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The Shape of Eros

Lore Langendries’ work balances between the unique and the serial with a particular focus on the tactile and physical of artefacts, the behavior of material in combination with digital technology and her own intuitive role as a maker. Central to her work is the use of geometrical forms by showing the essence and beauty of animal hides in their most elementary forms writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Her work focuses on different type of leathers, treated by obtaining pieces always very balanced and minimal, where the living element, the material, becomes strictly connected with the body and its sensuality. I asked her few This [youtube

The Shape of Things, Simone Brewster

The Shape of Things, Simone Brewster 29 June - 24 September 2023 Now Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula On 29th June 2023, NOW Gallery on London’s Greenwich Peninsula will present its 2023 Design Commission, The Shape of Things, by one of the leading voices in contemporary design Simone Brewster. Open to the public between 29 June - 24 September, The Shape of Things is an exploration of the power of objects to communicate societal expectations of beauty, representation, and the talismanic qualities of objects that we use to empower ourselves. The exhibition explores the concept of “intimate architecture” - the effect that

The Shape of Chopard: Heart shaped Valentine's novelties

Chopard, the Artisan of emotion, has a long-standing relationship with the emblem of the heart- using it as a motif year-round. But, how can one take ownership of such a universal symbol? That is precisely the question that the Chopard workshops has been addressing for many years, honing each of the details that contribute to making this heart a peak architectural achievement. The excellence and fullness of its pleasing proportions encapsulate the very idea of beauty. Its infinitely soft, ergonomic and gently rounded curves were achieved by developing countless prototypes aimed at achieving the golden ratio, the magic formula that

Dynamic new trends take shape at IJL 2017

Spotting important new trends will be as easy as 1-2-3 for exhibitors and visitors to IJL 2017 when the latest product ranges from over 550 high end jewellery manufacturers, designers and suppliers from 32 countries around the world are rolled out at Olympia over three days. World famous as a ‘360 degree’ platform for striking deals, networking and sharing knowledge, IJL 2017 will kick off a range of new features including newly themed seminar theatres, workshops and a dedicated Skills Lab to showcase talent and skills. A new Retail Experience Area is designed to help retailers enhance their in-store offer

Could you help shape the future of the Hand Engravers Association

Are you proud of Britain’s hand engraving heritage? Will you help a small organisation make a big difference?  At the AGM in June 2022 our current Chair, Tim Roberts, announced his intention to step down at the end of the year. Tim joined the Association as Honorary Treasurer, led us through the change into a CIO and also kindly took on the role of Chair in 2019. We are therefore looking to recruit for two voluntary positions on the trustee board: Chair and Hon Treasurer . Although previous experience of a similar role is desirable, both roles are supported by the

A touch of modern romance

When you think of heart-shaped accessories, what springs to mind? For many, thoughts would fly to the heart-shaped chocolate boxes, teddy bears holding heart-shaped cushions and delicate heart pendants that come out in full force around the annual Valentine's Day holiday tradition.  Whilst some may adore these heart-shaped accessories, others have found them to be too sickly and girlish. Whatever your personal opinion of this symbolic shape, the heart has been an iconic motif used throughout period antiques for many centuries.  First created as a symbol of enduring love and romance, the heart shape was first reported at the end

Jewelry in a Duet

Laura Volpi’s work is a synthesis of energy, research and matter that takes shape through the elaboration of visual stimuli from our contemporaneity, to create jewels that reveal each a different part of her creative storytelling. She conducts an accurate study of volume and a research of the sculptural shape, to create a jewel that explores the boundaries of movement in a wearable dimension writes Ilaria Ruggiero. She was first influenced by Davide De Paoli, who initiated her to the potentialities of plate sculpture, and by Arnaldo Pomodoro, whom she could meet through a scholarship. During the collaboration with Pomodoro, which

Crafts Council - Makers Needs Survey 2019

Crafts Council - Makers Needs Survey 2019 The Crafts Council look to support artists, makers and designers through their business development needs of their creative practices.  Tell them how they can support you by completing this survey (link below). Your opinions help shape the Ctafts Council services.  The first 20 surveys completed will receive a complimentary ticket to Collect: Crafts Council’s International fair of Contemporary Objects at Saatchi Gallery in February 2019. www.surveymonkey.co.uk

Wiltshire Guild of Crafts

Wiltshire Guild of Crafts seek Committee Members Wiltshire Guild of Crafts is looking for committee members to help to shape and launch the Guild in 2020. With the objective to promote the work of Designer Makers and Craft Skills in Wiltshire, in order to get up and running, a number of committee members are needed. If you are an original Designer Maker interested in being a part of this very exciting phase of launching the Guild, please do not hesitate to contact genevieve@wiltshireguild.com www.wiltshireguild.com

Ashley Banjo Dons World’s Most Expensive 18ct Gold Peperami Necklace

Forget diamonds – the world’s most expensive Peperami has been unveiled, worth an eye-watering £1,500. The luxury item takes inspiration from the snack’s Original wrapper, replicating the same shape and design the nation know and love - but in 18ct yellow gold. Appraised by an independent valuator, the one-of-a-kind piece sees the Peperami detachable wrapper dangle from a 34inch heavy chain. Weighing in at a whopping 295g, the custom necklace has been specifically designed so fans can refill the gold-plated pendant with their beloved Peperami stick, allowing them to hang the snack-storing chain around their neck until hunger strikes. Hoping

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

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London 17 - 20 July 2019 A 4 Day Masterclass led by Manon van Kouswijk at K Academy Of Contemporary Jewellery, London Masterclass - Sources & Resources The project of contemporary jewellery started out as an idealistic one that aimed to change our thinking about what jewellery was and what it could be. In our increasingly image-driven era of late capitalism how do you articulate and shape your position within contemporary jewellery practice? What is it that draws you to work with this particular subject matter and

News Edit: 8 December 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The most exceptional jewellery boxes for the connoisseur in your life this Christmas If you’re serious about collecting jewellery, it makes sense that you’d be serious about where you keep it. telegraph.co.uk Unusual Christmas gifts for jewellery-lovers Jewellery is one of the trickiest things to gift. There is the metal to think about, the ring size, the stone colour and that's before you even get to the shape and style of the piece. theweek.co.uk Ultimate Christmas Gift: An Heirloom Jewelry Box Filled With Jewels Online fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter, has teamed

Week One New Designers Award Winners Announced

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

From 'Born this Way' to 'Born to Dare' Lady Gaga is the Face of New Campaign for Tudor Watches

Lady Gaga is a global, leading fashion icon, mindful of everything she wears. She has turned celebrity into a comprehensive art form. She knows full well that an outfit is a powerful message, an art performance. Every accessory is a way to shape her image, a means to an end. That's why when she chooses to represent a brand, we sit up and take notice.  Created by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, the Tudor Watch Company was born with a mission to explore new territories, offering “a watch that (his) agents could sell at a more modest price than (his) [youtube

Giulia Savino: Which city belongs to you?

Giulia Savino’s main artistic research explores the concept of identity, ownership and belonging through the representation of city maps writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Giulia Savino’s main artistic research explores the concept of identity, ownership and belonging through the representation of city maps. Her main body of work, called 1: 20.000, is a compilation of maps, a collection of cities in form of jewels. As "the map is not the territory" but just one of the many possible representations of reality, each jewel is a personal interpretation of the city that takes / loses its shape in the interaction with the body. Each

Stephen Einhorn Makes Bespoke Jewellery for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Worn by Elle Fanning’s Character Princess Aurora

British jewellery designer, Stephen Einhorn makes bespoke jewellery designs for Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil film . The beautifully handcrafted pieces include an engagement ring worn by Elle Fanning’s character Princess Aurora and vine wedding rings made for characters Princess Aurora and and Prince Phillip, played by Harris Dickinson. Stephen says: “For Aurora’s engagement ring the brief from the film’s property master was that the design should look like an antique engagement ring and reference the 16th century ‘quatrefoil' method of stone setting. The stone we wanted for the ring needed to be a pyramid shape. We had several types

Emerging Visual Artists for Landscape Project

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

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

Pforzheim: 250th Anniversary of the Golden City

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

‘The Brooch is back’ Sally Lees To Exhibit At Craft Central 2017

Sally Lees is one of 13 designers selected to make a series of brooches by Transport for London for the exhibition ‘The Brooch is back’ at Craft Central 2017. Sally’s brooches are inspired by the flora and fauna and unusual flowers for Kew Gardens Tube station and by some cute London Zoo animals for Regents Park Tube station. Pink flamingos, zebra stripes and Rocky the rock hopper penguin and Humbolt penguins adorn the aluminium roundel Underground shape. Sally has printed polished aluminium with her drawings of these animals and birds and dyed it in vibrant colours.  Rare plants Jade vine

Vanilla Ink Launches Scottish Jewellery School

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

Dancing with Danger

Donald Duck and Tintin might struggle to compete with nature or music as mainstream sources of artistic inspiration but for Max Danger,  comic strip characters have sparked a stream of ideas and helped shape a notable career. Comics were everywhere when Danger was growing up at home in Copenhagen, Denmark because his father worked as an illustrator. Danger followed the comic strips avidly rather than read books though he did make an exception for books about science, especially if they featured retro robots from the 1950s. Years later, those two influences continue to loom large in his work with illustrations forming

Dancing with Danger

Donald Duck and Tintin might struggle to compete with nature or music as mainstream sources of artistic inspiration but for Max Danger,  comic strip characters have sparked a stream of ideas and helped shape a notable career. Comics were everywhere when Danger was growing up at home in Copenhagen, Denmark because his father worked as an illustrator. Danger followed the comic strips avidly rather than read books though he did make an exception for books about science, especially if they featured retro robots from the 1950s. Years later, those two influences continue to loom large in his work with illustrations forming

Appointment: Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

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

Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

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

Flourish Conference

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

FREE Technology Open Day

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

FREE Evening Technology Seminar

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

'The Grand Phoenix' Natural Burmese Ruby Necklace Unveiled

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

Chime with the Times: The Top Watches for 2018

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

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Nel Linssen 1935 - 2016

Renowned Dutch paper jewellery artist, designer and maker Nel Linssen has died on 1 August 2016 aged 80. We write an obituary. The meticulous and mathematically minded Linssen lived in Nijmegen, the Netherlands and was renowned for a jewellery career which was dedicated to working in and experimenting with paper as a material. Nel was educated at the Academy of Arts in Arnhem, when she embarked after graduation on work with mosaics, tapestries and stained glass windows. However in the 1980s she started to experiment with folded washable paper making forms of jewellery in the shape of bracelets, necklaces and decorative

Ralph Lauren to be Honoured with Outstanding Achievement Award

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

Ellie Air Jewellery, Firma: The Brand New Collection

Firma, the new collection from Ellie Air Jewellery, had been relaunched in autumn 2016 ready for the A/W 2016 fashion reboot. Italian for signature, 'Firma' is inspired by an antique ring that Lauren found already engraved with her initials. The signet ring is a beautiful and unusual shape and these traits are reflected on throughout the new collection, with dainty 9ct gold and silver stars and rhombus shapes featuring heavily. Each design in the collection 'Firma' features a star set stone; high quality black and grey diamonds and emeralds. There are also two special rings in the collection: an eternity

International Pearl Design Competition 2016-2017

The deadline is approaching of the call for entries for the International Pearl Design Competition, open to all with a love of pearls. Enter the International Pearl Design Competition (IPDC) sponsored by the Cultured Pearl Association of America (CPAA) and you will receive a one year membership as a Designer member into the CPAA. (A $500.00 value). All cultured pearl varieties; Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and Freshwater of any shape and size are eligible for submission. Entries are considered eligible for any of the awards being given. Let the piece you create speak for itself. You can enter up to

Emerge / Jiro Kamata

Emerge / Jiro Kamata (JP-DE) Artist statement Light and reflection are always an important topic for my work which has very strong relationship with jewellery. “Bl” brooches and pendants These pieces are made using dichroic mirror, which reflects two different colours. This material is used in optical applications and architecture. I was fascinated by its unusual colour reflections and knew immediately that I wanted to make jewellery with it.  It is not only about the two colours but also about the openness of perception. „Palette“ brooches Wearing one, you see strong, colourful shadows on the white corian base. The shape of

Christmas Shine with Andrew Geoghegan

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

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

Call for Applications: Real To Reel - The Craft Film Festival May 2017

Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival, produced by the Crafts Council and Crafts magazine, is the first UK festival dedicated to craft and moving image, giving a platform to the wealth of films that explore themes of making, makers, materials and process in the broadest sense. It will take place on the evenings of 2nd, 3rd and 4th May 2017 at Picturehouse Central, London. We are interested in all genres: documentaries, story-led films and animation that capture skill in action, unveil hidden processes and invite us to look again at materials and those who shape them. We are eager