The November 2015 edition of Professional Jeweller is available to read online now, featuring a striking cover image from Links of London’s 25 Years anniversary campaign. This month’s special issue launches the Professional Jeweller Reach List – a comprehensive study into the digital prowess of the UK’s jewellery retailers and brands. The Reach List recognises the most…
INTERVIEW: Joel Storfer, UJT Ltd
With the strapline ‘Jewellery Excellence’ and a brand new look, diamond and precious gemstone jewellery specialist UJT Ltd is on mission to provide exceptional quality pieces without the wallet-busting price tags. BenchPro meets director Joel Storfer to find out more. “All the back-end work has been done and our transition into manufacturing is now complete.…
Behind-the-scenes at jewellery hub Centrepunch
BenchPro meets Beaulagh Brooks, director of education at jewellery-making hub Centrepunch, to discover her plans for instilling confidence in new graduates and supporting the jewellery trade from the ground up. Having watched countless students come and go during her 20-year tenure as a higher education jewellery and silversmithing lecturer, Beaulagh Brooks began to lament the…
Apprentice Outlook: Keir O'Brine
From Jeremy Hoye to running a brand with help from The Prince's Trust. BenchPro meets Keir O’Brine, fine jeweller and former Jeremy Hoye apprentice now running his own fine jewellery brand in Brighton. BenchPro: Tell us about your time as an apprentice — where did you work and what did you focus on? Keir O’Brine:…
'Groundbreaking' Matrix 8 lands in UK market
Gemvision CAD software helps with pricing, ordering and design. Gemvision UK has launched Matrix 8 into the market, providing "groundbreaking" new features that allow jewellery designers to work more efficiently, covering design, pricing, ordering and selling. Matrix 8 is described as approaching design "through the eyes of a jeweller", assessing how they operate their business…
OPINION: A word from the bench
Workshop managers, CAD designers and tutors on manufacture today. Workshop managers, goldsmiths and CAD designers talk to BenchPro about manufacturing in 2014, discussing how the industry has changed and the challenges currently impacting their daily routines. S.J. Barnard, workshop manager, 77 Diamonds Professional Jeweller: What are the biggest challenges you’re facing at the moment? S.J.…
Angola to take on diamond market with 20% boost
Angolan government plans to increase production by 20% to 10m carats. The Angolan government has announced plans to increase its diamond production output by 20% in 2014, in order to reach an annual target of 10 million carats. Government officials stated that the Catoca mine – the largest mine in Angola – was ready to…
Professional Jeweller unveils BenchPro magazine
This new editorial offering will focus on UK jewellery manufacturing. The team at Professional Jeweller magazine is pleased to announce the arrival of BenchPro – a brand new supplement magazine dedicated to the UK jewellery manufacturing industry and hardworking designer-makers at the bench. The inaugural issue of BenchPro will appear inside the July 2014 issue…
BenchPro Preview: A window into workshops
The retailers opening up their on-site workshops to customers. A savvy sales associate might be able to tempt customers into making a purchase, but nothing convinces them of the value of a piece like seeing it made in real-time by a team of master craftsmen. In a sneak peek from Professional Jeweller’s new BenchPro magazine,…
