Cooksongold | Royal Jewelry Blog

I think we are all looking forward to welcoming in a New Year, which will ideally be filled with fresh optimism, hope and opportunities, which have unfortunately been in short supply in 2020. And although fashion trends may seem of little consequence to some, they continue to evolve and emerge irrespective of world events and in fact, provide us with some much-needed fun and escapism, which can be a great tonic for the soul during troubled times. With that in mind, let’s take a look into the future to see what we might expect to see on jewellers’ shelves as we look forward to 2021. Beach beads Not surprisingly, beach themes were very much in evidence on the Spring/Summer 21 catwalks as designers tap into the longing that so many people have for the return of their beloved summer holidays. Multi coloured strings of beads were showcased by Jason Wu, Versace and Kenneth Ize in the form of chokers and necklaces, which also included natural materials such as shells and raffia. This is a...

Author Sarah King has won numerous jewellery awards, including the Association of Contemporary Jewellery Prize and several commendations from Goldsmiths? Craftsmanship and Design Awards. She has taught at the Birmingham City University, London Metropolitan University and Kent Institute of Art and Design. She currently teaches specialist short courses in the use of plastics and wood in jewellery at Central St Martins, Morley College and West Dean. See what inspires this jewellery maker and more by seeing our interview with Sarah below. Let us know a bit about yourself, detailing your background, study and training in the jewellery making industry. I’m primarily self-taught jeweller from an art based background having done a fine art textiles degree at Goldsmiths College, University of London during the YBA era but I was always more of a hands-on maker. I have subsequently taken numerous courses (including a summer school with Cristoph Zellweger, a workshop with Dorothy Hogg, a stone c...

Charlotte Biba Bouchard is a jewellery maker that originates from Cornwall, who likes to create bold but simple piecse. Learn more about what inspires this jewellery maker and more in this month’s Designer of the Month below Let us know a bit about yourself, detailing your background, study and training in the jewellery making industry. Originating from Cornwall, I now live and work in the heart of South Devon so I am very much at home here in the West Country. I have always been a maker in one way or another creating Perspex jewellery as a teenager back in the 80s, period costumes, theatrical props and now precious metal jewellery. Having undertaken Silver Jewellery classes as part of my local Adult & Community Learning programme, I have spent the last 12 years honing my techniques, style and skills whilst selling my jewellery through galleries and at selective Craft and Open Studio Events. Recently, having been made redundant from my other part-time job, I decided that I shoul...

A jeweller who appears to have everything is a very daunting prospect when it comes to buying them gifts. But fear not, the our little gift guide would be able to help you the perfect gift for that jeweller in your life. Let us take you on a tour… Beadalon Spin-n-bead Senior Bead Loader I know this looks a little like a fondue set but anyone who does a lot of beading will appreciate a quicker way of stringing and this is exactly what the Spin-n-bead, bead loader provides. Simply load up the unit with beads, insert your curved needle, holding it against the side, spin and watch the beads thread themselves! A great little gadget that any bead enthusiast would I’m sure, be pleased to receive. Just don’t be tempted to fill it will cheese after a few festive tipples. Creating Jewellery in Wood: Skill Building Projects and Techniques by Sarah King The gift of knowledge is a wonderful thing and even the most accomplished of craftsmen will appreciate the opportunity to acquire new skil...