Applying for Goldsmiths’ Fair – Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATIONS FOR GOLDSMITHS’ FAIR 2026 will open in January

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Dates of Goldsmiths’ Fair 2026

Week One: 22-27 September | Week Two: 29 September – 4 October 2026

Every year during the application process, we get asked important questions about how to shape an application. Thank you to all the people from recent years that have posed the questions below – we hope you’ll find the answers useful.

If your query is not covered here, get in touch with us at fair@goldsmithsfair.co.uk.

Read below for:

Application Criteria

Who is eligible to apply to exhibit at the Fair?

You’re eligible to apply if…

Do I have to be based in the UK?

Yes, if you design and make in the UK then please do apply! Applicants must be UK residents (spending at least 183 days in the UK each year).

Goldsmiths’ Fair follows the Goldsmiths’ Company’s remit to support craftspeople working across the precious metals trade in the UK, and so is open to UK-based makers. Goldsmiths’ Fair is one of multiple ways the Goldsmiths’ Company supports the trade.

Does it matter how long I have been making jewellery/silver for?

Not at all! Our panel makes its selection based on craftsmanship rather than numbers.

If you’re in the first six years of your business and have not exhibited at the Fair before, you’re eligible to apply for our Emerging Business Bursary (all details on our website), which offers financial and professional support to the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths.

I’m a student, am I eligible to apply?

If you’re in full-time education for an undergraduate or Masters degree, a postgraduate diploma or an apprenticeship (UK level 7 and under courses) you cannot apply for the Fair. If you are studying for a UK level 8 course (doctorates and equivalents), you are eligible to apply for the Fair.

The Fair requires exhibitors to be free for the full week and we recognise that participation would disrupt full-time studies.

Do you require applicants to have full collections ready when applying?

Not necessarily, though it will help your preparation for the Fair to have more work ready, and it may help you bring your application together if you can write about the experience of making your collection. You need images of five finished pieces for the application and then should have enough work to fill a display case by the Fair (September-October).

Can I apply if I’ve not yet set up my business?

That’s up to you. We’d expect applicants to be able to take payments for their work at the Fair, so you would need an element of business accounting established by then. You’d also need a good amount of stock ready to show. You could consider applying for our Emerging Business Bursary, which provides professional training and support from the Goldsmiths’ Centre that might be useful as you establish your business. Alternatively, you could start the application to see what it is like and then properly apply next year.

Should I apply?

We would encourage everyone thinking about applying to apply. If you’re undecided, or feel like you might not be quite ready to show a body of work in the autumn, you could start the application to see the kind of questions asked and then be in a stronger and more confident position to submit an application next year.

Additionally, for newer visitors, come see us at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2026 to ask us any questions in person and get a better feel of the Fair. We had 15 first-time exhibitors in 2025; read their stories here for useful and reassuring insights to how they felt before applying.

Submitting Work and Images of Work

What do I need to submit?

If it’s your first time applying for the Fair, you will need to physically submit a piece of your work and digitally submit five images of work.

If you’ve exhibited at the Fair before, but haven’t in the last three years (2023, 2024 and 2025), you will need to physically submit a piece of your work and digitally submit five images of work.

If you exhibited at the Fair in 2023, 2024 or 2025, you will need to digitally submit five images of work.

How do I physically submit my work for the selection panel and how is it returned to me?

A piece of your work must be submitted to support your digital application.

Due to construction work happening at Goldsmiths’ Hall, your physical piece needs to arrive at Goldsmiths’ Hall between (and including) Monday 16 February and Friday 27 February 2026. This does not prevent you from completing the form at an earlier date, or even after you have delivered the piece.

Please contact the team if these dates pose an issue for you at fair@thegoldsmiths.co.uk

If you are hand delivering your piece to the Hall, please do not arrive after 4pm without express permission.

Your piece must be securely packaged and clearly labelled inside with your name, email address and telephone number to prevent loss and to ensure we can match pieces to applications.

Parcels may be:

Please do not visit the Assay Office entrance or the Goldsmiths’ Centre to drop off or collect your work.
Deliveries and collections must be made at the main entrance of Goldsmiths’ Hall on Foster Lane.

Collecting Your Work

After the selection process, if you wish to collect your work in person, please note that building works at Goldsmiths’ Hall require us to schedule collections in advance.
You must inform us of the specific date you intend to collect your work and keep to that date unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Items may be collected from Goldsmiths’ Hall from 9 March, on the date you arrange, (weekdays, 12pm–4pm).
Please email fair@goldsmithsfair.co.uk to let us know which day to expect you.

Postal Returns

Due to changes in Royal Mail’s prepaid postage system, our return process has been updated:

Postal returns will begin on 9 March.

Pay for you postage returns here.

Note: Pre-paid labels are no longer required, as Royal Mail’s pre-paid service expires too quickly to cover the duration of our selection process.

Does all work need to be photographed on a white background?

No, however we strongly advise that your work is photographed on plain backgrounds (of any colour), so that we can clearly see each piece. Renders are not accepted. 

Images should make it easy for the selection panel to understand your techniques and craftsmanship. The less stylised the shot, the easier it is for the panel to judge.

Work to be Exhibited

How many pieces of jewellery/objects would I have to have on display to participate?

There’s no fixed requirement; it’s completely up to you and will depend on the size of your work, how you work, and how you present your collections. There are example images of cabinets and their dimension available that will give you an idea of space as our standard display cases have two shelves (photos and dimensions of the cases are available in the stand pricing section).

You may wish to bring additional work to replace pieces that sell, so your display remains full throughout the week.

Exhibitors must provide their own display materials, which allows you to plan and test your layout before the Fair.

Is there a preferred price point for work on sale at the Fair?

We’re not prescriptive about price points and we don’t get involved with your sales during the Fair, so please price your work at points that reflect the materials, skill and all the time you’ve invested into it. Our exhibitors all have different price points for their work, which can range from £50 to £15,000+.

Are certain metals, gemstones or materials preferred?

No. The only requirement is that all work must include an element of precious metal—silver, gold, platinum, or palladium, and must be hallmarked in accordance with the Hallmarking Act and ready for sale. Hallmarking can be carried out by any UK assay office.

Gold plating is permitted and often used to create interesting colour contrasts. In this case, the body of the piece must be silver, platinum, or palladium, and the work must be clearly described as gold-plated so buyers understand what they’re purchasing.

While precious metals are essential, additional materials can be anything. Past exhibitors have used found objects, repurposed gemstones, organic materials (such as leather and wood), ceramics, and 3D-printed components. The selection panel enjoys seeing inventive and innovative uses of materials.

Most of my work is made to commission; could I submit silver versions of pieces I have already made and sold? 

Yes. We recognise that producing stock in gold or platinum can be expensive. If you’re a new applicant, or haven’t exhibited at the Fair in the last three years, you must submit at least one physical piece as part of your application. This piece can be in any metal (as long as it includes a precious metal) and should accurately reflect your practice and the type of work you would exhibit at the Fair.

At the Fair itself, you’ll be expected to show work that aligns with your application. You’ll need a cohesive body of work ready to exhibit in the autumn, so it’s worth considering which metals to invest in for stock pieces that still represent your style and practice.

If your work is typically made in gold, platinum, or with gemstones, the selection panel will want to see images of this work to better understand your practice. Craftsmanship and design are prioritised regardless of material. You may also note in your application that you primarily work to commission, using materials chosen by your clients.

Do you accept grillz?

Yes. We accept any work that includes precious metals.

Application Process and Timeline

Is there an application fee?

No, there is no fee to apply for Goldsmiths’ Fair.

Can I pause my application whilst working on it?

You can save and pause your application for up to 30 days. All text will be saved, but you will have to reattach images. You can return to finish it at any time.

What else does the application form include?

As part of the Fair application process, you will be asked to complete the Goldsmiths’ Fair Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Survey because we want to learn more about the applicants we are attracting and recruiting to the Fair. Completion of the survey is mandatory and you will be redirected to it once you have completed your application form.

You will need to submit five professional-standard photographs of single pieces, on plain backgrounds (any colour) which best represent your collection. We advise that these pieces have not previously been used for application to Goldsmiths’ Fair. Images submitted must be photographs of finished pieces and not digital renderings or drawings.

If you have never exhibited at the Fair or not exhibited at the Fair in the last 3 years (i.e. exhibited in 2022, but not since), you must submit one of the pieces from your photographs for the panel to view. We encourage you to submit a major rather than minor piece from your collection.

You will need to include details of specialist trades used (e.g. casting/polishing/ engraving).

You will need to answer questions about education and business in precious metals.

You will need to provide an artist’s statement.

What does the selection panel look for?

• An authentic body of work with an original voice

• Inclusion of hand-making skills

• Excellent technical and finishing skills

• A cohesive body of work

• Professional images, not renders or CAD designs

• Commitment, professionalism, and ambition

What is the timeline for the application and selection process?

Early January to 27 February – Applications open (closing 12pm GMT)

27 February – All work must have arrived at Goldsmiths’ Hall

Week of 2 March – The independent selection panel meets

9 March onwards – Work is available for collection from Goldsmiths’ Hall. We will begin posting work for applicants that have requested and paid for return postage.

Late March – Applicants notified of the result of their application

When will you announce the successful applicants?

All applicants will be notified about the result of their application at the end of March 2026.

What happens next if my application is successful?

Once you have been notified of your place, you will be asked to formally accept your stand offer from us. We will then create you a log in for the Exhibitor Area of our website, which includes lots of information about upcoming opportunities and deadlines in the lead up to the Fair.

If I am unsuccessful, can I reapply in the future?

Definitely yes! There are no restrictions on the number of times you apply for the Fair.

About Goldsmiths’ Fair

Where is the Fair located?

Goldsmiths’ Fair takes over the impressive Goldsmiths’ Hall, in the City of London, every year during the last week of September and first week of October. We’re just round the corner from St Paul’s Cathedral.

Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN

Want to hear more?

Read our exhibitors’ stories about applying and exhibiting at the Fair

2025 Exhibitors’ stories coming soon