Joanna Hardy launches first online jewellery school in the world
Upcoming jewellers recognised at New Designers Awards
Significant rise in business confidence
NEWS ANALYSIS
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VIRTUAL LEARNING
Joanna Hardy launches first online jewellery school in the world
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“ You are moved by exquisite artistry in much the same way that you would be moved standing in front of a
beautiful painting .”
This was said by the anonymous owner of Andrew Grima ’ s jewellery , whose pieces will go to Bonhams as the largest auction of his collection .
ACHIEVEMENT
Upcoming jewellers recognised at New Designers Awards
Global jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy has launched her own online jewellery school at Masterpiece this year .
Powered by learningwithexperts . com , the school will be an interactive online classroom , with the opportunity to get personal advice from Hardy .
The lectures also include exclusive footage filmed at Masterpiece , at top London jewellers and location , so students can “ learn what to look for in a good quality piece of jewellery ”.
The first course is titled the Magic of Jewellery , where students will be taught the how to select jewellery in an informed way , the story behind their own jewellery and practical and technical considerations .
Classes are made up of up to 20 students and assignments will be set and marked by Hardy .
Hardy said : “ My intention is to create a world class online jewellery school , where enthusiastic amateurs or professionals can be introduced to the world of jewellery .
“ I ’ m expecting people ranging from interested hobbyists , career changers , professionals wanting to improve their knowledge – right through to members of the boutique high-end jewellery trade .”
She added : “ I ’ m doing this because I ’ m passionate about sharing the real stories behind jewellery and ensuring future generations are appropriately educated the world over in this fascinating subject .” See feature on page 28 .
ECONOMY
Significant rise in business confidence
Overall business confidence has risen significantly since the start of the year , according to Lloyds Bank .
The latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank , based on data gathered after the snap election was called , showed that the confidence level had increased by 24 %.
The confidence index – an average of respondents ’ expected sales , orders and profits over the next six months – increased from 12 % t immediately following the EU referendum vote last year .
This is an 18-month high and is in line with the indices ’ long-term average of 23 %.
Tim Hinton , managing director , Mid Markets and SME Banking , Lloyds Banking Group said : “ Our latest survey , which was conducted during the election campaign , shows an increase in business confidence since our last report at the start of the year . ”
“ Although challenges remain in recruiting both skilled and unskilled labour , businesses are anticipating higher sales , increased profits and staffing levels to rise , which is all very positive for the economy .
He added : “ With details of the terms of Britain ’ s exit from the EU still to come , inflation on the rise and general volatility and uncertainty in the economy , the outlook remains mixed at best .”
Budding designers were given recognition at the first part of the New Designers Awards on 28 June .
At a ceremony presented by British ceramicist Keith Brymer Jones awarded industry newcomers with their accolades .
Silversmith Andrew Fleming , from the Glasgow School of Art , was given the New Designers Goldsmiths ’ Company Silversmithing Award for his ‘ Construct ’ collection . Inspired by architecture and scaffolding , Fleming ’ s work was described by judges as “ whimsical , precise and beautiful ”.
His prize included a one week experience at the Goldsmiths ’ silversmithing workshop and a £ 500 bursary and a Student Hallmarking package .
NEWS ANALYSIS
The upcoming International Jewellery London show has created a certain atmosphere ; brands are coming out with new releases and putting their best foot forward to showcase the latest collections under their belts . The jewellery industry is buzzing and once again we are reminded of how it feels to have a strong scent of raw creativity fills the air .
END : THAT ’ S ALL . YOU ARE NOW UP TO DATE
14 JEWELLERY FOCUS
August 2017 | jewelleryfocus . co . uk