When considering alternative approaches to materials and making, you may come across Bio-design, which can be understood as a means to incorporate the inherent life-conducive principles of biological living systems into the design and making process - and this in order to move towards a more sustainable and caring future. If we want to become more …

Hidden behind a colourful facade on a small estate in South London, you can find a treasure trove of carefully reviewed, sorted and organised ‘waste’ materials. The Work and Play Scrapstore, and its team of passionate volunteers, enable artists, makers and anyone with any use for materials, to come and be inspired. From discarded famous costumes to…

Gold, as we know it best, is not really a material that gets distributed fairly, or even gets worked on in cooperation. But there is archaeological evidence for spectacular goldwork in stateless societies providing compelling proof that complex technologies could be sustained in the absence of coercive powers. With cooperation being a key to tackli…

When thinking about materials and objects as a maker, it is important to consider the impact these materials and objects have. In a first instance that can involve considering the life cycle of materials, and constructing objects well so they are cared for and passed on rather than discarded. But what does it mean to create objects that get ‘passed…

In a world full of objects, and as makers of objects, the agency of objects and materials is fascinating. Why do certain objects become valuable to us, and others not? Today sustainable making is a key consideration, and waste poses a real sustainability challenge. Are there opportunities in waste? Can we re-consider waste sensitively, incorporatin…

When recycling silver and gold seems evident and has been around for decades, how can the practice be applied to other materials, what organisations and which individuals are already facilitating or exploring this approach, and what could we as artists, makers and designers change as part of our practices in order to become, and more importantly th…

Our senses are the filters to our universe. Jewellery, unlike other artforms, is often worn on the body, engaging most of our senses. Some jewellery designers explore the edges of our sensory exploration of the world, questioning what it is we can and cannot see, or feel - or enabling a beauty to be sensed only in certain conditions. A jewellery de…

When we think about jewellery, we think it generally is worn on the body. Can jewellery or adornment be created for non-human contexts? Jewellery artist and researcher Liesbet Bussche has been challenging scale, materials and perceptions. Her large city objects are clearly inspired by jewellery and aim to adorn the city. In this episode, we discuss…

When we look at the profession of jewellery, we often review pieces of jewellery from the past to gain an insight into the application of techniques, the reasons jewellery pieces were commissioned and worn, and gain insights into trends and changes in style. Museums such as the V&A provide us with an opportunity to look at some of the most interest…

To mark the 50th Episode of the BAJ Podcast, Sofie is joined by fellow Podcaster, broadcaster, author and editor Carol Woolton. In this episode, Carol as Co-Host, will find out a little more about the Sofie's research, fascination with jewellery and the ideas behind the BAJ podcast. They will discuss what topics they feel are important for the indu…

When we speak about the digital world, we use words such as the cloud for data storage, and the metaverse for a virtual reality. But as Dr. Patricia Domingues aptly points out with her research and work, the very real physical realities to enable the use of digital tools, requiring increasingly more data, is very much 'real'. A research fellow at t…

By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode, BAJ's Sofie Boons speaks with one of the voices behind the new BAJ BA Course, Hollie Paxton. We discuss her jewellery career to date, covering the work she does for TV big hits such as Netflix, the BBC and Apple TV, her personal collections, bespoke commissions and her vision for the course.…

In this episode, BAJ's Sofie Boons speaks with the co-founders of the 'Artificial Intelligems' collective, Anneleen Swillen and Greg Scheirlinckx to discuss their work and research, the benefits and dangers of AI and the tools currently available and how AI can be used in relation to jewellery. Listen in to find out more about machine learning in a…

In this episode, BAJ's Sofie Boons speaks with two members of the team behind the thought-provoking magazine 'Current Obsession'. With their magazine, and their first ever Jewellery Hub in the centre of Munich during Munich Jewellery Week, the team want to create a platform for jewellers to showcase broadly, discuss and most importantly re-connect …

In this episode, Sofie speaks with the curator selected for the Schmuck 2023 showcase in Munich. Having been an artist for over 50 years, and as an educator and curator of various exhibitions, Caroline Broadhead has a finger on the pulse of contemporary jewellery. We will discuss her selection for the exhibition, the key themes currently fascinatin…

Starting the New Year with a bang, we have invited Caroline Jackman, the Head of Craft Business skills at the Crafts Council to discuss her work for the Charity, their annual showcase Collect and the opportunities the council provides makers. We will cover tips and advice on how to get started and promote yourself in the craft world, and gain an in…

With the second series of the BBC's popular jewellery competition 'All That Glitters' only recently crowning its second winner, Sofie catches up with our very own BAJ graduate Tianne Louise-Simmons. They discuss what it was like to take part in the show, and what Tianne has in store for the future, reflecting on the importance of her educational jo…

In this episode, Sofie speaks with Professor Ioannis Michaloudis about his research career investigating the application of the NASA-created material Aerogel in design, his creative work and his collaboration with Boucheron. Prof. Ioannis Michaloudis is a visual artist, researcher and academic, internationally acknowledged as a leader in Art&Scienc…

Following the discussion in the previous episode about the article by Loukia Richards, we meet with Loukia and her partner Christoph Ziegler to discuss their work for SMCK Magazine, SMCK on reel, how to get started with writing and of course, what Loukia aimed to achieve with her article titled 'Why does contemporary jewellery not take off?'. Louki…

A special edition episode featuring the plenary speakers of the ACJ 'Beyond Silver' Conference Dr. Jivan Astfalck and Professor Theo Smeets. A discussion about the key themes of the conference, the field and the subject of jewellery. Dr. Jivan Astfalck is Professor of Jewellery Art and Design at Birmingham City University. Born in Berlin, where she…

A special edition episode recorded during the conference 'Beyond Silver' of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery. A discussion on the theme of the conference, the impact of conferences, the state of play in the field, the major challenges and opportunities and where we go from here, featuring collector Linda Lambert, educator and jeweller Bri…

A conversation with Anthony Wong, a director of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery, on the association's 25th Anniversary events and the benefits and support for members. The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Contemporary jewellery is one of the most dynamic and innovative areas of 21st-century craft and design, that inspires and…

A conversation with Jonathan Boyd, a multi-award winning Artist and Jeweller working with a variety of materials, specialising in conceptual and narrative-led jewellery and objects. Jonathan is the Reader in Jewellery as well as the Head of Programme in Jewellery and Metal (Acting) at the Royal College of Art in London. He is an active practitioner…

A conversation with the four powerhouses (Lynn Speake, Lucy Spink, Juan Riusech, Spam Glam) behind Precious Collective, a collective with over 300 members from around the world, who organises exhibitions, charitable calls and much more. ​Precious Collective was formed to celebrate Art Jewellery; showcasing this art form to new audiences. Through bu…

A conversation with one of the female founders of the Antwerp based jewellery label Studio Collect about running a label as a team, working with retailers and more. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Hermien, Saskia, Magaly and Hannah decided to join forces and founded Studio Collect in 2013. A shared passion and visio…

A conversation with Julia Maria Künnap who is an Estonian jewellery artist and self-taught gemstone carver who transforms gems into sweeping brush strokes and molten forms. We will discuss her contemporary take on the material and how she got started with gemstone carving, as well as what it is like to be a contemporary jeweller today. Julia Maria …

A conversation with Matthew Manos, founder and managing director of verynice, a design strategy practice that gives half of its services away for free to non-profit organizations. Matthew details the work he does with his company as well as one of his toolkits, Less (Bad) Design: A Toolkit For Ethical Ideation, that challenges designers to consider…

A conversation with stone cutter Justin Prim, on the art and craft of faceting stones, his digital YouTube platform, and his life in Thailand. Justin K Prim is an American lapidary, author, and gemologist living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. He has studied gemcutting traditions all over the world as well as attending gemology programs at GIA an…

A conversation with graduate Paul Morris, who is working in the gemstone city Idar-Oberstein as a jeweller and stone carver.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with Harriet and Rosie about their jewellery brand Tatty Devine, the world's go-to for fun and original statement pieces, on their journey from the brand's start in 1999. Since then, through Tatty Devine, Rosie and Harriet have achieved much, including collaborations with industry greats and recognition for their contribution to the …

A conversation with Sarah Rothwell, the Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland, about her work and the various elements that have impacted her career choices. She currently holds responsibility for the collections of British, European and other 'Western' glass, ceramics, metalwork, jewellery and industrial design circa…

In this episode, we speak to Tamara Gomez, finalist of BBC show All That Glitters. Tamara details what led her to become a jeweller, her experience on the reality TV show and her career in jewellery.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with the executive director of the Responsible Jewellery council Iris van der Veken on the work the RJC undertakes, its support for the industry, and the challenges we face to create a responsible jewellery industry.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with Saskia Kolff– van Es, a Dutch art historian who writes about contemporary jewellery, on her interest in the meaning people attach to jewellery and the histories behind jewellery materials.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with artist, craftsman, researcher and educator Dr David Huycke on his innovative work with granulation and metal. An insight into the considered practice of an artist balancing craft, poetry and profession.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with jewellery historian Dr Jack Ogden on the historical significance of jewellery. Dr Jack Ogden has a particular interest in the development of materials and technology and has a PhD from Durham University. Dr Jack Ogden is an elected fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. …

A conversation with Melbourne-based designer and RMIT researcher Dr Leah Heiss working at the nexus of design, health, and technology. Dr Heiss reflects on her practice, the nature of collaborations, and the importance of research in the field. Dr Heiss also discusses the design thinking workshops using the Tactile Tools methodology she has organis…

A conversation with Paola De Luca, founder of The Futurist Ltd, a creative intelligence agency specialising in strategic and editorial projects in the luxury and jewellery sectors reflecting on her career, the year 2020, trend forecasting and what is in store for 2021.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode, we speak to London-based, internationally-stocked jeweller Alex Monroe about his inspirations and the jewellery industry.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode, we have a conversation with writer, jewellery designer and director of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery Melanie Eddy on her practice, the ACJ and her career in jewellery.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode, BAJ has a conversation with Roberta Bernabei, editor of the Journal of Jewellery Research, on the importance of research in the field.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast, BAJ talks to jewellery designer, researcher and educator Jim Binnion on his expertise of Mokume Gane, craftsmanship and sharing knowledge.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast, BAJ talks to Dr. Katharina Vones about materiality, material libraries, recycling materials and smart jewellery.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with the founder and CEO of Taylor and Hart, Nikolay Piriankov, about starting, running and navigating a global bespoke jewellery business.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast, BAJ meets the founders of The Jewellery Cut, Rachael Taylor and Andrew Martyniuk, to discuss the challenges faced by the industry and top tips for young designers promoting and displaying their work.By britishacademyofjewellery

A conversation with the authors of the research paper Digitally Produced Jewellery: Tactile Qualities of the Digital Touch on what the future is for jeweller in an increasingly digital world.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast: Lockdown Series, BAJ talks to the authors of the research paper 'Digitally Produced Jewellery: Tactile Qualities of the Digital Touch' on what the future is for jewellers in an increasingly digital world.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast: Lockdown Series, BAJ talks to Gary Williams, the Hatton Garden BID Chairman and director of Presman Mastermelt on the challenges faced by retailers today and the future of jewellery retail.By britishacademyofjewellery

In this episode of the BAJ Podcast: Lockdown Series, BAJ talks to the editor and co-founder of Jewellery Outlook, David Brough, to discuss the knowledge shared during lockdown, the global effort to evaluate industry change and what we can expect from the future.By britishacademyofjewellery