REPORT: Sarabande jewellers in the spotlight: from Selfridges to Goldsmiths’ Fair

Benchpeg joined Sarabande Foundation jeweller Jet McQuiston and Monica Vinader for an intimate fireside chat at Selfridges, at the start of a busy season for the foundation’s jewellers.

Earlier this month we were invited to an exclusive and intimate fireside chat between Sarabande Foundation artist-in-residence and jeweller Jet McQuiston and Monica Vinader, the British jewellery designer and co-founder of the accessible luxury brand that bears her name, who pioneered “demi-fine” jewellery.

Introduced by Sarabande’s Trino Verkade, the conversation between the two women was brilliantly informal and very open. They talked about their first artistic ventures and how they started out, and then how each had developed her business. Ethics, sustainable sourcing, the importance of knowing where gemstones come from, being true to yourself and the power of storytelling all came up.

One thing came through clearly. Whichever end of the scale you sit at, there is no substitute for quality of skill, hand making and a product that represents your values.

The conversation opened Sarabande’s new residency at Selfridges. It was the first in a series of events at 40 Duke, Selfridges’ new members’ space, alongside a pop-up of Sarabande artists in store from 5 to 18 October, run by House of Bandits, Sarabande’s art consultancy, to mark London Art Week. The programme also included two 

workshops  by sculptor Jo Grogan on verre églomisé, the centuries-old technique of gilding the back of glass.

A strong season at Goldsmiths’

The Selfridges residency was only part of the story for Sarabande’s jewellers this autumn.

Four Sarabande jewellers took stands at Goldsmiths’ Fair. Joy BC, Megan Brown and Castro Smith exhibited during Week One. In Week Two, McQuiston showed her new collection, Sex Symbols, and was shortlisted for The SMO Considered Jewellery Award, selected by jeweller Shaun Leane and jewellery writer Melanie Grant.

Also at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Helena Palmeira won the Innovation in Design Award at the annual Shine pop-up, presented by Dover Street Market, while Matilde Mozzanega presented a new collection.

About Sarabande

The Sarabande Foundation, the London charity founded by Lee Alexander McQueen, supports emerging artists and designers through studio residencies in Haggerston and Tottenham, scholarships, mentoring and a public events programme. Its new Tottenham site, in restored historic buildings, recently welcomed its first artists.

Find out more: sarabandefoundation.org