From 11 ^th to 15 ^th June 2008 London’s jewellery industry will unite for the first time to celebrate the excellence of creative design in the capital. From Bond Street to Green Street, Hatton Garden to Knightsbridge, the event will offer a journey of discovery, from emerging talent to behind the scenes glimpses of some of the world’s finest designers; incorporating catwalk shows, exhibitions, seminars and open houses.

Created for the industry by the industry, Coutts London Jewellery Week is the first event that will showcase the city’s status as the home of world-class jewellery design to UK and international consumers. It will bring together leading names and cutting-edge talent in a week celebrating the passion, style and inspiration behind London’s jewellery. It will reflect London’s position as a trailblazing destination in global jewellery and, ultimately, convey the allure and diversity of London jewellery, creating a legacy for our talent.

“It will bring together leading names and cutting-edge talent in a week celebrating the passion, style and inspiration behind London’s jewellery.”

The event has already attracted a number of high profile patrons who have offered their support, including Laurence Graff, Nicholas and Michael Wainwright of Boodles, Theo Fennell Sir Terence Conran, Philip Treacey, Mary Reilly, Chair of the London Development Agency, Shaun Leane and Stephen Webster. Visit London and Visit Britain have also offered their full commitment.

Sarah Deaves, Chief Executive of Coutts & Co, commented: “Coutts is absolutely thrilled to be the principal sponsor of the first ever London Jewellery Week. The connection between Coutts and jewellery is steeped through our 300 year history, and begins with the foundation of the bank in 1692 by Scottish goldsmith-banker, John Campbell, who not only supplied plate and jewellery but also a full banking service to clients. Years later, and the French revolution saw numerous émigrés fleeing the country to England, many opened accounts with Coutts and requested that the Bank sell their jewels in order to acquire the much needed cash. And let’s not forget the number of local jewellers that have held their accounts with Coutts, the earliest of which dates back to 1712.

“Today, we are the co sponsors of The Royal Ballet’s production of ‘Jewels’ which shows this November. And last three years have seen us supporting some of the best of British fashion designers. This includes the redesign of our Account Card by Stella McCartney and World Card by Oswald Boateng, the hosting of an Alice Temperley fashion show for clients and most recently, we announced our sponsorship of Matthew Williamson’s ‘Ten years in Fashion’ exhibition at the Design Museum.”

“Coutts London Jewellery Week is a great opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to discover the wealth of creativity that exists in the capital. ” London Mayor, Ken Livingstone

Hilary Potter, Director of the City Fringe Partnership, the organisers behind the event said, “Coutts London Jewellery Week is all about getting people excited about the jewellery that is designed and produced on their doorstep, right here in London. The City Fringe Partnership is delighted with the support received from across the industry and is proud to be able to offer a showcase for the diverse array of talent in London jewellery.”

The Mayor, Ken Livingstone, is a wholehearted supporter of the event; "London has a long and established tradition of jewellery design as well as being a creative hotbed for new talent. Coutts London Jewellery Week is a great opportunity for Londoners and visitors alike to discover the wealth of creativity that exists in the capital. London is the world's most international city, with 300 languages spoken everyday. Its cultural offer is rich and diverse with many world class museums, galleries and theatres. Coutts London Jewellery Week will provide a welcomed addition, showcasing the diversity and quality of London’s designers."