Jewellery Focus April 2019 | Page 11

MONTH IN REVIEW GO ONLINE www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk Blue John is quite a unique material, with a fantastic array of colours and patterns which are perfect for jewellery setting. Rebecca Sellors of C.W Sellors DESIGNERS Gemporia partners with jewellery designer Rebecca Sellors British TV jewellery channel, Gemporia, has partnered with British jewellery designer Rebecca Sellors of C.W Sellors to create an exclusive collection of Blue John jewellery. Discovered nearly two thousand years ago, Blue John is a rare natural variety of Fluorite found exclusively on one hillside in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire. Early use of Blue John saw the gemstone fashioned into ornamental items which now feature within the collections of Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House. Sellors said she prides herself on “championing the unique British gemstone”, and believes that Blue John has “a lot to offer the jewellery world and uses the natural beauty of the gem to inspire her designs”. Sellors said: “In a crowded world of gemstones and jewellery design, the popularity of established favourites such as emeralds, rubies and sapphires will always take centre stage, yet should you be prepared to delve a little deeper for gemstone discovery then you will find Blue John is quite a unique material, with a fantastic array of colours and patterns which are perfect for jewellery setting.” Gemporia’s commercial director, Jake Thompson, added: “My career, and indeed my life, has been defined by travelling the world in pursuit of the rarest gemstones. However, I have always dreamed of sourcing that most elusive treasure, a British gem of truly world-class status.” April 2019 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 AUCTIONS APPOINTMENTS Fellows’ upcoming Watch Sale on 2 April is to feature an “extremely rare and innovative” timepiece containing what is reputed to be the world’s oldest whisky. The Louis Moinet stainless steel watch is one of 40 ever made and has been entered to auction with an estimated worth of £12,000 - £18,000 – a price which could see the watch sell for over £20,000 including buyer’s premium. Jewellery designer and Mona Pink founder, Monika Kamycka, has been appointed as chair of The British Society of Enamellers’ at the trade organisation’s AGM, following her “successful” year as vice-chair. According to the organisation, under Kamycka’s leadership the trade organisation has “realised a number of notable achievements”, including an innovative and successful online exhibition, a full review of membership benefits and evaluation of website and social media platforms with renewed focus on member and follower engagement. The cumulative result of these activities has also driven significant increases in the Society’s membership in comparison to previous years, and the committee reported “substantial cost savings” realised through rationalisation of digital software and tools. Kamycka said: “It has been a really busy and eventful 12 months and we have another full year ahead. I am so pleased and proud of my committee and the improvements that we have collectively driven through this organisation. “We celebrate our 35th anniversary this year and we kicked off our celebrations with a champagne reception at IJL in 2018. I want to make sure that we are toasting both our heritage and more successes in 2019.” She added: “So, my focus as chair will now be on embedding our new mission and values, fully reviewing our governance, improving our digital interface with members and the public, and creating an operational strategy that will set the direction of travel for us all over the next four to five years.” Watch containing world’s oldest whisky up for auction Swiss watchmaking brand Louis Moinet and Wealth Solutions collaborated to create watches containing single malt whisky reputed to be the oldest in the world. They made just 40 pieces in steel and only 10 in gold. The historic whisky, dating back to 1862 and the age of steam, was distilled in Glenlivet, Scotland. The whisky capsule is placed on the 3 o’clock mark, and, according to Fellows, “perfectly complements the beautifully designed watch, offering a taste of 19th Century Scottish life”. Michael Jagiela, watch specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “This is one of several extremely rare watches we have up for auction on 2 April. When Louis Moinet created The Whisky Watch, they combined their Swiss accuracy with the traditions of the Scottish art of distillation. “There are many unique features which, when combined together, create a truly exquisite watch. I am sure the item will be very popular with watch and whisky enthusiasts alike. It is a brilliant opportunity for a collector to own some of this rare whisky.” British Society of Enamellers appoints new chair JEWELLERY FOCUS 11