Getting exposure for the designer-maker with Goldsmiths Company

This week the Goldsmiths Company announced the creation of a new online platform that puts customers directly in touch with designer makers.

The Goldsmiths’ Directory supersedes the company’s ‘Who’s Who in Gold and Silver’ website, which launched in 2002, and showcases the work of over 350 UK-based jewellers and silversmiths. Visitors to the website can search for particular designer-makers or input key words relating to materials, styles and crafting techniques. All search results will appear as images which can be clicked on for further information.

This is great news for those involved because it brings them closer to a market which, as an independent craftsperson, it can be very hard to reach. I know this because of the number of fledgling designer-makers who approach Jewellery Focus every month hopeful for some coverage or a feature – getting that break, and getting noticed by customers, can be incredibly difficult.

A major benefit of being on the Goldsmith’s Company’s Directory, of course, is the prestige that comes with being affiliated with one of the oldest institutions in the industry. There is no doubt that the artisans and craftspeople on this platform are essentially ‘endorsed’ and can ride on the gravitas of the organisation when they are dealing with customers.

All in the name of modernising and refreshing, this website launch is good news for the industry.