I went to week one of goldsmiths' fair with a very fresh perspective. With everything that's been going on with the economy and the impact it has had on luxury and jewelley, I now see events like goldsmiths' along with their exhibitors as representing the future of the industry.

Photo Credit: www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

When you first walk in to the hall you get struck by a sense of history. The fact that they still have uniformed commissionaires sets the tone of the whole event. Very formal and grand, well on the outside anyway. Those very grand surroundings of the hall are quickly put into sharp contrast by the very contemporary designs on show.

Photo Credit: www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

Firstly there is the silversmithing. If you are not familiar with the kind of work they show there, forget the stuffy dated image of candlesticks and goblets and feast your eyes on the craftsmanship on show. Designers like Jenny Edge, Ndidi Ekubia and Heather O'Connor, have taken this ancient craft and moved it right into the 21st century. Their pieces incorporate materials such as silver, wood and glass to truly amazing effect.

Then there are the Jewellers. There are the regulars such as Eric Smith, Paul Spurgeon, Mikala Djorup, Liz Tyler, Shaun Lean and David Marshall to name but a few. And there are the newcomers such as Maria Militsi and Jenny Deans, who collectively could teach the Bond Street set a thing or two. In fact they could teach the whole industry a thing or two as the principles that guide them - creativity, commitment, care for all materials used, skill in putting it all together and passion about their craft really shine through in the final product. It's a shame more of industry doesn't operate in this way.

It is definitely a must if you can get there. I'm looking forward to week two.

http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/exhibitions-promotions/goldsmiths'-fair/