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Blog, Exhibiting, News, People

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2010 Winner, Sian Bostwick

by IJL •

Sian Bostwick creates award winning jewellery inspired by a love of fairy tales, wondrous literature and mysterious story’s.
Drawing on treasured tales such as Alice in Wonderland, tales of enchanted woodlands and fairy glades, 20,00 Leagues under the sea and Tristan & Iseult to create beautifully crafted jewellery with intricate detail and a touch of wonderland. 

Siân handcrafts each piece of jewellery from her Kent workshop. Her love of making jewellery founded at UCA Rochester’s Jewellery & silversmithing course. 

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Sian to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Sian Bostwick Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

I have launched new additional to our collections, help organise and develop open studio events, mentored graduating jewellery students and prepared to launch and whole new collection (launch very very soon, with a 50s pulp sci fi twist!) by experiment and exploring new techniques, launch one to one jewellery classes and couples wedding ring classes. This year has been a lot more focused on personal successes, being part of my sisters wedding and arrival of my niece but I have also become a homeowner for the first time, which is something I never i’d thought able to do.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

All of our jewellery is inspired by treasures stories and tales from some of my favourite books. From Alice in Wonderland, Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues under the sea, Arthurian legend and tales of fairy enchanted woodlands. I love to get lost in a good story, to explore worlds of magic and wonder through and excellent book, and many a happy hour is spend hunt for my next read in my local cavernous 2nd hand book shop.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

Kickstart was an amazing experience for me, I was a fresh graduate stepping out into the industry with not much of a clue what I was doing. Kickstart not only allowed my brand a launch into the industry by meeting press, buyers, gallery owners and industry professionals that’s I wouldn’t have been able to do before but the additional mentioning, advice and media training we invaluable. I was able to seek the guidance, advice and fellowship of the other participants for years to come.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

There is so much to constantly learn, you are never done learning new skills so it is hard to narrow it down. Take every opportunity you can, pursue and push for everything that comes along and don’t give up.

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

There are may challenges when you start out on your own, in any industry not just the jewellery industry. When I first started with Kickstart I had workbench in bedroom and little idea of how to grow anything further. Kickstart helped hugely with this, but best of all I was able I get a place at an artists/craft studio building and community. Our workshop is still based there now and being part of the creative community of 30+other artists studios and workshops has been a truly wonderful support and creative space to grow and develop the brand from.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Though I have been lucky enough to win many awards including New Designer of the Year for the UK Jewellery Awards and featured in plenty of press which have been wonderfully proud moments, but one of my favourite has been that I recently made my little sisters and her new husband wedding rings. It was a wonderful honer to be part of their special day in such a unique way, it was a wonderful occasion and and was delighted to be part of their story. It was more of a personal rather than a professional proud moment.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Education, Industry, Interviews, News, People, Uncategorized

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2016 Winner, De Anna Kiernan

by IJL •

Bermuda born Jeweller, De Anna trained as a Goldsmith from the age of seventeen prior to studying Architecture at Central Saint Martins. Her training in architecture further inspired her passion for creating in three-dimensional form, experimenting with scale from a micro level in jewellery to the macro in architecture. Exploring this overlap between the two disciplines led to her completing the MA Jewellery at The Cass where she was able to draw on her multidisciplinary background and skill set in creating her exquisite jewellery. This broad range of experience and training has benefited her with a breadth of design and craft knowledge significantly influencing her approach to design and use of materials, ranging from industrial finishing processes to working in traditional precious metals and gemstones.

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with De Anna to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for De Anna Kiernan Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

The past 12 months have brought a lot of change. We have moved our studio from London to the lovely Cotswolds. It’s been a busy time getting a new workshop up and running and finding new local stockists. The SHARD collection continues to be the most popular, particularly the cocktail rings.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

Architecture is probably my biggest influence. I have a background in both jewellery and architect, so for me translating the macro design features of a building to a wearable piece of jewellery is what I find most exciting as a designer.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

The KickStart program really helped with practical business skills, from accounts to branding & marketing. With this was the constant support and mentoring from leaders in the industry.The guidance and support from the Kickstart program really gave me the confidence to push my business forward.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

IJL is a brilliant opportunity for new brands to meet international buyers, galleries and fellow designers. I think being prepared for these meetings is key. Be ready to take orders!

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

Balancing running a business with family life is a constant challenge. The biggest challenge in launching my brand was balancing this with becoming a new mum. This has shaped how my business has adapted over the past few years. I have scaled down the fashion jewellery ranges and have focused more on bespoke commissions which allows a good work life balance while running my business.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Starting my own business has come with many challenges and a lot of hard work. With this are some pretty amazing highs. I’d say one of the proudest moments was being awarded the Goldsmiths’ Bursary in 2013, where I exhibited my jewellery alongside so many talented jewellers, in the gorgeous Goldsmiths Hall.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Industry, News

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s New Talent and Tutors Scoop Twenty- five Accolades at the “Jewellery Oscars”

by IJL •

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London scooped twenty-five accolades at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council competition, known as the “Jewellery Oscars”, seeing its new talented craftspeople and their tutors represented across award categories.

Current Setting Out participant, Jessica Jue, scoops up three awards (c) Goldsmiths’ craft & Design Council, 2019

The prestigious award ceremony, which was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Monday 25 February 2019, saw the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s current and former Foundation Programme trainees, Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices, Setting Out course participants as well as their tutors win accolades across specialisms, from polishing, diamond mounting to silversmithing, reflecting the exceptional standard of talent, skill and the level of teaching in both the Junior and Senior Award categories.


Former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase”

Chosen from over 600 competition entries, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is celebrating the exceptional performance across the Junior categories. 19-year old Foundation Programme trainees, Amy Gibson and Sophie Chapman, made an impressive first mark on the awards by winning the Silversmiths – Silver Award in 2D Design category for Amy’s trophy design “Silver Fragmented Bottle” and the Chasers Junior Bronze Award for Sophie’s Chased ‘S’ Plaque with support from award-winning Foundation Programme tutors, Jennifer Bloy and Rod Stewart. She was joined by former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, who won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase” and the Theo Fennell Apprentice/Master Award under the tutelage of experienced Master engraver, Sam Marsden from Sam James Engraving. Louise will be demonstrating her skills alongside her Master as part of a series of events programmed in association with The Hand Engravers Association and The Lettering Arts Trust during London Craft Week (8 – 10 May) at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

Former Foundation Programme trainee Amy Gibson won the Junior Silversmiths Award for Silver Fragmented Bottle (c) The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, 2019

Louise was joined by another twenty current and former Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentices and three participants on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s business incubation course, Setting Out, demonstrating that new talent is making noticeable waves in the industry. In particular, Eleanor Woolacott, who completed her Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship at C.A. Treble London in 2018, as well 2017 WorldSkills finalist Alexander Wood, who is a current Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice at Ian Read Setting, demonstrated their diamond mounting skills both winning Gold Awards. Jessica Jue, who is currently completing the intensive year-long business incubation course, Setting Out, at the Goldsmiths’ Centre also made a strong impression with her silverchased Amesiella Dish, winning three Silver Awards in the 3D Finished Pieces Design category.

Current Setting Out participant, Jessica Jue, won a number of awards for her Amesiella Dish (c) Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, 2019

Peter Taylor, Director the Goldsmiths’ Centre, comments: “The team here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre are immensely proud and pleased for the winners of awards at this year’s competition. It is incredible to see the quality of work that is being produced by our trainees many of them under the age of 25. Securing all of the major Junior Awards at the competition is an amazing achievement. Our thanks and congratulations also go to the amazing tutors who go above and beyond to ensure that our learners achieve their potential and Apprentice Masters who are willing to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation”.

Sam Marsden and Louise Sorrell, Theo Fennell Master and Apprentice Award, The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards (c)

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit goldsmiths-centre.org

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, visit craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk

Blog, Trends

The Top 10 Biggest Jewellery Trends from London Fashion Week AW19

by IJL • • 2 Comments

Get ahead for autumn and winter 2019 with our run-down of the biggest trends from London Fashion Week. If you’ve not got your eye on statement earrings, yellow gold and hoops, you may want to think again!

Top 10 Trends: Jewellery AW19

Hosted from February 15 to February 19, London Fashion Week (along with Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week) showcases the accessories trends that will trickle down to the High Street in 2019. Continue reading to discover what will adorn ears, wrists, fingers and necks in the coming months.

1. The Year of Earrings (Again)

When it comes to creativity, colour and character, earrings continue to be the jewellery winners. At London Fashion Week, Peter Pilotto continued his partnership with Italian jeweller, Marco Panconesi, balancing a 1970s colour palette with lovely agate gemstones. Elsewhere, pearls were a strong focus, especially flat-back pearls crafted into unusual floral shapes – perfect for larger, but lightweight designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuV7KNQlvav/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Agate Gemstone as seen at Peter Pilotto

Discover more: The Best Jewels of the Oscars 2019 Red Carpet

Tap into the trend with unusual and statement gemstones, from banded agates and jaspers to malachite (as seen at Milan Fashion Week), charoite, included quartzes and lapis lazuli… ideally swinging from the ears!

2. A Hoop Earrings Era

If one style of earring dominated London Fashion Week AW19 it was the hoop earring. Huishan Zhang showcased oversized and statement options with flat-back pearls, while Simone Rocha presented ruby-red and sparkling versions that seemed to orbit the ear.

Discover more: Top Jewellery Trends of Spring Summer 2019

At Preen, hoops were adorned with monochrome black and white flowers or set with dangling charms that moved with the models. This sense of freedom with jewellery that is free to move, rattle, swing and spin is definitely a trend to watch. For something a little more ‘every-day’, look to the likes of Rejina Pyo and its chunky ‘huggy’ earring that skim the earlobe, and Burberry for hoops that sit flush to the ear in shades of gold and white (perhaps time to reflect on opal, howlite, moonstone and rock crystal gemstones).

3. Shoulder Grazers

Earrings are getting longer… and longer and longer! Long white tendrils skimmed the shoulders at Port 1961 and Roksanda, while House of Holland sent models strutting down the catwalk with slinky lines of silver chains emerging past hairlines.

4. Party of One  

If shoulder grazing earrings aren’t enough, at Roksanda these statement pieces were presented asymmetrically with the other ear completely bare. The single earring trend has been making its mark for the past 12 months but expect to see more experimentation as Christmas party dressing takes hold from November.

Asymmetrical Earrings at Roksanda

Discover more: Met Gala 2018 High Jewellery

5. Chunky Chains

Traditional chains were given a makeover at JW Anderson with exceptionally large proportions in (what appeared to be) a vice-like grip around the neck. At Halpern, chokers were presented adorned with hundreds of fat faceted crystals – a cross between Studio 54 and 1980s excess.  

Chunky Gold Chains at JW Anderson

6. Sunshine Yellow Gold

Whether it was chokers, earrings, brooches, bracelets or hoops, the precious metal colour of choice was yellow gold. It is safe to say yellow gold is enjoying a fashion comeback, especially when partnered with jewel-toned crystals and this season’s most surprising colour, stark white. Look to Victoria Beckham for a slice of realistic, wearable yellow gold in action.

7. Unusual Combinations

At Molly Goddard, crystal chains with a strong 1990s vibe were fastened with safety pins, strung with memento-like wedding bands and charms.

Discover more: Red Carpet Jewels from the Cannes Film Festival 2018

There’s a storytelling emphasis to this season’s jewellery, so expect to see quirky, buildable charm neckwear on the High Street later this year. Customers will be asking themselves: what does this jewellery say about me and how does it tell my story.

8. Florals, Feathers and Sequins

Like dancers from a contemporary Moulin Rouge, models dazzled in feathers, sequins, ruffles and layers in London. Look to Erdem, with its strong combination of pinks and red, clashing patterns and bows, as well as Roksanda with its incredible display of feathers. Of course, the presence of yellow gold goes without saying!

Extravagant Pearls as seen at Erdem

For brooch inspiration there’s Wales Bonner. Think pheasant feathers perking-up shoulders and lapels in eccentric, old-English meets new-English style.

9. Big and Bold or Nothing at All

With so much drama on the catwalk, others took a different approach. At Christopher Kane, there was a notable lack of jewellery, highlighted by a slicked back hairstyle at the ears. Perhaps we are seeing a hint of Duchess of Sussex fever, with a hyper-pared back aesthetic on the horizon? While some may find themselves pulled in this direction, there’s always those of the Kiko Kostadinov school of thought… basically the bigger the better!

Brooches on the catwalk at Wales Bonner

10. Clips, Barrettes and Veils

Although somewhat achievable in the fine jewellery sphere, hair adornments will be big in the fashion realm. Look to Ashish for some of the most creative examples, including geometric rows of crystals worn as close to the forehead as possible.

Discover trend forecasting insights at International Jewellery London 2019. Find out more here

Do you have fashion-worthy jewels to exhibit in the UK market? Speak to a member of our team to find out more about joining us in London from September 1-3, 2019

Blog, Exhibiting, News, People

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2010 Winner, Sian Bostwick

by IJL •

Sian Bostwick creates award winning jewellery inspired by a love of fairy tales, wondrous literature and mysterious story’s.
Drawing on treasured tales such as Alice in Wonderland, tales of enchanted woodlands and fairy glades, 20,00 Leagues under the sea and Tristan & Iseult to create beautifully crafted jewellery with intricate detail and a touch of wonderland. 

Siân handcrafts each piece of jewellery from her Kent workshop. Her love of making jewellery founded at UCA Rochester’s Jewellery & silversmithing course. 

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Sian to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Sian Bostwick Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

I have launched new additional to our collections, help organise and develop open studio events, mentored graduating jewellery students and prepared to launch and whole new collection (launch very very soon, with a 50s pulp sci fi twist!) by experiment and exploring new techniques, launch one to one jewellery classes and couples wedding ring classes. This year has been a lot more focused on personal successes, being part of my sisters wedding and arrival of my niece but I have also become a homeowner for the first time, which is something I never i’d thought able to do.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

All of our jewellery is inspired by treasures stories and tales from some of my favourite books. From Alice in Wonderland, Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues under the sea, Arthurian legend and tales of fairy enchanted woodlands. I love to get lost in a good story, to explore worlds of magic and wonder through and excellent book, and many a happy hour is spend hunt for my next read in my local cavernous 2nd hand book shop.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

Kickstart was an amazing experience for me, I was a fresh graduate stepping out into the industry with not much of a clue what I was doing. Kickstart not only allowed my brand a launch into the industry by meeting press, buyers, gallery owners and industry professionals that’s I wouldn’t have been able to do before but the additional mentioning, advice and media training we invaluable. I was able to seek the guidance, advice and fellowship of the other participants for years to come.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

There is so much to constantly learn, you are never done learning new skills so it is hard to narrow it down. Take every opportunity you can, pursue and push for everything that comes along and don’t give up.

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

There are may challenges when you start out on your own, in any industry not just the jewellery industry. When I first started with Kickstart I had workbench in bedroom and little idea of how to grow anything further. Kickstart helped hugely with this, but best of all I was able I get a place at an artists/craft studio building and community. Our workshop is still based there now and being part of the creative community of 30+other artists studios and workshops has been a truly wonderful support and creative space to grow and develop the brand from.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Though I have been lucky enough to win many awards including New Designer of the Year for the UK Jewellery Awards and featured in plenty of press which have been wonderfully proud moments, but one of my favourite has been that I recently made my little sisters and her new husband wedding rings. It was a wonderful honer to be part of their special day in such a unique way, it was a wonderful occasion and and was delighted to be part of their story. It was more of a personal rather than a professional proud moment.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Education, Industry, Interviews, News, People, Uncategorized

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2016 Winner, De Anna Kiernan

by IJL •

Bermuda born Jeweller, De Anna trained as a Goldsmith from the age of seventeen prior to studying Architecture at Central Saint Martins. Her training in architecture further inspired her passion for creating in three-dimensional form, experimenting with scale from a micro level in jewellery to the macro in architecture. Exploring this overlap between the two disciplines led to her completing the MA Jewellery at The Cass where she was able to draw on her multidisciplinary background and skill set in creating her exquisite jewellery. This broad range of experience and training has benefited her with a breadth of design and craft knowledge significantly influencing her approach to design and use of materials, ranging from industrial finishing processes to working in traditional precious metals and gemstones.

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with De Anna to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for De Anna Kiernan Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

The past 12 months have brought a lot of change. We have moved our studio from London to the lovely Cotswolds. It’s been a busy time getting a new workshop up and running and finding new local stockists. The SHARD collection continues to be the most popular, particularly the cocktail rings.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

Architecture is probably my biggest influence. I have a background in both jewellery and architect, so for me translating the macro design features of a building to a wearable piece of jewellery is what I find most exciting as a designer.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

The KickStart program really helped with practical business skills, from accounts to branding & marketing. With this was the constant support and mentoring from leaders in the industry.The guidance and support from the Kickstart program really gave me the confidence to push my business forward.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

IJL is a brilliant opportunity for new brands to meet international buyers, galleries and fellow designers. I think being prepared for these meetings is key. Be ready to take orders!

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

Balancing running a business with family life is a constant challenge. The biggest challenge in launching my brand was balancing this with becoming a new mum. This has shaped how my business has adapted over the past few years. I have scaled down the fashion jewellery ranges and have focused more on bespoke commissions which allows a good work life balance while running my business.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Starting my own business has come with many challenges and a lot of hard work. With this are some pretty amazing highs. I’d say one of the proudest moments was being awarded the Goldsmiths’ Bursary in 2013, where I exhibited my jewellery alongside so many talented jewellers, in the gorgeous Goldsmiths Hall.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Industry, News

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s New Talent and Tutors Scoop Twenty- five Accolades at the “Jewellery Oscars”

by IJL •

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London scooped twenty-five accolades at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council competition, known as the “Jewellery Oscars”, seeing its new talented craftspeople and their tutors represented across award categories.

Current Setting Out participant, Jessica Jue, scoops up three awards (c) Goldsmiths’ craft & Design Council, 2019

The prestigious award ceremony, which was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Monday 25 February 2019, saw the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s current and former Foundation Programme trainees, Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices, Setting Out course participants as well as their tutors win accolades across specialisms, from polishing, diamond mounting to silversmithing, reflecting the exceptional standard of talent, skill and the level of teaching in both the Junior and Senior Award categories.


Former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase”

Chosen from over 600 competition entries, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is celebrating the exceptional performance across the Junior categories. 19-year old Foundation Programme trainees, Amy Gibson and Sophie Chapman, made an impressive first mark on the awards by winning the Silversmiths – Silver Award in 2D Design category for Amy’s trophy design “Silver Fragmented Bottle” and the Chasers Junior Bronze Award for Sophie’s Chased ‘S’ Plaque with support from award-winning Foundation Programme tutors, Jennifer Bloy and Rod Stewart. She was joined by former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, who won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase” and the Theo Fennell Apprentice/Master Award under the tutelage of experienced Master engraver, Sam Marsden from Sam James Engraving. Louise will be demonstrating her skills alongside her Master as part of a series of events programmed in association with The Hand Engravers Association and The Lettering Arts Trust during London Craft Week (8 – 10 May) at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

Former Foundation Programme trainee Amy Gibson won the Junior Silversmiths Award for Silver Fragmented Bottle (c) The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, 2019

Louise was joined by another twenty current and former Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentices and three participants on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s business incubation course, Setting Out, demonstrating that new talent is making noticeable waves in the industry. In particular, Eleanor Woolacott, who completed her Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship at C.A. Treble London in 2018, as well 2017 WorldSkills finalist Alexander Wood, who is a current Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice at Ian Read Setting, demonstrated their diamond mounting skills both winning Gold Awards. Jessica Jue, who is currently completing the intensive year-long business incubation course, Setting Out, at the Goldsmiths’ Centre also made a strong impression with her silverchased Amesiella Dish, winning three Silver Awards in the 3D Finished Pieces Design category.

Current Setting Out participant, Jessica Jue, won a number of awards for her Amesiella Dish (c) Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, 2019

Peter Taylor, Director the Goldsmiths’ Centre, comments: “The team here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre are immensely proud and pleased for the winners of awards at this year’s competition. It is incredible to see the quality of work that is being produced by our trainees many of them under the age of 25. Securing all of the major Junior Awards at the competition is an amazing achievement. Our thanks and congratulations also go to the amazing tutors who go above and beyond to ensure that our learners achieve their potential and Apprentice Masters who are willing to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation”.

Sam Marsden and Louise Sorrell, Theo Fennell Master and Apprentice Award, The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards (c)

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit goldsmiths-centre.org

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, visit craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk

Blog, Trends

The Top 10 Biggest Jewellery Trends from London Fashion Week AW19

by IJL • • 2 Comments

Get ahead for autumn and winter 2019 with our run-down of the biggest trends from London Fashion Week. If you’ve not got your eye on statement earrings, yellow gold and hoops, you may want to think again!

Top 10 Trends: Jewellery AW19

Hosted from February 15 to February 19, London Fashion Week (along with Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week) showcases the accessories trends that will trickle down to the High Street in 2019. Continue reading to discover what will adorn ears, wrists, fingers and necks in the coming months.

1. The Year of Earrings (Again)

When it comes to creativity, colour and character, earrings continue to be the jewellery winners. At London Fashion Week, Peter Pilotto continued his partnership with Italian jeweller, Marco Panconesi, balancing a 1970s colour palette with lovely agate gemstones. Elsewhere, pearls were a strong focus, especially flat-back pearls crafted into unusual floral shapes – perfect for larger, but lightweight designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuV7KNQlvav/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Agate Gemstone as seen at Peter Pilotto

Discover more: The Best Jewels of the Oscars 2019 Red Carpet

Tap into the trend with unusual and statement gemstones, from banded agates and jaspers to malachite (as seen at Milan Fashion Week), charoite, included quartzes and lapis lazuli… ideally swinging from the ears!

2. A Hoop Earrings Era

If one style of earring dominated London Fashion Week AW19 it was the hoop earring. Huishan Zhang showcased oversized and statement options with flat-back pearls, while Simone Rocha presented ruby-red and sparkling versions that seemed to orbit the ear.

Discover more: Top Jewellery Trends of Spring Summer 2019

At Preen, hoops were adorned with monochrome black and white flowers or set with dangling charms that moved with the models. This sense of freedom with jewellery that is free to move, rattle, swing and spin is definitely a trend to watch. For something a little more ‘every-day’, look to the likes of Rejina Pyo and its chunky ‘huggy’ earring that skim the earlobe, and Burberry for hoops that sit flush to the ear in shades of gold and white (perhaps time to reflect on opal, howlite, moonstone and rock crystal gemstones).

3. Shoulder Grazers

Earrings are getting longer… and longer and longer! Long white tendrils skimmed the shoulders at Port 1961 and Roksanda, while House of Holland sent models strutting down the catwalk with slinky lines of silver chains emerging past hairlines.

4. Party of One  

If shoulder grazing earrings aren’t enough, at Roksanda these statement pieces were presented asymmetrically with the other ear completely bare. The single earring trend has been making its mark for the past 12 months but expect to see more experimentation as Christmas party dressing takes hold from November.

Asymmetrical Earrings at Roksanda

Discover more: Met Gala 2018 High Jewellery

5. Chunky Chains

Traditional chains were given a makeover at JW Anderson with exceptionally large proportions in (what appeared to be) a vice-like grip around the neck. At Halpern, chokers were presented adorned with hundreds of fat faceted crystals – a cross between Studio 54 and 1980s excess.  

Chunky Gold Chains at JW Anderson

6. Sunshine Yellow Gold

Whether it was chokers, earrings, brooches, bracelets or hoops, the precious metal colour of choice was yellow gold. It is safe to say yellow gold is enjoying a fashion comeback, especially when partnered with jewel-toned crystals and this season’s most surprising colour, stark white. Look to Victoria Beckham for a slice of realistic, wearable yellow gold in action.

7. Unusual Combinations

At Molly Goddard, crystal chains with a strong 1990s vibe were fastened with safety pins, strung with memento-like wedding bands and charms.

Discover more: Red Carpet Jewels from the Cannes Film Festival 2018

There’s a storytelling emphasis to this season’s jewellery, so expect to see quirky, buildable charm neckwear on the High Street later this year. Customers will be asking themselves: what does this jewellery say about me and how does it tell my story.

8. Florals, Feathers and Sequins

Like dancers from a contemporary Moulin Rouge, models dazzled in feathers, sequins, ruffles and layers in London. Look to Erdem, with its strong combination of pinks and red, clashing patterns and bows, as well as Roksanda with its incredible display of feathers. Of course, the presence of yellow gold goes without saying!

Extravagant Pearls as seen at Erdem

For brooch inspiration there’s Wales Bonner. Think pheasant feathers perking-up shoulders and lapels in eccentric, old-English meets new-English style.

9. Big and Bold or Nothing at All

With so much drama on the catwalk, others took a different approach. At Christopher Kane, there was a notable lack of jewellery, highlighted by a slicked back hairstyle at the ears. Perhaps we are seeing a hint of Duchess of Sussex fever, with a hyper-pared back aesthetic on the horizon? While some may find themselves pulled in this direction, there’s always those of the Kiko Kostadinov school of thought… basically the bigger the better!

Brooches on the catwalk at Wales Bonner

10. Clips, Barrettes and Veils

Although somewhat achievable in the fine jewellery sphere, hair adornments will be big in the fashion realm. Look to Ashish for some of the most creative examples, including geometric rows of crystals worn as close to the forehead as possible.

Discover trend forecasting insights at International Jewellery London 2019. Find out more here

Do you have fashion-worthy jewels to exhibit in the UK market? Speak to a member of our team to find out more about joining us in London from September 1-3, 2019