edwards, Jewellery Editor for Sunday Times Style and The Times LUXX magazine, and Charlie Boyd, Executive Fashion and Jewellery Editor at both Harper's Bazaar and Town & Country, have been appointed to the panel of judges for the 2017 Bright Young Gems selection panel. They join Hilary Alexander OBE, Editor-at-Large Hello Fashion Monthly; Annabel Davidson, Editor of Vanity Fair on Jewellery,

British Fashion Council & Google Arts Celebrate The Creativity of British Fashion

A collaboration between the British Fashion Council and Google will bring to life the creativity, heritage and craftsmanship of British fashion. A new digital educational platform featuring content and stories from top British designers and fashion insiders has been created for anyone around the world to enjoy, for free. The project will support the BFC’s Education Foundation and aims to attract future talent into the industry. The platform g.co/britishfashion will provide a single destination to educate and inspire future generations of young fashion creatives, designers and students.  To celebrate its rich history and create new experiences around British fashion, the

Call for Applications: Getting Started 2017

Have you graduated in the last five years from a certified UK Precious Metal course? Do you need support in developing your business skills but aren’t sure exactly what skills you need? Getting Started could be the course for you. What is the Getting Started course? Delivered by the Goldsmiths’ Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, Getting Started is a free, one week business taster programme for people who want to pursue a career within the industry. Delivered as a series of seminars, interactive workshops and talks from keynote speakers, the programme focuses on: how best to sell your

Professional Development Courses at the Goldsmiths' Centre

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

Benevolent Society Ball 2016

Benevolent Society Ball and National Association Of Jewellers’ Membership Awards Event The event, which is taking place on Thursday 1 December at the prestigeous St John’s Hotel in Solihull attracted over 400 key industry guests last year and all looks good for an even greater turnout this year. The evening starts with a champagne reception sponsored by the National Exhibition Centre and the NAJ’s membership awards adds a great deal of excitement as the nominees wait with bated breath to learn whether they have won one of these illustrious awards. As well as helping needy people who used to worked

IJL Announces Bright Young Gems 2016

IJL has announced the five Bright Young Gems selected to show at this year’s event. Now in its eleventh year, this initiative is recognised by the industry as one of the leading commercial opportunities for emerging designers, providing these talented young designers with an outstanding commercial platform and excellent exposure. These emerging stars of the contemporary jewellery world are selected from final year students at colleges and universities across the UK by a prestigious panel – comprising Hilary Alexander, OBE: Editor at Large Hello! Fashion Monthly Magazine, Vivienne Becker: jewellery historian and Contributing Editor to the Financial Times - How

Spanner & Wingnut: The Organic Edge of Jewellery Luxury

Anneka Moore studied Jewellery Design at London's Central St. Martins, before embarking on an adventure through the fashion industry to finally end up with her bold and beautiful jewellery brand, Spanner & Wingnut, as shown at London Fashion Week recently. Now based in the Goldsmiths Centre surrounded by skilled craftsmen, Anneka draws inspiration from her beloved London, and all things fashionable and organic. This, combined with traditional manufacturing techniques and precious materials, promises to deliver wearable, luxurious and aesthetic jewellery. Spanner & Wingnut offers a bespoke service too, specialising in engagement and wedding rings. Sourcing inspiration from birds talons, scorpions

The Royal College of Art is World’s Leading University of Art and Design for Third Year

The Royal College of Art has again been named the world’s leading university of Art and Design in the 2017 QS World University Subject Rankings, beating top-ranking global universities including MIT, Stanford, Yale and Rhode Island School of Design to the top spot for the third consecutive year. The premier ranking confirms the RCA’s position as the world’s leading university of art and design. In the UK, the College is recognised as being at the forefront of innovation, supporting more successful start-ups than Imperial College and Oxbridge combined, and with 45% of our graduates starting their own creative industry and

Jewellery Schools Listings

There are very few specialist jewellery and silversmithing courses in the UK, here we have compiled a list of educational institutions offering higer level courses and also courses with jewellery, silversmithing or metalwork offered as part of the course... Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk Short Courses are also available- see website for more

'Jewellery Oscars' Announced: Goldsmiths’ Crafts & Design Awards 2017

The presentation of the annual awards of the Goldsmiths Craft & Design took place at Goldsmiths Hall in London on 27 February 2017.    This important annual Awards Ceremony - known in the trade as the Jewellery Oscars - was hosted by international jewellery expert, Joanna Hardy, and welcomed over 300 guests, including world renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers and the UK jewellery press. This unique annual competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials. The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, which operates the competition, actively encourages craftsmen and

Inhorgenta Munich - Messe München, Germany

Inhorgenta Munich will take place over four days from 18 to 21 February 2017. There will once again the opportunity to gather and exchange information about new products, trends and developments in the jewellery and watch industry. After extremely successful trade show days at the 2016 event, boasting 940 exhibitors from 33 countries and some 26,000 trade visitors from 75 countries, those responsible for INHORGENTA MUNICH are full of anticipation for the coming 2017 event. Messe München Messe München is one of the world’s leading trade-show companies. It organizes some 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods and key

National Festival of Making Launched

The first UK festival bringing together manufacturing, art and design is to be held in the heartland of British industry, developing celebratory acts of creativity and uniting makers of diverse disciplines. The first National Festival of Making will take place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May 2017 in Blackburn Lancashire, where 25% of the population still works in making and manufacturing The influential designer, Wayne Hemingway will be amongst the organisers and list of supporters bringing together the first UK festival of its kind, initiating a series of newly commissioned works Documentary films will capture the diversity of the

Thomson Reuters GFMS Interim Silver Market Review

At the Annual Silver Industry Dinner hosted by the Silver Institute, Johann Wiebe, Senior Analyst in the GFMS team at Thomson Reuters presented the GFMS / Silver Institute Interim Silver Market Review, which includes provisional supply and demand forecasts for 2016. The Silver Institute Interim Silver Market review showcases that the physical deficit continues to persist despite softer fundamentals. The following highlights are key news updates from the silver market report: The silver market is expected to be in an annual physical deficit of 52.2 Moz in 2016, marking the fourth consecutive year in which the market has realized an annual

Truro and Penwith College

Rated Gold by the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) in 2017 and Ofsted Outstanding in 2016, Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality University course right here in Cornwall.   Degree courses in Silversmithing and Jewellery help students to develop craftsmanship skills in areas such as

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

The apprenticeship programme in the UK is undergoing its most significant revival in recent years, with the Government announcing its commitment to work with employers to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. For an industry that has been running apprenticeship programmes since 1334, when the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme launched, this announcement has been welcomed. But while many organisations offer highly respected apprenticeship programmes, what does it take to train a world class apprentice jeweller? Steven Jinks, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Jewellery, who is responsible for training three Goldsmiths’ apprentices in Squad UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, explains

Courses

There are very few specialist jewellery and silversmithing courses in the UK, here we have compiled a list of educational institutions offering higer level courses and also courses with jewellery, silversmithing or metalwork offered as part of the course... Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk Short Courses are also available- see website for more

Sparkle With Silver Christmas Tree Decorations

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to present a brilliant selection of Christmas tree decorations designed and curated by some of the most prominent silversmiths working in the UK today. This exquisite selection of festive celebration is currently on display at the Goldsmiths' Hallwith the opportnity to purchase a piece that captches your eye and ignites your Christmas spirit! Following on from last year's successful display at the National Museum of Scotland in conjunction with the Silversmiths' Art, this years showcase selection of Silversmiths' Christmas Tree decorations celebrates the artistry of our creative industry within one of the most exciting and

Ask the Professionals, The Sorting Office

Have you ever wondered just how to get your work sold in a shop? Or maybe how you get into a Trade Fair?  What about exhibitions and craft fairs? When the competition is strong how do you stand out from the crowd, and what makes a successful application? In this event you will hear from 3 industry professionals on how to make successful applications to retail and online outlets, trade fairs, exhibitions and craft fairs. Jon Tutton - MADE Brighton MADE Brighton is an annual Design and Craft Fair held at The Corn Exchange in Brighton. The event, organised by

BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2017 Shortlist Announced

In 2017 the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will adjust its format to focus on bringing key expertise into designer businesses to assist with development and growth In recognition of the increasing pool of deserving talent the £200,000 grant will be shared between up to three recipients, which will enable the fund to benefit multiple designers at a pivotal stage in the growth of their brand’s development. Winners will continue to receive a full mentoring programme through the BFC’s Business Support team, including access to funders and industry experts. The nominated designers are selected by the Fund Judging Committee and have

Craftsmanship & Design Awards 2017

T he Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council is a non profit making organisation founded over one hundred years ago in 1908. Today, the Council continues its work from its original remit: "...to encourage, stimulate and promote the pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and design amongst all those in the United Kingdom who work within silversmithing, goldsmithing, jewellery and the allied crafts." The Council Awards embrace every aspect of craft and design activity currently being practiced in the UK industry. Diverse and wide ranging, the skill set of British silversmithing, jewellery and allied trades is showcased annually as part of the Council’s unique

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

Grayton Set To Launch The Origin Mechanical Smart Watch

Grayton introduces the Origin Mechanical watch: a classic self-winding timepiece with open-heart design plus a smart strap for activity tracking, phone notifications, music control and more.  Taking almost 2 years to design Origin, a classic mechanical watch that features an interchangeable slim strap and embedded electronics, the Origin by Grayton has been born!. for Keep watch for the innovative fitness and intelligence to timekeeping with this revolutionary new addition to the watch industry - The Origin encapsulates when the modern tech world meets traditional watchmaking in pure style. Technology evolves but style is timeless As boutique watch makers, Grayton understands that there

Manchester Wedding Jeweller Wins at Inaugural Awards

Luxury wedding jewellery retailer, Hancocks Jewellers, has been recognised as one of the best businesses in the industry after winning The Local North West Jeweller of the Year at the 2016 English Wedding Awards. The inaugural Awards ceremony took place on November 14th at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, with more than 100 businesses from across the country in attendance to commemorate the occasion.  After thousands of nominations, the English public voted on their favourites to decide who would be crowned the best of the best. Those who voted were asked to select nominees who are a true embodiment of

Membership of the Goldsmiths’ Centre

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell has launched a new membership scheme for the goldsmithing industry and wider creative design field offering opportunities to link up and access a range of benefits and discounts. The network is free to join and forms a unique community for members to share ideas, collaborate, evolve and grow their businesses. Since 2012 the Goldsmiths’ Centre has brought together trainee and working goldsmiths and those interested in design, creativity and craftsmanship in its state-of-the-art building. As a member of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, subscribers are amongst the first to hear about upcoming and exclusive programmes via a dedicated members’

Rebecca van Rooijen

Meet the Co-Founder and Editor of Benchpeg.    Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has over 25 years of experience within the jewellery industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery trade could share and access resources in order to democratise information. In addition to editing Benchpeg and the weekly newsletter (which just celebrated its 750th issue) which she created 17 years ago, Rebecca is the Strategic and Development Director of the Test Valley Arts Foundation, a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust

British Fashion Council Releases #LONDONISOPEN Video

London is a fashion, business and cultural capital and is open for business. The British Fashion Council is supporting Mayor Sadiq Khan’s #LondonIsOpen campaign by releasing this exclusive film. [http://youtu.be/ebXs4Wnb2ds] Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said, “London Fashion Week begins today, showing that London is open to the world and is an international leader of creativity and entrepreneurship. There’s a fantastic range of designers and talent on the schedule this season, highlighting the very best the industry has to offer – from big brands to independent retailers, the London fashion scene has never been more diverse. The fashion

City Fringe Partnership

The City Fringe Partnership was a ground-breaking public and private sector alliance between the London Development Agency, the London boroughs and private business partners which ran from 1996 - 2009.  Through their European Development-funded project, the Jewellery Sector Investment Plan (JSIP), they created £3 million worth of jewellery support programmes, improving collaborative and training opportunities in the industry. The projects ran until 2009, and they continue to inspire long-term regenerative partnerships today. Projects like Future in the Making supported 340 businesses to increase their sales and contacts, and beginner’s jewellery and awareness courses were run for 125 socially and economically

FORGE Trade Directory

FORGE Trade Directory FORGE is a place to share knowledge and advice and will signpost and connect Hatton Garden’s thriving jewellery community of students, new talent, and established brands with industry experts, suppliers, and services. To kick start connecting our community we are publishing a launch event special edition of our new CONNECT, SUPPLY & THRIVE directory to be distributed at our opening party and throughout the fortnight of events. Full Sponsorship                         £750 + VAT Includes: Double page profile, logo & contact details in directory. Logo & contact details included in FORGE launch marketing emails. Logo, profile and contact

Istituto Marangoni London Launches ‘In Conversation With’ Speaker Series with Fashion & Design Elite

'In Conversation With' Jamie Gill Istituto Marangoni London 2nd November, 2022 at 5:30pm Prestigious Italian School Welcomes Experts & Designers - Jamie Gill,   Bill Prince, Anya Hindmarch &  Shaun Leane  This Year World-renowned fashion and design school  Istituto Marangoni London  announces their 2022 ‘In Conversation With’ speakers, including major names in the industry such as Jamie Gill, Bill Prince, Anya Hindmarch and Shaun Leane.  Istituto Marangoni’s powerful cadre of speakers this academic year highlights the school as a formidable player in the fashion world. Previous speakers include Christopher Raeburn, Massimo Giorgetti of MSGM, Francesca Ragazzi of Vogue, Alastair McKimm and Carlos Nazario of i-D, as well as other notable figures that have spoken at

News Edit: 26 March 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How I Got Here: Loveness Lee opens up about the challenges of wearing all the hats in your business Red Online: The London-based jewellery designer creates beautiful pieces inspired by nature. www.redonline.co.uk Hailey Bieber can't stop wearing this affordable London-based jewellery brand Marie Claire: A fashion-industry favourite. www.marieclaire.co.uk Eden Confidential: While Mick, 79, rocks on, daughter Jade Jagger, 51, packs in her day job as she gives up designing fine jewellery Daily Mail: Yet, I hear that the singer's daughter, Jade Jagger, is already giving up her career

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

LINK-UP: FORGING Communities

Date:  Thursday 23 February, 2023 Start Time:  6.00 PM End Time:  8.00 PM Venue:  FORGE FORGE is a place to share knowledge and advice and will signpost and connect Hatton Garden’s thriving jewellery community of students, new talent, and established brands with industry experts, suppliers, and services. Join us at our first LINK-UP – A trade networking event to connect, discuss and forge new professional relationships. Also meet Amanda Mansell founder of FORGE and Emma Perry of Emerald Studio. Hear about how FORGE proposes to nurture new talent by offering business mentoring including, coaching, planning, marketing and financing, as well

News Edit: 21th February 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   French town of Vendome sells its name to world's biggest luxury group LVMH for €10,000 The Telegraph: Town in the Loir-et-Cher has sold the rights to its name for jewellery products in move critics say is selling its soul for cheap. telegraph.co.uk The Brand | The lab-grown diamond label here to transform the jewellery industry Harpers Bazaar: The designers behind the royal-approved Kimaï outline their eco-friendly approach. harpersbazaar.com New CEO of De Beers shares her business wisdom: listen more and judge less The Telegraph: Céline Assimon, the house's

News Edit: 15th November 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   5 Black UK-Based Designers Reshaping The World Of Haute Jewellery Vogue: The fine jewellery industry can seem an intimidating one to those looking up at its exquisitely gem-set ivory tower from beyond its walls. vogue.co.uk Meet The Ingenious Jewellery Designers Using NASA-Approved Materials & Ancient Bamboo-Weaving Techniques To Create Desirability Vogue: Motley jewellery fans, get ready. The e-tailer, which specialises in exceptional jewellery design at an accessible price, has just unveiled its latest collection with designer Alice Cicolini. vogue.co.uk Why Andrew Grima, the jeweller beloved of Bond girls

News Edit: 6 June 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Silversmith passing on cultural heritage China Daily: On the 15th day in the third month of the lunar calendar, women of the Miao ethnic group put on silver jewelry to participate in the Miao Sisters Festival in Southwest China's mountainous Guizhou province. epaper.chinadaily.com Centurion Jewelry Trade Show Marks 20 Years Of Presenting Finely Crafted Luxury Jewelry And Superb Gems Forbes: Founded by New York-based jewelry industry veteran Howard Hauben, the invitation-only Centurion Jewelry Show staged its 20th annual business-to-business trade show event from May 22 to May 25th

News Edit: 3 February 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Chaumet's muse Empress Joséphine inspires high jewellery full of colour The Telegraph: There’s something about a diamond tiara that ignites a flurry of excitement inside even the most staunchly indifferent. www.telegraph.co.uk Chroma: Ana Khouri’s golden touch Wallpaper: The entire technique, which I’ve spent years developing, is a secret,’ says the Brazilian-born, New York-based fine jewellery designer Ana Khouri of the manufacturing process behind this delicate choker, formed from a mesh of coloured gold. www.wallpaper.com Iris Van Herpen 3d Printed “Face Jewellery” Expresses Hybridity At Paris Fashion Week 2019 3D Industry

News Edit 25 March 2018

A round up of this week's news... Sexual harassment fightback gathers pace in jewellery industry Financial Times: The trade is facing its #MeToo moment after stories of degrading behaviour emerge       Meet Elizabeth von der Goltz, the woman behind Net-a-Porter's digital jewellery revolution The Telegraph: On any given morning, the majority of commuters will be heads down, staring into their smartphones.                Chopard becomes first luxury jeweller to commit to 100% ethical gold Harper’s BAZAAR: As of July 2018 the luxury jeweller will stop using any gold that's not sourced sustainably     

This Year's Jewellery & Watch 2018

Jewellery & Watch, the UK’s largest dedicated jewellery trade event, returns to NEC Birmingham from Sunday 4th until Thursday 8th February 2018. Taking place at a key buying point in the year, Jewellery & Watch will showcase a dazzling offering of new collections and inspiration from more than 300 new and returning exhibitors, as well unveiling the latest trends and offering essential advice from industry insiders. What to Expect at Jewellery & Watch 2018 The Atelier, an all-new immersive future trend showcase set to dominate for 2018 Edited sectors include loose gems, diamonds, watches, bespoke jewellery, silver, semi-precious and wholesale fashion jewellery

Market Entry Programme, Centre for Fashion Enterprise

Call for Applications: Market Entry Programme, Centre for Fashion Enterprise Open to London-based Fashion, Jewellery, Accessory and FashTech SME’s, the Market Entry Programme empowers businesses with essential knowledge and tools to develop their business infrastructure and growth strategies, enabling them to support their creative abilities. What does it include? The fully subsidised 2-day business support programme delivered by industry experts will cover topics including: Business Planning Finance Accountancy Legal & IP Range planning Costing & pricing Production Sales strategies Digital, Marketing & PR A one-on-one exit diagnostic session will be available for each business completing the 2 days of support. Who can apply? All

Jewellers Recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

In a tradition which dates back to 1860 when Queen Victoria gave out the first Birthday Honours, a total of 1,057 people have been recognised in this year’s Queen's Birthday Honours list including two well known figures in industry. From left to right, clockwise: Nicholas Wainwright, Stuart Laing, Pippa Pearce, Vanessa Swann and Sam Fanaroff. The Queen's Birthday honours lists recognise the achievements and service of people across the UK who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities. ​This year members of the jewellery, craft and metalwork industries were recognised with the Order of the British Empire. Sam Fanaroff, Founder of the Sussex Guild for

Goldsmiths Fair Talks Programme

Goldsmiths' Fair Host Breakfast and Afternoon Talks Programme Goldsmiths' Fair 2017 will be hosting a comprehensive set of talks throughout the two week event. Breakfast Talks Be part of the exciting discussions hosted by industry specialists at this year's event. Talks begin at 10am with breakfast from 9.30am.  Wednesday 27 September Joanna Hardy will discuss her exhibition 'Timeless Innovation: Selections from the Goldsmiths’ Company Modern Jewellery Collection'. Thursday 28 September Catrin Jones, curator at the Holburne Museum will speak about 'Understanding the Surface of Silver'. Friday 29 September The Jewellery Editor's Maria Doulton will discuss 'Red Carpet Jewellery'. Wednesday 4

Hockley Mint Partners with TH March

Birmingham based fine jewellery manufacturer  Hockley Mint  has partnered with industry specialist insurance broker TH March to offer exclusive benefits to all designers who enter Hockley Mint’s 25 th  anniversary design competition.   This collaboration between TH March and Hockley Mint aims to educate and raise awareness among jewellery designers about the need for insurance cover to protect them against risks such as theft or loss of stock and goods, business interruption and public and products liability. As a result of this  new  partnership, the winner of  Hockley Mint’s  competition will receive one year’s worth of  free  insurance  cover .

Innovative Training For Small Scale Jewellery Manufacturing

The Bespoke Jewellery Training Company has announced its latest training course innovation for jewellery designer makers  and jewellery graduates . Dawn Meaden Johnson’s company had created a  link from the handmade to small-scale manufacturing by providing a live mentored project made up of series of mini  bespoke consultancy sessions provided by  collaboration  with jewellery industry specialists based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Dawn said of the new approach to specialist jewellery professional development, “Taking the leap into small scale manufacturing can be a daunting prospect  for jewellery Designer Makers  however this  new course  offers mentored guidance throughout the whole process from design to

JCK Las Vegas 2017

JCK Las Vegas is the leading jewelry event in North America open to all jewelry professionals. Each year, the industry gathers where the latest awe-inspiring domestic and international designers and most sought after trends are showcased in a secure environment. Venue Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas,USA Show Dates Show Hours: Monday, June 5, 2017 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Tuesday, June 6, 2017 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday, June 7, 2017 9:30 am – 6:00 pm Thursday, June 8, 2017 9:30 am – 4:00 pm lasvegas.jckonline.com

Publications

Trade publications are a great way of knowing what's going on and who's who in industry. Here we have compiled a list of national and international trade publications and periodicals, many have their own daily, weekly or monthly e-newsletters. The UK titles are listed first... UK Attire Accessories www.attireaccessories.com benchpeg www.benchpeg.com Gold Inspirations www.lovegold.com Harper's Bazaar www.harpersbazaar.co.uk Jewellery Focus www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk Jewellery Monthly www.jewellerymonthly.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com JFW - Jewels Fashion Watches Magazine www.jfwmagazine.com JQ Magazine jewelleryquarter.net LUXWorldwide www.luxworldwide.com Making Jewellery Magazines - The GMC Group www.thegmcgroup.com Professional Jeweller www.professionaljeweller.com Retail Jeweller www.retail-jeweller.com Silver Magazine www.silvermag.com Silver Society

Jewellery & Watch 2017, NEC Birmingham

Jewellery & Watch  is the UK’s largest dedicated trade event set within the heart of the UK jewellery & watch industry. It takes place during the same dates and at the same location as Spring Fair, allowing visitors to access both shows with ease. The Jewellery & Watch NEC halls are situated next to Spring Fair's 'Fashion, Jewellery & Accessories' halls enabling visitors to take advantage of the cross buying opportunities. Dates : 5 - 9 February 2017 Open: Sun 5 February  - 9:00 - 18:00 Mon 6 February - 9:00 - 18:00 Tues 7 February - 9:00 - 18:00