IJL 2017 set to celebrate the new and the inspirational
LONDON, July 23, 2017 – IJL 2017 is set to inspire the industry this September over three vibrant days, with new show features and a superb showcase of over 500 companies from 32 countries, including a host of innovative debut designers and brands. This flagship event is designed to provide a ‘360 degree’ platform for successful business, sharing knowledge and debate, networking and discovering the hottest trends and talent.
New show experiences include the newly themed seminar theatres, workshops and dedicated Skills Lab, a glimpse into the future in the Retail Experience Area, the new Watch Lounge and Jewellery LIVE! showcasing craftsmanship and technology at its best. Other ‘not to be missed’ highlights include the Trends Catwalk, previewing trends set to hit the High Street this Christmas and in Spring 2018, and a pool of cutting-edge new design talent from this year’s Bright Young Gems and KickStarters.
Sam Willoughby, Show Director, comments: “Over the past year, we have been busy talking to new and existing exhibitors and visitors – including our prestigious Diamond Club members – to ensure that IJL 2017 meets all the needs of the industry and is as productive and engaging as possible. I am especially proud of the international line-up this year, which includes many new brands and designers who are new to the UK and have chosen IJL as their first show, showcasing alongside some of the most highly regarded established brands in the industry. I am also delighted to welcome an increasing number of essential service providers now choosing IJL to launch the latest packaging, merchandising, technology, and retail developments. All of which make this year’s event an unmissable experience for both visitors and exhibitors.”
New highlights for 2017 include Jewellery LIVE! which will offer a ‘behind the scenes’ showcase of craftsmanship and technology – from the bench to the powerful new techniques supporting creative ideas from initial inspiration to beautifully finished pieces. The new Retail Experience Area is designed to help retailers explore new opportunities to develop the full in-store experience to increase footfall and compete with online. Companies such as The Aroma Company, 4D Projects, Innovare and Kesslers International will be on-hand to offer the most up-to-date advice on enhancing the in-store offer and providing a memorable interactive jewellery buying experience for customers.
Education Redefined – alongside an inspirational line up of headline seminar speakers in the Inspiration Theatre with industry luminaries like Stephen Webster, the new DigiFest Theatre will feature a not-to-be missed social media programme.This will be headed up by Warren Knight, one of the top 100 Global Influencers and IJL’s Chief Social Media Editor, together with an array of high profile bloggers – outlining the fundamentals of social media as well, as more advanced sessions for the digital savvy. The new Academy will feature knowledge forums with educational and business experts and the new Skills Lab, sponsored by the NAJ, will offer visitors the best advice on important industry issues such as security and workplace pensions. And last but not least is the special new FairLuxx mini conference with thought provoking topics and speakers on the last day of the show.
Trend Insight – discovering new trends and looks to meet customer demand is at the heart of IJL and the thrice daily Trends Catwalk will feature the Spring/Summer 2018 jewellery trends as well as the key trends so important for retailers this coming Christmas. Chosen by the new Trend Editor, Rachael Taylor – a freelance journalist specialising in jewellery – the trends are Chase the Rainbow, The Artisan, The Next Frontier, True Romance and Bridal – High Spirits.
Stars of the Future – BYGS and KickStarters – every year two groups of up and coming new young designers capture the interest of visitors looking for imaginative new designs and creativity. The Bright Young Gems are five graduating (or recently graduated) jewellery design students, selected by an eminent panel of consumer media experts, together with the British luxury fine jewellery designer, Shaun Leane. All follow in the successful footsteps of previous Bright Young Gems including Pippa Small, Tomasz Donocik, Daisy Knights, Imogen Belfield and Fernando Jorge.
The Bright Young Gems are joined by the 2017 IJL KickStarters – flourishing new UK designers looking to take their business to the next stage. This annual mentoring programme is recognised as one of the most supportive programmes for new talent and provides invaluable marketing expertise thanks to IJL and the National Association of Jewellers. The ten chosen IJL KickStarters this year are: Claire Macfarlane Jewellery, Emily Kidson, Muscari Jewellery, Becky Dockree Jewellery, Raliegh Goss, Lucy Spink Jewellery, Heather Woof Jewellery, Rhona McCallum Jewellery, Alice Barnes and Oddical. Previous famous KickStarters include Imogen Belfield, Clarice Price Thomas, Claire English and Kristjan Eyjolfsson, to name but a few.
Winning Designs – the very successful and popular Editors’ Choice Awards, celebrates some of the most unique and commercial jewellery collections and signature pieces on show at IJL. Now in its ninth year, a new format together with new categories, has been introduced to reflect the breadth of talent across all sectors at the show. Three category award winners have already been announced – Technical Trailblazer (The Rock Hound for their Chromanteq Bombe Rings), Creative Originality (Isabella Liu for her Sea Rhymes collection) and Commercial Mastermind (Franco Florenzi for their Bow and Arrow bracelets). A further four new categories, the IJL Show Awards, will be judged at the show by an extended panel of key industry media. These categories will cover Designer to Watch, Show Stopper, Visual Excellence and the much-awaited IJL Exhibitor of the Year (for further details visit: http://www.jewellerylondon.com/editorschoice).
International and UK Showcase – IJL attracts jewellery and watch companies from every sector – from fine jewellery and designer brands to fashion-led sterling silver jewellery and loose gemstones.
The international line-up this year, includes an array of new and cutting-edge companies making their debut from Europe including Bloch & Co from Belgium, Les Georgettes from France, MoM of Sweden, Maria Dorai Raj from Ireland and Leonori and Maori from Italy. From Africa and the Middle East, brands include celebrity designer, Penny Winter from Nairobi, Cara Jewellers and Kaina from Dubai, Elham & Issa Jewellery from Jordan and UAB Koliz Vostok from Lithuania. All starring alongside acclaimed brands such as Bronzallure and Sif Jakobs.
From the UK, first-time high profile exhibitors like Kiki Carnegie, Dog Fever and Lucinda King, showcase alongside valued returning companies including Astley Clarke, Asteria Diamonds, Gecko, Yoko London and Continental Jewellery, together with major established brands like Charles Green, Domino and Gemex.
Here is a snapshot of the new highlights from designers and brands showing at IJL 2017.
British Designers Flying the Flag at IJL
British Jewellery brand Astley Clarke is known for quality fine and contemporary jewellery that is design focused, refined and easy-to-wear. They will be showcasing their first three collections by Dominic Jones, Creative Director of Astley Clarke. The triptych collection takes ‘light’ as its central theme and navigates between 3 interconnected groups: Astronomy, Phototaxis and Colour of Calder. “IJL provides exposure to a wide portfolio of high calibre retailers, from both the UK and overseas. It allows us to meet with our current UK stockists and helps to facilitate opening new accounts. We would recommend IJL to jewellery brands who are looking to network and grow their distribution”, explains Helen Jones, Head of Wholesale, Astley Clarke.
First time exhibitor, Kiki Carnegie Jewellery London will be showing in the Design Gallery. Her collections are inspired by Gaudi and the ‘Art Nouveau’ movement as well as the intricacies of Byzantine architecture, and features different coloured plating. “IJL will be the first ‘jewellery only’ trade show at which I have exhibited. It will be insightful for me to see all the other jewellery collections on show and I look forward to hearing from other jewellers about their journeys”, comments Kiki Carnegie.
Dog Fever, an exclusive line of sterling silver jewellery, symbolises the unique bond with man’s best friend, paying homage to the most well-known breeds from around the world, highlighting their characteristics and natural vitality. Uniquely created and hand-painted by skilled goldsmiths, enamellists and miniaturists in Italy, the jewellery is designed to transform a feeling into a piece of jewellery that resonates with emotion – with the Hug collection able to be worn on fingers, complemented by pendants, earrings and bracelets. New collections being launched at IJL for the first time include an increasing number of breeds features, as well as cufflinks, money clips and keyrings. John Coupland, Managing Director of Dog Fever UK Ltd, says: “We look forward to exhibiting at the best London trade fair. We consider IJL to be the ideal venue to launch Dog Fever for jewellers in the metropolis.”
Orlap Studio, a small family company based in Sheffield, will be debuting this year. They specialise in bespoke cufflinks, dress studs and tie slides. Begun in 1975 by Jack Thwaites, Orlap is now run by Christopher and Karen Perry. At IJL Orlap Studio will be showcasing the Special Touches collection of top end cufflinks and dress studs set with combinations of diamonds and gold kisses set into their classic ranges. The knurled edge cufflink face lends a more tactile surface to the rim. Also on show will be a range of travel cufflinks, which hinge to fold flat. “Retail is a changing environment and we are adapting our services to help – such as suggesting and creating new stone combinations, or colours, to sit alongside tailor’s clothing. Designing and making bespoke styles is something we are gaining a reputation for and, as a small manufacturer, we can provide this service alongside our stock range and work with our customers at a very personal level. It is now time to reach out to new customers! IJL seems to be the perfect place for us ” , comments Christopher Perry, Director and Silversmith
Andrew Geoghegan will be launching petit additions to his engagement ring collection which will have RRPs of below £2,000 – in response to an in-depth consumer and retailer survey. IJL 2017 will also see the launch of further developments of the ever-popular ‘Satellite Diamond’ rings as well as an ocean-inspired solitaire. “IJL 2016 was a runaway success for us and in order to emulate this performance in 2017, we have some very exciting launches. One of our targets for 2017 has been an in-depth focus into gathering consumer, retailer and industry data, and along with our collection launches, we will be announcing some pivotal new strategy developments at the show”, explains Andrew Geoghegan.
Chordia Jewels will be unveiling two new collections at IJL. An exquisite natural Zambian emerald collection which is unique for its brilliant cut and polish. Showing alongside their new 18k and 14k lightweight gold jewellery collection showcasing different colours of Life. Featuring refined settings, intricate detailing and par excellence craftsmanship, this is a collection of delicate and dainty jewellery. Vikas Chordia says: “IJL is a top jewellery event in Europe given its location and the timing of the show (have deleted the time of the exhibition). It is a heterogeneous platform that not only facilitates display and the selling of gems and Jewellery, but also provides an unparalleled networking opportunity. This highly influential B2B jewellery trade event is an ideal place to launch brands and collections.”
Gecko, the award winning UK jewellery supplier with an enviable reputation for consistent excellence in customer service, innovation and product and brand development, will be launching a number of new collections and pieces at IJL. These include the new collection from their popular men’s brand ‘Fred Bennett’, featuring over 65 new jewellery and accessory designs, some of them for the unisex market, and the Fiorelli silver jewellery collection and its Elements gold and silver ranges – as well as the ‘D for Diamonds’ ever-expanding range for children with sentimental pieces for new Mums and Mums to be, and the launch of the new Orla Kiely collection, featuring both enamel and plain metal pieces incorporating iconic Orla motifs. “IJL is hugely important show for us, as it is the perfect platform for us to launch our new autumn winter collections together on one stand, Whether its silver, gold or fashion jewellery, gifts or accessories, Gecko has it all with plenty of interesting new ideas for the Christmas season and beyond”, says Desiree Pringle, Gecko Creative Director.
Small Luxuries, believe that beauty takes many forms which is why they cut and polish all their stones themselves. They look forward to unveiling a new collection of Tanzanites and Sapphires which they hope will interest both individual designers and the larger brands at their first IJL show. “IJL will help us launch in the Europe market following our success in the US, Hong Kong and India. We work with all sizes of companies – basically anyone who has a passion for coloured stones!”, comments Shruti Jain, Director Small Luxuries.
Lawrence Blunt Ltd are specialists in the design and manufacture of precious and semi-precious jewellery. At IJL they will be showcasing their new Grace Collection, an on-trend bridal range of beautifully designed rings, pendants and earrings, celebrating the Clever Cluster. Available in various metals, the design encases, enhances and accentuates the diamond spread, to clever and dazzling effect. “IJL is a conduit to enable us to meet up with our customers as well as keep abreast of industry news and developments”, says Laurence Blunt.
Timepieces to Watch
The new Watch Lounge and Watch Area will showcase products from companies accommodating all price points – including the Peers Hardy Group (with leading brands like Radley, Cluse, Orla Kiely, Ice Watch, Disney and Lola Rose), Claude Bernard, Vostok Europe, Elliot Brown and Gevril Group, to name but a few.
Bateren & Co Watches will officially launch to the industry at IJL 2017. Rugged yet refined, solid and versatile, the Pacemaker 1 is a unisex watch which is unmatched in build quality and strength amongst its class. Key features include precision Japanese automatic movement, 300m water resistance, scratch resistant sapphire glass and 316L surgical stainless steel case. All at a truly affordable price. Bateren & Co founder, Marho Bateren said: ”I have spent a year designing a high quality yet affordable automatic watch; a segment of the watch market that is very much under-represented. We are excited to finally unveil the Pacemaker 1 to the trade and to start building relationships with retailers.”
International Trend Setters
At just 16 years old Amedeo Scognamiglio learned the art of carving cameos, when working for his father’s company in his hometown of Torre del Greco, Italy. His work brings a fresh contemporary twist to this ancient art and continues an artistic manufacturing tradition dating back to the early 1800s. Amedeo Cameos, are glamorous and on-trend, and feature the use of alternative materials, unexpected ideas and smile-triggering designs, appealing to the die-hard fashionistas from Paris, NYC, London and Moscow.
Les Georgettes from France is an innovative concept that combines fine customised jewellery with interchangeable and reversible leather bands. In just a few seconds, customers can create their very own collection of exclusive Georgettes by changing or reversing the band to go with their outfit, bag or mood. This newly established company will be showcasing the new necklace pieces as part of their core collection, Les Essentielles, as well as their Les Précieuses collection. “Les Georgettes brand was launched just last year, so it is very important for us to attend the key trade shows in key markets and IJL fits the bill in the UK”, comments Frédéric Brunel-Acquaviva, International Vice-President.
Elham & Issa Jewellery from Jordan, creates timeless pieces using precious and semi-precious stones set in 18k gold, all expertly crafted and designed. Their flagship boutique is in Amman, Jordan and they will be launching internationally with four collections at IJL. “Exhibiting at IJL provides an excellent platform for us to engage with international buyers in an exclusive trading environment”, explains Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji, founders of Elham & Issa Jewellery
Cara Jewellers, the Dubai based fine jewellery brand, will show for the first time at IJL this year. Known globally for their phenomenal diamond jewellery which is classic in form but on-trend in appeal, their products ooze wear-ability with minimal use of metal, highlighting diamonds and gemstones. Brothers, Kiran and Anil Pethani from India, established Cara Jewellers in 2005 in the Gold and Diamond Park, Dubai. They will showcase the finest necklace earring sets, rings and wristwear as well as an extensive range of engagement rings, a USP of Cara, in every shape, size, colour and design. From the simplest wedding band to the extravagant double-digit
diamond rings, Cara offer designs in every type and budget. Anil Pethani comments: “It is our first time exhibiting at IJL and what better than exhibiting in the city of London. The show is an esteemed platform for high end jewellers and it is an honour to be able to present our jewels amongst this prestigious company.”
Newcomer Franco Florenzi, winner of the 2017 Editors’ Choice Commercial Mastermind Award, is a design-led brand focused on creating simple and unique accessories for men and women. Attention to detail is at the core of their designs, inspired by subtle sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship, combining minimalism and elegance. The growing collection of Bow and Arrow bracelets designed for both men and women are suitable for both classic and contemporary outfits. Each piece is designed in England and manufactured from the finest materials. The ultra-thin cord is complimented by the handcrafted Bow & Arrow detailing and is available in a variety of colours, making it the perfect accessory to add to any outfit.“This will be our first time at IJL and we are very excited to see what it brings. Franco Florenzi has had huge success online via social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram and we feel the time is right to branch out into retail. IJL 2017 is the perfect place for this. With a proven track record of great success for many brands and being one of the largest jewellery shows in the UK, this is the place to be”, says Lucky Nwosu, Co-Founder and Creative Director or Franco Florenzi.
New from Poland is Bondarowski, created by artist goldsmiths Eliza and Krzysztof Konrad Bondaruk. Their jewellery stands out as being 100% handmade, unique pieces of art which have an international following. The uniqueness of the pieces lies not only in the perfection of its performance, but also in the surprising combination of materials and symbiosis of the latest technologies with traditional Polish craftsmanship. Both designers are members of the Association of Polish Artists of the District of the Warsaw Association of Gold Artists and the Amber Association of Gdansk and often work with fashion designers promoting their amber jewellery pieces. Eliza Bondaruk comments: “London is one of the most important fashion and design capitals, and annual events such as IJL attracts distributors, gallery owners, fashion journalists and bloggers. Taking part at the show gives us the opportunity to promote our Bondarowski brand and showcase the exceptional design and workmanship of our jewellery.”.
The House of Gallants from Istanbul is a new exhibitor specialising in men’s accessories – designs draw on the sophisticated elegance of the British aristocracy with a twist of mythology. All the pieces are elegantly handcrafted with precious stones and metals, including 18 carat gold and silver, and features handmade leathers, organic materials and special cut stones.
Also making their debut at IJL, is the eclectic DreamChoice Jewelry from Los Angeles. Created to reflect the wearer’s individual personality, using 18K gold and the highest VVS diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, as well as top of the line pearls and highly saturated rubellites. The finest craftsmanship ensures each piece is designed to make a unique personality statement. Collections to be unveiled at IJL include the new ‘Maa’ Collection in addition to ‘Sampradaya’, ‘East et West’ and ‘Eternity’ collections. Swapna Pinnamaneni, founder of DreamChoice Jewelry, explains: “As a new designer, for me IJL is the only show to be at to launch my brand as it offers excellent opportunities for exposure, networking and expansion.”
Leonori Gioielli is an Italian company showing for the first time at IJL. Founded in 1962 in a workshop near Florence, three generations of jewellers have now contributed to the unique style of Leonori. Today a team of experienced goldsmiths, designers and gemmologists work together under the guidance of Agostino’s sons. Each piece is a handcrafted piece of art by Leonori’s masters who transform every jewel into an exquisite unique piece. At IJL they will be showing collections including The Secret Garden Collection which draws on the transient beauty of flowers in the spring.
Bloch & Co from Belgium is another newcomer at IJL this year. Created by CML Jewelry, a 40-year old family business, this high-end fine jewellery collection symbolizes quality and perfection. They work exclusively with highly skilled craftsmen, goldsmiths and diamond setters. Bloch continually search for the highest-quality dazzling diamonds and beautiful coloured stones to include in their handmade pieces.
Invaluable Retail Solutions
For those looking for in store support the Retail Solutions offer at this year’s show is a must visit with specialist new exhibitors such as Laser SOS, suppliers of retrofit laser parts and consumables, and Kesslers International, the providers ofmerchandising display solutions that improve consumers’ in-store experience, build brand activation and ultimately drive product sales.
Kesslers International offer a complete 360° service. Kesslers will be demonstrating their creative expertise, particularly showing innovation in jewellery displays and bringing unique design ideas to the industry leaders at IJL 2017. Members of their creative design team will be on hand to suggest ideas directly to brands and answer questions.
First time exhibitor Innovare Design Limited is a retail design consultancy specialising in branded environments for the retail experience and work collaboratively with retailers in the UK, Europe and internationally and projects cover interior design, branding and graphic design for flagships, rollouts, independent stores, pop-ups, shop-in-shops, multi-brand and duty free environments. Lloyd Blakey, Founder & Creative Director of Innovare Design comments:“We are very excited to be taking a stand as well as presenting at this year’s IJL show. As a new NAJ member we are keen to support the sector and IJL is the perfect platform for us to share our retail design know-how.”
Free registration for IJL is now open. Visit www.jewellerylondon.com/register to ensure you receive your Essential Guide to the show and badge in the post.
