Shining the Light on the UK’s Finest Makers: Goldsmiths North Returns to Sheffield (June 5-7)

Ever walked past a jewellery shop and felt like everything looked a bit… the same? It’s easy to do when so much stuff is made by machines. But what if there was a place where you could meet the actual people who design and create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces? Well, there is. For the sixth year running, an incredible event called Goldsmiths North is coming back to Sheffield, and it’s basically a treasure trove of the UK’s most talented makers. It’s all happening at the historic Cutlers' Hall this June, from the 5th to the 7th, showcasing amazing contemporary jewellery and precious metalwork.

The story behind the shine

This whole thing didn't just appear out of thin air. The Goldsmiths North event was started back in 2019 by two leading Sheffield silversmiths, Brett Payne and Rebecca Joselyn. They wanted to put a spotlight back on the city’s long and famous history with silversmithing. Think about it , Sheffield is known for its steel and metalwork; it's part of its DNA. This event is all about honouring that tradition and giving a massive boost to the independent makers who are keeping those centuries-old skills alive. And it’s clearly working. Over the years, the fair has attracted thousands of shoppers and generated more than £250,000 in business for the makers, most of whom are small, one-person operations. That’s a huge deal for a creative business trying to make its mark.

Co-founder Rebecca Joselyn, who has some seriously impressive customers (she’s designed for the late Queen and King Charles), had the idea while she was at a show in London. She explains: “Since 2019, Goldsmiths North has been shining a light on the sector. The idea came to me when I was taking part in yet another show in London. I realised Sheffield should have its own. This city has an illustrious silversmithing history and has talented precious metal artisans who, like others across the UK, are striving to continue the tradition.” This is about celebrating a true craft and ensuring these skills don't disappear.

A lifeline for creative business

It’s not exactly a secret that running a small business can be tough, especially one based on a craft. The cost of precious metals is always changing, which puts a lot of pressure on these talented makers. The Goldsmiths North event is more than just a market; it's a vital connection point between creators and customers who really get what they do. Rebecca adds,

In the current climate, with rising precious metal prices adding pressure on makers, it’s even harder to sustain a craft-based business. But the more people can see and understand the value of handmade artistry - through events like Goldsmiths North - the greater chance makers have to connect with appreciative customers, helping them earn a viable living.

For some, it's been a game-changer. Take Ilana Belsky, a diamond cutter from Birmingham and one of only seven left in the entire UK. She credits last year's event with breathing new life into her business, especially after the hit the luxury sector took during the Covid pandemic. Running a creative business means you're often the boss of everything, from marketing to making the actual product. It can be exhausting.

Said Ilana: “I am marketing manager, diamond sourcer, jewellery producer and book-keeper all rolled into one in a business still feeling the effects of the Covid pandemic, which hit the luxury products sector hard. I was starting to think that maybe I shouldn’t continue. But showing at Goldsmiths North got me back on track. I got encouragement and interest from a new audience and I sold my hero piece, a five-figure gold ring set with 2.33cts of diamonds, which boosted my finances.” That one sale, that one connection with new customers, made all the difference.

What can you actually see?

This isn't your average craft fair. The 55 exhibitors showing their work this year have been hand-picked by a panel of experts. They’re looking for top quality, fresh ideas, and a real mix of styles. These makers come from all over the country, from Truro to Inverness. You’ll find people just starting their business alongside some of the most respected names in the game. In fact, eleven of the exhibitors are recent award-winners from the prestigious Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council 2026 Awards. So, the quality is seriously high. The range of craft disciplines on show is mind-boggling too. You’ll see:

• Traditional silversmithing

• Enamelling (fusing glass to metal)

• Engraving and Chasing (creating patterns on metal)

• Stone-setting and diamond-cutting

• Casting and contemporary jewellery making

This is a chance to see artistry up close. It’s an opportunity to find something truly unique, whether that’s an engagement ring, a special birthday present, or a piece of sculptural art for your home. And the prices aren't all sky-high. According to Rebecca,

Goldsmiths North is a great opportunity to find and also commission unique, hand-made pieces - engagement or wedding rings and striking, memorable gifts for special occasions priced from £100. Collectors of contemporary sculptural work and lovers of fine, gem-set jewellery will find standout, one-of-a-kind treasures, some of which cost up to £50,000.

The event showcases a huge spectrum of precious items, from an affordable piece of jewellery to a show-stopping diamond.

Meet the makers behind the magic

Perhaps the best part of the whole event is the chance to chat with the makers themselves. These exhibitors are passionate about their work, and their stories are just as fascinating as the pieces they create. It’s their personality and dedication to their craft that truly makes the fair special. It's one thing to buy a nice necklace; it’s another to buy it from the person who spent hours designing it, shaping the metal, and setting the stone. The event is supported by big names in the industry, including The Goldsmiths’ Company, The Goldsmiths’ Foundation, Sheffield Assay Office, and Argex, a Birmingham silver materials supplier. This support highlights just how important the Goldsmiths event is for the whole jewellery and silversmithing community.

The Goldsmiths North Contemporary Silverware and Jewellery Shopping Experience runs from June 5 to 7. It's open 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. A £15 ticket gets you in for all three days, so you can pop back as many times as you like. It’s a fantastic way to support a wonderful tradition, discover incredible skills, and maybe even find a piece of artistry you’ll treasure forever.