In conversation: Bridging the gap between craft and commerciality

Rachael Taylor leads a talk on how to get ahead in the jewellery business while embracing traditional skills

By Amy Wakeham

Leading UK gem fair, Get Stoned, returns to Brighton on 21st May. The one-day event is aimed at jewellery industry professionals, students and teachers, bringing together gem suppliers, industry experts, lapidaries, rock enthusiasts, and makers under one roof. The fair aims to bridge the gap between jewellery making and gemmological knowledge, and is focused solely on natural gemstones.

In addition to workshops on branding and gem identification, and demonstrations on different types of gem setting, there is also a schedule of talks. This includes jewellery writer Rachael Taylor in conversation with Emma Madden, jeweller and co-founder of Shimell & Madden.

The talk with explore how jewellers can combine both craft and commerciality to build a successful business, combining Emma’s experience as a jeweller using traditional techniques, and Rachael’s wider oversight as a journalist and editor. Advice on choosing the right gemstones for your work will also be included.

Tickets to Get Stoned at £15, and includes access to all talks, workshops, demonstrations and exhibitors, plus a free cocktail. Bridging the Gap Between Craft and Commerciality runs from 4pm to 5pm, and is accessible on a first-come-first-served basis. The event is for trade professionals only, plus jewellery students and teachers. Find out more here.

Main image: Emma Madden and Luke Shimell at work in their East London jewellery studio.