MAN ON THE MOVE – Goldsmiths North Presents Silversmithing and Designer-maker Talent in Northern English Showcase

01 Aug 2023

By David Brough

Goldsmiths North, held in the historic setting of Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield from July 7-9, showcased an eclectic variety of silversmithing and jewellery designs from specially selected designer-makers.

The event, supported by Goldsmiths Fair and the Sheffield Assay Office, was an opportunity for the contemporary silversmithing hub of Sheffield to present a northern English Summer shopping event for jewellery aficionados.

Goldsmiths North, celebrating its third edition, was a consumer-facing show, although the retail trade was most welcome to visit and survey the latest creations from exhibiting designers.

Organisers Rebecca Joselyn and Brett Payne are well known in the UK trade as designer-maker silversmiths, honing exquisite objects in silver hallmarked by Sheffield Assay Office.

Among the exhibitors, some well-known designers featured this year, such as the UK’s former Jewellery Designer of the Year, Alexander Davis, inspired by science and new technologies; supreme craftsman Fred Rich; and James Fairhurst, notable for designing gorgeous gemstone-set pieces incorporating rare precious and semi-precious stones.

Emerging talent was also showcased at Goldsmiths North, such as Sheffield-based silversmith Gonzo Studio, which celebrates a unique fusion of influences from Brutalist architecture and the Renaissance, and designer and goldsmith Bibi Cheung, whose Tvrrini brand presented a new collection inspired by historic lava flows on the Greek island of Santorini.

Ernest Jones and Le Vian

Another keynote event on the UK jewellery scene in July was a promotion of a longstanding partnership between multiple retailer Ernest Jones, part of Signet Jewelers, and U.S. diamond jewellery brand Le Vian.

The two groups hosted valued clients, collectors and press for an evening at the Tower of London on July 13, filled with glamour, steeped in history and brimming with dazzling jewellery.  

Guests were treated to a private tour of the Crown Jewels, including the fabled Koh-I-Noor diamond once safeguarded by the Le Vian family in 18th century Persia, and an exclusive exhibition of Le Vian Through The Centuries, the family’s private historical jewel collection dating back to the 16th Century. 

A fireside chat between Eddie LeVian, CEO of Le Vian, and Helen Gibb, director of product at Signet Jewelers, explored seven trending consumer sentiments that have driven Le Vian’s 2024 fine jewellery trend forecast.

A runway show mirrored the grandeur of the surroundings, showcasing Le Vian’s new collections driven by the seven pivotal sentiments that inspired their newest pieces.

From the sentiment of Escape evoking the desire to retreat to sunny shores, with sparkling blue gemstones and a nautical theme, to Renewal with brilliant flowers, bees and butterflies in a veritable kaleidoscope of striking colours, and Passion with flaming gemstones and heart motifs, Le Vian’s contemporary pieces have been thoughtfully designed, keeping in mind sentiments and passions of the moment.

With strings of glittering Blueberry Tanzanite and Peacock Aquaprase and drops of verdant, shimmering Costa Smeralda Emeralds, Le Vian’s Couture collection is a jewellery connoisseur’s dream.

Neil Old, UK managing director of Signet Jewelers UK and Ireland, welcomed the guests and invited everyone to show their support for Young Lives vs Cancer, the company’s charity partner. 

Eddie Levian announced that he would match every donation made to the charity up to £25,000.  

Eddie said,

“It was my privilege to welcome our esteemed guests to such a historic setting, to celebrate our deeply valued partnership with Ernest Jones.

“Our links with the British Crown Jewels and the historic coronation this year meant there was no better place to host our private exhibit and charity catwalk show.”

Source: David Brough (Jewellery Outlook)