Search Results

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Burglar who stole millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London loses appeal at the High Court

A burglar who helped to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London has failed to reduce his extended sentence at the High Court on19 March 2021. A burglar who helped to steal millions of pounds worth of jewellery from Hatton Garden in London has failed to reduce his extended sentence at the High Court today (19 March 2021). John Collins (79) was part of a gang of six men who burgled the Hatton Garden Safety Deposit Company in April 2015. Six men wearing high-visibility jackets entered the London premises over a Bank Holiday weekend, overcame

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

Brazillian designer who turned her back on fast-fashion to exhibit at Milan Fashion Week

Brazillian designer, Roberta Mattos’, evolution from fast-fashion student to slow-design is encapsulated in her latest collection: Pause.  The designer began her career in the clothing industry but fell out of love with it due to wide-spread ‘fast-fashion’ practices. She finally settled on jewellery design after trying her hand at other creative industries, such as gastronomy and culture, inspired by a visit to a local jewellery atelier.. The ‘’Pause’’ collection is intentional and conspicuous with its meaning, incorporating the geometric ‘pause’ symbol as a motif within the designs, serving as a gentle reminder to take a break from technology and connect

Fair Luxury calls for jewellers to join the fashion revolution, letting customers know who made their jewellery

It’s said we are the first generation that knows that we are killing the planet, and fast fashion has been amongst one of the biggest targets of criticism. This new era of awareness couldn’t be more apparent- with activist group Extinction Rebellion hosting rallies in cities over the world in the last few days.  At a time where sustainability accounts for a key fashion trend and internet searches for ‘sustainable fashion’ have almost doubled since last year; Fair Luxury looks to the jewellery industry, as a caveat of the fashion trade, to take action and show solidarity for planet Earth. Fashion

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

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

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

Hosking Houses Trust Residency 2025

Active since 2002, we support recognised women writers, artists and creative practitioners, usually over the age of 40, who face some kind of need in the continued development of their work. This need might be personal, domestic, financial or political.   We provide this support primarily, but not exclusively, through short-term residencies and, when needed and viable, bursaries. Since our inception we have hosted, on average, nine women residents a year at Church Cottage, our small eighteenth-century cottage in the peaceful village of Clifford Chambers, two miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon. The cottage is comfortable, private and well-appointed and includes a small well-lit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: 

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

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. Type your content here... 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 –

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

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 –

Friday Workshop at K2 Academy Of Contemporary Jewellery

Friday Workshop at K2 Academy Of Contemporary Jewellery, London Intermediate & Advanced Projects 10 Week Course - Fridays 11 Jan - 22 Mar 2019 Who is it for? This course is ideal for students who don’t want to commit to a certificated course or who have finished an accredited course but want to learn and practice more, or for students who just want to broaden their skills. What will be taught? Each term focuses on a different topic where students will be taught how to explore new designs and ideas within a set theme. The theme can be used for

Sustainability Awards 2025

Call for Applications: QEST and Heritage Crafts Sustainability Awards 2025 Applications for the 2025 QEST and Heritage Crafts Sustainability Award are now open, running until Tuesday 1 July. This award, now in its third year, recognises craftspeople across the UK who have taken significant steps to reduce their environmental impact and improve the sustainability of their craft practices. Recognising Sustainable Innovation in Craft The Sustainability Award celebrates makers who have made measurable changes to their materials, processes, or introduced innovative approaches to reduce their environmental footprint within the past 12 months. Craftspeople working with traditional skills or materials, who have embraced

Obituary: Graham Stewart 1955 - 2020

Silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, who has died in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28 October aged 65, was a talented master craftsman who remained humble about his achievements and his skill. His most recognisable work, Three Honours of Scotland, remains on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament. We publish two obituaries of our friend and colleague: Obituary: Graham Stewart, Scottish silversmith whose work graces Holyrood parliament building Graham Leishman Stewart, silversmith. Born: July 10 1955 in Bridge of Allan. Died: October 28 2020, aged 65. www.scotsman.com Appreciation: Graham Leishman Stewart- 1955-2020, Silversmith Graham Stewart, who died in Edinburgh on

Jewellery Workshop Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Projects at the K2 Academy of Jewellery

Jewellery Workshop Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Projects Thursdays 9 Jan – 19 Mar 2020 Fridays 10 Jan – 20 Mar 2020 Who Is It For? This course is ideal for students who want to learn new techniques and practice their skills or for students who just want to broaden their jewellery knowledge. What Will Be Taught? Each term focuses on a different topic where students will be taught how to explore new designs and ideas within a set theme. The theme can be used for making a specialised piece, which can include different techniques like casting, findings and brooch backs,

Jewellery Workshop Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Projects at the K2 Academy of Jewellery

Jewellery Workshop Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Projects Thursdays 9 Jan – 19 Mar 2020 Fridays 10 Jan – 20 Mar 2020 Who Is It For? This course is ideal for students who want to learn new techniques and practice their skills or for students who just want to broaden their jewellery knowledge. What Will Be Taught? Each term focuses on a different topic where students will be taught how to explore new designs and ideas within a set theme. The theme can be used for making a specialised piece, which can include different techniques like casting, findings and brooch backs,

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019 29th November 2019 The RAC Pall Mall, London The Silversmiths & Jewellers charity dinner is one of the highlights of the industry calendar and raises funds for those who previously worked in the jewellery industry, who have fallen on hard times. The guest entertainment for this year is the amazing magician Jamie Raven, who was a runner up on Britain’s Got Talent. If you or any of your team would like a ticket, please don’t hesitate to on the details below. The charity is also have advertising space available in their brochure for

Manchester Wedding Jeweller Wins at Inaugural Awards

Luxury wedding jewellery retailer, Hancocks Jewellers, has been recognised as one of the best businesses in the industry after winning The Local North West Jeweller of the Year at the 2016 English Wedding Awards. The inaugural Awards ceremony took place on November 14th at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, with more than 100 businesses from across the country in attendance to commemorate the occasion.  After thousands of nominations, the English public voted on their favourites to decide who would be crowned the best of the best. Those who voted were asked to select nominees who are a true embodiment of

Client Focused Specialist - London

Client Focused Specialist London Atelier Benchpeg is seeking an exceptional candidate for an exceptional client. 💍 The client is an exclusive, high end best practice ethical rapidly growing boutique jeweller. 💍 They are on the hunt for a committed , flexible in approach individual, who is adaptable and agile – who’s ambition to succeed will match the business’ and who will therefore be willing to go the extra mile 💎 The role is primarily customer focused, with a huge emphasis on providing a high quality customer experience second to none . With sales at its core, the soft sales delivery

West Dean College Assists in Microgapping

As Alison Baxter, Head of School of Art at West Dean College commented: “We are aware how popular Microgapping has become and our courses are the perfect way to begin to learn a new skill in a short time. The courses at West Dean are a great opportunity to spend a day, or longer, if time allows to get into the flow of a new creative experience, and who knows it could be the start of a new hobby, or even a new career!” For those who would like to learn a new creative hands-on skill in a short period

Goldsmiths' Fair goes digital in reaction to pandemic

Goldsmiths’ Fair, the selling event and exhibition for fine jewellers and silversmiths, is launching a digital Fair in 2020. The Fair will provide an online platform for around 130 exhibitors and established visitors, 9,000 of who ordinarily attend the live event at the Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London, as well as to new audiences from around the world. The Goldsmiths’ Company, who run the event – an essential stop on the international fine jewellery and contemporary silver calendar – is moving the Fair 2020 and its programme of talks, events and exhibitions online, to support business recovery for

Symposium: Made in the Middle, Meet the Maker

Made in the Middle: Meet the Maker Symposium  Talking Practice, in association with Vittoria Street Gallery and Craftspace, is delighted to present Made in the Middle: Meet the Maker. Please join us for an afternoon symposium exploring the routes into business for new and more established craftspeople, and an evening soiree in the company of the Made in the Middle exhibitors over a glass of wine. The Symposium is comprised of two panels, the first with makers who are embarking on their careers and the second with those who are perhaps a little more seasoned by experience. They will give

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 2023 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards

Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, the annual Awards Ceremony was opened by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council’s chair, Anne-Marie Reeves, and hosted by Council Trustees Maeve Gillies and Judith Lockwood, who together announced this year’s award winners. The event welcomed more than 300 guests, including representatives from world-renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers, and the UK media.  The Awards presentation was live-streamed which doubled the immediate audience. In her opening remarks, Anne-Marie Reeves told guests and award winners: “ Congratulations to all the winners and especially those who were honoured with special awards. This is

‘Make Christmas happen’ programme launched by the National Association of Jewellers

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has today announced an exclusive programme of support for just 16 independent jewellery retailers who have their sights set on a successful festive trading period. ‘Make Christmas happen’  is a structured commercially led support programme for a cohort of 16 participants, put together for those who are best positioned within an independent jewellery businesses to ‘make it happen’. The programme will push the cohort as a group, and the individual representatives in the respective jewellery retailers to promote their business as efficiently and effectively as possible, to maximise sales through October, November and December,

Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) publishes State of the Nations Report

The Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) have published a report on the Creative Industries to interrogate 'persistent social inequalities in who produces and participates in arts, culture and heritage, and who gets the opportunity to work in the sector.' The State of the Nations report from the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) uses census data to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of audiences and workforce. The insights shed light on where progress has been made on inclusion, and where significant inequalities and barriers still exist that require policy interventions. The analysis, using

Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund awards £21k in grants

The Kassandra Lauren Gordon Fund (KLG Fund) has awarded a total of £21,000 in grants to Black people working in the jewellery industry who need support for their businesses and have faced financial hardship because of the current crisis, following a review by a panel of five independent industry judges, who said they were “overwhelmed by the talent, creativity and enthusiasm of the applicants”. In June, Black jeweller and activist Kassandra Lauren Gordon successfully raised £19,483 on a Go Fund Me page, exceeding the original £14,000 target. 328 people, businesses and trade organisations made donations ranging from £5 to £5,000.

Coronavirus: NAJ Postpones Education Awards

The National Association of Jewellers has taken the decision to postpone the NAJ Education Awards until later in the year due to c oronavirus. The event, planned for Tuesday 17 March, is a celebration of those students who have successfully completed their JET Professional Jewellers' Diploma, Certificate of Appraisal Theory (CAT), JET Management Diploma or who have completed the course of study to become Registered Valuers at either MIRV or FIRV level. Simon Forrester NAJ Chief Executive said “With the coronavirus situation getting worse by the hour, and given the examples of other countries’ infection rates, we felt it was

Mummy’s Star pendant created created to mark special mum’s life

A jewellery designer has created a very special 'Mummy’s Star' pendant in memory of her late sister-in-law, who passed away with stage 4 breast cancer in April this year. Sian Hughes, whose sister-in-law Emily Hughes was diagnosed with breast cancer in pregnancy, is donating all of the profits of each bespoke, hand-crafted piece to Mummy’s Star. Sian, who has been designing and creating contemporary jewellery for 15 years, said: “I wanted to thank Mummy’s Star for the much-needed practical and emotional support they gave to my family during a very difficult time. “The star in the design is a direct

Rising Stars 2024

Rising Stars 2024 New Ashgate Gallery,  Farnham 16 March - 27 April 2024 Rising Stars  is a curated national platform that fosters and champions early career makers. Rising Stars offers the makers a first step into the professional exhibitions. It offers an exciting opportunity for collectors who wish to support and acquire work by future stars. Following a popular open call with 165 applications,  27 Rising Stars  were selected for the showcase. We recognise there is a lack of representation from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ makers and makers who identify as having a visible or non-visible disability in

Jewellery Quarter Cemetery Memories Campaign

A chance to share your memories of the historic Jewellery Quarter cemeteries or make new ones at an upcoming event on 25 th  April 2020 from 1pm to 3pm in Warstone Lane Cemetery. Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries have been part of people’s lives in the Jewellery Quarter for generations, and lots of people have memories to share.  The Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project is calling out for people who have a connection to the cemeteries to share their personal recollections which will form part of an exciting event. From residents and people who work or study in the Quarter,

Evening Jewellery Workshop, K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Evening Workshop K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery All-levels 8-week Workshop | 1 evening a week | Tuesdays 20 Apr - 15 Jun 2021 This evening jewellery course is for students who want to get an insight into jewellery making. You will learn new techniques, practice your skills, refine your designs and work on your own jewellery projects.  Who is the course for? This course is suitable for students of all skill levels. Beginners will get an insight into jewellery making and learn the basic techniques. This includes learning the correct tool handling and equipment for jewellery making. They will also

Face masks become compulsory from 24 July

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24th July.   Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons on Tuesday that it would " give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops". The rules will be the same as those which currently apply on public transport in England, which means children under 11 and people with certain disabilities will be exempt. Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100. The new rule will not apply to

AdOrN Exhibition, Morley College 🎓

AdOrN Exhibition  Morley College 8 June - 4 July 2023 The jewellery exhibition AdOrN is taking place at Morley College, Waterloo, from 8 June - 4 July.   AdOrN is the end of year show for Level 2 Morley jewellery students who have been working hard to prepare themselves to start jewellery businesses. Morley has a reputation for training goldsmiths who go on to make names for themselves in the business (eg Poppy Norton & Ella Fearon-Low) and this year's students will, we are sure, follow in their footsteps. www.instagram.com

Winners Announced - JOYA Awards Ceremony 2020

The JOYA awards ceremony, was held at “Artesanía Catalunya de la Generalitat”, where it was awarded the best individual artists and students, who despite the current circumstances have created collections with a high level of design. The JOYA awards ceremony, was held at “Artesanía Catalunya de la Generalitat”, where it was awarded the best individual artists and students, who despite the current circumstances have created collections with a high level of design. Respecting the government's recommendations, the awards ceremony was online, bringing together the artists and followers of JOYA worldwide, chaired by Paulo Ribeiro, Director of the Fair and accompanied

K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery - Contemporary Jewellery Workshop

K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Contemporary Jewellery Saturday Workshop This course is ideal for students who either like to try their hands on design and jewellery making or intermediate students who want to broaden their skill set. About The Course On this practical course you will be working on two to three projects which will explore base metals such as copper, brass and more unconventional materials such as paper, textiles, ribbons or other found materials. You will explore and take your inspiration from the theme of ‘water and its rich underwater life’. Projects could include the making of a brooch,

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

Plucky designer makes rings from strings for stars

Designer Emma Hedley has a new set of strings to her bow after Scottish singing star KT Tunstall donated some used guitar strings to be made into bracelets, rings and earrings and sold for charity. Newcastle-based Emma and her sister Kitty design and make jewellery for The Guitarwrist, a not-for-profit company that collects used strings and plectrums from famous artists and musicians who nominate a charity to benefit from the sale of Hedley's designs. They include Duran Duran, Stereophonics Marillion and Alvin Lee though Tunstall, who is supporting Help Refugees,  was one of the first to lend her support describing

Make Your Mark Awards 2019 Winners Announced

Now in its third year, the Make Your Mark award ceremony, organised by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, was held on Tuesday as part of the wider Make Your Mark event. The event, and the competition, were designed to celebrate and promote the British Hallmark.  As the event is largely geared towards newcomers to the trade, the competition has two entrance categories, one for industry members who completed their training within the last 5 years, and one to accommodate those who are a little earlier in their careers, for students and apprentices.    Dr Robert Organ, Deputy Warden of the

Sotheby's Diamonds showcase world's rarest white rock

A 'perfect' white diamond had a coming out party today in London and was immediately made available to purchase though Sotheby's Diamonds who match the worlds rarest diamonds with the worlds richest collectors. Its value is believed to be around £25 million though Sotheby's who unveiled the 102.34 carat rock as part of their first year anniversary celebrations have put it on the market for an undisclosed sum. Extraordinarily rare, the white diamond, mined in Botswana, is the only known round brilliant-cut diamond over 100 carats with an extra cachet of being flawless in colour and clarity. It is the

Gang of thieves raid Cotswold Arts and Craft Museum

A gang of thieves launched a raid on the award-winning Court Barn Arts and Craft Museum and in what looks to be a premeditated crime, took off with a number of silver pieces dating back to 1900. The items taken range from pieces by architect and designer Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942), Hart Silversmiths who joined Ashbee in Campden in 1902 and who still make silver today and designer Robert Welch (1929-2000). They include a silver pendant in the form of a butterfly with wings of enamel and a blue enamel pendant, c1902. The Museum opened in 2007 to  preserve and

#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

Appointment: International Jewellery London appoint Katie Morris as Exhibition Director

An experienced events professional, Morris has worked on numerous shows for IJL’s parent company, Reed Exhibitions since joining in 2010. From Head of Marketing on The London Book Fair she progressed to Event Manager in 2015 and became Head of Buyer Programmes in April 2018. Her appointment is from immediate effect. Morris will replace Sarah Kitley-Spencer who stepped down from the role in October 2018. As IJL Head of Buyer Programmes, Morris increased the international buyer presence by 15 % in 2018 and has brokered partnerships across other jewellery shows. The newly appointed Exhibition Director will report to Jacks Thomas, who

Top Ten Announced for EC One Unsigned Award

EC One have announced the 'Top Ten' for their Unsigned Award 2016 Following a huge increase on last year’s applications, the EC One team narrowed entrants down to a shortlist of ten excellent contestants, who are now in the running to be in the Final Four. Three contestants will now be nominated by a public vote on the EC One website , and EC One will select a ‘Wild Card’ who will complete the Final Four. The public vote will be open until midnight Wednesday 31 August, where anybody can vote for their favourite. The Final Four will be announced

Pure London announces International Footwear and Accessory line-up

Pure London, the premium event for progressive fashion buyers, will once again play host to the UK’s largest selection of footwear and accessory brands at the forthcoming February edition of the show (12-14 February, London Olympia). Featuring a range of new, international and niche brands showcasing their AW17 collections, the Footwear and Accessory hall is set to be one of the best offerings yet for buyers. New to Pure London this February, Spanish-based footwear designer Lola Cruz, who will be presenting their highly anticipated  AW17 collection. Designed and created by Maria Jesus Gonzalvo, who followed her family's passion and heritage

Free registration is now live for IJL 2017

IJL 2017 opens its doors at Olympia, London on 3 September 2017 for three days of inspiration, innovation, education and networking opportunities.  Jewellery trade visitors who register online before 30 th  June will be entered in a prize draw to be in with a chance to win a case of  Thienot  champagne.        Sam Willoughby, Event Director, commented,  “Early birds who register now for IJL 2017 can plan their show down to the last detail. Free entry is guaranteed and there is so much more, all easily accessible through My Event, the IJL event online planning and networking

British Fashion Council Announces Newgen Recipients For 2017 / 2018

The British Fashion Council (BFC) celebrates the fifteen emerging designers who will receive NEWGEN support for the year ahead. Following the announcement of a new format, NEWGEN sponsorship is now awarded annually to both menswear and womenswear designers who will show at either London Fashion Week Men’s or London Fashion Week. This new format is focused on celebrating the incredible pool of emerging menswear and womenswear talent in London. NEWGEN offers designers the time and support to hone in on critical business skills to futureproof their businesses. Britain leads the way when it comes to nurturing and developing young talent,

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland

Elements 2: Festival of Contemporary Jewellery and Silverware - Scotland This November, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull will be holding the second ‘Elements’, an annual festival celebrating contemporary jewellery and silverware in Scotland. Elements Festival Jewellery Fair Elements 2 will see forty-eight of the UK’s most talented jewellers and silversmiths exhibit their work, which will also be available to buy. Exhibitors include Sarah Hutchison, who was recently commissioned to create a diamond-studded teapot to add to the prestigious Chitra Collection of Newby Teas, Bryony Knox who was previously artist in residence at Edinburgh Zoo and Rebecca Joselyn,

Flux 2017 - Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery Conference

Brining together pioneering figures from the worlds of jewellery, fashion, and beyond - FLUX provides a platform for industry leaders who question the way in which we approach provenance and sustainability by examining the complex journey from mine to market. This two-day event will build on our inaugural conference in 2016 to further encourage a dynamic platform for debate, providing an atmosphere of collaboration between open-minded individuals who wish to be part of something truly trailblazing. Day one will focus on a range of topics relating to responsible and sustainable sourcing in the jewellery sector for small and medium sized

Creative & Cultural Skills Annual Awards Evening 2017

Creative and Cultural Skills recently held their annual awards evening for the winners of the  2017 Cr eative & Cultural Skills Awards which  were judged by leading employers in the creative industries.    The awards were designed to celebrate inspirational individuals, teams and organisations, who show an outstanding commitment to the training and development of new talent in the creative industries. The Awards Evening allowed recognition for those individuals and organisations responsible for passing on their skills, as well as those who show an outstanding dedication to the creative industries. The jewellery industry had two winners in the Craft Skills

DMAC Makers Fair 2025

Are you an emerging maker or recent craft graduate? We’re inviting applications for our Makers Fair 2025, a selected fair showcasing outstanding new talent. Fair dates:  18 – 20 July 2025 Deadline to apply:  Midnight on Sunday 30 March Fee:  £50 This opportunity is open to students or those who have graduated within the last five years, working independently in disciplines including: Weaving Ceramics Natural Dye Jewellery Printmaking We’re looking for emerging makers who bring originality, dedication and skill to their craft. Your work should demonstrate a distinct creative voice and a high level of technical skill in your chosen

Publications

Trade publications are a great way of knowing what's going on and who's who in industry. Here we have compiled a list of national and international trade publications and periodicals, many have their own daily, weekly or monthly e-newsletters. The UK titles are listed first... UK Attire Accessories www.attireaccessories.com Benchpeg www.benchpeg.com Gold Inspirations www.lovegold.com Harper's Bazaar www.harpersbazaar.co.uk Jewellery Focus www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk Jewellery Monthly www.jewellerymonthly.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com Jewellery Outlook www.jewelleryoutlook.com JFW - Jewels Fashion Watches Magazine www.jfwmagazine.com JQ Magazine jewelleryquarter.net LUXWorldwide www.luxworldwide.com Making Jewellery Magazines - The GMC Group www.thegmcgroup.com Professional Jeweller www.professionaljeweller.com Retail Jeweller www.retail-jeweller.com Silver Magazine www.silvermag.com Silver Society

Jeweller raises funds for Covid-19 Memorial Garden

After learning of the recent campaign in The Glasgow Herald to construct a memorial garden to commemorate those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Scotland, Caitlin Hegney was inspired to get involved and fundraise for the project.  The jeweller was particularly moved by the proposal for the creation of a memorial garden in Pollock Country Park, having worked in Geilston Garden herself, recognising the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individuals’ wellbeing and mental health.  Hegney believes that it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where

Maker Relief Fund

Maker Relief Fund -  support for craftspeople   who need it most Many craftspeople are facing significant challenges in sustaining their practice, due to a combination of financial pressures and systemic marginalising factors. Heritage Crafts’ Maker Relief Fund is targeted at people facing financial hardship while striving to make their living as a professional craftsperson. It is based on the principles that: the best way to safeguard the UK’s intangible craft heritage is to support the individuals within whom that knowledge and skill resides; and such individuals are the best arbiters of their own need, deserve to be treated with

The Garden Club Social

The Garden Club Social 25th May 2023 5pm - til late Please join The Garden Club for an informal drinks evening on Thursday, 25 May at The Castle pub in Farringdon. Due to the popularity of our last event, we are very happy that The Castle have offered the upstairs of the pub for this and all future events, as they are keen to support the jewellery trade. Please spread the word and we hope to see you there! The Garden Club is an initiative created to support those businesses in the jewellery trade who are based in - or rely

Surface Level @Intro

Surface Level 17 January - 29 February 2020 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Intro is pleased to announce its next exhibition, Surface Level. The surface of an object is a boundary or a threshold that enables contact with the object itself. Artists and jewellers must be hyper-aware of the treatment of surfaces as they act as both the initial physical connection to a wearer, as well as a visual one. Surface Level is an exhibition of work by several Intro artists who are thinking about surfaces in their practice as a way to access deeper meaning and context. The surfaces of each

Q&A: Patrick Fuller

Patrick Fuller has been at the helm of the jewellery industry for some 30 years. A charismatic individual who has held every senior influential position in the British jewellery industry going. He is currently a Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office, a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company and President of the National Association of Jewellers as well as a Freeman of the City of London. A former President of the National Association of Goldsmiths; President of Emagold Europe; Director of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; President of the British Jewellery and Giftware Federation; Member of the British Hallmarking Council

Isabella Liu previews her new ethical collection Twilight at the Zaha Hadid Gallery

Isabella, who has been named as both Influencer and Ambassador for the China Britain International Design Week and the British Council in Asia for 2018, has been invited to preview her new ethical jewellery collection Twilight at the Abstract Expressions exhibition at the Zaha Hadid Gallery The Twilight Collection is a celebration of Love, encapsulating the beauty and energy of the Goddess of the Moon. The Moon and its many phases, often believed to symbolise the female form and the cycle of life, have inspired Isabella to create pieces which tell the tale of life - the crescent is youth

Thomas Lyte commissioned to create the Laver Cup

Rod Laver, Roger Federer and John McEnroe have unveiled The Laver Cup for the first time, amid great expectation for the new competition. It will be contested to celebrate the career and exceptional achievements of Australian great Rod Laver, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis player of all time. Six of the best players from Europe will compete against six of their counterparts from the rest of the world for the new trophy in September. Three of the greats of tennis, past and present, unveiled the newest trophy in world tennis, the Laver Cup. Rod Laver,

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

The Jewellery Quarter Festival

The Jewellery Quarter Festival is a showcase of what Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is today  as well as a celebration of the vibrant business and wider JQ communities. Organised by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) and supported by local businesses, the festival takes place over a weekend in July each year and is ideal for visitors and families as well as anyone who lives, learns or works in the area. The event is comprised of two main features; outdoor activities and entertainment on the two public squares and the Open Studios Trail in a number of workshops and studios

Narratives In Making, National Craft Gallery - Kilkenny

Narratives In Making An exhibition of new and innovative works from the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2017-18. The 28 designer makers represented were selected by an international panel, for demonstrating excellence in craftsmanship, design quality and technical skill. Narratives in Making, curated by Gregory Parsons, considers the provenance of the objects, who made it, where it was made, how it was made and what it is made of. All this is inextricably linked. It informs our relationship with the object. There are fascinating stories here, from the love of material, rituals of making, the design

Hereford College of Arts

Hereford College of Arts  is a dedicated arts college with a specialist focus on art, media, design, popular music and performing arts. We offer eleven undergraduate degrees alongside a range of pre-degree and short course programmes for students of all ages from twelve.  Undergraduate: Jewellery Design - BA (Hons) www.hca.ac.uk Vocational course: Top - Up Jewellery Design – BA (Hons) For students who have completed a HND or Foundation Course www.hca.ac.uk

Giftag - ‘Made in Britain’ Home and Gift Fair 2017

Giftag - ‘Made in Britain’ Home and Gift Fair A brand-new home and gift fair for London, Giftag will offer the discerning retail buyer the opportunity to source products and services that are vetted by the organisers as being designed or manufactured in the UK or Ireland. The organisers have been responsible for the development and management of The British Craft Trade Fair for over 25 years and their experience in this sector of the gift industry is second to none. They will be using their knowledge and experience to ensure the success of Giftag. Buyers who visit the fair

Sima Vaziry Jewellery to open first shop at the OXO Tower

Sima Vaziry Jewellery & Katherine Elizabeth Millinery have come together and made the decision to open a boutique studio and shop in order to showcase their award winning creations. The attractive high end items on display will appeal to a wide audience who appreciate exquisite design and craftsmanship. Their strengths are that they have already been in business for many years and have successfully achieved a large client base and following. They are well known in the industry and have already showed their collections in high end venues such as Cliveden House, the Berkley, The British Museum and Fortnum and

Open Studios: 401 ½ Studios

401½ are pleased to offer a warm welcome for pre-Christmas shopping or browsing and a chance to meet and chat with makers about their work. The artists and makers at 401½ studios are opening their doors once more this November, giving visitors the opportunity to view and buy from a vast array of different crafts and arts. This year they are excited to have been joined by a number of new members who will be opening their studios for the first time. On the 19th - 20th November, 11am-5pm, Studio 401 ½ throw open the doors to their South London

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as practical

Advanced Jewellery CAD Modelling in Rhino

Advanced Jewellery CAD Modelling in Rhino by Jack Meyer  This detailed guide is written for intermediate and experienced Rhino 3D CAD users who wish to improve their understanding of NURBS and subdivision modelling methods in Rhino 3D. It explains how 3D modelling applies to jewellery and manufacturing through a combination of step-by-step tutorials, analysis of the software techniques and demonstrations of real world case studies. Packed with essential techniques and strategies, it can be used as a self-learning tool or a classroom text to take your use of Rhino's 3D NURBS and subdivision modelling tools to a higher level. This

British Craft Trade Fair to run interactive online show for 2020

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) has announced that it will run an online, interactive exhibition for designer-makers who are already signed up for this year’s event. The online show will be open to registered and approved buyers from June 14 – 15 (10.00 – 17.00) via the BCTF website , with this year’s BCTF award-winners being announced on Monday June 14 at 17.00. The next physical edition of BCTF will run as usual at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate from April 11-13. 2021 Show organiser, Margeret Bunn, said: “Like other exhibition organisers, we were forced to cancel this

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as practical

Scotland’s annual festival of gold, silver and jewellery is set to sparkle

Elements - Scotland’s only festival celebrating the very best in gold, silver and jewellery – begins tomorrow, bringing a weekend of unparalleled sparkle to Edinburgh.   It will feature a spectacular exhibition of   award-winning work from the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) Competition – being showcased in Scotland for the first time.   There will also be workshops and expert talks.  But the highlight for many will be a selling fair where visitors can meet close to 50 superb makers from all across Scotland and the rest of the UK who will be showing wonderful designer gold, silver

Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices

Fair Luxury Open House:  "Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices" The next Fair Luxury Open House will be held on Tuesday 14th November at 10am (GMT). "Comparing the Struggles and Standards of Fairmined Gold Mining Practices" For most of us, we use metal mined from around the world, but we will never get to see and experience the process first hand. In this Open House, we aim to give you insights into mining from those who have seen it first hand. Desiree and Saskia were both on the Fairmined trips to Peru in 2022 and Colombia

HYBRID: Exploring the Intersection of Craft and Collaboration

HYBRID: Exploring the Intersection of Craft and Collaboration The Haberdashery, Glasgow 5th – 7th June 2024 The 'Hybrid' showcase displays individual and collective works of Artists in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art, who are reimagining, challenging, and expanding the notion of craft-making through innovative approaches. These contemporary craft-makers explore hybrid concepts and cross-cultural intersections using analogue and digital means of expression. This thoughtfully curated collection of individual and collective works amplifies the relevance of symbiotic relationships between the poetic and the linguistic, realism and surrealism, fluidity and statics, trauma and intimacy, and the cross-fertilisation of cultures through objects,

Silversmithing Short Course Bursary

The South Square Trust Award - Silversmithing Short Course Bursary West Dean College, Chichester PO18 0QZ West Dean College, The South Square Trust Award - Silversmithing Short Course Bursary is available for courses taking place at West Dean Sussex before 22 April 2025. The funding is available to early career makers within 10 years of graduating and or setting up their self-employed practice and those currently studying on a postgraduate course in silversmithing or jewellery who are looking for a West Dean silversmithing short course that will help them develop their skills. Courses include  Silversmithing – with an emphasis on

How are you? A little note from us to you

Hello How  are  you? We’ve missed you. You may have been wondering where we have been. Like all of us, Benchpeg has had to acclimatise to a ‘new normal’ and this has taken some time. We’ve had to weather a few storms before but this global pandemic is something none of us have experienced in our lifetimes. For Benchpeg, this has meant a number of personal and professional issues including the hospitalisation of one of our children with a Covid-19 scare, who is thankfully fine now. Unfortunately, this meant putting Benchpeg on hold temporarily while we hunkered down and dealt

40 Brooches for 40 Years

40 Brooches for 40 Years Dovecot Studios 7 – 29 August 2021 As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Dazzle presents  40 Brooches for 40 Years .  This exhibition shows 40 makers from across the four decades who made a special brooch for the occasion. These one-off brooches are available to buy online at Lovedazzle or at our  Edinburgh Festival Dazzle  at Dovecot Studios  7 – 29 August   2021 .  Dovecot Studios Ltd ,  10 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT or  www.lovedazzle.com

Dragons’ Den and The Workbench

The Workbench: Best-friends-turned-jewellers appear on prime-time BBC One TV show after world-first ring carving kits shake up jewellery industry. Best friends Katie and Kirstie built their business after a eureka moment during a craft night with friends. The new series of Dragons’ Den saw this week The Workbench girls pitch their business  on the BBC programme. The Workbench, the world’s first design-your-own ring carving kit, is the result of a lightbulb moment in 2014 between best friends - founders Katie and Kirstie who appeared on the finale episode of the 18th series of Dragons’ Den on the 8th July pitching

Benchpeg's Bookshelf Book List

We all enjoy a good read. Our bookshelf has been hand-picked. Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from

Jewelry Stories

Jewelry Stories to 16 April 2023 New York, USA MAD was an early advocate of jewelry as a form of artistic expression. Its 1956 inaugural exhibition,  Craftsmanship in a Changing World , gave many Americans their first exposure to metalsmiths who were challenging the norms of conventional jewelry design and creating works rooted in sculptural experimentation. Because of the support of MAD and like-minded institutions, makers, and collectors around the world, the concept of jewelry as an art form took hold and flourished. To date, the Museum has presented more than 150 exhibitions featuring art jewelry and there are more

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

10 Artists & Makers

10 Artists & Makers Weiss Gallery, Jermyn St, London 10 - 18 March 2023 We are a group of 10 artists and makers who have come together for this show. We use a broad, inclusive mix of methods and materials and are all very happy to be showing in this important central London gallery. The Weiss Gallery have given us the unique opportunity to curate and present our work in their space. For us this is an exciting and unusual opportunity to share opinion and perspective across traditionally separated disciplines. This is rare for visitors too as they are offered

Craft Festival Wales 2025

Call for Applications: Craft Festival Wales 6 - 8 September 2025 Cardigan Castle, Wales Craft Festivals, have become some of the largest, friendliest and most prestigious shows to be part of in the UK. The process and criteria are the same for all Craft Festival events. All exhibitors are selected for quality by a panel of industry professionals. Full details about stand sizes and fees are within the individual application forms. There is a non-refundable administration fee of £15  to apply. Stand sharing is not permitted.  Who is eligible to apply? Your work shows a dedication to quality of making,

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

On a beautiful sunny day this week, Benchpeg was invited to join the Copenhagen Commitment’s second summit meeting hosted by the Goldsmiths' Centre to discuss what, in the most democratic and transparent manner, delegates considered to be the most important key issues around industry ethics, the environment and sustainability at both at macro and micro levels were. Delegates such as Pippa Small, Jos Skeates, Stuart Pool, Peter Crump, Melanie Eddy, Thelma West, Yianni Melas, Karen Westland of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Marcus McCallum, Charlotte Cornelius and many, many others were in attendance. Svend Wennick who drives the Copenhagen Commitment initiative

Going For Gold(smiths)

Dartmoor Jeweller, Corrinne Eira Evans, has been selected to exhibit at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair event at Goldsmiths Hall, London. Corrinne is one of only 136 jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected to take part in the event. Evans creates handcrafted contemporary jewellery inspired by her surroundings of Dartmoor. Fascinated with the heritage craft technique of flat chainmail, she fabricates elegant metal fabric jewellery which connects the undulating Dartmoor landscape with contours of the body. Utilising the best ethical materials, the pallet of metallic colours offer maximising versatility and wearability. Her use of bold yet subtle patterns ‘woven’ into

Wisley Craft Fair Goes Virtual

The annual Contemporary Spring Craft Fair held at RHS Garden Wisley may have been cancelled this year due to Covid-19 but the organisers, Craft In Focus, have moved the fair online.   Visitors who were planning to attend this, the UK’s most popular craft fair, will not need to miss out and can now find all their favourite exhibitors online and discover a fabulous selection of professional contemporary craftmakers and artists selected from the finest in the UK.  They will not even have to queue to enter! The virtual craft fair can be found on the Craft In Focus website www.craftinfocus.com

Goldsmiths' Fair 2023

Goldmsiths' Fair 2023 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Week One: 26 September to 1 October | Week Two: 3 October to 8 October 2023 Goldsmiths’ Fair, The Goldsmiths’ Company’s annual selling event for independently made fine jewellery and silver, has today announced the 136 craftspeople who will be exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the City of London, from 26 September until 8 October. For more than 40 years, Goldsmiths’ Fair has provided both private collectors and international museums and collections with the opportunity to meet with, and buy pieces from, the most talented independent silversmiths and jewellers working in the

Craftworks

Craftworks 15 – 17 May 2024 Shoreditch Town Hall, London Set to take place 15 – 17 May 2024, Craftworks is a three-day, free to attend show, which will host the very best of arts, crafts, and design from all corners of the craft sector. With the ultimate collection of both traditional and contemporary makers exhibiting their work, live seminars and workshops as well as panel sessions with some of the finest minds in the craft sector. If you’re a collector, an interior designer, an architect, a retail or hospitality buyer or you’re someone who appreciates and purchases beautiful pieces

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

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

Goldsmith / Bench Jeweller, Charles Green - Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

Goldsmith / Bench Jeweller Charles Green Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Due to continued growth, we are excited to expand our skilled team with a full-time vacancy for a Goldsmith / Bench Jeweller . We are looking for an experienced professional who shares our passion for crafting exceptional, high-quality jewellery . You will join a talented and friendly team in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. What We Offer: Competitive salary – based on experience and skill level Enhanced company pension scheme 27 days holiday , plus bank holidays Staff discount on all Charles Green products Exciting and diverse projects

Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council appoints new Chair and Vice Chair

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council  (GC&DC) has appointed John Ball, managing director at British fine jewellery manufacturer Brown & Newirth, as its new Chair for the next two years. John takes over the role of Chair from Anne-Marie Reeves, who has come to the end of her two-year term, but will remain on Council. Having joined the GC&DC as a council member in 2020, John has held the position of Vice Chair of Council for the last two years, assisting Anne-Marie. He was officially elected to the role of Chair at a full council meeting last Friday (25 October)

Luz Arias - Nuanced transparency

Luz Arias has been dedicating herself to jewellery since 1999 and during her career she also becomes curator of the "Puro Diseño" fair, thus acquiring a formal sensibility towards both project and creativity writes  Ilaria Ruggiero She meets the glass almost by chance becoming her perfect alter ego, as often happens to those who are attracted to and approach this material, so concrete but so elusive. From the moment she starts working with glass, she improves technique and aesthetics in a personal and unique way. A bit in general, and especially in her work, Luz does not aim to dominate

Cooksongold Announces New Managing Director

Paul Cooper joined Cooksongold on the 4th September 2023 After an extensive and in-depth recruitment process, Cooksongold is happy to announce the appointment of Paul Cooper as Managing Director. Paul has a wealth of experience in manufacturing, both in the UK and overseas, including previous appointments where Paul was responsible for subsidiaries in Brazil, Mexico and Canada whilst living in the USA. He also lived in Singapore whilst responsible for a number of Asian subsidiaries. Over the course of the coming months, Paul will have the support of Cooksongold’s established Senior Management Team who will help to ensure a smooth

The Royal Mint announces partnership with Heritage Crafts

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

Luca Tripaldi: A Gothic View

The Gothic and Baroque strand in contemporary ceramics is finding several prominent exponents in the international arena, each characterized by personal tastes and styles writes Ilaria Ruggiero. One of these is certainly Luca Tripaldi, who combines his intense activity as a sculptor and teacher, with continuous research and technical experimentation that is often directed into jewellery. In the past he worked for many years at Mario Audello in Turin as sculptor, making masks and special effects for many opera houses like “Scala di Milano” and “Arena di Verona”, etc. Attention to scenography, detail, theatricality and narrative components are all easily traceable

Cooksongold Announces New Managing Director

Paul Cooper joined Cooksongold on the 4th September 2023 After an extensive and in-depth recruitment process, Cooksongold is happy to announce the appointment of Paul Cooper as Managing Director. Paul has a wealth of experience in manufacturing, both in the UK and overseas, including previous appointments where Paul was responsible for subsidiaries in Brazil, Mexico and Canada whilst living in the USA. He also lived in Singapore whilst responsible for a number of Asian subsidiaries. Over the course of the coming months,  Paul will have the support of Cooksongold’s established Senior Management Team who will help to ensure a smooth

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 8 October 2022 Central Scotland School of Jewellery Dunblane, Scotland Join Silversmith Jill Leventon for a day of structural and textural metalworking. By adding small undulations or corrugations to our metal we will add strength and texture to thin sheets of metal, allow us to work in a sculptural yet economic way. Using simple hand tools and a corrugating roller add pleats, folds, and smocking to your designs, or create lightweight hollow bead forms. For makers who are exploring more environmentally sustainable skills this workshop is perfect. Larger, sculptural pieces

Responsible Jewellery Council Launches SDG Taskforce

Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), the leading standard-setting organisation for the jewellery and watch supply chain, announced today the launch of an SDG Taskforce to create a unified platform to benchmark members’ progress in the implementation of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The UN SDGs are a call to action for all countries, organisations and people to come together in partnership to achieve a more sustainable and fairer future for all. The SDG Taskforce includes 26 leaders of the global jewellery industry together with the representatives of NGOs, other trade organisations and academia who will convene on a regular

Karl & Lisa

For those who are lucky enough to be in Melbourne, Australia, there is still more than a week to visit the Karl & Lisa exhibition at the Funaki Gallery, a double solo show dedicated to two of the most important names in the world of contemporary jewellery writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Lisa Walker necklace, 2019, fabric, stuffing, thread, acrylic paint Lisa Walker necklace, 2019, merino, stuffing, acrylic paint, thread Karl Fritsch and Lisa Walker have been at the forefront of contemporary jewellery for over 20 years, constantly pushing and questioning what jewellery is and can be. They met while studying at the prestigious

A new home for silversmithing

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

Homage to Earth: Hidden Treasures by Teresa Seabra

During one of her last visits to India, Teresa Seabra met an old man who had been collecting wonderful dendritic agates since his childhood. He then confided her with great sadness, that none of his successors cared about his treasure. She so decided to take some of them, working with these mysterious stones by combining them with others, with tiny Basra pearls and rough little diamonds writes Ilaria Ruggiero. Necklace: Hidden Treasures I, 2016 Oxidized silver, dendritic agates and crystal rock Necklace: Hidden Treasures II, 2016 Gold, dendritic agates and amber Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony,

A Family Journey - Around Europe In 10 Days

Boodles launch their new High Jewellery Collection for 2023 around the story of Anthony Wainwright's round the world trip in 1962. Some sixty year later Nohcholas Wainwright makes a simlar journey round Europe to source stones, design pieces and have lots of fun along the way... He writes... We’ll always be a forward-looking business. But once in a while, it’s nice to look back and at my age, I do what I’m told. So when my family co-directors of Boodles said they’d like me to do a Grand Tour of Europe in 10 days, who was I to

Co-collaboration maker space opens with a ching

Last Thursday Benchpeg went along to the launch of FORGE, which is the new multi-functional, co-collaborative space based on Leather Lane in Hatton Garden. The launch party was extremely well attended with the great and the good of industry showing up to support the new initiative conceived by Amanda Mansell. Officially opened by Natalie Melton, the Executive Director of the Crafts Council, who congratulated Amanda with her huge achievement in navigating a multitude of complex requirements to get the ‘maker space’ off the ground and completed.   Subsequently she has added that,  “It’s the kind of creative space that should

Mounter, Stonehouse Jewellery - Birmingham

Sales Administrator Stonehouse Jewellery Ltd Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham B18 6BH We are seeking a Mounter to join our esteemed fine jewellery manufacturing business. This position requires someone who is passionate about jewellery and has a strong background in mounting. The ideal candidate should have experience in the fine jewellery industry. Responsibilities Mounting 1, 2 and 3 part rings as well as other jewellery pieces All items must be produced to a high stand and completed in a timely manner Requirements Confident in the ability to produce jewellery to a high standard Able to work under pressure Experience in working with all types

Launch: PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House

Launch: PEACEGOLD Ethical Jewellery House  31st October 2024 Bishops Auckland PEACEGOLD is proud to announce the official launch of its Ethical Jewellery House on 31st October 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 53 Fore Bondgate, Bishops Auckland. The PEACEGOLD Ethical Jewellery House celebrates jewellery that creates change. With a curated selection of ethical jewellers who are dedicated to crafting stunning pieces with integrity and purpose. PEACEGOLD is a community interest company established to benefit artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in conflict-affected areas. It directly supports these communities, promoting fair practices, economic empowerment and peace building. The evening will feature

Joy Bonfield-Colombara awarded QEST Scholarship

QEST has recently awarded a scholarship to jeweller Joy Bonfield-Colombara to further her training. Joy is an artist and goldsmith who creates jewellery and small-scale sculpture in gold, silver and bronze. She has a BA in Jewellery and Silversmithing from the Glasgow School of Art, and an MA in Jewellery and Metal from the Royal College of Art. Much of her work is inspired by classical Roman and Greek art, which she gives a distinctive contemporary twist. Since graduating she has exhibited both nationally and internationally, and has work in international galleries and museums. Her website is:  https://joybc.co.uk Joy’s QEST funding

Davina Mallinckrodt Appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cockpit Arts

Davina has been confirmed in the role on 8th April 2021, following her appointment as Chair-Elect in December 2020. She succeeds Cornelius Medvei, who has held the post for the past nine years.  Davina joins Cockpit following a year in which the award-winning social enterprise and leading creative business incubator has successfully supported its 150 strong maker community through the pandemic. In addition to the 40 young creative businesses receiving awards and bursary support, in 2020/21 Cockpit has provided substantially reduced rents to its makers at its two hubs, Cockpit Holborn and Cockpit Deptford and successfully pivoted to digital delivery

HASHI: founded by Hamda Al Mansoori, Dubai

HASHI make fine jewellery  accessible to both genders and all age groups by combining passion and innovation to fine crafted jewellery.  HASHI is more than a fine jewellery brand. It values the client’s perspective of making their interests into a memorable work of art and produce a masterpiece to every man and woman who appreciates the finer things in life. They make fine jewellery  accessible to both genders and all age groups by combining passion and innovation to fine crafted jewellery.  “Designing bridge to beauty and luxury”  as their guiding principle. Founded on passion and courage HASHI was created in

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

Diamond: From rough to diamond

Diamond cutting, an essential step in revealing all the beauty of this unique stone, is a complex art, passed on through a long apprenticeship with a master diamond cutter, a true artist of volume and precision. Diren Ramsamy , a Diamond Cutter at Rubel & Ménasché, who has devoted his entire professional life to this demanding art, will help you discover, during a talk with  Olivier Segura , Gemmologist and Scientific Director at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, not only the tools he uses and the steps involved in cutting a diamond but also the way he understands the stone

Camden Pop-Up Business School - Small Business Resilience course

Camden Pop-Up Business School - Small Business Resilience course We’ve partnered with the popular PopUp Business School to help business in Camden become more resilient and build their online presence, if you’re a Camden business who would like to access the free training – sign up today. Day 1 - Hose to make your business resilience (AM) and Protecting your business (PM) Day 2 - Building your online presence (AM) and How to win at social media (PM) Day 3 - The sales mindset (AM) and Find supporters, Not Customers (PM) To view the overview of the training programme,  click

SIERAAD 2022

Overwhelmed by two difficult years of Corona, there is now a beautiful 19th edition of SIERAAD Art Fair, International Jewellery Fair. Despite all the Covid-19 troubles, the lockdowns etc. we have participants from all over the world for this edition who will soon be shining in the beautiful Gashouder in Amsterdam. There will be about 130 designers/makers on display. Two academies, one from Maastricht, Maastricht Institute of Arts in the Netherlands and one from Lithuania, Vilnius Academy of Arts, with enormously talented students. This year there is a group of jewellery designers from South Korea, which we are also looking

Digital NAJ Live

The NAJ has now revealed plans on how it plans to continue with its successful lockdown webinars and coffee breaks through a revised monthly ‘NAJ Live’ format. Sarah Duncan from Chiswick Auctions who previously presented one of the most popular ‘lockdown’ seminars on ‘Sentimental Jewellery’ is announced as a keynote speaker alongside Alex Kettler, Head of Media at Richard Winterton Auctioneers for the very first digital NAJ Live. The digital NAJ Live format will include three webinar presentations, with Helen Dimmick NAJ Retail Ambassador hosting proceedings. After the webinar sessions have closed, attendees will then have the opportunity to join

Lunchtime Lecture with Alice Fry

Our Salters' Institute lunchtime lecture series is back and we can't wait for you to join us. Our lectures will bring chemistry and how we interact with it to life, in ways you have never imagined. Chemistry can be found everywhere, from the skincare we use, to the jewellery we wear, to modern medicine. Chemistry is essential in helping us live in a more sustainable and socially aware society. Our second guest speaker is Alice Fry, who graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2020 with a First in BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery Design. Alice then completed a year at

Blowing Truths: A special review on Joya Barcelona 2019

I recently went to hospital to take a test for lactose intolerance. A four-hour test, which consisted of blowing into plastic bags every 30 minutes, after drinking a liquid substance that was as sweet as it was nauseating writes Ilaria Ruggiero. The bags were unfortunately not exciting and fun like those of Christine Jalio who, with intelligence and irony, invites us to expel the daily frustrations of which we are victims, blowing into them, to lighten and in some way to exhale an inner saturation that is wearing us out. Provocative, pop, effective. Compared to the other arts, the peculiarity of About

Handmade in Chelsea 2024

Handmade in Chelsea 2024 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 6 - 9 November 2024 “ Handmade Chelsea show is one of a kind. A fantastic setting in such a busy and popular location in London, attracting buyers for all different craft disciplines. Its long and well established reputation draws in repeat customers every year as well as attracting new visitors. As a maker who has exhibited for 16 years, it is fabulous and friendly show to take part in, a highlight of my working calendar. ” – Annie Ruthven-Taggart, Exhibitor 2023 We are pleased to announce that the 17th edition

Sweet Sentiments in Dior's Latest Fine Jewellery Collections

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

OROAREZZO 2025

OROAREZZO 2024 10 - 13 May 2025 Arezzo Fiere e Congressi,  Via Spallanzani, 23,  52100 Arezzo, Italy OROAREZZO is the reference event that integrates all Made in Italy industrial production into a system of excellence, serving the goldsmithing sector. From gold and silver manufacturing to jewelry production and innovative machinery: a complete offering that reflects all Italian know-how, creativity and innovation. OROAREZZO is the event where ideas are given shape, thanks to a network of suppliers who can satisfy the needs of developing unique creations and private labels. OROAREZZO is also a platform of interest for the fashion sector. The new Arezzo

Elsa Peretti (1940 – 2021)

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

Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023

Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023 SLOVENSKI TEDEN NAKITA 2023 11— 19 May 2023 The SIJW project is primarily intended to present contemporary jewelry design to the public. They will be able to learn more about the products and designers who create contemporary jewelry throughout Slovenia. Guests from abroad will also join them. This is currently the only event in our country that is specifically aimed at promoting contemporary jewelry design and its creators. Contemporary jewelry is a self-reflexive practice, which means that we creators are engaged in thinking about ourselves and the conditions in which we carry out this practice. Contemporary

Craftworks

Craftworks 15th – 17th May 2025 Shoreditch Town Hall, London Craftworks is a three-day, free to attend show, which will host the very best of arts, crafts, and design from all corners of the craft sector. With the ultimate collection of both traditional and contemporary makers exhibiting their work, live seminars and workshops as well as panel sessions with some of the finest minds in the craft sector. If you’re a collector, an interior designer, an architect, a retail or hospitality buyer or you’re someone who appreciates and purchases beautiful pieces of craft – this show is the perfect opportunity

Orkney’s Alison Moore Designs Wins Second Platinum Trusted Service Award

Orkney jewellery business  Alison Moore Designs  has won a second Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award – an independent seal of excellence recognising companies that deliver exceptional customer experiences. Trusted Service status is awarded to firms using online reviews site Feefo to collect genuine feedback and insights from shoppers. Sellers who meet the high standard, based on the number of reviews they have collected and their average rating, receive the award. As all reviews on Feefo are verified as genuine – the company matches feedback to legitimate transactions - the accreditation is seen as a true reflection of a business’ commitment

Silver Jewellery Making

Silver Jewellery Making by Machi de Waard & Janet Richardson A beginner's step-by-step guide to creating beautiful silver jewellery. Silver Jewellery Making  is a practical beginners’ guide to making silver jewellery. Seven step-by-step projects guide you through the core skills and techniques that will enable you to progress to making your own beautiful jewellery. The tried-and-tested projects have been developed by Machi and Janet, who have over 40 years of industry experience teaching others this amazing craft. The emphasis is on teaching good practice and acquiring the basic techniques and skills to give the reader a solid basis for developing their

Laser Welding Workshop

Laser Welding Workshop at FORGE Monday 11 March, 10am-1pm OR 2pm -5pm £85 Join us at FORGE for our Laser Welding workshop taught by expert diamond mounter Justin Wilson and supported by Freeform Fabrication. No previous experience required. Learn from the best with Justin Wilson, who brings 40 years of mounting experience and a decade of laser welding expertise to the table. You’re in capable hands! In this workshop, you’ll uncover invaluable tips and tricks for laser welding, from attaching earring posts to repairing diamond ring claws and welding shanks. It will open up a world of possibilities to you

Bishopsland Newby Trust Bursary Programme 2025/26

Apply for a fully-funded bursary starting September 2025 The Newby Trust has generously funded a full Programme Fee bursary for a Maker joining the Bishopsland Educational Trust 2025/2026 programme.  The bursary will be means tested. Makers who have attended an admission open day and completed the admissions process will be able to apply. Bishopsland will notify the successful recipient in May. Bishopsland is committed to supporting early-in-career makers to extend their skills and develop their commercial practices, yet appreciate that this requires a significant financial commitment. Bishopsland Educational Trust are delighted to have partnered with The Newby Trust, a charity

Organic glass and fluid landscape

Biba Schutz is one of those artists who has no need to deepen the analytical phase of her creative process. Her intuitive ability and emotional approach to work allow her to achieve incredible results. Rippling Necklace During the course of her evolutionary journey, Biba has experimented with a range of materials, searching for a balanced dialogue between form and content, construction and meaning. However, perhaps it is in the use of glass that her language is best expressed and defined, even though she prefers to define herself as a metal worker. Her approach to glass was born almost casually 10

Hoffmann Group UK aims to double in size with customer-centric reorganisation

Hoffmann Group UK ,  Europe's leading system partner for quality tools, workstations and personal protective equipment (PPE), has transformed its national strategy in order to better serve its customers.  To provide its customer base with a more bespoke, effective service, the business is bolstering the number of experts available to advise and consult with clients. Specifically, the business is increasing technical expertise, introducing dedicated support for large national accounts and additional specialised resource to support services such as inventory management, calibration and repairs.  The reorganisation also sees Peter Borrowdale, who joined the business last year, being appointed as National Sales Manager. Hoffmann

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

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

Jonathan Burton appointed as CEO of Cockpit

Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, have announced that Jonathan Burton has been appointed as CEO. He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024.  Immersed in the arts throughout his career, working across opera, fine art and crafts, Jonathan has a strong understanding of craft and making. His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft

Jewelry in a Duet

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

Matthew Burgess appointed New Head of Goldsmiths’ Fair for 2021

Digital engagement and arts professional, Matthew Burgess, takes on the role for one year as maternity cover for Harriet Scott Friday 15 January: Matthew Burgess joins The Goldsmiths’ Company as Head of Fair for the upcoming 2021 Fair this autumn, covering maternity for Harriet Scott who has been with the Company for over six years. Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with leading Mayfair galleries, museums and individual artists both in the UK and internationally. He has organised and managed numerous high-profile commercial and educational events as well as exhibitions and fairs for renowned international artists

Jonathan Burton appointed as CEO of Cockpit

Cockpit, London’s leading centre for contemporary craft, have announced that Jonathan Burton has been appointed as CEO. He replaces Annie Warburton, who stepped down in December 2023, and will assume his role at Cockpit in late April 2024.  Immersed in the arts throughout his career, working across opera, fine art and crafts, Jonathan has a strong understanding of craft and making. His experience and engagement in the arts and culture sector is reflected in his marketing roles at Tate and at English National Opera, his eight years as Director of the London Art Fair and six years at London Craft

Valuers' Conference Headline Speakers Announced for the NAJ Summit 2024

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is delighted to announce the headline speakers for this year's Valuers' Conference as part of the NAJ Summit - the Association's annual conference bringing all sectors of membership and the wider trade together to network and learn. The 2024 Valuers' Conference includes a packed roster of presentations, masterclasses and workshops designed for the entire jewellery trade, from jewellery valuers, retailers and sales professionals to students and designers who wish to expand their professional horizons.  Seven expert speakers will deliver their diverse and informative talks on Saturday, 22 June. Branko Deljanin  is recognised internationally as

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair @ Chelsea 2020

Desire at Chelsea 2020 Chelsea Old Town Hall, London 28 February - 1 March 2020 This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Exhibitors

UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector meet with MP

On Thursday the 8th February Benchpeg was privileged and honoured to attend, with 23 other senior leaders representing the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Allied Crafts sector, a roundtable discussion with meeting Sir Chris Bryant MP, Shadow Minister for the DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) who was on a fact finding mission to learn more about our sector. Facilitated by The National Association of Jewellers, and ably Chaired by CEO Ben Massey, the 24 seats around the table demonstrated the myriad of specialisms which the sector is made up of. Selected individuals gave presentations to Mr Bryant MP

FORGE Celebrates One Year Anniversary

FORGE, Jewellery Hub in Leather Lane, Celebrates their First Birthday with Champagne, Reflections and Announcements On Thursday 8th February, FORGE celebrated it’s one-year anniversary with a spectacular party. Annie Warburton, on her first public engagement as CEO and Clerk of The Goldsmiths’ Company, gave opening remarks congratulating FORGE Founder, Amanda Mansell, on her achievements so far. “Amanda, you are one of the many inspiring, gutsy, entrepreneurs who are breathing new life and new ideas into our trade, into our craft, into our art, into our industry. You had a vision you had an idea and you have passion, a passion

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2025

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair  11 - 13 July 2025 Waterperry Gardens, Oxford Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.   The fairs present highly talented exhibitors who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.   See and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.   Visitors to Desire have often commented on how they welcome the opportunity of discussing a purchase direct with the

PR guru Suzanna Hammond has died

Jewellery stalwart Suzanna Hammond, the luxury and lifestyle PR guru, has died. Suzanna was a well known, well liked personality within the jewellery industry, who was always perfectly turned out, with a glamorous aura and friendly and warm personality to match. She had set up Hammond PR in the early 1990s after being on the board at Ogilvy Mather and became the go-to agency for jewellery and luxury sectors. Suzanna and her team achieved a reputation for their professionalism, intelligent strategies and considered advice, advising on corporate social responsibility and liaising with government for the BG Group and BG Foundation. Suzanna

PR guru Suzanna Hammond has died

Jewellery stalwart Suzanna Hammond, the luxury and lifestyle PR guru, has died. Suzanna was a well known, well liked personality within the jewellery industry, who was always perfectly turned out, with a glamorous aura and friendly and warm personality to match. She had set up Hammond PR in the early 1990s after being on the board at Ogilvy Mather and became the go-to agency for jewellery and luxury sectors. Suzanna and her team achieved a reputation for their professionalism, intelligent strategies and considered advice, advising on corporate social responsibility and liaising with government for the BG Group and BG Foundation. Suzanna

Fashion Illustration Workshop with Giles Deacon

Fashion Illustration Workshop with Giles Deacon Online & Physical 23 February /19:00 - 21:00 Last year we indulged you with a glut of drawing workshops and we are back with more! And who better to lead us but renowned fashion designer Giles Deacon. Esteemed for his one-off couture pieces and collections, Giles' famous sketches are held in the highest regard. With his work published in the likes of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and LOVE magazine, each illustration stands as its own piece of art. Giles’ designs are characterised by grand scale glamour and intricacy. In this workshop Giles will discuss his

All Cleared Out - The Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation

All Cleared Out - The Jewellery Museum Extends an Invitation 5 July through 29 September 2024 The Votes Are Being Cast  – Visitors‘ Choices Hand-selected – by Sam Tho Duong Within in the context of »Ornamenta Pleasure« (Ornamenta Lust) and concurrent with ORNAMENTA 2024 in Pforzheim and the Northern Black Forest region, Pforzheim’s Jewellery Museum hosts a number of participative activities in dialogue with its Historical and Modern collections. It showcases individual positions of contemporary jewellery artists and students, as well as all those who are interested, and gives them an opportunity to participate in discussions and to share creative ideas.

GIA’s Knowledge Discussion Captures the Importance of Sustainability and Ethics

If you have ever wondered, “what does sustainability mean in jewellery and why should we care?” then GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) recent Knowledge Session, where experts offer a trove of knowledge based on their experience and expertise, has answers for you. The webinar offered insights into consumer demand for ethically sourced materials, the importance of sustainability and ethics, and transparency in the gem and jewelry supply chain. A recording of the panel discussion is available  here . This eye-opening discussion was moderated by author and journalist Melanie Grant, who expanded on topics discussed in her book, "

Collect Art Fair 2024

Collect 1 - 3 March 2024 Somerset House, London This year marks the art and craft fair's 20th anniversary Collect is back and celebrating its 20th birthday! Since its launch in 2004, the fair has come to be the leading authority on collectable contemporary craft and design, raising the profile of exceptional makers from the world over. The 2024 edition of the fair – taking place 1-3 March at London's Somerset House – will continue this tradition by bringing together a curated selection of 40 international galleries, who will be presenting pieces from over 400 talented craftspeople. Their work will

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

Trainee / Junior Silversmith, Grant Macdonald - London

The role Trainee / Junior Silversmith Grant Macdonald London SE1 Grant Macdonald is a high-end silversmithing manufacturer. We are market leaders in our specialised field and our global customer base ensures we produce a wide range of fascinating products.  An opportunity has arisen to join our expanding silversmithing team in our central London workshop. We are currently looking for a talented junior silversmith/trainee to join the team. The chosen candidate needs to be a hardworking, enthusiastic craftsperson who is looking to expand their skills and grow as a silversmith at a prestigious London workshop. About the job 5 days a week Traditional

Alexander Wood receives the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice of the Year Award

First granted in 2015, this prestigious annual award celebrates excellence in skill, attitude and commitment. This year Alex was nominated not only for his exceptional performance since starting his training as a diamond mounting apprentice, but also to recognise the support he has received from his former Master, Nathaniel Groves. Selected by the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship team and his fellow Apprentices, it was acknowledged that Alex - who is a former Goldsmiths’ Centre Foundation Programme trainee now working for E C Wolfe - had proven his exceptional capability throughout his four-year diamond-mounting apprenticeship with Nathaniel Groves. In particular, Alex was

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

Handmade Oxford 2025

Call for Applications: Handmade Oxford 2025 12 -14 June 2025 Waterperry Gardens, Oxford For nearly two decades, Handmade in Britain has been a leader in the craft industry, supporting talented makers and connecting them with customers who appreciate quality. Held at Waterperry Gardens — the venue for the BBC series Make It At Market (seasons 2 & 3)—this annual festival showcases ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, fashion, furniture, homewares, art, and textiles. The three-day event also includes craft demonstrations, workshops, live music, and artisan food. Each  exhibitor  is carefully selected by our team to ensure high standards of craft and design. We

Handmade Chelsea

Handmade Chelsea - The Contemporary Craft & Design Fair Returns, Handmade in Britain Now in its 14th year, Handmade Chelsea - The Contemporary Craft & Desing Fair returns to London's Chelsea Old Town Hall from 12 - 14 November to celebrate the very best of British craft. Featuring over 75 of the most exciting international and UK-based designer makers who work across a wide range of disciplines – from glass and ceramics, jewellery and fashion, prints and textiles, to sculpture and wood - Handmade Chelsea is a unique opportunity to shop for exquisite craft under one roof.  This year, as

Memories are Made of This

Last week saw the launch of a new exhibition curated by Corinne Julius, journalist, broadcast critic and curator specialising in contemporary craft and design. ‘Memories are Made of This’ showcases 15 makers who made three specific pieces each in response to a provocation arranged by the curator to embody sensations of remembrance. Gallery owner Sarah Myerscough said,  "This is the first jewellery show at the gallery, and we are so intrigued to show work on this personal scale. Wearable sculpture is an important and highly influential aspect of contemporary craft and we are delighted to be able to collaborate with

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as

New Boutique launched to service ‘responsible and meaningful’ purchases

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

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

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

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

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

Q&A: Gianluca De Girolamo

Gianluca De Girolamo is a hugely experienced photographer who cut his teeth in the photography world in packshot studios taking pictures of branded goods for commercial use. He now has a reputation second to none for advertising and creative moodshots to commercial, editorial, e-commerce and product photography for the fashion and jewellery industries. He was previously the Head Fashion & Creative Photographer at The Packshot Company, where he worked with clients such as Vivienne Westwood, Swarovski and Burberry. He now heads up Adshot, which specialised in creative jewellery photography. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do

Redefining Luxury: Saatchi Gallery Showcases Karen Westland's Fairmined 'Transmissive Vessel'

In another victory for the battle for responsible design, Karen Westland's Fairmined Silver Vessel was exhibited as part of Collect 2019, at the Saatchi Gallery, London. This marks the first time a luxury item of silverware, with such high ethical standards, had been showcased at the international art fair for modern craft and design. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies gold and silver from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations who meet world leading standards for responsible practices. A Fairmined licensee since 2017, Westland worked closely with suppliers to design a silver item which best utilised the Fairmined

Lucie Gledhill's Modern Twist on the Victorian Curb Chain Garners Best New Design 2019 at Goldsmiths' Fair Week One

An innovative collaboration, between jeweller Lucie Gledhill and photographer Kasia, has won the attention of this years’ Goldsmiths’ fair expert judge of the Best New Design Award.  This year, Trino Verkade judged the award, a consultant with the Sarabande foundation, an initiative set up by the late legendary designer, Lee Alexander McQueen, who left the majority of his estate to support creative and visionary talent. In addition to providing scholarships and studio space for artists. The curb chain is a feat of craftsmanship, taking three weeks to complete. A chain was fashioned from gold tubing and silver wire, then each

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School Vannetta Seecharran is pleased to present a collection of works by former diploma students of VS Jewellery School, London. Based in Hatton Garden the school offers an array of courses from taster classes for the complete beginner to specialist courses including wax carving and stone setting as well as year-long diploma courses. Coming together for this exhibition, eight designers, who have all graduated within the last three years, will showcase a diverse body of work reflecting their various passions and influences – from bold geometric forms constructed with precision to free flowing organic shapes

Ralph Turner 1936 - 2017

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

Wolf woman Alexa K launches new collection

The link between wolves and the feminine spirit is celebrated in a new collection from designer Alexandra Elsener Kovacs who heads up high end accessories firm Alexa K. The wolf, well known for its intelligence, integrity and independence, has long been an obsession for the Swiss-based designer whose company specialises in jewellery, silk scarves, leather handbags and perfumes, all carrying the wolf theme. "Since drifting off to fairy-tales about wolves as a child, I’ve always felt a bond with wolves and now believe they embody the divine feminine spirit," Alexandra said.  Alexa K's new wolf collection - embody the divine

Appointment: Russell Lownsbrough elected as Chair of Institute of Professional Goldsmiths

The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths promotes and supports craftspeople of the highest calibre, who produce only the finest workmanship. The Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG) held it's 36th Annual General Meeting on the 26th of February where a new Chairman, Russell Lownsbrough FIPG, was appointed with universal approval by attendees.  Two new members were also admitted to the Executive Committee, Wayne Meeten FIPG and Danila Tarcinale FIPG. The members attending were informed of the IPG's activities and the efforts of the committee on their behalf. Most significant amongst these being the mentoring scheme recently set up with funding from the

Ralph Turner 1936 - 2017

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

Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software

Donna Brennan Contemporary Presents Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software International Jewellery Masterclasses 7 July - 8 July 2018 This intensive Masterclass is geared to the requirements of jewellers, designer makers, applied artists and creative people who want to expand their business by taking advantage of 3D digital designing and 3D printing opportunities but find standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes very intimidating. Led by designer/maker/jeweller Ann Marie Shillito: author of the book ‘Digital Crafts – Industrial Technologies for Applied Artists & Designer Makers’. Ann Marie is CEO of Anarkik3D, which develops 3D modelling software used in

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event

Goldflair Charitable Jewellery Event Friday the 23 November Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh Jewellers, businesses and ethically minded individuals in Edinburgh are being invited to join The Precious Metals Workshop and local Jeweller, Ian Nicholson, in a discussion about how they can play their part in influencing responsible supply chains in the jewellery industry.  Local jeweller Ian, who is also the founder and Director of the Precious Metals Workshop, is calling on support from industry leaders to take part in a unique event being held at Assembly Rooms on Friday the 23 November with a focus on responsible sourcing of

Baselworld 2020

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

Makers & Tools Project

Makers & Tools Project Old Fire Station, Oxford 17 May - 15 June 2019 The  Makers & Tools  project provides makers with the space and time to take risks in their practice, to explore new ways of collaborative working and to develop skills that will contribute to the success of their careers in contemporary craft.  It provides valuable continuing professional development opportunities for makers in the SW and SE, and makes visible the process of craft to a wider public audience. The project connects six contemporary craft makers in the early stages of their careers, who undertook a non-verbal conversation

Evening Jewellery Workshop with K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Evening Jewellery Workshop with K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Did you ever want to make your own jewellery? Or have you done it before and would like to hone your skills? From beginners to experienced jewellers, come and practise making jewellery to your own designs. Whether you want to learn a range of jewellery techniques and pick up the basics of cutting, forming and texturing, or taking your designs to the next level with complex approaches such as stone setting or chain making. Who Is It For? This mixed level course is ideal for – beginners

Sweet Ceramic Jewellery with Rebecca Wilson

It’s that time of Year when resolutions are rife, and many of us try, successfully or not so much, to give up our vices. The good news is, if you’re craving sugar, you’re in for a treat. Rebecca Wilson is a ceramicist who is venturing into jewellery, her whimsical designs are sugar-spun into cool confectionary.  Living and working near Edinburgh and Scotland, Rebecca comes from a background in ceramics and has recently introduced jewellery and wearables to her collection. She has exhibited extensively in the UK and abroad, most notably at COLLECT in the Saatchi Gallery, London, SOFA in Chicago,

Winter Jewels 2017

Winter Jewels – Jewellery Exhibition 'Winter Jewels’ Jewellery Exhibition is once again set to sparkle at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. Members of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery Wessex will be welcomed back to the Visitor Pavilion for their popular annual selling exhibition, which is now in it’s 6 year. The exhibition features the best contemporary jewellery in Wessex by more than 25 studio jewellers from the region, with the makers manning the exhibition themselves.  The 25+ cabinets showcase a variety of skill, styles and techniques from the talented local artisans.  Please see the ACJ Wessex website  www.acjwessex.co.uk  to see who will

Flourish

Flourish Hosted by the Crafts Council 17 - 18 June 2019 Goldsmiths' Hall, London Flourish – the Crafts Council’s two-day professional development conference for makers and designers – will be taking place on 17 - 18 June 2019.  Flourish is primarily for makers who have been in practice for at least four years, and feel their business needs a boost. Taking place at Goldsmith’s Hall, London, both days will be packed with industry leading voices, workshops and panel discussions that cover international trade, business growth, marketing, earning potential, work-life balance, sustainable design, legal advice and articulating your USP.

Christmas Jewellery Show 2019

Christmas Jewellery Show 2 November 2019 - 11 January 2020 Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds Established and emerging jewellers are celebrated in this exhibition of contemporary jewellery.  A selection of 5 jewellers in their first 5 years of business and 5 who have been making for 5+ years come together to highlight the craftsmanship behind jewellery making today. 5 Established Jewellers Bea Jareno Jewellery making is a life-long passion for Bea.  She learnt watch-making as a young child with her grandfather and vividly remembers her first experience of seeing a ring being made; she knew from that moment that

Best of Britannia London 2017

Best of Britannia London - The Home of Great British Makers Best of Britannia, the unique showcase for British brands, is proud to announce that its annual London trade and consumer event will take place on Thursday October 12th and Friday October 13th 2017.   Launched in 2012, Best of Britannia is a celebration of all that is beautifully made in the UK. From British heritage products to exciting new innovations, the annual London exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reach trade and consumer customers who care about quality, provenance and sustainability and want to purchase high quality products made

Gem Empathy Award Returns for IJL 2018 with Dazzling Gemstone Prize

Gem-A’s Gem Empathy Award, which gives IJL 2018 exhibitors the chance to win a spectacular, fancy-cut gemstone by world-renowned cutter, John Dyer for a bespoke jewellery design returns for 2018. In a change to previous years, the long-standing Gem Empathy Award - organised by Gem-A and hosted by IJL – will welcome entries from the entire breadth of IJL 2018 exhibitors, not just Design Gallery exhibitors. All those who enter the competition, whether an established brand or emerging designer, will have the opportunity to win a sensational 18.28 carat ametrine gemstone from Bolivia, which has been hand-cut by master gem-cutter,

Playing with Pearls

The pearl has long been a stable of those who long for an elegant and sophisticated style but 2019 will see the classic piece make a return to the mainstream spotlight and in turn, convert a whole new fashion crowd. If you're one to keep your beady eyes on the trends, you'll have noticed that pearls are a fashion staple that never seems to go out of style. Adorning just about every inch of fashion's finest chunky trainers, strung tightly around choker-style chains and delicately dangling from earlobes across the runway, the resurgence of pearls this season is all about

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017

Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017 The best young international jewelry designers, selected by Marzee Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen From November 3, 2017 to January 7, 2018, the Het Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen shows an overview of Marzee International Graduate Shows of 2016 and 2017.  Gallery Marzee is one of the most important international promoters of the contemporary jewelery . This international graduation exhibition offers a beautiful overview of work by young artists who have just graduated from the jewelery department of art academies and colleges from all parts of the world. The young artists come from

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

Ishtar Liljefors' crowns shaped by cranes and Game of Thrones

If Ishtar Liljefors’ designs remind you of tiaras and rings worn in the American fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, it will come as no surprise to learn that not only does Ishtar take inspiration from her Scandinavian roots but her mum Maria is a costume designer who actually worked on the iconic television programme. It was photographs of her grandmother’s wedding day in Swedish Lapland and the bridal crown she was wearing that proved a trigger for Ishtar's early fascination with jewellery but in shaping her most recent collection, she turned to nature to add a new and unique

Royal favourite Claudia Bradby launches new collection

Just ahead of Prince Harry's wedding to Megan Markle, jewellery designer Claudia Bradby, who is a personal friend to Britain's hottest young royals has launched a brand new collection which includes a 'mother and baby' pendant designed in collaboration with the HRH Duchess of Cambridge. For Bradby, whose ITN News anchor husband Tom scooped the official royal engagement interview with William and Kate back in 2010, 'Personalise' marks a shift in focus since this is her first customisable collection, aimed principally at gift purchasers. It comprises a series of silver and pearl charms, made from sterling silver and coated in

Kenyan artist, Cyrus Kabiru, transforms landfill waste into stunning art

This past weekend saw one of Africa’s leading young artists Cyrus Kabiru exhibit at the continent’s most important art fair, Art X Lagos. The artist has made a name for himself by repurposing discarded goods into art. Cyrus Kabiru was born in 1984 in Nairobi, Kenya, where he currently lives and works. He is a self-taught sculptor, who has exhibited frequently both internationally and on the African Continent. The Kenyan artist grew up in a slum next to the country’s largest landfill. He would go on to use this material to create and inspire his artwork and have risen to

Jewellery Designers meet Queen at London Fashion Week

This week Her Majesty The Queen visited London Fashion Week to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. While at the event the Queen also met a number of jewellery designers who were exhibiting as part of the Designer Showrooms. Her Majesty was greeted upon arrival at London Fashion Week by Caroline Rush CBE, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. The Queen toured the Designer Showrooms to view the collections and met Rock Vault jewellery designers  Completedworks ,  DAOU ,  Frances Wadsworth Jones ,  Lily Kamper ,  Rachel Boston ,  Shimell and Madden  and Headonism designers

Cheaper and cleaner - the way forward for diamonds?

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

Orkney Jewellery Designer Re-Creates Rare Pictish Necklace

A young Orkney jewellery designer has re-created a rare, 1,400-year-old Pictish necklace, the original of which is kept within the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Zoe Davidson crafted her 1kg solid silver version of the famous Whitecleugh Chain, discovered in Lanarkshire in 1869, after a personal commission from Orkney archaeology tour guide, Caz Mamwell. The original chain, thought to date from between 400 and 800AD, is comprised of 44 silver rings, interlinked into 22 pairs. “The Whitecleugh Chain is full of mystery as nobody really knows who wore it, when they wore it, or how they even made it,”

Houlden Group Welcomes New Member Deacon & Son at 42nd London Event

The Houlden Group have announced that the premium retailer, Deacon & Son, will join as a new member as of March 1. The news was revealed this week at the Group’s successful two-day London Event 2018 for members and suppliers. Now in its sixth generation, Deacon & Son, the highly respected independent family business, was founded as a jewellery, watch and clockmakers in 1848 and now runs four stores across Swindon, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Richard Deacon, Managing Director of Deacon & Son, who attended the event commented: “The reason we joined to meet up with likeminded people with the same

Mark Buntz Joins GIA as SVP and Chief Marketing Officer

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has appointed Mark Buntz as senior vice president and chief marketing officer to lead all global marketing efforts and drive the future of the GIA brand. Buntz will support the expansion of GIA’s education, laboratory services – including the new GIA Diamond Origin Report – and instruments business into new markets and extend GIA’s 4Cs of Diamond Quality consumer outreach program. He succeeds Kathryn Kimmel, who retired in August after 30 years with GIA. “Mark brings invaluable expertise with leading companies which have reached pinnacles of success in their fields,” said Susan Jacques, GIA

Professor Paul O’Prey CBE Appointed Chair Of Trustees For The Edward James Foundation

Professor Paul O’Prey CBE has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Edward James Foundation which is responsible for West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.  The College is charting an ambitious trajectory of growth and is recognised for excellence in arts and conservation education.  At the end of December 2019 Professor O’Prey will replace the Hon Peter Benson LVO MA FCA who is stepping down after seventeen years as a Trustee, ten of them as Chairman.  For the last fifteen years Professor O’Prey has been Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Roehampton, London, stepping down

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter announce First Jeweller In Residence

One budding Midlands jewellery designer has been given a unique opportunity with the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to be its first Jeweller in Residence, a project which aims to support emerging jewellery designers. Winner Fiona Harris, who previously studied at Birmingham City University School of Jewellery, is the first designer to be crowned with the title. As part of the prize Fiona, now based in Nottingham, has the unique opportunity to work from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter’s perfectly preserved jewellery workshop for the next year and have her bespoke handcrafted jewellery sold in the museum’s acclaimed shop. The

Class of 2017: Structural Composition & One Year On

Class of 2017: Structural Composition & One Year On To launch 2018, NCCD is proud to present two exhibitions showcasing work by artists who we’re tipping to be the future stars of the craft & design world in our new exhibitions Class Of 2017: Structural Composition and One Year On. Each year our Class Of series of exhibitions highlights the work of a number of new graduates chosen from the New Designers event which takes place in London. At New Designers the finest graduating students from art and design courses from across the UK are chosen to exhibit their work,

Appointment: Museum of Arts and Design Appoints Elissa Auther as Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs & Chief Curator

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) has announced the appointment of Elissa Auther to the position of Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator, effective immediately. In this role, Auther will collaborate with Nanette L. Laitman Director Chris Scoates to create diverse exhibition programs and collections, foster relationships with artists and designers, and develop forward-looking strategies for engaging a broad audience. “A highly valued colleague, Elissa is a gifted curator and scholar who is passionate about the vital and evolving importance of craft in contemporary art,” said Scoates. “ In her new leadership position at MAD, she will

Secret Garden Jewellery Box

A much-loved reference point for creative design and inspiration for interiors, tech to fashion and jewellery; it's hard not to pinpoint a designer who hasn't used the beautiful intricacies of nature to inspire a collection of artistry. Not only are their shapes, patterns, textures and sizes unique and different between creatures, plants, flora and fauna but so are the architectures around where they inhabit across the continent. To say there is a wealth of inspiration in nature would be an understatement! Beautiful incarnations of garden biodiversity are some of the most widely used within jewellery collections. Intricate, colourful and dainty floral

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

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

Point of No Return with Christoph Zellweger at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Point of No Return at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery with Christoph Zellweger 4 ½ Day Workshop 14th – 17th August 2018 This workshop 'POINT OF NO RETURN' will be led by Swiss jewellery artist and designer Christoph Zellweger, who’s commitment to applied research as a visionary practitioner and experienced coach has gained international recognition. The workshop is aimed at professional colleagues from all parts of the world, as well as ambitious students and amateurs, who wish to progress their work and to give direction to their practice. Point of No Return Get going, get started, carry on, stretch far, move forward, retreat,

Branded Jewellery Sales to Soar by 2020

A recently published report by consultant firm Mckinsey has forecast annual global sales growth in branded jewellery of between 5% to 6% each year by 2020 to take sales from approximately £132 billion to £223 billion globally. The report states that consumer appetite for jewellery now appears more voracious than ever. which led British marketplace, OnBuy.com to analyse the report further; to draw out the information industry insiders need to know and to share advice among Artisan designers who may need to keep pace. The report entitled A Multifaceted Future: The Jewellery Industry in 2020 states its findings that branded items already account

Suppliers experience “best event in 15 years” at CMJ spring trade event

From record numbers through the doors to magic numbers on stage, this year’s CMJ spring trade event turned out to be “the best event in 15 years,” according to suppliers who attended. Held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on 17 and 18 February, the event saw more than 100 retail member businesses and more than 80 jewellery and watch suppliers make the journey to Birmingham to network, discuss latest trends and to enjoy an evening of unforgettable entertainment. Robert Day of Allied Gold was just one supplier to praise the event. He said: “This has been the best CMJ

Open Studios: 401 ½ Studios

401½ are pleased to offer a warm welcome for pre-Christmas shopping or browsing and a chance to meet and chat with makers about their work. The artists and makers at 401½ studios are opening their doors once more this November, giving visitors the opportunity to view and buy from a vast array of different crafts and arts.  401 1/2 Studios is a happy industrious warehouse space in South London, the creative home of an eclectic mix of contemporary artists, designers and craftspeople.  Once a year we open our doors to those curious minds who want to explore the studios and

Shannon O’Neill creates DNA double helix silverware for Grand National Trophy

Silversmith Shannon O’Neill was commissioned for a third consecutive year to create the ‘Randox Health Grand National Trophy’. The commission brief was to design something ‘very different from last year’. Inspiration came from the sponsors of the event Randox, who wanted the trophy to showcase their most recent breakthroughs in health care: heart disease, Alzheimers, stroke and dairy screening. The  preventative healthcare company and the emphasis on saving and extending lives allowed O’Neill to focus on optimum health. “Choosing the theme of ‘Celebration’ and based on the classic ‘coupes’ style champagne glass, the top bowl of the Trophy has a

Appointment: Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

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

Francesca Amfitheatrof appointed Louis Vuitton artistic director

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

Craft In Focus at RHS Garden Wisley

Christmas Craft Fair at RHS Garden Wisley Craft In Focus is returning to RHS Garden Wisley from 22-26 November to stage the UK’s leading popular Christmas craft and design fair.  The event will be bigger than ever with over 190 exhibitors!   The craft fair will be held in floored and heated marquees within the Garden this year and features a selection of the UK’s finest professional contemporary craftmakers and artists working in wood, glass, metal, textiles, ceramics and more.  The UK has a wealth of individual and talented designer makers and artists who produce wonderful original items that simply cannot

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

Artisan Paul Wayne Gregory creates a giant Rotary Greenwich Timepiece replica from Chocolate for C4's Extreme Chocolate Makers

Last week, Rotary made its TV debut on the Channel 4 show, Extreme Chocolate Makers. The new series follows chocolatiers from around the UK as they tackle tricky builds and complicated commissions in an attempt to deliver a little bit of chocolate heaven. Ahead of its 125th birthday, Rotary commissioned Paul Wayne Gregory, of the TV show, to create a griant-sized replica of one of their most popular watches. The Greenwich timepiece, is a particularly challenging feat in chocolatiering- with its skeletal detailing and intricately detailed face. Image caption or copyright  Paul, who creates bespoke chocolate commissions for a living, has

World’s Most Expensive 18ct Gold Marmite Jar Unveiled

The world’s most expensive jar of Marmite has been unveiled, created for those who were born lovers of Britain’s most divisive yeast spread. The iconic British brand has created the one-off luxury item to honor its Marmite loving fans, following the recent research from one of the UK’s leading genetics labs, DNAFit. The study unveiled that Brits are genetically predisposed to loving or hating Marmite. Dipped in 18ct gold, the plated jar weighs in at a whopping 498g1 and is rumoured to be worth an eye watering £1,500 according to independent valuators, Boningtons Auctioneers. Engraved to replicate the style of [youtube

Weston Beamor further invest in 3D print and bespoke teams

Weston Beamor have announced a new starter and two internal promotions to further strengthen their 3D Print and Bespoke Teams as customer demand for personalisation grows.   Just a few months on from Ed Hole’s promotion to Business Manager, WB have more good news for customers as the team responds to the increased consumer desire for bespoke jewellery. Sarah Parry, who graduated from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery following the completion of a BA Design for Industry degree, joined the company at the beginning of July and will work alongside Daniella Webb in the 3D Printing team.  Existing team members

Appointment: Pandora picks Alexander Lacik as new CEO

Denmark’s jeweller Pandora has named Alexander Lacik as its new Chief Executive, who will oversee a plan to help the firm regain its competitive edge in a weak retail market. Lacik, 54, joins Pandora, the world’s largest jewellery maker by production capacity, from British childcare products maker Britax.  Pandora announced on the 14 February 2019: The Board of Directors of Pandora has today appointed Alexander Lacik as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lacik’s strong track-record as a consumer marketer and brand architect will help drive the execution of Programme NOW and assert Pandora’s position as the world’s largest jewellery

Jessica's winning hydrangea depicts Hockley Mint's growth

Jessica Mead, a designer at independent retailer Page Fine Jewellery in Cambridge, struck on the idea of a climbing hydrangea to depict Hockley Mint’s 25 years in business and swept to victory in their competition to mark the occasion Her winning design was made up of 25 leaves in sterling silver with Fairtrade gold elements and 25 0.01ct diamonds symbolising prosperity and vigour, the hallmarks of the Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer’s growth since it was established in 1992. “The idea behind using a hydrangea is that there is no stopping its potential for growth,” said Jessica, who previously worked as a

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

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

Hobby gold hunter may have to hand over 'largest ever' £50,000 find

An anonymous amateur gold hunter is still waiting to be told whether Britain's largest ever gold nugget, which he found in a Scottish stream, will have to be handed over to the Crown Estate. Weighing 85.7g, the nugget which has been named the Douglas Nugget was found in an unidentified river in Scotland two years ago by an amateur prospector who has chosen to keep his identity under wraps. Its value is reckoned to be around £50,000 but under “Mines Royal” law, which sometimes requires successful bounty hunters to hand over their gold and silver booty to the Crown, the

The fusion of cutting edge design across jewellery and fashion in a visual first at IJL

International Jewellery London 2019 will collaboratw with Graduate Fashion Week. In a show first, the IJL Catwalk will showcase  the inspirational final year collections of six GFW high flying graduates, alongside an insightful overview of the High Street Jewellery trends for 2020, on September 2 at 3.00pm Hilary Alexander OBE,  the new President of Graduate Fashion Foundation, the charity behind GFW, will introduce each collection and discuss their relevance to 2020 fashion trends, together with Katherine Ormerod who will present the next Spring/Summer’s hottest high street jewellery trends. GFW is the leading international event for fashion graduates and is a

NU & MII Brand launched by sisters

Designers and sisters Anoushka and Mimi have launched the eponymous jewellery brand ‘NU & MII’. The 54-piece collection of 925 Sterling Silver and 14ct Gold Plated pieces featuring unique bangles, rings, earrings and necklaces. The design duo’s vision is for a girl who wears just the right amount of class and edge, she shouts simplicity with attitude; with this unique and versatile collection. The sister’s debut range named the ‘ Abundance Collection’ is inspired by their travels and close-knit family ethos. Reflections of these can be seen throughout the collection, particularly with the Star Pendant and St Christopher Pendant Necklace.

PHINE

Jewellery Collective by VS Jewellery School Vannetta Seecharran is pleased to present a collection of works by former diploma students of VS Jewellery School, London. Based in Hatton Garden the school offers an array of courses from taster classes for the complete beginner to specialist courses including wax carving and stone setting as well as year-long diploma courses. Coming together for this exhibition, eight designers, who have all graduated within the last three years, will showcase a diverse body of work reflecting their various passions and influences – from bold geometric forms constructed with precision to free flowing organic shapes

Courses in Jewellery or Silversmithing

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity.... Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National Careers

Jewellery Courses

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity....   Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National

Jewellery Courses

Knowing where to study to embark on a career, to up-skill, or simply to persue a hobby can be a bit daunting. We've compiled a list of higher education providers, professional development opportunities for lifelong learning and international institutions... There are a number of useful organisations who might be able to provide further information about career pathways, craft, design and creativity....   Useful websites: Hotcourses www.hotcourses.com Floodlight www.floodlight.co.uk Compare different University Jewellery courses university.which.co.uk UCAS search tool ucas.com Arts Council England www.artscouncil.org.uk Crafts Council www.craftscouncil.org.uk Creative Choices ccskills.org.uk D&AD www.dandad.org Design Council www.designcouncil.org.uk NAJ: Jewellery Education & Training www.najeducation.co.uk National

Q&A: Vivien Johnston

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

Q&A: Max Danger

Max Danger is a Danish born Jewellery Designer and craftsman, a self confessed gold obsessive, who has a reputation for innovative and striking pieces of bespoke jewellery. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A. What’s your name, and what do you for a living? MD: Max Danger, I'm a bespoke jeweller and part time Jewellery Technician at the London College of Fashion. How did you come to work in the jewellery industry? MD: I went on a half year jewellery course at technical college in Copenhagen. During my time there I realized that this was what I wanted to do.  Afterwards I applied

Geko Takes Inspiration From Iconic 20th Century Female Artists For New Collection

Gecko Jewellery have sought inspiration from some of the 20th century’s most highly regarded contemporary female artists for the new Fiorelli Silver collection, which launches this week. The new range, which features 74 new lines, contains striking, contemporary pieces, with the designers drawing inspiration from the work of Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama and Anni Albers.   Commenting on the new collection, Creative Director Desiree Pringle, said: “The new Fiorelli Silver collection is a beautiful fusion of art and design, featuring minimal and modern profiles which lend themselves easily to every day wear and layering. The artists who inspired the collection

Bespoke Battersea-based jewellers launch 10th Anniversary Collection

British bespoke jeweller, W&W Jewellery is marking a decade in business with a new, one-of-a-kind collection inspired by this special milestone. Founded in 2008 by third-generation jewellers, Richard and Simon Warrender, W&W Jewellery is renowned for creating bespoke jewellery for clients who crave originality and distinctiveness. Combining their expertise with a penchant for the extraordinary, the brothers have created a business that offers a fusion of design and craftsmanship with a passion for truly personal jewellery, creating exquisite pieces for clients to enjoy for generations.  Specialists in converting a client’s vision, taste and style into a remarkable piece of jewellery, behind

Jewellery glitterati to launch Leopards Awards for Excellence in Jewellery

The inaugural Leopards Awards for Excellence in Jewellery is set to get top billing at a Goldsmith's Hall Gala dinner next week, flagging up a new British campaign to raise the profile of British designers and encourage jewellery training among young people from underprivileged backgrounds. Organised by a group of leading lights in the UK jewellery profession, the Gala Awards will be the first official event to showcase the work and plans of the Leopards, who were fornmed in 2016. They include designers Solange Azagury-Partridge, Shaun Leane, Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster plus Carol Woolton, jewellery editor of Vogue magazine

Te Ao Hurihuri: Ever Changing World

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

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

Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software

Donna Brennan Contemporary Presents Anarkik 3D Design - Intuitive Haptic 3D Modelling Software with Ann Marie Shillito International Jewellery Masterclasses 13 & 14 October 2018 This intensive Masterclass is geared to the requirements of jewellers, designer makers, applied artists and creative people who want to expand their business by taking advantage of 3D digital designing and 3D printing opportunities but find standard Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes very intimidating. Led by designer/maker/jeweller Ann Marie Shillito: author of the book ‘Digital Crafts – Industrial Technologies for Applied Artists & Designer Makers’. Ann Marie is CEO of Anarkik3D, which develops 3D modelling

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2017

Desire Fair @ Winchester 2017 Desire has become firmly established as the “must visit” event for its stunning collection and unrivalled choice of contemporary jewellery and stylish silverware.  The fairs present highly talented exhibitors who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  See and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.  Visitors to Desire have often commented on how they welcome the opportunity of discussing a purchase direct with the maker, and listening to what inspires them in

Hockley Mint reveals finalists of anniversary design competition

Birmingham based jewellery manufacturer Hockley Mint has revealed the finalists in its 25th anniversary design competition, with six designers making the shortlist.  The finalists are Anna Carter, Yasmin Everley, Roxanne Gilbert, Angela Gillies, Yvonne Knights and Jessica Mead, who were all applauded by the judges for their creativity and vision. Gary Wroe, Managing Director of Hockley Mint, said: “ We were overwhelmed by the high quality of entries we received and I was particularly impressed by how inventively the concept of our anniversary was incorporated into the shortlisted designs. I am really looking forward to revealing the winner – and

New collaboration to preserve high end silversmithing skills

Endangered silversmith skills may have a brighter, stronger future after Contemporary British Silversmiths and the Goldsmiths’ Centre joined forces to create a programme to promote the sharing of more traditional skills that are fast fading in in modern day manufacturing.   First training collaboration for Goldsmith's Centre aimed at protecting silversmith The idea behind the collaboration is to preserve the more complex skills such as box making, raising, forging, chasing and hand engraving and according to Rauni Higson, who heads up the CBS Skills Training Programme subcommittee, the programme was 'developed by silversmiths for silversmiths.' “The CBS Skills Training Programme

Jewellery Merchandising Workshop with Cory Barrett and Charlie Thomas

Jewellery Merchandising Workshop with Cory Barrett and Charlie Thomas Sarabande Foundation, London 19 November 2019 Without a doubt, a fine piece of jewellery makes ones heart flutter and face gleam in awe. And whilst we cannot deny that the jewellery itself plays a part in inviting such a reaction, the additional, understated elements of merchandising are what make a piece of jewellery truly stunning. Led by Cory Barrett, ex-visual director of Tiffany and now Founder and Creative Director of CBGC Creative Industries Ltd and consultant art director Charlie Thomas, who has worked with many luxury brands, this provoking and informative talk will

Birmingham's historic JW Evans silver factory goes global

A glimpse into Britain's bygone age of silver has been rolled out to a worldwide audience after the historic JW Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter was chosen to feature in a new series of virtual tours produced by English Heritage and Google Arts and Culture. Until now, the 19th century silversmith factory, which opened in 1881 and closed 127 years later with all the old tools, machinery and half-finished silverware still in place, has been open just two days a fortnight, offering guided tours only. But after the new partnership, between English Heritage who bought it from the

New Brands add to line-up at Jewellery & Watch 2018

Jewellery & Watch  will showcase a host of never-before seen brands from across the globe, including more than 50 international brands who will debut at the NEC for the five-day event; from Hong Kong, Italy, India, Turkey, New Zealand and many more. Over 70 exhibitors set to showcase their remarkable products are new for 2018 Brands from across the globe come together under one roof including Hong Kong, Italy, India, Turkey and New Zealand joining the line-up of 39 new UK labels Launching a new collection of rings at Jewellery & Watch, Italian brand Carini Gioielli are creative innovators in

Master Craftsman urges industry colleagues to re-check gas safety

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten has urged his fellow craftsmen to take care and re-check their workshop gas set up after he experienced a devastating explosion in his studio. The experienced craftsman, who a multi award winning, was  severely injured in his studio from a faulty regulator that was brand new. Hes said exclusively to Benchpeg: "I had know idea it was faulty regulator, as it was brand new. The technician at the store gave me wrong type. I had bought a complete new system and had it put together by a team of specialists. One did the compressor, one

Art& Show 2019

art& show 2019 25 - 27 October 2019 York Racecourse Knavesmire Stand, North Yorkshire art& show 2019 is a fantastic opportunity for collectors, buyers, art lovers and anyone else who is interested in meeting artists and buying unique art works to come along to this friendly, accessible and affordable show. Set over 3-days the art& show has over 120 artists work for sale & commission from a wide price range of £10-£10,000+. Its a chance to actually meet the artists, talk to them about their work and inspirations and buy and commission direct. Artists taking part in the show pay

Varoshe to open showroom in Kent - from handcuffs to handmade!

The handcuffs are off at a former police office in West Malling in Kent as bespoke jewellers Varoshe prepare for the grand opening of their flagship store following more than a year of restoration and restyling. Award-wining team Paul T Owens and Clare Carlson, who between them have 50 years experience of designing and making jewellery, will roll out their brand new showroom on April 21st with their own custom made designs proudly exhibited and their on site workshop ready for new commissions. They will also stock items from various designers, both established and emerging, showcasing the best in British

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope Adrian Hope is one of the UK’s finest contemporary silversmiths who specialises in refined, traditional techniques. An established silversmith since 1980, now based in The Scottish Borders, Adrian creates beautiful, classic pieces that are both sculptural and functional. Public Collections include: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen; The Museum of Edinburgh; Bute House Collection, Edinburgh; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London; Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow; Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh

Hortus Conclusus - Donna Brennan

Hortus Conclusus - Donna Brennan Contemporary Applied Arts Working with stones, minerals, gold and silver, my work explores the dichotomy between nature and artifice… transporting stones and minerals from the realm of nature into the realm of culture. Donna Brennan is a fine art jeweller who has adopted a cross-disciplinary approach to photography and sculptural jewellery, crafting a narrative from image to object which blurs the dichotomy between fine art and applied art. Derived from the Latin term for ‘enclosed garden’, Hortus Conclusus is a series of wearable sculptural art pieces, crafted from a mélange of minerals, stones, gold, bronze

Meet the Maker - From nature to artifice in Art Jewellery

Hortus Conclusus - Donna Brennan Contemporary Applied Arts Working with stones, minerals, gold and silver, my work explores the dichotomy between nature and artifice… transporting stones and minerals from the realm of nature into the realm of culture. Donna Brennan is a fine art jeweller who has adopted a cross-disciplinary approach to photography and sculptural jewellery, crafting a narrative from image to object which blurs the dichotomy between fine art and applied art. Derived from the Latin term for ‘enclosed garden’, Hortus Conclusus is a series of wearable sculptural art pieces, crafted from a mélange of minerals, stones, gold, bronze

Emerging Graduate Talent on Show at Goldsmiths’ Fair

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

Angela Georgiou gets new branding with Clout

Shropshire based bespoke luxury jeweller, Angela Georgiou has had a complete brand refresh courtesy of global branding experts, which has successfully strengthened the positioning and identity of the jewellery brand. The jewellery designer who uses inspiration from her Greek Cypriot heritage, re-imagines found and personal antiquities, turning them into unconventional, contemporary pieces for a UK and international client base. Award winning Clout Branding were appointed towards the end of 2017 by the jeweller to help create a more distinct positioning and brand identity within the luxury sector. The new identity, which is focused around the idea of ‘The past re-imagined’

Marcia Lanyon going going... almost gone

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

Bright Young Gems 2018 revealed

Four new stars of the future nominated as the Bright Young Gems for 2018 were unveiled by International Jewellery London with Katharina Kraus, Zeemou Zeng, Daisy Grice and Yayun Fang all earning a place in the prized young designer line up. All four were selected from final year students and students from UK colleges and universities who have graduated in the past two years and now get the opportunity to use the ILJ in September to fast track their careers, with full support from the experienced judges and mentors and a guarantee of exposure and profile. The panel of judges

Justified Sinner leads modern renaissance in men’s jewellery

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

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Symposium

It's In Our Hands - One Year On, Ethical Making Symposium This Symposium is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. Speakers Speakers will include award winning British Fairtrade ethical jeweller and environmental activist, Greg Valerio MBE; jeweller Ute Decker; researcher Dr Peter Oakley; founder of the Precious Metals Workshop, Ian Nicholson; and Jane Barnett and Theodora Panayides of consultancy and social venture, Levin Sources.  Speakers will discuss the importance of implementing an ethical approach and how to face the challenges

Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner to be held by candlelight

A charitable dinner by candlelight event held by the Benevolent Society, the charity which financially assists individuals that have worked within the giftware, jewellery, surface engineering, travel goods and fashion accessories industries, has had the Giftware Association step up as its headline sponsor. One of the highlights of the jewellery industry’s calendar, The Benevolent Society's Annual Sponsors’ Dinner, this year will be an exclusive dinner and entertainment by candlelight event at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London The event is put on not only to thank the Federation Benevolent Society’s sponsors and supporters, but also to raise funds for the charity which helps those who have worked within

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch

Talking Practice: Making Form Book Launch Celebrating Contemporary British Fine Metalwork 17 October 2019 School of Jewellery, Birmingham Please join us at the launch of the innovative new ebook Making Form: Contemporary British Fine Metalwork. During the event you will have the chance to hear, question and meet some of the internationally renowned designer-makers who feature in the book. The event special is part of the Talking Practice lecture series at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery, to be held between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday 17 October. A BCU e-book by Kenneth Quickenden and Lee Hewett, entitled Making

Taxman issues warning after jeweller banned from running business

Company directors have been warned to keep detailed financial records after Gary Wright director of a watch and jewellery wholesaler AS Diamonds in Stevenage was banned from acting as a director for six years for failing to explain away irregular payments. Wright treated HMRC 'detrimentally', according to the Insolvency Service, by charging VAT on almost £500,000 worth of sales invoices but not filing any VAT returns or paying any VAT to HMRC. Although Wright did submit accounting records, they were considered 'inadequate' by the Insolvency Service who claimed they were unable to verify the purpose of payments made to himself

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

BIJOU BIJOU looks to fill gap in UK market

Fashion jewellery brand BIJOU BIJOU has officially launched in the UK hoping to draw on its success in Greece, where it was established, to tap into the UK's £600m fashion and costume jewellery market. Behind the brand is a team of highly-skilled industry heavyweights, who have worked for leading publications. Managing Director Nadia Gkartzonika has herself worked for the well-known fashion magazine Vogue. Designer and own brand The company stocks over 1,000 individual pieces of jewellery, from bracelets, rings and necklaces through to body chains and anklets and handcrafts its own-brand products using precious stones and exquisite materials.  Furthermore, they

Stephen Einhorn creates Tomb Raider Pendant Necklace

Stephen Einhorn is the jewellery designer behind the new re-boot of Tomb Raider film Lara Croft character’s bespoke pendant. The necklace is worn throughout the newly released Tomb Raider film by actress Alicia Vikander.  Oscar winner Vikander plays the daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished years earlier. Hoping to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance, Croft embarks on a journey to his last-known destination - a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan. Lara must rely on her sharp mind, blind faith and stubborn spirit to venture into the unknown. The necklace was first seen

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

Make Your Mark 2019

Make Your Mark 2019 Once again Goldsmiths’ Hall will be opening its doors to all students, graduates and apprentices of the jewellery and allied trades to help you make your mark in industry. This free one day event led by The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office will be a one stop shop to learn everything you need to know about hallmarking, manufacturing and support networks to help you in your career, alongside a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations and our Make Your Mark awards.  Exhibitor List Who to see at this year's Make Your Mark Association for Contemporary Jewellery Bellore

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

Central Saint Martins’ graduate selected as a Bright Young Gem

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

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

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

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters

‘Now Radical’ Workshop With Ruudt Peters  After the success of the last 16 years, this year Ruudt Peters begins his summer workshop under the title ‘NOW RADICAL’. Peters has been a professor at three of the most prestigious universities in Europe, the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam 1990-2000, Ädellab at Konstfack University of Arts and Crafts in Stockholm 2004-2009, Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence 2009-2015. Through his Summer School he continues his teaching with a private program intended for students or graduates of art academies, and artists/designers/teachers who seek to deepen their work. Every year an international group of

Appointment: Michael Prideaux elected as Prime Warden for 2018-19

Each year, four Assistants at the Goldsmiths' Company are elected to become Wardens, who meet regularly and act as the Company's executive committee. The senior warden is known as the Prime Warden and serves for a year, changing over in May. Michael Prideaux has been elected as Prime Warden for 2018-19. Michael spent much of his executive career at British American Tobacco, where he was a member of the Management Board and responsible for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs from 1998 - 2012.  He joined B.A.T.  Industries, then a diversified conglomerate spanning tobacco, financial services, retailing and paper and pulp in

Boost in INHORGENTA MUNICH 2018 bookings signal healthy future

Booking figures for INHORGENTA MUNICH 2018 are showing a robust nine percent increase on the previous year pointing to a boost in prospects  for international exhibitors of jewelry and timepieces across Europe. Combined with an 8% increase in bookings for space, the growth has been welcomed among organisers and exibitors who include prominent brands such as Swiss watch brand Wenger or the Niessing jewelry manufactory. “Since the previous year already showed strong figures, we are particularly pleased about this early growth in bookings”, states Exhibition Director Stefanie Mändlein.  “Many long-time exhibitors remain loyal to us—and we have been able to

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

Make Your Mark offer One-on-One Surgeries

This year the  Make Your Mark  event will offer visitors the opportunity to book places on one-on-one Surgeries with industry experts and young designers. The surgery sessions, which will take place throughout the two days, will be provided by specialist jewellery and watch communications agency FACETS PR and will offer visitors the chance to speak to industry experts on a one-to-one basis on subjects including PR, social media for business and how to communicate with press to secure coverage. There will also be a team of young designers available at the surgeries, who can give the attending students a realistic

Appointment: Michel Loris-Melikoff New Baselworld Managing Director

The longstanding Managing Director of Baselworld, Sylvie Ritter, has decided to step down from her position at the MCH Group. Michel Loris-Melikoff, who has until now held the position of Director of MCH Beaulieu Lausanne SA, will succeed her. Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, has decided to hand over the management of the World Watch and Jewellery Show. " After 26 years with the MCH Group – 15 of which were as Managing Director of Baselworld – it's time for me to start something new and take on new challenges" , said Sylvie Ritter in explaining her decision. She

iMakr Store - FREE 3D 3D Printing Training

Free 3D Design Training and free 3D Printing Training at the IMaker Store At the iMakr Store every Tuesday, there is free 3D Design and Printing Training available. On a weekly rotation basis iMakr Store provides free 3D Design training and then free 3D Printing training, which means that one Tuesday will be the 3D Printing training, and the next Tuesday will be the 3D Design training.  Free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store - Every Other Tuesday iMakr will be offering free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store in London. This training is best suited for people who are looking at purchasing

The London Artisan July 2017

The London Artisan The London Artisan is a curated marketplace in the heart of East London. We offer a platform for Designer Makers to promote and sell their work to new audiences. We support makers who produce high quality, unique and locally made products within the following categories:  Textiles & Homeware / Illustration & Print / Ceramics & Glassware / Jewellery & Accessories / product design / Traditional Crafts / Creams & Oils / food & drink Times 10am - 5pm Dates 22 & 23 July 2017 Venue Old Truman Brewery, off Brick Lane, London, E1 www.thelondonartisan.com

British Fashion Council Announce New Rock Vault Line-Up

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is pleased to announce the six Rock Vault jewellers who will display their latest collections during London Fashion Week September 2016. The jewellers will showcase their work in an installation in the Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park.   For 2016/17 new recipients Daou Jewellery and Frances Wadsworth Jones join existing Rock Vault designers COMPLETEDWORKS, Lily Kamper, Rachel Boston and Shimell and Madden. This year Ana de Costa, Beth Gilmour, Jacqueline Cullen, Ornella Iannuzzi, RUIFIER and Yunus and Eliza all graduate from the initiative. Previous Rock Vault recipients include: Alice Cicolini, Fernado Jorge, Hannah

Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer 3- 4 days a week ​E.C. One Clerkenwell, London E.C. One is the award winning jewellers based in Clerkenwell, London who are renowned for offering both designer and precious fine jewellery. Voted as  ‘The Most Inspiring Jewellers in the UK’  as well as  ‘Best for Fashion’ , and  ‘Best Boutique Jewellers’ . We are currently looking for a Workshop Assistant/ CAD Designer to join our happy team. About the Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer Role EC One’s workshop creates bespoke work for our clients as well as producing in-house collections for our store. The busy

‘In Conversation’ with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

‘In Conversation’ with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster, Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council to host ‘In Conversation’ event with Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council in partnership with The Goldsmiths’ Centre will host its third exciting ‘In Conversation’ event in February 2017 - an exclusive evening of captivating conversation with British jewellery stars Theo Fennell and Stephen Webster. Chaired by the Council’s chairman Jos Skeates, the evening will delve into the careers, collections and opinions of Webster and Fennell, who are great champions of the annual Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design

A Treasure of Sentiment

"Jewellery is like a biography. A story that tells the many chapters of our life." There's no doubt that as a nation, the power of our minds has a lot to answer for in how we talk, we walk, we meet, greet and relate. The fleeting emotions we experience on a day-to-day basis help build the individuals we become through experience and curate the interpersonal relationships of who we cross paths with. Arguably the mind is our emotional powerhouse which holds our most treasured memories; from the time you first played truth or dare, that time you got punished for

The Bristol Artisan

The Bristol Artisan is the newest addition to a portfolio of successful events organised by Designers/Makers in collaboration with cultural venues. This two day weekend selling event is highly consumer oriented and offers visitors the opportunity to meet the designers and view, buy or commission products from over 40 Designer Makers. The event targets and appeals to an informed and highly motivated audience of consumers, collectors and aficionados as well as a select audience of professionals; including those who represent corporate and public sector buyers. Dates 25 & 26 March 2017 (Mother’s Day Weekend) Open 11.00am – 6.00pm  Venue Arnolfini,

Designer Showrooms At London Fashion Week September 2016

The British Fashion Council celebrates the designers who will showcase their latest collections in the Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park from 16th – 20th September. This season’s showrooms include accessories, bags, footwear, jewellery, multi-label showrooms and ready-to-wear.  This season over 150 designers will showcase new collections in the Designer Showroom; the strong diversity in backgrounds and homes of this season’s line-up illustrates more than ever that London is truly open for business on the global market. The showroom space, designed by David Collins Studio, is at the heart of London Fashion Week (LFW) and will be host to

The IJL Kickstarter ‘Industry's Choice’ Award Now Open For Voting

IJL has announced the launch to choose this year’s ‘Industry’s Choice’ 2017  KickStarter . Now in its fifth year, the newly titled ‘Industry’s Choice’ competition rewards one  KickStarter  with a much sought after complementary stand in the Design Gallery at IJL 2018 ,  with   the winning designer will be announced at the show.   IJL Show Director, Sam Willoughby, explains the new format for voting: “This year, once again, we are extremely pleased with our  KickStarters . All ten are extremely talented and very different. I look forward to seeing who comes out tops .  Fingers at the ready

Jar Jewellery, Centrala – Digbeth, Birmingham

Jar Jewellery is a company of second year BA Jewellery Design and Related Products students from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham. The cohort is holding a showcase of their new handmade collections on the 29th of November at Centrala, Digbeth from 6.00pm – 10.00pm. “This event promises to fill your senses with an exciting and varied range of innovative work from some of the freshest student talent in the School of Jewellery. The pieces communicate personal inspirations through the explorative use of materials and processes, and are available to purchase. A must see show for those who love all things

Shine On: Carolina Bucci & her Superstellar Collection

Carolina Bucci is a jewellery designer whose creations are synonymous with a modern and effortless sense of luxury. Her jewellery is a vibrant re-invention of her family’s rich heritage, and it has redefined what fine jewellery can be, and how it should be worn. Working with the same techniques and tools used by her great-grandfather, who founded the family business in Florence in 1885, the designer continues to explore new methods of her craft. She creates unique pieces that combine the tradition of Florentine artisanship with a distinctly hip and modern sensibility. How is a star born? In Carolina's own

BFC Fashion Trust Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

Th e British Fashion Council has announced that its charitable initiative BFC Fashion Trust has awarded grants totalling  £450,000  between eleven designers; the largest donation by the trust to date. New recipients for 2017 are Edeline Lee, Georgia Hardinge, Isa Arfen, Sharon Wauchob and Teatum Jones. Previous recipients who continue to receive funding this year are Eudon Choi, Fyodor Golan, Huishan Zhang, Marques’Almeida, Osman and Rejina Pyo.   The BFC Fashion Trust was founded in February 2011 to offer selected designers mentoring and financial support to promote the art and business of fashion. As part of the structured mentoring programme

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

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

Appointment: Doug Henry, New CEO & Assay Master

The AnchorCert Group, comprising Assay Office Birmingham, AnchorCert Analytical, AnchorCert Gem Lab, SafeGuard Valuations and AnchorCert Academy, has announced the appointment of Doug Henry MBA as incoming Chief Executive and Assay Master. Doug, who is currently joint CEO, will commence his new appointment as the company's 14th Assay Master on Monday 3 April 2017, having originally joined AnchorCert Group to restructure the quality management system in September 2014. Doug then successfully project-managed the business relocation to Moreton Street in July 2015. Doug has subsequently led the management of the Indian off-shore sub-office, and continues to support the development of quality

Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer 3- 4 days a week ​E.C. One Clerkenwell, London E.C. One is the award winning jewellers based in Clerkenwell, London who are renowned for offering both designer and precious fine jewellery. Voted as  ‘The Most Inspiring Jewellers in the UK’  as well as  ‘Best for Fashion’ , and  ‘Best Boutique Jewellers’ . We are currently looking for a Workshop Assistant/ CAD Designer to join our happy team. About the Workshop Assistant / CAD Designer Role EC One’s workshop creates bespoke work for our clients as well as producing in-house collections for our store. The busy

New Designers survey reveals entrepreneurial ambition

A survey of the best design graduates from across the UK, exhibiting over the last two weeks at New Designers in London, has revealed significant concerns about the cost of living in London, where traditionally the majority of creative jobs have been harboured, paired with an uncertainly over the impact of Brexit on the creative industries.  Asked about where they intend to work post-graduation, of the 27.5% who intend to set up in London, 79% cite ‘more exciting creative opportunities’ as the reason. However more than 2/3 plan to avoid the capital, with over 1/3 saying that the most significant

City Lit Jewellery Exhibition 2017

City Lit Jewellery Department Exhibition 2017 City Lit are holding their first offsite Jewellery exhibition showing the work of students from the new year-long courses on our Jewellery programme, Beginner’s Jewellery , Contemporary Jewellery and Fine Jewellery . Taking over a beautiful East London showroom, City Lit will also be showing a Cabinet of Curiosity , featuring models, drawings, tools and material samples from students who have taken short, termly or specialist courses during the 2016 / 2017 academic year. We’d like to invite you and others in the Jewellery community to celebrate our students creativity and diversity, by joining

The Hunt Is On! Bath’s Wylde Treasure Hunt 2017

The city of  Bath is one of the finest shopping destinations in Europe ,  helped to a  large  degree by its  fabulous independent retailers who offer unique goods and exceptional customer services. Indie shops are such a vital part of any local high street and ,  despite the rise of ecommerce ,   will continue to be a major contributor to the economy of any town or city. But times are tough on the high street and with  Brexit   causing uncertainty, shoppers need a timely reminder to shop local and support their local indie retailers. That’s  why  Nicholas Wylde

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

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

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This Symposium on Ethical Making is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. The day will be animated by a fantastic panel of speakers, including Greg Valerio MBE,  award winning British fair trade ethical jeweller and environmental activist; jeweller Ute Decker; silversmith Karen Westland; Tim Ingle of ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode; researcher Dr Peter Oakley

Nuala Jamison 1948-2016

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

Designer Spotlight: Anna Hu haute joaillerie

Anna Hu is an international jewelry designer, born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S., who approaches her art with a distinctly East meets West philosophy and aesthetic that is heavily influenced by both cultures. She has studied at the Gemological Institute of America, F.I.T., Parsons School of Design (Masters, 19th century French Jewelry) and Columbia University (Masters, Arts Administration). After working for Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, she founded her namesake brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, at the age of 30 and opened her first boutique one year later in New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. A

Welcome To The Dark Side Of The Jewellery World

With fingers hot on the unpredictable fashion pulse and the 90s revival unfurling from the style graves of the past, dramatic sensualism and extravagant grandeur have been creeping out from the deep, dark underworld ready to make a killer appearance on the fall fashion roller coaster. There's no doubt that making a boldly bodacious entrance this season is the crucial fashion nod of enviable approval with seductive demonic designs swathing the catwalks in gloomy glory! A tricky trend to keep romantic and mysterious without finding yourself as an extra member of the Adam's family who face planted the dressing up

COSMIMA, Clerkenwell Gallery - London

Exhibiting for the 12th year, five jewellery designers of the COSMIMA collective will showcase and sell their work alongside pieces from four specially invited guests at the Clerkenwell Gallery this November. The five core members of COSMIMA are Hidemi Asano, Chris Carpenter, Ulla Hörnfeldt, Daphne Krinos and Louise O’Neill; contemporaries who met over ten years ago and have collaborated ever since to organise the annual COSMIMA selling exhibition, whilst forming strong profiles independently and around the globe. A selection of new one-off pieces will be unveiled and for sale at the show from the designers whose work has been exhibited

iMakr Store - FREE 3D Printing Training

Free 3D Design Training and free 3D Printing Training at the IMaker Store At the iMakr Store every Tuesday, there is free 3D Design and Printing Training available. On a weekly rotation basis iMakr Store provides free 3D Design training and then free 3D Printing training, which means that one Tuesday will be the 3D Printing training, and the next Tuesday will be the 3D Design training.  Free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store - Every Tuesday iMakr will be offering free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store in London. This training is best suited for people who are looking at purchasing a

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Holds VIP Industry Reception

A VIP  industry focused  reception was held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre last week ,  honouring  the current Patrons, Sponsors and Contributors of the annual Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards, and to encourage new companies and individuals to become supporters for the 2018 Awards.     The VIP event included the unveiling of a new behind-the-scenes video showcasing the 2017 awards and judging, and an exclusive  interview with Paul Jones, winner of  2017 The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, who, to the amazement and bemusement of a the spellbound guests, demonstrated how his outstanding mystery revolving clock functions. Paul Jones spoke about

Thomas Sabo Announces New UK & Ireland Ambassador: Frankie Bridge

Thomas Sabo, the global premium lifestyle accessory brand, is delighted to announce a new ambassador – Frankie Bridge, who joins the brand from August 2016.   In becoming an official lifestyle ambassador for THOMAS SABO, Frankie will support the company in expanding its message to both new and old audiences, through store appearances, media interviews, and recommending her favourite products to wear for key seasonal moments, including Holiday and Christmas.   Frankie Bridge is an English pop star and TV presenter. The intention of the new partnership is to strengthen and amplify the THOMAS SABO brand in the UK by

iMakr Store - FREE 3D Printing Training

Free 3D Design Training and free 3D Printing Training at the IMaker Store At the iMakr Store every Tuesday, there is free 3D Design and Printing Training available. On a weekly rotation basis iMakr Store provides free 3D Design training and then free 3D Printing training, which means that one Tuesday will be the 3D Printing training, and the next Tuesday will be the 3D Design training.  Free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store - Every Tuesday iMakr will be offering free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store in London. This training is best suited for people who are looking at purchasing a

Christmas Arrives At Nicholas Wylde

Jewellery designer Nicholas Wylde recognises the importance of striking and eye-catching window display designs having worked diligently over the year to ensure that their displays are fresh, innovative and changing with the seasons. Their latest Christmas display reflects this well, with vibrantly coloured baubles and advertising posters. Nicholas works very closely with his sister Corrinda who designs all of the companies window displays for both Bath and Bristol branches with her unique artistic eye. Nicholas’ window displays have won local and national awards and in 2017 he celebrates 30 years in business and says :“Our displays are very important to

Pforzheim: 250th Anniversary of the Golden City

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

Silent Protest - Political Jewellery by Mahtab Hanna

Silent Protest Political Jewellery by Mahtab Hanna Silent Protest is an interactive, thought-provoking and controversial show that fuses wearable art with social commentary. Political jewellery is about perspective: the ability to transform an individual’s or group’s isolation and pessimism into a method of communication, to bring people together to share values, beliefs or ideals, in a single action. War, identity, gender and consciousness are important themes within politics and therefore translate into interpreting political jewellery as progressive, oppressive or radical.  The beliefs of many can be divided: those who have invented messages, the patrons of the jewellery; those whose job

The Uncivilised Creative

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

Saunders Shepherd & Co Return to Jewellery & Watch

Fine jewellery distributor Saunders Shepherd & Co will make a welcome return to Jewellery & Watch in February following several years’ absence. The Birmingham-based heritage company, who distribute fine and fashion collections by Fope, Ponte Vecchio and Al Coro, has chosen Jewellery & Watch as the destination to launch its new range of Italian-made silver jewellery by Dog Fever. John Coupland, MD of Saunders Shepherd & Co, commented, “We are delighted to be participating in the UK’s spring premier jewellery show again, and look forward to unveiling our exquisite new silver collection from Dog Fever; it is unlike anything we

Fifty Facets Exhibition

Fifty Facets is a selling exhibition exploring the myriad ways in which rings can be faceted. The exhibition will feature four well  known UK based artisan jewellers who approach facets in the rings they craft in exciting, challenging and diverse ways – Chris Boland, Sarah Pulvertaft, Louise O’Neill, and Mark Nuell. Alongside the collections of these four jewellers will be Fifty Remarkable Rings by a selection of Fifty renowned international jewellers, each ring a celebration of just how multifaceted a ring can be – from a ring crafted from sugar crystals, to a faceted ebony Matterhorn ring, to a ring carved

Festival of Living Crafts 2017

Hundreds of designer-makers will be showcasing British crafts in action at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire from the 4th to 7th May. This four day craft extravaganza is dedicated to promoting cutting edge creativity and excellence in craftsmanship. Pavilions are packed with established makers, carefully vetted for their individuality and innovation with a festival atmosphere combining craft demonstrations, workshops and entertainment. Visitors will be immersed for the day in British contemporary craft of exceptional quality, meet the friendly exhibitors who are passionate about their creative talents and enjoy watching craft masterclasses. This is the perfect opportunity to buy handmade gifts with

Pulse 14–16 May 2017 - Olympia, London

If you don’t know about Pulse already, it is a beautifully curated, boutique trade event designed for busy buyers who are searching for the next must-have products and the freshest design talent in one central location. For 2017 we are launching Makers , the first trade event dedicated to emerging creative talent, and Brands , a must-attend edit of exciting new launches from 30 of the industry’s leading brands. Pulse is all about making an impact so we have no doubt you will find great products that will do really well in your stores! Dates 14–16 May 2017 Venue Olympia

Jewellery & Watch Grows International Offering

Jewellery & Watch will bring together the very best in jewellery collections from across the globe this February as over 350 brands, suppliers and designers prepare to descend upon the UK’s premier spring buying event. Renowned for its thriving jewellery industry, Italy has been selected as the show’s country of focus for 2017, with an exquisite selection of Italian brands set to reveal their latest collections at the forthcoming show.   The esteemed line-up follows the acquisition of a dedicated Italian brand manager for the 2017 event, Maria Nastri, who together with the team at Jewellery & Watch has secured an

iMakr Store - FREE 3D Printing Training

Free 3D Design Training and free 3D Printing Training at the IMaker Store At the iMakr Store every Tuesday, there is free 3D Design and Printing Training available. On a weekly rotation basis iMakr Store provides free 3D Design training and then free 3D Printing training, which means that one Tuesday will be the 3D Printing training, and the next Tuesday will be the 3D Design training.  Free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store - Every Tuesday iMakr will be offering free 3D Printing Training at the iMakr Store in London. This training is best suited for people who are looking at purchasing a

ARTESANA i TRIBU Launches Ethical Range, KAIRO

Sana López Abellán is an anthropologist and jewellery maker from La Bisbal, Spain who has recently launched her new exlusive range of Jewellery. KAIRO is a collection of bold and colourful jewellery, based on West African textiles set in metal. This exclusive collection of jewellery is a true color explosion, expressive and fun! Each piece is centered around the prints of West African textiles, recovered from a tailor in Gambia, his leftovers now feature in these works of art. “Jewellery is a feature which all societies have in common. Even though its expression may be quite different, adornment is used in

Spring/Summer 2017 Trends: Revealed at IJL

IJL 2016 delivered an in-depth preview of the latest and most important jewellery trends for Spring Summer 2017. Visitors enjoyed the catwalk shows, which showcased the key looks selected by IJL’S trend partner, Adorn Insight. Adorn Insight's Spring Summer 2017 jewellery trends were showcased on the IJL Catwalk alongside more than 500 exhibitors who also presented their take on the key looks for 2017. Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, commented: “The designers and brands at IJL really do have their fingers on the trend pulse – from the Bright Young Gems and Kick Starters and Design Gallery to the Designer

London Diamond Bourse Announces Workshop Membership

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has announced the launch of a new membership category aimed particularly at workshops who find themselves in an untenable situation due to escalating rents in Hatton Garden.  LDB Chief Operating Officer, Victoria McKay commented:   “We know that many mounters, setters and polishers in Hatton Garden are (or are under threat of) relocating away from the area. This is because they are being served notice or finding their rents being pushed to unaffordable highs. This pressure from the property market presents problems as it could lead to the London trade becoming fragmented. LDB does not

Hand Engraving Courses in London

Learn Hand Engraving in London This is a six week course taking place one Thursday per week from 6-9pm, starting 18 May 2017. Organised by the Hand Engravers Association, courses are held at Craft Central, London. Who is the course for? This course is aimed at all skill levels, from complete beginners, to improvers, to practiced metalsmiths wishing to build their engraving skill. What will I learn? During the hands-on, practical course students will learn from a highly skilled professional with many years of experience. The course has a maximum quota of just eight students allowing sessions to be tailored to suit

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

Designer Tips for Ethical Practices to Start off a Sustainable Business Our friends from Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths have been up to great adventures in the field of ethical jewellery and sustainability. The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, the charitable arm of the Incorporation, shared with us details of their latest initiative of setting up an online ethical jewellery resource for informing jewellery designers who want to work towards an ethical practice. It’s in Our Hands – Symposium on the Future of Ethical Jewellery Making in Scotland In partnership with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, the Incorporation held their first

Introducing Lux of London: A New British Jewellery Label

A new British jewellery label creating multifunctional 3 in 1 jewellery pieces inspired by the luminosity and transient nature of the full moon. Set up by Hinna Azeem, who is the creative director at H.AZEEM London, Lux of London is all about jewellery that can transform and be worn in many different ways. Turn rings into pendants, pendants into bangles and seamlessly back again in a matter of seconds using simple mechanisms of clips, loops and slides. Just like transient nature and luminosity of the moon phases, every Lux lets the wearer change their look to suit their mood and

Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair 2017

Chelsea Old Town Hall will be the venue for the superb Desire Fair from 3 - 5 March.   This stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK is an event not to be missed. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 90 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established

Alexis Dove Re-Locates to Lewes High Street

Award winning jewellery designer Alexis Dove proudly launched her newly located store this week, on Lewes High Street, East Sussex. Having moved from a quaint boutique and studio in The Needlemakers, the new location opened its doors to VIP guests, press and longstanding customers for a festive night of fun and celebration. An invite only event, the party was attended by over 125 guests, who enjoyed a selection of delicious wines donated by long time customer, British TV presenter and wine expert Olly Smith. Championing her passion for all things eco after a trip to two Fairtrade accredited gold mines

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017

The apprenticeship programme in the UK is undergoing its most significant revival in recent years, with the Government announcing its commitment to work with employers to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. For an industry that has been running apprenticeship programmes since 1334, when the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Scheme launched, this announcement has been welcomed. But while many organisations offer highly respected apprenticeship programmes, what does it take to train a world class apprentice jeweller? Steven Jinks, the WorldSkills UK Training Manager for Jewellery, who is responsible for training three Goldsmiths’ apprentices in Squad UK for WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, explains

Clogau Announce New Store At Ashford Designer Outlet

Following the success of their Outlet stores in Cheshire Oaks, Bridgend and Resorts World Birmingham, Clogau have announced the launch of a fourth Outlet in Ashford, Kent. Clogau, who were crowned Jewellery Brand of the Year at the 2015 UK Jewellery Awards, are thrilled to have launched their third Outlet store within the McArthurGlen Group. The iconic Welsh brand continue a long tradition of creating jewellery that is expertly hand-finished and uniquely designed. Every piece of Clogau jewellery contains rare Welsh gold, as used by some members of the British Royal Family. Ben Roberts, Managing Director at Clogau talks about the

The Fashion Awards 2016 Winners Announced

The British Fashion Council announced the winners of The Fashion Awards 2016 this week at the Royal Albert Hall. 4,000 members of the industry and the public gathered to watch this year’s awards, where an international set of winners were announced at a larger ceremony than ever before. The room was a who’s who of the fashion industry and their muses; business leaders, creative influencers, global brands, fashion icons and designers from across the globe came together to celebrate their industry.  Notable attendees included Anna Wintour OBE, Carine Roitfeld, Dame Natalie Massenet, David Beckham OBE, Domhnall Gleeson, Gigi Hadid, Joan

New Research: Businesses Relaxed About IP Risks with 3D Printing

New research from law firm  DMH  Stallard  has found that while many companies are excited by the use and potential of 3D printing, they currently don’t see it posing much of a threat to their intellectual property (IP). This is despite the fact that 3D printing can make counterfeiting goods easier.   The qualitative research spoke to companies working across such areas as using 3D printing to produce prototypes as well as finished parts, and those developing software relevant to 3D printing, design protection and data logistics.   “Of the companies we spoke to, who all operated in a business-to-business

‘In The Loupe’ Exhibition, Vittoria Street Gallery

‘In the loupe’ is an exhibition of practitioners from both the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design. The exhibition was created to acknowledge the educational routes of alumni, Victoria Sewart, who is celebrating her 10 anniversary as proprietor of Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery. ‘In the loupe’ brings together a vibrant collection of work created by artists, educators, researchers and practitioners from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design.   The eclectic mix of work on show spans the breadth of the jewellery discipline from commercial

Weston Beamor Restructures Management Team

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham-based 3D printing, casting and bespoke manufacturing company, has restructured the workings of its Management Team and appointed new staff in a bid to grow further its customer base. Glen Day remains as Head of Business Development, but, rather than being office based as in the past, he will now spend four days a week travelling the country to meet with Weston Beamor’s customers and potential customers. Day, who reports directly to the company’s Managing Director Andrew J Morton, retains his overall, supervisory role within Weston Beamor. However he hands over greater responsibility for the day-to-day running

UK Fashionistas Still Far More Likely to Buy Clothes on Desktop than on Mobile

Following the end of London Fashion Week yesterday, new research released today highlights a surprising trend amongst the UK’s fashionistas who are still relying on their desktops, instead of smartphones to buy clothes, despite mobile eCommerce as a whole accounting for 51% of online purchases in the UK. • UK consumer spends an average of £116 on desktop for a fashion purchase, versus £89 on mobile, despite mobile eCommerce as a whole accounting for 51% of online purchases in the UK • Despite this, UK is in the top three for mobile purchases of clothes in Europe, with the Nordics and France

Not Just For The Queen: Girl With The Pearls

Not only for the ladies who lunch at Selfridges on a Tuesday, pearls are irrefutably the emerging trend to reign supreme on the fashion runways this fall. Not one to take no for an answer, the pearly presence has always remained in low-level limelight behind the scenes but it seems the time has come to breath a fresh wave of innovative air into the timeless ocean-bread adornment. Long gone are the days of prim, poised and proper with the return of the pearl showcasing new generation inspired design through larger than life iridescent balls married amongst chunky military jackets, sports

British Fashion Council 2016/2017 Education Programme

The BFC Education Foundation congratulates their 2017 BA scholars who are graduating this summer: Ian Richardson, Jacob Weir, Harriet Crowther, Kitty Garratt, Lloyd James Husband, Matthew Needham and Polly Thomas as well as MA recipient Gabriella Sardena. Sarah Mower MBE, Co-President of the BFC’s Education pillar commented, "The BFC Education Foundation scholars, for BA and MA are selected based on their outstanding talent, from Universities across the country. Their work this year is the inspiring proof of the creativity, individuality and technical skills which put British fashion educators at the top of every international measure of excellence. In times when art education is under attack and

Benevolent Society Ball 2016

Benevolent Society Ball and National Association Of Jewellers’ Membership Awards Event The event, which is taking place on Thursday 1 December at the prestigeous St John’s Hotel in Solihull attracted over 400 key industry guests last year and all looks good for an even greater turnout this year. The evening starts with a champagne reception sponsored by the National Exhibition Centre and the NAJ’s membership awards adds a great deal of excitement as the nominees wait with bated breath to learn whether they have won one of these illustrious awards. As well as helping needy people who used to worked

Benevolent Society Ball Sponsor Announced

Jewellery & Watch are delighted to announce their headline sponsorship of this year’s British Jewellery & Giftware Federation Benevolent Society Ball. The 1st December will see the 81st Benevolent Society Ball take place at The St John’s Hotel, Birmingham.     The society’s Chairman, David Simons, expressed his delight, “It is wonderful that Jewellery & Watch have agreed to be the headline sponsor of the 2016 Federation’s Benevolent Ball. To have exhibition organisers who are so committed to the industries that they represent in this way is a credit to all in volved. We are truly grateful.”    This Benevolent Society Ball will also

Under the Sea by Philippe Pfeiffer, Summer 2017

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

The UK Jewellery Awards 2017

Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2017, the UK Jewellery Awards for the retail industry are judged by industry. Over the last 25 years the awards have built up an unrivalled reputation for recognising excellence and outstanding practice across the jewellery and watch trade in the UK with categories spanning retail, design, manufacture, supply and employment. Each year the event attracts in excess of 600 guests who come together to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers. For the 2017 awards two new enterable categories, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Retail Sales Star, have been introduced along with another

Launch of the online-to-offline commerce platform

The launch of  www.watchadvisor.com  presents the first independent platform which connects watch retailers and brands with watch lovers worldwide.  WatchAdvisor  differs essentially from previous watch websites: For the first time ever, the Swiss watch industry has a neutral and cross-brand platform which currently offers detailed information on around 12,000 watch models in the price segment above CHF 2,000. A unique feature is the possibility the users engage directly with official watch retailers who offer the desired watch. In addition to its powerful search engine which can target esthetical and technical features of the watch,  WatchAdvisor  develops algorithms which - depending

Handmade for Christmas, Millennium Gallery – Sheffield

When something is made by hand, you know it’s been crafted with love by someone who cares. Because a gift should be special, everything on sale in our Christmas show is handmade in the UK. Featuring the very best in contemporary British craft and design, Handmade for Christmas presents work by some of the country’s most talented makers, offering an inspired alternative to the high street for this year’s Christmas shopping. Discover jewellery, glassware, ceramics, prints and much more, all created by artists, designers and craftspeople marrying traditional skills and techniques with innovative, contemporary approaches. You’ll find lots more gift

The Pommier Launches Pop-Up Shop At Boxpark Shoreditch

This May, global online retailer The Pommier will launch its first pop-up shop at Boxpark Shoreditch to showcase its unique and creative range of independent accessory designers. Customers will now be able to experience The Pommier in real life and get to meet the world’s most exciting emerging designers in person for a limited time only. The pop-up will feature 25 designers who will showcase their handmade fashion accessories throughout the week.  The Pommier pop-up shop will launch on 16 May and will be open until 28th May. The shop will house six spectacular designers each day on a rotating

Peruvian gold miner joins Hertfordshire jewellery designer to thank Fairtrade supporters

On Friday 7th October, Hertfordshire-based bespoke jewellery designer Harriet Kelsall played host to a Peruvian gold miner who is in the UK to highlight how Fairtrade has boosted his community and saved lives. Roger Arcos Ponte, from Macdesa mine, told an audience of customers, local school children and people interested in ethics about the difference Fairtrade production standards have delivered for his fellow miners and their families. Multi-award winning designer Harriet said: “Welcoming Roger here today for our Fairtrade Festival is one of the proudest moments of my life. It has been amazing to hear personal accounts of how the

Hatton Garden BID Launch Valentine's Day Campaign

The Hatton Garden BID has launched it’s first-ever Valentine's Campaign to showcase the romance and unique qualities of the area. Couples and individuals who purchase an engagement ring from participating Hatton Garden retailers will be entered into a prize draw. The draw prize will be a luxury Hatton Garden package, 'The Hatton Garden Experience', allowing the winning couple to sample the best of Hatton Garden's retail and hospitality.  Those purchasing an engagement ring from selected Hatton Garden retailers between January 16th and February 19th will be entered into a prize draw to win this perfect proposal package for two! £250

Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant, E.C. One - Clerkenwell, London

The Role Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant, E.C One the Jewellers (4 Days a week) E.C. One is the award winning jewellers based in Clerkenwell, London who are renowned for offering both designer and precious fine jewellery. Voted as ‘The Most Inspiring Jewellers in the UK’ as well as ‘Best for Fashion’ , and ‘Best Boutique Jewellers’ . We are currently looking for a Part Time Social Media & Marketing Assistant to join our happy team. The Role The ideal candidate will work closely with our Website Manager to create engaging content for the company's social media presence. This

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

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

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,

Weston Beamor’s Marathon Man

Ed Hole, Head of CAD and 3D Printing at Weston Beamor, is to run in this year’s London Marathon which takes place in the capital on Sunday 23rd April. Ed and his fiancée Kerry Jim are running together in support of The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) a charity dedicated to helping change the lives, for the better, of many children and families who are coming to terms with childhood deafness. Both are keen runners and have completed half marathons in the past but Ed admits to being slightly daunted by the need to cover twice that distance in just

Lady In Red: Ruby Passion

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

Baselworld 2017 Launches with Press Conference

The 100th Edition of the one unmissable trendsetting show that unites key players from all sectors of the global watch and jewellery industry and sets the tone for the coming year, Baselworld 2017, commenced this week with its inaugural press conference. As every year, the eagerly awaited start of a new edition of the most unique annual event for the entire industry was witnessed by the most important international press representatives from print, television and digital media and by many thousands around the world who followed the press conference via the livestream. Mr René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group,

Make Your Mark - Day 1

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

Make Your Mark - Day 2

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

Syanyonja Artisan Miners' Alliance Achieves First African Fairtrade Certified Mine Status

Syanyonja Artisan Miners' Alliance (SAMA) has become the first artisanal small scale mining co-operative in Africa to become Fairtrade certified, bringing much needed hope to impoverished communities who risk their lives to mine the rich gold seam that runs around Lake Victoria. SAMA is one of nine previously informal groups from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania which has benefitted from a pilot project launched by Fairtrade in 2013. This innovative program aims to extend the benefits of Fairtrade gold to artisanal miners across East Africa. In that short time, SAMA has undergone training in business and entrepreneurship, as well as safe

Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair Returns to Winchester

Once again the elegant Guildhall in Winchester will be the venue for a stunning mixed media jewellery and silversmithing event from 11-13 November, where visitors can purchase direct from contemporary designer makers selected from the best in the UK. Desire offers visitors a choice of around 70 individual jewellers and silversmiths who have been selected for their superb and innovative craftsmanship and have a genuine passion for the work they create.  Visitors can see and purchase from an exciting range from both emerging British talent as well as more established designer makers.   Comments from visitors to the event last

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

Flux Winter Jewellery Exhibition 2024 - Rare24

Flux Winter Jewellery Exhibition 2024 - Rare24 29 November - 1 December 2024 Flux Studios, 2F Vanguard Court, London  SE5 8QT We're based in London and we've been running specialist jewellery centre in London since 2008. We provide opportunities for anyone wishing to explore, extend  or develop jewellery making skills. Flux Studios is home to our membership-based collective of professional jewellers who work together to share knowledge and skills, and to develop their independent jewellery businesses. In providing a home to both aspiring professional jewellers and the interested public we have evolved a holistic creative studio environment where the individual skill

ACID Turns 25 – Ai And Intellectual Property Minister Joins Recent Celebrations In The City Of London

A galaxy of “IP and design heavyweights” including the IP Minister, Creative Industries Co Chair, Sir Peter Bazalgette, Design Council CEO and iconic designer, Professor Sebastian Conran joined ACID recently to celebrate reaching twenty-five years since the organisation was founded.   At a landmark event formally celebrating Anti Copying in Design’s (ACID) twenty-five years since it was founded, many from the world of IP and design were present to welcome the Minister for Intellectual Property and AI, Viscount Camrose, Creative Industries Co-Chair, Sir Peter Bazalgette, Iconic designer Sebastian Conran, Design Council CEO Minnie Moll and ACID’s Chief Counsel Nick Kounoupias, who

Pegs

We’ve been ‘supporting the work of the jeweller’ for over a eighteen years now. We love a benchpeg too, which is why we created the ' #benchpegselfie .' We absolutely love how each peg represents the individuality of the craftsperson who works upon it.  If you'd like to see your benchpeg featured here and in our weekly newsletter, upload your pic to Instagram using #benchpegselfie  and join the other 15k other benchpeg selfies!                                                      

Agustina Ros: A Glass Adventure

Agustina Ros is a young and promising glass jewelry artist who combines the sensitivity of art and the resolution of design. Born in Misiones, Argentina, she currently lives in Barcelona, the city where she has chosen to open her own studio with an international vision. Focused on the use of blown borosilicate glass, some pieces are then finished with metals such as gold and silver, and polished to improve the reflection of light. Her hungry desire to experiment, create and improve has already led her to receive several awards and to affirm the presence of her collections in international and creative contexts. Her creations are flexible interpretations of clean and organic forms, in which transparency represents the values of purity and originality.

Huge Turnout for the 2024 Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards Ceremony

The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award and 50 other awards were presented at the 2024 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 'Jewellery Oscars' held on Monday. Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 4th March 2024, the annual Awards Ceremony, otehrwise known as the 'Jewellery Oscars' was opened by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council’s chair Anne-Marie Reeves, and hosted by Council Trustees Maeve Gillies and Judith Lockwood, who revealed this year’s award winners. The event welcomed 300 guests, including representatives from world renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers, and the UK

Watch loving boxer Floyd Mayweather adds to his sumptuous collection

Less than two months after forking out almost £14 million for a unique Jacob Arabo watch, the world's wealthiest sportsman and prolific watch lover Floyd Mayweather has made another couple of extravagant purchases to add to his diamond-encrusted custom collection. In June, the boxing champion who last year reportedly earned around £230 million from a short 36 minute fight against another well known watch lover Conor McGregor, snapped up the now famous Billionaire Timepiece, featuring 260 carats of emerald cut diamonds. Previously sponsored by Hublot, Mayweather, 41, whose nickname is 'Money' , has long been a fan of luxury bling

Auction For Aid

Over 70 Of The Uk’s Hottest Jewellery Designers Unite For “Auction For Aid” Supporting Help Refugees and Moas (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) A Facebook auction of British Contemporary Jewellery "Auction For Aid", spearheaded by Leeds based jeweller Ghazal Ghahri-Saremi, of Soremi Jewellery is taking place online, on Facebook, from Monday September 18th to Sunday September 24th.  Auction For Aid will feature over 205 donated works from supporting jewellers such as Polly Wales, Jo Hayes Ward, Ruth Tomlinson, Shimmel Madden and Disa Allsop.   This year the auction, has gone international, receiving support from European and US jewellers who also feel the injustice of

Nadine Aysoy makes eye-catching IJL debut

London-based designer Nadine Aysoy made a dazzling IJL debut when she scooped the 2017 Editors Choice 'Show Stoppers' Award for displaying the single most eye-catching exhibit of the show. Her Mille et Une Feuilles 18k rose gold ring, set with one 14mm South Sea Pearl and 164 round-cut diamonds, turned the heads of the judging panel of magazine and digital editors, who praised its leaf design and admired it for having 'drama, intrigue and beautiful craftsmanship.’ “I love Nadine’s aesthetic and the consideration she puts into the market she’s targeting,” one judge commented. “Hers are pieces for grown-ups and designs

Amberif Design Award 2018 Announce Winners

Silvia Bella of Germany, Kairi Sirendi of Estonia and Miron Kutarba of Poland have been announced as the winners of the 2018 edition of the Amberif Design Award, the 22 nd  International Amber Jewellery Design Competition. The theme of  Serendipity  encouraged participation from 100 artists who submitted 127 entries. Amberif Design Award is one of Poland’s most important design competitions of international renown. This year, ADA’s curator Barbara Schmidt of the Academy of Art and Design, Munich, has set the theme of  Serendipity  to encourage a reflection on how the interplay between nature, technique and intuition can take us far beyond our reason,

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

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

Transition

Transition , a group of recent MA postgraduates from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, is showcasing their latest work at the Old Fire Station Gallery, 52 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AG from  24 th  – 29 th  January 2019.  This exhibition, called  Transition-Henley  presents established makers who work in diverse disciplines including glass, jewellery, metal, textiles and product design. Innovative artworks express messages of ethnic unity by means of textile structures, show how the random weaving of willow can create beautiful forms and spaces, highlight the use of plant dyes in woven wool rugs, communicate the hidden distress of mental illness

Ingle & Rhode Launch First Silver Collection

Ethical fine  jeweller , Ingle & Rhode, has launched its first silver collect ion ahead of  Mother s  Day.  This is the first range of earrings and necklaces designed to be worn every day,  outside their  engagement and wedding ring offering.  Every piece has been designed and crafted in the UK from Fairmined sterling silv er, set with conflict- free Canadian diamonds. Fairmined is an assurance label that certifies silver from em powered  responsible artisanal and small-scale m ining  organisations  who meet world  leadin g standards for  responsible practices.   David Rhode, Director, Ingle & Rhode said, " Our customers

Kingsgate Workshops Winter Show

Earlier this year, the 75 artists and makers who inhabit Kingsgate Workshops’ unique and enchanting Victorian warehouse held their annual Open Studios. It was so successful they’ve opted for a festive edition – this time it’s all about the presents. There’ll be beautiful handmade unique gifts available, ranging from Steve Buck’s ceramic decorations, to Beverly Bryon’s fused glass creations. Private View Join them on Thursday evening for our grand opening, with festive appetisers in the magical fairy-lit courtyard. Late Night Shopping Opening late on Friday. Pop down after work and get cracking on your Christmas shopping, with decorations, gifts, stocking

Nambé Celebrates Strong Debut at JCK Las Vegas

Designer lifestyle brand, Nambé, enjoyed a positive reception at this year’s JCK Las Vegas (June 5-8), welcoming international media, buyers and retailers to its booth ahead of its London launch event on June 29.  The award-winning brand impressed its existing retail partners and prospective clients with its recently-launched sterling silver jewellery collection and giftware assortment. Initially debuted in the United States in September 2016, Nambé Jewellery proved immediately popular with the brand’s loyal homeware customers who recognised its signature, sculptural aesthetic. Its initial roll-out in 400 doors across the US and the reaction of retail partners at JCK Las Vegas proves

Hockley Mint Partners with TH March

Birmingham based fine jewellery manufacturer  Hockley Mint  has partnered with industry specialist insurance broker TH March to offer exclusive benefits to all designers who enter Hockley Mint’s 25 th  anniversary design competition.   This collaboration between TH March and Hockley Mint aims to educate and raise awareness among jewellery designers about the need for insurance cover to protect them against risks such as theft or loss of stock and goods, business interruption and public and products liability. As a result of this  new  partnership, the winner of  Hockley Mint’s  competition will receive one year’s worth of  free  insurance  cover .

Gemfields Recognised With The Chopard GCC Award

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Creative Director of Swiss luxury jewellery and watch company Chopard, launched The Chopard Green Carpet Collection Award in Cannes last week. Mining organisations that have played a key role in  Chopard’s  Green Carpet Collections were present at the events. Livia and Colin Firth, together with Caroline  Scheufele , took this opportunity to honour  Chopard’s  strategic suppliers who all share the same social and environmental values, awarding them the  Chopard  GCC Award for Commitment to Sustainability and Social Justice.  The awardees were: Gemfields ,  Kagem  mine , Zambia Lucara ,  Karowe  mine , Botswana Aurora Gems Pty