The virtual session, taking place on 7 July, will feature goldsmith and award-winning designer Janet Weller, GC&DC trustee Kathryn Bishop, and Charlotte Dew, head of public programmes at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

Weller will guide attendees through how to interpret a design brief, develop initial ideas and translate them into a complete design.

The talk will focus on sketching, detailing and shading, as well as how to create design presentations that meet both client and brief expectations. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion.

The session is part of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Techniques in Focus series, which explores specific jewellery-making processes and their relevance to contemporary craft. It is tailored for jewellers, silversmiths and enthusiasts looking to expand their technical understanding.

This talk complements the GC&DC 2025 Awards Exhibition, running at the Goldsmiths’ Centre from 2 July to 11 September, and showcases a curated selection of this year’s winning entries.

Weller, who has won more than 20 GC&DC Awards, including six gold and six sponsored awards, took the top prize in 2D hand-rendering in both 2023 and 2025. She said: “Being able to host this session is a huge honour, and a chance to share the 2D hand-rendering skills, techniques and tips that I have gathered throughout my career.

“I look forward to delivering a session that is highly informative, inspiring and educational, giving attendees a chance to ask questions and feel more equipped and accomplished in their design process.”

John Ball GC&DC chairman said: “The 2D design section of the GC&DC Awards is a chance for us to identify new and promising creative talents in UK jewellery and silversmithing.

“We hope this session, in partnership with the Goldsmiths’ Centre and Janet Weller, will inspire a fresh cohort of designers to enter the 2026 edition of the Awards. 2D hand-rendering is a really impactful way to demonstrate ideas and wow clients with beautiful hand-drawn designs.”

In addition, emerging makers are invited to attend the GC&DC’s first Jewellery Feedback Session on 15 July at the Goldsmiths’ Centre.

Participants will meet GC&DC judges Peter Crump, Robin Kyte and Steve Jinks to receive feedback on a piece of finished jewellery and get guidance on developing their skills and design approach.

The programme will support 10 individuals, providing expert guidance on how to effectively present, sell, and showcase new collections both online and in person.

They will also gain valuable insights through a blend of live webinars, self-paced learning modules, and practical assignments. 

Additionally, participants will learn to develop the skills to confidently talk about their work, through photography and video, master online and in-person selling strategies, and understand how to price and prepare their collection for showcasing at selling events. 

It will also give them the opportunity to present their creations through Goldsmiths’ Centre’s online shop and platforms, culminating in a live pop-up event in September 2025.

Morvarid Alavifard, Shine 2024 participant and multi-disciplinary artist and silversmith, said: “Shine is the best way to find your audience, to market yourself, and to explain your practice better to others. Everyone at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and the other Shine participants are here to help you step outside of your comfort zone.”

Following a successful collaboration in 2023 and 2024, Pandora will once again act as the principal partner for the event.The Fashion Awards will take place on Monday 1 December at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The event recognises fashion’s cultural impact, honours industry-defining achievements, and creates unforgettable moments.

This year, TFA will emphasise the power of community, bringing the industry together to shape its future and champion emerging voices.

Caroline Rush, chief executive of the BFC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Pandora back as Principal Partner of The Fashion Awards 2025. Their continued commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation makes them an ideal partner for an event that not only celebrates the best of fashion today but invests in the talent of tomorrow. Together, we look forward to creating a memorable and meaningful celebration of the industry’s impact and future.”

Berta de Pablos-Barbier, Pandora CMO, added: “We are honoured to continue our partnership with the British Fashion Council for The Fashion Awards 2025. Fashion and jewellery are both powerful forms of self-expression, and we are proud to stand alongside the BFC in celebrating the creative community that drives our industries forward.

“This partnership aligns with Pandora’s mission to give a voice to people’s love and reflects Pandora’s design values, where craftsmanship, innovation and responsibility come together to inspire a new generation.”

She is the chair of the British Jewellery and Giftware Benevolent Society and the former manager of the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre at Birmingham City University.

The award is given in recognition of a recipient’s outstanding contribution and commitment to the craft and industry of Silversmithing, Jewellery and the Allied Crafts.

Penfold has been a key figure in the support, development, and growth of countless designer-makers and SMEs, both regionally and nationally.

In her role as chair of The Benevolent Society, she leads efforts to provide vital support to those facing financial hardship within the jewellery, giftware, surface engineering, and associated trades.

Under her leadership, the Society has expanded its reach, offering regular grants, emergency funds, and targeted initiatives such as the COVID fund and cost-of-living support.

Penfold said: “When I was informed that I had been selected for the LAA 2025, I was initially taken aback and was then overwhelmed. To receive such an accolade is a massive honour in itself, but to know that your peers nominated you makes it truly special.”

John Ball, chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, added: “Gay’s ability to connect people, drive meaningful change, and champion the next generation of makers has made a lasting impact. Council wanted to recognise not just her achievements, but the spirit of generosity and leadership that defines her work.”

The annual GC&DC competition rewards “excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials”.

For 2025, the Awards comprised 33 competition categories in both 2D design and 3D craft and design categories, five other special awards, three bursaries, three Major Awards and three Premier Awards, as well as the prestigious College Trophy, totaling 47 Awards.

BAJ’s Apprenticeship programme provides specialist training to budding jewellery industry workers and helps jewellery businesses to upskill their workforce.

The BAJ Apprenticeship offering is in line with the new Standard for the Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades Professionals.

The info-session is specifically aimed at jewellery industry employers, brand representatives, workshop and training managers, HR professionals and anyone looking to expand their workforce with skilled, enthusiastic apprentices.

Additionally, the session will cover topics such as the perks of hiring an apprentice, tailored training programmes, government funding and support and ongoing support from BAJ School and Testimonials.

Ioanna Kefalogianni, careers and industry engagement manager, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting these info-sessions to help industry professionals empower their business with the fresh energy, talent, and innovation that apprentices bring.”

Gary Woe, managing director at Hockley Mint, added: “Working with BAJ and their apprenticeship programme has allowed us to create a secure framework for each of our Apprentices. The process has been uncomplicated and the support that we have received has been second to none.”

The event was held at the Goldsmiths’ Hall kicked off by Annie Warburton, clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

Antony Vanderpump, chairman, said: “I am thrilled to announce that the dinner raised approximately £30,000, thanks to the generous contributions of sponsors, supporters, and guests. These funds will play a crucial role in supporting individuals in the trade who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in challenging circumstances.”

The next event on the charity’s calendar is the Annual Golf Day, scheduled for Friday 27 September.

The event will be held at the prestigious Royal Blackheath Golf Club in South East London.

The charity was established on 23 April 1827 as the Goldsmiths and Jewellers Annuity Institution with the help of The Goldsmiths’ Company.

The Goldsmiths’ Company has always been the charity’s chief benefactor but it has remained independent from the charity.

According to BAJ, the new BAJ apprenticeship offering “is in line with the new standard for the Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades Professionals”.

BAJ said that the new standard “promotes a closer working relationship between employer and training provider”.

It also aims to encourage apprentices to pursue specialist pathways within the industry, which enables participating employers “to develop talent directly in line with the needs of their business”.

BAJ’s new round of apprenticeships will begin in September 2023 and will run at its London and Birmingham campuses.

Miranda Sharpe, BAJ’s apprenticeship coordinator, said: “The apprenticeship programme is a fantastic way to bring new talent into the industry and ensure the skills needed within the trade are developed and passed on.

“Through a combination of training at BAJ and working with their employer, apprentices develop a broad set of skills to take to their roles. We feel very confident and passionate about preparing our future apprentices for successful careers in the jewellery industry and look forward to working with companies that share this goal.”

Sharjeel Nawaz, principal and chief executive at BAJ, added: “At the British Academy of Jewellery, we are excited to introduce this new apprenticeship standard to our offering.

“We are reaching out to the employer network and our local communities to showcase and highlight the many benefits of this apprenticeship and to encourage learners to take a different route to achieve their career ambitions in the jewellery industry.”

The NAJ Awards are an “opportunity to champion extraordinary talent” within the UK jewellery industry and highlight the business owners, teams and professionals “going above and beyond for the trade and their customers”.  

The awards will be held on Sunday 25 June, as part of this year’s NAJ Summit.

The 2023 NAJ Awards has expanded to ten categories, with four new awards available: Workshop Employee of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Marketing Campaign/Event of the Year, and Store Design of the Year. 

The categories include:

• Team of the Year (sponsored by TH March)
• Workshop Employee of the Year
• Salesperson of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year
• Designer of the Year 
• Jewellery Retailer of the Year
• CSR Initiative of the Year
• Marketing Campaign/Event of the Year
• Store Design of the Year
• Supplier of the Year

Heather Callaway, NAJ chair, said: “The NAJ Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional talent within the jewellery industry. Whether championing a business or an individual, these categories showcase talent wherever it is found.”

Claire Davies, Curteis operations director, added: “We’re excited to partner with the National Association of Jewellers for this year’s NAJ Awards. Curteis has a rich history of supporting the jewellery trade, and we look forward to celebrating with the finalists on the big night.”

The weekend will feature the Valuers Conference hosted by the Institute of Registered Valuers, a revised supplier showcase, and the NAJ Awards.

Ben Massey, principal officer, said: “After two years of refining and fine-tuning the structure of the NAJ Summit, we’re excited to reveal a new look and venue for 2023. The Park Regis provides the perfect place for the jewellery community to come together and learn from each other.

“We’ve also updated the branding for the event, which we’re looking forward to revealing in more detail over the coming months. For now, sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay informed of updates and all things NAJ.”

The NAJ Chair’s Award is given to a business or individual in recognition of their ongoing commitment and dedicated service to the jewellery industry.

Last year, the judging panel felt that The Goldsmiths Company, the Benevolent Society, and
The Silversmiths Jewellers Charity should share the inaugural Award for their collaborative work in supporting the trade through Covid.

This year, the independent judges unanimously agreed David Doyle’s career-long generosity and service deserved to be acknowledged.

NAJ chair Heather Callaway said: “It was an honour and a privilege to present the NAJ Chair’s Award to David. It was only fitting that the longevity of his career and unwavering charitable spirit be recognised in this way. David embodies the Association’s values in everything he does and has achieved in his jewellery career.”

Doyle said: “Having been in the jewellery industry since my early 20s and been generously rewarded in so many ways, including making life-long friendships, I felt it my duty to give back to an industry that has given me so much in return.

“I am genuinely humbled to receive the NAJ Chair’s Award, but any individual award for
dedicated service only tells half a story. The results that I have achieved, whether through
my own business, the NAJ or the Benevolent Society, would not be possible without the
amazing support of my industry colleagues and, of course, my wife, Jan, a constant
throughout this jewellery journey of mine.”