FASHION

collection special event
The Jewel
in the City’s Crown
Collectors from around the globe will flock to Goldsmiths’ Fair this month as the historic
company presents one of the most prestigious events of its kind in Europe, and an
exciting insight into the intriguing world of fine jewellery. Richard Brown reports
Having played an integral part
in London Jewellery Week
2011 in June when it hosted
The Goldsmiths’ Pavillion
at Treasure – a selling
exhibition demonstrating contemporary UK
jewellery talent – The Goldsmiths’ Company
will once again showcase the country’s
flair for jewellery design when its annual
Goldsmiths’ Fair commences at the end of
this month.
Established in 1983, Goldsmiths’ Fair has
grown in stature to become what is now
considered the ultimate one-stop destination for
those seeking contemporary jewellery and silver
by the most exciting independent designers in the
UK. For two weeks, 180 designers, including ten
recent graduates, will descend upon Goldsmiths’
Hall to present their latest collections. The result
promises to be a dazzling display of virtuoso
jewellery and silverware.
Set in Goldsmiths’ Hall, located in the heart
of the City and on a site that the company
has owned since 1339, the exhibition takes
place against a background steeped in
history. As the medieval guild for goldsmiths,
as well as silversmiths and jewellers, The
Goldsmiths’ Company has been responsible
for authenticating the standard of precious
36
metals since the 14th century. In fact, the
word ‘hallmarking’ arises from the fact that
such metals were inspected and marked at
Goldsmiths’ Hall.
684 years after Edward III marked the
beginning of the company’s formal existence
as a craft guild, Goldsmiths’ continues as one
of the few Livery Companies still carrying
out its ancient functions, testing and marking
objects made of precious metals above certain
purities from its London Assay Office.
Honouring this celebrated history,
Goldsmiths’ Fair provides a platform for
talent, passion, creativity, innovative design
and superlative craftsmanship. Forget mass
production; the selling event, which is open
to the public, is centred on the bespoke and
the original, with each piece on show having
been hand-made by dedicated craftsmen in
small workshops around the country.
As well as providing the opportunity for
visitors to become the owner of a bespoke piece
of fine jewellery, the Fair encourages interaction
with designers who will be explaining their
techniques and inspiration. The two-way
interaction adds a vital personal element to the
whole process of buying, as well as making the
experience enlightening and educational.
“The Fair is a hugely important event
Below left to right:
Ming
David Marshall
Tom Rucker
Shaun Leane
to many designer-makers,” points out Paul
Dyson, Director of Promotion. “It presents
an invaluable opportunity in terms of
experience, exposure and direct contact with
clients. Equally significant are the huge benefits
the makers gain from exhibiting together, not
only in terms of camaraderie but also through
networking and the sharing of ideas and skills.”
Running from 26 September to 9 October,
Goldsmiths’ Fair has become a must-visit for
both in-the-know jewellery enthusiasts and
collectors, looking to add bespoke, signature
pieces to their collection. Whether you wish
to acquire treasured one-of-a-kind gifts,
statement silver pieces for the home, future
heirlooms for the family, or cufflinks and silver
accessories for men and fabulous jewellery for
women, the Fair won’t disappoint. Make an
investment in pieces that will only increase in
value thanks to the combination of precious
metals and superlative bespoke design, or
simply head to Goldsmiths’ to get your
Christmas shopping done early. n
Goldsmiths’ Fair
26 September-2 October and 4-9 October
Open 11am-7pm, Monday to Friday, and
10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk