UK jewellers gather to toast top talent
LONDON, July 2012 – UK jewellers celebrated top talent at a glamorous awards event in defiance of a fragile economy.
Against a challenging economic environment which has eroded mid-market sales and impulse buying, hundreds of jewellers in black tie and elegant attire gathered for dinner in the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, central London on July 12.
At the event organised by Retail Jeweller magazine and hosted by TV celebrity Lauren Laverne, Clogau, renowned for its use of Welsh gold, won jewellery brand of the year.
UK Jewellery Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel, central London, July 2012
Wedding rings crafted from gold from the now inactive Clogau St. David’s Gold Mine in the Welsh mountains, have been worn by British royalty including the heir to the throne Prince Charles.
Bremont Watch Company, a rare British brand with links to aviation now carving its place in a Swiss-dominated world of watches, won luxury watch brand of the year.
The higher end of the watches and jewellery market is proving to be the strongest in Britain despite a squeeze on the purchasing power of some customers, jewellers said.
Many designers are opting for more classical styles to keep in tune with consumers seeking reassurance in tough times.
DESIGN TALENT
Danila Tarcinale, based in the Hatton Garden diamond jewellery district, won jewellery designer of the year.
Her contemporary pieces, mainly one off and limited edition, reflect a fusion of her Italian origins and a cosmopolitan London lifestyle.
Jayce Wong, who was trained as a jeweller and gemologist in London and is inspired by contemporary architecture, won new designer of the year, a closely watched category that identifies potential design stars of the future.
Diamond and watches specialist Chisholm Hunter, which traces its roots as a diamond merchant to the mid-19th century, beat off competition from high-profile names including Beaverbrooks and Aurum, to take the award for multiple retailer of the year.
Beaverbooks won retailer employer of the year.
Gemex, fine bridal and eternity diamond rings specialists, won platinum bridal collection of the year.
On July 11, several UK brands showcased their latest collections at a CMJ Media press day in central London.
Brown & Newirth showed off their latest collection of bridal rings targeted at independent retail jewellers, presenting a wide array of price points to suit most budgets.
Erica Illingworth launched Molly B Couture’s new line of precious necklaces featuring letters of the alphabet, expected to appeal to a wide market.
