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Step into super natural delights

When you think of fall and the beginnings of autumn delights, what immediately springs to mind? Leaves! As the world continues to turn, marking the arrival of a fresh new beginning and season, jewellery designers have taken inspiration from the earthy wonders of our world. Ethereal leaves, natural structures, organic shapes and deep, fiery gold figured heavily in the arrival of fall/winter 2018-2019 jewellery trends. The arrival of super natural pieces swathed in deep tones and swirls of gold, crystal and pearl radiate a whimsical, delicate, elusive and enigmatic look just in time for September. The fall fashion runways showcased

Experimental Workshop of Contemporary Jewellery with natural materials with Carlos Silva

OBSERVE - COLLECT - INTERVENE - EXPERIENCE Experimental Workshop of Contemporary Jewellery with natural materials with Carlos Silva October 11 th  to 13 th  2019 Red Stables, St. Ann’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 5 The aim of this workshop is to introduce students to the knowledge and practice of using found natural materials within the field of contemporary jewellery. St. Ann’s Park will be the starting point for the participants to explore, observe, experiment and test their creativity in the design of jewellery. A small exhibition will be made with the resulting pieces of this process on the last afternoon. Participants

'The Grand Phoenix' Natural Burmese Ruby Necklace Unveiled

Fine Jewellery company Faidee has unveiled the unheated Burmese ruby necklace ‘The Grand Phoenix.’ 'The Grand Phoenix' is a regal necklace that consists of 24 super exceptional Pigeon’s Blood Rubies of 59.83 cts in total weight ranging from 1cts to 6 cts, combined with 100.21 cts total of colorless fancy shape diamonds of D color grade and FL and IF clarity grade.  “The Grand Phoenix is an exceptional masterpiece; a collection of flawless rubies spanning over four generations. To find a single exceptional ruby of this calibre is a daunting task but with our passion and burning desire to excel

Jewellery from Natural Materials (Jewellery Handbooks)

David Warren, International Jewellery Director of Christie’s to speak at NCDIA UK Launch

The Natural Colour Diamond Association (NCDIA) is a non-profit membership organisation whose mission is to train, enlighten and educate the global jewellery community about natural colour diamonds. Since 2003 the association has been spreading their collective expertise through various educational programmes.  Whilst the public is increasingly knowledgeable about white diamonds, there is still a lack of reliable information about natural colour diamonds. The NCDIA seeks to address this by disseminating the most up-to-date gemological information to their members and supplying them with trustworthy marketing and promotional tools. Yves Frey, a specialist in natural colour diamonds, has been a member for 10

GIA Demonstrates Prototype Mounted Gem Testing Device

The GIA have announced their intention to introduce for sale later this year an easy-to-operate, sophisticated desktop instrument to reliably identify natural diamonds, separating them from all simulants and from diamonds that may be synthetic or treated.   The GIA mounted gem testing device combines advanced spectroscopic technology; GIA’s extensive research into the qualities of natural, treated and synthetic diamonds; and decades of diamond analysis experience to identify more than 97% of untreated natural mounted and un-mounted D-to-Z diamonds 0.9 mm or greater in diameter (approximately 0.005 carat). Diamonds that may be synthetic or treated and all simulants are referred

GIA Demonstrates Prototype Mounted Gem Testing Device

The GIA have announced their intention to introduce for sale later this year an easy-to-operate, sophisticated desktop instrument to reliably identify natural diamonds, separating them from all simulants and from diamonds that may be synthetic or treated.   The GIA mounted gem testing device combines advanced spectroscopic technology; GIA’s extensive research into the qualities of natural, treated and synthetic diamonds; and decades of diamond analysis experience to identify more than 97% of untreated natural mounted and un-mounted D-to-Z diamonds 0.9 mm or greater in diameter (approximately 0.005 carat). Diamonds that may be synthetic or treated and all simulants are referred

From The Greenhouse @ The Scottish Gallery

From The Greenhouse @ The Scottish Gallery  The Scottish Gallery presents From The Greenhouse , an exhibition curated by Millie Behrens celebrating, for the first time collectively and in Scotland, three Norwegian jewellers all inspired by botany and the natural world. Millie, Ingjerd and Åse-Marit are extremely grateful to Norwegian Crafts for the funding that has helped to make this exhibition possible.  Knowing each other since the eighties through Art College and various other means, Millie, Ingjerd and Åse-Marit all realised they had a similar interest in botany and the natural world, leading them each to design and create contemporary

The Unspoken Beauty of Moissanite

Moissanite   (/ˈmɔɪsənaɪt/) So what exactly is moissanite; the ugly step-sister of the cinderella gem world? Think again! Incredibly rare and precious, moissanite is a beautifully natural gemstone born from a meteorite star that fell to Earth in 1893. Originally thought to be the discovery of Diamond by French scientist Henri Moissan, it was soon revealed to be a crystal gemstone with very similar properties to Diamond but that was composed of silicon carbide. Due to the natural composition of Moissanite, it has become a very scarce mineral worldwide making moissainte as we see it today almost entirely laboratory-grown. Through

Ana Thompson Fine Jewellery Launches Macrocosmic Collection

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

Jewellery Bench To Rent In Hatton Garden

Available from May 2022 £60.00 (plus vat) per week Inclusive of bills   Gas and oxygen torch at your bench Access to some equipment. Friendly, 2 floor, spacious, bright workshop, with beautiful natural daylight. Very convenient location in middle of Hatton Garden with everything you need on your doorstep! All enquiries welcome. Contact Amanda for more details and to arrange a viewing on 0203 490 2872 or  amanda@amanda-mansell.com

Potton Community

Local Connections The aim of this commission is to provide an exciting and complementary work of public art. The panel wish to commission artwork that reflects the character of the Town and will not only maintain a link to its history, but generate aspirations for the site, connecting visitors and residents; ultimately encouraging guardianship and a strengthening local identity. There is much inspiration for artwork on this site due to the rich heritage, distinctive natural habitat and exciting new public spaces - Hall for All and Community Orchard. There is enormous potential for local residents to become involved in and

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

Branching Out

Branching Out, Craft Centre and Design Gallery - Leeds Inspired by the beauty of trees we bring together a selection of talented makers creating contemporary jewellery, ceramics, glass and works in mixed media whose work captures the essence of these remarkably diverse and beautiful marvels of the natural world. Exhibition Run 18th March - 24th June 2017 Venue The Craft Centre & Design Gallery City Art Gallery The Headrow, Leeds West Yorkshire LS1 3AB www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk

Andrew Geoghegan: Collections for 2016/17

Every Andrew Geoghegan piece originates from an intrigue with unity, the bringing together of contrasting aesthetics, the creation of relationships between people and natural materials, the cohesion of craft and engineering. It amounts to jewellery with harmony. And it’s this relationship that inspires the most. As seductive and enduring as each Andrew Geoghegan piece is, it never eclipses the wearer. For all of its gleam and exuberance, it will never outshine her. The spirit and ambition of each creation is to enhance and illuminate the individual. To invigorate and compliment. The Wearer It's not about wanting to be ‘someone else’.

Workshop Benches To Rent

Workshop Benches To Rent - London  WC1N *Only 2 Benches Remaining* Modern 1st fl. Large space with lots of natural daylight. Air Conditioning Use of workshop tools incl. laser Good security, alarmed safes etc Discreet location Wi-Fi Shared kitchen & w/c Shower Bike park Based off Greys Inn Road 7 min walk to Hatton Garden £350 pcm One-month deposit in advance Potential work for suitable Mounter / Setter Contact  mark.soley@dasoley.co.uk

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available Thames Side Studios, South East London  £120/month Bright new workshop overlooking the river on Thames Side Studios premises with lots of natural light. Shared with 2 others (CAD technician & painter, both use it very occasionally only). You would basically have the studio to yourself most of the time! The size of it is 4x3m and about half is taken up by painting materials such as canvases. Site has 24hr access, parking and over night security guard. Over 400 artist studios on the site with a community of creative people. We currently need

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available

Studio Share - Jewellers Bench Space Available Thames Side Studios, South East London  £120/month Bright new workshop overlooking the river on Thames Side Studios premises with lots of natural light. Shared with 2 others (CAD technician & painter, both use it very occasionally only). You would basically have the studio to yourself most of the time! The size of it is 4x3m and about half is taken up by painting materials such as canvases. Site has 24hr access, parking and over night security guard. Over 400 artist studios on the site with a community of creative people. We currently need

When Gold Goes Green - Ethical Gold and Sustainable Metals in Jewellery

Jeweller Saskia Shutt believes that it is important that jewellers are aware of the origins of the materials used to create Jewellery. The planet is under threat from man-made activities and over-exploitation of natural resources which will take generations to resolve. She has found that currently, there is an increasingly vocal demand for ‘green gold’ that comes from traceable, recycled precious metals, as well as a demand for ethical gold. There are only two non-profit organisations working to help produce ethical gold; Fairmined, and Fairtrade Gold. Precious metals can be recycled, and this is something Saskia Shutt has done since

News Edit: 9 November 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Life aquatic: Jordan Askill's new jewellery collection is inspired by the ocean Vogue: A fascination with environmental phenomena proved a natural well of inspiration for Jordan Askill, who dove headfirst into the sea to design his new jewellery collection. vogue.com.au Last chance to see Bulgari’s magical history tour Wallpaper: ‘Bulgari, the story, the dream’ charts the 135-year history of the Roman jewellery house across two locations in its Italian home city - Castel Sant’Angelo and Palazzo Venezia. wallpaper.com Jeweller Boodles teams up with African miner to sell ethically sourced gold

Pearl

PEARL is an exhibition of work by Caroline Broadhead, Lin Cheung, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Maria Militsi and Frances Wadsworth Jones. Initially brought together through their teaching at the Central Saint Martins BA Jewellery Design course, the work of these five jewellers spans across different fields and tackles different subject matters, yet they all share a mutual fascination with the pearl. They are not alone, the pearl has been a significant index of value throughout time in many cultures. Loaded with symbolism and preconceptions, the pearl is at once a natural material, a status symbol, a fashion statement, a holder of sentiment,

Elsa Peretti (1940 – 2021)

Tiffany's star jewelry designer and philanthropist Elsa Peretti dies in Spain It is with great sadness that Elsa Peretti’s death yesterday from natural causes was announced by her family office in Zurich and by the Nando and Elsa Peretti Foundation. The designer, who was famous for her creations for high-end US jewelers Tiffany, passed away in a village close to Barcelona, Spain, at the age of 80. Her legacy comprises a body of exceptional design work as well as a foundation dedicated to humanitarian, environmental and conservation causes. A true citizen of the world, her absence will be strongly felt

News Edit: 14 August 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   8 Head-Turning Diamond Designs from Paris High Jewelry Week Natural Diamonds: High Jewelry is ever-evolving and we are here for it. www.naturaldiamonds.com A Parisian Jewelry House Breaks the Mold with a New Watch NY Times: Mellerio dits Meller, founded in 1515, introduces its first mechanical timepiece. www.nytimes.com Van Cleef & Arpels to exhibit jewels at the Design Museum Fashion United: Fine jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels has announced that it will showcase a free exhibition at the Design Museum in London opening in September. fashionunited.uk The Cause: the

Garden Shed Jewellery Workshop Space to Rent in Hackney

Garden Shed Jewellery Workshop Space to Rent in Hackney Sole use of a garden summer house in Homerton, Hackney.  Lots of windows and natural daylight, sounds of birds, overlooking many flowers and mini vegetable garden. Use of entire space - desk, jewellery bench and tools. Welcome to bring your own extra equipment/ tools and to store them. Available to rent two days a week. Days flexible and negotiable. £50 a week all inclusive. Tea/ coffee facilities provided in the shed.  Electric heater and fan provided.  Full use of kitchen, wc and garden. Bike security indoors. Cost: £50 a week all inclusive (Two days

News Edit: 21 June 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Gucci unveils second high jewellery collection Wallpaper: The new high jewellery collection from Gucci is a dazzling ode to the natural world. www.wallpaper.com 5 Of The Most Meaningful Pieces In Kate’s Jewellery Collection Vogue: As the wife of the future King, the Duchess of Cambridge has acquired some impressive jewellery – and frequently dips into the Queen’s unparalleled collection for formal occasions. www.vogue.co.uk Diamonds in the rough – the rise of cast-not-set jewellery FT: How a renegade approach to gem-setting went mainstream. www.ft.com Gucci second collection of High

News Edit: 30 October 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Federal Govt And MinDiver Train More Nigerians In Jewellery Production For Value Addition, Job Creation Leadership: Nigeria’s natural minerals have always attracted low prices due to the failure to process them into finished products. SILAS EZEUGWU reports that the federal government, through the MinDiver Project, is taking steps to reverse this trend by graduating the second batch of young Nigerians trained in the craft of jewellery making. leadership.ng “I’m still googling how to run a business”: How Nikki Kelly took her jewellery label to $2.5 million turnover Smart

GIA Suspends Diamond Sealing Services

Effective immediately, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will suspend diamond sealing services. The Institute is taking this action after recently encountering a small number of GIA sealing packets that had been compromised by third parties after the sealing packets left GIA.  In these instances, GIA determined that the diamonds originally enclosed in the compromised packets had been replaced with HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) treated natural diamonds. The substitute treated diamonds superficially matched the GIA report information for the original diamonds, including information on the sealing packet data label. GIA is suspending sealing services in all locations indefinitely, pending an investigation of

EXPERIENCE Project Penzance, Cornwall Council

Gbp 100k Public Arts Trail Commission: EXPERIENCE Project Penzance, Cornwall Council As part of the EXPERIENCE project, Cornwall Council is looking to  commission an artist/a consortium of artists  to create an  arts trail  along the Marazion - Penzance Coast Path. This is an exceptional opportunity to create an  artistic landmark  of national significance for Cornwall. This arts trail will encourage people to connect with Penzance's cultural and natural assets, providing an opportunity for contemplation, reflection and engagement. We are open to  innovative and bold ideas  and particularly welcome proposals that reflect  outstanding and socially engaged practice.  We expect the artworks

The jewel and the experience of the skin: Maria Ignacia Walker

An all-round artist, Maria Ignacia Walker expresses herself with her body and her skin. Her work tells the living experience, in organic matter. There are some factors in particular that haunt her, such as the transformation of the body, the skin, the loss of hair and everything that makes the existence a performative and creative act of continuous change writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Starting from her earliest collections, she explores the body as a door to transcendence, understood as another dimension of existence, but at the same time concrete, sensitive, sensual, touching, present. The skin represents that threshold, a natural and

Norwich Jeweller Creates World’s Most Expensive Nappy Cream Lid

Any moment now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be welcoming a new member into their family – a historic moment and a cause for celebration for the whole country. Norwich-based, independent family jewellers Tillett’s has created the Meghan Sparkle, a diamond- encrusted Sudocrem lid to celebrate the royal birth. With a price tag of £4,250, the ‘Meghan Sparkle’ is a pavé-set 925 silver lid, hand-engraved with the flags of the United Kingdom and the United States of America, sized to fit a 125g pot of Sudocrem. Capturing the “natural charisma and sparkle of Meghan herself” the lid will

Tresor Paris create the ‘Artisan Collection’

Tresor Paris celebrates the wonderful diverse nature of gemology with the unique Artisan collection, featuring slices of precious stones set in 18 carat gold for a contemporary take on traditional gem stones. Using breath-taking natural Ruby, Sapphire and sliced diamond stone cross-sections set in luxurious 18 carat yellow gold, every piece is truly individual. The contours of the outer shape of the gem are all different as are the naturally occurring inclusions inside each stone. Every piece is hand made using the gem stones as a starting point to craft a beautiful piece of jewellery around it. Salim Hasbani, Director

Chaumet’s new ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’

The maison’s latest pieces celebrate nature in all its forms writes Jodie Smith. The French maison was founded in 1780, in Paris, and its prestige was quickly certified when they became the official jeweller to Empress Josephine. In the 235 year history of the brand, Chaumet has been faithful to its natural inspiration, with numerous iterations of this theme. In this new series of pieces, Chaumet celebrates flora and fauna with a whole host of jewellery designs, including captivating brooches and cocktail rings which are perfect for occasionwear. These latest jewels vary wildly between the traditional, vintage style brooches of the

Playing with Pantone Colour of the Year: Living Coral

It's no new secret that this year's Pantone Colour of 2019 is full of warmth, nourishment and delicately captivating.​ Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral emits the gorgeously natural and energising found in nature and it seems that jewellery designers alike have been swayed by its mesmerising charm. Coral blushed pieces have been spotted amongst the Spring/Summer collections giving a nod towards the playful and expressive elements of nature. Laced into designs of under the seas inspired pieces, taking centre stage as a colourful juxtaposition to sleek metal fastenings and a beautiful compliment to the warm of rose gold, coral is the colour

Q&A: David Fowkes

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

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,

Cheaper and cleaner - the way forward for diamonds?

It takes between one and three billion years of intense heat and pressure to make a pure diamond....unless you believe the boffins at Cardiff University who reckon they can make a diamond in a few days. In a laboratory. And no one, they say, can tell the difference. For a while now, more and more companies have been growing their own diamonds, selling them at around 15-20% less than natural gems.  Making them in a laboratory leaves no carbon footprint and the end result is identical as far as the naked eye is concerned, or so they say, with only

A Touch of Noir

When we think of diamonds we're used to picturing white sparkly stones, so what if we were to say that alongside those bright glistening stones is a dark step sister that is becoming equally popular? In recent years, the demand and popularity for nonconventional stones - particularly in engagement rings- has found black diamonds to be one of the most popular choices of fancy-coloured diamonds. Previously held in low regard, natural-colour black diamonds continued to be unpopular until designers started to implement them into their collections in the late 20th century; often contrasting them with colourless pave diamonds. Perhaps the

Kathy Kraus' VERTEX collection captures the city skline

Katharina Kraus is a fine jewellery designer and maker from Munich, Germany. She first graduated from the Berufsfachschule für Glas- und Schmuck, Neugablonz in 2007. In 2016 she graduated from the Städtische Meisterschule für das Gold- und Silberschmiedehandwerk in Munich with a degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. Katharina is currently completing her Master’s in Jewellery Design at the Central St. Martins University in London. With more than 10 years of experience in the luxury and jewellery sector Katharina is delighted to have launched her first fine jewellery collection this year.  Kathy’s graduate collection VERTEX, uses natural light reflection in custom-cut

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

Q&A: Robert Organ

Robert Organ is the Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Assay Office in London. Robert, of Welsh heritage, hails from Gwent. He gained a degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.  He joined the Assay Office London as Superintendent Assayer in 2000, and has been responsible, over the seventeen years of his tenure, for the introduction of new technologies such as laser marking and XRF machines within the modern day assaying process, as well as the introduction of sub-assay offices. He also played an active part in the successful lobbying for the exclusion of

The Birthstone of March: Aquamarine

Aquamarine, the birthstone for those born in March, embodies all things connected to the sea, from its crystalline ocean tones to its Latin aqua marinus, translating to "water of the sea". Aquamarine is the translucent blue variety of crystal belonging to the beryl family. Ranging in colour from transparent, pale-blue hues to slightly greenish-blue tones, the variety seen in aquamarine is caused by the presence of iron oxides within its chemical composition.  All about Aquamarine Heat treated aquamarine tends to result in crystals with a strong, deep blue-like appearance whilst natural aquamarine is usually of a lighter hue and more

Beppe Kessler: Plenty of Nothing

The Galerie Rob Koudijs hosts a solo show by Beppe Kessler, as poetic as it is unique. In fact, in this latest work Beppe Kessler explores the so-called natural phenomenon  spring snow,  typical of Amsterdam, where the artist lives writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Through her language, she stages a wunderkammer in which the wonder of nature becomes art, and life turns into eternity. To a certain extent, the ancient Wunderkammer can be considered as the first stage of the development of the concept of museum. Historically,  Naturalia and Artificialia  have been those objects with particular or wonderful characteristics that have aroused

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

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

The Nature of Silver exhibition at Goldsmiths' Fair

The Nature of Silver exhibition at Goldsmiths' Fair Exhibition of silver treasures from the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection puts the spotlight on innovative historic and contemporary silver inspired by nature. The annual Goldsmith’s Fair is the premier selling exhibition for the latest in fine jewellery and contemporary silver from the best goldsmiths and silversmiths across the UK. This year, Dora Thornton, Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, has delved into the collection to create a fascinating special exhibition of rarely seen historic and contemporary silver inspired by nature.  These unique treasures (not for sale) share organic and natural origins and challenge

Loveness Lee expands brand after showing at Paris Fashion Week

Contemporary jewellery designer Loveness Lee has opened doors with two leading retailers after a successful exhibition during the recent Paris Fashion Week. Leading London independent jewellery retailer Kabiri and Italian luxury fashion retailer Luisa Via Roma were both impressed by Loveness Lee’s striking collections, which combine the unique qualities of natural materials with a powerful, bold design aesthetic. Luisa via Roma sells via its website as well as its two stores in Florence, Italy, and is Loveness Lee’s first Italian stockist. Launched in 2016, Loveness Lee is a contemporary British jewellery brand for women with a daring attitude to style. Designer

Collaborative partnership brings UK’s first ethically sourced gemstone fair to London

A collaborative partnership between three of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool of Nineteen48, Kathy Chappell of Fair Trade Gemstones and Ian Bone of Capricorn Gems- Queensland, Australia has led to an inaugural one-day fair for the UK market. This unique fair will see gemstones available that offer full provenance and ethical sourcing. "Having worked closely together for some time, this event is a natural extension of our collaboration. For jewellers who have an emphasis on responsible sourcing, we think this is the best opportunity to see and buy a wide range of traceable gemstones from around

Imperial Time Launches Amber Jewellery Online Shop

T aking inspiration from nature and culture, Imperial Time have launched their latest stunning collection of jewellery online. Using one of the most beautiful natural resources, amber, each piece is unique, full of character, and handcrafted by the family run business.   Based in Poland and with a distribution centre in the USA, Imperial Time is taking advantage of one of its location’s most prized exports. The exquisite Baltic amber has been used by jewellers for years thanks to its alluring colour and reported healing properties. Now fans of the elegant look of amber can purchase a range of impressive,

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works Water – Meadow – Wood Somerset Art Works is delivering a three year artist residency programme at Yeovil Country Park following the themes of Water – Meadow – Wood. This three-year project is providing greater engagement with people and new opportunities to interpret the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Yeovil Country Park. The theme for 2017 and the final year of the project is ‘Wood’ the woodland as a place and as a habitat, providing inspiration for creative exploration. The artist appointed will deliver 15 participatory sessions through the

Ariane Chaumeil creates Spring Summer Collection based on Greek Mythology

French jewellery artist Ariane Chaumeil has launched her Spring Summer 2018 Collection with 14 sacrifices, 14 adornments, based in Greek legend. Thrown into the labyrinth to perish in sacrifice with 13 other young men and women, Theseus was saved by Ariane who fell in love with him, giving him the thread that allowed him to escape the Labyrinth after defeating the Minotaur. The collection consists designs utilizing alloys and natural materials such as coral )collected from authorized fishing zones in Spain), worked shells, reconstructed turquoises, red agate, leather as well as faceted crystals. Austrian beads showcase the technical work of

Wearable Works of Art By Bibi van der Velden

Conscious, adventurous and sculptural, that’s how Bibi describes her jewellery. Expressed by mixing gold, diamonds and semiprecious stones, with ostrich eggs, scarab wings, tahitian pearls and 40,000 year-old mammoth tusk. Based in Amsterdam, Dutch designer Bibi, combines 18ct gold, precious stones, pearls and ‘objects trouvé’ within unique designs. Taking inspiration from her background as a sculptor, Bibi shows mastery in working with the elements and designing pieces around the natural shape of the stones or using rare materials such as 40,000 year old Mammoth Tooth, scarab wings and sustainable gold. "My continuous search for new materials made me discover the

Melanie Georgacopoulos: MOP Shell Collection Features New Pieces

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

Ravish In Resin

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

Greenery: The Colour Set to Revive, Refresh, Renew

Welcome to the fresh and zesty world of Greenery15-0343, the Pantone colour blooming into 2017! Greenery is natures' authentic omnipresent hue of thriving; emblematic for vitality and the need to strip back to our organic state of being. After suffering a turbulent political and social upheaval throughout most of 2016, this yellow-green shade symbolises a need to reconnect to nature and a more grounded sense of purpose.  In a world monopolised by social media and technology, 'Greenery' reminds us of noticing the real truth and beauty in the natural aesthetics around us; a sense of escapism from our materialistic society and

Call for Applications: Fairtrade Jewellery Design

Call for Applications: Fairtrade Jewellery Design Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018 Fairtrade Jewellery Design category sponsored by Ingle & Rhode Submissions are now open for the Fairtrade Jewellery Design category of the Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council Awards 2018, sponsored by Ingle & Rhode. The 2018 awards include a new Fairtrade category for ethical jewellery designers. Entrants are asked to design a fine jewellery ring, pendant or pair of earrings that are sympathetic, symbolic and supportive to the natural world and global preservation issues. About the Submission The design should be a one-off exclusive jewel, cast and hand

Trove, Aspex - Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

Presenting ‘Trove’, a collection of bespoke craft objects inspired by coastal landmarks and natural forms. The exhibition showcases makers from Portsmouth to London, featuring bold ceramics, delicately hand-crafted silver jewellery and driftwood sculptures. Each maker utilises traditional craft techniques to create objects in response to nautical seascapes and organic materials. ‘Trove’ offers visitors to the gallery the opportunity, not only to enjoy high quality craft, but to discover the perfect gift in the run up to the festive season! Meet the makers: Laura Bennett, Portsmouth Laura graduated with a First Class degree in Three Dimensional Design at UCA Farnham -

Beyond The Blue

Call for Applications: Beyond The Blue “Any colour as long as it’s blue”  Resin & Pyrite "Hewn" Ring, Jade Mellor A colour once more precious than gold, blue pigment, has been highly prized as a status symbol where owning and displaying paintings in this intense shade was an opulent sign of wealth.  The original Ultra-Marine blue pigment was only achieved precious lapis lazuli from Afghanistan where it’s first use was seen in cave paintings.  The natural mineral was so vivid it was believed to be a piece of the sky fallen to Earth. Falling in love with blue over and

New Icelandic range inspired by fjords of Norway

Iceland’s leading jewellers Aurum will take centre stage at IJL 2017 to unveil the latest additions to their best-selling Asterias range, with designer Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir on stand by to describe and detail latest concepts. The collection is inspired by waves breaking softly on a forgotten beach in the West fjords of Norway.  Black terrain and rhythmical waves reflect the everlasting cycle of the water, which has no beginning and no end.   Simultaneously light, feminine and intricate, the three dimensional designs evoke natural patterns, resulting in pieces that are both modern and timeless.  Each and every piece is expertly

Emerging Visual Artists for Landscape Project

Emerging Visual Artists for Landscape Project, Surrey Hills Arts Surrey Unearthed will explore how materials of the landscape have been used by artists, makers and architects throughout history to shape the Surrey Hills AONB.  We are calling for artists to explore these materials and their contemporary relevance. We're looking for: Expressions of interest from visual artists, makers or designers with a fascination in creating work inspired by and within the landscape. Curious artists with a desire to research into a natural material and its history and present this in an innovative, engaging way. Artists in the early stage of their

Bernhard Schobinger: After Nature

Bernhard Schobinger: After Nature "So, when the optic nerve tears, in the still of the air all turns as white as the snow of the Alps". - W.G Sebald "After Nature", 1988 In figurative art, to paint after nature is the opposite of “imitating art”, with its idealization of reality. The works in this exhibition of recent jewellery by Bernhard Schobinger evince the natural world through a communality of means; rather than “imitating nature” they assimilate the human creative process to that of nature, with its perfect, sophisticated and senseless accidents. The contrast between the polished angular surfaces and rough

Large Scale Art Installation, Boomtown Festival UK Ltd

Commissioning Opportunity for Large Scale Art Installation Boomtown Festival UK Ltd Boomtown Fair are looking for Artists who can interpret the following brief and submit proposals for a Large scale Outdoor Art Installation to be positioned up on a hilltop look out point looking out over the festival. The space is green field, an Area of outstanding natural beauty in the South Downs National Park. We would like a sculptural Art installation to contain the following elements Providing  welcoming safe space for festival goers to enjoy a moment of calm and reflection away from the hustle and bustle of the

Official Timekeeper for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

British watch brand Elliot Brown has signed up as the Official Timekeeper for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 17/18. To mark this partnership Elliot Brown will be launching a new flagship collection called Portland Adventurer in time for the start of the race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the greatest challenges of the natural world, an endurance test like no other. A fleet of twelve identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts, battle it out over 40,000 nautical miles during 325 days enduring all the elements. Built around our proven shock and water-proofing systems, the ‘Clipper

Melanie Georgacopoulo: MOP Shell Collection

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

Ruth Hollywood launches new lines at London Design Festival

Ruth Hollywood makes jewellery inspired by natural geometry. Synthesising 100% recycled silver and colourful hand-mixed resin, her work moves over the boundaries between science, nature and art. Ruth has received awards for Excellence in Design from The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, and was selected for the Crafts Council UK Hothouse programme in 2015. Her jewellery is stocked in a variety of shops and galleries across the world. She exhibits at trade shows regularly, and her work has been shown in London, Munich, Montreal and Sydney. The perfect microscopic patterns of atoms and crystals have found their way into Ruth’s newest

Sarah Straussberg Whistles With Pleasure

London-based jewellery brand Sarah Straussberg is now stocking WHISTLES online and their Kings Cross St Pancras International store. Both brands target the contemporary woman and combine effortless chic with structured sophistication.  Sarah Straussberg studied Materials Practice at Brighton University following an Art & Design Foundation at Central St. Martins College of Art. Blending her love of sculpture with an exquisite eye for craftsmanship, she hand-makes every piece in her London workshop. Drawing inspiration from natural patterns and textures, Sarah uses sterling silver with 18ct gold plate to create sculptural forms that are elegant and wearable. In tribute to the people that

Lady In Red: Ruby Passion

A captivating and fiery lady in red who with one radiant gleam of passion could enchant just about any wanton eye; Welcome to the world of red, red Ruby. The gem queen of the crystal world, this precious stone of nobility and flaming shades of beauty is one of four "precious" gemstones accredited to its rarity, carat value, hardness and natural vitality; the others including diamond, sapphire and emerald. Ruby is derived from the latin word ' Rubeus ' meaning 'red' and the deeply striking red colour palette is due to genes within the Corundum family. Comprising of chrome and

Sarah Salmon

Meet Benchpeg's Trends Editor. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers   Sarah Salmon Trends Editor Sarah has a natural flair for creativity and design, and is our trends and blog guru. She manages Benchpeg's weekly  trends and fashion content . Her full time job is as a Digital Marketing Executive in the Educational Sector. Previously she worked as the Editorial and Digital Assistant at  Gem-A , where she worked on Gem-A's Gems & Jewellery and The Journal of Gemmology publications as well as on

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

Goldsmiths’ Fair Awards Best New Designs

Goldsmiths' Fair awarded two prizes during the event run this year, in weeks one and two for 'Best New Design'. Max Danger and Patrick Davison both won the acknowledgement for best new product with a selection of runners up in each week. Week One Winning piece: Honey Bee Cluster Ring by Max Danger Runners up: Mirror Brooch/Pendant by Zoe Arnold and Ishihara #1 Brooch by Andrew Lamb Announcing the prize, renowned design curator and consultant, Mary La Trobe-Bateman, drew attention to the charm, intricacy, and craftsmanship of Danger’s standout piece - a gold, black rhodium and natural yellow diamond piece of wearable