By Ase Anderson in London
Featuring works by 86 of Britain's most talented jewellery designers and silversmiths, the Hallmark Salon promises to be an unmissable event for fans of contemporary jewellery.
Taking place at London's Somerset House from 24-28 June, every piece on display at the event, be it a pendant, brooch, cufflinks or tumbler, has been hallmarked in the UK.
Among the jewellers exhibiting at the Salon is Ute Decker, who was one of the first jewellers to launch a collection crafted in Fairtrade gold and whose striking, angular pieces have won her worldwide acclaim.
Decker is joined by other innovative designers such as Ingo Henn, who, as the son of a leading gemstone dealer, has been fascinated by coloured gems since his childhood.
Kevin Charles gives classic Victorian designs a modern twist to create beautiful, ethereal pieces like his diamond and blue topaz pendant earrings. As you would expect from a qualified gemologist, Lilly Hastedt combines colourful gems and pearls to create confident statement pieces.
Another name to watch out for is Tomasz Donocik, who worked for established jeweller Stephen Webster before launching his own collection of bold pieces with a masculine edge.
Inspired by nature, form and colour, Julia Lloyd-George has almost 30 years' experience of designing jewels that are both beautiful and tactile. And Guernsey-based Catherine Best's elegant, timeless pieces have earned her the accolade of Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths.
Fans of rare gemstones should swing by the stands belonging to Jon Dibben and James Fairhurst, while other jewellers, such as Beth Gilmour, have embraced organic and natural shapes in their designs. Jon Dibben was one of the first 20 designers licensed to make jewellery using certified Fairtrade and Fairmined gold and platinum. His striking one-off pieces and limited-edition collections have a strong focus on unusual cuts and colours.
Three of the jewellers from the 2013 Walpole British Luxury Crafted Programme - Jo Thorne, Ruth Tomlinson and Jacqueline Cullen - are also exhibiting their designs at the event.
With prices ranging from £60 to over £16,000, the Hallmark Salon attracts a wide range of visitors who are looking to buy bespoke pieces not available on the high street. Now in its third year, the event is supported by a number of key industry figures and counts Stephen Webster, Annoushka Ducas and David Marshall among its patrons.
