By David Brough
SHEFFIELD, England – Goldsmiths North (July 7-9, 2023) presented an eclectic variety of silversmithing and jewellery designs from specially selected designer makers in the grand surroundings of Cutlers’ Hall.
The event, supported by Goldsmiths Fair and the Sheffield Assay Office, is a rare showcase in which the contemporary silversmithing hub of Sheffield presents a northern English Summer shopping opportunity for jewellery aficionados.
Goldsmiths North third edition in 2023
Goldsmiths North is a consumer facing event, although the retail trade are most welcome to come along and survey the latest creations from the talented designers exhibiting here.
The key organisers, Rebecca Joselyn and Brett Payne, are both well known in the trade as leading designer-maker silversmiths, honing exquisite designer objects in silver hallmarked by Sheffield Assay Office, which has been a consistent and proactive supporter of the event.
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.
Large emerald moth lapel pin by Fred Rich, seen at Goldsmiths North in 2023
These designer makers are open to bespoke commissions.
One visiting buyer at the event was overheard saying of Alexander Davis: “He is a firm believer in matching jewellery to the person.”
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.
Do visit the reels and Instagram Live @jewelleryoutlook Instagram to see videos of the pieces from designer-makers exhibiting at Goldsmiths North, which concluded on July 9, 2023.
James Fairhurst, designer of exquisite gemstone-set jewellery, exhibiting at Goldsmiths North in 2023
