Alchemy Goldsmiths Scotland

On the season finale, A thousand Facets sits with Bryony Knox, Sarah Hutchison, Eda Obermanns and Dr Elizabeth Goring The team behind Alchemy Goldsmiths Scotland. They Discuss the closing of the programs at the Edinburgh College of Art, what is the loss for the community and how with Alchemy Goldsmiths Scotland, they are trying to give a space for jewelry artists in the UK. About Alchemy: Goldsmiths Scotland is a new fair of contemporary jewellery and silver in Scotland. Taking place at Edinburgh’s City Art Centre from 15-18 April 2027, the event brings together 50 of the most exceptional contemporary jewellers and silversmiths from Scotland and the wider UK for a four-day selling fair, exhibition and cultural programme. Celebrating excellence in craft, Alchemy blends a world-class showcase with a vibrant programme of interactive learning, public events, and professional development. You can follow Alchemy Goldsmiths Scotland on Instagram @Alchemygoldsmithsscotland or their website www.alchemygoldsmithsscotland.co.uk Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Zulaikha Aziz from Mazahri jewelry, they speak about her childhood, her decision to be a humans rights lawyer and how her travels made her decided to work in the jewelry world in a more responsible way. About: Mazahri is a purpose driven conscious fine jewelry company founded on the principle that business can and should be a force for good in the world. At Mazahri we believe that jewelry should not only be used to adorn, empower and celebrate the wearer but also the people involved in each step of its creation and the planet as a whole. We seek to share the beauty and magic of Afghan culture through the unique stories each of our pieces tell. Mazahri was born out of founder Zulaikha Aziz’s personal story as a refugee from Afghanistan and her work as a human rights attorney. Zulaikha’s love of jewelry and colored gemstones is grounded in her heritage and ancestry. Fleeing war, her family was forced to leave everything behind, save for some items they could carry including ancestral jewelry her grandmother rescued. These deeply meaningful pieces helped her connect to her ancestors and her heritage, gaining strength from their stories and in turn, forging her own unique path. The pieces she creates through Mazahri are intended to inspire that same strength and connection. They are modern day heirlooms imbued with meaning and heart made with love and the intention to tell diverse stories, celebrate nature and humanity, and be passed down and cherished for generations to come. Her work on issues related to women's rights, racial and religious discrimination, abuses related to conflict and access to justice in Afghanistan and diverse communities around the world inspired her to merge her passion for human rights and women's empowerment with her love of ancient Afghan jewelry in creating Mazahri, named in honor of her grandmother. In addition to Mazahri, Zulaikha continues her legal advocacy, research and scholarship. Mazahri is incorporated as a benefit corporation in California and follows a human rights-based approach using only ethically and sustainably sourced materials and processes and ensures the empowerment of women throughout its work from design to delivery. As a business founded by a woman of color, Mazahri is committed to measurable diversity, equity and inclusivity in both its operations as well as the greater jewelry industry. Mazahri believes in transparency and accountability and is committed to effectively documenting and sharing the real impact of all its actions. You can follow Zulaikha Aziz on Instagram @Mazahri or her website https://mazahri.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets talks with ten artists that participated at the Goldsmiths' Fair, which is her favorite show. They picked one piece of their collection and talked about their inspiration. MAKE SURE TO SEE THEM ON INSTAGRAM. About Goldsmiths' Fair For more than four decades, Goldsmiths’ Fair has brought together a selection of the UK’s best contemporary jewellers and silversmiths. This year’s 136 exhibitors work across disciplines and materials, each achieving distinct techniques and their own style with precious metals. The Fair gives visitors the opportunity to buy directly from makers and to discuss their skills, practices and inspirations, accompanied by a dedicated talks programme and exhibitions. If you want more information about Goldsmiths' Fair- please visit them at: https://www.goldsmithsfair.co.uk/ instagram: @goldsmithsfair Artist's featured on this interview and where to find them: Laura Ngyou https://www.laurangyou.co.uk/ instagram: @laurangyou Makila Nsika https://www.mkala.co.uk/ instagram: @makilansika Lois Lo https://www.loislo.com/ instagram: @lo_x_lo_jewellery Beth Chesser https://bethchesser.com/ instagram: @beth_chesser_jewellery Lucy Martin https://www.lucymartin.co.uk/ instagram: @deptoflucy Ebba Goring https://www.ebbagoring.co.uk/ instagram: @ebbagoring Kumiko Kihara https://kumikokihara.com/ instagram: @kumiko.kihara Emma Louise Wilson https://www.emmalouisewilson.com/ instagram: @emmawilsonenamel Lindsey Mann https://www.lindseymann.co.uk/ instagram: @lindseymannjewellery Jet Mcquiston https://www.jetmcquiston.com/ instagram: @jetmcquiston Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Daphne Krinos, they talk about her childhood in Greece, her love for typography and how she found jewelry. She'll be on Week two of Goldsmith's fair. About: Fine jeweller Daphne Krinos is known for her bold and architectural designs. Creating unique, one-off pieces entirely by hand, she works with recycled gold, black oxidised silver and precious gemstones. Originally from Greece, Daphne established her studio in London in the early 1980s. Her distinctive work has captured a broad and loyal following, from collectors to artists, architects and lawyers. Daphne’s pieces can be found in the permanent collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Goldsmiths Company and the Crafts Council amongst others. Daphne’s sculptural jewellery is instantly recognisable, defined by bold use of colour, form, shape and texture. Graphic lines of black oxidised silver offset vivid translucent stones, dramatic articulated or layered compositions combine angular, geometric forms in a mixture of metals. Daphne’s playful character shines throughout the work; every piece displaying fresh ideas and exploring processes. Beyond running her own studio, Daphne was one of the managers of Studio Fusion Gallery for several years and was  also a founding member of the COSMIMA Collective who held annual shows since 2005  for over 15 years and were dedicated to promoting the work of many upcoming and established makers.  She strongly believes in nurturing and helping younger talented makers and continues to organise curated exhibitions or possible collaborations. You can follow Daphne on Instagram @daphnekrinos or her website https://www.daphnekrinos.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Alice Biolo. They discuss her childhood in Italy, how she ended up studying in Glasgow and how she found her voice one morning! About: Alice Biolo (b. 1999, Padova, Italy) is an Italian artist based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her work focuses on body-related objects, both wearable and standalone, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. She studied Contemporary Jewellery Design, earning her diploma in 2018 from Liceo Artistico Pietro Selvatico in Padova before moving to Scotland to further her education at the Glasgow School of Art, where she graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) in June 2023. She was Artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art for two academic years (2023–2025) and undertook a summer residency (2024) at Plattform Schmuckkunst in Graz, Austria, where she launched Never dare I say, a public engagement project. Alice creates kinetic jewellery and sculptural pieces that unfold through interaction. Her work investigates insecurity, grief, trauma, and internal struggles, using symbolism and mixed materials to reveal hidden layers. By inviting interaction, her jewellery transforms hidden elements into intimate discoveries and powerful narratives. Her work has been exhibited internationally, primarily in Europe and Asia, and over the years she has received numerous awards within the jewellery industry. You can follow Alice on Instagram @alicebiolo or her website https://www.alicebiolo.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand Facets sits with Erin and Brian from Brooklyn metal works. They discuss how each found the arts, how they found each other and how they are creating a wonderful community of artists in the heart of Brooklyn. About: Brooklyn Metal Works (BKMW) is a non-ferrous metal art studio that offers professional workspace for the development of art, objects, and jewelry. In addition, we offer concept and technique based classes and workshops for all levels of learning. Our studio prioritizes creating a safe and sustainable working and learning environment, complete with a wide inventory of tools and equipment. Responsible studio practices and stewardship of resources are at the core of our vision. Our exhibition space and artist lecture series promotes artists, designers and makers from the metalsmithing field and beyond. Our collaborative setting is designed to foster exploration, encourage experimentation, and strengthen the knowledge base of all involved. Brooklyn Metal Works promotes and furthers critical dialogue among those who practice, write, and invest time and energy into the field of jewelry and metalsmithing. You can follow Brooklyn metal works on Instagram @brooklynmetalworks or their website https://www.bkmetalworks.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Trademark Antiques owners Jessica and Jason, they discuss about their beginnings in the antique business, how they got into it and what sets them apart from other antique dealers. ABOUT: At Trademark Antiques, we love what we do! We are Jessica and Jason, a husband and wife team, with one mission in mind - to offer unique and whimsical jewelry that embodies classic style and elegance. In our shop you will find some extraordinary antique and vintage jewelry from the Victorian, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau eras.  You will also encounter one-of-a-kind bespoke pieces that we design using antique and vintage jewelry components.  Our ever-changing and unique jewelry offerings evoke the joys of unfettered imagination and allow you to tell your personal jewelry story. We carefully select each of the pieces for our shop from dealers here in the U.S. and abroad - always with an eye to uniqueness, craftsmanship, and design.  Jason is a chemist and GIA Applied Jewelry Professional who evaluates all of our gemstones using standard gem analysis techniques.  We also acquire gemstone analysis reports and appraisals from outside gem labs for some of our more valuable gemstone pieces. We are assisted in our jewelry adventures by our jack-of-all-trades office manager, Emily, and uber-talented photographer and writer, Kelsey!  We also occasionally host student employees from Bucknell University.   You can follow Trademark Antiques on Instagram @trademarkantiques or their website https://trademarkantiques.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Karen Cheung from Kerchung! They talked about her background in animation, how she found her voice through porcelain and how her work is a statement! About: Kerchung! is the brain child and brand of Karen Cheung - illustrator, animator, artist and all round angry woman. Her work centres around saying what you think, speaking the truth, supporting the less privileged and fighting the good fight against hatred. Mental health, reproductive rights, racial justice and women’s rights are just some of the causes that Karen is passionate about and supports through her work. Each piece of Kerchung jewellery is carefully crafted by hand, infused with tongue-in-cheek humour and laced with a vicious edge. Porcelain clay is wrestled into shape, fired and sanded, decorated by the most patient hands, glazed and fired again. Those with 22k gold lustre detail are decorated and fired a third time, making each piece a labour of love and one of a kind. Slight imperfections are part of the charm of this collection, and reflect the handmade nature of our products. We also now offer a line of fine jewellery options in sterling silver and solid gold, as well as some fun gift items such as t-shirts and prints. Karen is assisted in everyday studio work and the making of the ceramic pieces by wonderful Chantal Rush, who herself is a ceramicist and all round super human being. You can follow Karen on Instagram @kerchungcreative or her website https://www.kerchungcreative.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits for a second time with Max Danger to discuss what he's been up to since we last spoke and about his solo show on Hello the Roses opening on June 19th in Copenhagen. About: Trained a fine jeweller from Copenhagen and with a MA in Jewellery and Metal from the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, Danger started up his own brand Danger Jewels. His love for precious metals, gemstones and his meticulous attention to detail is projected into the work along with his life long passion for illustrating.  The MA at The Royal College of Art was spent perfecting ways to integrate these passions and making them work in symbioses. His pieces are inspired by contemporary journeys and narratives, combined with a vivid imagination. Growing up reading comic books and later finding the Copenhagen suburban street scene, Dangers practice delivers highpolished edgey contemporary pieces made with a respect for the traditional virtues within jewellery.  Amongst his achievements is the Theo Fennell Award for Overall Excellence and the Best New Design Award from the Worshipful Goldsmiths Company in Great Britain. Please visit @athousandfacets on instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. You can find Max Danger 's work at: https://www.dangerjewels.com/max-danger or visit his Instagram page @danger_jewels Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A thousand facets sits with Märta Mattsson, they talked about her fascination with the tension that lies between attraction and repulsion and how she chose insects as her medium of work. Märta Mattsson work will be available for viewing at pistachios gallery in Chicago from June 4th - August 30th About: Sometimes I see beauty in things that other people find strange or are even repulsed by. I become fascinated when there is something you do not want to see and the feeling you get when you do not want to look at something, yet you still do. My jewellery deals with the tension that lies between attraction and repulsion. I take seemingly inappropriate materials, making ordinary and familiar objects seem extraordinary and unfamiliar.In the 18th century many new breeds of animals and plants were discovered and it was the main era of cabinets of curiosities. People collected rarities because it gave them the feeling of being in the presence of something extraordinary and marvellous. The cabinets of curiosities were not meant to sympathize with the creatures on display, only marvel over their oddity. In a world where not many new and exotic breeds are discovered I use dead creatures in my pieces to evoke wonder. The creatures are transformed and reborn; given a new life as objects of astonishment. You can follow Märta on Instagram @martamattsson_jewellery or her website https://martamattsson.com/ Please visit @athousandfacets on Instagram to see some of the work discussed in this episode. Music by @chris_keys__ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices