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Anthropologie Celebrates 'Women who Weld' this International Women's Day

From today, right up 'til April 23rd, the Anthropolgie store on Kings Road, London, will play host to a curated selection of jewellery, designed by Britain's most inspiring female jewellers.  The showcase, which will feature eight designers, was designed to celebrate both International Women's day and Women's History Month, as well as British design. Throughout the event, customers will have the opportunity to buy  one-of-a-kind and numbered pieces, all of which have been carefully handcrafted in the UK. International Women's Day  (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also

Franks Files: The Rich History of Magnificent Jewels

Frank Everett hits the books to reveal the exceptional provenance behind the highlights of Sotheby’s upcoming Magnificent Jewels sale on 25 April in New York. With a history that includes two celebrated design houses and three incomparable women, the outstanding 34-carat Stotesbury Emerald leads the auction, reappearing for the first time since 1971, alongside intricate pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Sotheby's Upcoming Magnificent Jewels Sale - Including the Legendary Stotesbury Emerald The 25 April Magnificent Jewels sale is a vibrant celebration perfect for springtime. Centering upon jewels with distinguished provenances, the sale is one that honors the most

Farnham Crafts Month

Farnham Craft Month 1 - 31 October 2019 Farnahm, Surrey Craft Month Full of Hidden Treasure Makers and craft organisations across Farnham - which was designated as England’s Craft Town in 2013 - are getting set for a month of craft festivities. Each October, Farnham hosts a celebration of craft with hundreds of opportunities to get involved with events featuring countless makers, pieces, organisations and venues, throughout the town. This is your chance to see makers in action; take a craft walk; get making and buy work from local designer makers. Farnham Craft Month celebrations have been growing steadily each

Our history

Just over a decade ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information.  Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments.    In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the latest news stories and promoting business opportunities. Our website and newsletter has a national

page history

EU Prize for Women Innovators

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

A History of Coronation Dress and Jewels

Talk: Ceremony And Splendour A History Of Coronation Dress And Jewels Clothworrkes’ Hall, London Monday, 6th March 2023 The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) will host a talk on coronations in the elegant surroundings of Clothworrkes’ Hall on Monday 6th March, with Caroline de Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art 100% of the proceeds will go towards TCDT's fully funded workshops, taught by craft specialists, for 14-19-year-olds who wish to develop their hand skills.  Focussing on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the lecture will explore the origins, design and evolution of Coronation dress and jewels – from richly embroidered fashionable

A History of London Jewellers and Jewellery

The UK’s capital city is renowned for many things, but nothing more so than it’s proud history and ancient traditions, many of which are still practiced to this day. Therefore, it’s really no surprise to discover that in this rich environment,  London jewellers  design and produce engagement rings, necklaces, brooches and earrings that boast an almost unrivalled historical pedigree. Rebecca Smyth from bespoke jewellers Taylor and Hart, takes us through the journey..... Harness the Past for the Designs of the Future At Taylor & Hart, our designers use London’s past as an unlimited source of inspiration – adopting, embellishing and reinterpreting motifs

MASTERY. Women in Silver

MASTERY. Women in Silver Ruthin Craft Centre 24 July – 18 September 2021 This is the first exhibition to focus on the UK’s exceptionally talented contemporary women designer silversmiths. Fifty years ago, it would have been impossible to assemble an exhibition like this, as there were so few women working in the field. What was once a totally male discipline has been transformed within three generations. The Mastery exhibitors represent a large cohort of women working at the highest level of silversmithing and include long-established and mid-career artists alongside some emerging makers of exceptional promise. The work itself was chosen

International Women's Day Event

International Women's Day Event National Design and Craft Gallery Friday 8 March 1pm - 4pm Celebrate International Women's Day at the National Design and Craft Gallery. Join us for crafternoon tea treats, chats and tote bag screen printing to mark the occasion. All are welcome to drop in between  1pm - 4pm. For group bookings please email   events@ndcg.ie  to confirm your time of arrival. FREE event. International Women's Day  (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day

International Women's Day 2017

IWD 2017 #BeBoldForChange For International Women's Day 2017, we're asking you to  #BeBoldForChange . Call on the masses or call on yourself to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. Submit your  #BeBoldForChange  action via the IWD website. International Women's Day Last year, organizations and individuals around the world supported the  #PledgeForParity campaign  and committed to help women and girls achieve their ambitions; challenge conscious and unconscious bias; call for gender-balanced leadership; value women and men's contributions equally; and create inclusive flexible cultures. From awareness raising to concrete action, organizations  rallied their people to pledge

100 Jewels by 100 Women

100 Jewels by 100 Women 2 nd  - 27 th  June 2021 Double Door Studios’, 7 Ward Road, Dundee, DD1 1LP This June, the residents of Dundee City Centre’s Double Door Studios will hold an exhibition named ‘100 Jewels by 100 Women’, celebrating the achievements of craftswomen in our society. The exhibition will feature one item of jewellery from each of the one hundred invited artists; women who have lived, studied and/or worked in Dundee during their careers.  Among the broad list of participants can be found many of Duncan of Jordanstone's tutors and alumni from over three decades. From

International Women's Day and the Jewellery Industry

As the United Nations mark International Women's Day 2024, the theme this year was ' Invest in women: Accelerate progress'. "Achieving gender equality and women’s well-being in all aspects of life is more crucial than ever if we want to create prosperous economies and a healthy planet. However, we are facing a key challenge: the alarming $360 billion annual deficit in gender-equality measures by 2030.  Join us on March 8, 2024, for  International Women’s Day under the theme 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress '" - United Nations Celebrating International Women’s Day provides the opportunity to delve into the fugures relating

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

Women’s Work: Pioneering Women in Craft, 1918 – 1939

Women’s Work: Pioneering Women in Craft, 1918 – 1939 Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Sussex 4 May – 6 October 2019 This Spring, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft will present a major new exhibition on the work of craftswomen who turned their practices into successful businesses between the two World Wars. Women’s Work will focus on pieces made by textile artists, weavers, ceramicists and silversmiths, many of whom were informed by their experiences traveling during the First World War. Often overshadowed by their male counterparts, these pioneering women achieved success by looking to past techniques to create contemporary

jewellerybox match purchases with donations to women's shelters for their International Women's Day collection

Online retailer jewellerybox has partnered up with local women’s refuges in the South London area for International Women’s Day. The handful of refuges that they are supporting, which will remain unnamed for reasons of discretion, are all charities which provide support and accommodation to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. jewellerybox will be donating a minimum of one piece of jewellery to the refuges for every piece that is sold from their International Women’s Day collection from the 8-11of March. The pieces within the collection are dainty and affordable, using symbols such as knots and interlocking symbols to

Women of Colour in Fine Jewellery Business Accelerator

Women of Colour in Fine Jewellery Business Accelerator The Goldsmiths' Company x Shivani Chorwadia   This opportunity is open to women identifying as the global majority / women of colour racialised as ethnic minority who have returned or are returning to work after children.   We are looking for ambitious individuals based in the UK wanting to take their established business up to the next level. The selected participant will work with professionals who offer culturally sensitive business and financial advice, marketing coaching and mentorship for 9 months in addition to a £1000 business grant. Please note that your children can of

Women’s Jewellery Network to Launch at IJL

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

Imperial Splendours: Chaumet spans its history in Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around  Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

Vintage Garrard pieces, amongst others, to be auctioned at Chorley's Country House sale later this month

Established auction house, Chorley's, will be selling a significant collection of jewellery later this month; belonging to the late Mrs Rook.  Mrs Rook was married to Major Laurence Rook MC at the picturesque Manor Beverston Castle, which was once part of the great lordship Berkeley; taken from Roger de Berkeley by Henry I.  She was a long-standing client of the House of Garrard, the prestigious crown jewellers. The collection on sale features a number of pieces by the House, who also designed the Dutchess of Cambridge's engagement ring.  The prize piece amongst the beautiful collection is a magnificent Victorian diamond-set

Lily Blanche wins Business Women Scotland Award

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

On The Rocks: The Statement Cocktail Ring Soaked in History

As the temperatures outside begin to wind and cool down, the autumnal season trends are heating up to bolstering attention and flamboyant glamour. New season forecasting ushers in a new era of historical jewellery revival; a statement jewel like none other - the striking Cocktail ring. Dramatic, eye-catching and somewhat ostentatious, the cocktail ring is the epitome of excess which first found a name for itself as a symbol of independence and rebellion against the Prohibition over a century ago.  A bygone era, 1920s America was a time of tension and excess between deep rooted morals of the world war

Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding @ K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Golden Eyes: A Brief History Of Decorative Understanding Lecture By Alex Estorick at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Cockpit Arts, London 26th February 2020 / 6:30 - 8:30pm  For centuries, decorative arts have been considered separately from fine art, with museums continuing to display functional, ‘applied‘ arts apart from those of primarily aesthetic consideration. Yet art‘s contemporary meaning has always depended on its decorative appearance. Proof of this lies in the almost uncanny similarity between the language employed in the 9th century to discuss Byzantine mosaics and that used to explain modernist paintings in the 20th. This talk seeks to come

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

Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history

Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel.  The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states  “They were banished from  England by King John in 1291.”  Ambrey Smith was asked

Resin Jewellery: Techniques & Projects Inspired by the History of Art, Craft and Jewellery

Appointment: Dr Timothy Schroder makes history being elected Prime Warden for second term

The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced that Dr Timothy Schroder has been elected Prime Warden. Dr Schroder, who previously served in the role during 2015-16, is the first member of the Goldsmiths’ Company to be appointed Prime Warden for a second term since 1951, when Walter Godfrey Allen served two consecutive years. Timothy Schroder was born in 1953 and educated in Oxford, where he attended St Edward’s School and Christ Church at Oxford University. At Christ Church he read philosophy and theology, before going on to specialise in the decorative arts, completing a Diploma at the Study Centre for the History

Diana Porter Jewellery Celebrates 25 Years

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

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

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

Minimal Jewellery Store Uses Subtle Design Feature to Spread Positive Message to Women

ThingsEyeLove, a contemporary  jewellery  store  specialising   in elegant minimal pieces, is using its  bestselling   ‘  Imprint Heart Ring ’  to spread a positive message to all those who wear it . At first glance it  is a simple, stunning, smooth 999 sterling silver  ban d. But, thanks to a clever piece of design, a secret  raised feature on the inside leaves a heart shaped imp rint  on the finger, visible when the accessory is  removed.  The leading  jewellery  outlet aims to spread a  positive  message  of self-love to women using this  beautiful item. Whether it is bought as

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

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

Stirling Jeweller Wins Women’s Enterprise Scotland Award

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

Women’s Empowerment in Action, within the Jewellery Supply Chain

The Dragonfly Initiative is a sustainability consultancy that works across the depth of the jewellery supply chain to support the growth and sustainability of emergent jewellery businesses. The consultancy has recently been working with brands which champion female empowerment. Vivien Johnston of The Dragonfly Initiative is an expert in her field regarding jewellery ethics and sustainability as well as having a track record of first hand experience in end to end best practice in jewellery manufacture. A recent client of the consultancy was a female led jewellery brand, Myne London, which had a mandate to source emeralds mined and polished

Brilliant Effects: A Cultural History of Gem Stones and Jewellery (Published for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art)

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.

Jewellery house Alessa announces annual charity campaign to support families, women and children

Alessa Jewelry was born out of a fairy tale romance between Yuvraj Pahuja and Alessandra Robles, after meeting at the Gemological Institute of America. Inspired by Alessandra’s Guatemalan ancestry and Yuvraj’s family experience within the jewellery industry, the brand boasts striking, vibrant and edgy designs for the modern woman, whilst nodding to both Latin-American and Indian heritage. Six years ago, Alessandra; born and raised in Guatemala launched ‘Give Wings,’ a year-long charity initiative on a mission to give back to the community. As part of this, the brand teams up with Not-For-Profits that not only provide housing, health and educational

Signet rings all the rage again

The recent hike in signet ring sales, among both men and women, represents a tiny sliver of heraldry history, with trends and customs in 'pinky' rings and regalia dating back almost 3,500 years.  Today, it is no longer necessary have a family coat of arms and a small fortune to wear a signet ring. Most high street jewellers can engrave initials on a ring for as little as £100 but the desire to embellish one's appearance with an item that indicates heritage and pedigree or power remains as strong as it was in around 1300 BC when the Greeks and

News Edit: 26 February 2022

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

Head of David Fowkes Jewellery Climbs New Heights

Dr Rona Mackenzie, Chief Operating Officer of jewellery designer, David Fowkes, is to embark upon the challenge of a lifetime in order to support UK innovators in business. Rona has pledged to climb the highest points in each of the seven continents of the world, starting with Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, last month. All funds raised by Rona will support a new charity, D3, launched to help support businessmen and women in getting creative, innovative and dynamic projects off the ground. David Fowkes is generously supporting D3 through the creation of a unique, handmade piece of jewellery

UFOs take off at Tory Party Conference

Members of the Conservative Party are it seems great fans of UFOs – however not those that flash in the night sky and come complete with little green men! The UFOs which went down a storm in Birmingham earlier this month were in fact ‘Unique Finger Ornaments’ created by Stephanie Holt, winner of the 2016 Weston Beamor prize at the City’s Jewellery School. Holt, who is now Artist in Residence at the Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, was invited, alongside a group of other local and diverse craftsmen and women, to exhibit at the Conference which took place at

News Edit: 16 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Edinburgh's Flourish Jewellery Project to host exhibition at Leith's Custom House from January 22 to 25 Edinburgh News: A community project which helps women recovering from trauma learn the skill of jewellery making is hosting a new exhibition later this month. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com Lacloche: L’École School of Jewelry Arts Showcases a Forgotten Master of Jewels in Latest Exhibition Prestigue Online: L’École School of Jewelry Arts shines a spotlight on Lacloche, once one of Paris’ most revered jewellers before its demise in the 1960s. www.prestigeonline.com A Talking-Point Necklace Should Be

News Edit: 6 June 2021

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

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

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

Harriet Kelsall Awarded HSBC 'Retail Businesswoman of the Year'

This week jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall was awarded HSBC 'Retail Businesswoman of the Year' at the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards 2016. Trailblazing and pioneering women from enterprise and business gathered at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for the grand final to celebrate each other’s achievements in what is one of the country’s biggest ever searches for successful women in business. Harriet founded her business – Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery - in 1998 and it is now recognised in the UK and across the world as a market leader in bespoke jewellery design, with over 20 national and

Joanne Haywood: A woman’s work is never done

21 Jewellery works made for 15 trailblazing women. This frieze of jewellery represents the women who have been important to mixed media jeweller Joanne Haywood from childhood to present day and were created over three year period. The project was prompted by an ACJ exhibition in 2014, where Haywood made a neckpiece in honour of Patti Smith, in response to the theme of ICONS. She accumulated a long list of trailblazing women and decided to make further works in honour of each of them and their work. The frieze of jewellery was exhibited for the first time during Made Canary

On the Line: Perspectives on Craft in Southeast Asia

On the Line: Perspectives on craft in Southeast Asia The Aram Gallery will host On the Line , a British Council exhibition exploring craft through the practices of women in Southeast Asia. The show’s opening coincides with London Craft Week (3-7 May 2017). On the Line seeks to question the sustainability of craft in Southeast Asia in the context of increasing globalisation. It offers a range of insights into the lives and cultures of women working in this sector today. Curated by Martina Margetts and designed by Mentsen, the exhibition features impressions and unique materials collected by Royal College of Art

ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020

Call for Applications: ILJM’s Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020 The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM) is now accepting applications for its Hephaistos Jewelry Program 2020. This unique accredited program on the History of Western Jewelry is offered through the ILJMuseum’s Education Center in collaboration with esteemed Greek and International academics, archaeologists and jewelry experts. The ILJM will challenge students to discover the fascinating world of Ancient Greece and the history of Western Jewelry through its most spectacular artifacts. For more information, inquiries, and applications, search for the Summer School site at www.jss.gr . Classes The history and archaeology of Ancient Greek

Residency: Glass Artist, Creative Collisions

We are looking for a highly skilled glass artist to become the sixth of six crafts people in residence at Time and Tide Museum as part of our Crafting History programme. Crafting History is a Heritage Lottery Fund, Young Roots programme. What is Crafting History? Young People from Creative Collisions Youth Arts network are working work with Norfolk Museums and Norfolk Arts & Library Services and to set up and manage six, twelve week, craft residencies at Time & Tide Museum. Young People have identified key craft skills that have contributed significantly to the heritage of Great Yarmouth and which

News Edit: 14 March 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Designer Behind Meghan Markle's Oprah Interview Necklace Feels Like "A Part of History" Town and Country: Here, jeweler Pippa Small opens up about what Meghan's endorsement means for her brand. www.townandcountrymag.com 18 Brands Supporting Good Causes This International Women's Day Bustle: International Women's Day is an important date in the calendar every year. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, and to empower and inspire all of us even further. www.bustle.com AMY MELLOR: International Women’s Day Love Andover: As part of International Women’s Day,

News Edit: 20 September 2020

Here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Works of art: the best of this season’s high jewellery pieces It can take hundreds, if not thousands, of hours to create a high jewellery piece. Jessica Diamond on this season’s sparkling labours of love. Photographs by Charles Negre. www.thetimes.co.uk From Gabrielle Chanel to Elsa Peretti, Meet the Women Who Changed the Jewelry World The world of jewelry was, for a long time, the domain of men. But throughout the twentieth century, exceptional women have taken control and revolutionized the codes of the most prestigious houses. Meet the

This Fine Jewellery could Save Someone's Life

Medical ID bracelets can make all the difference when it comes to a prompt diagnosis in a medical emergency, especially where communication is comprimised. Created to quickly identify a range of conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, dimentia and many more, they are arguably the most important piece of jewellery the wearer will ever own. Jewellerybox, a London-based online company who have been making waves. Over the last year, they launched an International Women's Day collection to benefit local women's shelters and partnered with app 'reGAIN' to encourage consumers to recycle.  Their latest offering of Medical ID bracelets comes at a

LOUPE

Call for Expression Of Interest - LOUPE Call for Expression Of Interest for an exciting and valuable opportunity for designer-makers and craftsmen and women looking for affordable workspace and retail opportunities in Hatton Garden - London’s world renowned, historic Jewellery Quarter. LOUPE is a new venture founded by Amanda Mansell, due to open mid 2019. It will offer affordable jewellery bench space, and a range of skills and business support activities uniquely delivered through a retail environment, providing selling opportunities for designer-makers and craftsmen and women who are the beating heart of Hatton Garden. The premises will undergo a major refit with

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

Morley & ACJ Jewellery Lecture Series: A Woman’s Work Is Never Done by Joanne Haywood

Morley & ACJ Jewellery Lecture Series: A Woman’s Work Is Never Done by Joanne Haywood Designed and created by  Joanne Haywood , ‘A Woman’s Work is Never Done’ is a series of twenty-one jewellery works made for fifteen trailblazing women. Come and hear about the materials and techniques used to make these mixed media jewels, as well as the pioneering women that inspired them. Joanne Haywood  is a leading art jeweller, writer and educator. She has worked and exhibited in the UK and internationally. She holds a BA(hons) in Jewellery Design from Central Saint Martins and is recognised for her individual voice

Need for flexible working may underpin gender pay gap

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

Wanted: Practising Contemporary Jeweller

Wanted: Practising Contemporary Jeweller Shelanu Jewellery Range 2017 Shelanu: Women’s Craft Collective, supported by Craftspace is seeking a contemporary jeweller to support the development of a new range which reflects the Collective, its diversity, place and ethos. Shelanu: Women’s Craft Collective is a developing craft social enterprise, supported by Craftspace, of migrant and refugee women producing high quality craft objects inspired by their adopted home, Birmingham and their experiences of migration.  The aim of the Collective is to assist other migrant and refugee women to become more aspirational through creative development, working towards their integration into local communities and for

Millennials embrace the signet ring

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

Atelier Romy: Online Only Fine Jewellery Atelier

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

Hawes & Curtis & The Prince's Trust Launch New Collection

Hawes & Curtis, the quintessentially British brand, has created an exclusive collection in collaboration with HRH The Prince of Wales's charity The Prince's Trust. Hawes & Curtis is a quintessentially British brand specialising in fine tailoring and accessories for men and women. Founded in 1913 by Ralph Hawes and George Frederick Curtis, Hawes & Curtis has since become the go-to brand for British classics whilst continuing to deliver the promise of exceptional quality, innovation and outstanding value. These values are now synonymous with the Hawes & Curtis name. The collection consists of limited edition shirts for men and women, as

SIERAAD to relocate from Amsterdam

Astrid Berens & Maarten Bodt have announced the change of title and location of the now internationally attended Dutch event SIERAAD which has previously has its home in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Due to post-pandemic conditions and increased costs the events 20 year history of being based in Amsterdam will end in 2023. As a result the event will be scaled back and relocated to the city of Buren, in the Betuwe region of Holland. Buren was selected because of its charm and rich history. As the organisers of the event say, “It offers a breathtaking setting that will be the perfect

Secret Images of Randox Health Grand National Trophy Revealed

For the first time in the Grand National’s history a new trophy will be designed every year during the sponsorship with the global diagnostics company Randox Health. The first of the five new trophies will be unveiled at the highly anticipated Weights Evening Reception on Tuesday 14th February. For first time in race’s history, the sponsor will create a unique trophy each year Miniature versions of the trophy will also be presented to the jockey, trainer and groom Over the next two weeks, a series of teaser images will be revealed, leading to up the grand unveil at the Weights

Studio Space Bench To Rent - Jewellery Quarter

Studio Space Bench 39 Warstone Lane  There is currently just myself and one other jeweler in the unit and we are looking for someone to join us. It's a beautiful location with views of the clock and golden square. Monthly rent £65 per month with a month's rent up front. Please contact Chloe on 07939926789 Or email Charlotte  info@charlottelowe.co.uk

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The  South House Silver Workshop Trust  has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue  &  Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship   Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

The Goldsmiths’ Centre collaborates with London Museum to Showcase Emerging Jewellery Designers

London Museum is showcasing UK handmade jewellery by emerging designer-makers in an exciting collaboration with the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This joint retail project, piloted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths' Company and Charity, will be available at London Museum Docklands, showcasing pieces that connect to the rich history of London, the River Thames, and stories of trade and migration told in the museum’s galleries. London Museum’s latest showcase features five jewellers and silversmiths whose designs blend history, technology, and culture with sustainable materials and modern techniques.  Xinyi Chen, Suzanne Seed, Cara Lowe, Jo Boateng, and Caitlin Murphy present

Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF - Advanced Jewellery Course

Advanced Jewellery Course Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF The advanced course  “Jewellery: History, Identification and Important Trends”  is unique in that it combines jewellery history lectures with workshops handling actual jewellery. You will learn about different periods of Western jewellery design from prehistoric to more recent times through image-based lectures. We consider historic, cultural, economic and societal contexts as well as developments in fashion and discoveries of gemstone deposits to better understand and appreciate each period and to help you differentiate various stylistic revivals movements. Important materials and techniques as well as makers will be covered and during the practical workshops

News Edit: 9 November 2019

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

November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine

Those born in November are lucky enough to have two beautiful birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Often mistaken for one another throughout history, these two sunny stones are the perfect way to warm up as the winter weather chills set in strong! Whilst both November birthstones are known for their calming energies and believed to bring good fortune to its wearer, these two gems each have their own unique set of qualities and characteristics that make them the perfect affordably priced gemstone for many a jewellery collections. Topaz Throughout much of history, topaz was the term once given to

Louis Poulsen Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Iconic Poul Henningsen Designs

Six decades ago, in 1958, lighting design pioneer Poul Henningsen redefined modern illumination with three revolutionary forms: the PH Artichoke, the PH 5, and the PH Snowball. This year, Louis Poulsen celebrates Henningsen’s contribution to design history with several special editions: the PH Artichoke in brass, and the PH 5 and PH 5 Mini in copper. Six decades ago, in 1958, lighting design pioneer Poul Henningsen redefined modern illumination with three revolutionary forms: the PH Artichoke, the PH 5, and the PH Snowball. This year, Louis Poulsen celebrates Henningsen’s contribution to design history with several special editions: the PH Artichoke

Strong performance earns Anna Blackburn place on Beaverbrooks board

A strong performance from retail chain Beaverbrooks has earned managing director Anna Blackburn a place on the board, marking only the second time in the company's 99 year history that a non family member has served as a board director. Blackburn has been with Beaverbrooks for 20 years, starting out as a shop assistant in Manchester,  and has served as chief executive since 2013, when she became the first non-family CEO in the company's history. Since then, the company has enjoyed sustained growth with turnover rising by around 20% and operating profits doubling, despite a challenging UK market. Anna Blackburn

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

Textile Commission and Residency

Textile Commission and Residency Walford Mill Crafts ‘Unravelling Threads of Narrative’, Unlocking the Bankes Archive Project This residency’s aim is for a craftsperson to work with the team at Dorset History Centre, staff at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne and the team at Walford Mill Crafts to develop work in response to the Bankes Archive. 'Unlocking the Bankes Archive' the Unravelling Threads of Narrative Project' is a Textile Commission residency working from the Bankes Archive at the Dorset History Centre, Dorchester. For More Information For full details about the project please see our website at www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk or email christine@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk Details www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

Dr Tristram Hunt announced as new Director of the V&A

The V&A Trustees have today (13 January) appointed Dr Tristram Hunt as the new Director of the V&A.  Tristram has served as Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central since 2010, and was previously the Shadow Secretary of State and Shadow Minister for Education.  A historian, politician, writer and broadcaster, Tristram is an expert on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, with a particular focus on Victorian urban history. He is the author of several books, including The English Civil War: At First Hand, and most recently Ten Cities That Made An Empire. A regular history broadcaster on BBC and Channel 4, Tristram

3x Benches available to rent in modern, clean Hatton Garden workshop

x3 Benches available to rent in modern, clean Hatton Garden workshop x3 Benches available to rent individually or together. A clean, modern, well equiped workshop in central Hatton Garden. £350 per month, per bench. Please email expressions of interest via Benchpeg @ info@benchpeg.com

Shared Studio Space Available in Dalston, London

Shared Studio Space Available in Dalston, London £300 per month  I'm looking for a studio mates to share this lovely space I'm renting on Shacklewell Lane in Dalston. It's a great space with good natural light, windows that open (!!) and it's own sink. It's £300 per month which includes everything except electricity (which is between £10 - £40 each per month depending on the season, only high in Jan & Feb). The building complex is owned and run by a lovely, trustworthy family who are warm and present for their tenants. It has a reception where your post can

News Edit: 7 July 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Neons, leopard print and jewels: it’s pure maximalism for men at Dior The Telegraph: Say goodbye to quiet luxury – Kim Jones' new collection fuses Gen-Z futurism with storied classicism. www.telegraph.co.uk Jewellery worth £20,000 to be sold at Goldsmiths North in Sheffield next month Yorkshire Post: Jewellery worth up to £20,000 will be on display and up for sale at a specialist three-day selling fair in Yorkshire next month. www.yorkshirepost.co.uk How to wear holiday jewellery this summer SCMP: Have fun in the sun with Jacquie Aiche’s lapis lazuli

INKubator Programme 2020

Call for Applications: INKubator Programme February - October 2020 Glasgow, Scotland A nine month part-time programme to inspire you, transform your creative practice and kick-start your business. Maker led and maker designed with creativity at it's core.  A nine month part-time programme to inspire you, transform your creative practice and kick-start your business. Maker led and maker designed with creativity at it's core. The INKubator is Scotland’s unique Jewellery Business Programme, with the aim of developing emerging talent by providing a supportive and educational environment. A carefully interwoven set of activities, opportunities and a hive of support to generate maximum impact.

Craft Town given funding boost

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

Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support

Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November. businesses and people across the UK given certainty over winter months with further support announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak the furlough scheme will now be extended until the end of March – protecting millions of jobs across all nations the next self-employed income support grant will also increase from 55% to 80% of average profits - up to £7,500 Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension

Leading ethical jewellery brand, Lebrusan Studio, unveils new website as part of significant rebrand

Following a change in brand name from  Arabel Lebrusan , this month Lebrusan Studio ties up its major brand revamp with the reveal of its  slick new website  and fresh-look monochrome logo. Following a change in brand name from Arabel Lebrusan , this month Lebrusan Studio ties up its major brand revamp with the reveal of its slick new website and fresh-look monochrome logo. Reflecting the brand’s expanding size and after a successful period for sales and exposure, an update and refresh allow for the designer and brand to grow respectively, without diluting either. “We were growing, and as we

Vanilla Ink: Business INKubator Programme

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

Appointment: Geena Tok leaves Nike to head up Pandora China business

Pandora has recruited Geena Tok from Nike to head its business in China, where the Danish company has been challenged by a rise in sales on the grey market. Pandora has 200 stores and employs more than 1,400 people in China but has said it needs to counter China's grey market, where increasing numbers of jewellery pieces are imported from other markets and sold online. Last month Pandora, the world's largest jewellery maker by production volume, said it would lower retail prices in the country by an average of 15 percent. Chinese resident Tok joins Pandora next month, having spent

Garnet for Those January Birth Babies

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

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

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

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

In Pursuit of Luxury Podcast

In Pursuit of Luxury has just launched its podcast  In conversation with Bijou Abiola. In the podcast Shaun Borstrock interviews Bijou Abiola in a series on visionary women in luxury. Bijou and Shaun discuss what is happening today in luxury retail and the important role digital plays.  She says she envisions a day when she won’t be the only woman or the only black woman in the room. www . inpursuitofluxury . com Author:  Published: 

News Edit: 19 January 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Louis Vuitton just bought the world's second-biggest diamond CNN: Louis Vuitton has just bought the world's second-largest diamond, another sign of the French brand's ambitions in the luxury jewelry market. cnn.com The Second-Biggest Diamond in History Has a New Owner NY Times: Louis Vuitton has won all 1,758 carats of the Sewelo diamond. nytimes.com Second-Biggest Diamond Ever Will Become Louis Vuitton Jewelry Bloomberg: The second-biggest diamond in history will be cut, polished and turned into a collection of Louis Vuitton jewelry. bloomberg.com Louis Vuitton Buys Second-Biggest Rough Diamond Ever, Eyes

Workbenches to rent in South East London in a partially equipped workshop

Workbenches To Rent In South East London in a Partially Equipped Workshop  Large bright workshop, shared with a maximum of 3 people Access to a rolling mill, ring stretcher, polishing wheel, barrel polisher and soldering station Your own bench where you can keep your tools / some space for other storage also £200 per month including all bills / £100 deposit required No contract, I only ask for one month's notice upon leaving and vice versa Located a few minutes walk from West Norwood station, in a beautiful locked courtyard with some other artists' studios. Plants welcome! Contact Tilly for a viewing: tilly@tillysudsbury.com 07572532264

News Edit: 23 June 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... Hollywood’s new favourite jewellery brand is surprisingly affordable Mail Plus: For decades, buying jewellery was a choice between a cheap high-street piece that'll stay together for six months, or a top-end designer piece with a tear-inducing price tag. www.mailplus.co.uk Etchcraft Emporium expands jewellery offering with 50-piece bracelet line Fashion Network: Customised engraving business Etchcraft Emporium has expanded its jewellery offering and launched a 50-piece collection of bracelets for men and women. The jewellery line has gone live on the business’ direct to customer e-commerce store and in its brick-and-mortar

Myne London partners with LA jeweller Octavia Elizabeth to provide ethical and traceable emeralds

London based emerald supplier and bespoke fine jeweller, Myne London, has announced a partnership with LA-based business, Octavia Elizabeth, to supply the brand with ethical, sustainable and traceable emeralds. Myne London offers a traceable route to market for emeralds from Swat Valley, Pakistan, whilst providing opportunities for women local to the region within the gemstone trade. The business focuses on promoting women’s empowerment through access to education, training and skilled employment supported by the region’s high-quality emerald melee, as 2 well as the creation of Swat Valley emerald bespoke jewellery and collaborations with international jewellery brands and designers. Myne London

Myne London to host inaugural charity ball in March 2022

The London-based supplier of ethical emeralds will welcome special guests and VIPs to The Hurlingham Club in London on Saturday, March 19, to raise funds for the Myne London Foundation.  London based ethical emerald supplier, Myne London, has announced further details about its inaugural Myne London Foundation Charity Ball that will raise funds to empower lapidary communities in the Northern regions of Pakistan. The Myne London Foundation was created in September 2021 to support women in Pakistan by giving their daughters the funds they need for school fees, uniforms and transportation. These crucial measures of support can mean the difference

News Edit: 13 August 2023

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news...   Irish Jewellery brand designs KPMG Women’s Irish Open Trophy Irish Golfer: KPMG, a long-time supporter of female entrepreneurs and women in sport, has today announced an exciting collaboration with Ireland’s most loved fine jewellery brand Chupi. irishgolfer.ie Jewellery to invest in for timeless style and sophistication Woman and Home: Jewellery worth investing in, that you can love now and forever. www.womanandhome.com A pioneering 18th-century Sephardic silversmith’s Torah decorations to be displayed in US museums for first time JTA: In 1725, Abraham de Oliveyra was officially registered as a

News Edit: 12 March 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Celebrate the women in your life this International Women’s Day with jewellery designed with sustainability and social impact in mind Big Issue: Quazi Design is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, which sources ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs. www.bigissue.com Jewels linked to Winston Churchill and Princess Diana to be sold for £125,000 Daily Express: A golden necklace that has links to the Duke of Wellington, Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales is to be made available for sale

Goldsmith / Jeweller (Flexible Working) - Full Time, Vashi, London

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/phPsnH6zZxg] The role Goldsmith / Jeweller (Flexible Working) Vashi London When our customers co-create a piece of jewellery, it’s our craftsmen and women who bring their ideas to life.  Our customers have unrivalled access to their jewellery at every stage of creation, giving them the opportunity to play a key role in the design, casting, setting and polishing, and even letting them get hands-on, adding the finishing touches to their design while guided by you. This is your chance to partner with the customer throughout the process from casting grain to the finished article. All the while

Machine Engraver, Thomas Lyte - Hainault, London

Machine Engraver Thomas Lyte Hainault, London Background and Company Thomas Lyte is a Royal Warrant holder as silversmiths and goldsmiths to The Late Queen Elizabeth II. A contemporary luxury brand disrupting a traditional industry, we have quickly established a reputation as world-class designers and makers of exquisite bespoke silverware. We are responsible for designing, making and restoring some of sports most iconic trophies including the Emirates FA Cup, the Rugby World Cup, the ATP Finals Trophies, FIFAe World Cup, and the ICC's Men's and Women's Cricket World Cups. At Thomas Lyte, we combine the latest technologies with centuries of knowledge

The Goldsmiths’ Company appoints Jos Skeates to its Court of Assistants

The Goldsmiths’ Company has appointed Jos Skeates, founder and Managing Director of the award-winning jewellers E.C.One, to its Court of Assistants The Court of Assistants is equivalent to a non-executive board and has overall responsibility for the Company’s affairs. Assistants are elected from within the Company’s membership following a recruitment process focused on key skills and requirements. There are 26 Assistants on the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Court of Assistants, of which 27% are women and 73% men. On Friday 8 March 2024, The Goldsmiths’ Company announced the appointment of a new member of its Court of Assistants – Jos Skeates – who

News Edit:18 April 2021

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

Simply brilliant, Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s

Simply Brilliant Artist-Jewellers of the 1960s and 1970s In Cooperation with the Cincinnati Art Museum 27 March through 27 June 2021 Simply put, jewellery of the 1960s and '70s was revolutionary. If the 1950s were demure and controlled, the 1960s became an era of youthful rebellion and radical cultural change -and a new style of jewellery was part of that zeitgeist. Rock 'n' roll, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassinations, the civil rights and women's movements, the widespread use of hallucinogenic drugs, and the concept of free love are all associated with these tumultuous decades. From space-age plastic hoop earrings to the hippie's

Handmade Interact | The Interactive Virtual Craft Fair

Handmade Interact | The Interactive Virtual Craft Fair 23-28 March 2021 We are now accepting applications to exhibit at the second edition of Handmade Interact | The Interactive Virtual Craft Fair. Be a part of a carefully curated event of diverse UK-based contemporary makers. The Interactive Virtual Craft Fair will provide fresh, on-demand content, where visitors will experience the fair through a series of interactive “Live Sessions”, “Workshops”, “Demonstrations” and more with our exhibitors. See what we got up to during our first edition in November 2020 here. Whilst open to all, this new edition will focus on Women in

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

Diana Porter (1943– 2021)

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

What can Jewellery Businesses Learn from the Celestial Trend?

A recent report by WGSN, the leading experts in fashion forecasting, reveals that astrology themed fashion is going nowhere this year. Americans spent $2.2m on mystical services in 2018, according to research firm IBISWorld, while a Pew Research Centre survey of American adults released last year found that 37% of women and 20% of men said they believed in astrology. According to the report, the rise in New Age spirituality has emerged as a result of anxiety. Political, societal, economic and environmental concerns leave us searching for meaning and control in our lives.  Let’s face it though, the skies will

Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen Show 2019

Hampshire and Berkshire Guild of Craftsmen Show 2019 9th & 10th November 2019 Stockbridge Town Hall, Hampshire The H&B Guild return to this spacious and interesting venue along the vibrant Stockbridge High Street. They will be joined by guest artists Jules Hogen (Designer Knitwear), Kathryn Greene (Textile Designer) and Reuben Goadby (Hand-carved Spoons in a range of unusual wood). Come along and meet the makers to gain insight into their skills and specialised techniques… The Guild is a group of craftsmen and women who have a common interest in maintaining the design and manufacturing skills required to produce the highest

News Edit: 8th November 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The powerful women behind Cartier’s most iconic symbol Harpers Bazaar: A new interactive exhibition at Harrods celebrates the glittering heritage of Cartier’s most famous emblem, and the pioneering woman who inspired it. harpersbazaar.com An ode to nature Bankock Post: Chopard translates its love for flora and fauna into a new range of high-jewellery creations for this year's Red Carpet collection. bangkokpost.com All the coolest Australian jewellery designers are now in one place Fashion Journal: I don’t know about you, but I find that buying jewellery online can be

News Edit: 7th February 2021

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

‘9 March Project

Call for Applications: ‘9 March Project Open Call For Contemporary Jewelry Exploring Issues Of Gender And Feminism Contemporary jewelry exploring the subject of gender and feminism: research and exhibition. March 8 – for some it’s a day to fight for women’s rights, against gender stereotypes and inequality. But for majority people in Russia it is a day filled with stereotypical courtesies: flowers, chocolates and  “Let’s give mom a rest today”. March 9 for both is a sobering return to everyday reality, where women are perceived as serving staff, are paid 30% less than men on a similar post and are

ERA5050 wins an award

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

News Edit: 25 May 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Jewelry on Game of Thrones Offers Clues to the Season 8 Finale Town and Country: T&C’s experts weigh in on the women of Westeros and their not-so-subtle accessories. townandcountrymag.com The Best 'Game of Thrones' Jewellery To Make You Look Like The True Queen Of The 7 Kingdoms Bustle: Winter is here and the end is nigh. Season 8 of Game of Thrones has really split fans so far but very soon it will all be... bustle.com Coining it in: the rise of numismatic jewellery FT: Real money may have

Oxford Pioneers

Oxford Pioneers 10 November – 3 January 2019 Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Oxford Gallery by Joan Crossley-Holland MBE and Valerie Stewart. Oxford Pioneers: a new collaboration between Oxford Ceramics Gallery and Amanda Game that brings together works by 27 exceptional UK artists (principally in the field of ceramics) as a way of marking the pioneering work of Oxford Gallery (1968-2001). Oxford Gallery (1968-2001) is a story of pioneering women, and the intertwined worlds of  artists and craftsmanship. It is also a story inextricably linked with the art of ceramics which catalysed its foundation; formed a

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

Gaelle Khouri’s ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’ collection launches in time for Halloween

'The Garden of Earthly Delights' is the debut collection from Lebonon-born designer, Gaelle Khouris. Impeccably timed to launch prior to Halloween, the collection encapsulates the feeling of the season with skeletal insects and scaled creatures.  With a career in ecomics in her cross-hares, Khouris moved from Lebanon to New York. After realising her true calling in design; she refocused her sights on the study of Fine Jewellery. Fascinated by philosophy and the intangible realm of the mind, Gaelle commit her thoughts to designs. She creates intriguing pieces for sophisticated women to give them a distinctive edge. Collections launch in two

Ariane Chaumeil creates Spring Summer Collection based on Greek Mythology

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

Loveness Lee expands brand after showing at Paris Fashion Week

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

News Edit: 30 September 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Jewellery Brand Casting Three-Dimensional Scans in Silver All Blues is launching a revolutionary three-dimensional scanning service that allows for almost anything to be turned into a piece of jewellery. www.anothermag.com Dior's Victoire de Castellane on why, after 20 years, she's still ripping up the high jewellery rulebook Seismic changes rarely occur in the jewellery world. Material values are so high and the risks so great that houses are crippled by conservatism, averse to trying anything different... www.telegraph.co.uk Bulgari celebrates women with jewellery exhibition in Moscow Russia’s Moscow Kremlin Museums

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

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

The Modern Pearl Collection by Margot McKinney

Internationally acclaimed jewellery designer  Margot McKinney  is redefining the way women wear pearls with a new collection created from the unusual beauty of Australian South Sea pearls. Based in Australia, Margot  McKinney hails from a long family tradition of luxury retail  dating back to 1884.   Transcending mere adornment,  her  jewelry  designs  are statement pieces of pristine craftsmanship that lend any ensemble a touch of the sublime. For Margot, it often begins with the stone, sourced with extreme care from rare finds. Out of its intrinsic qualities, she fashions the ideal setting for the gem to shine at its most

'Pussy pendant' makes waves for young designer Lukas Grewenig

Tip for all young designers. If you want massive mainstream media attention, design a piece that resembles a part of the women's anatomy and get a high profile jeweller to promote it on Facebook and Twitter. Lukas Grewenig, a London based designer who studied at the Royal College of Art came up with his pendant design as part of the Gilded Youth Project run for talented youths by high end jeweller Theo Fennel and Central St Martins. It is made of silver and gold with a purple gem set in the middle, and is designed to portray the way a

Beyoncé Donates Papillon Ring to V&A

The V&A have announced that they have received the gift of a ‘G’ Papillon ring, generously donated by Beyoncé Knowles. The Papillon ring will be on display in the William and Judith Bollinger Jewellery Gallery from 11 May 11th 2018, alongside jewels associated with some of history’s most notable women including Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great and the Empress Josephine. Jewellery Curator Richard Edgecrumbe said: “Beyoncé is a figure whose personal style the V&A is proud to represent, and a gift from whose personal collection we are honoured to receive. The papillon ring she has gifted is an exquisite example

Clogau Collaborate With World Renowned Designer David Emanuel

Clogau have commissioned an exclusive jewellery collection, by Welsh fashion designer, David Emanuel. To celebrate their Welsh culture, British heritage, and royal connections, Clogau are thrilled to announce a new partnership with iconic fashion designer and royal couturier, David Emanuel. This exciting new collaboration celebrates love and glamour, capturing the romance and luxurious extravagance of our royal heritage and all its connotations. Internationally renowned David has been designing clothes for members of British and European royal families, and for some of the World’s most beautiful women for over thirty years. Best known for having designed the wedding dress worn by

GIA Develops Free Gem Guide for Artisanal Miners

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), working with nonprofit international development organization Pact, have recently launched a pilot study to test a new rough gem guide. The guide was developed specifically to offer basic gemological and market knowledge for artisanal miners in gem-producing regions. The illustrated booklet, available in English and Tanzanian Swahili, was distributed to approximately 45 women miners in the  Tanga  region of Tanzania. “This project is at the very core of GIA’s mission,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “We are moving practical gemstone education as far up the supply chain as possible, to people who

'Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia’ Collection To Be Unveiled At Baselworld

Following from the success of her first collection titled, 'Inner Brilliance' Reena Ahluwalia is set to unveil her new line 'Coronet By Reena Ahluwalia' at Baselworld. The jewellery collection marks the second step in the designers' partnership. At The Hong Kong September 2016 show, Aaron Shum and Reena revealed a hyperrealistic diamond painting of the Coronet diamond setting which was a custom commission at the time. With great anticipation for this new collaboration, "Coronet" encompasses a beautiful range of diamond jewellery creations; both meaningful and affordable. Reena designed these pieces by keeping in mind the self-purchasers and women who want

Auverture adds Gaelle Khouri to Luxury Offering

A carefully curated selection of Khouri's iconic pieces from her Soft Deconstruction and Garden of Earthly Delights collections is available at auverture.com  amongst the likes of Fernardo Jorge, Venyx, Lydia Courteille, Delfina Delettrez, Pamela Love, Noor Fares and Bibi van der Velden. Gaelle Khouri creates her beautifully elaborate jewellery to lend the women who wear it a feeling of strength, so they can “better express who they are, silently and effortlessly,” says the jeweller. This Lebanese designer’s creations stand out for their rare, unique beauty. Her first collection, “The Garden of Earthly Delights,” is inspired by what Khouri calls “the

Dharma: The New Collection to Courageously Live your Calling

Are you ready to set your soul free? Luxury ethical jewellery brand Ananda Soul, originating from Bali, has launched its newest collection : Dharma. The new collection invites you to take the plunge, tune into your soul and courageously live your calling. The inspiration for this collection comes from a deep seated desire by founder and designer Christina Zipperlen to help women realise that they are so much more than their bodies and appearances. Designed to celebrate the beauty that each and every one of us possesses in this exact moment, Ananda is the realisation that nothing outside of us can

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

First King Charles III submitted for testing at the Trial of the Pyx

Landmark year as the first King Charles III coins and the largest coin in The Royal Mint’s history are submitted for testing at the Trial of the Pyx The Royal Mint has today submitted nearly 10,000 coins for testing at the UK’s oldest judicial ceremony, the Trial of the Pyx, held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London. The 700-year-old ceremony aims to protects consumers by upholding the quality of the nation’s coinage through rigorous testing – as important today as it was at the first recorded public trial in 1248. The process ensures that the coins produced by

AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019

For the fourth consecutive year, Athens Jewelry Week will open its doors at the end of May, with a renewed program, new collaborations and more energy than ever writes Ilaria Ruggiero. As often happens around jewelry festivals, institutional moments will complement an off program that will allow the rediscovery of the city for residents and not only. A new way of looking at the art and history of this ancient civilization, through the filter of the jewel that allows to open up to new meanings, experiences and stimulate the growth of a lively sector in Greece. The objective of this dynamic Athens

First ever online Goldsmiths' Fair opened by Prince Charles

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/GGvGiWC4RJE] Goldsmiths' Fair opened this year, for the first time in its 38 year history, as an online only event, due to to the global pandemic. In an act of support of the jewellery and silversmithign craft and industry Prince Charles made a personal address to open the event on 23rd September. The Goldsmiths' Company took the decision in Spring 2020 not to cancel their support for the industry to which they are wedded, but to pivot the event so that it continue to go ahead, providing an essential route to market for the small independent businesses [youtube

Christian Dior Exhibition opens at V&A, Supported by Swarovski

Today marks the official opening of the exhibition ‘Dior: Designer of Dreams’, at the V&A. The exhibition, focusing on not only the founder, but his successive Artistic Directors and the design House as a whole, will be the largest and most comprehensive ever staged in the UK on the spectacular House of Dior. The exhibition is sponsored by Swarovski, who have a longstanding history of collaboration with Dior. In 1956, Swarovski worked with Monsieur Dior to create a unique crystal with rainbow-like effects called Aurora Borealis. Since then, the partnership has grown ever stronger, with each of Dior’s artistic directors

British Academy of Jewellery to Celebrate Young Talented Designers

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

Creative Fellow, The Workhouse

The Creative Fellowship scheme is an annual programme of residencies with The National Trust at The Workhouse, Southwell. The scheme is intended to support the production of new creative work, in collaboration with researchers, responding to this fascinating site and engaging audiences in its history through creative means. About The Workhouse From its foundation, the workhouse system cared for those in need. It was a homeless shelter, a children’s home, a care home, a hospital, a school and a job centre; the Welfare State in embryonic form. Today we see the inheritance of this system all around us. The Project

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh College of Art

Edinburgh College of Art  ( ECA ) is an art, design, creative and performing arts school in Edinburgh, the oldest and largest in Scotland, providing higher education in art and design, architecture, history of art and music disciplines for over two thousand  University of Edinburgh  students.  Undergraduate: Jewellery & Silversmithing – BA (Hons) www.eca.ed.ac.uk BA Jewellery & Silversmithing www.ed.ac.uk Postgraduate: Jewellery – MA www.ed.ac.uk

University of the Creative Arts - UCA Farnham

Our  Farnham  campus has a long history, going back more than 45 years as a respected  art  and design institution. We offer a variety of courses on this campus, ranging from glasswork and ceramics to film and animation. With over 2,000 students,  Farnham  is the biggest of our campuses Undergraduate: Glass, Ceramics, Jewellery, Metalwork – BA (Hons) www.uca.ac.uk Postgraduate: Jewellery – MA www.uca.ac.uk

Potton Community

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

The Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph Collection

Precisely 100 years after the start of the Russian Revolution, Fabergé unveils a chronograph of revolutionary significance in the horological cosmos and pays tribute to the unfinished Constellation Egg of 1917. The constellations of the universe allow us not only to look back into the history of the stars and galaxies, but also to measure accurately the time that has elapsed as our universe, and the story of humankind on Earth, continue to unfold. The synthesis of starry constellations and their relationship with the measurement of time sets the stage on which Fabergé is delighted to present the Fabergé Visionnaire

The Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph Collection

The stars, and the time they measure, have seen many stories start and end. Some stories end abruptly. Others echo down the eons. Start your chronograph. #StartYourStory. Precisely 100 years after the start of the Russian Revolution, Fabergé unveils a chronograph of revolutionary significance in the horological cosmos and pays tribute to the unfinished Constellation Egg of 1917. The constellations of the universe allow us not only to look back into the history of the stars and galaxies, but also to measure accurately the time that has elapsed as our universe, and the story of humankind on Earth, continue to

Specially commissioned Cartier brooches for Lady Courtauld at Eltham Palace come to auction

Two stunning Cartier brooches specially-commissioned and designed for Lady Courtauld (1883-1973) and presented to her by her husband, Sir Stephen Courtauld (1883-1967), a member of the famous Courtauld textile family and younger brother of the founder of the Courtauld Institute of Art, are to head to auction at Dreweatts next month.  The couple were known for their philanthropic endeavours and adventurous spirits, as well as their contributions to cultural and education causes, and their donations to organisations promoting racial equality. They met skiing in the Alps in 1919 and married in 1923, with Stephen describing Lady Courtauld as “the sun

Jewellers Bench To Rent In Goldsmiths Centre

Jewellers Bench To Rent In Goldsmiths Centre Jewellers workbench for rent in a very secure and highly sought after Goldsmiths' Centre workshop. Access available 7 days a week. Cost: £500 per month Location:  KATA Jewellery, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, 42 Britton Street, London, EC1M 5AD All applications to Anton Kata - studio@katajewellery.com 

Bench to Rent - Leather Lane, Hatton Garden

Bench To Rent - Leather Lane, Hatton Garden Bench for rent in a jewellery workshop available for a mounter or setter.   Gas and oxygen, polishing machine, steamer, a magnetic machine, laser welding machine (with extra costs), wax injector and the safe. This costs £320 per month + the deposit. 4B Leather Lane, Hatton Garden EC1N 7RA. Contact Alem at 07931687503 or 02072423815

Bench To Rent

Bench To Rent I have a bench space to rent. Situated in the centre of Hatton Garden this a classic workshop with the use of workshop tools, mills, polishing machine, gas, wi fi air conditioning. Suite mounter setter engraver carver etc. £300 inclusive per calendar month. Brian 0207 405 1471 brian@etj.co.uk

Rebus Bench To Rent

Rebus Bench To Rent Setters bench available to rent within a workshop below a retail space on Leather Lane EC1N. Would suit a setter, with space to set up a microscope Spacious, light, basement setting Use of a polishing shop Small friendly team Additional space available to see clients within a showroom setting Wifi Shared kitchen/wc Accessible Monday - Saturday £360 per month with 1 month’s deposit payable in advance. All enquiries to info@rebussignetrings.co.uk

Best Actress Olivia Colman wears silver ERA5050 badge

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

Artist in Residence Opportunity 2018, School of Jewellery

Call for Applications: Artist in Residence, School of Jewellery The School of Jewellery Artist in Residence (AiR) mentoring scheme is open for applications for 2018-19. The AiR mentoring scheme offers space and facilities in exchange for student support one day per week. You will be given access to bench space and the School's outstanding facilities for the duration of the residency, for which there is no charge. It is expected that you are able to commit to at least 2-3 days a week and agree to a common meeting day at least once a month. This is a fantastic opportunity

May You Say It With Emeralds

Vivid, vibrant and the vivacious colour of May, Emerald in all its zesty rich hue celebrates the arrival of not only Summer soul adventures but the arrival of all those May babies out there. May has forever been known as the month that sits in the deep heart of Spring whilst teasing us with snippets of the sunny blue skies and mischief of Summer days. As the gemstone of Venus and fertility, Emerald is a stone of inspiration and aspiration by encouraging its wearer to live ad act authentically from the heart. A catalyst for the abundance of human emotions,

Adi Toch Aquired by V&A

A di Toch had has had a piece entitled 'Colourful Volume' acquired last month by the V&A Museum, London, for their permanent collection. The piece is due to be exhibited this autumn in a new display of recent acquisitions in the Silver Galleries Discovery Area.  For more information aditoch.com vam.ac.uk Adi Toch, Colourful Volume Author:  Published: 

Digital Jewelry Week

Digital Jewelry Week 7 - 12 October 2024 www.digitaljewelryweek.com Digital Jewelry Week makes history with first-ever hybrid event setting a new standard for the global jewelry industry The immersive event will blend digital innovation with an exclusive in-person gathering in Milan’s iconic garden senato. Digital Jewelry Week (DJW), returning for its second year taking place from the 7th to the 13th of October, has today announced that the  event will expand into both digital and physical spaces, marking the jewellery industry’s first-ever hybrid event. On the 12 of October, DJW will host an exclusive one-day gathering in Milan’s prestigious Garden Senato.

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: 17 October 2021

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   New-season jewels – with all the trimmings FT: Adorn yourself in the patterns and palette of the Bauhaus Weavers. www.ft.com Explain the Crown Jewels’ colonial history to visitors, says Marina Wheeler The Telegraph: The former wife of the Prime Minister suggested exhibition notes on the diamond’s Punjab origins would be ‘a lot more interesting’. www.telegraph.co.uk Perthshire jeweller Laura’s journey from insecure to entrepreneur The Courier: When Laura Grace Caldwell got jewellery classes from her mum, little did she know it would eventually change her life. www.thecourier.co.uk The Essex

CAD / CAM Designer, G. Collins & Sons - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The role CAD/CAM Designer G. Collins & Sons Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent At G. Collins & Sons, we have a full-time opportunity to join our first-class team as an integral member of our workshop. With a history that spans back to 1985, we are a small, family-run jewellers tucked away in Tunbridge Wells, Kent with an ever-expanding team in search of a CAD/CAM Designer. The position will be based in Royal Tunbridge Wells in our innovative, traditional highly skilled workshop. The successful candidate must have strong design skills in Rhino or Matrix and have a good knowledge of jewellery fabrication,

News Edit: 11 April 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Prettiest Jewellery Trend Right Now Is Fuelled By ’90s & Noughties Nostalgia Vogue: Charm jewellery is having a moment; here, Vogue rounds up our favourite places to shop the sentimental trend. www.vogue.co.uk An exhibition exploring the history of Tiffany & Co is coming to London Harpers Bazaar: Featuring the famed 128-carat Tiffany diamond worn by Audrey Hepburn and Lady Gaga. www.harpersbazaar.com This Minimalist Jewelry Trend Is Coming For Yellow Gold The Zoe Report: It’s an elevated take on teenage nostalgia. www.thezoereport.com Nuneaton jeweller at the centre of

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,

News Edit: 26 May 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... Jeweller Shaun Leane has gone back to the source FT: The London maker has moved to a tiny cottage in Killarney. It’s unleashed a new creative force. www.ft.com The stories and secrets behind history's most fascinating jewels FT: A new podcast series offers an insightful perspective on treasures through time. www.ft.com Royal Mint launches solid-gold debit card Yahoo: The Royal Mint on Friday announced that it will begin production of a solid-gold debit card that will be offered to customers who sign up to its new Raris financial account.

Icons of British Fashion

Icons of British Fashion Blenheim Palace 23rd March to 30th June 2024 Who’s Who of British designers collaborate for  Icons of British Fashion  exhibition at Blenheim Palace  Blenheim Palace has collaborated with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers and brands to create  Icons of British Fashion , the largest exhibition in its 300-year history, open to the public from today (23rd March) to 30th June, sponsored by nearby British luxury retail destination; Bicester Village. From the moment visitors arrive and step onto the red carpet leading up to the Palace, they’ll experience a world-class fashion exhibition featuring designs and

News Edit: 8 September 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... An exhibition exploring the history of Cartier is coming to the V&A Museum Harpers Bazaar reports: It’s the first exhibition from the jewellery maison UK in nearly three decades. www.harpersbazaar.com Watches of Switzerland is on track for the full year thanks to UK market ‘stabilisation’ Retail Week reports: Watches of Switzerland has reported trading in line with expectations for the start of the financial year as the demand for luxury watches and jewellery in both the UK and US steadied. www.retail-week.com How York jeweller Hannah Weston produces work with

Matrixgold Tips & Tricks Part 2

Matrixgold Tips & Tricks Part 2 Join us on Tuesday 27 September at 10:00 for this 2 hour free webinar with MatrixGold CAD Tutor Jack Meyer. In the class we’ll discuss: NURBS problem solving strategy in MatrixGold The difference between Rhino History and MatrixGold Dynamic Commands, and how to get the most out of both Effectively managing and organising Dynamic Command trees The limitations of solid modelling We will be using the latest version of MatrixGold V3 and Rhino 7, Join us at 10am on Tuesday 27 September 2022 To enrol, visit the Eventbrite link at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/matrixgold-tips-tricks-lecture-part-2-tickets-421717106217

CAD / CAM Designer, G. Collins & Sons - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The role CAD / CAM Designer G. Collins & Sons Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent At G. Collins & Sons, we have a full-time opportunity to join our first-class team as an integral member of our workshop. With a history that spans back to 1985, we are a small, family-run jewellers tucked away in Tunbridge Wells, Kent with an ever-expanding team in search of a CAD/CAM Designer. The position will be based in Royal Tunbridge Wells in our innovative, traditional highly skilled workshop. The successful candidate must have strong design skills in Rhino or Matrix and have a good knowledge of

Goldsmiths & Mounters, G. Collins & Sons - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The role Goldsmiths & Mounters G. Collins & Sons Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent G. Collins & Sons are a family-owned business based in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Due to expansion, we have a unique opportunity for Skilled Goldsmiths and Mounters to join our on-site workshop team. With a history that spans back to 1985, we are a small, family-run jewellers that handcrafts all our jewellery on-site and looking to expand our team. Goldsmiths & Mounters are essential to our production workflow, and they must show meticulous attention to detail when carrying out their work. We are keen to hear from applicants who

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

A fond farewell to friend and colleague Tam Savill

T erry Hunt, Chair of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, remembers our friend and colleague Tam Savill. In 2010, in a lunch-hour at the School of Jewellery, I had a visit from Tam. This was the first time we’d met, and therefore my first experience of her “people-persuasion” skills. By the end of the lunch break I suddenly found myself, a lapsed founder-member of the Association, its new chair! And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. A rich and fulfilling time for the ACJ, with Tam achieving so many of her aspirational and bold projects – work that she

F.Hinds Celebrates New Store Refit

Family owned and run jeweller, F.Hinds, has recently refurbished their Dover branch. The store at 42 Biggin Street, Dover, originally opened in 1985, having surviving two World Wars and numerous financial crashes over its 166-year history. The new Dover store refit features modernisation to match the current F.Hinds branding, new wall decoration, carpet and a new seated area for serving customers. Alison Riddle, store manager at F.Hinds Dover said, “Having originally opened in 1985 we are now very established on Dover high-street which is wonderful. Even though times are hard, our store refit only shows that we are here it

Pantone Colour Of The Year 2022

Pantone the universal mark of international colour language, has announced the colour of the year for 2022, 'Very Peri'. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri A new pantone colour whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational colour program reflects the global innovation and

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

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

Cartier: The Story Behind the Style

Cartier: The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor Cartier: The Story Behind the Style is a beautifully illustrated, handbag-sized visual history of one of the world's most iconic brands. From the brand's inception in Paris in 1847, Cartier has been the go-to jeweller for the world's most stylish set. Filled with photographs and information from the company's 175 years, go behind the scenes to discover the story of how Cartier became synonymous with luxury. Chart the rise of the famous jeweller and watchmaker from humble beginnings in 19th-century Paris to the slick empire it is today. Discover how the

The Goldsmiths' Company appoints Annie Warburton as its new Clerk and CEO

Annie Warburton has been announced as the new Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Annie becomes the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its 700 year history, she has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public and charity sectors. She will join the Goldsmith’s Company in January 2024. This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina ( Annie ) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024.   With

Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style

Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style by Rachael Taylor Tiffany & Co.: The Story Behind the Style is a beautifully illustrated, handbag-sized visual history of one of the world's most iconic brands. Open the world's most famous little blue box to discover the story of Tiffany & Co. since its founding in 1837. Packed with photographs and information from the company's 185 years, get a glimpse of the legendary designs that have made Tiffany & Co. a household name. Starting in New York City in 1837, you will discover just how far plucky upstart Charles Lewis Tiffany went

Annie Warburton appointed as new Clerk and CEO at the Goldsmiths' Company

Annie Warburton has been announced as the newly appointed Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company. Annie becomes the first female Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company in its 700 year history, she has more than 20 years’ experience in creative industries organisations that span the private, public and charity sectors. She will join the Goldsmith’s Company in January 2024. This week the Goldsmiths’ Company announced that Anne-Christina ( Annie ) Warburton, CEO of Cockpit Arts and former Creative Director of The Crafts Council, has been appointed Clerk and CEO of The Goldsmiths’ Company, starting in January 2024.  

The Selvedge World Fair 2021

Call for Applications: The Selvedge World Fair The Selvedge World Fair, a celebration of cloth culture and creativity. What's special about this event?  Nurturing the designers and makers who inspire us is crucial to the Selvedge ethos – they are as much a part of our story as we are theirs, and with this event we are bringing the pages of the magazine alive. This event celebrates cloth.  Textiles form an important part of the cultural heritage of every human being on the planet. Whoever you are and wherever you are, there are textiles in your heritage. Textiles are inextricably linked to the history

News Edit: 21 July 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   How the Moon Landing Changed Jewelry History Town and Country: Jewelers have always looked to the heavens, but the Apollo 11 mission inspired a new era of designs. www.townandcountrymag.com Serena Williams Wears the Most Unusual Ear Jewelry in Harper’s Bazaar Feature In Store Magazine: A new Serena Williams feature in Harper’s Bazaar is sure to attract attention. But what might be most interesting to jewelers is the unique ear ornament she wore in one of the photos. We’re not even sure you can call this Gucci accessory an earring. instoremag.com

Jeweller Stephen Saliba tells Benchpeg what its like in Italy during Covid-19

Jeweller Stephen Saliba has been a resident in Bristol for over 40 years. In the last year he took the plunge and re-located to Italy. He tells Benchpeg what its been like to relocate and set up a business during a pandemic. With over ten years of teaching experience, Stephen decided to set up a workshop and school of jewellery ‘Art Lab Todi’ in the historic town of Todi in Umbria. The school and workshop are located on the ground floor of a palace, within a town full of architectural gems and history. The Jewellery School is set up with

AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019

AJW 2019: Athens Jewelry Week 2019 Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece 22 – 29 May 2019 For the fourth consecutive year, Athens Jewelry Week will open its doors at the end of May, with a renewed program, new collaborations and more energy than ever. As often happens around jewelry festivals, institutional moments will complement an off program that will allow the rediscovery of the city for residents and not only. A new way of looking at the art and history of this ancient civilization, through the filter of the jewel that allows to open up to new meanings, experiences and stimulate

Online event celebrating the Jewellery Quarter’s independent businesses

Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) organises one-day online event celebrating the Quarter’s independent businesses On Saturday June 13, viewers can enjoy an exciting day filled with online entertainment within the safety of their own four walls. JQ at Home is a celebration of the artistry, creativity and history of this unique Quarter of Birmingham - an area of the city which has been hit especially hard during the Coronavirus crisis. With a large proportion of businesses in the Jewellery Quarter being part of the hospitality, retail and arts sectors, many businesses were forced to cease trading from as early

Chaumet’s new ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’

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

Irish goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly’s work go under the Sotheby’s hammer

For the first time in history an Irish high jewellery maker will showcase his works at auction in the US.  October 22nd sees the inclusion of Mayo based jewellery designer and goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly in Sotheby’s Important Jewels live auction in New York.  In the face of a global pandemic creating uncertainty with many small businesses who depend on international trade for expansion, the inclusion of two of Nigel O’Reilly’s pieces in the renowned auction house’s October sale marks a progressive step forward towards ‘the new normal’ for private business in Ireland.  Hailing from and working in Mayo, Nigel has

A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths have announced the launch of the new Scottish Goldsmiths Trust website where you will find  information about who they are, projects, opportunities, events and history.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) was founded by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh in the year 2000. Its aims remain to support and promote the education, art an craft of Scotland’s gold and silversmithing heritage and trade.  The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has a dynamic programme of opportunities, exhibitions and awards. The SGT curates the Millennium Silver collection, Silver of the Stars and the historical archives of The

Celestial Inspired Jewellery

Jewellers turn to celestial bodies for design inspiration time and time again, with some of the biggest names in fine jewellery returning to star, sun and planet motifs for 2019. These forms are both familiar and yet magical to us, becoming part of the pantheon of jewellery history for many collectors and admirers writes Jodie Smith. Cartier Released during Paris haute couture week, Cartier introduced an entire galaxy of 14 limited edition pieces of jewellery in ‘Les Galaxies de Cartier.’ This is the first in the series of Cartier’s collections based on the mission statement: ‘Explore New, Create Amazing’, and

Objet d’Emotion x Ecru launch Jewellery Memory Game

Valery Demure, Founder of Objet d’Emotion, is proud to present the ‘Lady of the Rings” Memory Game, in collaboration with Nur Kaoukjhi, Creative Director of Ecru. With the challenges 2020 presents, we’ve learnt to adjust to a slower pace and enjoy simple pleasures. Spending time with her daughter Paloma reminded Valery of her own childhood, playing memory games with her grandmother Marie-Louise. Valery has travelled extensively, India being one of her favourite places, Jaipur connecting with her more intimately due to its jewellery history. As well as the beauty she admired, she also witnessed the obstacles the communities are facing

Vegas Edge 2019

Vegas Edge Alexis Park All-Suite Hotel and Conference Centrer, Las Vegas, USA 12 th  -13 th  August 2019  The 3 Vegas Edge Show Reports Record Breaking Sales for Upcoming Event Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 August 2019 are set to go down in history as the Vegas Edge Team have pre-sold a record breaking 80% of the floor space for their August event. The sister show to LondonEdge, an international event established for 20 years, Vegas Edge is the only commercial platform stateside dedicated to lifestyle, creative alternative apparel, footwear & accessories businesses. Exhibitors, buyers, influencers & press will gather

Contemporary British Silversmiths launch skill share films

The Contemporary British Silversmiths have launched a skills share initiative where members will be sharing some of the skills that have been passed onto them by other craftspeople throughout their career. The Contemporary British Silversmiths has a long history of community and skills sharing - peer to peer learning is one of the organisation’s founding principles. The first skill share is from Rauni Higson, and shows master silversmith Tony Bedford demonstrating how to solder a wire rim onto a flared vase. Tony agreed to answer any questions on the CBS Instagram page on the video post when it was launched [youtube CBS

Royal Mint Opportunity

Call for Applications: Royal Mint Folio Design Team Who we are We are the sole manufacturer of UK coinage and export to an average of 60 other countries. We are wholly owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury. The challenge To translate significant points in history and culture onto the smallest of canvases. The opportunity To be part of a select portfolio of freelance artists providing designs for coins and medals. How does it work? Our external artists are offered opportunities to enter paid competitions based on their suitability to the theme. We provide full support throughout the design process. How to

Benchpeg enjoys a lockdown chat with Maria Spanou

Continuing our lockdown need for conversation, we chat to long time friend and industry colleague Maria Spanou. Maria is a jewellery industry professional who is ex Central St Martins trained, has a history in finance, project management, jewellery communications, the jewellery retail space and is also a jewellery designer who works to commission. She is an excellent networker and all round good egg. We chat about lockdown, current work coping strategies and making plans for the future… [youtube url=http://youtu.be/x8xt-sRH_oY] Author:  Published: 

The Young Masters Art Prize 2019

Call for Applications: The Young Masters Art Prize 2019 The Young Masters Art Prize is a not-for-profit initiative of The Cynthia Corbett Gallery. Applications are being accepted now until 31 May 2019. Apply Now! This renowned, innovative and high-profile Prize recognises how contemporary artists embrace the art of the past. More recently, the Young Masters Maylis Grand Ceramics Prize was developed to celebrate excellence in contemporary ceramics. Young Masters also tours continuously throughout the year, offering a wider audience the opportunity to engage with the debates between contemporary art and art history. Application Deadline 31st May 2019 at midnight BST.

Luxury Institute: The 7 Rules For Reinventing Your Luxury Business Model Post Pandemic

Citizens of the world have endured months of living through the COVID-19 pandemic experience. When we are past the worst of the crisis, we will not be the same, but we know from history that there will be many major opportunities for economic prosperity. How can luxury business leaders take creative, effective steps right now to shift the growth curve to a higher plane, with a steeper growth trajectory? To help brands achieve their well-intentioned purpose and values, here are seven rules from the Luxury Institute for reinventing the luxury business model for post pandemic success. Rule 1: From Disruption

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

BCTF 2020

Call for Applicaitons: BCTF 2020 The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has revealed a major new development for the 2020 event, which will be opened to the public for one day before the full retail trade show gets underway. Show organiser, Margeret Bunn, announced the changes on the first day of BCTF 2019, which opened on Sunday April 7 at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. She commented: “In its 45-year history BCTF has been open solely to trade buyers, but next year we will open the doors for one day to the public, allowing consumers to buy directly from

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.

Museum of Arts And Design New York, Appoints Christian Larsen as Windgate Research Curator

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) today announced the appointment of Christian Larsen to the position of Windgate Research Curator, effective immediately.  In this position, funded by the Windgate Charitable Foundation, Larsen will lead an educational and curatorial partnership between the Museum of Arts and Design and Bard Graduate Center (BGC) to increase the visibility of craft and design in art history and the contemporary art world. He replaces Elissa Auther who was named Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator last September. 'With great enthusiasm, we welcome Christian to the curatorial team at

Introducing the latest Harry Winston collection ‘Winston Gates’

Signature design codes from luxury maisons are often reinterpreted time and time again, however, Harry Winston’s latest jewellery collection looks to a unique part of the brand’s history for inspiration writes Jodie Smith. What do you think of when you hear the name Harry Winston? Renowned for his acquisition of some of the world’s most famous diamonds such as the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy diamonds - as well as his philanthropic pursuits - Harry Winston is a name usually associated with enormous jewels, like the headline grabbing purple sapphire and diamond necklace which Jennifer Lopez sported on the Met Gala

Adorn – ‘Made in Essex’

Call for Applications: Adorn – ‘Made in Essex’  Colchester Castle, Essex July 2019 to February 2020 Colchester Museums is looking for jewellery makers with a connection to Essex to exhibit in ‘Adorn: People and Jewellery, the human story,’ the next major exhibition at Colchester Castle. ‘Adorn’ will showcase and celebrate the glitz and glamour of Colchester Museums’ collections. Focussing on personal adornment and especially jewellery, it will explore what the people of Essex have chosen to wear as personal adornment through history. The take-away concept is that although materials and styles have changed, people’s desire to express themselves through personal

Metal Signs - Drayton Parish Council

Metal Signs Commission - Drayton Parish Council Drayton Parish Council is seeking artists to work with us to design images that can be reproduced into distinctive metalwork features for the three main road entrances to the village (Steventon Road, Drayton Road and Abingdon Road). We are particularly interested in designs that celebrate Drayton as a village and in particular its wonderful history as a Walnut Orchard. We are keen to discuss design possibilities with our chosen artist and work closely with them to develop manufacturing/fabrication options. It is likely that artists will be asked to present their final design to the

Actinia by Raluca Buzura wins the Gold International Design Award

The Spanish porcelain brand obtains international recognition for its latest jewellery collection created by the renowned Romanian designer  As part of the International Design Awards 2020 (IDA), Lladró was the recipient of the Gold Award in the Jewelry category for its Actinia collection created by Romanian designer Raluca Buzura. Actinia is a series of seven dazzlingly beautiful pieces that submerge us in Raluca’s fascinating imagination and concentrate on the true essence of luxury while at once defending the magic of underwater life. Now in its 14th year, the International Design Awards 2020 have been the most successful in its history.

Fair-trade jewellers get together at London Fashion week to show that fashion can be fair

This coming Monday and Tuesday marks a pivotal moment in London Fashion week history: for the first time ever, four of the leading ethical jewellers will come together to prove that fair fashion, without comprimise, can be (and should be) achieved.  From an exclusive location in Old Bond Street, adjecent to the main-catwalk, the four renowned designers will showcase their collections to celebrities, industry experts and the public alike. This, coming after the BOF State of Fashion report prophecised that ''For fashion players, 2019 will be a year of awakening. The ones who will succeed will have to come to

Stephen Einhorn Launches Small Signet Jewellery Collection

Combining style, elegance and history, the signet ring is a unique piece of jewellery. Stephen Einhorn’s new unisex Small Signet Collection has all the design sensibilities of his original Signet Collection, it is simply smaller in size.  Stephen has always been particularly drawn to signet rings, combining as they do his two passions for classic design and functionality. After all, what could be better than something that is not only beautiful, but could enable the wearer to leave their mark on the world? “The inspiration behind my new collection all stemmed from my first signet ring. I wanted to create a

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust Digital Access Project 2021 Open Call – Proposals for digital events and activity Our remarkable buildings have been home to many creative residencies and educational projects over the years. This year, we are focusing our efforts on digital, audio-visual and online activities which celebrate the local history, heritage and architecture of our buildings. HHBT  is responsible for the protection and continued use of Hackney’s Oldest Building -  St. Augustine’s Tower , and perhaps our most notable building; the  Round Chapel  which HHBT owns and operates as a community and performance venue. Opportunity Round Chapel is the

SIERAAD Art Fair 2019

[youtube url=http://youtu.be/Snjqq3Hf7Os] SIERAAD Art Fair 2019 7 - 10 October 2019 Gashouder WesterGasterrein, Amsterdam The 18th edition of SIERAAD International Jewellery Art Fair will be held aa MARJAN UNGER TRIBUTE in cooperation with the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam.  Marjan Unger (1946-2018) was a well known Dutch art historian, writer, curator, teacher, design expert and a collector of jewellery but most of all a very dedicated promoter of jewellery design. A warm, kind and humorous lady who was always curious and ready to cross boundaries. She was a reseacher, studied art history and completed her doctoral dissertation, but she also did an

Vasundhara: An Interaction

I admit to be attracted by those experiments that mix traditions and contemporary life, if they are successful, like the new series of works called An Interaction and created by Vasundhara Mantri, an Indian designer with an international background writes Ilaria Ruggiero. In this case the experimentation is even more interesting, given the use of glass, an unusual material in Indian culture and history. The designer expresses creativity in experimentation as if it were a new awakening, which requires an approach made up of precision, confidence and control: "Art is forged in emotion. Wearable art must follow its own journey. As it

Sian Evans Second Aluminium collection, Pars Pro Toto, Crosses the Boundaries of Art, Design and Fashion

Sian Evans is an award-winning British Jewellery designer, living and working in London. Her new collection, Pars Pro Toto, was launched at Paris Fashion Week last year to wide acclaim.  Sian’s love of archaeology, fashion, nature and technology; the history of tools and materials have informed her collections since she started her creative practice. Sian Evans Jewellery was first established in 1986, developing into an international label during the 1990s.  Sian is a lapsed fossil collector, brought up on the Jurassic coast in Dorset where she studied Geology. She has created pieces which are reminiscent of microscopic fossils, diatoms and

Muriel Wilson 1933 – 2018

Muriel was a Founding Member of ACJ, and was for seven years our Honorary Secretary. She initiated our print magazine Findings and served as its Editor for 15 years, from 1998 to 2013. She was a keystone member of ACJ and keeper of its history. She retired from the Board meetings in 2014 (always identified as attending ex officio Editor of Findings) and thereafter served on our Panel of Advisors wirites Tamizan Savill from the Association for Contemporary Jewellery in Muriel Wilson's  obituary. Jane Adam wrote  “Muriel proved herself to be pivotal to the formation of ACJ, giving us a good

Hatton Garden gang ordered to pay back £27.5 million

The four criminals who pulled off one of the biggest jewellery heists in British history will have to pay back every penny of their ill-gotten gains, around £7 million each, or have their prison sentences increased. Almost three years after Brian Reader, 78, John ‘Kenny’ Collins, 77,  Terry Perkins, 69, and Daniel Jones, 63 drilled a hole into the wall of a Hatton Garden vault and took off with 73 boxes of stolen cash, gold and gems  a judge has ruled they must find a way of paying back £27.5 million in total. Hatton Garden ringleaders John "Kenny" Collins, Danny

Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies

The exhibition Robert Baines: Living Treasure and Fabulous Follies  is organized by Gallery Loupe for Contemporary Art Jewelry, Montclair, New Jersey, in collaboration with the Arkansas Arts Center and aims at celebrating the dazzling and witty work of the master goldsmith, craftsman and leading scholar in the field of archaeometallurgy. Everything in his creative research started when The Metropolitan Museum of Art encouraged him to make copies of pieces in their collection and testing them. This has developed his personal understandings that jewelry artifact crystallizes “human drama” and this knowledge base has empowered my trajectory into playing with jewelry history and

Jewellery: Wearable Glass

Jewellery: Wearable Glass - National Glass Centre in Sunderland National Glass Centre presents an exhibition of newly commissioned glass jewellery, made through exciting new collaborations between four glass artists and eight jewellers. Glass jewellery has a history going back to the Ancient Egyptians. In the 19th and early 20th the artist Rene Lalique used glass to make jewellery but more recently the use of glass in jewellery by artists has been limited.  Through the exhibition  Jewellery: Wearable Glass  National Glass Centre aims to re-introduce glass as a material to be used by leading jewellers based in Britain. National Glass Centre

Membership Secretary for Society of Jewellery Historians

Wanted: Membership Secretary for Society of Jewellery Historians (SJH) With the imminent retirement of the Membership Secretary after four years of valued service SJH are seeking expressions of interest for this role. The position of Membership Secretary involves keeping up-to-date records of the membership and dealing with subscriptions, both for new members and renewals. The Secretary is also responsible for providing a current list of members to the printers of Jewellery History Today three times a year, occasional emailings to the full membership list, and ad hoc sales of past copies of JHT and Jewellery Studies.  The Membership Secretary is

Spectacular £30 million diamond found at Letsing

One massive diamond, worth more than £30 million, has been recovered by British mining company Gem Diamonds at their Letsing Mine in Lesotho, South Africa. Yet to be given a name, the 910 carat colourless diamond is roughly the size of a cricket ball and is the largest ever found at Letsing. It is also the fifth largest to be extracted in history and its discovery sent shares in Gem Diamonds soaring following a difficult couple of years where the world famous mine has struggled for major finds and wrestled with a fall in prices. Some of the most significant

The Goldsmiths’ Company becomes a Founding Partner of The Museum of London

The Museum of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths (one of the major City Livery Companies) today announced that the Goldsmiths' Company is to become a Founding Partner of the new Museum of London, due to open in West Smithfield in 2022. The Goldsmiths' Company and its affiliated Charity have pledged £10 million to the Museum project.  This landmark donation goes towards the Museum’s plans to create a spectacular new home for the history of London and its people in the beautiful but disused market buildings at West Smithfield. This follows the news earlier this year that the City

TEFAF Maastricht 2018

TEFAF Maastricht 2018 Established in 1988, TEFAF is widely regarded as the world’s pre-eminent organization of fine art, antiques, and design. TEFAF runs three Fairs internationally - TEFAF Maastricht, which covers 7,000 years of art history; TEFAF New York Spring, focused on modern and contemporary art & design; and TEFAF New York Fall, covering fine and decorative art from antiquity to 1920. TEFAF champions the finest quality art from across the ages by creating a community of the world’s top art dealers and experts to inspire lovers and buyers of art everywhere. TEFAF Maastricht will present more than 280 of

Call for Applications: Liberty Open Call 2018

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

RELIC

RELIC This is Metalsmith Rebecca Gouldson’s first foray into curating with this exhibition entitled RELIC. The exhibition draws on Rebecca’s interpretation of the theme as “a collection of objects which capture my imagination, chosen for their appearance of being found, rather than recently made; aged rather than new. They appear to have a history, told through their form, their surface marks and sometimes in their arrangement or display.” Exhibiting makers include Rebecca Appleby, Karolina Baines,  Elaine Bolt, Jane Cairns, Anne-Laure Cano,  Amanda Denison, Rebecca Gouldson, Ruth Leslie, Claire Malet, Jo Pond, Paul Wearing, Rachel Wood and others to be announced

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

New Studio 'The Smiddy' to Launch with a Project that Celebrates Local Crafts People

Vanilla Ink’s is throwing open its doors for its first expansion in beautiful Banff. The brand new, recently renovated The Smiddy: Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing & Jewellery, will open to the public on September 22nd – and for their first project and exhibition, they want to hear from you! The Royal Borough of Banff is richly steeped in silversmithing heritage, with locally made silver fetching great interest and fantastic prices at auctions. Vanilla Ink mean to revive that history, firmly returning local craft to the global silversmithing map. This is where you come in; to help the revive tradition,

Made for the Table

Made for the Table  Made for the Table  presents contemporary silver from the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, together with the curated work of leading UK artisans in furniture design, glass, ceramics and textiles. This modern table setting is introduced by examples of extraordinary antique silver acquired over several hundred years by the Company. This reflects its long history of patronage and contextualises the outstanding work of makers practicing in Britain today. The exhibition demonstrates both a continuation of silversmithing techniques and innovation in the treatment of the material. The process of handforging allows cutlery to be created in precisely the same

The Four Rings of Forever

Blurred lines have become a common norm in today's society yet history has long shown us that the stages of a relationship are distinguished by four rings of commitment. Is it a casual summer fling, a committed entanglement, short or long term or even warrant an extra pair of house keys? Modern society keeps the boundaries loose and overlapped but the wedding ring has forever been the symbolic sign of love, affection and promise between two individuals. Yet for every stage of a relationship there is a band of meaning to embody it. The evolution of these four rings has

Call for Entries: They Call Me Nobody

Call for Entries: 'They Call Me Nobody' Air & Workshops Programme Athens + Performance At Hamburg 2018 // Munich 2019 Introduction “They call me Nobody” is the answer Odysseus gave to the one eyed, man-eating monster Cyclop before blinding him. Odysseus is the mythical king of Ithaca whose adventures Greek poet Homer described in his 8th century BC epos “The Odyssey”. The Odyssey can be read as an allegory for man’s unbentable struggle to oppose fate. The epos is a milestone in the spiritual history of Greek civilization, as it comprises ethical principles ruling life and death and outlines the

Graduate Show University of Brighton 2017

MDes and BA Hons 3D Design and Craft Graduate Show University of Brighton The University of Brighton’s annual Graduate Show is when their talented graduating students in the arts, design, architecture and media stage their final-year shows. Our courses cover a range of disciplines and on show will be work from the following subject areas: architecture and interior architecture, fashion and textiles, film, fine art, photography, graphics and and illustration, design, craft, media, history of art and design. Meet the Makers on Sunday 4th June Graduating students from the 3D Design & Craft course will be presenting the processes used to

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

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

Anburis to Represent TFL & Craft Central at Clerkenwell Design Week

Mine Bilgutay-Ozkurt, founder of jewellery brand Anburis has been selected as one of thirteen designers to showcase a specially designed brooch during Clerkenwell Design Week.  Commissioned by Transport for London (TfL) and Craft Central in collaboration with Joanna Sterling the creator of TubeFlash and The Casket of Fictional Delights; the competition required designers to design and produce a brooch inspired by the London Underground, in order to to celebrate TfL's unique history and heritage of design. Created using the latest CAD technology, Anburis’ selected brooch designs feature commonly used phrases on the Underground such as ‘Mind the gap’, ‘Underground’ and

The Contemporary Craft Festival 2017

The Contemporary Craft Festival came about when three Bovey Tracey craft businesses joined forces and formed a non-profit making company with the aim to bring a large craft Fair to Bovey Tracey. The aim of the Fair was to showcase the very best in British craft and the create a new, sustainable and strong market place for contemporary craft but also to bring greater prosperity to the town of Bovey Tracey. The town has a long history of making and at one point up to 15 commercial potteries were running in the area. Dates 9 - 11 June 2017 Venue

Winners of the Make Your Mark Awards Announced

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

Gyan Jewels Unveil The Lattice Collection

Inspired and informed by the ambience and ever-flowing emotions of the famous Gyan museum, the latest collection by Gyan Jewels reworks a historic architectural motif to create its latest collection of fine jewellery.  The new Lattice Collection is inspired by one of the Gyan Museum’s rare finds, a stone window which is a slice from the past that celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of Rajasthan and in particular the pink city of Jaipur. The collection reflects the perforated ornamental patterns (jalis) of this ancient window and reinterprets the silhouette with a contemporary twist. The new creations are set in

Spring Fair 2017, NEC Birmingham

Spring Fair is the UK’s No.1 trade show for gift and home, welcoming more than 60,000 visitors through the doors of Birmingham NEC, over the course of 5 days. Connecting people and products for 40 years, Spring Fair attracts a purchase power of £2.4 billion, making it a must-do for over 2,500 exhibitors with must-have items and a must-see for buyers across independents, multiples, e-Commerce and more. Officially opened by the Queen at the NEC in 1976, Spring Fair has a history of high standards. Dates : 5 - 9 February 2017 Open: Sun 5 February  - 9:00 - 18:00

About Benchpeg

A little bit about our history... 18 years ago, the UK jewellery industry was lacking accessible information. Organisations in the trade were keeping themselves to themselves, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest developments.    In 2006 we founded Benchpeg, and launched the first digital newsletter for the jewellery industry and allied trades aimed at promoting information from across the trade and bridging the gap of information out there and accessibility to it. In 2024 we published our 800th issue of the Benchpeg newsletter. Today we support the jeweller by assisting with recruitment needs, sharing the

Masterpiece London Highlights 2016

At the height of the international summer arts season over 150 of the world's top exhibitors joined us at Masterpiece London to show works that span 5,000 years of art history, furniture, jewellery and design; from antiquity to the present day. In association with Principal Sponsor Royal Bank of Canada, the fair drew close to 40,000 visitors for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Relive the fair with the highlights video here and hear from the 2016 exhibitors as to why in their opinion Masterpiece has established itself as the leading international

Lookbook Style: Alinka Fine Jewellery

Introducing ALINKA, a new contemporary bijou star within Australia’s fine jewellery sphere. Conceived by St. Petersburg born, Sydney-based designer Alina Barlow, ALINKA combines a youthful modernity with the story-telling traditions of her native Russia. Barlow’s flair for jewellery design began in her youth when she would tinker with coloured wire to create bracelets and rings to swap with friends. Five years ago, Barlow reawakened that passion and began designing one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients. This led to the founding of ALINKA in 2014, and her debut collection ‘The Winter Palace’, inspired by St. Petersburg’s rich history and the Kremlin’s pentagonal

Spirit of Christmas, Studio Fusion Gallery - London

The use of drinking vessels to celebrate special occasions and to mark life’s milestones is part of our tradition and history. Contemporary designers and artists can enhance our drinking experiences with joyful, tactile and beautiful objects and Studio Fusion Gallery in their ongoing engagement with metalsmiths is delighted to present a selection from some of the top UK makers this Christmas. Work by Juliette Bigley, Angela Cork, Adrian Hope, Simone ten Hompel, Edward Mahoney, Rebecca De Quin, Mary Ann Simmons, Hazel Thorn, Adi Toch, Tamar de Vries Winter. Studio Fusion Gallery Unit 1:06 Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse Street London SE1

News Edit: 15 September 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The man who gambled his firm on a £50,000 sword BBC The BBC's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world. This week we speak to London-based silversmith Grant Macdonald. bbc.co.uk   London fashion designer turns abandoned festival tents into couture collection Evening Standard: ‘In Tents: The After Party’ shows what happens once the fun is over. standard.co.uk How artisan skills can empower Syrian refugee women FT: An agency is training aspiring jewellers in Jordan to start their own businesses. ft.com The New high jewellery collections

News Edit: 7 April 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Van Cleef & Arpels Welcomes Spring With New Additions To Its Frivole Collection Tatler: One of the French jeweller's most well-loved lines, the Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole collection with its new family members looks set to adorn the female form and capture more women's hearts this season. asiatatler.com Hamilton & Inches CEO departs after 40 years as jeweller eyes £20m sales The Scotsman: Hamilton & Inches has unveiled a change in leadership as the jeweller and silversmith seeks to double turnover by 2024. scotsman.com Jeweller Hamilton & Inches picks

Q&A: Rosie Fortescue

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

Showstoppers Talk: An eye for design: Rosalinde Gilbert, fashion designer and collector

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Showstoppers Talk: Surtouts, Epergnes and ‘Grands Platts Menages’

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Showstoppers Talk: Miriam Hanid

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Showstoppers

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Showstoppers Talk: Shining silver commissions from the Sheffield Assay Office collection; the work of Junko Mori

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Showstoppers Talk: Surtouts, Epergnes and ‘Grands Platts Menages’

Showstoppers Silver Centrepieces Silver is a seductive, glamorous material and the centrepiece is one of its most wondrous uses. ‘Showstoppers’ takes two iconic centrepieces from Leeds’ historic silver collection and presents them alongside contemporary masterpieces by artists Junko Mori and Miriam Hanid. The exhibition showcases the continuation and reinvention of traditional silversmithing techniques and celebrates women in silver, as makers and owners. Junko Mori Willaume & Tanqueray Miriam Hanid Thomas Pitts Events Programme Talk: Miriam Hanid Date: 9 June 2017 Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Tickets: £7 (inc. admission), booking required. Event: Silversmithing Demonstration Date: 10 June 2017 Time: 11.00am –

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery x Paul Smith Collaboration

Rachel Entwistle Jewellery has been working with Paul Smith in a collaboration for a collection planned for AW17. The new designs were featured in the Paul Smith AW17 Men's Paris Fashion Week Show.  The Paul Smith show merged men's and women's collections into one show with both collections sharing a direct design association, with their roots firmly planted in tailoring.   Rachel Entwistle's own approach to design, which transcends traditional concepts of male or female, perfectly complemented the Paul Smith Collections.  Jewellery included minimal engraved pendants, hand carved necklaces, plaque bracelets and pendants as well as signet rings. All of the

Residential Post-graduate programme for Silversmiths & Jewellers

Residential Post-graduate programme for Silversmiths & Jewellers Bishopsland Educational Trust is the only post-graduate residential programme for newly established silversmiths and jewellers in the UK. Our ethos is to support makers as they develop an income stream through a series of advanced masterclasses, exhibitions and competitions.  Added to this, we provide a grounding in the business and marketing skills needed to thrive as an independent maker. We are now open for applications to join the 11 month programme in September 2022 and have just a few places left.  Please contact  c.murdoch@bishopsland.org.uk  for more information or visit  www.bishopsland.org.uk

Festival of Crafts

Festival of Crafts Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 October 2024 Farnham Maltings Discover beautiful, handcrafted designs from over 75 talented makers at festival of crafts, now in its 28th year. Well-established in the craft calendar and part of Farnham's October Craft Month, the event champions great design, craftsmanship and skill. With exhibitors hand-picked from across the UK, browse stalls showcasing a variety of media from textiles and print to homewares and jewellery. Enjoy meeting the makers and learn about the processes used in both traditional and modern techniques with our expert-led talks, drop-in craft activities and programme of bookable workshops.

Queer + Metals Exhibition

LGBTQ+ artists challenge metalwork’s macho image in new exhibition Friday 25 March to Sunday 3 April 2022 Hereford Artists from Birmingham City University’s renowned School of Jewellery are among the contributors to a new exhibition of metalwork this month, inspired by the lives and experiences of members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) community. The  Queer + Metals  exhibition, which opens in Hereford this Friday 25 March is the first show of its kind to focus exclusively on the creations of LGBTQ+ metalwork artists. The free to attend exhibition forms part of the annual  Ferrous Festival

Bench For Rent - Hatton Garden

Bench For Rent - Hatton Garden The Diamond Shop/ Wedding Ring Workshop has a full/part-time work bench available for a Jeweller(Setter or Mounter) in a beautiful workshop in located in Hatton Garden. Address The Diamond Shop 1 Floor 62 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8LR Cost £350.00 per calendar month, includes business rates and bills (gas, electric, water, internet and waste). £350 Deposit Required. Workshop Facilities Use of Safe Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaner Polishing Machine Rolling Mil Internet Laser Machine Kitchenette Those interested must have jewellery experience. If you are interested  contact : Sonya at 02078312909 or send an email to:

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

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

Studio Share in South East London £130

Studio share in South East London  £130 Bright north facing studio with windows overlooking the Thames.  24hr access and on site parking. Shared with a painter who only uses the space occasionally (less than once a week).  There is free space that's ideal for a jeweller (I was sharing with a jeweller previously) or an artist that works with small scale compositions.  You will need to bring your own bench / set-up. Please text / WhatsApp +447375741201 for a video of the space, photos don't do it justice.  Total floor space 3.5x5m and very high sealing. One-month deposit in advance.

News Edit: 3 December 2023

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

News Edit: 7 April 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... Expected to Fetch up to $15 Million at Auction Robb Report: Phillips will hold its second jewel auction in Geneva next month. robbreport.com At Tiffany’s Flagship, Luxe Art Helps Sell the Jewels NY Times: Turrell. Hirst. Basquiat: This 10-story palace is filled with famous names, for a heady fusion of relevant, and discomfiting, contemporary art and retailing. www.nytimes.com Wokingham designer wins gold at the jewellery Oscars Wokingham Today: Janet Richardson, jewellery designer, maker, and tutor has won a prestigious award for her recent work, made from an unusual medium.

Bench For Rent - Hatton Garden EC1N

Bench For Rent The Diamond Shop / Wedding Ring Workshop has a full/part-time work bench available for a Jeweller(Setter or Mounter) in a beautiful workshop in located in Hatton Garden. Workshop Facilities Use of Safe Ultrasonic and Steam Cleaner Polishing Machine Rolling Mil Internet Laser Machine Kitchenette Cost £350.00 per calendar month, includes business rates and bills (gas, electric, water, internet and waste). £350 Deposit Required. Address The Diamond Shop 1 st  Floor 62 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8LR Those interested must have jewellery experience. If you are interested contact: Sonya at 02078312909 or send an email to: enquiries@thediamondshop.co.uk

Barely Used Aquaflame 800 - For Sale

Barely Used Aquaflame 800 For Sale This machine has been used literally less than 150 hours over a period of 2 years. It is in excellent condition. It has just been serviced by the manufacturer thus it is covered with a 12 month guarantee from Aquaflame Systems. The original parts plus one set of torch tips are included : 1 booster,  1 soldering torch, 2(!!!)sets of 7 torch tips size 18 to 24 (0.91mm to 0.31mm diameter),  1 funnel. MEK liquid and deionised water is required to operate. Accurate description and specifications of the model 800 can be found in these links:

CAD Desk With Matrix Gold 3.5

CAD Desk With Matrix Gold 3.5 Modern 1st fl. Office/workshop Large space with lots of natural daylight. Air Conditioning Good security, alarmed safes etc. Discreet location Wi-Fi Shared kitchen & w/c Meeting room Shower Bike park Based off Greys Inn Road 5min walk to Hatton Garden £400 pcm One-month deposit in advance Potential work for suitable CAD designer specializing in traditional mounting techniques. Contact Mark mark.soley@dasoley.co.uk

Global Gold ETF holdings drop by 175 tonnes, the largest level of net quarterly outflows since 2013

Gold prices came under significant pressure since the start of the year, correcting by 13% during the first three months, and trading at near nine-month low at end-March.. Investment demand for bars and coins jumped by 40% driven by bargain hunting and growing concerns about rising inflationary pressures and currency stability Sentiment shift towards gold among the professional investor community, as evidenced by strong outflows from gold ETFs. Gold ETF investors liquidated 175 tonnes in the first quarter of the year representing the largest level of net quarterly outflows since Q4 2013 according to Refinitiv Metals Research. It was also

Experienced Silversmithing Residency

Experienced Silversmithing Residency - January 2025 The Hugo Burge Foundation Berwick Upon Tweed The Hugo Burge Foundation are looking for an experienced silversmith (8+ years experience/postgraduation) to join us in the month of January for a fully-funded silversmithing residency. Applicants will be given access to the workshop with their own bench, accommodation onsite, and a weekly stipend of £350. This residency will also include an option to provide up to four days of teaching with the current silversmith tenants. The teaching will be paid at our usual artist day rate of £279. During their time with us, the visiting resident

Bench to Rent for Experienced Mounter

Bench to Rent to Experienced Mounter Ely Place, Nr Hatton Garden, EC1N Our workshop is situated in a very bright, spacious and modern new office on private road - Ely Place. You will have the use of rolling mills, gas and oxygen, a laser machine, 2 different kinds of ring stretchers and also usage of a polishing room /machine if required. We also have an engraving machine on site that can be used for a very small additional cost. All tools would have to be provided. WiFi, air conditioning and fridge/microwave all supplied. £385 inclusive per calender month. Please contact Emelie or

Designer Open House

Designer Open House FORGE represents independent designers whose work is unique, made in the UK and demonstrates excellence in skills and craftsmanship. We invite designers to showcase with us who share the same values. If you would like to showcase with us then visit us on Wednesday 17 May, 3pm-6pm to view our current showcase and to ask any questions. The FORGE Showcases is centred around a different theme each month and we are currently looking for designers for June. JUNE 1ST - 30TH: RECYCLED TREASURES Celebrating the beauty and creativity that arise from sustainable practices and highlighting the importance

Workshop Benches To Rent

Workshop Benches To Rent - London  WC1N *Only 2 Benches Remaining* Modern 1st fl. Large space with lots of natural daylight. Air Conditioning Use of workshop tools incl. laser Good security, alarmed safes etc Discreet location Wi-Fi Shared kitchen & w/c Shower Bike park Based off Greys Inn Road 5 min walk to Hatton Garden £300 pcm One-month deposit in advance Potential work for suitable Mounter / Setter Contact  mark.soley@dasoley.co.uk

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: 23rd February 2020

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   The Grown-Up Way To Wear Punk-Inspired Jewellery The Tines: The hint of anarchy you need right now. www.thetimes.co.uk Eight Emerging Jewellery Designers to Know This Fashion Month Another: As London Fashion Week commences, eight jewellery designers whose work you can expect to see among the Autumn/Winter 2020 collections. www.anothermag.com How Banksy has transformed the fortunes of the Jewellery Quarter Birmingham Mail: Thousands of fans flocked from across the globe to see the Banksy mural. www.birminghammail.co.uk Under the loupe: Patcharavipa embrace texture with Clues Couture Wallpaper: The Wallpaper* ‘Under the loupe’

OROAREZZO 2020

OROAREZZO now moved to 2021 Italian Exhibition Group has decided to schedule the show only in 2021 The difficulties caused by the health crisis are persisting for the international markets, with harsh restrictions enforced by some foreign countries of reference and, above all, the uncertainty of regular flight connections from the coming month of July. Under these conditions, there is no guarantee that foreign buyers will be able to travel to Italy and Tuscany and holding Oroarezzo 2020 in the best circumstances cannot be ensured.  IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, in conjunction with the sector’s manufacturing and association representatives, has therefore decided

Watch this Space: Meet the Six IJL Kickstart 2019 Winners

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

Bench space to rent in Stratford

Bench space to rent in Stratford I have some bench spaces to rent in my new unit in Stratford, I have 2 that I would like to rent on a permanent basis @ £200 a month and one that can be let on a more casual or short term basis. The workshop/studio is huge and there’s plenty of space for benches, photography, CAD & design space. The unit is designated as ‘light industrial’ so there’s no issues with gas and oxygen torches. The building has 24hour access and the unit has a sink, fridge and WiFi. Contact Edward: edward@edwardflemingjewellery.com

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

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

OBSESSED!

Over the month of November the biennial jewellery festival OBSESSED! will take place in various cities across the Netherlands writes Ilaria Ruggiero. OBSESSED! unites the best jewellery-related events – museum and gallery exhibitions, talks, fairs, book presentations and artist open studios – into one intriguing programme put together by  Current Obsession . The second, 2019 edition of OBSESSED! Jewellery Festival brings together independent artists, galleries and cultural institutions from across the Netherlands in celebration of Jewellery. United. Jewellery. United. is a new paradigm in jewellery discourse. It broadens the scope of what is seen as jewellery in relation to other creative fields and

Insta hashtags prompt sales in lockdown

The artist Matthew Burrows set up an artist-led movement and network on 16th March 2020 to support artists struggling financially during Covid-19 using the social media platform Instagram – with a simple pledge. The pledge #artistsupportpledge created a much needed route to market in lockdown for artists and makers. He released a statement saying that within a month “…from making the first sales pledge I am a little awe struck yet completely delighted by the momentum and viral take up of this campaign. It is not just an important network and survival mechanism for artists: It has become a global Hear

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

Surface Design Show 2020

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

Winter Market The Forge - Craft Central

Winter Market   16 – 17 November 2019 Craft Central, The Forge Winter Market at The Forge is Back! Christmas is coming to The Forge this month and we hope you will join us. We will bring together a selection of our talented designer-makers. On offer will be handmade ceramics, interior products, textiles, fashion accessories, jewellery, prints and much more. You will also be able to take part in a workshop or enjoy refreshments at our pop-up café run by Gu Choi Pan London, a micro-bakery serving authentic Japanese savoury and sweet breads and cakes. There is something for everyone

Sarah Ho Partners with Bergdorf Goodman to Showcase her High Jewellery Designs Publicly for the First Time

After recently opening a jewellery showroom in London's Mayfair, Sarah Ho already has her sights set on the Big Apple. This month, she will debut at Bergdorf Goodman to show her designs to the public for the first time.  Usually sold by private appointment or luxury exhibitions, Sarah's designs are available to all to view in a retail setting for the first time ever.   Known for her unique, feminine jewellery, Sarah often lets the stone lead the design. All of Sarah's stones are sourced responsibly and ethically, through charitable initiatives or recycling older pieces. Steering away from mass-production, Sarah instead

Benchpeg turns 15 in Lockdown

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

Online retailer, Jewellerybox, launch split payment method for large orders

Jewellerybox, the London based online jewellery store, have been all over our news pages recently. The company, whose mantra is to create fine jewellery at costume prices, have been making waves with their business model; which seems to be resembling popular fashion brands. Earlier in the year, we saw Jewellerybox partner with the app regain, to offer customers discounts in exchange for recycling their clothes. And last month, released an International Women’s Day collection, where purchases were matched 1 to 1 with donations to women’s shelters throughout London.  Keeping up with all the latest e-commerce trends, such as same-day delivery

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

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension The UK Government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the self-employed and has taken action to provide support. The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of 2 further grants, each available for 3 month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021. 1.  Who can claim To be eligible for the grant extension self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, must: have been previously eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they

Virtual Window Shopping: Jewellery 2020

Global fashion search platform Lyst released today its latest trend report, Virtual Window Shopping: Jewellery 2020. To compile the results, Lyst analysed the online shopping behaviour of more than nine million shoppers a month searching, across 12,000 brands and retailers. While tracking various spikes in searches, current trends and the impact of a global lockdown in the jewellery market, this report highlights the fastest rising categories and micro trends we have seen online over the past 12 months. The jewellery report reveals that: This year, 68% of jewellery shoppers searched for gold pieces. Worn by influencers including Hailey Bieber and Bella

Coronavirus: Antwerp World Diamond Centre postpones all planned events

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

Watch owned by Andy Warhol, to go up for Sale at Christie's Auction, amongst other Rare Watches

Two-hundred-and-fifty-four rare watches will go up for auction at the Four Seasons des Bergues in Geneva next month. The auction is estimated to amount to around 12M CHF, which converts to just over £9M. The top lot of the sale, estimated to reach 1,ooo,oooCHF/76,5564GBP, is an exquisite pink-gold Rolex reference 6062 "Stelline triple calendar with moon-phase, with the sought-after star dial. Scholars estimate the number cased in pink gold to be around 50, with only 10 featuring the rare dial. Introduced at the Basel Fair in 1950, the reference 6062 is one of only two Rolex models from the period to

Aquamarine: The Birthstone of March

Whilst traditionally there are two birthstones for those born in the month of March, it is Aquamarine that is most commonly hailed for its close embodiment to the ocean. Aquamarine's aquatic associations derive from its mesmerising crystalline blue hues which is only further reinforced through its Latin 'aqua marinus', translating to 'water of the sea'.  The story behind Aquamarine Aquamarine is a blue-stone variety within the Beryl family and  the colour variety seen in aquamarine  from light, transparent shades to deep and rich earthy tones of the emerald family  is caused by the presence of iron oxides within its chemical

Four Accomplished Bright Young Gems Assemble at IJL 2019

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

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

News Edit: 20 October 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Paris Jewelry: Best Of The Fall Showrooms Forbes: Alongside Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, the jewelry showrooms showcased some strong new collections from contemporary and independent designers. forbes.com   Why recycling could be the biggest trend in fine jewellery, and where to go for a gemstone makeover The Telegraph: Jewellery isn’t sustainable in the way that, say, a renewable crop might be. telegraph.co.uk   This Jewelry Designer Is Shrinking Bali's Carbon Footprint CN Traveller: John Hardy and his family are pioneers in the island's sustainable-living movement. cntraveler.com   Meet

Raymond Weil to Release third edition maestro The Beatles timepiece in April

Next month, the third edition to the Raymond Weil Beatles-inspired watch family will go on sale. The piece, inspired by the legendary Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, is a limited edition, with 3,000 available worldwide.  Priced at £1,195, The Sergeant Pepper maestro The Beatles Limited Edition features a RW4200 mechanical self-winding movement housed in a 40mm polished yellow gold PVD plated stainless steel case offering 38 hours of power reserve. The black strap is the first from Raymond Weil featuring the a-la-mode Vegan leather and the case-back presents a smoked sapphire crystal that carries the official The Beatles logo

Shine bright like a diamond this April

Those born in the month of April are fortunate enough to have one of the most prized and regal gems as their birthstone. For all those April babies, diamonds really are a girl's (and boy's) best friend. From the Greek word " ad ámas " meaning "unbreakable", diamonds have been the desired gem for centuries; arguably as early as 4 BC due to its unique characteristics and qualities. Historically diamonds first became popular in India where the Imperial Colony and moguls mined diamonds from deposits along three major rivers. Diamond is made of pure carbon and it is the way that

Trends to Keep Watch of This Autumn

Hands up who's bored of waking up to nothing but rain, rain with a side of rain? Us too. As the seasonal calendar clicked over to a new month last week, it seems as if the weather Gods have also pulled the plug on any residual sunny heat leftover from summer, leaving us well and truly in the throes of a UK Autumn.  For those of us fashion mavens, not only is the end of summer a happy instance to refill our wardrobes with autumn fashion trends, but it also provides the perfect excuse to snuggle up indoors with a

Galactica - Jacqueline Cullen @ The Scottish Gallery

Galactica - Jacqueline Cullen The Scottish Gallery 29 June - 20 July 2019 It’s a coincidence that this month marks the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s Space Oddity and the Apollo 11 Moon landing - there is a also a space theme in the beautiful Galactica jewellery collection by Jacqueline Cullen.  Her Whitby jet and black diamond jewellery is exquisite; offset by her work in grey agate.  It really is out of this world! Jacqueline Cullen creates wearable, sculptural jewellery in 18ct gold featuring materials such as Whitby jet, black diamonds and agate. With diverse inspiration ranging from thunderous skies to

BFC / VOGUE Designer Fashion Fund 2019

Call for Applications: BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019 The British Fashion Council is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2019 . Prize Established in 2008, The Fund aims to discover new talent and accelerate growth over a twelve-month period through mentoring and awarding a cash prize of £200,000. The BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund receives the generous support of British Vogue, Burberry, JD.com Inc., Label/Mix, Paul Smith, Rodial and TOPSHOP. Applications are strongly encouraged from all over the UK; the application process encourages brands to think strategically about the Fund’s core objective of

Gemfields reveal newly discovered ‘Inkalamu’ 5,655 carat emerald

Gemfields have revealed the discovery of ‘Inkalamu’, the Lion Emerald, a 5,655 carat Zambian emerald crystal with remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue which was uncovered early last month. Inkalamu was discovered at Kagem, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zambia (which belongs in turn to the Government of the Republic of Zambia). “The discovery of this exceptional gemstone is such an important moment both for us and for the emerald world in general” commented Elena Basaglia, Gemfields’ dynamic London-based gemmologist. “We are experiencing

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office Celebrate Ten Years at Heathrow

This month the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office celebrates the tenth anniversary of its Heathrow Sub-Office within the secure premises of Brink’s Global Services, at Heathrow Airport.  Like all good birthday parties, the celebrations kicked off with a cake!  Between bites Kevin Bowles, Heathrow Sub-Office Manager, said, “Setting up the facility in partnership with Brink’s secure logistics services has proven to give unrivalled efficiency and security for a decade. I’m really proud of that, and my team here.” In the secure premises the team of 11 cover the entire assay and hallmarking process.  Opened in January 2008, the office was set up as

The Hand Engravers Association Celebrates 10 Years

The Hand Engravers Association of Great Britain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a VIP tour of the Clockmakers’ Museum in September. Sir George White Bt FSA, Keeper of the Collection, treated members to a fascinating tour, packed with wonderful insights and anecdotes on London’s clock making trade from 1600 to the present day. Highlights included John Harrison’s marine chronometer and a four-month duration longcase clock by the father of English watchmaking, Thomas Tompion.  Historically, the clockmaking and hand engraving trades have always been intrinsically linked, with clockmakers and engravers working alongside each other, often in the same studio. Many of

London Fashion Week 2018 - September

London Fashion Week September 2018 – A Celebration Of Culture, Fashion & Art For Everyone London Fashion Week has established itself as one of the most creative and innovative fashion showcases in the world, with its home, London, being one of the most multicultural, vibrant and diverse cities on the planet.   London Fashion Week Festival brings a city-wide celebration throughout the month of September 2018 merging creative institutions, designer businesses and global brands, offering consumer activation in London as a backdrop to London Fashion Week. London Fashion Week Festival opens up the city and celebrates the intersection of the creative industries, from music, art, tech and

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

Wayne Meeten wins another Gold at the #JewelleryOscars

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten picked up another gong at the #JewelleryOscars, the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Awards, this month. Meeten’s piece, ‘Spirit of Energy’ took Gold in the three dimensional finished piece category. The work was a commission made for a client “who was having a house built in the West Country, in Devon by the Estuary. It was designed to be placed under their new glass staircase.” The silversmith said. The  client’s design brief was to design a centre piece with the wonders of the sun as its reference. My client chose their building plot, what will eventually

Call for Applications: PREZIOSA Young 2018

Call for Applications: Preziosa Young Design Competition 2019 Entries are now open for the international contest and exhibition for young jewellery makers, the 2019 edition of PREZIOSA Young. International contest/exhibition for young jewellery makers. 5 to 8 participants will be selected by the international panel and exhibited in specially designed exhibition spaces at PREZIOSA, Florence Jewellery Week in May-June 2019. 2 prizes are also available: The LAO special prize – 1 to 3 month artist in residence in Florence, and The Inhorgenta prize - a free space to exhibit at Inhorgenta 2020.  About the Competition The competition is organized by

Vanilla Ink Programme: INKubator

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

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

Katy Tromans wins Artistar Jewels 2018 Award at Milan Fashion Week

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

Fringe with Benefits

As the sun slowly begins to grace us with glorious but brief glimpses of pimms-soaked summer days, the month of hay fever and allergies strike in full force. We've been bitten by the bug that's been making its rounds round the fashion houses and we're in dangerous territory of causing a major fringe movement on a global scale. Welcome to the new S/S 2018 trend of flamboyant fringing!  Throwing it back to the glory days of flapper finesse, modern-day fine jewellery has transformed itself from low-key minimalism to XL swinging tassels of personality and style.   With collections bursting with

Alex Monroe launches new Jewellery School

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

The Goldsmiths’ Centre Launches New Business Growth Programme

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

Berlin-based ethical jewellery brand, VIERI, launches in the UK

Berlin-based ethical jewellery brand, VIERI Fine Jewellery, this month celebrates its launch into the UK. Handcrafted jewellery made of ethically sourced and recycled gold, VIERI designs collections that illicit feelings of a warm Italian sky, interspersed with crisp white clouds and magical pops of colour.  A brand that truly believes fine jewellery and responsible practice cannot exist without each other, its designer Guya Merkle, founded the Earthbeat Foundation - an establishment that promotes better working conditions and alternative income solutions for gold miners world-wide.   “It is my vision to build a company that not only produces and acts responsibly, but

Jewellery Quarter BID sponsors micro Businesses at event

JQ designer makers are preparing to show off their talents at a new event dedicated to uniting makers, builders and inventors from around the world. A collective of talented designer makers from the Jewellery Quarter are set to exhibit at a brand new international show at the NEC next month. Anticipated to be one of the biggest creative events of the year, Makers Central brings together makers, customers, suppliers and hobbyists to share ideas, products, techniques and tools. To promote the vibrant, creative maker community that exists in the area, the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) is sponsoring a

Wild Things to be let loose on London

A new exhibition of luxury avant-garde fine jewellery, tantalisingly known as Wild Things, is coming to London later this month following a launch at the exclusive 2018 COUTURE Las Vegas in the first stop of what is expected to be a summer tour of Europe. Created by founder of the House of Luxury Elio D’Anna, in collaboration with COUTURE, Wild Things is a 'wild and beautiful' collection of six luxury but progressive jewellery brands, all resonating with cosmopolitan younger buyers keen to be associated with contemporary jet set labels conveying attitude and identity. They include the Indian Lebanese Mukhi Sisters,

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

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

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

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

The November Sisters: Citrine & Topaz

The penultimate month of the year and an exciting one at that, those born in November will not only have various parties and cocktail events to choose from but they'll also have two beautiful birthstones to choose between: topaz and citrine. With these two gorgeous gems giving you countless options of chic and classic styles to opulent and dramatic style, the challenge lies in picking which one to plump for! With Citrine known for its charming warmth of yellow and orange hues and Topaz occurring in a wide spectrum of  far beyond yellow, here's an overview of each birthstone to help guide

Harrods to extensively redevelop Fine Watch Room

Over the coming months, Harrods had announced that it will be undertaking a complete redevelopment and expansion of it's Fine Watch Room, starting this month and due to be completed in Spring 2018. Harrods have worked closely with architects, Rundell Associates, to create an entirely new environment that celebrates the art of watchmaking, and brand partners in large new boutiques which will ultimately offer an haute horology destination in Knightsbridge. The new Fine Watch Room will expand across two floors, featuring a central sweeping, marble-lined staircase beneath a vaulted ceiling, with leather lined walls created by leather-expert Bill Amberg, a

Magical Farnese blue diamond expected to fetch £5m

A spectacular blue diamond which was gifted to a Spanish queen in 1715 is to go on sale for the first time ever next month with an anticipated price tag of around £5 million. Until recently, no one knew of its existence since the 6.16 -carat 'Farnese Blue', crafted for Elisabeth Farnese, Queen of Spain (1692-1766) was seen  only by close relatives though since those relatives spanned four royal families across France, Spain, Italy and Austria over a period of 300 years, it is astonishing the diamond has been kept under wraps so successfully. It was found in the Golconda

Crayola Colour Crush

The month of April is now upon us which makes it just the right time to get our new-season wish-lists  brimming with the trend-train must-haves! With the international fashion weeks done and dusted, we've done our trends research for the upcoming months and there's only two words for it: Colour. Explosion. With the politics and news of the world in a permanent state of gloom and malaise, the creative designers of 2018 have taken action to whip away the dullness with a kaleidoscopic dive into Crayola rainbow colours. Nothing short of uplifting, inspiriting and energising, the underlying message from S/S

Festival of Crafts 2017

Festival of Crafts 2017 Festival of Crafts is returning for its 21st year at the Farnham Maltings, making it our longest-running craft festival. It marks the end of Farnham Craft Month (a celebration of contemporary craft in Farnham throughout October). Throughout the historic Maltings buildings festival of crafts  will be celebrating contemporary crafts with over 70 leading makers, from Surrey and Hampshire and across the UK, selling their highly-skilled and unique handcrafted work. We have emerging and established makers specializing in a wide variety of crafts from textiles, glass-work, leather, ceramics, jewellery to furniture design and more will be gathering

IKEA Bootcamp Accelerator

IKEA Bootcamp Accelerator for Start Ups Organised by IKEA A three-month Sweden-based accelerator programme for start-ups from anywhere in the world that are creating solutions to everyday problems. Based in Älmhult, Sweden, the programme will offer participating start-ups co-working space in the IKEA Range & Supply Democratic Design centre, including access to the prototype shop, test labs and in-house expertise on topics such as business development, UX, design, growth hacking and fundraising. The selected start-ups will also benefit from a €20,000 grant, tailored mentorship from an IKEA business professional and Rainmaking’s network, and free accommodation in Sweden for the duration.

W&W Jewellery celebrates 10th anniversary with studio refurbishment

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

Victoria and Albert’s spectacular collection of Royal jewels go on show

The Victoria Revealed exhibition at Kensington Palace will reopen this month, with a glittering suite of gems specially commissioned for Victoria by her beloved Albert set to join the display at her childhood home. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are famed - even among royal collectors - for their love of fine craftsmanship, together commissioning and purchasing some of the nineteenth century’s finest artworks, porcelains and objects d’art to fill their homes. Among the most personal of these treasures were the spectacular gifts the couple exchanged, from the moment of their engagement in 1839 and throughout their 21-year marriage.  Now,

Catherine Hills: Gill Wing Jewellery Q & A

Gill Wing Jewellery is celebrating its twenty year anniversary with their original featured jewellery artist, then fresh RCA graduate Catherine Hills,  by collaborating with and allowing her to 'take over' their gallery in the month of May. Here the gallery interviews the jeweller... How did you become a jeweller? CH:  While I was on my challenging foundation year at Maidstone, I discovered my talent lay in 3D work. My initial desire to be a scientific or book illustrator was replaced with thoughts of being a jewellery designer. I was encouraged by my family to find an artistic career that might have a greater

#BehindTheBling campaign catches on

A social media campaign to persuade jewellery companies to adopt a supply chain free of child labour has been given massive support following the publication of a Human Rights Watch report on responsible sourcing. #BehindtheBling , launched by the human rights group earlier this month and promoted at Baselworld 2018, has reached audiences of more than a million users with around 8,000 letters also sent to the 13 companies who were ranked in the report for their responsible sourcing practices. This coincides with an announcement by Chopard, who were ranked as ‘weak’ in the report that from July, it will

Top female metalsmiths team up for UK campaign

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

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

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

Nicholas Philippe 1959 – 2017

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

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

Counting Down To Baselworld 2017

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

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

Huguenot Footsteps - Spitalfields

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

Halcyon Arts Lab Fellowship 2017

The Halcyon Arts Lab Fellowship is a nine-month program established to provide emerging artists with time and space to explore new ideas and ambitious projects in an environment of independent learning, study, and collaboration. The fellowship is designed to provide support and resources to emerging artists who desire to develop projects (at any stage) that promote meaningful social impact, and for those who wish to follow the path of leadership in the field of socially-engaged art. Located in Washington D.C., Halcyon Arts Lab accepts six national or international fellows and two DC-resident fellows in each year of the program. Why

Domino’s Diamonds Scintillate at IJL

Domino’s recently refreshed ‘Scintillating Diamond’ collection was very well received at International Jewellery London earlier this month. The stunning earring and neckwear range features diamonds suspended on fine threads to create additional movement and sparkle. There are 46 individual designs, 37 of which are brand new for Autumn 2016. Pieces can be purchased as a suite, providing great add-on sales, or can be mixed and matched across the collection to suit individual style and taste. Available in 18ct white, yellow or rose gold, this striking range features HSi certificated diamonds. So what are the reasons for the pull that this collection

Dazzle @ Oxo Tower Wharf, London

Dazzle opens this month at Oxo Tower Wharf, showcasing over 80 contemporary jewellery designers from across Europe, from France to Lithuania. New Graduate Additions This year’s event will Introduce 15 exciting new designer makers, handpicked for the quality of their workmanship and innovation of their designs, from the 2016 graduate shows, including Holly Higgins, Genevieve Howard, Emily Higham, Wanshu Li and Amber Cooper-Green. Established Names These new graduates will rub shoulders with an internationally collected line-up of contemporary jewellery royalty, including, Heather Woof, Hannah Louise Lamb, Lynne MacLachlan, Grace Girvan, Jessica Briggs, Flora Bhattachary and Jane Adam. Styles, Statements and

INHORGENTA MUNICH 2017: Wash Up Report

This year's INHORGENTA MUNICH saw 27,500 trade visitors from over 70 countries visit the event held in Munich from 18 to 21 February - up five percent than in 2016.  The 2017  event had 987 exhibitors from 40 countries, which was about five percent more exhibitors than had participated in the previous year.  Klaus Dittrich, the Chairman and CEO of Messe München, said about the event held last month, "The positive mood could be noticed in all halls among the exhibitors and visitors. This is confirmed by the first evaluation of the exhibitor and visitor survey. The values have further

Adi Toch Finalist for The LOEWE Craft Prize 2017

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

Ratcliffe Artist Fellowship

The National Trust is delighted to launch the ‘Call for Applicants’ for the 2017 Dorothy Una Ratcliffe Artist Fellowship at Acorn Bank, Penrith. 3 Month Artist Residency We are offering a 3-month artist residency and commission opportunity at Acorn Bank for an emerging to mid-career artist to make new site-responsive artwork in this unique and beautiful setting. The fellowship has previously been awarded to Chichi Parish and Freya Pocklington. About the Residency Now in its third year, this is a residential opportunity in a unique National Trust site in Cumbria, the former home of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe - an author,

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

Drop 'em Like It's Hot: Earring Shoulder Smoulder

Whilst we hate to be the summer fun kill joys and dare to utter the words 'farewell sunshine you fare weather friend', the shiny new month of September is here loud n'proud and ready to strut into the season of fanciful fall with boldly ornate outlandish pieces your magpie eyes can't help but clock! There's nothing quite like hearing the crunch of fresh fall leaves crumbling under foot on that first break of chilly morning work runs so what better way to maximise the experience by maximising your lobe'drobe in synch! Catwalks have shown no mercy when it comes to

Barbican Pop Up Shop

Open call for new emerging design talent In addition to a wide range of exclusive commissions, the Barbican offers a ‘pop-up’ space, showcasing emerging makers on a revolving three-month basis. We are now looking for the next Barbican Maker  Potential applicants' businesses should be under three years old and currently have a minimal retail presence. Designers and makers local to the Barbican – the City of London, Clerkenwell and East London – are particularly welcome. The Barbican will work closely with the makers to identify the best space for their work within the store, how to display it and will

DRAKENBERG Introduces Birthstones

The Swedish jewellery brand DRAKENBERG creates timeless and minimalistic jewelleries inspired by the Nordic nature. This spring the designer duo wants to give the collection a new touch and are therefore presenting the new collection Birthstones. A collection of stones representing each month of the year. “We’ve been working on this collection for some time now and we feel so proud to finally launch it. It is exiting to try a new material and add some colour in a DRAKENBERG way, with a lot of thoughts behind it”, says Andrea Drakenberg Daléus, Creative Director at Drakenberg. Andrea Drakenberg and Ellen

Danish Design, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

This month the Woldstone Gallery launches the first of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths. 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. “Danish Design” In November, Woldstone spotlights “Danish Design” and features the work of Tina Engell and Mikala Djorup. While this duo of talented contemporary goldsmiths share a common heritage; they both

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

Hockley Mint Welcomes Peruvian Fairtrade Gold Miners to Birmingham

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

TALK: In Conversation With Mary Ann Wingfeild And Rachael Taylor

TALK: In Conversation With Mary Ann Wingfeild And Rachael Taylor Date:  Tuesday 21 February, 2023 Start Time:  6.00 PM End Time:  8.00 PM Venue:  FORGE Mary Ann Wingfield is author of Modern British Jewellery Designers 1960-1980.  An introduction to the most influential British designers spanning two decades and reveals the inspirations behind the evolution of their identifiable designs and signature styles. Rachael Taylor author of two books about Tiffany & Cartier - The Story Behind the Style. A visual history of two of the world's most iconic brands and jewels of our times. Hear Mary Ann and Rachael discuss what inspired them to choose these

Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being

Contemporary Jewellery: Exploring Its Impact on Well-Being (exhibition) 29 October - 8 November 2024 Loughborough University Arts A jewellery exhibition of doctoral research on how contemporary jewellery impacts well-being. Throughout history, jewellery as an intimate object, has decorated our bodies and developed a variety of meanings and functions. This exhibition presents parts of Yajie’s doctoral research, exploring whether and how contemporary jewellery impacts people’s well-being. The exhibition also traces Yajie’s artistic practice in contemporary jewellery, from initial inspiration and material experimentation to the creation of final pieces.  This PhD research employed various methods, including well-being scales, diaries, and semi-structured interviews

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill

Megan Brown Launches ‘Woven’ Collection For The Twenty-First Century Inspired By Family’s 100 Year Old Textile Mill Megan Brown’s new collection ‘Woven’ draws together her family heritage and talent for jewellery making. Growing up in Yorkshire, with a family legacy of textile weaving going back over 100 years, inspired Megan’s lifelong love of fabrics. The new collection explores how the soft, flowing qualities of fabric might be translated into something as hard as metal. Creating sculptural designs which have been intricately woven, using fine silver and gold chain to create a dynamic collection steeped in history and tradition. Alfred Brown

News Edit: 12 May 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   London Craft Week celebrates handmade jewellery The Telegraph: From weaving and ceramics to millinery and leatherwork to candles and cheese, London Craft Week is a celebration of everything handmade. telegraph.co.uk Color Ruled in Met Gala Jewels Hollywood Reporter: From Jennifer Lopez's 65-carat purple sapphire to the multitude of cocktail rings on Lupita Nyong’o’s fingers, bold hues dominated jewelry choices on the red carpet. hollywoodreporter.com The Best Jewellery From The Met Gala 2019 Vogue: Last night's Met Gala might go down in history as the most outrageous and unashamedly fun ever. 

Study of Rare Diamonds Unlocks More of Earth's Secrets

Scientists at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) continue to delve deep into earth's geologic history, using diamonds' distinctive characteristics to go – virtually – where no scientist has ever gone. In two recent scientific papers, GIA researchers and their colleagues at other leading research institutions share their latest discoveries based on information gleaned from extremely rare and pure diamonds from very deep within the earth. "Our unparalleled access to millions of diamonds each year, long-standing relationships with major research institutions and mission-driven dedication to sharing everything we learn make GIA uniquely able to help expand understanding of the fundamental forces

News Edit: 5 May 2019

A round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Master Jeweler Adam Foster's Ultra-Fine Designs Star At Bergdorf Goodman Forbes: To understand the decisive differences between mere jewelry and ultra-fine jewelry, spend a few minutes studying the ultra-nuanced creations of master jeweler Adam Foster. forbes.com Why Maison Tabbah's Diamond Phoenix Earrings Carry Generations Of Jewelry History Forbes: Family-run fine jewelry house Tabbah applies five generations of jewelry expertise to atelier-made pieces like these finely crafted Phoenix earrings.  forbes.com Magpies, rejoice – the V&A has revamped its jewellery gallery Apollo: There is a Japanese proverb, ‘jyuu nin, to iro’, which

News Edit: 19 July 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Richemont quarterly sales halve as luxury sector absorbs body blow Cartier owner offers no financial guidance but says China offers bright spot www.ft.com Meet the clickbait craftmakers How to Spend It: Millennials are now more likely to buy handmade wares than any other generation, says the Crafts Council. Here’s why howtospendit.ft.com Chaumet’s New Perspective On 240 Years Of Jewellery History Vogue: Usually at this time of year, we’d be in Paris marvelling over haute couture and high jewellery in person, but Covid-19

Fabergé and Rolls-Royce come together to create the Second Imperial Fabergé Egg since 1917

Two champions of innovative design, impressive craftsmanship and undeniable heritage collide in a momentous collaboration between automotive giant Rolls-Royce and legendary jeweller Fabergé.  The 'Spirit of Ecstasy' Fabergé egg is the second of it's kind to be made in the Imperial class, since 1917. In celebration, Benchpeg takes a look at the history of the two unforgetable brands, and the story behind both the Fabergé egg and the 'Spirit of Ecstasy'.   A World-wide Easter Egg Hunt... Fabergé, as we know it, was born when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his Father's 'very ordinary' jewellery business in 1882. Born and educated in St. Petersburg,

News Edit: 9 July 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Boucheron film reimagines ‘Cinderella’ to celebrate high jeweller’s 160th anniversary SCMP: Short film, ‘Cinder Ella’, which also honours Franco-Japanese friendship since 1858, stars French actress Laetitia Casta and Japanese actor Issey Takahashi. www.scmp.com   Chaumet collaborates with Kenyan artist Evans Mbugua on a high jewellery collection inspired by sub-Saharan Africa The Telegraph: Chaumet, the Parisian maison that has nearly 240 years of history at its disposal, has always looked to all corners of the globe for inspiration. www.telegraph.co.uk   Jewellers to meet over Ogham design ‘passing off’ row Irish Times: High-profile

News Edit: 17 June 2018

A round up of this week's international jewellery news... Incredible photos reveal spooky hidden shipwrecks as divers find lost treasure ship Devon Live: Cannons and an anchor are among the items found on what's believed to be one of the richest shipwrecks off the coast. www.devonlive.com A 'perfect' diamond and Peggy Rockefeller's beloved jewels The Telegraph: Last month’s three-day sale of Peggy and David Rockefeller’s art collection was, as expected, the most valuable estate auction in history, raising $832.6 million www.telegraph.co.uk From Australia with love: Calleija’s rare diamond delights The Telegraph: John Calleija, the Australian fine jeweller, came into the

Imperial Splendours Exhibition - Beijing

Set in the Palace Museum, Beijing, formerly known as the Forbidden City, the ' Imperial   Splendo u rs'  exhibition spans the history of the  Maison  Chaumet  from the 18th century to the beginning of the 21st;  illustrating the uninterrupted transmission of exceptional savoir-faire. Under the scientific direction of Henri  Loyrette , the exhibition will run until July, 2 nd   and is built around   Chaumet’s patrimonial  wealth; a unique body of historic jewels, drawings and archives. Some 300 works, jewels, paintings, drawings and  objets  d’art illustrate  Chaumet’s  characteristic “art of  jewellery ”. Prestigious collections and prominent museums have come 

Benches for rent and opportunities to display in new workshop/shop in South Bank

Benches for rent and opportunities to display in new workshop/shop in South Bank Multiple opportunities available in a new and exciting jewellery workshop/shop in Gabriel’s Wharf. Excellent proximity to Hatton Garden.  Workshop facilities include: rolling mill, ultrasonic, internet, microscope, ring stretcher, vices, punches etc. Bench for full-time rent Available from 10 December Standard access 10am-6pm Tues-Sat, potential for out of hours access by prior arrangement Ideal for engraver or new jeweller  £380/month £380 deposit and first month rent upfront Bench for hire by the day Available from 10 December Mon-Sun available by prior arrangement  £40/day (8 hours)  Display / Sales

Bench For Rent In Hatton Garden

Bench For Rent In Hatton Garden Work Bench is available for Jeweller/ Mounter or Setter in a spacious newly refurbished workshop, in Hatton Garden, London.     There are 4 benches available to rent. The space is suitable for jewellery making classes. Workshop Facilities 7 days, 24 hours access, video entry Internet Landline Phone Gas/ Oxygen Air Conditioning Rolling Mill Polishing Machine, Grinder Ultrasonic and Steamer Barrel Machine Wax Injector Use of Safe Cost £380 per month, £380 Deposit and 4 week rent upfront Location 4B Leather Lane, EC1N Contact Michele Dore Tel: 07828 990 233 / 0207 242 4411   

News Edit: 28 May 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery's glittering exhibition to tell city's story Portsmouth News: A major exhibition of beautiful silver objects opens in Portsmouth this month, telling the stories of historical figures and ordinary local people alike. www.portsmouth.co.uk Lights, camera, jewellery! Bangkok Post: In 2007, Chopard launched its Red Carpet Collection comprising 60 pieces at the 60th Festival de Cannes. www.bangkokpost.com Barbara Wheat Becomes Executive Director Of Ethical Metalsmiths JCK Online: Veteran jewelry publicist and organization head Barbara Wheat (pictured) has joined Ethical Metalsmiths as its new executive director.

News Edit: 12 July 2020

As we find our 'new normal' here is a round up of last week's international jewellery news...   Chopard brings a playful edge to its red carpet-worthy high jewellery The Telegraph: A necklace featuring 90 carats of heart-shaped diamonds and gemstone-studded animals are among the highlights of Chopard's 2020 collection. telegraph.co.uk Sustainability Tips from Jewellery Designer, Pippa Small Vanity Fair: Inspiration from the acclaimed designer. vanityfair.com July 2020: What's New In Jewellery Tatler: This month, expect summery, everyday, and nature-inspired jewellery pieces—as well as some truly stunning engagement rings. asiatatler.com Your Guide To Wearing Men's Jewellery Right Tatler: With more

Sell Out Event with Jewellery Superstars

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

Stretch It, Ping It, Twist It!

Gilly Langton Jewellery blends the love of colour and craftsmanship to create statement jewellery from the Scottish Highlands using the colours of the season. This year Gilly is launching at a range of trade shows including this month's Top Drawer, the new 2017 Ombre Collection of hand dyed elastic and sterling silver jewellery in 22 ombre colours, celebrating the New Pantone Colour of the Year, Gilly has selected greens, pinks and yellows - signature colours for 2017 - which make the new collection extremely current for retailers including Museum Stores, Galleries and fashion accessory stockists.  The New Twist Collection combines twisted stands of hand dyed elastic in a variety of

Group Mentoring for young makers (under 25yrs)

Group Mentoring for young makers (under 25yrs)  New Brewery Arts and Melody Vaughan (with support from Arts Council England) are offering makers and craftspeople (25 years and under) free online group mentoring. The programme will run over 4 months Dec/Jan/Feb/Mar   The mentoring is for young people under 25 and aims to support you as you move from graduate or start-up maker into the professional world of craft. Become part of a network of peers who are facing similar challenges as you establish your practice.   The programme offers  1 x 1hr 1:1 individual mentoring session at the start of programme  

Positano Collection: The Allure Of The Amalfi Coast

Icon of Parisian creativity and cosmopolitan getaways, Maison Aurélie Bidermann is showcasing its POSITANO collection in celebration of the enchanting charm of the Amalfi Coast. Since 2004, the Maison has been delighting jewellery lovers with its dreamy, elegant creations, and this collection is no exception.   The sleek and stylish POSITANO collection offers a range of bangles, small and large hoop earrings, and necklaces inspired by the torques of antiquity. Each carefully crafted bakelite and gilded in 18K (750/1000) gold piece subtly captures the light, evoking the luscious floral colours typical of the Amalfi Coast. This collection makes a real feminine