BLACKWELL the Arts and Crafts House re-opens this spring with an exhibition of contemporary jewellery.

Blackwell's curator, Harvey Wilkinson, has selected new work by 11 contemporary jewellers, each chosen for their unique styles, diverse influences and innovative use of materials.

Many of the exhibits combine traditional silversmith skills, honed through centuries of craftsmanship, with modern design and production techniques.

One of the exhibitors, Tom Mehew, uses industrial plastics in combination with precious metals to create imaginative pins and corsages such as the Bluefold Brooch, which was made using intricate folding methods which are described as "part industrial design, part origami".

In contrast, Ruth Tomlinson's delicate earrings, necklaces and rings are inspired by the past and reflect the creator's interest in history, in particular the Pre-Raphaelite period and ancient archaeological finds.

Most of the makers featured are recent graduates in the early years of independent practice, and several are recent exhibitors at the Crafts Council's annual Chelsea Craft Fair, although work by more established makers, such as Daphne Krinos and Michael Carberry, will also be on display, showing the diversity of both emerging and existing talent in UK jewellery making.

Jewellery has experienced a renaissance in recent years with more emphasis being placed on design and flair rather than precious stones. As a result contemporary jewellery has become more affordable yet no less collectable.

The New Jewellers exhibition opens at Blackwell, in Bowness, on Monday and runs until April 17.