10/10/2026 - Meet the 26 makers exhibiting at Winter Jewels 2026
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire – October 2026
We’re delighted to announce the line-up for Winter Jewels 2026. Following a strong response to this summer’s call for applications, 26 contemporary jewellers and silversmiths will show their work at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens from Wednesday 25 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027.
This year’s exhibition brings together a wonderfully varied mix of materials and techniques – from enamel, filigree and keum boo to glass, sand-cast silver, recycled wood and Formica, jesmonite and silver clay. Together the makers cover everything from delicate everyday pieces to bold one-off statement jewellery, small silver boxes and vessels.
We’re especially pleased to welcome seven makers who are exhibiting with us for the first time or are returning to the exhibition after a long absence: Sue Tinkler, with her colourful flower-themed glass jewellery and tiny vessels; Sarra Parmee, whose textured silver and gold draws on Arabic calligraphy and Middle Eastern architecture; Abigail Stradling, who combines hand-blown and lampworked glass with precious metals; Sammy O’Brien, with tactile silver inspired by the Dorset landscape; Amy Hubbard, whose cameo-inspired pieces blend goldsmithing, pearls and CAD; Tina Sheppard, with nature-inspired silver and gemstones in the Arts and Crafts tradition; and Liz Tyler, whose sculptural work in gold, platinum and silver is inspired by contemporary dance.
They join many familiar names, including Helena Symes, whose Bear Necklace won the inaugural Winter Jewels Best in Show award in 2025, and Highly Commended makers Gillian Hackett, Nic Monks and Zoë Slattery.
The full list of 2026 exhibitors is: Abigail Stradling, Amy Hubbard, Candida Matterson, Carolyn Amos, Dawn Gear, Georgina Ettridge, Gillian Hackett, Harriet Walford, Helena Symes, Jenny Holdsworth, Jo Richards, Jocelyn Tallis, Liz Tyler, Louise Taylor, Lyn Eales, Mia Houghton, Nic Monks, Sammy O’Brien, Sarah Ralph, Sarra Parmee, Sue Tinkler, Susannah Way, Sylvia Tomkinson, Tamasine Price, Tina Sheppard, Zoë Slattery.
You can meet all of this year’s exhibitors, find out more about each maker and see examples of the work they’ll be bringing to the exhibition.
The exhibition is open 10am–4pm daily (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve). Entry to the exhibition is free.
04/08/2026 - Applications open for Winter Jewels 2026
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire – August 2026
ACJ Wessex is delighted to announce that applications are now open for Winter Jewels 2026, our annual Christmas selling exhibition at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. This year’s exhibition runs from Wednesday 25 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 and remains the longest-running exhibition in Hillier’s calendar.
Winter Jewels is one of the largest gatherings of contemporary jewellers under one roof outside events such as Goldsmiths’ Fair and Desire. We aim to bring together over 20 exhibitors, showcasing original, handmade work across a wide range of styles, materials and techniques.
Applications for full and shared cabinets close on Friday 28 August, and showcase cabinet applications close on Friday 25 September. A panel of committee members will select exhibitors to create a vibrant and varied exhibition, and we’ll announce the 2026 line-up in the autumn.
08/12/2025 - Helena Symes wins the first Winter Jewels Best in Show award
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire – 8 December 2025
Today Rebecca van Rooijen, editor of Benchpeg – the UK’s leading online platform for jewellery news, jobs and industry opportunities – visited Winter Jewels to judge our inaugural Best in Show Award. Rebecca spent the morning exploring hundreds of pieces by 26 ACJ Wessex makers, before choosing one overall winner and four Highly Commended pieces.
Rebecca said: “Winter Jewels is an exceptional showcase of handmade contemporary jewellery. The quality of craftsmanship, the diversity of design approaches, and the professionalism of the makers and the exhibition itself is truly impressive.”
Best in Show: “Bear Necklace” by Helena Symes
Rebecca commended Helena’s piece for its execution, use of colour, precision and use of recycled materials: “The colours in Helena’s piece spoke to me of the colour of jewels, through the use of up-cycled alternative materials. The unusual shape and form of its elements, and the precision with which they are executed, is to be celebrated.”
Highly Commended
Gillian Hackett – Concentric Circles Pendant. “I enjoy the fact that the piece is both static and kinetic with huge attention to detail in the finishing. The work is really impressive.”
Jo Lally – Spinning Thoughts Necklace. “I liked the themes it touched on relating to mental health and stepping out of one’s comfort zone.”
Nic Monks – Deeply Textured Wooden Brooch. “I loved the use of materials. The combination of aged wood and silver, and the richness of texture, make this piece stand out.”
Zoë Slattery – Jasmine Box and Bowl. “The standard of Zoë’s work and her enamelling skill, the quality of finish, and her use of colour are outstanding.”
Nic Monks, Chair of ACJ Wessex, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Rebecca van Rooijen for lending her expertise and insight to judge our inaugural Best in Show Award. Her experience and advocacy for the jewellery community bring real prestige to Winter Jewels, and her involvement helps us celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship that make this exhibition so special.”
Congratulations to Helena and to all of this year’s Highly Commended makers. The winning pieces can be seen at Winter Jewels at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens until 5 January 2026. Entry to the exhibition is free.
01/11/2025 - ACJ Wessex Announces ‘Best in Show’ Award at Winter Jewels Exhibition
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire – November 2025
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex is proud to announce the introduction of a Best in Show Award at this year’s Winter Jewels Exhibition, held at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens from 26 November 2025 to 5 January 2026.
The award will be judged and presented by Rebecca van Rooijen, one of the UK’s most respected voices in the jewellery industry. Rebecca is the Founder and Editor of Benchpeg, the leading platform for jewellery news, jobs, and opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, she has held influential roles including Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Fair Advisory Board, Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust, and Member of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Rebecca’s career spans consultancy, education, and strategic development across the jewellery, silverware, and allied crafts industries. She holds a First Class degree in Jewellery from Birmingham’s School of Jewellery, an MA in Arts Management, and is a Chartered Marketer. Her contributions have earned her Fellowships with the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Royal Society of Arts, as well as Livery status with the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
The Best in Show Award will recognise outstanding craftsmanship, originality, and design excellence among the exhibiting makers. The winner will be announced mid-way through the exhibition.
Nic Monks, Chair of ACJ Wessex, commented:
"We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca van Rooijen as our judge. Her experience, insight and advocacy for the jewellery community make this award a meaningful addition to Winter Jewels, and a valuable opportunity for our makers."
For more information, visit www.winterjewels.co.uk or follow ACJ Wessex on social media.
14/09/2025 - Winter Jewels exhibitors announced
As we continue to get closer to the opening of Winter Jewels on 25th November 2025, We’re delighted to announce the main exhibitor line-up.
This year’s show brings together a vibrant mix of talented makers from across the South, each with their own distinctive style and approach and story to tell. From bold statement pieces to delicate fine jewellery, the exhibition promises a rich and inspiring showcase of craftsmanship and creativity.
We're pleased this year to be welcoming a number of new exhibitors as well as some of our established members who have been a mainstay of our past exhibitions.
You can now view the list of main exhibitors and start discovering the artists behind this year’s collection.
25/08/2025 - Applications Underway & Exhibition Planning in Full Swing
Applications to exhibit at Winter Jewels 2025 are now well underway, and we’re thrilled by the enthusiasm from our members so far. With just a few days left to apply as a main exhibitor, we're encouraging any ACJW members interested to submit their application before the deadline on Friday 29th August.
Behind the scenes, planning for this year’s exhibition is progressing rapidly. From the launch of our new dedicated website to the development of a printed catalogue, we’re working hard to make Winter Jewels 2025 our most engaging and professionally presented show yet. We're also excited about new features like the Best in Show award, enhanced social media campaigns, and the possibility of a private view to kick off the exhibition with style.
04/08/2025 - ACJ Wessex Launches Winter Jewels Website Ahead of December Exhibition
Southampton, UK — August 2025 — The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex is proud to announce the launch of its new website, www.winterjewels.co.uk, dedicated to showcasing the upcoming Winter Jewels Exhibition. This annual event celebrates the artistry and innovation of contemporary jewellery makers from across the region.
The website offers visitors a first look at the 2025 Winter Jewels Exhibition, which will take place this December. Designed to inspire collectors, connoisseurs, and admirers of fine craftsmanship, the exhibition promises a curated selection of unique, handmade jewellery pieces that reflect the diversity and creativity of ACJ Wessex members.
Nic Monks, organiser of the exhibition, shared:
"Winter Jewels is more than an exhibition - it's a celebration of wearable art. The new website gives us a platform to connect with a wider audience and share the stories behind each piece."
Visitors to the site can explore:
- Artist profiles and insights into their creative processes
- Event details including dates, location, and featured works
- A glimpse into the ethos of contemporary jewellery and its place in modern design
Whether you're seeking a one-of-a-kind gift or simply wish to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary jewellery, Winter Jewels offers a rare opportunity to engage with makers and their work in an intimate and inspiring setting.
For more information, visit www.winterjewels.co.uk or follow ACJ Wessex on social media.