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Q&A: Jacqueline Mina (DES RCA) OBE

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

Government Announces ‘Calls For Views’ For Design & Intellectual Property

Once in a Decade Opportunity for Designers to Influence Design Law Reform “From iconic to everyday design is all around us, improving our lives, providing solutions. Design Matters!” ACID Ambassador Sebastian Conran Following their recent survey on the Designs Framework, the IPO have now also announced a major Call for Views on Design and IP, which is long overdue to support an important UK sector that is a USP on a world stage so eloquently communicated by Danny Boyle in the 2012 London Olympics. Design is a national and international asset for Great Britain and is also an impressive export

Eve Balashova: Playfully Delicate

Evegenia Balashova’s body of work is an ecosystem of delicately balanced dichotomies. Integral to the soul of each piece is the initial juxtaposition of modern digital manufacture and traditional metalwork techniques. Those familiar with the Russian-born jeweller’s work will recognise her work by its unique use of 3D printed nylon in tandem with understated metal finishings. Joy is a persistent influence in Balashova’s work. Light-hearted cocktail inspired colour combinations and confectionery-shaped pins have a youthful spontaneity, whilst expertly finished metalwork provides a sophisticated appeal. The flat, saturated matte finish of the 3D printed nylon provides a depth that draws the

Gabi Dziuba & Friends

Gabi Dziuba & Friends Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 25 February through 9 June 2024 Curated by Cornelie Holzach, Vera Gliem, Elisabeth Heine and Stephan Strsembski in collaboration with Pforzheim Arts Association Matches or tablet cartons, coins, beans or letters of the alphabet, cast in gold or silver and slightly modified – Gabi Dziuba uses anything as a source of inspiration for her jewellery. The results of her experiments with shapes and materials are rigorously inventive, refreshingly unconventional, austerely minimalistic, glamorously sparkling, and progressively modern. Friendships, such as with Günther Förg for example, have a fundamental influence on her artistic work. Hence, the

FERROcity | A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city

Ferrocity: A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city Museum Reich der Kristalle, Munich, Germany & School of Jewellery, Birmingham 21st February - 17th March 2019 & 1st - 18th April 2019 Jewellery and objects by twenty-two contemporary makers displayed alongside gemmological samples and photography that explores the interpretation and influence of Iron as catalyst, material and fundamental element of life. The exhibition is co-curated by Elizabeth Turrell and Stephen Bottomley from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University. The selection of contemporary metalwork and jewellery, ranging from steel vessels to recycled iron nail jewellery, will present a range of approaches

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion 2017

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

Ralph Turner 1936 - 2017

We include an obituary on the esteemed and seminal writer, gallerist, exhibition curator and craft champion Ralph Turner who died on 29 September 2017. An important encouragement pioneer in the use of new thinking and materials in modern jewellery, Ralph Turner influenced an entire generation of jewellers, his legacy lives on. Taken as a whole Ralph Turner’s career was concerned with the enlightenment of Crafts practice and its audience however it is for his influence on jewellery, “The New Jewellery” that he will be most remembered. Having arrived as an actor in London in 1960 he was introduced to studio jewellery

Ralph Turner 1936 - 2017

Resonance Catherine Martin at The Scottish Gallery

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

Exotic Persian influences for Toranj London's 2018 collections

Toranj London has launched its new limited edition fine jewellery collections for 2018 with four new hand-crafted ranges all influenced by founder Sara Peymanpour's Iranian heritage and culture. Golbarg, which means 'petal' in Iranian, uses a variety of existing motifs used in the design of Persian carpets. Many of the designs take their influence from 1001 Arabian nights stories and in common with the other ranges, use precious metals that are ethically-mined and gemstones sourced from ethical suppliers. The Toranj London Empire collection comprises items that are all one of a kind and handmade in Iran while both the Noor

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World 250 years on from James Cook’s historic voyage from England to New Zealand, two cutting edge jewellery collectives embark upon their own journeys. Handshake (NZ) and Dialogue Collective (UK) navigate around the impact of colonialism to create a bejewelled voyage like no other... Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World showcases work by twenty-two artists who specialise in using jewellery to communicate ideas. The work on display shows a diversity of materials, techniques and scale. Cultural backgrounds and migrated ancestry influence the work that each artist makes on their own voyage. An openness 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

Introducing 'Living Coral' Pantone's Colour of the Year 2019

Colour-giant, Pantone, have proclaimed ‘Living Coral’ the colour of the year for 2019. With each passing year, it seems that Pantone’s influence becomes increasingly ubiquitous; permeating all aspects of marketing, design and culture. Here, Benchpeg puts together a guide to the colour, its meaning and possible colour combinations to equip you with what you need to know as a jeweller. The inspiration ‘Living coral’ prescribes a return to nature in a world more and more engulfed and shaped by technology. Pantone say: “Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral emits the desired, familiar and energizing aspects of colour found in nature. In its

FERROcity | A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city

Glass with a world inside: Jewellery by Mio Toyoda

Glass Tradition in Japan is very old and the first glass in Japan is found among archaeological remains dating to the Yayoi period (3rd century B.C. to 3rd century A.D.). Over the centuries and up until the Edo period (1603-1867), glass of any kind was considered a luxury to be enjoyed by society's upper class. In addition to the European imports, much of Japanese early knowledge and technology in regard to glassmaking was derived from China writes Ilaria Ruggiero. While the western influence was strong, the Japanese style in glass retained its identity and spirit. During the 19th century, glassmaking took

Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

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

Chalk Jewellery: AW16 'Lagos' Collection

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