Strong footfall as Jewellery & Watch opens its doors
BIRMINGHAM, England, February 5, 2017 – Turnout was strong on the first day of Jewellery & Watch, which showcased a wide variety of international jewellery and watches brands, machinery and gem suppliers, and wholesalers.
Exhibitors said retailer footfall was vibrant from the start as the premier Birmingham jewellery and watches trade event got under way as part of Spring Fair at the NEC. The show runs until February 9.
The event took place in an uncertain global economic climate, against a backdrop of high gold and diamond prices in terms of the pound sterling. The pound has slid sharply against the U.S. dollar, in which precious materials are denominated, since Britain’s vote in June to leave the EU.
Apart from major UK-based manufacturers and suppliers such as Domino Jewellery, Gecko, and Hockley Mint, suppliers from Italy and Turkey were well represented at Jewellery & Watch.
The event also featured a regular catwalk show and a full seminar programme, including a lively discussion on February 5 entitled, “Be inspired: What makes an inspiring independent retailer?” hosted by Retail Jeweller Editor Ruth Faulkner.
On the first day of the show, Hockley Mint was due to host a networking party celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Retail Jeweller was scheduled to host a party in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter to announce the shortlist for the 2017 UK Jewellery Awards.
As well as showcasing well-established suppliers to the jewellery and watches trade, Jewellery & Watch featured new brands such as New Romantic, from Ireland.
Jewellery Outlook Editor David Brough will moderate a seminar in the catwalk area on Monday February 6, starting at 14.20 hours, entitled “Synthetic Diamonds: Are they a Blessing or a Curse for Your Business?”
