Coutts London Jewellery Week showcases UK talent
LONDON, June 8 – Designers and retailers from across the world of jewellery showcased the tradition, diversity and talents of the industry in London as Coutts London Jewellery Week (8 – 14 June 2009) kicked off today.
Shaun Leane, a leading UK luxury jeweller, showed off 10th anniversary special edition pieces at the Wonder Room in Selfridges on Oxford Street, while in a discreet side street off the Edgeware Road, online retailer Astley Clarke displayed a new collection by fashion designer Osman Yousefzada.
While Leane showed off three new bangles, Yousefzada, who is known for his contemporary colours and futuristic cuts on the catwalk, presented four limited-edition key pieces that are available online at www.astleyclarke.com
Throughout Coutts London Jewellery Week, 100 events were scheduled to take place from north to south, east and west of the British capital.
From the family-friendly festival in the diamond jewellery quarter of Hatton Garden to glittering catwalk shows, Coutts London Jewellery Week has united some of the biggest names in the industry and the finest emerging talent for the second year running.
Organised by the City Fringe Partnership with funding from the London Development Agency and sponsored by private bank Coutts & Co, Coutts London Jewellery Week 2009 has put the spotlight on up-and-coming designers as well as established brands.
From 8 -14 June hundreds of participants were due to come together to host what promised to be a major celebration of the creativity of London’s jewellery design talent.
Visitors were encouraged to explore the historical roots of the jewellery industry by following the Museum Trail or take the ultimate star treatment by walking the bespoke Swarovski crystal-studded carpet which will be in place throughout the Week at the Burlington Arcade on Piccadilly in central London.
Jewellery-themed festivals were organised to bring an outdoor experience to the Week.
The Hatton Garden Festival on Saturday 13 June is a perfect choice for those in search of entertainment for all the family.
With a reputation for craftsmanship since the Middle Ages, Hatton Garden will be a hive of jewellery-related activity, including street demonstrations, children’s activities, musicians and costumed actors, a food market and a host of workshops, talks and behind-the-scenes tours. Whilst the Elizabeth Street Carnival on 10 June will be showcasing some of the biggest jewellery names in Belgravia.
Visitors can also discover Treasure – an exhibition of over 60 of the country’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers which returns for a three-day showcase at The Flower Cellars, Covent Garden.
Open to the public between 12 and 14 June, Treasure celebrates innovation in jewellery design, displaying pieces made using cutting-edge technology and unusual materials, alongside those who engage in ethical and sustainable work practices.
Leading auctioneers Bonhams will be dedicating the entire month to jewellery, as part of their Jewellery in June initiative. Bonhams will open their doors to the public with a nationwide jewellery valuation campaign. During the Week itself, Bonhams will host a jewellery sale at their Knightsbridge saleroom on Wednesday 10 June.
The Rising Gems – a talented group comprising many winners of the Coutts New Jewellers Awards – will be showcasing their exclusive collection inspired by the World Land Trust at Liberty.
Cockpit Arts – the UK’s only creative-business incubator for designer-makers — will be hosting Maker Difference on 13 and 14 June.
This open studios event offers a unique opportunity to see resident designers at work, follow themed trails around the studios and take part in a number of hands-on activities.
Coutts London Jewellery Week is organised by the City Fringe Partnership, with funding from the London Development Agency, and is sponsored by Coutts.
www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk
