BBC Two, All That Glitters: Who will become the next big name in jewellery?
BBC Two is on the hunt for the most talented jewellery designer. We’ve watched bakers, singers, and interior designers strut their stuff competing for the top spot-on mainstream competition shows. And now, on April 13th, we welcomed a new competing show, and it’s all about fine jewellery design! Keep reading this Cuttings blog to find out more about the new show - who will impress the judges and be the first to be sent home?
All That Glitters is presented by Canadian comedian, Katherine Ryan. The six-episode series focuses on eight competitors working to create the best-themed piece of the group. There are two challenges. The first challenge is the ‘Bestseller’, where they make three silver bangles. Next, comes the ‘Bespoke’ challenge, where the aim is to create a piece of jewellery for a real client. To give an example: One of the show’s contestants, Ben, wanted to create a pendant necklace for his mum which she could wear to Buckingham Palace when she collects her MBE.
Top jewellers, Shaun Leane, and Solange Azagury-Partridge, serve as judges; Leane’s work has been worn by stars such as Hollywood actress, Emma Watson, and singer, Dua Lipa - even the Duchess of Sussex has worn pieces that were handcrafted by Shaun. Additionally, Azagury-Partridge’s vividly hued jewels can be seen in the infamous Victoria and Albert Museum, in London, and the Louvre, in Paris.
These eight artisans and small business owners will overcome challenges, display their craftsmanship, and put their hearts, and souls, into the creation of a fine jewellery piece each week. This feat usually takes months to perfect, so it may be challenging giving the contestants only one week. Throughout the show, the contestants will display their talents and bond over the experience.
If you’re a jewellery fan, then this show is for you - one challange involves designing a princess-cut diamond engagement ring set with an ethically sourced stone. Another week finds the competitors using alternative materials that include beetle wings! Every project is connected to the contestant through an emotional story that is tied to the selected jewellery piece. At the conclusion of the week’s competition, the judges decide who will be sent home from the competition.
The judges focus on technical abilities, quality, and the beauty of the creations. You will see plenty of the mechanical portions of jewellery-making as the contestants use drills, saw blades, and more to craft their creations. All That Glitters: Britain’s Next Jewellery Star can be seen on Tuesday’s on BBC Two, culminating in May.
Interested in some new jewellery?
If the show has given you a feel for adding some more stunning pieces of jewellery to your collection, then look no further! The contenders come up with stunning designs, much like this Platinum Princess Cut Solitaire. Here at Cuttings, we are a family-run independent pawnbrokers owned by the Kirkland family for over 50 years. We always use our expert knowledge and advice to give you the best quote for the items you pawn, so you can always put your trust in us. If you are interested in pawning your items or selling to us, then get in touch with our friendly team here.