I had the privilege of being asked to talk about the future of Luxury at Forge, Creative Jeweller Hub in Leather Lane. I was humbled by the craftsmanship I was surrounded by. It really is an amazing place, with jewellers workbenches on site and a plethora of courses and workshops to take part in. I was asked along by the wonderful Dr NO or Dr Nadya Ostroff, senior lecturer in Luxury Management at the University of the Creative Arts.

Apart from me forgetting my deportment and slouching in my chair! I had a great time musing about what is and what isn’t luxury. To the audience, many of whom were makers themselves I emphasised that communication was key, especially if they were making pieces from non-precious materials. I held up a hand crotched table covering, painstakingly made by my Great-Grandmother, luxurious in its craft and uniqueness but due to lack of commercialisation and concomitant communication it is of no material worth.

I talked about the possibility of a post diamond age, brought about by synthetic diamonds. Diamonds will come roaring back but we might enter an age of craft, a little like at the turn of the 20^th century with the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau. I was certainly encouraged by the craft on display at Forge.

I was reminded that one of the reasons I became interested in jewellery was the reverence I have for the makers. Whilst our business only deals in second hand pieces I fully support small independent jewellers. It is so important to get behind traditional crafts. I was encouraged to hear from trend forecaster Kathryn Bishop that younger people are very keen on learning traditional crafts and that there are several initiatives by the Goldsmiths Centre amongst others to encourage and nurture UK talent. I for one will be following more closely what is happening in the world of new jewellery.

Without proper communication a luxury item has no market