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

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 and jewellery of every kind. 

The jewellery includes highly contemporary designs for all– there will also be a wide range of tableware and decorative work. 

Among those taking part will be: 

• Karlin Anderson, whose work reflects the rugged landscape and rich, distinctive culture of Shetland - the islands she has always called home. 
• Ellys May Woods, based in Glasgow, who creates pieces inspired by Scotland’s urban landscape, from huge structures such as the Queensferry Crossing to overlooked brickwork patterns found within Glasgow’s quirky streets. 
• Misun Won, based in Edinburgh, who makes jewellery inspired by Korean traditional wrapping cloth “Jogakbo”.  

Elements, now in its eighth year, runs from 28-30 October and is organised by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust in partnership with Lyon & Turnbull fine art auctioneers. 

Ebba Goring, The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust CEO, said: “Elements is the only event of its kind in Scotland – a great chance to see the very finest gold, silver and jewellery made by some of the most outstanding and creative designers from every part of the UK. 

“If you appreciate excellence in design, then you will love our sellers’ fair and our exhibition. And with Christmas around the corner it’s the ideal opportunity to find gifts that will be cherished for decades to come. 

The spectacular exhibition of GC&DC Award-winning features work by the UK’s most renowned designers and craftspeople. Those on show include winners of the Jacques Cartier Memorial Award - the GC&DC’s highest accolade.  

Among them will be (pictures show Maeve Gillies with some of these): 

• Lynne MacLachlan-Eastwood’s Quiver Necklace.  
• Theresa Nguyen’s Meadow Centrepiece which has an ethereal quality, with each element moving independently, responding with wind-like movements to the vibration of footsteps going by, as if it were alive.  
• William Sullivan’s pair of water jugs, Louise Sorrell’s Four Seasons Vase and Sonia Cheadle’s Spinning Pearl Ring. 

A special cabinet will be dedicated to the achievements of Dorothy Hogg, former head of jewellery and silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art, who was awarded the GC&DC Lifetime Achievement award in 2010.  

The London-based Goldsmiths’ Company has a significant number of her pieces, and describes her as “an unsurpassed craftswoman”. 

Among Dorothy’s pieces will be the Zig Zag Dispersal Necklace, a bell-like neckpiece that could be heard tinkling as she crossed the Presentation Room at Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE for services to silversmithing and jewellery in 2001.  

Dorothy, who died this year, was a long-time valued supporter of Elements Festival, and co-curated one of its previous exhibitions. Maeve Gillies, internationally celebrated Scottish jewellery designer, said: “As a trustee of The Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council and The Scottish Goldsmiths' Trust, I'm thrilled to support GC&DC's first ever exhibition in Scotland, at Elements 2022.  

“The selection and calibre of these award-winning works are world class, bringing together exciting works of outstanding excellence by designers and craftspeople at the very top level of professional achievement, as well as showcasing their stories and creation process.  

“I greatly look forward to seeing the GC&DC show within the Elements community, and am confident these wonderful artworks will surprise, delight and inspire all who see them.” 

Other events and workshops taking place as part of Elements are: 

• Perspex & Silver Pendant Workshop, with Barbara Spence 
• Saturday Evening Talks, with Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council 
• Make Do & Mend Brooch Workshop, with Simone Nolden 
• Make Your Own Christmas Decoration, with Lindsay Forbes. 

Elements takes place in Lyon & Turnbull’s historic HQ in Edinburgh’s Broughton Place. See https://elementsfestival.co.uk for full details.