Win hand crafted jewellery – by Benjamin Black Goldsmiths!

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My Facebook page has just hit the 100 Likes mark, and to celebrate the milestone I have launched a competition…my way of saying thanks to all the loyal fans, followers, and supporters.

To enter please go to the ‘Contest’ tab on my Facebook page, select your favourite piece from the options available and you will go in the draw to win it.

I would really appreciate you sharing the announcement with your friends and followers, and once again a gigantic thanks to you all!

– Benjamin

Benjamin Black Facebook Competition – go to my Facebook page, click on the ‘contest’ tab, and select your favourite item…and you could win it! International entries accepted (free shipping included!) – Benjamin.

Finishing the Fingernail Ring

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, fake nail gold, fake nail silver, fashion blog, fashion week, finger ring, fingernail ring, gold nail, hand crafted, high fashion finger ring, jewellery nz, silver nail, sterling silver nail ring, style blog

Recently I shared with you the creation of a very chic and fashionable fingernail ring.

I have just completed the finishing touches, and thought sharing the final piece with you would be a nice conclusion to what has been thus far been a very happy story.

I am looking forward to a gold production of this piece, which I think would look very ‘high fashionista’, and despite the fact I have to quietly sing that line from ‘Gold Finger’ every time I think of it, I’m certain it would look devilishly sleek on the stylish hand that wears it.

– Benjamin

Finger Nail Ringin Sterling Silver by Benjamin Black Goldsmiths – also available in yellow or white gold.

Fascinating Find: Authentic Louis Vuitton Steam Trunk

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authentic louis vuitton, benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, goldsmith, Hunters & Collectors, louis vuitton, Louis Vuitton luggage, Louis Vuitton steam trunk, nz jeweler, nz jeweller, nz vintage, vintage steam trunk, Wellington fashion, wellington vintage

Wellington is a city quivering with interest and atmosphere.  I spent the last couple of days there receiving a generous city fix that was well overdue – catching up with friends, and over-staying my welcome in every second-hand boutique on offer.

Café on Cuba St, Wellington (NZ).

Cuba St is a literal candy store for vintage lovers like myself, so it’s easy to waste away the hours without moving more than a mere few footsteps.

There are a million things to attract (and distract), tempt and sway…but this authentic Louis Vuitton Steam Trunk I happened upon in the incredible emporium that is Hunters & Collectors was a definite highlight.

Authentic Louis Vuitton 1920’s Steam Trunk – Hunters & Collectors, Wellington (NZ)

The iconic French brand has been a world leader in fashion and design since its inception in 1854, and it is synonymous with style, luxury, and quality – so you can imagine how excited I was to stumble upon this mouthwatering piece of bespoke Louis luggage.

I have been on the hunt for a classic suitcase to store my gold-smithing wares whilst travelling – and although this stunning find was probably not appropriate, I’m sure I could find a use for it somewhere.

– Benjamin

For One Girl Only – The Empress Ring

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, biron emerald, emerald ring, fashion, hand crafted jewelry, jewellery, jewelry, nz ring, one off ring, silver ring, silversmith, the empress ring, women's ring

Yesterday I shared with you my recent obsession for all things green.  In keeping with the earthy theme for spring, here is a little something of my own creation.

I made this ring as a one-off – or in other words, for one girl only.  I called it The Empress Ring, as it has a slightly regal feel to it.

It was hand crafted from sterling silver, with frond-like ornamentation, and is set with a faceted biron emerald.

It is size US 11.5 however I would be most happy to re-size it at no extra cost prior to shipping.  If you are interested in owning this unique ring please contact me.

Until then, I shall leave you with this sweet little morsel of a quote I happened upon this morning – “the road to the city of emeralds is paved with yellow brick” (L. Frank Baum).

– Benjamin

The Empress Ring by Benjamin Black Goldsmiths – a one-off item…for one girl only. Hand crafted with sterling silver and set with a faceted biron emerald.

Green Gluttony – Wardrobe Picks for Spring

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ben clark, Ben Sherman, benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, fashion, green fashion, I love Ugly, Limited Edition Bulova Accutron, Palm Tree Shirt, sherman, spring men's wardrobe, watch

Spring is getting closer by the day.  The nights are becoming warmer, the sun is shining more brightly…and all the good folks are smiling!

I have been thinking feverishly about my spring wardrobe, and I’ve decided to embrace the colour green.  To me the earthy shades of green ooze smart yet subtle, and the colour itself is whispered to symbolise self-respect and well-being – which I think is a very apt fit for the seasonal transition.

Below are a few of my favourite pieces I have my olive-tinted eyes on, including trousers by one of my all time favourite labels – Ben Sherman.  My wardrobe is literally bursting at the seams with Sherman shirts and I’m always hungry for more.

I wish I could include some of my cuff-links in this veritable selection of spring style goodness, but I have decided to save them for the website launch…which should be blooming in September, when spring has fully sprung.

– Benjamin

Ben Sherman trousers for spring.

Palm Tree Shirt by I Love Ugly.

Limited Edition Bulova Accutron…drool worthy (only 1,000 have been made!).

Vintage Thursday: Oroton and Hermès

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, fashion, Hermes scarf, oroton purse, vintage

Scouring through the assortment of goods at second-hand shops is one of my all time favourite things to do.

I could spend hours drooling over the pre-loved ‘knick knacks’,’ tit-bits’, and ‘whats-its’ which happen to be swallowed up by crowded vintage emporiums.

This morning I found myself at such a store in an attempt to find a jewellery suitcase.  I want something a bit obscure to house my goodies whilst travelling, like an old medicine bag, or character box.

Although I didn’t find what I wanted, I did pick up this vintage Hermès scarf and mesh Oroton purse.  As you can probably tell, I was not shopping alone, however I’m not sure who’s squeal of delight was louder upon discovering these veritable treasures…and we are both still beaming from ear to ear.

Nothing like a spot of good old fashioned retail therapy to start the day.

– Benjamin

Vintage Oroton Bag and Hermès Scarf.

Vintage Oroton Mesh Purse.

Egypt – Where it all Began

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When I think of the emergence of jewellery as we know it today, I think of ancient Egypt.

According to historians, humans have used materials such as bone, teeth, and all manner of curious objects as adornment for tens of thousands of years.

The Egyptians however stand out to me as people who were true masters in the art-form, and their development of jewellery is still to this day beyond compare.

They adored the shine, rarity and workability of gold, and in ancient Egypt jewellery became a symbol of power, only worn by the most affluent of people during their lifetime, and beyond.

The stunning 18th Dynasty Crown below consisting of four gazelle heads was one of those whimsical pieces that would have been buried with the princess or queen who is said to have worn it.

Every goldsmith dreams of visiting Egypt…and it is definitely on my wish list.

– Benjamin

18th Dynasty Pharaonic Crown.

The Infinity Ring

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, fashion, fashion ring, Infinity Ring, silver, sterling

In many ways a quality design is similar to a great piece of music – the hours of planning, crafting, and composing the ‘piece’ can ultimately produce a seemingly simple tune that has magical attraction which lies beyond the notes.

One element of a brilliant ‘composition’ cannot exist without the other, and that is what I strive for in my work – a perfect and cohesive balance.

I love clean, smooth lines, and functional form with a twist of something different in my work, like this new design I am happy to present to you today.

– Benjamin

The Infinity Ring by Benjamin Black Goldsmiths in Sterling Silver, also available in gold.

The Final Countdown…

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, jewelry, nz, silver, sterling silver

The website is now six weeks away from going live so I am finishing some pieces in anticipation of the launch.

I always listen to music while I work and Radiohead was the selection of choice to help fuel the final stages of these pieces, which will form part of the website range.

It is incredibly exciting to see everything coming together after so many months of planning and preparation.

The shop front will be the website, so I haven’t planned an actual launch party, however I’m starting to feel a celebration might be in order…even if it’s just popping open a beautiful champagne with friends.

I hope you will toast the occasion with me when the time comes.

– Benjamin

Finishing website pieces in the Benjamin Black workshop.

Facebook and Fingernails

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benjamin black, benjamin black goldsmiths, benjamin clark, finger jewelry, fingernail, fingernail accessory, fingernail ring, silver false nail, silver nail

The last couple of days has been a beautiful combination of creativity and evolution.

Yesterday I began a page on Facebook – www.facebook.com/benjaminblackgoldsmiths and it was so exciting to see all the immediate ‘Likes’ and feedback, thanks to one and all who continue to support us, you are all so appreciated!

This morning however was even more intriguing. I had a request from a Facebook fan about custom designs, which progressed into a fantastic conversation about whether I could create a certain ‘fingernail’ piece.  She had been searching everywhere for one, but couldn’t find anyone to make it.

I spent some time in the workshop creating a prototype and this is what I came up with…it needs a little tweaking, so I will most more photos tomorrow, but all in all an inspirational day was had doing what I love the most, and that I am infinitely grateful for.

– Benjamin

First Prototype:

The Fingernail Ring in Sterling Silver by Benjamin Black Goldsmiths. Also available in 9ct yellow gold.  Free International Shipping.