Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond AdvertisingNDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
TrendsAug 09, 2016
2 New Jewelry Designers Join Rock Vault
From a pool of applicants, Daou Jewellery and Frances Wadsworth Jones have been chosen to join the British organization of jewelry designers.
Frances Wadsworth Jones (left) and Dalia Daou of Daou Jewellery (right) were chosen to join Rock Vault, the British organization of jewelry designers.
London--Daou Jewellery and Frances Wadsworth Jones are the newest members of the British Fashion Council’s Rock Vault, the group curated by Stephen Webster that aims to support and give a platform to up-and-coming independent jewelry designers.
The new designers join existing Rock Vault members Completedworks, Lily Kamper, Rachel Boston and Shimell and Madden.
Brands Ana de Costa, Beth Gilmour, Jacqueline Cullen, Ornella Iannuzzi, Ruifier and Yunus and Eliza all are graduating from the program this September, joining the talented ranks of Rock Vault alumni such as Fernando Jorge, Imogen Belfield and Tomasz Donocik.
“The most recent additions to the Rock Vault designers, Frances Wadsworth Jones and Daou, are both creative, exciting and original,” Stephen Webster said. “They are also both at the stage in their businesses when mentoring and the extra exposure gained through the RV initiative will provide them with the tools and experience so essential to succeed in a market that is more crowded and competitive today than ever before. Rock Vault, now in its tenth season, has proven to be the only such platform in the industry.”
The two brands were chosen by a panel of experts, including Webster, members of the British Fashion Council and several jewelry editors.
“Daou Jewellery is contemporary yet always elegant, designed with thought to be best shown off when worn and to play with light. Designs combine ideas from my scientific education, artistic affinity and creative heritage,” Dalia Daou said.
“The new designs I will be showing at fashion week are a little more avant-garde and Phoenix-inspired, moving to more feminine forms and with a return to kaleidoscope colored stones. In keeping with the light references throughout the collections, the fire-bird also symbolizes renewal and rebirth which is so apt for the Daou story.”
A necklace from Daou Jewellery
Dalia Daou, this year’s New Designer of the Year winner at the U.K. Jewellery Awards, is the designer of Daou Jewellery, a fine jewelry brand started by her grandfather and carried on by her father, which she has re-launched in recent years.
Daou hopes that Rock Vault will introduce her brand to the American fine jewelry market; Rock Vault designers accompany Stephen Webster to exhibit annually at the Couture show.
“I hope to gain from the mentorship, profile and support Rock Vault provides to make the most of the unique story of Daou Jewellery and further develop the brand both creatively, with respect to our heritage, and commercially, especially internationally, specifically in the USA,” she said.
Dalia’s designs focus on bright gemstone color combinations and bold, asymmetric, graphic shapes that exhibit an un-fussy youthful exuberance.
Fellow newcomer Frances Wadsworth Jones, a 2008 Royal College of Art graduate, also possesses a fresh, youthful quality to her work, but with a distinctly British quirkiness and sense of humor.
For example, a classic sapphire center stone with diamond halo ring is subverted by a parade of gold ants propping up the stones’ setting.
“In my ‘Thieves’ collection, which I am showing at Rock Vault, traditional forms are given a surreal twist, as tiny criminal golden ants threaten to dismantle the jewelry and run away with the gems,” Frances Wadsworth Jones said.
“When designing, I always try to bring a sense of humor and curiosity.”
A brooch by Frances Wadsworth Jones
“Each piece combines preciousness, narrative and detail in an
attempt to find some unexpected comic relief in the serious world of fine jewelry,” she explained. “Needless to say, having the support of the British Fashion Council at this time in my career really is invaluable."
Webster stressed that the benefits of the Rock Vault community exceed the time designers are able to participate in the initiative.
He commented, “Long after designers have graduated, they still contact me for all kinds of advice. This can be as varied as international design contracts, opinions on retailers or IP concerns. Usually I or one of the other members of the RV panel are able to offer the advice needed. If not, we know where to go to get the answers.”
The six current Rock Vault members will showcase their designs during London Fashion Week in September in the Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park.
Webster stressed that the benefits of the Rock Vault community exceed the time designers are able to participate in the initiative.
He commented, “Long after designers have graduated, they still contact me for all kinds of advice. This can be as varied as international design contracts, opinions on retailers or IP concerns. Usually I or one of the other members of the RV panel are able to offer the advice needed. If not, we know where to go to get the answers.”
The six current Rock Vault members will showcase their designs during London Fashion Week in September in the Designer Showrooms at Brewer Street Car Park.
More on Trends
The Latest
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is … John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New HeadquartersB&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this seven-question quiz.
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ CollectionIt’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Loudr Adds 2 DirectorsEmily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
MajorsApr 16, 2024
Stuller Releases First Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CatalogIts updated book for mountings is also now available.
SourcingApr 16, 2024
Karen Rentmeesters Takes Over as Interim CEO of AWDCShe has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
TechnologyApr 15, 2024
Judge Rules Jeweler’s Lawsuit Against PNC Bank Can Move ForwardJoyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
IndependentsApr 15, 2024
Alfred W. DeScenza of DeScenza Diamonds Dies at 95He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
Madeleine K. Albright Jewelry, Pins Coming to AuctionHosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
AuctionsApr 15, 2024
All of Sotheby’s ‘Rough Diamonds’ Sold in Less Than an HourThe auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
Events & AwardsApr 15, 2024
10 Can’t-Miss Sessions at AGS Conclave 2024From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
Recorded WebinarsApr 12, 2024
Watch: What Jewelers Need to Know About InsuranceFrom cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
CollectionsApr 12, 2024
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s Evil Eye Gemstone CharmThe charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Events & AwardsApr 12, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 4 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
Policies & IssuesApr 11, 2024
SRK Exports’ Journey Toward Net Zero Impact By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Lab-GrownApr 11, 2024
AGTA Bans Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gemstones at GemFairMembers can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
IndependentsApr 11, 2024
Steven Rosdal, Co-Founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, Dies at 77He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
MajorsApr 11, 2024
Macy’s Opens Books for Possible BuyoutThe retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
WatchesApr 10, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
IndependentsApr 10, 2024
Levy's Fine Jewelry Explores Diamond History The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.
CollectionsApr 10, 2024
With Clarity Partners With NFL on Wedding Bands The limited-edition men’s rings can be customized with one of 12 team logos.
SourcingApr 10, 2024
Compliance, Caution, and Concern: The Current Outlook of Indian Diamantaires There is a willingness to comply with new government-mandated regulations, with an insistence that they should be practical and realistic.
