March 2008

What does it take to make it in the jewellery industry? Support from one of London’s top jewellers is a great start. That’s why Green Street jeweller PureJewels has teamed up with Newham College to launch the next generation of jewellery designers. Thirteen graduates from Newham College’s first Women Into Jewellery course have been offered showroom space in one of London’s most prestigious stores.

SUPPORTING NEW TALENT
Women Into Jewellery is an LDA-funded project that offers female students the opportunity to learn about jewellery design and techniques. The first graduates from this 18-week course celebrated their achievements at a special event on 18th February at the Fashion & Textile Museum hosted by the Centre for Innovation and Partnerships (CIPs).

For retailer PureJewels, their commitment to these graduates is part of a wider campaign to bring fresh talent into the industry. “We’re committed to supporting the next generation of jewellers,” says Jayant Raniga. “The students on this new course have produced some outstanding conceptual pieces– there’s an eclectic mix of cultural influences and we’re thrilled to be helping them to embark on their careers.”

TALENT SHOWCASE PLANNED FOR THE FLAGSHIP STORE
The course focused on techniques and manufacture, but each student has interpreted them in their own way. “I’ve taken ideas from different cultures – Indian, North African, European, Russian – for my work,” explained Karima Fourali, whose work attracted praise for its use of coloured gems and unusual punched effects. All thirteen graduates now have the opportunity to see their work displayed in the silver division of PureJewels’ flagship store, set to open in May 2008.

1. ABOUT PUREJEWELS
PUREJEWELS is devoted to the extraordinary pleasure of jewels: yesterday, today and tomorrow. This contemporary brand has its roots firmly in another time – and another world. The story of PureJewels began in Nairobi in 1950, with a jewellery designer who made his name creating exquisite, bespoke pieces for the local elite. Twenty-five years later, he was tempted by the bright lights of London – and brought his own distinctive sparkle to a new country, eventually settling in Green Street. Home to a multicultural community, Green Street is the perfect home for PureJewels’ flagship store. Opening in May 2008, the spacious new showroom is a celebration of the history and pleasure of jewellery. On an upper floor, an exhibit reveals the company’s roots and explores the excavation to manufacture to the marketing of gold jewellery. Online, PureJewels continues to offer an unrivalled collection of contemporary and Indian-inspired jewels, from bespoke solitaires to bangles laden with diamonds.

2. LONDON JEWELLERY WEEK runs from 11-15th June 2008. PureJewels will be holding events throughout the week. More information, including the event schedule, at www.londonjewelleryweek.co.uk.