Stories


Stories make us who we are and the Goldsmiths' Company have many to tell. On this page you will find historical and contemporary stories that underpin our contribution to national life as well as the craft, trade and industry.


John Donald [1928-2023]

The Company recently heard the sad news of the death of one of Britain’s greatest jewellers, designers and goldsmiths, John Donald. Born in 1928, Donald was an innovative and pioneering designer who understood twentieth-century concepts of fashion and glamour. He belonged to that select group of London-based makers who led the revolution in studio jewellery from the 1960s

Little pieces of history: a brief explanation of Commemorative Marks

In celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, Librarian Eleni Bide is taking a look back at the commemorative hallmarks and pieces that have been created throughout Her Majesty's 70 year reign.

Helping women make a fresh start

This International Women's Day we reflect on the vital work of Goldsmiths' Company Charity Grantees: Anawim Women's Centre, Birmingham.

Where Gold is King by Emefa Cole

Emefa Cole reflects on her experience in Ghana as an apprentice for the Asantehene's leading goldsmith Nana Poku Amponsah Dwumfour.

Elemental Goldsmith Emefa Cole

The Goldsmiths’ Company acquires Cole’s ‘Caldera’ ring for the Company Collection.

A Life in Jewellery: The Goldsmiths’ Company Collection Celebrates New Acquisitions by Dorothy Hogg

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to announce the acquisition of a series of seminal works by renowned Scottish jeweller Professor Dorothy Hogg MBE.

A woman’s identity in jewellery and art: Part three

In the third and final story for our International Women's Day series, Ella Fearon-Low chatted with artist-jeweller Lucie Gledhill.

A woman’s identity in jewellery and art: Part two

In the second part of our three-part International Women's Day series, Ella Fearon-Low spoke with artist-jeweller Donna Brennan.

A woman’s identity in jewellery and art: Part one

To celebrate International Women's Day 2021, we asked jeweller Ella Fearon-Low to interview three women in the industry who have influenced her practice. To kick off this three-part series, Ella chatted with artist-jeweller, Zoe Arnold.

Safeguarding the future of metallurgy for jewellery

Now in the second year of their PhD's at Cambridge, funded by the Goldsmiths' Company Charity, Owain and Ayush discuss the significance of their research for the jewellery industry.

Organic form in the work of Nan Nan Liu

Goldsmiths' Company Curator Dr Dora Thornton explores the enchanting and contemplative power of Nan Nan's work, with mastery over an unexpected material.

Mark Nuell: Modern Lapidary by Joanna Hardy

"There are not many gemstone cutters who are also accomplished goldsmiths and this rare combination allows Mark freedom of thought and the ability to avoid being restricted by conventional techniques."

Tackling Diversity one Bright Light at a Time, by Melanie Eddy

In this article from the Goldsmiths' Review, Melanie seeks to reframe the historic underrepresentation of designers and makers of black heritage in the goldsmithing industry, and to acknowledge the significant contributions they have made.

In the Workshop: Rauni Higson

We spoke with renowned silversmith and Liveryman of the Goldsmiths' Company, Rauni Higson, on finding her home in the mountains and her place in the industry

Designs on Silver

Goldsmiths' Company Curator, Dr Dora Thornton, guides us through a new display for the Exhibition Room in Goldsmiths' Hall, Designs on Silver

In the Workshop: Rod Kelly

For this 'In the Workshop', we spoke with Rod Kelly about his long view of life, creating and making, and finding new ways to pass on his skills

Celebrating Wendy Ramshaw at the Goldsmiths' Company

Goldsmiths' Company Curator, Dr Dora Thornton, explains the significance and history of an iconic piece of jewellery, now acquired for the Goldsmiths' Company Collection

The Layette Basket

Interim Deputy Curator, Dr Irene Cooper, tells us the story behind the piece that sparked the idea for the latest Company display celebrating silver with royal connections

Making Memory

Goldsmiths' Company Curator, Dr Dora Thornton, takes us on a royal journey through the centuries with some remarkable examples of silver from the Collection in a new display called 'For Remembrance Ever After'

New acquisition from the Scottish Gallery helps support the craft

The Goldsmiths' Company has acquired the 'Primavera Brooch' by Italian based goldsmith, Jacqueline Ryan

In the Workshop: Kheni Priest

Kheni is a hand marker for the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in Hatton Garden on Greville Street and is the first person to be interviewed for our new 'in the Workshop' series.

Multi award-winning father and son silversmith duo create the ‘world’s most expensive piggybank’

We spoke to Philip Kydd, a silversmith for over 40 years and a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company since 1996, about creating the world's most expensive piggy bank with his son, James.

Women and the Goldsmiths’ Company

Deputy Librarian Sophia Tobin, tells the story of women in the history of the Goldsmiths' Company

The Goldsmiths' Company's Christmas Spoon

Given to the Company by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, this spoon not only demonstrates the heritage of skilled Danish silversmiths, but also the art of combining craft and Christmas

The 'Goldsmiths' Cup' - commissioned for HMS Prince of Wales

To mark the official commissioning of HMS Prince of Wales into the Royal Navy, the Goldsmiths’ Company commissioned Rauni Higson to make a beautiful commemorative silver cup.

The UK Jewellery 'Census'

Why the Goldsmiths' Company is supporting one of the most significant pieces of consumer research in recent years and how your involvement can help support the trade and industry.

Acquisitions from Goldsmiths' Fair 2019

Dr Dora Thornton, Curator of the Goldsmiths' Company Collection introduces the work of six makers acquired from Goldsmiths' Fair—both young and established—who are new to the Collection.

Shaun Leane and the Royal Engagement Ring

Shaun Leane is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths' Company and one of the world's most talented fine jewellers. We look back on his career and what the royal commission meant to him.

Best New Design Award - Week Two of Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019

Patrick Davison won the Best New Design Award for Week Two for his innovative Alabastron Vessel, made through the process of weaving.

Best New Design Award at Week One of Goldsmiths’ Fair

The fascinating story of collaboration behind Lucie Gledhill's Swap 1 necklace, winner of the Best New Design Award in week one of the Fair.

Commissioning the Contemporary

Discover how the Goldsmiths' Company have been enhancing the vitality of modern craftsmanship since 1926.

Lady Mayoress Wears Overlap Necklace by Goldsmiths’ Fair Exhibitor Mikala Djorup

Overlap, by Mikala Djørup was acquired by the Goldsmiths' Company as the first piece for the newly-established City Collection. But what made this necklace the object of choice for the Lady Mayoress?