Goldsmiths Craft & Design Council - 2025
John Ball, Chair
As Chair of the GC&DC, John brings nearly 30 years’ experience in the UK jewellery industry, combining leadership of Brown & Newirth and Allied Gold Group with a passion for craftsmanship and design.
Beginning his career with C W Sellors, he has spent the last 15 years as managing director of Brown & Newirth.
John champions innovation, nurtures new talent, and celebrates exceptional skill as the Council approaches its 120th anniversary.
Judith Lockwood, Vice Chair
Judith has over 30 years’ experience across luxury and branded jewellery, watches, manufacturing, and diamonds, working with global brands and family companies.
On the GC&DC since 2020, she is Vice Chair and Trustee.
She runs Mesmeric Distribution Ltd which distributes TI SENTO in the UK and is a Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company and the City of London. Judith also serves on the CMJ board, is a Guardian of the Standard of Wrought Plate at the Birmingham Assay Office and a social member of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths
Kathryn Bishop, Trustee
Kathryn is a researcher and editor specialising in consumer insights, trend forecasting, and strategic foresight.
With 20 years in jewellery retail, marketing, and B2B media, she has worked for companies including The Future Laboratory, Adorn Insight, and SPACE10.
Kathryn is a GC&DC Trustee and a Freeman of The City of London and a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, serving on its Communications and Marketing Committee, supporting innovation and strategy across the UK jewellery sector.
Peter Crump, Trustee
Peter has over 55 years in the jewellery industry, founding Vipa Designs Ltd, now a leading full-service UK jewellery manufacturing and design house.
A Liveryman of both The Goldsmiths’ Company and The Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Company, Peter serves as a GC&DC Trustee and past Chair, contributing decades of expertise in design, manufacturing, and trade leadership.
Maeve Gillies, Trustee
Maeve is a Scottish-American designer, educator, and entrepreneur, co-founding the American bridal brand MaeVona.
She serves as Trustee of the GC&DC and is on the Advisory Panel to the Court of Wardens of the Goldsmiths’ Company, supporting creativity, design excellence, and education across the jewellery industry.
Steve Jinks, Trustee
Steve has over 30 years’ experience as a diamond mounter, crafting bespoke pieces for clients including Asprey, Garrard, Stephen Webster, Cartier, and Hirsh London.
A tutor and training consultant at The Goldsmiths’ Centre, he has also served as WorldSkills Chief Expert and international judge.
Steve is a GC&DC Trustee, Fellow of the IPG, and Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company.
Robin Kyte, Trustee
Robin has produced bespoke and commercial jewellery and specialised in diamond mounting for over 50 years.
He has trained and mentored young jewellers nationally and internationally and served as chief expert at WorldSkills competitions.
Robin is a GC&DC Trustee, consultant at The Goldsmiths’ Centre, Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Fellow of the IPG, and past recipient of the Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, the GC&DC Awards' highest honour.
Anne-Marie Reeves, Trustee
Anne-Marie brings extensive experience in jewellery trade marketing, consultancy, and education, having worked with De Beers (DTC), Sarah Ho, and the NAJ.
She has contributed to Hatton Garden Regeneration, London Jewellery Week, the IJL Advisory Board, and various awards judging panels.
A Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company, Anne-Marie is a GC&DC Trustee and former Chair, championing design, education, and industry development.
Gaynor Andrews, Council Member
Gaynor has had a long career in jewellery education, creating specialist courses for industry progression and developing global collaborative projects.
Former Head of the School of Jewellery in Birmingham, she is a Trustee of The Goldsmiths’ Centre and Chair of its Trade Advisory Sub Committee, continuing to mentor and shape the next generation of jewellery professionals.
Jennifer Bloy FRSA FIPG, Council Member
Jennifer is an award-winning freelance 2D designer, creating jewellery from affordable to high-value pieces.
She has lectured widely, including at LMU, Holts Academy, and The Goldsmiths’ Centre.
A GC&DC Council Member, Jennifer is passionate about passing on knowledge and inspiring the next generation of designers and makers.
William Cheshire, Council Member
William is founder and creative director of William Cheshire Fine Jewellery, specialising in modern bespoke pieces made in-house from fine metals and unique gems.
Based in East London, he also produces ready-to-wear collections and collaborates with fashion house ARIES. As a GC&DC Council Member, he encourages design, imagination, and independence within the jewellery industry.
Ruth Faulkner, Council Member
Ruth is an award-winning B2B editor and communications professional with over a decade’s experience in jewellery, watches, and retail.
As Managing Editor of industry title Retail Jeweller, she oversees editorial strategy, commercial activity, and events for the trade including the annual UK Jewellery Awards. A GC&DC Council Member, Ruth supports innovation, mentoring, and growth across the UK jewellery sector.
Russell Lownsbrough FIPG, Council Member
Russell is a multi-award-winning waxcarver, goldsmith, tutor, and editor.
He has taught since 1996 and published the book “Waxcarving for Jewellers”. He is also involved in mentoring students worldwide.
A fellow and former Chair of the IPG, he brings expertise in figurative jewellery, design, and education to his role as GC&DC Council Member.
Pamela Statham, Council Member
Pamela has over 30 years’ experience in jewellery, starting out as designer-maker and moving into commercial design for major manufacturers supplying UK retailers.
Now Senior Designer at Continental Jewellery UK, she introduced the first Commercial Jewellery Award for GC&DC in 2019.
Pamela is a Council Member, Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company, and Freeman of the City of London.
11 Jan 2026
Online Entry Form Submission Deadline
13 - 14 Jan 2026
Entry submission @
The Goldsmiths’ Centre
EC1M 5AD
9th Mar 2026
Awards Ceremony @
The Merchant Taylors' Hall,
EC2R 8JB
23 - 27 Mar 2026
Awards Exhibition & Events @
The Birmingham Assay Office
B1 3AX
1 July - 10 Sept 2026
Awards Exhibition & Events @
The Goldsmiths’ Centre
EC1M 5AD
