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.