01, January 2015: It was time to roll out the red carpet in Birmingham last month when Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall popped in to the Jewellery Quarter as part of a visit to see the transformation that has taken place under the charity of which the Price is patron. Treated to a real behind the scenes look at the backbone of the operation, the Prince and Camilla met many of the great jewellery makers, including unusual engagement ring designers of the future.
F from F&L Designer Guides believes that where there is royalty there is media coverage and this can only be a good thing for the bespoke jewellery world, and for the unique and unusual engagement ring designers involved with the online publication. The royal recognition of the industry in Birmingham is paving the way for more young and talented designers to follow their hearts and realise that professional craftsmanship is a viable alternative to a more mainstream career.
The visit also brought great publicity to many of the designers working in the Jewellery Quarter, including F&L’s James Newman, a veritable advocate for the industry and the creator of unique and distinctive jewellery, as well as Fei Liu, the unusual engagement ring designer shortlisted for three years running for the UK Jewellery Designer of the Year award. Fei Liu received his training from the School of Jewellery in Birmingham that was also on the agenda for Charles and Camilla’s visit.
A highlight of the royal tour was the sneak preview awarded to the Prince of the medals he and the Queen will be giving out next year at the investitures. The company that make the medals, Thomas Fattorini is being run by the 6th generation of the same family and was proud to show the Prince around their workshop. Among the items it produces, the MBEs, OBEs and CBE honour medals are all made here.
There is no doubt that the profile of the jewellery world was given a lift as a result of the royal visit and not only in Birmingham but throughout the UK wide industry. F, from F&L Designers hopes that more unusual engagement ring designers and other jewellers will gain further recognition and that the bespoke, handmade concept will continue to go from strength to strength.
About F&L Designer Guides:
F&L Designer Guides provide all you need to know about choosing an engagement ring designer. Showcasing some of the UK’s best designers, along with tips, advice and inspirations for choosing that perfect ring, the F&L Designer Guide is the first stop for choosing that perfect ring.
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