Gift Focus - Sep/Oct 2018 (Issue 109)

International Jewellery London (IJL) is back for 2018 with an array of new features that highlight the trade event’s international appeal, focus on bridal jewellery and insights on the latest jewellery trends. Hundreds of exhibitors will be showcasing their latest collections and innovations to a trade- approved audience of buyers and retailers. This year’s event looks set to build on the success of IJL 2017, which saw 520 businesses from 43 countries exhibit their wares. Among these exhibitors were fine jewellery suppliers, fashion and fine jewellery brands, retail service providers, watch brands, gem dealers, diamond manufacturers, packaging experts, retail experience insiders and giftware purveyors. This mix was well-received by 9,000 trade-verified visitors, including buyers and retailers from 71 countries. This year, IJL continues to follow through on its Experience is Everything promise with an expanded Retail Experience & Technology Area , featuring specialists in EPoS software, lighting, scent marketing, store design and gem testing. These exhibitors will be on hand to provide guidance to jewellery and giftware retailers who want to improve their customer experience, whether online or in their bricks-and-mortar stores. This year will also see the Inspire Seminar Programme come to life with a focus on inspiring, informing and motivating visitors to take their businesses to the next level. Seminars will be categorised according to three core themes: Retail Reimagined; The Business Forum and Skill, Design & the Craft of Jewellery. They will be hosted in new, free- to-access seminar spaces on the IJL show floor, including The Catwalk Theatre, The Retail Theatre and The Inspiration Theatre. IJL’s ever-popular In Conversation With talks will be joined this year by a range of insightful panel discussions and workshops. Highlights include sessions on reimagining the future of jewellery retail, understanding lab-grown diamonds and photographing jewellery to enhance its sparkle and character. IJL has also partnered with trend forecasting specialist Paola De Luca to predict the most essential trends of SS19. As the founder of The Futurist Ltd, De Luca specialises in providing creative intelligence that offers an authentic sense of direction and inspiration for brands and businesses. Her incredible career includes prominent positions at Fendi Jewellery and Watches, consultancy work at Harry Winston and Swarovski and co-founding TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting. Don’t miss The Catwalk Theatre to see the trends in action. IJL 2018 will also feature Uniquely UK , a show floor feature dedicated to the amazing skills of UK silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellery designers and industry professionals. Incredible jewellery displays will be accompanied by a focus on Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and London’s Hatton Garden, two of the UK’s most influential centres of jewellery excellence. And when you’re not perusing the British stars, head over to the Breadth of Bridal showcase, centred on bridal jewellery traditions and trends from across the globe. Among the highlights of the show each year are the innovative KickStart and Bright Young Gems designer initiatives – projects that are recognised within the industry as two of the most successful programmes for emerging British talent. Billed as the Stars of the Future, these winning designers have the opportunity to showcase their work at IJL. This year’s lineup on the KickStart front are: Helen Mangral (Helen Rankin Jewellery), Karina Fagras (Blush & Bashful), Aishleen Lester (Le Ster Jewellery), Natalie Ball (Natalie Perry Jewellery), Ruth Mary Chipperfield (Ruth Mary Jewellery) and Elisavet Messi (Elisavet Messi Jewellery). This year’s Bright Young Gems are Zeemou Zeng, Yahun Fang, Daisy Grice and Katharina Kraus. For those on the hunt for new jewellery gifts, accessible counter-top tokens and personalised treasures, IJL is an essential destination. The Design Gallery and Designer Brands areas feature comprehensive ranges of fashion and fine jewellery with price points to suit a spectrum of retail businesses. Look out for birthstone pendants, zodiac rings and simple pearl pendants, which make for perfect birthday gifts, or head to the IJL Boulevard for one-of-a-kind creations that blend precious metals with diamonds and gemstones. As the most influential UK-based jewellery trade event, IJL is a destination for buying, learning, inspiration and trends. Don’t miss your chance to attend. A REAL GEM IJL is back at Olympia for 2018 with a host of new features and insights into the latest jewellery trends In brief Show IJL Organiser Reed Exhibitions Where Olympia, London When 2 nd – 4 th September, 2018 Website jewellerylondon.com Twitter @jewellerylondon For more information, please visit jewellerylondon.com . giftfocus 133 IJL