The Goldsmiths’ Fair: A Mecca for London Engagement Ring Designers

London engagement ring designers are only one of the multiple artistic demographics the City is known for and caters to. With its cultural and social diversity as well as the possibilities it offers, the British capital has traditionally been a hotbed of creativity in all sectors, and the jewellery trade is no different. The young and exciting jewellery designers who have popped up in the City in recent years are also lucky enough to have a bevy of annual trade shows and exhibits which cater to them and enable them to learn, show off their craft, and keep abreast of what other creators in the field are doing.

Among these exhibitions, however, one in particular stands out as the Holy Grail or Mecca of London jewellery trade shows: the Goldsmiths’ Fair. Held annually at the Goldsmith Hall of St Paul’s Cathedral, this historic festival is the one event London engagement ring designers both young and established seek to attend, as it provides arguably the best opportunity to boost sales and get their names into the local and national jewellery scenes.

In fact, with over 30 years of history under its belt, the Goldsmiths’ Fair traditionally constitutes an opportunity for independent London engagement ring designers to gain some exposure, as its organisers typically shun high-street jewellers in favour of independent studios or artists. The focus of this festival is not so much on the ‘big brands’ as on the smaller-scale designers, often bespoke, and the visiting crowd is also mostly made up of customers looking for more exclusive or personalised jewellery. As such, up-and-coming designers able to secure a stall at the festival have the chance to present their creations to an engaged and interested public, whose reason for attending the event is precisely to see what the new wave of London engagement ring designers and jewellers has to offer.

Getting in, however, is easier said than done. The Goldsmiths’ Fair is traditionally well-booked every year (the 2013 event had 115 jewellers and 63 silversmiths displaying), and young designers are by no means guaranteed a spot. Those interested in being present should, therefore, take measures to ensure they reserve a stall on time and are able to feature among that year’s crop of independent artisans! About ninety jewellers and silversmiths display during each of the event’s two weeks, so there is opportunity for up-and-coming designers to participate – but to do so, they must act quickly!

It is easy to see, then, why and how the Goldsmiths Fair has attained its current reputation, and why it is currently seen as a bit of a promised land for young London jewellery designers!

Frank L Orman is the founder of the F&L Designer Guides, compiled and written to help consumers choose the best and the best London engagement ring designers. Offering advice, tips and suggestions on how to choose that perfect ring, F&L will accompany you on every stage of your search to find the right designer.