Preparations for Goldsmiths' Fair

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Preparations for Goldsmiths' Fair

The anticipation of hearing back from The Goldsmiths' Company after one has applied to exhibit at the Goldsmiths' fair is enormous, it is such a prestigious event. From the moment one opens the envelope in March to tell one their ‘application has been successful’ the sense of achievement soon turns into a six busy months of designing, planning, sourcing stones and making up pieces for the fair. 

 

There are so many stages to a finished job. Naturally the inspiration behind it, why it evolved and the physical making process. A lot of my pieces are stone based, and sometimes I can just see a stone and know exactly what I going to do with it - the stone can dictate the design.

 

Design process, sketches for rhodonite garnet and emerald pendant in yellow gold
Sketchbook ideas, and final design for a pendant featuring large Rhodolite Garnet, surrounded by emeralds, in a decorative, textured setting
Drawing of large pendant, design process with rhodonite garnet and emeralds
The stones, with the drawings
Large unique pendant rhodonite garnet and emeralds

On my workbench, ready to be set

 

I tend to set my Paraiba tourmaline pieces in beaten yellow gold, the effect of which is reminiscent of sand and sea. A recurring influence for me, the magic of these stones is irresistible. 

 

Design process, drawing of potential designs for Paraiba tourmaline rings

Some early ideas in my sketchbook for Paraiba Tourmaline pieces, based on the stones I have sourced this year 

Two rings, with two very different Paraiba stones, on my work bench ready to be set
 Two rings, with two very different Paraiba stones (and diamonds), on my work bench ready to be set

 

Once the designs are in place it is hard graft to get the pieces made in time and it’s always to the wire by the time they have been assayed, set and finished – hand polishing usually – and all estimates done, finally putting all the new work into a finished price list in time for Monday morning set up. 

Selection of finish pieces featuring Paraiba tourmaline, ruby and diamonds 

Finished pieces in the studio

 

There is nothing else like The Goldsmiths’ Fair. It is the only one. I feel privileged to be a part of it this year and I much look forward to taking part once again.

 

I am exhibiting at the Goldsmiths' Fair on stand 42 during Week One 25 - 30 September 2018