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Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones

Precious Peridot: The Birthstone of August

With a zesty lime-green glow and gorgeous olive undertones, Peridot is the striking birthstone for all those celebrating their birthdays in adventurous August! The gorgeous green vibrancy of Peridot is what sets it apart from all the gemstones aside from the fact that it is only one of a handful of gemstones that occurs in only one colour. Whilst peridot is famous for its Pantone 'greenery' hues, the plethora of green tones can vary quite dramatically. From pale mint greens, woody olive tones to sparkling bright lime highlights, the signature colour of peridot resides entirely from its internal chemical composition

Precious ?

Precious ? 28 members from over 10 countries will take part in the Precious Collective's Launch Exhibition in Plymouth, 16th to 28th April 2019 Born in November 2017 with a membership of over 120 members from 30 countries worldwide it is a very eclectic and diverse group of makers which now boasts over 4 thousand Instagram followers. Previously solely social media based; Ocean Studios will now host the physical launch of the collective. 28 selected members will present what promises to be a very exciting and possibly challenging Art-Jewellery exhibition. If precious means 'of high cost or worth: not to

The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones: A Complete Guide to Appraising and Using Precious Stones from Cut and Color to Shape and Settings

Jeweller's Directory of Gemstones: A Complete Guide to Appraising and Using Precious Stones, from Cut and Colour to Shape and Setting

Gemstones Set The Tone: GFG Jewellery by Nilufe

GFG Jewellery by Nilufer is a London-based British contemporary fine jewellery brand established by founder, Nilufer Kizilkaya.  With a vision to encapsulate timeless beauty, Nilufer set about creating collections that are easily wearable from day to night with a vision to form a part of a woman’s daily outfit ritual. The aesthetics of the collections are created with love and passion, inspired by the beauty of our surroundings. Each piece is created using precious metals, handset and polished while gemstones, diamonds and pearls are sourced around the world and cut to bespoke specifications for the brand. GFG Jewellery by Nilufer,

Precious Pearl for Those Born in June

What better way is there to celebrate the fact that we're exactly half way through the year than with a little organic charm for all those June babies out there?! Those born in June are lucky enough to have not just one but three birthstones associated with their birthday; pearls, alexandrite's and moonstones. Unlike most other gemstones that are found within the Earth, Pearls are unique in that they have an organic origin. Pearls are often either created inside the shells of living creatures such as clams and oysters or occur naturally in the mollusks of freshwater species in rivers

Colour Your World With Gemstones

Mineral crystal gemstones are without a doubt the cherry on top of the cake when it comes to the jewellery world and are hands down fully loaded with captivating myths, folklore and legends! With a fascinating plethora of coloured gemstones knocking about in the world, the variety of healing properties and metaphorical symbolism behind each stone is specific, unique and communicates an individualistic creative energy to each wearer Newsflash! I am a girl (woah, shocking eh?). Therefore I like my Jewellery. If I find myself scampering around in the big wide world without my forever present bracelets, rings and shell

The Precious Metal Grant Competition

Call for Applications: The Precious Metal Grant Competition The Goldsmiths’ Centre has now opened applications for its Precious Metal Grant competition aimed at HND, BA or MA level students studying jewellery, silversmithing or a related subject. The grant offers students the opportunity to design and produce a piece of their own work in precious metals supplied by Cookson Precious Metals (London) worth £750.   These annual bursaries give up to 12 silversmiths and 8 jewellers the unique opportunity to design and make jewellery, silverware or associated pieces in precious metal, based on the quality of their submitted designs. Last year’s competition

Gemstones: Understanding, Identifying, Buying

Reference: Gemstones/Setting

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Maya Gemstones Launches Mini Collection

Triangle Power is the true symbolisation of love, truth, strength and protection Introducing Triangle Power, a brand-new mini collection from  Maya Gemstones , which comprises of bold and beautiful earrings and a striking pendant.  Both pieces are made of 18ct white gold, with mini round-cut diamonds and a glistening ‘Maya cut’ Amethyst - the stone of protection, purification, and healing – which is also said to instil a sense of calm in the wearer.   The brand will also be launching smaller versions of the pieces in Aquamarine, a stone that symbolises “letting go” and “rebirth” – its Latin name means

Enamelling on Precious Metals

Jewellery: Non-Precious

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Introduction to Precious Metals

Engraving on Precious Metals

Goldsmiths' Centre Precious Metal Grant Winners Announced

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Precious Metal Grant is an annual competition which provides 750 of precious metal bullion to a select group of Jewellery and Silversmithing students across the UK, providing the opportunity to translate their designs into precious metal.  This week, The Goldsmiths’ Centre announced the eleven winners of its prestigious Goldsmiths’ Precious Metal Grant competition. The grant offers students the opportunity to showcase their design skills using up to £750 worth of precious metals, supplied by Cookson Precious Metals (London). The finished pieces form part of the students’ final degree show, many are also showcased at other graduate shows

Job Lot - 1000’s of gemstones, pearls and beads

Job Lot - 1000’s of gemstones, pearls and beads I have thousands of cut stones, cabochons, agate shapes, drops, odd pearls and beads for sale. The cut stones and cabochons are mostly in calibrated sizes, 5  to 10mm round, ovals 6x4 to 14x12mm. Amethyst, garnet, lapis, agates, moonstones, tourmalines, topaz, quartz etc etc. Too many to list here. Ideal for a manufacturer or crafts person. Located in Hastings, East Sussex. Offers around £1000 please. Contact Nick - 07510431813, nickkellett@nickkellett.co.uk for more info.

Installation VOID Showcases the Hidden Galaxies Within Gemfields' Gemstones

As part of London Design Festival, an installation seeks to venture into the depths of gemstones, showcasing the chasms inside and amplifying them to cavernous proportions. Designer Dan Tobin Smith and creative studio The Experience Machine, in partnership with Gemfields, present VOID; a multi-sensory spatial installation at Collins Music Hall, Islington. The immersive experience allows visitors to travel through a series of large-scale projections, exploiting the intricate beauty in nature. A selection of Mozambican rubies and Zambian emeralds from Gemfields’ mines, which date back millions of years, are brought to life through photography of tiny microcosms magnified. Expanding the gemstones

New GemfieldsxMuse collaboration brings responsibly sourced gemstones to the everyday consumer

This year, Gemfields, a world leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, has once again teamed with MUSE, the fine jewellery industry’s premier showroom for emerging and established talent, to present a new collection of inspired jewellery with a focus on earrings.  With 23 contributing designers, it’s no surprise that the collection offers a vast array of designs, styles and gemstones. The current vogue for mixing, matching and multiples, the 65 pairs of earrings feature hoops, studs and chandeliers, all embellished with Gemfields Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies. The variety doesn’t just stop with design; the collection also encompasses a wide

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller

Precious Statements. John Donald: Designer & Jeweller by John Donald & Russell Cassleton Elliott McNidder & Grace  have printed a exceptional account of Johns life and his path into jewellery designer and master craftsman. From his early days of golfing-star dreams, a chance introduction to the Silver and Jewellery Department at the RCA and then onto a fascinating career in jewellery and silversmithing. This unique book tells the story of John Donald, British jeweller, designer and goldsmith, from his early days at art college to establishing a successful business in London and Geneva and an international reputation. In over 50 years

Eco Metal Masterclass – Recycling Precious Metals

Eco Metals Masterclass Sunday 5 November Dunblane, Scotland As increasingly more makers and designers are looking for ways to make their practice more sustainable and less impactful to the environment, CSSJ will host an ‘Eco Metal’ workshop dedicated to learning skills and methods needed to recycle gold, silver and other metals. With very little equipment, it is possible to melt down pieces of precious metal and turn them into fabulous cast pieces of jewellery within a home studio environment! This workshop will focus on charcoal ingots and granulation with students leaving the workshop with a unique cast ring. Other ingot

Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised Fifth Edition

Untamed Encounters: Contemporary Jewelry from Extraordinary Gemstones

Corporate Meets Colour in MAYA Gemstones' 'Out of Office' Collection

MAYA Gemstones new collection puts the fun into paperwork. A homage to stationary, the collection reimagines dull desk-fodder into bright, wearable jewellery. Breaking through an abundance of autumnal rust and russet, bright neon dances and reflects shiny yellow and white gold.  Decorated with sapphires, rubies and diamonds, earrings are bent into geometric shapes, evoking the modest paperclip, or straight bars encrusted with the neon pink lead of a pencil. Bracelets etched with increments of measure glint neon on the inside and out.  Sharp use of neon juxtaposes the mundanity of the everyday objects it decorates. The youthfulness of colour evokes

The Precious Collective teams us to raise funds for the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund

The Precious Collective teams up with Alliages to create Precious Solidarity, to raise funds for the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund by GlobalGiving. The Precious Collective believes in community and fundamentally opposes war. We stand with the people of Ukraine. "Can you help us in our fundraising efforts to help the communities in Ukraine affected by the current crisis? As an organisation who has many contacts, we would like to ask you to share this campaign with as many people as you are able to within your network. There is no financial gain or profit for anyone involved, we are simply trying to raise money to help others!" 

Longer Days & Neon Gems: MAYA Gemstones extends Collections to include new Electric Neon Pieces

Last year, MAYA Gemstones released its 'Out of Office' collection . The triangle cut gems, unique to the brand, adorned cutesy stationery inspired jewellery. For summer 2020, MAYA Gemstones is expanding both this collection, and its Sonya collection to include new Electric Neon pieces.  Splashes of neon embellish stackable and mismatched paperclip earrings, quirky ruler bracelets and rings and round enamel and quartz rings with a central triangular diamond.  MAYA Gemstones' new Electric Neon Additions The bent wire 'paperclip' form of the earrings allow them to interlink with one another creating a unique drop earring in a neon rainbow, or

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

Non-precious Jewellery: Methods and Techniques (Design and Make)

Goldsmiths’ Company Charity to fund new Cambridge PhD research in precious metals

A gift from the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity to support three new PhD studentships at Cambridge will advance research in precious metals and help develop new technical expertise. The Goldsmiths’ Company programme in precious metals research, which will be based at Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, will build on the University’s strengths in the study of materials. The Department is one of the world’s leading centres in the study of materials and metals.  The first two students are expected to start in 2019, following a recruitment programme this autumn. The date marks the centenary of a founding gift from

Precious Proposal, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

Continuing the Woldstone Gallery's launch of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths, 'Precious Proposal' is launched. Woldstone will showcase jewellery and silverware by over twenty contemporary British and European goldsmiths; many award–winning. The Woldstone ‘Spotlight’ series of temporary exhibitions enables the gallery to introduce new designers and show a wider body of work by designers they represent on a permanent basis. “Precious Proposal” Woldstone was established in June 2015 by sisters Sian Perry-Smith and Bronwen Jameson who drew on their love of design and passion for craftsmanship in setting up the

Precious Mysteries film to set 'enigmatic' tone for Goldsmith's Fair

Precious Mysteries, a unique new film installation created by celebrated fashion filmmaker Ujin Lin will set an 'enigmatic, highly-polished, and breathtakingly beautiful' tone for the 2017 Goldsmith Fair starting in September. Lin, the guest curator at this years Fair at Goldsmith's Hall was commissioned to create the film which will feature jewellery and silver he selected from this year’s Fair exhibitors having previously created campaigns for global luxury brands such as Prada, Philip Lim and Longchamp, among others. His films are highly acclaimed across the fashion world. Seductive silver Lin's finely crafted cinematic narrative provides the perfect modern complement to

VIPA Designs Offers Europe's First Fairmined Eco Precious Metal

Vipa Designs Ltd, leaders in ‘Design to Delivery’ for the jewellery trade, has become the first-ever European jewellery manufacturer to offer Fairmined Eco gold.  Receiving its first consignment of the metal this month, Vipa Designs provides retailers and designers with the possibility to have bespoke designs and collections cast in this most precious of ethical metals, produced without the use of cyanide and mercury typical to the gold mining process.  Offering gold mined at the small-scale artisanal Xamodx Ngo mine in Mongolia, Vipa Designs is answering the needs of ever-more ethically conscious consumers shopping for fine and bridal jewellery. Fairmined

Goldsmiths’ Company to Stage UK’s Biggest Precious Metal Student Event

On 1 and 2 November, London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall will host the UK’s biggest careers event for apprentices and students of jewellery and allied trades. Following the huge success of the events in 2014 and 2015 the event will now be extended over two days and will deliver even more inspiration, advice and networking opportunities. Make Your Mark is a completely free tutor–student event open to apprentices, and anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time) whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported

Precious Jewellery from Plastics: Methods and Techniques (Design and Make)

Reigning Royal Ruby for July

Arguably the most famous od red-coloured gems and often referred to as the king of precious stones, Ruby is the birthstone of those lucky enough to be born in July.   This precious stone is one of four 'precious' gemstones accredited to its rarity, carat value, hardness and vitality; the others being diamond, sapphire and emerald. Ruby is derived from the Latin word 'Rubeus' meaning 'red' and throughout history, these fiery coloured gems have been treasured for their vitality and rich colour. Ruby is the red variety of the corundum family, coloured by the presence of chromium. The presence of

The Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017 Graduate Bursary Scheme selects exciting new talent

Goldsmiths’ Fair, the UK’s leading destination to buy original precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver direct from the makers, has announced this year's  graduate exhibitors. The Fair is the foremost platform to launch the careers of emerging precious metal designer-makers and these 10 exhibitors have promising futures.   Jewellery graduates : Evgeniia   Balashova   explores   repetition, movement and the manipulation of grids through  her high-tech geometric pieces. Margaux   Clavel   handcrafts precious metal resembling  cut gemstones. Stephanie  Holt  creates distinctive rings, cleverly bringing together precious and non-precious elements.   Elizabeth   Terzza  makes delicate work inspired by plant life.    

News Edit: 24 May 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Why the super-rich are investing in diamonds and rare gemstones in lockdown The Telegraph: Amid economic uncertainty, the super-rich are looking to ultra-rare precious gemstones as a 'safe' store for their wealth. telegraph.co.uk In a pandemic, why are collectors splashing out millions on jewellery online? CAN Luxury: Despite the current climate, collectible jewellery sales are soaring at online auctions, with collectors having no qualms about purchasing pricy jewels sight unseen. channelnewsasia.com Stellar Price of Gold Might Dent Jewelers’ Profits This Year WWD:

Central Saint Martins’ graduate selected as a Bright Young Gem

Jeweller who hand carves gemstones, Isla Gilham, has been selected as one of IJL’s Bright Young Gems for 2019. Gilham graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2018 and has since set up her own workshop in Somerset where she has continued to create precious gem set pieces with playful twists. Jewellery has been described as “delicious, tempting and good enough to eat”. The work plays on this narrative. Isla hand carves ‘bites’ from an array of juicy and enticing gemstones and creates gold plated silverwork that also appears to have been tasted, scattered with crumbs and twisted in the haste

Sapphire for those born in September

September can only mean one thing - it's officially Virgo season! Sapphire - the September birthstone - has been treasured as one of the most precious gemstones for thousands of years, long associated with royalty, romance and heavenly blessings.  This ‘royal’ gem is often described as one of the ‘big three’ – sapphire, ruby and emerald – or perhaps ‘big four’ – sapphire, ruby, emerald and tanzanite’ – in the world of coloured gemstones. The word sapphire originates from the Greek word sappheiros, meaning ‘blue stone’. Sapphires are traditionally associated with the blue variety of the mineral corundum but they

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

Pearls - A Practical Guide ​by Wendy Graham

Pearls - A Practical Guide by Wendy Graham Pearls are one of the oldest precious gemstones.  They have been revered through history and the best reserved to adorn royalty and their favourites.  Now, with the arrival of freshwater pearls, they are available to suit every pocket and every style, from the classic to the most creative.   Includes a guide to the types of pearl and to the farming process.  Gives advice on buying pearls; what to look for and what to avoid.  Gives instruction on working with pearls, including drilling, setting and knotting.  Finally, there is information on South Sea,

Historical Mughal Jewellery and Objets d’Art from a Private Collection

Historical Mughal Jewellery and Objets d’Art from a Private Collection  Schmuck Museum, Pforzheim 22 November 2024 through early February 2025  Architecture, literature and painting, as well as jewellery, experienced a heyday during the Indian Mughal Empire. Mughal jewellery from the 16th to 18th centuries in particular stands out for its excellent quality in terms of design and craftsmanship. Although made of precious gold and embellished with gemstones, it does not look overly ornate but testifies to a well-developed sense of aesthetics and refinement, and is clearly distinct from 19th-century Maharaja jewellery. The exhibition will be featuring superlative examples of the goldsmith’s

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

Help Alan Craxford fulfil his final project

My name is Janice Hosegood, and I'm fundraising to help Alan Craxford complete his final project. We've known each other for over thirty years, first through work and in later years, we've become great friends. With a career spanning over 50 years, Alan Craxford is an artist, jeweller, silversmith, engraver, and teacher, acknowledged for his precision and mastery of precious metals and gemstones. Alan’s artworks are highly prized and have been exhibited over his career with examples shown within the Victoria & Museum’s permanent collection. In 2003, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a devastating condition and although

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

News Edit: 7 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   10 Black Jewellery Designers Who Deserve Your Support And Investment Vogue: Prominent black voices are rare in jewellery. Even though many of the world’s riches in the form of precious metals and gemstones come from Africa, its residents are far more likely to have been cruelly exploited in the name of adornment than to have benefited from it. vogue.co.uk Lockdown prompts a rethink of how we buy and sell jewellery Wallpaper: Gallerist Elisabetta Cipriani offers a creative alternative to trying on jewellery.

Sun, Sea & Sand @ Salts

Sun, Sea & Sand @ Salts Salts Mill, Saltaire To 1st September 2019 SEASIDE @ SALTAIRE: A Summer Showcase Bringing the Beach to Saltaire Grab your bucket and spade and head to Salts Mill to join the six super talented jewellers holidaying with us throughout the sunny season. They are bringing a sparkle to our special showcase of hand crafted collections that capture the irresistible sensations of summer! Shimmering in the sunshine will be Anthony Blakeney’s precious rings scattered with sparkling diamonds and colourful gemstones. His delightful golden ‘sun kissed’ faces hand engraved onto his silver ‘Rose Root’ rings will

Annoushka Launches new Lovelock & Lovelink designs

“The ‘lock’ has been celebrated throughout history, in the world of punk rock as much as in the realms of religion. For me, its symbolism of security and strength has a particular resonance, at a time when the world seeks both”  -  Annoushka Ducas MBE The five new Lovelock designs have each been exquisitely crafted in 18ct gold and set with precious gemstones.  Each one depicts a different talismanic symbol; The Bee, an icon of endurance and community, The Eye, to keep the wearer safe, The Star, a decorative symbol of guidance, and The Heart, our universal symbol of love.

News Edit: 10 March 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   This Singapore Bespoke Jeweller Is Who You Want For Modern Day Heirlooms Harpers Bazaar: Calla Lily Fine Jewellers will weave your story in precious gems. harpersbazaar.com Lady Gaga Wears Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast At Tiffany’s Jewels At The Oscars Vogue: When Tiffany & Co was musing over which nominee to bejewel for the Oscars 2019, there was only one name the brand saw lit up in diamonds: Lady Gaga. vogue.co.uk Jewels That Glow In The Dark? Vogue: Cora Sheibani is turning heads with a new jewellery collection featuring gemstones that turn

Q&A: Vivien Johnston

Vivien Johnston is the original ethical jewellery pioneer. Trained at Glasgow School of Art, she had quickly developed a career as a commercial Jewellery Designer, reaching the position of Head Designer in the early noughties where she was placed in charge of sourcing. This led to Johnston founding the first British ethical jewellery brand, Fifi Bijoux, in 2006. Since then she has established herself as a leading light in the field of responsible sourcing of precious metals, diamonds and gemstones – an Ethical Supply Chain Specialist, who has consulted on a national and international basis for a variety of jewellery

News Edit: 14 June 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   The Creative Women Behind Such Prestigious Jewellery Brands As Chopard & Cartier Tatler: Meet the women responsible for reimagining the heritage of world class brands through a 21st century lens. asiatatler.com 22 Black Jewellery Designers Who Deserve Your Support And Investment Vogue: Prominent black voices are rare in jewellery. Even though many of the world’s riches in the form of precious metals and gemstones come from Africa, its residents are far more likely to have been cruelly exploited in the name of

Zeemou Zeng’s ‘Melody’ Collection: A Treat for the Eyes and Ears

Zeemou Zeng, an IJL ‘Bright Young Gem’ winner, follows up his debut ‘Venus’ collection with one that incorporates celebrates the beauty- and musicality- of pearls. The recent graduate designs contemporary fine jewellery and accessories, drawing from his extensive knowledge of craftsmanship and experience with different materials (such as precious metals, glass, gemstones and porcelain.) Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou Zeng 'Melody' Collection Zeemou originally studied interior and architecture design in China, before graduating from the London University of Arts- the collection is a perfect amalgamation of design functionality and beauty- and is testament to the breadth of his studies. Each

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

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

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

Marcia Lanyon Talks Briolettes

Providing a flash of light through a faceted earring or the gentle sheen of a polished pippin in opaque semi-precious stones, briolettes and pippins are a wonderful way to use gemstones in jewellery.  These dangling treasures show off the cutter’s skill with the same cut or polished finished on all sides while being drilled to one side of the stone in order for it to be suspended from wire or thread or mounted with a cap. Cuts Delicate marquise-shaped or flattened drops cut with either an oval section, round-section chubby ‘onions’, or long delicate top-drilled pippins are just a few

Justified Sinner leads modern renaissance in men’s jewellery

The renaissance in modern men's jewellery, driven by avant-garde designers prepared to push the boundaries of conservatism, is attracting international attention with a stunning exhibition called The World is Your Dressing Up Box at The National Centre for Craft and Design in Sleaford. Among the exhibits is a selection of work from the influential designer Dauvit Alexander, the Justified Sinner who is driving the revolution in mens jewellery using customs from the 16th Century when the size of 'bling' was directly related to the wearer's status. Alexander uses scrap metal, mainly corroded steel and iron, alongside precious metals and gemstones,

Designer Jewellers Group Christmas Pop-Up

Designer Jewellers Group Christmas Pop-Up About The Designer Jewellers Group The Designer Jewellers Group was founded in 1975 as a co-operative which promotes the work of its members. Individuality of design and professional craftsmanship are its hallmarks, bringing together an exciting diversity of styles in contemporary jewellery. All members are designer makers, working in precious metals alongside an extensive range of materials, gemstones, carved hardwoods, perspex, polypropylene, textiles and employing an innovative array of techniques. They are often commissioned to make bespoke items or pieces for special projects. Dates 4 - 23 December 2017 Venue 67 York Street, London www.designerjewellersgroup.co.uk

Present & Collect 2017

Present & Collect 2017 This November, Contemporary Applied Arts, home to works from Britain’s leading craftspeople, will launch Present & Collect, their annual seasonal selling exhibition. It will offer a range of meaningful gifts at accessible price points, as well as high-value collectors’ pieces. This curated selection is imbued with skill, innovation and tradition. From the decorative to the functional and wearable, in a range of diverse materials from clay to precious gemstones, each handmade object is a one off. As the leading authority on high-end British craft, CAA is a trusted resource for collectors and first time buyers alike.

GSFA 2016 | April Doubleday | Fairtrade Gold Mining in Colombia

April Doubleday is an Ethical deigner/maker of Contemporary Jewellery, living on the North Coast of Devon. She uses the coastline, rock formations and the sea as inspiration for her designs. Her Jewellery is bold and energetic using line, form and colour where every piece is given its own sense of creation and individuality of its own.  April's vision of her company is to strive for complete transparency throughout her business. This transparency spreads from her sourcing of precious metal suppliers and gemstones to the design process with clients. April is committed to ensuring she uses suppliers that have social and

Hypnotic Crystal Lips: Where Jewellery Meets Beauty

Striking gemstones have been setting hearts all aflutter as they dazzle, glitter and shine round the necks, wrists and dainty fingers of models strutting the fall runways. Nothing quite beats the majestical beauty and subtlety of semi-precious crystal stone jewellery that never fails to capture the magpie eyes of the jewellery world. The enchanting light refractions that encompass the delicacy of the gemstone spectrum have been entwined into a new and bewitching creative innovation where the wearing of coloured stone just got magnetising. Capture the passion for coloured stones by painting a new twist upon this old tradition by taking

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

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

Making a Winter's Tale, Contemporary Applied Arts - London

Making a Winter's Tale, Contemporary Applied Arts - London Making a Winter’s Tale Handmade gifts for the festive season This winter, Contemporary Applied Arts (CAA), home to works from Britain’s leading craftspeople, will launch ‘Making a Winter’s Tale’, a seasonal selling exhibition. It will offer a range of meaningful gifts at accessible price points, as well as high-value collectors’ pieces. This curated selection is imbued with skill, innovation and tradition. From the decorative to the functional and wearable, in a range of diverse materials from clay to precious gemstones, each handmade object is a one off. From the decorative to

UK Ethical Gem Fair

UK Ethical Gem Fair Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th January FORGE, 59 Leather Lane, London, EC1N 7TJ On Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th January, Nineteen48 is joining with Fair Trade Gemstones and Gemstones Brazil to host our first ethical gem fair of 2023 at FORGE, the brand-new creative hub and retail space in Hatton Garden, London. The event will run from 10am to 5pm on both days. It's free to attend, but please email us to register in advance, so that we know you're coming. Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones) -  kathy@fairtrade-gemstone.com Stuart Pool (Nineteen48) -  stuart@nineteen48.com Maira Toledo (Gemstones

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 28 - 29 March 2019 London The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought. 

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 1 April 2019 Glasgow The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought.  “The word

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 2 April 2019 Edinburgh The collaborative partnership of four of the UK’s leading ethically sourced gemstone suppliers, Stuart Pool (Nineteen48), Kathy Chappell (Fair Trade Gemstones), Ian Bone (Capricorn Gems) and Maira Toledo Rodrigues (Gemstones Brazil), will be offering their gemstones with full provenance of ethical sourcing to trade customers and jewellery/design students at three gem fairs in March and April. These suppliers have developed the business connections to ensure that their gems have been sourced and processed throughout the chain from mine to market to satisfy the stringent ethical requirements now being rightly sought.  “The word

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair

Ethically Sourced Gemstone Fair 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. Jewellery designers will be able to view and purchase, with the complete assurance of responsible mining and production. Details on the location of each gemstone will be available to every customer. The gemstones available will include a wide range of

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

Nineteen48 and Rubyfair Merge To Create A Better Customer Experience

Two of the UK’s leading suppliers of ethically sourced and traceable coloured gemstones, Nineteen48  and Rubyfair , have announced a merger of their businesses. The merger will give customers a more efficient service and a greater range of coloured gemstones from one unified sales channel.   Nineteen48 specialises in fully traceable coloured gemstones from Sri Lanka: sapphires, aquamarines, garnets, tourmalines, alexandrite, moonstones, topaz, amethyst, spinels plus a range of other gems; whereas Rubyfair offers tanzanite, rub, sapphire and spinel from its mine in Tanzania. “Having been working closely together for some time, we decided that we should officially join forces

Gemfields confirmed as sponsors of the 2016 Gem-A Conference and Graduation Ceremony

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has announced that leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, Gemfields, has signed up as Silver Sponsor of the Gem-A Conference and as exclusive Ruby Sponsor of Gem-A’s annual Graduation Ceremony and Presentation of Awards — a prestigious new sponsorship package created exclusively for the London-based company.  Gemfields, who also own Fabergé, is one of the world’s largest producers of coloured gemstones including emeralds and amethysts from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique. The company delivers a constant supply of professionally-graded, uncut coloured gemstones to world markets via their highly acclaimed auction platform, as

Cooksongold commits to 100% Recycled Silver and Gold

Cooksongold, have made a 'precious' commitment to all their customers. Their full range of gold and silver bullion products are now made using 100% recycled precious metals. All of their gold and silver sheet, wire, tube and grain will be made using 100% recycled precious metals, fully traceable and equal in quality to unrecycled precious metals. The company have put into place that any future gold and silver bullion purchased will be 100% recycled and supplied with a card of authenticity to ensure that as a jewellery manufacturer or maker, you can ensure to your clients that that the pieces you make are eco-friendly. www.cooksongold.com

Thomson Reuters Reflects on Market Impact Since Brexit Vote

With Article 50 now officially triggered, Ross Strachan, from the GFMS Team at Thomson Reuters, provides his thoughts on the impacts seen in the precious metals market since the Brexit vote in June 2016. “In the precious metals market, the most substantial impact of the Brexit vote has been in the UK. Naturally part of this is due to the impact of political and economic uncertainty leading to purchases of precious metals and especially gold, but also important is the impact through the exchange rate. Namely, the impact of sterling’s 31-year lows against the dollar was that precious metal prices surged,

Jeweller/Mounter at Jewelworks

Due to the retirement of a very experienced and valued member of our team we now have a position for a highly experienced and qualified jobbing jeweller or hand made mounter. The successful applicant will have completed a five year apprenticeship and have at least another five years experience as a working jeweller with references to support. The job will require working knowledge of all precious metals, ie, silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Together with a comprehensive understanding of precious and semi precious stones and their characteristics from a working point of view.

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

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 21 - 25 February 2024 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

Get Stoned in Brighton

Get Stoned in Brighton 23 rd  May 2024 Lighthouse, 28 Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ Join us on the 23 May in Brighton for the first edition of Get Stoned Gem Fair! The Get Stoned Gem Fair brings together 12 amazing gem suppliers and services all under one roof to dazzle you with their latest gems, talks by the fantastic founders and finish the day with drinks and networking! Exhibitors are: Gemmology Rocks Nineteen48 Sanni Falkenberg Emerald Studio Natural Spinels Charlie Bexfield Misfit Diamonds Gemstones Brazil Fair Trade Gemstones Capricorn Gems Nature’s Geometry Inc. Marcus McCallum The Gem Fair is

2024 Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

Ethical Gem Fair Tucson Tucson, USA 27 - 30th January 2024 Responsible sourcing will take center stage at the 2024 Ethical Gem Fair Tucson in its fourth annual event. Opening its doors from January 27th to 30th, the Ethical Gem Suppliers Collective will offer a unique opportunity for industry professionals to discover gemstones with short supply chains that support, uplift and respect mining and cutting communities. This trade-only event welcomes jewelry designers, retailers, industry experts and press to explore a curated selection of gemstones that set the standards of social and environmental awareness and responsibility. The Ethical Gem Fair Tucson

Free Online Courses - Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF

Free Online Courses Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF Start your journey to becoming a gem expert with the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF introductory online courses and access trustworthy information from one of the world’s leading authorities on coloured gemstones, diamonds and pearls. Diamonds Emeralds Pearls Rubies Sapphires Garnets Opals Spinels Tourmalines Sustainability Who are these courses for? Curious about diamonds and gemstones who wants to start learning more with free courses. People in the diamond, gem or jewellery trade that want to gain expert insights on topics such as synthetic diamonds, treatments in emeralds, ruby origins, colour terms in sapphires or the

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

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

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

Gemfields Launch New Website

Gemfields, a world leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, specialising in emeralds and amethysts from Zambia and rubies from Mozambique launches its brand new website dedicated to showcasing all aspects of the company.  The site offers users key insight into Gemfields’ approach to sustainable and responsible mining at each of the Gemfields’ owned mines, its invaluable education programmes, information on gemstones themselves and ongoing collaborations with renowned jewellery houses and designers.  The new site, designed by the bespoke web design specialists, Chaptr, is the result of over 10 months of research, development and testing, with an impactful and luxurious

Dazera announce first art jewellery competition winners

This September Dazera launched its first competition to reward the artistry of fine jewellers.  “Jewellery is often appreciated most for its fine gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship, but much more rarely for the creative thought that has gone into it, ” explains Dazera founder Domini Hogg.  “The aim of the competition is to highlight the creative talent out there.” This September Dazera launched its first competition to reward the artistry of fine jewellers.  “Jewellery is often appreciated most for its fine gemstones and exceptional craftsmanship, but much more rarely for the creative thought that has gone into it, ” explains Dazera

Leyla Abdollahi's new Trinity Collection

London based designer Leyla Abdollahi, known for her use of flamboyant palettes of gemstones, has launched a new collection, 'Trinity'. Inspired by and conceived out of Leyla’s fascination with the mysterious world of astrology and divine geometry, the designs of geometrical crafted gemstones blend spirited colour such as tanzanite, white and champagne diamonds, blue sapphire, white opal and emeralds and highlight rhythmic alignments throughout the collection. Abdollahi's exploration of the relationship between dazzling ornaments and the human body is hown through the use of delicate chains, adding fluidity and sensual, subtle movement. Elaborate and intricately complex designs twinned with skillful

Assistant Project Manager, Cooksongold - Birmingham, West Midlands

The role Assistant Project Manager Cooksongold Birmingham, West Midlands Cooksongold is a well-established global manufacturer of precious metal products. We provide a range of services such as bespoke manufacturing, stampings, and precious metal scrap refining. We are a pioneering force in the additive manufacturing industry, specializing in precious metal 3D printing for the jewellery, aerospace, medical and automotive sectors. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, creativity and customer satisfaction and delivering innovative and personalized products that meet the unique need of our customers. As our Assistant Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing

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

The Dark Side of Goldsmiths’ Fair

Goldsmiths’ Fair is delighted to present  Silver: The Dark Side , a trailblazing exhibition that showcases silver in a dramatic new light.  This special display of new and recent work from some of the UK’s most exciting silversmiths and jewellers features striking pieces with black oxidised silver surfaces, plating and non-precious metals that challenge traditional perceptions of silver. Although primarily a showcase of objects d’art, three of the featured works are darkened jewellery. Typically, silver is perceived as difficult to clean and therefore often considered old-fashioned or d é mod é . Here blackened objects, several of which combine precious and non-precious metal, are

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024

Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024 Halls 1 & 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City 12 – 14 November 2024 JGTD Dubai  is a  three-day business-to-business sourcing event for jewellery, gemstones and related technology . Visitors can additionally sign up for the Targeted Buyers Programme running throughout the show, DMCC’s Dubai Diamond Conference and Informa Market’s Jewellery World Awards Dubai. https://www.jgtdubaijewelleryshow.com

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

Ethical Jewellery Workshop at City Lit

This workshop is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery for those involved in designing, making selling, learning or teaching jewellery as well as journalists. We will cover & help you to know where to source ethical metals, gemstones and diamonds understand the ethical issues in jewellery making use alternative studio practices and chemicals which are not damaging to the environment or to your own health Ethical Jewellery Workshop with Greg Valerio & Ute Decker Venue CityLit, London Date 5 February 2017 For More information www.citylit.ac.uk

The Art of Movement, Van Cleef & Arpels

The Art of Movement, Van Cleef & Arpels Design Museum, London 23 September – 20 October 2022 Featuring almost a hundred creations from Van Cleef & Arpels' patrimonial collection, numerous archive documents and lender masterpieces, this exhibition illustrates the French High Jewellery Maison's constant quest to impart movement into precious materials. Van Cleef & Arpels has constantly blended the excellence of its High Jewellery savoir-faire with great delicacy of vision in order to imbue the most precious materials with lightness and dynamism. Notable for their unique designs, their three-dimensional volume and their composition, the creations showcased stand out as manifestos

Max Carocci Lecture

'Precious Metals-Precious Stones: Symbolism and Technologies of Precolumbian Jewellery' Lecture by Max Carocci  Tuesday 11 October 2022, 18:00 – 20:00 What are the reasons for a culture to produce jewels from very specific raw materials? How do we make sense of the inordinate use of certain metals? What causes certain societies to value certain metals over others? Through examples drawn from the exceptional creativity and craftmanship of Precolumbian master jewellers, we address these and other questions related to the meanings, symbolism, and values differently associated with jewellery, and how they work in society. About the Lecturer: British Museum-based Dr. Max Carocci

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

News Edit: 12 November 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Cornwall designer has entire collection of jewellery snatched from London Christmas market ITV: A jewellery designer has had her entire collection of precious items stolen while at a Christmas market event in London. itv.com Hayle jeweller Emily Nixon has rings snatched at London show Falmouth Packet: A Cornish jewellery designer has been left devastated after a bag containing all of her most precious diamond and sapphire rings was snatched at a Christmas exhibition at the Olympia in London. falmouthpacket.co.uk Harrogate jewellery store to close after 190 years of

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

Edinburgh Assay Office’s CEO and Assay Master assumes international Chairman role

Scott Walter, who is the chief executive and master of the Edinburgh Assay Office will take up the role of chairman of the Convention on the Control & Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (CCMAPM) at the end of November. Mr Walter held previous roles within the Convention sitting on the Standing Technical committee and the Vision and Strategy Working group. Mr Walter has recently completed a five-year term as chairman of the International Association of Assay Offices, which culminated in its merger with the CCMAPM. The Edinburgh Assay Office has been testing and hallmarking precious metals since 1457 and is the trading arm of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths

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

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,

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery

Lindsey Mann - Contemporary Jewellery 17 March - 10 May 2020 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff  Drawing inspiration from themes of collecting memories Lindsey creates playful jewellery which might explore a fleeting moment, a chance encounter or a material souvenir charged with meaning. Referencing shape, form, colour and pattern to realise each piece of jewellery she hopes to create something which has both familiar and yet foreign associations, perhaps triggering a vague memory for the viewer too and hopefully raising a smile! Working from her studio in rural Wiltshire, Lindsey constructs jewellery using hand-printed anodised aluminium, precious and non-precious metals

Edinburgh Assay Office’s CEO and Assay Master assumes international Chairman role

Scott Walter, who is the chief executive and master of the Edinburgh Assay Office will take up the role of chairman of the Convention on the Control & Marking of Articles of Precious Metals (CCMAPM) at the end of November. Mr Walter held previous roles within the Convention sitting on the Standing Technical committee and the Vision and Strategy Working group. Mr Walter has recently completed a five-year term as chairman of the International Association of Assay Offices, which culminated in its merger with the CCMAPM. The Edinburgh Assay Office has been testing and hallmarking precious metals since 1457 and is the trading arm of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths

Kelvin J Birk: From the hegemony of value to the freedom of form

Kelvin J Birk loves to explore the concept of value in jewellery, and he does so through the provocation that characterizes his creative process writes Ilaria Ruggiero. His creations are in fact the result of a series of actions to break and pulverise precious stones, which are thus deprived of their first and original form and structure in order to create something new; in some ways the same, but also different. The stones are then mixed together, in some cases with non-precious materials, thus playing with the altered perceptions that such a mixture can create. In this way Kelvin questions what

COSMIMA 2017

COSMIMA  The 13th annual showcase of contemporary jewellery and silverware from the COSMIMA collective 23 - 26 November 2017 Clerkenwell Gallery COSMIMA presents the latest handcrafted jewellery and silverware from nine leading UK designers. For the 13th show, the five fine jewellery designers of the COSMIMA collective have invited two jewellers working in non-precious materials and two silversmiths to join them this November in Clerkenwell. One-off pieces in silver, gold and precious stones sit alongside compositions crafted using resin and enamel; all hand made in the UK, displaying an exciting array of processes and sculptural forms. All works will be

Goldsmiths' Fair Set to make a Sparkling Return

This month sees the highly anticipated return of an ever more stylish Goldsmiths’ Fair, the leading luxury destination to view and buy original precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver direct from the makers.  Staged at Goldsmiths' Hall,  the 35th edition of the Fair features: 126 of the most exciting established and emerging gold and silver designer-makers Special exhibitions including a cutting-edge video installation A programme of engaging design talks and tours The prestigious Best New Design Awards This Year's Theme Precious Mysteries, the theme of this year’s Fair, alludes to the alchemy of traditional skills and innovative design that is

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

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

Goldsmiths' Fair Launches 2017 Campaign

This autumn sees the highly anticipated return of an ever more stylish Goldsmiths’ Fair, the UK’s leading luxury destination to view and buy original precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver direct from the makers. Staged at the magnificent Goldsmiths' Hall, a stroll away from St Paul’s Cathedral, the 35th edition of the Fair features:              126 of the most exciting established and emerging gold and silver designer-makers; Special exhibitions including a cutting-edge video installation; A programme of engaging design talks and tours; The prestigious Best New Design Awards.   Precious Mysteries , the theme of this year’s

Assay Office London Launch Make Your Mark 2017

Make Your Mark, the UK’s leading networking and career development event for new precious metal designers and makers, returns to Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London from 31 October – 1 November 2017. Now in its fourth year, the event comes complete with a treasure trove of opportunities to help emerging designers, apprentices and students of jewellery and the allied trades develop successful careers in the field. The free two-day event is open to apprentices; students on a UK-based precious-metal-related full or part-time course whether at degree level, a short adult education or privately tutored course; tutors; masters; and

London Treasures - Silvia Weidenbach Residency At The V&A

City Lit Jewellery Tutor Silvia Weidenbach has been announced as the first Resident for the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Rosalind and Arthur Gilbert Collection. The Gilbert Collection holds a renowned selection of British and European gold and silverware, considered masterpieces of craftsmanship.  The V&A’s website describes it as containing ‘some of the most beautiful objects ever made, many in precious materials, and often on a small scale’. It is famed for the selection of snuffboxes made of gold and silver, highly decorated with precious stones, enamels and mosaics; these intricately detail objects have been providing inspiration for artists and designers

Jose Marin : Primavera

Jose Marin : Primavera When anodized, Titanium is the most jewel-like metal with it's glowing spectrum of colors shifting playfully in the light. It is also one of the most challenging materials to smith, but Jose Marin makes the challenge look effortless. Inspired by plant and marine life Marin sets precious and semi-precious stones in the Titanium. These new works dance with sophisticated and playful color at every movement.  "When I choose a material, it is always with the idea of transforming it into a magical object. At this time I have opted for Titanium, a unique metal. Its hardness

Plunge Into The Fresh Watery Hue of Aquamarine

Whilst traditionally there are two precious birthstones associated with the blooming spring month of March it is Aquamarine that is more closely considered the stone of seasonal tranquility. Derived from the latin word translating to "water of the sea", the ancient myth and symbolic folklore surrounding its properties is pulled from its aquatic associations and crystal ocean-like hue. Mined mainly throughout Brazil, this precious stone is distinctive for its blue-green iridescent tones caused by the chemical makeup of the stone of iron oxides. Aquamarine is a blue-stone variety within the Beryl family and can be found within a range of

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

Q Branch Bespoke Casting Opens Its Doors

A new casting facility ‘Q Branch Bespoke Casting’ have launched, opening their doors to jewellery trade customers across the UK. Srvices will be available to workshops, designers, makers, retailers and manufacturers alike. Q Branch Bespoke Casting will offer high quality precious metal casting for models and waxes in all commercial precious metal alloys with a special emphasis on platinum and palladium casting. Equipped with the highest quality machinery Q Branch will aim to deliver a friendly and reliable service at competitive prices.  Other services offered by Q Branch will include 3D Printing on one of their three Solidscape prototyping machines or in

Alan Craxford at 70

Alan Craxford is well-known for his highly individual application of hand engraving on precious metal, both jewellery and larger silver pieces. His work frequently tells a story or spins a tale of magic and wonder: the stars, the moon, the cosmos are favourite inspirations for his genuinely precious and dazzling one-off pieces. This showcase makes it possible to appreciate the interconnections and interactions between the varied work Craxford produces. Precision and fine craftsmanship are in abundance in the pieces here, which span Craxford's rich and long career and reflect his varied interests. Alan was made a Freeman of the City

Call for Applications: Make Your Mark Awards

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has launched its design competition to encourage creativity in the use of the Hallmark Applications are now open for the The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office inaugural Make Your Mark Awards , a new design competition that aims to challenge today’s students working in precious metal. The Awards 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 winners announced on the night. “Anyone who sells precious metal jewellery or silverware in the UK is required by law to

Make Your Mark - Day 1

Make Your Mark is the leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Who should attend? Make Your Mark  is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. What's it all about? Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in

Make Your Mark - Day 2

Make Your Mark is the leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Who should attend? Make Your Mark  is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. What's it all about? Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in

Amethyst In The Violet Spotlight

For those birthday babies of February, purple Amethyst marks the precious birthstone of highly esteemed legendary powers and symbolic mythology. February delivers an unpredictable month of gloomy rain showers, shivering temperatures amongst the short, dark days of monotony for many. The semi-precious violet birthstone of Amethyst therefore provides a soothing antidote of strength to fight the February fatigue and inject a little warmth through its calming properties of of peace, stability and courage. As one of the most widely used naturally hard gems, Amethyst is generally sourced in the form of six-sided crystals and contains the second most abundant minerals

Make Your Mark

Make  Your  Mark is t he leading event for students on a precious metal related course. It will be held on the 1st - 2nd November 2016 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Make Your Mark is a completely free tutor–student event open to anyone studying on a UK-based precious-metal-related course (full- or part-time), whether at degree level or on a short adult education or private tutored course. Led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the event provides a packed programme of fascinating talks from leading figures in the trade, live demos,

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2024

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 6 - 10 November 2024 RHS Garden Wisley Visit to view and purchase from a stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware. All exhibitors have been selected for their superb and innovative designs and craftsmanship as well as outstanding quality. Exhibitors include j ewellers working in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, enamel, ceramic, vegetable ivory, titanium, aluminium and glass and incorporating gemstones, seaglass, pearls, and beads into their work. Anyone celebrating a special occasion – maybe a birthday or anniversary - may also like to speak to the makers about commissioning bespoke

News Edit: 24 November 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Style Edit: Van Cleef & Arpels unveils 4 stunning Rose de Noël pieces in celebration of the holiday season, from pendants to earrings in eye-catching combinations and sporting floral motifs SCMP reports: The intricate designs, including grey mother-of-pearl and vibrant turquoise gemstones set in gold, are inspired by winter flowers and dedicated to the beauty of nature. www.scmp.com Independent jewellers realise potential of physical stores FT reports: A shift in focus from ecommerce is in response to demand from clients for a more personal, tactile experience. www.ft.com In honour

Inhorgenta Munich 2020

INHORGENTA MUNICH Messe München, Germany 16 - 19 February 2024 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of INHORGENTA INHORGENTA has been the showcase for the industry and the key to opening up new markets since 1974. The 50th anniversary edition of INHORGENTA will take place from February 16 to 19, 2024 with a large supporting program. INHORGENTA started in 1974 as the “1st International Trade Fair for Watches, Jewelry, Gemstones and Silverware” and was a success right from the start. That was because the industry wanted to establish its own, dedicated trade fair for Germany and Europe. An opportunity for Messe

VOICE GEMS: 1000 Year Archive

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/0ZbUYE4afog] VOICE GEMS 8th - 26th September 2022 on Oxford Street, London Pioneering artists and technologists Harry Yeff (Reeps100) and Trung Bao have opened a solo show across the interior and exterior of London’s W1 Curates presented by W1 Immersive on Oxford Street, where they will debut VOICE GEMS: 1000 YEAR ARCHIVE, a collection of the Earth’s most unique, remarkable and vulnerable voices that have been preserved as individual gemstones. The new 400 square metre immersive gallery will present wall-to-wall digital gemstone artworks from a selection of the VOICE GEM archive, as well as a public digital

Nineteen48 One Day Gemmological Workshops

  Nineteen48 One Day Gemmological Workshops Would you like to join me for a day of gemmological learning? In my one-day workshop, I cover a range of gem-related topics, designed to give you an overview of the world of gemstones, rather than a "deep-dive" into one particular area. Suitable for both absolute beginners or people with some gem experience. Please book places using the links to each of the venue's websites. Saturday 20th July (10am to 4.30pm) London Jewellery Workshop londonjewelleryworkshop.co.uk   Sunday 29th September (10am to 4.30pm) Workshop 925, Woking, Surrey www.workshop925.com Saturday 26th October (10am to 4.30pm) K2

Traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires

Navneet Gems provides guidance and tips on traceability and the rise of Australian Sapphires in the engagement ring sector for Benchpeg. Sustainable practices, including the issues of tracking and traceability, are gaining momentum in the colored gemstone supply chain. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where and how the materials that form their pieces are extracted and manufactured. The truth is unless you have physically gone directly to the mine to view their extraction practices, or know and work with small-scale miners, right now it is challenging to guarantee that gemstones are 100% ethically and sustainably sourced. “Ethically sourced,” “responsible,”

News Edit: 14 April 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... The perfumers with a nose for fine jewellery’s rich history FT: Perfumers commissioned by luxury houses are finding inspiration in the facets and colours of iconic gemstones. www.ft.com Sophie Bille Brahe’s heart-shaped diamond jewellery is anything but girly Wallpaper: Sophie Bille Brahe rethinks the heart in the Ensemble de Coeur collection, created for Harrods. www.wallpaper.com Watches as jewellery enjoy a red carpet revival FT: Celebrity fashion is fuelling a trend for unusual timepieces, from pendants to chokers and anklets. www.ft.com BBC The Repair Shop expert shares reason they almost

News Edit: 14 July 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... How Luxury Houses Are Boosting Their Jewelry Market Share Rapaport reports: Richemont and LVMH are well positioned to increase their brands’ influence over the industry. rapaport.com Anabela Chan RLI reports: The eponymously-named company Anabela Chan is the first fine jewellery brand in the world to champion laboratory-grown gemstones and recycled metals with high jewellery design and artisanal craftsmanship, with a focus on ethical and sustainable innovations. www.rli.uk.com High jewellery weathers the global uncertainty FT: reports: A youthful and increasingly diverse clientele seeking timeless, feelgood pieces is driving growth, as

Fair Luxury Open House: Packaging

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

Gemfields brings to auction the Kafubu Cluster, a colossal 37,555-gram cluster of emeralds

Discovered at the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia in March 2020, the Kafubu Cluster is a colossal cluster of emeralds. Close inspection of the 37,555-gram (187,775 carat) cluster reveals that it contains very little matrix or other minerals, meaning the piece is almost entirely made up of emeralds, which, given its sheer size and formation, makes this a very rare find indeed. The Kafubu Cluster, our gentle giant, is a testament to the high-quality gemstones that can be produced when Mother Nature allows time for the various crystals to form deep within the Earth’s crust. Gemfields’ geologists describe the formation

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

Wax Carving and Delft Clay Casting Course - Brighton

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

Tradition re-imagined: Nadine Aysoy expands the Celeste Collection

Chinese Tradition serves as the inspiration behind Nadine Aysoy's celebrated Celeste collection. Now, the addition of six new pieces, sees tradition re-imagined once again.  Ushering in the Summer months, the new additions are sprinkled with gemstones in festival colours; blue, yellow and pink sapphires. The more light, petite designs see the wearer shed the larger, decadant styles favoured in the winter, in favour of embracing the carefree attitude of the summer. The Celeste collection has been inspired by art, sculptures and ancient Chinese tradition, using smooth disks of White Jade, which signify harmony, courage and unconditional love; the stone is also said to

News Edit: 4 April 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Jewellery brand launches Notting Hill store as turnover grows to £10m B Daily: A London jewellery brand has announced that it is launching a new Notting Hill ‘destination store’ after reaching turnover of £10m. bdaily.co.uk Caroline Scheufele reveals why Chopard will remain family owned Prestige: She is among the most influential women in jewellery making and for as long as Caroline Scheufele remembers, she has always been enthralled by colourful gemstones and their inimitable lustre, which enable her to touch the hearts of millions. www.prestigeonline.com Curations: Lucky Spring

INHORGENTA MUNICH 2021 is cancelled

Due to the ongoing travel and contact restrictions designed to stop the spread of the global coronavirus pandemic, Messe München has decided to cancel INHORGENTA MUNICH 2021. The decision was taken in detailed consultation with the advisory board, as well as exhibitors, visitors and partners of Europe’s leading platform for jewelry, watches and gemstones. The focus is now on preparing for a successful INHORGENTA MUNICH 2022—scheduled to take place from February 11 to 14—and on further developing the digital INHORGENTA TRENDFACTORY. The next edition of this series will be held in the fall of this year. Last November, Messe München

Polar Bears and Melting Ice – Jewellery of Climate Change and Conservation

Elements, Scotland’s festival showcase for the finest gold, silver and jewellery will include collections that combine beauty and exquisite craftsmanship with ethical and environmental issues. The event, which is organised by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh in partnership with fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull and runs from 8 to 10 November, will feature more than 50 high quality designers and makers from across the UK. Among them is Burntisland-based Sally Grant, whose pieces will include one featuring a garnet that is among the first stones brought to market by Moyo Gemstones, a women’s mining collective in Tanzania. Sally,

Gemfields Partner with National Geographic to Capture the Heart and Soul of Vital Projects in Africa

Gemfields, a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, has partnered with National Geographic to show the behind-the-scenes of Gemfields supported projects in Africa.   See the inner workings of Gemfields supported projects through the lens of National Geographic photogrpaher and film-maker, Shannon Wild. Shannon is at the heart of each film and viewers are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the landscape, animals and people she encounters during the filming of the short-films. The first film, shot in Zambia's Kafue National Park, focuses on the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP). The project is dedicated to the study and preservation on large carnivores.  The [youtube

Tropical Coloured Fun

When you think of summer, you think of fun so this season it's all about piling on the colour, texture, print and shapes with your summer colour-popping accessories! The jewellery world is diving into the tropical world of summer with palm leaf prints, juicy fruit motifs and multi-coloured gemstones to brighten your life with statement style. Conjuring up scenes of crystal blue lapping waves, rich and lush rainforests of bushy leaves and exotic animals parading in beautiful arrays of colour, now is the time to get your hands on summers' finest necklaces, statement rings and flirty bracelets. Take a dive

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

'Tis the season for gift giving

Scratching your head on what to get your mother, sister, friend or lover this Christmas? A little package dressed up with tassels, bows and frills will cause that sought-after thrill for sure - and that's before they see something extra special and sparkly nestled inside! The old adage 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend' may still ring true for many, but here at BenchPeg, we'd argue that bold and colourful gemstones, weighty chains and eccentric designs are just as desirable for that jewellery lover in your life. We all know that there is a keep-forever piece out there for just about

Wallace Chan Lecture 2020

Wallace Chan Lecture 2020 Maastricht 9 March 2020 SIERAAD Art Fair and well-known jewellery designer Wallace Chan have made a unique collaboration for TEFAF. The highlight of the exhibition will be ‘Keeper of Time’, a necklace juxtaposing the artist’s most recent innovation, the Wallace Chan Porcelain, with his vintage carving creations from over 30 years ago. Gemstones, memories from different times, are revisited and given new life; they are indispensable links in the long chain of time that connects the past and the present. Lecture SIERAAD are honoured to organize a lecture of Wallace Chan in partnership with Chequita Nahar,

Get Ready for Laidback Luxe

 It's that time of year that leaves you in a bit of a style conundrum - relaxed laidback comfort for at-home mooching or showstopping glam for all those festive drinks and parties galore! Striking that perfect balance between comfort, quality and style is no easy feat which is why we've scouted the best laidback luxe looks for you this party season. Not everyone wants to go all out with the glitz and glamour of showstopping pieces dripping in colour, gemstones and glitter. Pieces that intrigue with subtle hints of chic design and detailing is exactly what designers have been tapping

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

Zoe Davidson to unveil new ‘Spring Tides’ collection at upcoming Scotland’s Trade Fair

An Orkney-based jeweller will unveil her new Spring Tides collection at a Scottish Trade Fair this week. The striking new collection takes its inspiration from the sea-carved shorelines of the designers home-land; and sits amongst her previous collections as another tribute to Orkney’s unique landscapes: Saltaire, Barriers and Hoy Sound . The collection will launch with a selection of pendants, earrings, bracelets and rings. Each piece consists of silver and combines Zoe’s signature fold-formed metalwork with contrasting gemstones, accents of gold and bold patina treatments; all handmade with great craftmanship and care from her Stromness-based Studio, open to visitors on

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Internships at GIA 2018

GIA Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Internships The Gemological Institute of America invites qualified candidates to apply for the Richard T. Liddicoat Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at its Carlsbad, California and New York City locations. The one-to-two year fellowships encourage early-career scientists to pursue full-time academic research on fundamental scientific problems in gemstone geology, defect physics and diamond synthesis; and other fields related to gemology – the study of diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls and their treatments. A paid research internship program is also available for students pursuing a Bachelor or Master of Science degree in related fields. “GIA’s fellowship and internship programs

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

Flora in Full Bloom

A classic style, popular in the 50s and now growing its way back into the fashion sunlight is colourful, dainty flower and bouquet studded jewellery!  The intricate and delicate botanical shapes and patterns of enchanting blossom gardens turn this trend into one of pure beauty and super-feminine creativity. Designers have kept designs simple and brought them to life in harmonious colours, tones and acute attention to detail in petals, stems and pistils. Spring awakens into summer as our accessories get the full bloom treatment of bold and striking splashes of colour, sparkling embellishment of charming gemstones and a nod to

Nailing The Crystal Look In Geode Goodness

With the runways awash with the footsteps of hundreds of models in new season thigh high boots, houndstooth print seen left right and centre and bold granny chic adornments dangly from polished and preened earlobes, fashion week has once again descended upon our calendars! Last fall the jewellery and beauty worlds came together in all their tantalising trends to bring us spellbinding galaxy nail art and geode lips. Makeup artists have made it easier for you to take your covetable crystal collection everywhere with you by drawing inspiration from the world's prettiest gemstones and turning it into gorgeous geode nail

Phillips Presents ‘Jewels Now’ a Lauren Adriana solo exhibition

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

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

The Flaming Pearl Queen of Conch

Prized for her rarity and creamy unique shimmer, this freshwater gemstone is hailed as The Flaming Pink Pearl Queen of the exotic sea. Whilst many have come across its sister counterparts, freshwater pearls as well as Mikimoto, pink conch pearls remain to be amongst some of the most desirable and rarest form of naturally-occuring organic gemstones. Found within the depths of the Caribbean ocean off the coast of North America, this beautifully spiral shaped snail shell inhabits from Florida down into the waters of the West Indies. The conch shell belongs to a genus family called the Gastropod as it

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)

Diamonds Are Forever: The Birthstone of April

It's true that diamonds are a girl's (and guys) best friend, especially as those fortunate enough to be born in April have one of the most treasured birthstones in the gem world: Diamonds. Diamond Overview Diamonds attain the reputation of being most of the most prized and rare gemstones due to their level of toughness. In fact, diamonds are 58 times harder than any other mineral on Earth and can only be cut by another diamond. Diamonds are made from only one element: a pure carbon lattice which can occur in several colours including pink, yellow, red, green and blue.

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

Phillips Presents ‘Jewels Now’ a Lauren Adriana solo exhibition

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

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

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

Heavy Metal Charm

This winter kicks it back to the classic glamour of old-school rock n'rollwith heavy metal and lashings of sparkle.  Lustrous metallics, holographic fabrics, oil slick colour-play and shimmers of glitter will transform the way your winter wardrobe makes a statement this season. With designers jumping on this trend left right and centre, be ready to snap up some chunky cuffs, double layered chokers, rich jewel gemstones and colour metal mixes guarenteed to turn a head or two. We've scoured the jewellery collections and picked out our favourtite bike chain necklaces, mixed metal bracelets and clever metal magic to take your

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

'Tis The Season To Party & Shine

The nights have drawn in with dark and bitter blights of misery so it's time to draw them out in a festoon of festive shimmer, shine and all things fine. The party season has officially begun so grab a hot coco and dip into our seasonal festive style guide that will transform your RSPV's from maybe to 'hell yes Santa baby!' As we spin into the most sociable time of year, dazzle and twinkle your way through copious cocktail hours in a haze of head-turning adornments, from striking arm candy, fabulous fringing, glamour cocktail gemstones to tantalising shimmers of diamond

Champagne Showers in Race Day Jewels

Galloping off to a day of sumptuous hospitality, world-class racing, fabulous fashion and sartorial elegance? Welcome to the season of popping corks, fine-dining, frivolous antics and the mixing and mingling of tradition and fun; Race Day tomfoolery is off to a flying start! Experience the spirit of summer out on the racecourses with a winning selection of jewellery wonders that'll have you turning heads come rain or shine. Accessorise your polished champagne flutes with a touch of regal refinement in graceful gemstones and delicate drapery dripping in colour, charm and unforgettable glamour. From classic milky pearls to modern bursts of

Stylish Aromatherapy at your fingertips

With a world focused on revolutionising health, wellbeing and lifestyle antidotes, it was only a matter of time before our strive for balanced health was intermingled with the jewels we wear. Carefully designed to enjoy the benefits of wellbeing remedies whilst still remaining sleek, chic and elegant, aromatherapy jewellery is taking the spotlight in innovative creativity. Niche Jewellery designers are tapping into the growing trend of therapeutic jewellery that combines the healing properties of gemstones and essential oils. It is thought that elements from nature can help realign our vibrational energies to help aid healing of health, chakras and energy

Stone Setting: One Day Intensive Course: One Day Intensive Course with Cardinal of London

Stone Setting: One Day Intensive Course with Lukasz Pasikowski from Cardinal of London Learn stone setting techniques Star setting/raised grain Flush (Gypsy) setting Gemstones provided Take home set piece of jewellery Learn from an experienced Jeweller During this one day course you will learn how to set with two different techniques, Star Setting (or raised grain setting) and Flush (or Gypsy) setting. This course is designed for beginners and  intermediate learners with previous experience in jewellery making. Level: This course is designed for an intermediate learners with previous experience in jewellery making. Time:  10:30am-6.00pm Price:  £130 Tools and materials included

Diamonds Are Forever

Happy birthday month to all you April babies out there! With Spring in full swing and summer fashion trends ready to ring-a-ding-ding, the diamond dazzles as queen bee in this months gemstone spotlight! Owing to their superior robust structure, remarkable luster and beautiful crystal lattice patterns reflecting and refracting light spectrums, the diamond sparkles with a hidden beauty of intrigue and desirable finery. Diamonds are not only a notoriously ancient coveted treasure of the wealthy elite but it is highly loved many  gemmologosts  for being one of the only gemstones made entirely from one element- carbon. Owing to its isometric

Services Offered

Not recommendations, but a signpost of allied trade services available... Gemstone Dealers Spinel Gem Ltd Specialising in eye-clean natural spinel in various colours, sourced directly from our primary branch based in Mogok, Myanmar. We offer ethically sourced, untreated natural gemstones with a known origin. For your convenience, we also offer in-person gemstone private viewings either at your London business premises or by appointment only at Spinel Gem Ltd, FORGE, 59 Leather Lane, EC1N 7TJ. As a London-based company, we are easily accessible for any inquiries you may have. For more information or to book a private viewing, visit www.naturalspinelgem.co.uk Setting

Adornment Meets Masculinity: Men's Jewellery

For a fair few gentlemen the mere word 'Jewellery' is enough to make their pumped chests shrink and reach straight for the beers to reinstate all things masculine. When it comes to stepping foot in the jewellery world, it's fair to say that woman are pretty much catered for hand on foot for a plethora of tastes, personality and style. Bold and bodacious adornments, dazzling multi-coloured gemstones and trend-led catwalk pieces; a womans' jewellery wardrobe is like stepping into the undiscovered world of Narnia - imagination knows no boundaries! However, if you behold the jewellery world of men you'll find

Kate Dumbleton Launches 'Jewel Creatures' Collection

Kate  Dumbleton  has  announced the launch of her   new collection, ' Jewel Creatures'.  A long time in development, first sketched out around 2 years ago,  this  collection features  a range of gem set animals with a difference. The  creatures  featured in the new collection - Cat, Mouse, Dog, Rabbit, Bear and Fox ,  are depicted  by only a few settings in different shapes.  The initial range of rings and pendants   in  silver ,  various gemstones and c ubic  z irconia , can be made to order in any colour combinations . Totally customizable,  buyers can choose the colours

The Power of A Chain Reaction

We like 'em big and we most definitely like 'em chunky. Bold, buxom and modern, the chain has linked back round into our style wardrobes and is set to be the statement piece of your summer style. The minimalism of this classic linked look has been revamped, remodelled and revitalised so that this standout look packs a heavy duty statement punch. Oozing with character and personality, the chain adornment can be worn solo or mixed and matched with fine chains, fabric chokers, delicate pendants and fearless gemstones for one head turning look of vogue. "More is more and less is

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

Anastazio Kotsopoulos | Handmade Jewellery

Anastazio distinguished himself early on as one of the youngest jewelry artists in Greece with his unique signature style which harmoniously contrasts industrial, gold netting backgrounds with softly framed sensual gemstones. The Greeks might have discovered him but then the world took notice. An arbiter of style, Vogue UK includes him in the roster of world talented jewelry designers. They, like many, appreciate his simple and delicate aesthetics, with the belief beauty in simplicity. Intricate details and exceptional craftsmanship make every piece a work of art. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece, he designs his new collection with a woman’s beauty

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.  

Kaleidoscopic October Birthstones: Opal & Tourmaline

Happy Birthday to the October Librans & Scorpios! You lucky devils have been gifted with two beautiful birthstones to mark the month of Autumnal change and new beginnings. Both Opal and Tourmaline are as transient, adaptable and changeable like the month of October which makes them perfect to suit the plethora of different personalities and tastes out there. Legend has it that both gemstones have made their journeys's to this Earth through rainbows which is represented through the myriad of rainbow shades, colours combinations and reflections that each stone showcases. With Opal and Tourmaline, the dancing light and tonal patterns

Marco Bicego Present New Paradise Chalcedony Collection

Marco Bicego bring to market a new sophisticated interpretation of their Iconic Paradise collections inspired by the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean sea founded on inspiration from the Sardinian coastline. While swimming in the Mediterranean waters of the Sardinian coastline, Marco Bicego found inspiration for his Paradise collection in the crystalline reflections of sunlight on the clear sea. A joyous mix of delicate gold chain, hand engraved gold beads, and colorful gemstones combined together to create one of Marco Bicego’s most iconic collections.   For this season Marco has updated the Paradise collection by replacing the colourful gems with luxurious

Gem-A Announce New Platinum Sponsors of 2016 Conference

Gem-A have announce that Jewelry Television have signed up as Platinum Sponsors of the 2016 Gem-A Conference.  One of the leading retailers of jewellery and gemstones in the United States, JTV have been instrumental in making gems household names in over 86 million American homes, cultivating a new market of gemstone lovers and buyers. JTV’s support of Gem-A reiterates a long friendship between the two associations which began in 2012. Alan Hart, Gem-A CEO, said of the partnership, “We are thrilled to have JTV on board as Platinum Sponsors again. Their support will enable us to bring quality international speakers

News Edit: 20 August 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   British Museum: Theft Thought To Be An Inside Job Artlyst: The British Museum has sacked a staff member after gold, jewellery, and semi-precious gems disappeared from one of the museum’s storage lock-ups. Several items were either “missing, stolen or damaged”. artlyst.com 'Embarrassed' British Museum forced to ramp up security after 'inside job' jewellery thief Express: It may be one of the world's most respected museums, but experts are saying its bosses must be red-faced. www.express.co.uk British Museum staff member dismissed Daily Mail: as gold, jewellery and semi-precious gems

Talented Jewellers and Silversmiths Selected For Goldsmiths’ Fair Graduate Bursary Programme

Goldsmiths’ Fair (25 September - 7 October), the annual selling exhibition of the best precious metal fine jewellery and contemporary silver by UK-based talent, has once again selected ten recipients for its coveted Graduate Bursary Programme.   The ten graduates – who were selected from over 100 applicants – receive: • A free stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair • £1500 bursary • Up to £3000 precious metal loan • Customised training via the Goldsmiths’ Centre to help each graduate optimise this unique opportunity to launch their collections in front of an informed audience of international collectors, retail buyers, design enthusiasts, luxury consumers

Hatton Garden BID Debuts Glittering Gift Guide

London’s historical jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden BID presents precious pieces from independent boutiques with the area's first-ever Christmas Gift Guide launch. This highly anticipated Gift Guide showcases an array of precious designs, bespoke pieces and luxury watches from more than 20 jewellery retailers and designers based in the area. Created to promote Hatton Garden and its fine jewellery offer this Christmas, the Glittering Hatton Garden Gift Guide features over 50 pieces including engagement rings, luxury watches and vintage treasures. The Gift Guide has launched online via the Hatton-Garden.london website as a digital publication that can be viewed with the click of a mouse.

News Edit: 29 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Katherine Ryan revealed as host of BBC Two's All That Glitters I Talk Telly: The six-part series sets out to find the UK’s next up-and-coming jewellery star. italktelly.com Caroline Scheufele and the passion for Gemology CEO World: Caroline Scheufele’s passion for gemstones began long before she began designing jewellery for Chopard. As a little girl, whilst her peers played with dolls, Caroline Scheufele played with diamonds. ceoworld.biz Scarborough auction this week for family collection of jeweller-watchmaking dynasty begun by Samuel Sharpe The Scarborough News: The private family collection

News Edit:29 September 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The best vintage-inspired chunky gold jewellery The Times: It’s an easy instant update, starting at £3. By Annie Hertikova. thetimes.co.uk Sculptural simplicity is the order of the day at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair Wallpaper: Goldsmiths’ Fair’s annual showcase of contemporary jewellery is one of the highlights in the jewellery calendar wallpaper.com Chanel's New High Jewellery Collection Is Fit For Russian Royalty Tatler: Twinkling gemstones and decadent designs celebrate Russian tradition and splendour. Chanel's latest high jewellery line, called Le Paris Russe de Chanel, alludes to Gabrielle Chanel’s starry-eyed ties with

Seventh Generation Ironmonger Turned Jewellery Designer, Will Odell Launches New Cambré Collection

Will Odell has launched a new collection ‘Cambré’ which takes its inspiration from the graceful movement of one of his favourite art forms: ballet. Handmade in Will’s London studio using traditional techniques, the Cambré Collection features distinctive hammer-textured 18ct gold rings, earrings and pendants. Each piece is finished to the highest quality and set by master setters using superior gemstones including blue spinel, pink tourmaline and diamonds. Hero pieces include the eye-catching statement ring - ‘Swift Ring’ - an ideal alternative engagement ring or anniversary gift, and the graceful ‘Cascade Earrings’ which detaches into two different looks for both day

1 Day Stone Setting Course with Cardinal of London

1 Day Stone Setting Course with Lukasz Pasikowski from Cardinal of London This course is design for a learner with previous practical experience in making jewellery. Over the one day course you will be taught how to set gemstones using three techniques. Learn from an experienced Jeweller Learn stone setting techniques Rub Over, 4 Claw , Flush (Gypsy) Setting Take home a ready set piece of jewellery 1 to 1, evening classes and consultations available Level:  Beginners Times: 10:30am-5.00pm Price:  £110 Date:  Saturday 8th April 2017 Venue: Craft Central, 33-35 St. John’s Square, London. EC1M 4DS Enquiries : info@cardinaloflondon.com www.cardinaloflondon.com

The Art of Brooches - L'École Van Cleef & Arpels

The history of brooches reflects the social and technical evolution of humanity. During Antiquity, some mysterious fibulae made with bronze spirals tell us that this object was perhaps firstly used to secure clothing. Subsequently, this utilitarian and functional aspect will be lost in favor of an ornamental role: decorated with precious stones, brooches will express the wealth and power of their wearers. As a military badge, a sign of love and devotion, an expression of personal opinions or simply worn for Glamor, the brooch is rich in many meanings which we invite you to study in this Talk. With a

News Edit: 8th May 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How Goldsmiths’ is (hall)marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee The Times: As the Goldsmiths’ Company reveals a new hallmark to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Kim Parker explores the history of its Assay Office, which for centuries has set the standard for precious metals. www.thetimes.co.uk Bulgari Releases 2022 Serpenti Viper Collection Made From Ethical Gold Harpers Bazaar: Italian luxury brand Bulgari has opted for a stripped-back approach to its snake-like motif this year, opting for simple, ethical luxuries. harpersbazaar . com . au 4 Sustainable Jewelry Brands to Wear

News Edit: 2 june 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... An Often Unseen Setting Reappears High jewelry designers are bringing metals back into view so the work is not just about the gemstone. www.nytimes.com 2024 Cannes Film Festival: Cate Blanchett wore a spectacular Louis Vuitton high jewelry design The star chose an impressive necklace made from recycled metal, pearls and precious stones for her red-carpet appearance. www.vogue.fr Carolina Bucci Is the Golden Girl of Italian Fine Jewellery Design The Florentine native designs jewellery with a unique spirit, pieces that carry a hint of la dolce vita. nuvomagazine.com Anya Taylor-Joy,

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.

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

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

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

Introducing the Copenhagen Commitment

Introducing the Copenhagen Commitment Tuesday, 6 February 2024 6 - 7pm UK time Online Ever found yourself navigating the complexities of a responsible supply chain alone? The struggle to trace each gemstone, diamond, and gram of precious metals can be daunting. Copenhagen Commitment understands the challenge—there are no easy answers. It's a movement committed to shaking up the status quo and reshaping the jewellery supply chain. Built on expertise, connections, passion, and perseverance, this movement is about creating a real, positive impact. We aren’t here to give you easy answers, as they don’t exist in most cases. Copenhagen Commitment is

Amanda Li Hope’s Debut at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2024

Amanda Li Hope has been selected as one of ten new makers to show for the first time at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair. Amanda will be showing her handcrafted ethical fine jewellery, including award winning designs, her latest bespoke commissions and unveiling new compositions exclusively at the Fair. One of the first Fairtrade and Fairmined Gold licensees, Amanda combines her values as a goldsmith with her background as an architect. Responsibly sourced materials, meticulous attention to detail and expert artisanship define each of her pieces. Her work is known for her skill in hand alloying her own precious metals from

Cooksongold to participate at The Jewellery Show 2024

Cooksongold, the UK's leading supplier of jewellery-making supplies, has announced its participation in The Jewellery Show 2024, set to take place from 1-2 September at Olympia, London. The Jewellery Show is the ultimate destination for the jewellery community, bringing together the most prestigious names, emerging talent and expert suppliers under one roof. As the UK’s leading jewellery making supplier, Cooksongold will be showcasing its extensive range of products and services including Precious Metal Casting, Laser Cutting and Scrap services plus much more. Visitors to the Cooksongold stand at The Jewellery Show can look forward to interactive demonstrations with the latest

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture

Perfection and Passion - 130 years of the Wellendorff Manufacture Pforzheim Jewellery Museum 11 March - 1 October 2023 The art of jewellery making, whose lines of tradition in technology and design reach back to antiquity, interpreted in a modern way and refined further - this is what the jewellery manufacturer Wellendorff stands for. In 2023, the family business will celebrate its 130th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Pforzheim’s Jewellery Museum is looking back at the individual decades since 1893. For each decade, a precious object from the Wellendorff company that exemplifies its time will be on display. As interventions

News Edit: 28 January 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...         IN PICTURES: Anti-Israel protest at Italy jewellery fair turns violent The Local: Protesters clashed with police in the Italian city of Vicenza on Saturday after a demonstration against the presence of Israeli exhibitors at an international jewellery fair. www.thelocal.it The London jewellers leveraging their centuries-old heritage FT: Mayfair brands promote their history and longevity for an additional competitive edge. www.ft.com Jewellers tackle public misconceptions about sources of coral FT: So-called precious coral lives in different ecosystems, and in much deeper and colder waters than shallow

Mobile handheld XRF analyser now available for workshop and shopfloor settings

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

Cooksongold launch new Laser Cutting Service

Cooksongold, the UK’s leading jewellery making supplier, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Laser Cutting service on 27 August 2024. With its state-of-the-art laser cutting technology, Cooksongold now offers exceptional accuracy, allowing for high levels of detail and customisation in designs that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.  This service provides the opportunity to get personalised names, words, design shapes and blanks cut in eight different precious metals, including gold, silver and platinum, ready for you to finish at home. Using Cooksongold’s online portal, you are able to create and customise your chosen designs through

News Edit: 4 September 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Your Next Necklace May Have Gold From an Old Phone NY Times: More jewelers, large and small, are using precious metals recovered from electronic waste. www.nytimes.com Final countdown begins for Museum of London move The Past: The Museum of London will close its doors on 4 December, ahead of its planned relocation to larger premises in West Smithfield’s historic General Market. What will the new museum look like, and what is planned at the original site during its final few months? Carly Hilts reports. the-past.com Blacksmith Tom King

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles

Hand Engraving: Basic Principles (Learn at home) The Hand Engravers Association is pleased to offer an online hands-on and practical “ Two-Day-Plus ” course aimed at complete beginners and those with limited experience of the craft. Dates Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March 2022. Each day starts at 10am (GMT) and runs until 4pm. The short follow-up session is on Saturday 26th March at 10am. Cost £230.00 includes all tools and materials needed, which will be sent to you prior to the course. To book please go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk Hand engraving is the embellishment of precious objects using traditional engraving tools.

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

The Jewellery Show 2023

The Jewellery Show 20 - 21 September 2023 ExCeL London Join us at the Jewellery Show, the UK’s premium trade event for retailers, buyers, manufacturers, designers, and suppliers of fine jewellery, returning to the ExCeL London on 20-21 September 2023. Free to attend for trade professionals, the Jewellery Show will be an international hub for fine, luxury, silver, and contemporary designer jewellery, as well as loose precious stones and retail technology and solutions. Approved attendees will have access to the largest exhibition of its kind in the UK, including a trend forecasting runway and an exciting seminar programme covering the latest

New Boutique launched to service ‘responsible and meaningful’ purchases

The launch this week of the new ‘Emerald Studio’ marks a new wave in consumer sensitivity going mainstream. Emerald Studio will cater for discerning clientele who seek not only beauty but also a responsible and meaningful purchase. The newly launched platform which will offer both In-person and online accessibility will showcase one-of-a-kind fine jewellery pieces in 18ct and 22ct gold, with ethically sourced diamonds and precious gems on the menu. Tourmalines, pearls and emeralds, as the signature stone will feature. The Emerald Studio aims to bring together an informed and styled curated selection of jewels that celebrate the best in

Sievert Professional Torch Kit

Sievert Professional Torch Kit  The kit includes the following: Ergonomic Sievert Pro 86 torch handle  Fixed 2 bar regulator for propane gas  Two metre hose with threaded fittings  Neck tube 3511  8mm needle burner  32mm heavy burner 2942  Please note this torch operates on propane gas.  This torch is suitable for jewellery heating and soldering and suitable for all precious metals and metal clay.  These were previously purchased by myself only one owner and originally purchased on Cookson Gold.  Cost: £170.00 Location: Hertfordshire   Contact details:  amymayjewellery@gmail.com   07803570876

Diamond Setter, Maker-Mends - Basildon, Essex

The role Diamond Setter Maker-Mends Basildon, Essex Maker Mends is looking to give an opportunity to a skilled Diamond Setter. We are a large jewellery repair centre based in Essex and our work varies from new commissions to working upon family heirlooms. Responsibilities: Set diamonds and other precious stones into jewellery pieces with precision and attention to detail Ensure that all stones are secure and properly aligned Problem-solving, finding solutions to intricate designs Use of microscope to ensure accurate and detailed work Collaborate with our team members Maintain a clean and organized work area Keep up-to-date with industry trends and

The Royal Mint announces partnership with Heritage Crafts

The Royal Mint has partnered with Heritage Crafts to launch four bursaries to preserve and champion traditional British craftmanship skills. The UK has an incredible range of heritage craft skills, from blacksmithing to bagpipe making, and some of the finest craftspeople in the world. But many of these skills are in the hands of individuals who have been unable to pass them on, often due to limited training opportunities and poor financial stability, leaving a number of traditional British crafts under threat. As Britain’s oldest business and the original maker of UK coins and precious metals, The Royal Mint hopes

Bench Jeweller-Goldsmith, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

Bench Jeweller/ Goldsmith E.C. One Clerkenwell, London Job Type  Full Time Salary  Based on experience  Start Date   As soon as possible The Role Our workshop is super busy with bespoke pieces, stock for our store, remodelling and repairs. With three Goldsmiths, a part-time diamond setter and full time CAD designer, we are looking for someone to help with the workload. As we don’t have the capacity to train someone into the role, the ideal candidate would have at least 3 years of bench experience.   You should be able to:  Undertake bespoke work in precious metal Clean and assemble castings Resize

News Edit: 8 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Engagement Ring Trends You’ll See Everywhere In 2022 Vogue: If 2020 and 2021 reminded us of anything, it’s that the future is completely unpredictable – and precious. This reality impacted everything: from our livelihoods to our habits and the way that we consume. www.vogue.co.uk The jeweller making modern talismans FT: Nigora Tokhtabayeva of Tabayer is putting the idea of protection at the centre of her designs. www.ft.com Crystals and denim are the only partywear pairing you need Wallpaper: Team crystals and denim for nonchalant dazzle this party

The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space

The Rock Crystal Exhibition At The Cluny Museum: Explore This Fascinating Material Through Time And Space From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024 Paris Rock crystal has fascinated every civilisation since time immemorial for its mysterious translucence. From 26 September 2023 to 14 January 2024, the Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge will be taking visitors on a journey through the history of crystal from the present day to the Middle Ages and beyond. During medieval times in particular, this colourless quartz was a much coveted material for making tableware and other precious items such as

A new home for silversmithing

Scotland’s new home for silversmithing offers a thriving future for an ancient craft. A new home for silversmithing in Scotland aims to secure a thriving future for one of the country’s great and most ancient traditions. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national centre where up to five silversmiths at a time can design and create stunning pieces from precious metals. Thanks to a generous bequest it is being fully equipped with the entire collection of tools, machinery and books built up by celebrated Scottish master silversmith Graham Stewart, of Dunblane, who died

News Edit: 26 July 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... Can the natural diamond market regain its sparkle? FT reports: Some think market for rough stones will bounce back as falling prices for factory produced rivals trigger profitability warnings. www.ft.com   Why Platinum Is The Precious Metal To Add To Your Jewellery Box Now Vogue reports: Platinum is experiencing a creative renaissance. Prized for its icy colour, which sits somewhere between white and silver, and its soft, light-refracting lustre, the metal’s popularity is once again on the rise. www.vogue.co.uk The Jewelry Shiona Turini Never Takes Off NY Times reports:

News Edit: 26 June 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Bling ring: the ultimate versatile jewellery FT: A party jacket is a bespoke gem-set jewel that can transform a treasured solitaire, giving it extra sparkle — and a new lease of life. www.ft.com   Jewellery preservation — handle with care FT: Conservator Katrina Redman saves jewels in danger of deterioration at the V&A. www.ft.com Jewellery by artists from Picasso to Grayson Perry reaches new heights FT: Often overlooked as a minor part of their practice, jewels are attracting major market attention. www.ft.com Bvlgari unveils its precious Garden of

News Edit: 22 January 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Finematter digital certificates smooth way for circular jewellery economy FT: Platform aims to increase transparency on provenance of pieces from smaller makers, boosting resale potential. www.ft.com Garden Of Delights: Gucci Unveils New High Jewelry Pieces During Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Haute Living: Paris Haute Couture is in full swing, debuting some of the most precious collections and incredibly rare high jewelry creations in the world.   hauteliving.com The most dazzling high-jewellery collections of 2023 Luxury London: Shimmer, sparkle and shine in the most radiant stones from the

Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Retires

The Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in London, Dr Robert Organ, is to retire after 21 years of service. Robert began his career at the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2000 as Superintendent Assayer of the London Assay Office, before taking over as Deputy Warden (Managing Director-equivalent) in 2006. The Goldsmiths’ Company has been responsible for guaranteeing the purity of items made of precious metals since 1300, when the hallmarking statute was passed. Commenting on his retirement, Robert said, “It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Deputy Warden. I have taken great pride in adding to

Goldsmiths' Fair 2020

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths’ Fair 2020 Are you an independent contemporary jeweller or silversmith with no more than six people at the bench? Would you like the opportunity to present your collections to the most discerning buyers and collectors, at the most prestigious fine jewellery and contemporary silver Fair in the UK? Applications for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2020 are now open! Applications will close at midday on Thursday 27 February. Please check your eligibility below. To Apply Applicants must conform to the following  (details on Graduate Bursary  below ): • Each piece exhibited must include precious metal(s) • Represent themselves and

Call To The Wild - Gill Wing Jewellery

Call To The Wild Gill Wing Jewellery, London 4th July to 26th August Gill Wing jewellery has explored the globe to bring you a summer show of tropical treasures. Adorn yourself in our new selection of the most exciting jewellery from home grown and exotic designers. With a Zoological theme amidst lush foliage, expect experimental materials along with precious metals and rainbow gems for a wild jewellery adventure. Our carefully curated selection of new pieces from Emmeline Hastings, Jessica Pass, Samantha Queen, John Moore, Sian Evans, Tessa Metcalfe, Jessica Briggs, Nikki Coupee, Melanie Tomlinson, Raluca Buzura, Alena Willroth, Blanka Sperkova,

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

Opal for those born in October

Thought to have originated from India and derived from the Sanskrit Upala, meaning "precious stone", Opal is just one of two beautiful birthstones that those lucky enough to be born in October are blessed with; the second being pink tourmaline. Opal was later thought to be a derivative of the Greek word 'opallios' translating "to see a change of colour" and with Opals' beautiful shifting rainbow hues - otherwise known as "play-of-colour", this Greek derivative captures the essence of Opal perfectly. Valued for millennia, Opal can be found in a number of different places with Australian fields among the most

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery Mobilia Gallery 18th May  - 21st June 2019 "Trained as a silversmith in Germany and having spent several years constructing tableware, my approach to jewelry making is informed foremost by the European tradition of applied art. I limit myself to creating jewelry that is wearable and also, to a big degree, to the materials traditionally perceived as precious. Within these limitations I am trying to develop my own language, hoping to be able to not only communicate my own sensibilities but also a sense of contemporary aesthetique." Exhibition Dates 18th May  - 21st June 2019

Goldsmiths Fair 2019 Opens

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019, the fine jewellery and contemporary silver event returns this autumn to showcase extraordinary talent and celebrate collecting. ‘Collecting is ultimately an investment in meaning. Treasure those objects that inspire you, acquire others and before you know it, you’ve started collecting.’  David Mills, Director, Goldsmiths’ Fair The 37th Goldsmiths’ Fair, the UK’s premier precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver selling event, takes place 24 September – 6 October (closed 30 September) at historic Goldsmiths’ Hall in the heart of the City of London.  With 136 jewellers and silversmiths showcasing their latest collections expect innovative design, cutting edge techniques,

Getting Started 2019

Call for Applications: Getting Started 2020 World-renowned British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge announced as keynote speaker for getting started 2020  The Goldsmiths’ Centre, the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths, announced world-renowned British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge as its keynote speaker for its prestigious business taster programme, Getting Started 2020. Renowned for her jewellery and interior designs, Solange will be in conversation with 30 of the most talented recent UK graduates from a Precious Metal or related course about how she founded her successful brand, Solange, and what it is like to be the owner of two major boutiques

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: 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: Alan Craxford

Alan Craxford is an esteemed master craftsman, probably best known for his painstaking and meticulous hand crafted work with hand engraving and the creation of one of a kind jewellery and silver pieces. His career spans some 40 years in the Craft, having held positions, other than his work as a practitioner, at Sir John Cass as Senior Lecturer, and as a founding member and former Chair of the Hand Engravers Association, and well as being a member of the Contemporary British Silversmiths. Using form, colour and surface texture in precious materials, as a metal artist he creates bespoke pieces

Bench Space in Friendly & Professional Jewellery Workshop in East London

*Two Remaning Bench Spaces Left* Bench Space in Friendly & Professional Jewellery Workshop in East London £295 per month HONE is unique an East London based workspace company dedicated to professional craftspeople and creators. We are now taking applications for our new Jewellery workshop, suited to the creative & professional jewellery maker.  The workshop has individual benches kitted out with lamp, tool storage, pendent drill etc. There is a shared tooling area with a rolling mill, forge, torch, drawbench, etc. Ventilated equipped polishing area, access to secure precious metal lockers. Etc. Alongside being part of our community of craftspeople and

Q&A: Grant Macdonald

Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art. The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years. Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas

Contemporary Jewellery at Milano Jewelry Week

Within the first edition of the Milano Jewelry Week, held from the 24th to the 27th of October, the city has been engaged with a program of 80 events held in jewellery ateliers, goldsmith workshops, academies and art galleries, design schools and showrooms and fashion boutiques in the city centre writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Among the Schools that participated, it is worthy to mention The Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana that opened its doors to the public to show the tools and see the students at work. Lectures have been organized about the different techniques of precious jewellery, the realities of the gold buyers

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

Paolo Marcolongo: A dialogue between glass and metals

Paolo Marcolongo is an artist with a unique and multifaceted inspiration, and one of the significant representatives of the  Scuola Orafa Padovana writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Paolo Marcolongo is an artist with a unique and multifaceted inspiration, and one of the significant representatives of the  Scuola Orafa Padovana . In his jewellery all the complexities of the numerous sculptural, artistic, philosophical and aesthetic references that characterize his creative evolution find a compendium and perfect balance. Nature blossoms in both its sensuality and danger, on the one hand expressed by precious metals which are at times stinging, sharp, edgy, thorny, on the other

Objet d’Emotion at PAD Monaco

Objet d’Emotion at PAD Monaco 26th - 28th April 2019 Grimaldi Forum 10, Avenue Princess Grace MC 98000 Monaco Showcasing a selection of fine jewels from six of the best contemporary creators including Alice Cicolini, Fabio Salini, Lydia Courteille, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Nadia Morgenthaler and Philippe Guilhem. Cicolini will exhibit a selection of her artfully handpainted meenakari enamel rings and sautoirs. Whilst Salini will present a design story united by his innovative use of carbon fibre, set with one of a kind stones to create lightweight statement jewels. Courteille’s imagining of the worlds creatures in precious gems brings a fantastical element

News Edit: 3 May 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last six week's international jewellery news...   Coronavirus Causes First Quarter Gold Jewelry Demand To Plunge 39% Forbes: The global novel coronavirus pandemic has caused first quarter year-on-year demand for gold jewelry to plummet by 39% to 325.8 tons, a record low for the quarterly Global Demand Trends report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Rising prices for the precious metal fueled by safe-haven investment, and a shuttered retail and manufacturing environment were credited with the drastic decline. forbes.com Cybersecurity Amid The Pandemic: Protect The Crown Jewels Forbes:

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

Silver Market Review 2019: Silver prices plummets to lowest level in more than ten years in early 2020 due to COVID-19 impact

GFMS team at Refinitiv publishes annual Silver Market Review 2019, which includes provisional supply and demand estimates for 2020. Investment demand records healthy growth in 2019, while industrial demand declines as trade wars impact orders across the supply chain. After rising to a five-month high by late February, the silver price experienced a calamitous fall in March, as precious metals got caught up in a broader market sell-off amidst the deteriorating virus outbreak according to the annual Refinitiv GFMS annual Silver Market Review 2019. As a result, silver lost 30% of its dollar value in the first three weeks of

David Poston, The Lateral Maker @ The Scottish Gallery

David Poston: The Lateral Maker Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh 4 January - 1 February 2020 The Gallery presents a showcase of jewellery from David Poston, covering different aspects of his creative career including his signature work in stainless steel and forged titanium. Born to British parents in Moscow, Russia in 1948, David was educated in the United Kingdom and graduated from the jewellery design course at Hornsey College of Art. He worked as an artist-jeweller using mainly non-precious metals and other materials from 1970 until 1984. In 1985 David chose to change course by studying for a PhD in Engineering focused on the

News Edit: 24 February 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Monica Vinader Discusses Jewelry, Fundraising And The Power Of Influencers Forbes: On your background prior to launching Monica Vinader … I studied at City & Guild Art School in London before working with London jeweller Tateossian. www.forbes.com Kate Middleton's jewellery collection - see all of her precious pieces Hello: The Duchess of Cambridge sure has great taste when it comes to jewellery. www.hellomagazine.com Jeweller finds inspiration after discovering a treasure trove of grandparents’ love letters Sunday Post: Trevor Smith and Margaret Gibb had only been together a few short months

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Baselworld 2020

Baselworld 2020 Basel Exhibition Centre, Switzerland  30th April - 5th May 2020 Baselworld is the world's foremost show for watches, jewellery, precious stones and related industries. It interconnects the industry’s top brands (including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Breitling), the most influential media and the world’s most important buyers. Baselworld is the exclusive platform on which the major watch and jewellery brands present the year’s innovations to an eagerly curious international audience. Everyone who wants to know what the latest trends are and how 2019 “ticks” will find the answers live and firsthand at Baselworld. Dates:  30th

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

News Edit: 12 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Jewellery trends for 2020: recycling deluxe, strange stones and the rise of demi-bespoke The Telegraph: With more precious raw materials and longer production times, jewellery trends move at a slower pace than those in the fashion world. This is a relief for buyers - there’s no need to worry that a new, four-figure piece will scream ‘last season’ in a few short months. telegraph.co.uk The Men’s Jewellery Trend We’re Planning On Copying In 2020 Vogue: At this time of year, in addition to the resolutions and intentions, the winds of

News Edit: 2 June 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   First UK visit for Hammerclub will reconnect Dundee with silver heritage Deadline News: Dundee’s precious metals heritage will be connected to its growing contemporary reputation for design... deadlinenews.co.uk The Ancient Egyptian collection that marked Karl Lagerfeld’s final runway appearance Prestige Online: The civilisation was the inspiration for Chanel’s recent Metiers D’ Art collection. Established in 2002, the... prestigeonline.com Symphony In Red: Van Cleef & Arpel’s Treasure Of Rubies Harpers Bazaar: Showcasing over 3,000 carats of certified rubies, Van Cleef & Arpels' Treasure of Rubies is a disciplined study of beauty.

The most spectacular pieces from Paris Haute Couture week

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

Sweet Sentiments in Dior's Latest Fine Jewellery Collections

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

Jewellery & Watch 2019

Jewellery & Watch 2019 3 - 7 February 2019  NEC, Birmingham Jewellery & Watch will make a confident return to the NEC, Birmingham on February 3, welcoming new brands and retuning exhibitors for five days of buying, networking and seminar content.  Businesses hailing from 15 countries will present their collections and services across six show sectors: Bridal & Fine Jewellery, Silver & Semi Precious Jewellery, Jewellery Designers, Costume & Fashion, Watches and Retail Services & Solutions.  For exhibitors joining Jewellery & Watch for the first time in 2019, the show offers convenient access to the UK market at a strategic

Goldsmiths' Fair 2019

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019 Applications to exhibit at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019 have now opened and will close at midnight 28 February. Applications for the Graduate Bursary Scheme open for the same period.  The Fair Selection Committee will meet in March and applicants will be advised of the outcome thereafter. The 37th Goldsmiths’ Fair (23 September – 6 October) will once again showcase the finest new collections from the most talented UK-based designer-makers working in precious metals. Last year, 138 exhibitors took part and more than 9,000 people visited the event. To Apply Applicants must conform to the following

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

News Edit: 27 January 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   My head, their hands — a jeweller’s extraordinary collaboration After being paralysed from the neck down, Romilly Saumarez Smith found a new way to make art. www.ft.com 4 Jewellery Trends To Embrace In 2019 With fashion changing every season and the constant pressure to turn out fresh looks for every event, keeping up to date with the trends can feel exhausting.  www.elle.com.au   "More And More Women Are Buying Jewellery For Themselves" - Maya Magal On The Changing Market A quick scroll through Instagram will tell you that semi-precious jewellery

Suri Jewelry: Memories from Renaissance

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

It's raining gold in Russia

It was raining gold in Siberia this week after a Russian cargo plane's doors flew open during take off flinging around 200 gold  bars across the runway. The Antonov An-12, carrying an estimated $378 million worth of gold, diamonds and platimum, had stopped at Yakutsk Airport in Siberia to refuel en route to Krasnoyarskbut as it rose again into the sky, the doors reportedly buckled under the weight and the precious cargo was sprayed into the atmosphere. The gold bars, weighing more than three tons, were spilled onto the runway which was hastily closed by the police to stop the

The Prettiest Pearl in the Room

An ever-loved adornment for jewellery, accessories, furniture and more, the pearl is the oldest gem known to man, symbolic for its association with beauty, wealth, wisdom and purity.  Pearls are a timeless symbol of style; universally flattering due to their ability to complement a plethora of outfits and brighten just about any complexion of its wearer. One of the most precious trends for winter 2018 is the return of the pearls! Single bold chokers, as well as fine and dainty multi-strand necklaces, are a big hit with designers this season. With interesting clasps, the array of pearl jewellery this winter

Valentine's Gift Guide: Sparkle with Love

It's that time of year again when February 14th is looming at large and the pressures of presenting delicate gifts of grandeur are heavy in the air. As one of the most romantic days of the calendar year, Valentine's Day has become a day dedicated to showing appreciation, dedication and true affection to the one you love. If you're seeking a gift of love that speaks louder than a box of praline chocolates and lasts longer than a bunch of dozen red roses then steer your attention to a gift that's larger than life. Life is precious, delicate and infinitely

Evgeniia Balashova to Showcase Collection of Unique 3D Printed Jewellery at Sieraad Art Fair

Contemporary jewellery designer and maker Evgeniia Balashova will present a collection of striking 3d printed and precious metal jewellery during the 17th edition of Sieraad Art Fair, taking place in Amsterdam 8-11 November. Evgeniia’s intriguing designs combine 3D printing technology and traditional jewellery techniques as a means of exploring the theme of balance between chaos and order.  Evgeniia’s works have previously been exhibited in the UK and internationally and this year will be shown at Sieraad Art Fair for the first time. Her innovative approach to making pushes the possibilities of 3d printed nylon - each piece is a careful

Healthy outlook for Goldsmiths Fair 2017

The enterprising ​organisers of this year’s Goldsmith Fair have pulled out all the stops to make sure Britain’s most successful designers of precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver have been given the strongest platform possible to promote and develop their trades. There is no shortage of shine and shimmer from the moment you enter the opulent Goldsmith’s Hall and the immediate impression is inevitably one of wealth and success. Gold leaf on the ceilings, champagne in the bars and the finest silver flashing luxuriously across display cabinets. Only time will tell whether all that glitters turns out to be gold but

WB The Creative Jewellery boss extols 'right fit' Heimerle & Meule deal

The acquisition of Birmingham-based WB The Creative Jewellery Group by German group Heimerle & Meule represents an ‘absolutely right fit’ according to managing director Andrew Morton and will give added security for the futures of around 180 staff. Andrew Morton - WB The Creative Group Managing Director The process of selling WB The Creative Jewellery Group, which owns Domino, Gecko and Weston Beamor to the 173 year-old Heimerle & Meule, one of Europe’s largest precious metal suppliers, started in 2016 when owners Viv and Patrick Fuller decided the time had come to think about retiring. It had been established by

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.

Goldsmiths North

Call for Applications: Goldsmiths North Contemporary Silverware & Jewellery Selling Fair 12-14 July 2019 Cutlers’ Hall Sheffield Goldsmiths North is a new show set to take place in July 2019 in the North of England. The Fair Goldsmiths North will provide a new and specifically tailored selling platform to skilled and innovative creative businesses within the precious metals sector. It will be a national/international event – a retail selling fair bringing the best of designer jewellery and silversmithing from the UK and Europe to the north of England. Location & Venue The Cutlers’ Hall, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HG The

Micro and Macro Inspired Jeweller Debuts at LFW

Macro and mirco  inspired jeweller Ana Thompson will make her London Fashion Week debut this week with must-see collections of arresting fine jewellery for SS18.  Housed within LFW’s Designer Showrooms, three intrepid collections Vortex, Sedna and Spin will embody Ana’s fascination with the macroscopic and microscopic worlds of nature, science and technology. With statement bangles, chokers, rings and cufflinks, the collections are a daring antidote to delicacy, and highlight the return of bold jewellery for SS18.   Crafted in sterling silver, gold vermeil and precious 18ct gold, Ana Thompson Fine Jewellery combines skilful hand craftsmanship with cutting edge technological applications.  The

Hush Hush! The Crown Jewels London Debunked

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

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

Stuart Devlin, the internationally renowned designer, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor, furniture, interiors and architecture designer and previous Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, has died on 12 April 2018 at the age of 86 in Chichester. “I hope that my work reflects four maxims: That future is much more important than the past That creativity is paramount That skill is fundamental And that the justification for being a goldsmith is to enrich the way people live and work.” -  Stuart Devlin Devlin, an Australian by birth, became renowned as a contemporary designer of coins, medals and design led precious metal work

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017 Showcases Graduate Exhibitors

Goldsmiths’ Fair have announced this year’s graduate exhibitors. The Fair is the foremost platform to launch the careers of emerging precious metal designer-makers and the event will  welcome 10 new graduate exhibitors. Graduates receive a free stand at the Fair, a £1,500 grant to help prepare for the Fair, and an optional interest free silver bullion loan of up to £3,000. Previous recipients of the Graduate Bursary include Heather Woof and Max Danger, amongst others. The graduates also receive mentoring from the Goldsmiths’ Centre, helping the graduates to develop business plans and prepare for large exhibitions. The graduates are given

Inspired by light, Aureliean debuts the Ora collection

Fine jewellery brand Aureliean has launched the Ora collection, a delicate range of precious jewellery that celebrates the beauty of light. Ora, which means light in Hebrew and is derived from the Spanish word for gold, is inspired by the golden light-filled landscape of the island of Tenerife. Enhancing the delicate yet substantial beauty of each piece, the jewellery is available in either 18ct white, yellow or rose gold and set with brilliant-cut, conflict-free diamonds. The brand are also set to soon launch their ‘Flame’ collection, which, in contrast of the focus on the elegant simplicity of diamonds that ‘Ora’

News Edit: 22 April 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... MVRDV takes you inside a bejewelled bulgari bracelet with immersive installation at milan design week DesignBoom: MVRDV collaborates with bulgari to create an installation based on three defining elements of design. www.designboom.com Doing the bright thing in our terraced family home The Guardian: Light, airy and full of colour, French jeweller Raphaele Canot’s London house is a treasure trove of precious memories www.theguardian.com The inside story of Antiques Roadshow’s £1 million find Radio Times: A small regimental emblem causes a storm on this week’s Antiques Roadshow, one of the most valuable

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

Gold and enamel miniatures stolen from Devon Guild of Craftsmen

An Art Thief has struck in Bovey Tracey, snatching a precious gold and enamel miniature picture ‘of unusually high value’ in broad daylight. Police are seeking information about a significant theft from the Jubilee Gallery at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey. The popular educational charity and visitor attraction was targeted for an exhibition that contained a small number of unusually high value items. Police have issued a statement saying: ‘On 5 April 2018 a burglary occurred at Devon Guild of Craftsman, Station Road, Bovey Tracey.   An unknown person has stolen a piece of art that is shown

Kohatu + Petros

Kohatu + Petros Known and loved by the residents of the Marylebone area, Kohatu + Petros Jewellery will be launching the Autumn/Winter 18 jewellery collection at the pop up at 67 York St with a focus on statement necklaces, earrings and bracelet cuffs. This season accessories are mega strong and bold with a sense of laid back luxury: Seventies hues: camel, rust and yellows are given a modern twist by accessorising with long chunky gold chain necklaces. Antique rose with sage green highlights in the form of bold asymmetrical semi precious stone collars and long rope necklaces complement the new

British Museum Acquires “Brexit” Medal

An art medal, titled Exit Britannia ,  created by designer and craftsman Fred Wyver has been purchased by the British Museum. Fred Wyver teaches on the Silversmithing and Jewellery BA at the University for the Creative Arts in Rochester and produced Exit Britannia as an accompaniment to a student competition organised by the British Art Medal Society. The medal was displayed alongside a collection of work from students and practitioners from universities around the country in an exhibition titled ‘Holding Stories’ (17 April – 10 May 2018) hosted by UCA Rochester which has a long history of teaching precious metalworking

Emerging Graduate Talent on Show at Goldsmiths’ Fair

Goldsmiths’ Fair has once again selected ten recipients for its coveted Graduate Bursary Programme.  The ten graduates, who were selected from over 100 applicants, receive: A free stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair £1500 bursary Up to £3000 precious metal loan Customised training via the Goldsmiths’ Centre to help each graduate optimise this unique opportunity to launch their collections in front of an informed audience of international collectors, retail buyers, design enthusiasts, luxury consumers and others. The highly sought-after opportunity for emerging designer-makers regularly leads to sales and commissions that otherwise might take years to achieve. A number of ‘stars of the

Goldsmiths’ Fair Opens for its 36th Edition

The finest goldsmithing and silversmithing is all about innovation and refinement. An alchemy of technique and inspiration, forged through experimentation, and appealing to intellect and passion alike. The resulting treasures embody the rich narrative of craftsmanship, informed by the personality of the maker and the materials, and skilfully made into contemporary form. Now in its 36th year, Goldsmiths’ Fair has built a solid reputation as the foremost destination for precious metal fine jewellery and contemporary silver from the best independent designer craftsmen working in the UK today. More than ever the Fair is focused on contemporary design. The Fair’s recent

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

Micro scenery and architectural influences

The urban landscape and the nature have always been inspiring for artists and creative minds. The surrounding as well as the atmosphere, sounds and shapes, are meant as muses also for those working in the micro-sculpture and jewelry field. With different styles and background Jill Herlands, Nicole Schuster, Martacarmela Sotelo and Zeta Tsermou work by constructing and merging precious and non-preciouses metals, by creating small masterpieces ranging from minimalism to the superstructure of architecture, and where the raw elegance of industrial and urban suggestions finds expression.   Jill Herlands Photo Credit: Jill Herlands Jill Herlands is based in Hell’s Kitchen, New

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

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 -

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

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

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

Stuart Devlin, the internationally renowned designer, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor, furniture, interiors and architecture designer and previous Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, has died on 12 April 2018 at the age of 86 in Chichester. “I hope that my work reflects four maxims: That future is much more important than the past That creativity is paramount That skill is fundamental And that the justification for being a goldsmith is to enrich the way people live and work.” -  Stuart Devlin Devlin, an Australian by birth, became renowned as a contemporary designer of coins, medals and design led precious metal work

Dazera Exhibition

Dazera Exhibition One of London’s best kept artistic secrets, The Exhibitionist Hotel in South Kensington, will once more host the Dazera exhibition for creative fine jewellery this year on 30 November to 2 December. Founded by jewellery designer Domini Hogg, Dazera is dedicated to raising the profiles of emerging artists and creative designers working with precious stones and materials. According to Domini the vibrancy of the hotel’s ever-changing artwork is what initially attracted her to exhibit there. “It is important for original jewellery to be seen within an artistic context rather than in the sterile environment of most shops. The

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

Marcia Lanyon going going... almost gone

One of the UK’s industry’s leading figures Marcia Lanyon might be winding down her much loved business but customers have no reason to worry about being left in the lurch, she says. The 69 year-old gemmologist, who is one of the leading suppliers to jewellery designers and makers in the UK, announced her retirement last week having carved out an unrivalled reputation for sourcing precious stones from all corners of the planet. Over a period of 40 years, she has built up an enviable mailing list of around 7,000 clients but says none will be left high and dry when

Make Your Mark 2017, Day I

Make Your Mark 2017 Events Programme - Tuesday 31 October Free entry for students, tutors, apprentices and masters or anyone looking to enter the trade. Make Your Mark, the UK’s leading networking and career development event for new precious metal designers and makers, returns to Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London from 31 October – 1 November 2017. Now in its fourth year, the event comes complete with a treasure trove of opportunities to help emerging designers, apprentices and students of jewellery and the allied trades develop successful careers in the field. The free two-day event is open to

Bounded + Unlimited Contemporary Jewellery

Bounded + Unlimited Contemporary Jewellery Bounded + Unlimited  is an exhibition of exceptional precious jewellery and goldsmithing by four contemporary jewellery artists from Ireland and China. The exhibition explores the parallel working practices of these jewellery artists across design, techniques and materials, from the perspective of differing cultural contexts. The title refers to how the artists are bounded by their respective personal and national cultural experiences, yet unlimited in opportunities for communication and understanding through the traditions of their craft. The two Irish jewellery artists represented are  Eimear Conyard , manager of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s Jewellery Goldsmithing

Make Your Mark 2017, Day II

Make Your Mark 2017 Events Programme - Wednesday 1 November Free entry for students, tutors, apprentices and masters or anyone looking to enter the trade. Make Your Mark, the UK’s leading networking and career development event for new precious metal designers and makers, returns to Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London from 31 October – 1 November 2017. Now in its fourth year, the event comes complete with a treasure trove of opportunities to help emerging designers, apprentices and students of jewellery and the allied trades develop successful careers in the field. The free two-day event is open to

Appointment: Ed Hole Promoted to New Business Manager at Weston Beamor

Weston Beamor are pleased to announce changes to its leadership team, with current Head of CAD Design and 3D Printing, Ed Hole promoted to the role of Business Manager for the bespoke precious metals casting, 3D printing and production division. Ed has worked at Weston Beamor for more than 14 years, joining the team in 2003 having recently graduated from Loughborough University with a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design and Technology. Ed instantly impressed both colleagues and clients with his personable approach, knowledge and passion. Commenting on the promotion, Managing Director, Andrew Morton, said: “I am really pleased with this

Rudolf Heltzel - Bounded + Unlimited

Rudolf Heltzel || Bounded + Unlimited Master goldsmith and an icon of Irish craft and design, Rudolf Heltzel presents a solo exhibition of his exceptional sculptural pendants. Heltzel has gained an international reputation for the originality, quality and timeless aesthetic of his craftsmanship with each piece created meticulously by hand using some of the world’s oldest jewellery techniques. This exhibition,  In Precious Metal , will showcase many of Heltzel’s most ambitious and technically complex designs, selected from his personal archive together with newly produced work. Three of his most significant collections of scultptural pendants will be presented; Rock Crystal Treasure

Make Your Mark Judge Adam Phillips Keen To View Entries

A legal requirement to sell precious metal, the hallmark needn’t simply be regarded as a required stamp to be hidden from the wearer. Adam Phillips, account manager at The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, London, and judge of this year’s Make Your Mark Awards, encourages makers to get creative with their hallmarking to make a real impact.   How creative can makers be with the positioning of a hallmark? "While the hallmark is regarded as the oldest form of consumer protection, it can also be used creatively as a marketing tool. Not only does it provide provenance, but it can also

COSMIMA 2018

COSMIMA  London Craft Week showcase of contemporary jewellery and silverware from the COSMIMA collective 9 - 12 May 2018 67 York Street, London W1 For London Craft Week, COSMIMA presents the latest handcrafted jewellery and silverware from seven leading UK designers. The five fine jewellery designers of the COSMIMA collective have invited two silversmiths to join them in showing at the 67 York Street gallery in London’s Marylebone. One-off pieces in silver, gold and precious stones, all hand made in the UK, will be on show and for sale from 9 – 12th May, and visitors will have the chance

The Opulent World of Margot McKinney

Margot McKinney ,  a designer of high–end, luxury jewellery exudes elegance and sophistication whose craftmanship boasts unique cuts with extravagant designs for the chic, fashionable, and cosmopolitan woman. Margot’s love of travel provides a constant source of inspiration for her designs and her appreciation for fine gems guides her unique approach to her “one of a kind” creations. Margot’s work is admired for the imaginative way in which a myriad of precious gems are combined as if they inexorably found each other. The innovative designs of her pieces have led to a wide celebrity following, including Dita Von Teese, Andie

Jeremy France Jewellers raise £11,000 for Murray Parish Trust

Jeremy France Jewellers have smashed their £10k target for donations made to local charity, The Murray Parish Trust, raising nearly £11,000 in just over a year. Since October 2016, the independent Winchester jewellers have been taking charitable donations for all jewellery polishing, as well as holding  in-store events and raffles to raise much needed funds for the cause. Founded in 2014 by married actors Sarah Parish and James Murray in memory of their daughter Ella-Jayne, who sadly passed away in 2009, The Murray Parish Trust endeavours to transform the department in which their baby daughter spent her last precious days.

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

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

Amethyst Crush for February Birth Babies

One of the most revered stones for centuries, amethyst crystal is one of the most treasured variety of quartz. With its stunning tones of violet-purple and its rich history saturated with medieval lore and legendary powers, few crystals are as distinctive as arresting amethyst. Today, amethyst is classified as a semi-precious stone but throughout history, many ancients regarded it as a "Gem of Fire", worth as much in value and beauty as a diamond. Believed to carry energies of passion and fire, creativity and spirituality, amethyst has always been associated with the month of February and the Roman water-god, Neptune.

Under the Sea by Philippe Pfeiffer, Summer 2017

Philippe Pfeiffer is a London-based jeweller who specialises in creating spectacular, hand-crafted jewellery. Founded in 1997 in Zurich, Philippe Pfeiffer Jewellery is now based at 52 Artillery Lane, in the heart of Spitalfields, London.  Each piece is designed and made by Philippe Pfeiffer in his Spitalfields atelier. Dedicated to creating unique pieces from a selection of rare and precious stones, he produces a range of daring combinations made from a variety of materials. A vast and eclectic collection of materials and found objects inform his creative process and can be seen at his atelier. His imagination knows no bounds and

Lichen inspired work by Kate Bajic

Jeweller Kate Bajic uses the countryside around her studio as inspiration for her contemporary jewellery pieces. Kate is particularly fascinated by the wide variation of colour, shapes, and forms found in different lichen species. Through photography and sample collection, Kate examines their minute complexity and translates aspects of this into her work. She handcrafts pieces using precious metals or mild steel, often combined with semiprecious stones. Designs evolve through experimenting with composition, playing with contrasting colours, or adding textural details. Most recently Kate has experimented with hand piercing and patenting thin steel sheet to create complex layered necklaces which are

Crafting Creative Magic: Origami Jewellery

Beautifully delicate, light, infinetly refined and undeniably eye-catching, Origami can only be described as a touch of magical tradition folded within creative craftsmanship. The elegant art of Japanese paper folding encapsulates not only an innovative drive of talent and imagination but an artistic way of expressing personality. Folded, flipped and curled into a mix of precious fine metals, the fresh and charming appeal of Origami Jewellery is the inspired child of French designers Claire Naa and Arnaud Soulignac. Influenced from the beauty of Japanese originality, these two founding partners sought to showcase the light and dreamy allure of oriental art

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

Felieke van der Leest: Once Upon A Time In My West

Felieke van der Leest: Once Upon A Time In My West A showcase from the celebrated Dutch jeweller Felieke van der Leest. This exhibition celebrates the fantastical world of fairy tales and the Wild West. Felieke van der Leest is a trained metalsmith, graduating from the jewellery department at the Rietveld Academie (The Netherlands) in 1996. She has lived and worked in Øystese, Norway since 2008. Living close to a Zoo, her passion for animals probably started in her childhood just like her love for crocheting in textiles. Combining this with precious metals and plastic toy animals, she developed her

School of Jewellery Students Impress With Halo Designs

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

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

Body Language Collection Timely for International Women’s Day

With female empowerment themes strongly present amongst all media channels this week for International Women’s Day , Anissa Kermiche's Body Language collection is timely. Body Language  celebrates the female form and is a reflection of the generation of successful, powerful and funny women that Anissa sees all around her and uses as inspiration. The collection features the iconic Rubies Boobies, La Derriere and Precieux Pubis necklaces and the playful Yes We Can singular earrings amongst other pieces crafted from different golds, silver and precious stones. From her London-based studio, Anissa has sourced the finest stones and used both her technical

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

Christina Jansen,  Managing Director of The Scottish Gallery kindly writes an obituary for Benchpeg on Nuala Jamison, one of the leading lights of the contemporary non precious jewellery movement in the 1970s who sadly left us in August 2016. In July 2016, Nuala Jamison held what would be her last solo exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh called  Faceted Light .  The Scottish Gallery was one of many galleries to have represented her wonderful work, in our case over three decades.  Jamison was determined to make a new body of work for her exhibition and also include highlights from her

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

Christina Jansen,  Managing Director of The Scottish Gallery kindly writes an obituary for Benchpeg on Nuala Jamison, one of the leading lights of the contemporary non precious jewellery movement in the 1970s who sadly left us in August 2016. In July 2016, Nuala Jamison held what would be her last solo exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh called  Faceted Light .  The Scottish Gallery was one of many galleries to have represented her wonderful work, in our case over three decades.  Jamison was determined to make a new body of work for her exhibition and also include highlights from her

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

Ring 2017, Diana Porter Contemporary Jewellery

This spring, Diana Porter Contemporary jewellery have asked a selection of their current designers, as well as some old favourites and some brand-new ones, to submit their most exclusive wedding / engagement ring combinations. They wanted an inspiring exhibition showcasing a plethora of talent and craftsmanship! Several designers have submited bespoke pairings, created especially for the exhibition, whilst others will premier pieces from their new collections. Diana Porter will launch her latest creations in precious metals set with unique stones, for an exclusive first look. Alongside Diana Porter, this exhibition will feature pieces by: Hannah Bedford, Justin Duance, Maria Frantzi,

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

'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

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

Countercurrent, London Design Festival

Arthur Beale, London’s last remaining Yacht Chandler, at the heart of Covent Garden on Shaftesbury Avenue, plays host for the London Design Festival to an exhibition of work by some of Britain’s major contemporary jewellery designer makers, staff of Central Saint Martins BA Jewellery Design. Seeking inspiration from the ropes and sailing tackle retailed by Arthur Beale, these designers have brought their creative imaginations to play on the robust materials, forms and objects of traditionally crafted chandlery to produce their more delicately sculpted precious objects of embellishment and adornment. Entitled ‘Countercurrent’, the exhibition brings into collaborative confrontation two differently evolved

Silver Light and Shade, The Holburne Museum

Silver: Light and Shade  explores the different processes used by silversmiths to create a range of surface textures and patterns, highlighting the continuity between the techniques used for centuries and those used today. Work by contemporary makers including Hiroshi Suzuki, Malcolm Appleby, Rod Kelly and Adi Toch are shown alongside some of the finest and rarest pieces in silver to have survived from the last 500 years. This is an exhibition that brings together historic and contemporary silver masterpieces to tell a new story about the texture, form and colour of this precious metal.  Silver:  Light and Shade  explores the

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017 Announces 2017 Exhibitors

The Goldsmiths’ Company has revealed the 126 designer-makers selected to show their latest exquisite collections at the 35th edition of Goldsmiths’ Fair  –  92 jewellers and 34 silversmiths, including 10 recent graduates making their debut. Half the exhibitors will feature in  Week One  and the other half in  Week Two .   Goldsmiths’ Fair is the UK’s leading luxury destination to view and buy original precious metal jewellery and contemporary silver direct from the makers.  Staged at the magnificent Goldsmiths' Hall, a stroll away from St Pauls’ Cathedral, the Fair  is  the perfect antidote to the tedium of the high

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 –

Grant MacDonald: Timed To Perfection

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

It's All In The Wrist

Crafted With Love. Curated With Taste. Worn With Character. With the official start of Spring upon us, the Auverture boutique have curated a selection of artisan designed and made bracelets, cuffs and bangles crafted by designers Delfina Delettrez, Bibi van der Velden, Pamela Love, Ana Khouri, Monique Péan and Sara Beltran. The hand-picked springtime line up uses precious materials such as walrus ivory, mammoth ivory, shark teeth, Tahitian black pearls and polki diamonds to create unique and timeless pieces. Moon Phase Bracelet, Pamela Love The stunning ‘Moon Phase Bracelet’ is a circular-link bracelet crafted from a series of 18ct rose gold

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

Wrapped Up With A Bow

The bow. A simplistic yet elegantly chic nod to femininity that is stealing the scenes in the jewellery trends spotlight. A long time classic motif within Jewellery and fashion this understated design has continuously served as a symbolic emblem to stylish finesse, beauty and haute couture style. Looping back onto the style scene, the bow has been treated to a contemporary twist by multiple layers of precious metals fashioned into sculpted domes and rounded curves; playing with the reflections and refrains of light beams. The graceful craftsmanship of bow inspired adornments unfurl a graceful fluidity oozing with charming artistry. A

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2016 Closes to Huge Success

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

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries Re-Open

The V&A’s spectacular Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries reopened to the public last week in preperation for the V&A’s Exhibition Road building project. The newly updated suite of four galleries display highlights from one of the most important collections of decorative art ever given to the nation, alongside recent acquisitions.   Over 500 precious objects amassed by 2oth-century collectors Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert, including European silver and gold plate, delicate gold boxes, Italian mosaics and enamel portrait miniatures, are now back on public display in newly re-curated galleries. The objects dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries were carefully

The Uncivilised Creative

Bea Ramsay and Change in Nature have just launched The Uncivilised Creative - a four-day wilderness retreat for creative professionals looking for an inspiring and refreshing sabbatical to reconnect with their creative thread. This retreat is an antidote to the fast pace of modern life and the pressures of being a professional creative. It offers a precious chance to quieten busy heads and remember how it feels for the hours to pass like minutes, lost in creative flow. Who are Bea and ChangeinNature.org? As ‘Alex Ramsay’ Bea ran a successful silversmithing studio in London for 12 years – exhibiting her

Studio E2F Pop Up Shop

Four London based contemporary jewellers host a pop up shop on Columbia Road. Anna Wales, Jenny Llewellyn, Sara Gunn and Will Odell all share Studio E2F at Cockpit Arts, Holborn. Each has their own distinctive style, choose from precious metals, diamonds, silicone and leather, there's something for everyone. Pop in and have a look at their stunning designs and treat yourself to a unique piece of jewellery! Open every weekend in April Saturdays: 11 - 5.30 Sundays: 10 - 5 (or by appointment between 1 - 30 April. Please email e2f.studio@gmail.com to arrange a time.) Special late night opening Thursday

Salon with Peridot Expert: Constance Lauvinerie -

We had a salon with Constance Lauvinerie, Head of the Jewellery Department at Collector Square First discovered almost three thousand years ago close to St John's Island near Egypt, the Peridot was one of the favourite stones of Cleopatra and was celebrated by the Ancient Egyptians as the "Gemstone of the Sun" under its ancient name, Chrysolite. The legends around this stone are numerous: lt is supposed to aid friendship, to free the spirit of the sin of envy, to make its carrier more eloquent and to cure the diseases of the liver. Nowadays, this semi-precious gemstone - the birthstone

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

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.

Micro-Setting Masterclass - The Goldsmiths' Centre

Alexander Sidorov’s Advanced Micro-Setting Masterclass In 2015 the Goldsmiths’ Centre launched London’s first dedicated training workshop for micro-setting and engraving having entered into partnership with Optical Diamond Setter and SEO of the world-renowned Antwerp based Alexandre School, Alexander Sidorov. Alexander Sidorov will be offering a five day intensive practical course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre for experienced jewellers or stone setters from 13 to 17 February 2017.  Micro-setting enables practitioners, with the aid of powerful microscopes, to arrange diamonds and precious stones cleanly and seamlessly across a surface. This short course is for a limited group size of up to 6

Big Names Get Set for Make Your Mark

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has announced the line-up for the first ever  Make Your Mark  Q&A Panel of Experts. “We are introducing the Panel this year in response to the huge popularity of talks at previous Make Your Mark events,”  explains Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. “The success of  Make Your Mark  in 2014 and 2015 proved that there is huge demand for advice and inspiration among students wanting to set out on careers in precious metals and so this year, alongside the very popular talks by Theo Fennell and Michael Wainwright -

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

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

Assay Offices

By law all items sold as gold, silver, platinum or palladium in the UK must be hallmarked to confirm that they meet the legal standard of alloy proportionality for the precious metal they are being sold as. This can only be carried out by one of the four UK Assay Offices, or an Assay Office belonging to the International Convention. Here are where to find the four UK offices... Assay Office London Goldsmiths' Hall Gutter Lane London EC2V 8AQ www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk                 Birmingham Assay Office 1 Moreton Street Birmingham B1 3AX theassayoffice.co.uk    

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition  New Brewery Arts  4th April – 18th June 2023  The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches We have chosen

Galerie Marzee - Summer Exhibitions

Galerie Marzee Exhibitions: Lisa Walker, Eva Jünger, Margit Jäschke & Pedro Sequeira From 26 May 2024 Nijmegen, Netherlands Galerie Marzee opens three new exhibitions: Lisa Walker (NZ), Eva Jünger (D), Margit Jäschke (D) and Pedro Sequeira (PT) Lisa Walker and Eva Jünger Iconoclastic, intuitive and impetuous, Lisa Walker challenges traditional notions about jewellery and questions what it is and what it can be. With an open yet rigorous approach, she works with found objects, precious materials, abandoned bits and bobs, combining and transforming them to create jewellery that questions its very nature, reconsiders its own answers and explores relationships to

News Edit: 4 February 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... World's biggest jeweller Pandora stops using mined silver and gold Reuters: Pandora, opens new tab, the world's largest jeweller by amount of products sold, has stopped using mined silver and gold and now only manufactures with recycled precious metals, which require less energy to produce. www.reuters.com Meet Noor Bouziane: The Apprentice 2024 contestant and jewellery company owner Radio Times: Here's everything you need to know about The Apprentice contestant Noor Bouziane. www.radiotimes.com Hebden Bridge jeweller silversmith partners up with The Royal Entomological Society for a new collection Halifax Courier:

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition  Vittoria Street Gallery, Birmingham School of Jewellery 19th September- 28th October 2022  The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition  Mission Gallery in partnership with Swansea College of Art UWTSD 16th November – 21st December 2022 The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel.

News Edit: 22 January 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How to work with silver: You can embrace mistakes as the beauty of handmade jewellery Irish Times: Gemma Tipton offers a beginner’s guide to taking up a new cultural pursuit. www.irishtimes.com The Most Jaw-Dropping Red Carpet Jewellery Of All Time Vogue: Fashions change, but diamonds are forever – especially when it comes to red-carpet dressing. Without it, an outfit may look good, but nothing adds polish, finesse or glamour like lashings of precious stones. www.vogue.co.uk You can now buy jewellery made from Iron Maiden's guitar strings, and it's

News Edit: 15 October 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Objet D’Emotion Presents Independent, Haute Luxe Jewelry Designers At PAD London Fair Forbes: Original, high luxury jewelry creations from independent designers and niche brands have long sparked jewelry trends due to fresh styles, intriguing materials, artistic silhouettes and irresistible allure. www.forbes.com Offbeat forms meet precious materials in Ana Khouri’s high jewellery Wallpaper: Jewellery designer Ana Khouri is named one of the Wallpaper* USA 300, as we celebrate creative America. Here we discover her new high jewellery. www.wallpaper.com Michelle Keegan Wore Rahul Mishra Couture To The Bulgari Frieze London

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition

Meanings and Messages – ACJ’s 25th Anniversary Touring Exhibition  Goldsmiths’ Centre, Farringdon, London 9th January – 24th February 2023  The Association for Contemporary Jewellery presents a major touring exhibition, showcasing 60 brooches from 60 current members. Including work from members in the UK, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Taiwan, USA, and US Virgin Islands. Materials include PLA filament, jesmonite, paper, silver and gold, aluminium, copper, enamels, wood, textiles, ceramics, semi-precious stones, and an array of found objects – gramophone needles, leather gloves, spent bullet cartridges, military ribbon, and denatured citrus fruit peel. An Exhibition of Brooches We have

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

Lebrusan Studio is Fighting the War on Climate Change with Vintage Diamonds, Here's How.

Arabel Lebrusan does not take a gentle approach when it comes to ethical and environmental issue. Her eponymous brand, Lebrusan studio, is well known for its commitement to sustainability, which informs every new collection and initiative.  Lebrusan declares "We're in a state of climate emergency . . . Gobal warming has reached crisis point. No matter how fairly traded or carefully sourced, newly mined materials use up valuable resources. It's vital that we slow down the rate at which we're currently consuming water, land and energy."  Alongside their existing offer of 100% recycled precious metals, Lebrusan Studio are now incorporating

News Edit: 16 August 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Israeli Jewellery Company Designs 'World's Most Expensive' Coronavirus Face Mask Worth $1.5M Independent: An Israeli jewellery company is designing what it says will be the most expensive coronavirus face mask. independent.co.uk ‘I like the idea of a powerful mother and daughter linked by style’ FT: Boucheron creative director Claire Choisne on why heirloom pieces – from perfumes to jewels – are the most precious things in life. ft.com When Dior Joaillerie Met The Colourful World of Tie-Dye... Harpers Bazaar: The French luxury Maison incorporates a fun twist into

News Edit: 7 March 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Beautiful aquamarine birthstone jewellery for March Luxury London: Associated with serenity and tranquility, there’s no better birthday gift for turbulent times. luxurylondon.co.uk Meghan's 'ethically-sourced' pink ring in recent video holds 'special connection' to past Daily Express: MEGHAN, Duchess of Sussex's ring accessory in one of her and Prince Harry's latest appearances has a special meaning for the royal, according to the jewellery brand maker. www.express.co.uk The $20,000 PC Encrusted With Diamonds And Bill Gates Forbes: You've probably heard of celebrities customizing their favorite sneakers or watches with precious

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

Women's Jewellery Network - Birmingham Event

Women's Jewellery Network - Birmingham Event The  Women's Jewellery Network  is pleased to confirm a Birmingham sister event to the launch in London taking place at the same time on  International Women's Day , 8th March 2018. Attendees will hear from the following speakers, at this event, kindly hosted by the team at  AnchorCert Acdemy , part of the  AnchorCert Group : UK’s first female Assay Master and former Cookson Precious Metals CEO, Stella Layton Company of Master Jeweller’s Executive Director of Business Development & Marketing, Lucy Reece-Raybould A panel discussion will focus on the folllowing topic: What changes need to be

Goldsmiths Fair Features Celebrated Film by Ujin Lin

Celebrated filmmaker  Ujin  Lin has created a video installation for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2017. His film 'Precious Mysteries' features jewellery and silver he selected from this year’s Fair exhibitors. Ujin  has previously made video campaigns for brands such as Prada, Philip Lim and Zara. Ujin was inspired by the interiors of Goldsmiths’ Hall to create his video, and to celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of work by Goldsmiths’ Fair exhibitors. Included in the teaser trailer is work by (L-R)  Max Danger ,  Vicki Ambery-Smith ,  Ulla Hornfeldt ,  Maria Frantzi ,  Tom Rucker ,  Stacey Bentley ,  Tina Engell  and  Ingo Henn

Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery at New Designers

The Vannetta Seecharran School of Jewellery will be exhibiting at New Designers 2017 at the Islington Business Design Centre from Wednesday 28th June - Sunday 2nd July 2017. The School will be showing in the Jewellery & Contemporary Design Crafts Zoe on stand JC38. Exhibitors from the school have graduated from the School's  Diploma in Jewellery Design course. New Designers Part 1 Design disciplines – Textiles & Fashion  – Costume Design  – Jewellery & Precious Metalwork  – Ceramics & Glass  – Contemporary Design Crafts  – One Year On Dates 28 June – 01 July 2017 A Venue Business Design Centre 52 Upper

Chaumet and Dior Joaillerie present new high jewellery collections

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

Degree Show Central Saint Martins 2017

Show Two - BA Jewellery Design Central Saint Martins Degree Shows 2017 University of the Arts London Crossing disciplines, Show Two spans from design and fashion to drama and cultural enterprise. Projects on show – whether provocation, performance or product – present a future in the making. Courses Jewellery and Textiles - BA Jewellery Design, BA Textile Design, MA Material Futures Image credits (Above) Scott Armstrong - Ring: jesmonite, red ocre pigment, gold plated precious white metal Elena Bonanomi - Necklace: 18ct gold, silver Kristina Ferenchuk - Ring: 18ct gold, garnet, citrine, green tourmaline Alix Ferracci - Neckpiece: satin fabric, silver plated brass, bicycle

S.J. Phillips Moves From London’s New Bond Street

S.J. Phillips, one of the oldest, family-owned antique jewellery, silver and precious objects businesses in the United Kingdom is moving from its iconic London premises, 139 New Bond Street after nearly 150 years on New Bond Street. As one door closes, however, another door opens. S.J. Phillips, which has been described as “legendary….,” “possibly the most important antique jewellery store in the world….”, “one of London’s best-loved shops….”, is moving around the corner to an equally prestigious street in London’s Mayfair. From the new premises on the second floor of 26 Bruton Street, S.J. Phillips will continue to offer the

Marks & Spencer Combat Customer Allergy Concerns

This summer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) will become the first high street retailer to set a new standard in hypoallergenic jewellery – as it launches Skin Kind™.  From May every item in M&S’s fashion jewellery range will meet its new Skin Kind™ standards, so that even customers with the most sensitive skin can wear stylish accessories with confidence.  The project began last year when M&S discovered that more than one in four [28%] of customers didn’t wear fashion jewellery because they were concerned about potential allergic reactions. To help address these concerns, M&S partnered with Birmingham based, world leading precious

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2016 - Goldsmiths' Hall, London

Goldsmiths' Fair returns for its 34th year. The annual showcase of British fine jewellery and contemporary silver, Goldsmiths' Fair is the premier destination to buy the most exquisite, one-of-a-kind precious metal pieces. Erin O'Connor Selects This year we were delighted to welcome supermodel Erin O’Connor to make her selection of personal highlights from this year's exhibitors. Erin says of her choices: "My selection reflects my personal style. It’s made up of jewellery I’d happily wear on a variety of occasions and contemporary silver I’d proudly display at home. I love the high degree of craftsmanship in each piece." Silver: The

Suppliers

Knowing where to get what can be half the battle. Here we created a signpost list of trade suppliers offering a wide selection of tools, bullion, findings etc... Bullion Suppliers Baird & Co www.goldline.co.uk Bellore Rashbel www.rashbel.co.uk Betts Metal Sales www.bettsmetalsales.com Cooksongold www.cooksongold.com Palmer Metals www.palmermetals.co.uk Fairtrade Refiners, Casters, Manufacturers & Suppliers Cookson Precious Metals Contact person: Rob Taylor www.cooksongold.com CRED Contact person: Alan Frampton credjewellery.com Hockley Mint Contact person: Gary Wroe www.hockleymint.co.uk S&P Trading Contact person: Patrick Schein www.patrickschein.com Vipa Design Contact person: Peter Crump www.vipadesigns.co.uk Weston Beamor Contact person: Glen Day www.westonbeamor.co.uk Finding Suppliers Cooksongold www.cooksongold.com Bellore Rashbel