COMMENTARY – Goldsmiths’ Fair is a unique event revealing wide range of artisanal talent
By David Brough
LONDON, October 2019 – Goldsmiths’ Fair is a unique, heavily oversubscribed event that showcases a variety of artisanal talent, from new techniques in platinum jewellery to expertise in gemstones.
The consumer-facing show, which has just ended, is divided into two weeks, featuring a different selection of designers each week, encompassing artisanal jewellery designer-makers and silversmiths.
The exhibitors, many of whom make much of their annual income from their participation in the fair, which is set in the august surroundings of Goldsmiths’ Hall near St. Paul’s Cathedral, are selected in a rigorous annual competition.
A huge range of skills were in evidence among this year’s designers.
Ute Decker
Tom Rucker introduced unrivalled coloured platinum pieces, while James Fairhurst presented extraordinarily intricate and elaborately crafted gem-set creations.
David Fowkes showed off timeless artisanal-cut gem-set jewels, while Sue Lane’s latest transformable ring, set with imperial topaz, had a timely autumnal feel.
Ute Decker stood out for her sculptural rings in Fairtrade gold.
The event also featured a number of panel discussions on themes such as conservation of materials that were of great interest to makers and buyers alike.
There is no show on a par with Goldsmiths’ Fair anywhere in the world, and so it will remain an important feature of the annual calendar for jewellery lovers everywhere.
James Fairhurst
Award-winning silversmith Martin Keane
