Blog Modules

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with New Designer, Ning Art Jewellery

by IJL •

How long have you been designing jewellery for?

I have been designing jewellery for five years since I studied in Birmingham School of Jewellery with a MA degree in Jewellery, silversmithing and Related Products.

How long have you been in business?

I was self employed since 2018 and I registered my brand as a company in January 2019 in the UK.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

I think it would be that I have been selected of “Getting Started” programme in The Goldsmiths’ Centre and “One Year In”- the New Designer 2019.

Tell us about where you get your inspiration from?

I’m inspired by Italy Renaissance based on my living experience in Florence for three years. I still go back to Florence every year.

What can people expect to see from you at IJL 2019?

People can have a sneak peek for my new collection at IJL 2019 which I have been making and preparing for three months.

What are you top jewellery trend tips for the approaching season?

I don’t really follow the trend since the main spirit of my jewellery brand is to celebrate the ancient technique – Florentine hand-engraving. It is quite a rare technique in this country, and I wanted to promote this ancient craft and combine it with contemporary design. Because somehow the hand-engraving is personalised and private interests, most customers want a bespoke design, like an engraving of their initials or something can symbolise themselves on a piece of jewellery. Therefore I would like to see my jewellery can be worn in any season and it wont go out of style because of the fashion trend.

When did you first discover your love of jewellery?

I found my passion of making jewellery is from my part time job a in jewellery shop when I studied in BA. My job is to repair jewellery and help customers to find their perfect match. During the time in the jewellery shop, I was eager to know how these beautiful jewellery are made. And I decide to make my own jewellery after I couldn’t find the jewellery the customer wish to purchase in store. This is how my incredible jewellery journey started.

Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

I would love to see people who appreciate the craftsmanship and interested in hand engraving to wear my jewellery. I would like to get in touch with people who is looking for something unique and one-off. The attraction of hand engraving is “What is perfect about it is that it’s not perfect.” It shows its nature of engraving by a living engraver rather than a machine. From the angle of the curve to the depth of the metal. Each of the hand-engraved jewellery is different and special.

If you had to summarise your brand in a couple of words, what would you use?

Florentine; hand-engraved; renaissance.

What are you looking forward to most about IJL 2019?

IJL 2019 could not only gives me a perfect platform to release my new collection and increase the awareness of my brand, but also help me expand my connections within the industry. Furthermore, it is the great opportunity to meet more buyers and potential
customers.

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with Christin Ranger Jewellery

by IJL •

Christin Ranger’s collection of ultra-feminine silver jewellery is beautifully presented for the jewellery and fashion trade. From pretty florals with delicate gold plated details to clever geometric shapes with their subtle kinetic movement, this seasons new collection is bursting with symbolism and hidden messages.

We caught up with the designers behind this exciting brand to discuss inspiration, design process and what you can expect from the brand at IJL 2019.

Talk to use about your new lines and what have been your best-selling pieces this past year?

LOVE’S COMPASS – Our newest collection is called “Love’s Compass” a modern day talisman for life’s journey’s. It is a reversible compass with traditional NSEW on one side and the letters LOVE on the flipside. It comes as a necklace, bracelets with natural stone, earrings and rings. It is an ideal gift for graduates, new moms, anniversaries, and other life’s stages.

IN A NUTSHELL – This little acorn pendant is not only cute on its own but is a subtle love token for the wearer. The acorn symbolizes strength and potential. This little locket opens to reveal a gold heart and makes a fabulous gift for yourself or a loved one. It has been our most successful product to date and continues to sell strongly.

KINETIC – We have added a large selection of geometric earrings in our sand blasted finished sterling silver and gold plate. These continue to sell well when we go out to the shows.

RINGS – We have a large selection of new ring designs in natural stone, silver and rose gold plate as well as plain silver.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Absolutely everything can create inspiration. We visit museums, art galleries, listen to music, find a quote in a book. Just observing people can spark up an idea.

When did you first discover your love of jewellery and design?

I started out as an illustrator and have always enjoyed fashion. It was when I met Steve who had a silver jewellery business that we started creating our own designs.

What is it like to run such a successful jewellery business?

Hard work. You can never sit back and rest on your laurels. If it isn’t keeping up with technology and social media, you need the time it takes to continue creating new collections. Once you have the finished product you have to think of new ways of letting people know about it. There is no better feeling that creating something that people was to buy.

Who would you love to see wearing Christin Ranger Jewellery?

Michelle Obama, but that is probably being a little too optimistic. I’d love to see Judy Dench wearing one of my acorns, or perhaps Carol Kirkwood wearing a pair of my Lilac stud earrings. BBC One Show presenter Angellica Bell wears a pair of our Silver Curls and they look great on her.

If you had to summarise Christin Ranger Jewellery in a couple of sentences, what would you say?

Christin Ranger Jewellery creates sterling silver jewellery that is both elegant and fun to wear with a commitment to putting our customers first.

What can people attending IJL 2019 expect to see from you this year?

As well as the new Love’s Compass collection and the In A Nutshell pendant, we are introducing a range of geometric designs in silver and gold plate s well as fabulous new rings in natural stone, rose gold plated and plain silver.

What is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Every time somebody walks up to me and proudly points to one of our designs that they are wearing.

Make sure you visit Christin Ranger Jewellery on Stand M37 at IJL 2019. Book your FREE ticket to attend, 1 – 3 September 2019.

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with Sofie Maceanruig

by IJL •

Sofie Macaenruig has been named the first ever winner of the IJL Bursary, a bursary created to support a shining graduate from Birmingham City University. Inspired by her passion for sword fighting and battle, her collection on laser engraved signet rings form an armour for the wearer.

We caught up with her in an exclusive for IJL Inspire to find out more about her work and inspirations.

1) Your work is beautiful, tell us about where you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from my life and the medieval full contact sword fighting sport I compete in internationally. Fighting with my team Swords of Cygnus and as an individual duellist abroad and in the UK is what I live for. It inspires and drives everything that I do really. It’s a lifestyle and has had a massive influence on the original inspirations for my work. 

2) Tell us a little about the collection that saw you awarded the IJL bursary?

I created a collection of decorative laser engraved signet rings. The decorative detail on the signet heads was inspired by various HMB (Historical Medieval Battle) sword fighting clubs based in the UK. Each design is inspired by the heraldry of a particular club and designed around individual fighters, their favoured weapons  and disciplines. 

3) When did you first discover your love of jewellery?

When I was studying on the art foundation course in Chesterfield I was taught by a jeweller when I specialised in metal work and ceramics. His guidance kindled an interest in jewellery which became more than just an interest when I visited the jewellery quarter for the first time. I visited the jewellery quarter museum and just wandered the streets of the quarter for a couple of days absolutely mesmerised whilst visiting some friends in Birmingham. I immediately fell in love with allure of such a secretive community and everything about the workshops from the smells of different metals to the timeless tools. I still remember to this day doing sketches of different signet ring profiles sat studying the Smith & Pepper catalogues on that first visit about 3 and a half years ago. Clearly they stuck in my mind! 

4) Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

I’d love to see my HMB signets become a status symbol for top fighters within the sport internationally. That would be the end goal.

5) If you had to summarise your brand in a couple of words, what would you use?

Medieval art in a modern world. 

6) Talk us through your design process and what goes in to making one of your fantastic rings?

I start with creating a decorative heraldic emblem based on whatever theme I’m feeling inspired by at the time. The majority of the time my passion is driven by the sword fighting so I focused on that in this collection. The next step is sketching out rough dimensions and profile shapes for the signet. At this point I consider the shoulder detail and draw inspiration from elements within the heraldic emblem I designed at the beginning of the process. I bring my sketches to life using Matrix and 3D printing. After casting I take it back to the bench, my favourite place to be, and finish it by hand, before sending it off with a hand drawn black and white version of my emblem to the laser engravers. 

7) What is next for Maceanruig designs?

Establishing my brand and just making, making, making. Who knows what the future holds, but I like a challenge and setting up a business is certainly challenging.  I want to generalise the theme of the decorative elements to aim them at a wider market as well; expanding the designs to cover pendants, earrings and charms. I’m doing this at the same time as setting up and taking on commissions. Feel free to get in touch!

Check out more of Sofie’s work here and see it displayed on the Birmingham School of Jewellery stand V49 at IJL 2019.

Industry, Industry Insight

Millennial Marketing Trends: How to Sell Jewellery to Younger Consumers

by IJL •

If you want to market your pieces to millennials, you first need to know who they are. They’re the generation that has grown up in a world that’s changed like never before, and the way they respond to new products and marketing campaigns has changed out of all recognition. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the key trends you need to be aware of if you’re going to be able to sell your jewellery.

Longevity has never been more important

Millennials are set to live longer than any generation that came before them, and their journey is only just getting started. They’re environmentally conscious, they care about the planet, and they want pieces that last. Talking about your latest line and how it will last a lifetime is the way to go here. It will allow them to buy into the longevity of your products and will show them you’re committed to ending the disposable, throwaway culture they don’t agree with.

Authenticity is not far behind

Finding the right voice for your brand is important when you want to reach younger buyers. It’s important to find the words which bring every post and ad to life. Find a way to add fresh ideas and creativity to the mix and you’ll be rewarded with millennials’ attention. When you have a voice that can connect with the millennial market, you’ll be able to use it to put the ethos of your brand in the spotlight.

Aspirational campaigns work wonders

If you want to know what makes millennials tick, look no further than here. They’re the people who have the freedom and means to travel unlike ever before, and they love to do it. Positioning your pieces as statements about who they are, and what lies out there in the world, is a great way to open eyes. You’ll be able to create a presence in the market that resonates will people’s aspirations, and once you have that kind of positive association you’re all set.

Products that make connections are paramount

Connecting is what the age of the millennials is all about. Whether online or in real life, people want to be able to make associations that mean something. It’s not enough to produce a stunning new range. Your writing has to tell people why they need it in their lives, how it will show the world who they really are, and the places they can see and go with it. It’s not so much about the hard sell and talking about luxury. It’s more about painting a picture of the kind of lifestyle your target audience wants to live.

Not everything has to be a budget line

Marketing to millennials used to be all about being cheap, affordable, and quick, but that’s all changing. This is a generation that’s now coming of age and starting to earn like never before. Market your jewellery as sought after and something highly discerning, and you’ll be able to reach a whole new corner of the market. These are the people who now have disposable income, and they want to be told what they should do with it.

“Catching the eye of the millennial is all about selling a story that goes with your products. Jewellery is one of those areas where you really need to stand out, so putting thought into what you’re doing, and why, has never been more important” — says Luke Thomas, SEO Specialist at Essay Typer.

When you show the younger generation influencers wearing your range, and blogs featuring you, you’ll have hit the right note. These are the people whose views they care about, and they’re the best way to move away from the old school marketing techniques that just won’t work.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve heard all about how to sell your pieces to the ever-growing millennial market, all you need to do is put the tips and advice into action. The most important thing is to never lose sight of who you are, and why you’re in business. That way younger buyers will be able to connect with your story and won’t be shy about spreading it all over social media.

This article was written by guest contributor Natalie Andersen.

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with New Designer, Ning Art Jewellery

by IJL •

How long have you been designing jewellery for?

I have been designing jewellery for five years since I studied in Birmingham School of Jewellery with a MA degree in Jewellery, silversmithing and Related Products.

How long have you been in business?

I was self employed since 2018 and I registered my brand as a company in January 2019 in the UK.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

I think it would be that I have been selected of “Getting Started” programme in The Goldsmiths’ Centre and “One Year In”- the New Designer 2019.

Tell us about where you get your inspiration from?

I’m inspired by Italy Renaissance based on my living experience in Florence for three years. I still go back to Florence every year.

What can people expect to see from you at IJL 2019?

People can have a sneak peek for my new collection at IJL 2019 which I have been making and preparing for three months.

What are you top jewellery trend tips for the approaching season?

I don’t really follow the trend since the main spirit of my jewellery brand is to celebrate the ancient technique – Florentine hand-engraving. It is quite a rare technique in this country, and I wanted to promote this ancient craft and combine it with contemporary design. Because somehow the hand-engraving is personalised and private interests, most customers want a bespoke design, like an engraving of their initials or something can symbolise themselves on a piece of jewellery. Therefore I would like to see my jewellery can be worn in any season and it wont go out of style because of the fashion trend.

When did you first discover your love of jewellery?

I found my passion of making jewellery is from my part time job a in jewellery shop when I studied in BA. My job is to repair jewellery and help customers to find their perfect match. During the time in the jewellery shop, I was eager to know how these beautiful jewellery are made. And I decide to make my own jewellery after I couldn’t find the jewellery the customer wish to purchase in store. This is how my incredible jewellery journey started.

Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

I would love to see people who appreciate the craftsmanship and interested in hand engraving to wear my jewellery. I would like to get in touch with people who is looking for something unique and one-off. The attraction of hand engraving is “What is perfect about it is that it’s not perfect.” It shows its nature of engraving by a living engraver rather than a machine. From the angle of the curve to the depth of the metal. Each of the hand-engraved jewellery is different and special.

If you had to summarise your brand in a couple of words, what would you use?

Florentine; hand-engraved; renaissance.

What are you looking forward to most about IJL 2019?

IJL 2019 could not only gives me a perfect platform to release my new collection and increase the awareness of my brand, but also help me expand my connections within the industry. Furthermore, it is the great opportunity to meet more buyers and potential
customers.

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with Christin Ranger Jewellery

by IJL •

Christin Ranger’s collection of ultra-feminine silver jewellery is beautifully presented for the jewellery and fashion trade. From pretty florals with delicate gold plated details to clever geometric shapes with their subtle kinetic movement, this seasons new collection is bursting with symbolism and hidden messages.

We caught up with the designers behind this exciting brand to discuss inspiration, design process and what you can expect from the brand at IJL 2019.

Talk to use about your new lines and what have been your best-selling pieces this past year?

LOVE’S COMPASS – Our newest collection is called “Love’s Compass” a modern day talisman for life’s journey’s. It is a reversible compass with traditional NSEW on one side and the letters LOVE on the flipside. It comes as a necklace, bracelets with natural stone, earrings and rings. It is an ideal gift for graduates, new moms, anniversaries, and other life’s stages.

IN A NUTSHELL – This little acorn pendant is not only cute on its own but is a subtle love token for the wearer. The acorn symbolizes strength and potential. This little locket opens to reveal a gold heart and makes a fabulous gift for yourself or a loved one. It has been our most successful product to date and continues to sell strongly.

KINETIC – We have added a large selection of geometric earrings in our sand blasted finished sterling silver and gold plate. These continue to sell well when we go out to the shows.

RINGS – We have a large selection of new ring designs in natural stone, silver and rose gold plate as well as plain silver.

Where do you get inspiration from?

Absolutely everything can create inspiration. We visit museums, art galleries, listen to music, find a quote in a book. Just observing people can spark up an idea.

When did you first discover your love of jewellery and design?

I started out as an illustrator and have always enjoyed fashion. It was when I met Steve who had a silver jewellery business that we started creating our own designs.

What is it like to run such a successful jewellery business?

Hard work. You can never sit back and rest on your laurels. If it isn’t keeping up with technology and social media, you need the time it takes to continue creating new collections. Once you have the finished product you have to think of new ways of letting people know about it. There is no better feeling that creating something that people was to buy.

Who would you love to see wearing Christin Ranger Jewellery?

Michelle Obama, but that is probably being a little too optimistic. I’d love to see Judy Dench wearing one of my acorns, or perhaps Carol Kirkwood wearing a pair of my Lilac stud earrings. BBC One Show presenter Angellica Bell wears a pair of our Silver Curls and they look great on her.

If you had to summarise Christin Ranger Jewellery in a couple of sentences, what would you say?

Christin Ranger Jewellery creates sterling silver jewellery that is both elegant and fun to wear with a commitment to putting our customers first.

What can people attending IJL 2019 expect to see from you this year?

As well as the new Love’s Compass collection and the In A Nutshell pendant, we are introducing a range of geometric designs in silver and gold plate s well as fabulous new rings in natural stone, rose gold plated and plain silver.

What is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Every time somebody walks up to me and proudly points to one of our designs that they are wearing.

Make sure you visit Christin Ranger Jewellery on Stand M37 at IJL 2019. Book your FREE ticket to attend, 1 – 3 September 2019.

IJL Inspired

IJL Inspired: Interview with Sofie Maceanruig

by IJL •

Sofie Macaenruig has been named the first ever winner of the IJL Bursary, a bursary created to support a shining graduate from Birmingham City University. Inspired by her passion for sword fighting and battle, her collection on laser engraved signet rings form an armour for the wearer.

We caught up with her in an exclusive for IJL Inspire to find out more about her work and inspirations.

1) Your work is beautiful, tell us about where you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from my life and the medieval full contact sword fighting sport I compete in internationally. Fighting with my team Swords of Cygnus and as an individual duellist abroad and in the UK is what I live for. It inspires and drives everything that I do really. It’s a lifestyle and has had a massive influence on the original inspirations for my work. 

2) Tell us a little about the collection that saw you awarded the IJL bursary?

I created a collection of decorative laser engraved signet rings. The decorative detail on the signet heads was inspired by various HMB (Historical Medieval Battle) sword fighting clubs based in the UK. Each design is inspired by the heraldry of a particular club and designed around individual fighters, their favoured weapons  and disciplines. 

3) When did you first discover your love of jewellery?

When I was studying on the art foundation course in Chesterfield I was taught by a jeweller when I specialised in metal work and ceramics. His guidance kindled an interest in jewellery which became more than just an interest when I visited the jewellery quarter for the first time. I visited the jewellery quarter museum and just wandered the streets of the quarter for a couple of days absolutely mesmerised whilst visiting some friends in Birmingham. I immediately fell in love with allure of such a secretive community and everything about the workshops from the smells of different metals to the timeless tools. I still remember to this day doing sketches of different signet ring profiles sat studying the Smith & Pepper catalogues on that first visit about 3 and a half years ago. Clearly they stuck in my mind! 

4) Who would you love to see wearing your jewellery?

I’d love to see my HMB signets become a status symbol for top fighters within the sport internationally. That would be the end goal.

5) If you had to summarise your brand in a couple of words, what would you use?

Medieval art in a modern world. 

6) Talk us through your design process and what goes in to making one of your fantastic rings?

I start with creating a decorative heraldic emblem based on whatever theme I’m feeling inspired by at the time. The majority of the time my passion is driven by the sword fighting so I focused on that in this collection. The next step is sketching out rough dimensions and profile shapes for the signet. At this point I consider the shoulder detail and draw inspiration from elements within the heraldic emblem I designed at the beginning of the process. I bring my sketches to life using Matrix and 3D printing. After casting I take it back to the bench, my favourite place to be, and finish it by hand, before sending it off with a hand drawn black and white version of my emblem to the laser engravers. 

7) What is next for Maceanruig designs?

Establishing my brand and just making, making, making. Who knows what the future holds, but I like a challenge and setting up a business is certainly challenging.  I want to generalise the theme of the decorative elements to aim them at a wider market as well; expanding the designs to cover pendants, earrings and charms. I’m doing this at the same time as setting up and taking on commissions. Feel free to get in touch!

Check out more of Sofie’s work here and see it displayed on the Birmingham School of Jewellery stand V49 at IJL 2019.

Industry, Industry Insight

Millennial Marketing Trends: How to Sell Jewellery to Younger Consumers

by IJL •

If you want to market your pieces to millennials, you first need to know who they are. They’re the generation that has grown up in a world that’s changed like never before, and the way they respond to new products and marketing campaigns has changed out of all recognition. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the key trends you need to be aware of if you’re going to be able to sell your jewellery.

Longevity has never been more important

Millennials are set to live longer than any generation that came before them, and their journey is only just getting started. They’re environmentally conscious, they care about the planet, and they want pieces that last. Talking about your latest line and how it will last a lifetime is the way to go here. It will allow them to buy into the longevity of your products and will show them you’re committed to ending the disposable, throwaway culture they don’t agree with.

Authenticity is not far behind

Finding the right voice for your brand is important when you want to reach younger buyers. It’s important to find the words which bring every post and ad to life. Find a way to add fresh ideas and creativity to the mix and you’ll be rewarded with millennials’ attention. When you have a voice that can connect with the millennial market, you’ll be able to use it to put the ethos of your brand in the spotlight.

Aspirational campaigns work wonders

If you want to know what makes millennials tick, look no further than here. They’re the people who have the freedom and means to travel unlike ever before, and they love to do it. Positioning your pieces as statements about who they are, and what lies out there in the world, is a great way to open eyes. You’ll be able to create a presence in the market that resonates will people’s aspirations, and once you have that kind of positive association you’re all set.

Products that make connections are paramount

Connecting is what the age of the millennials is all about. Whether online or in real life, people want to be able to make associations that mean something. It’s not enough to produce a stunning new range. Your writing has to tell people why they need it in their lives, how it will show the world who they really are, and the places they can see and go with it. It’s not so much about the hard sell and talking about luxury. It’s more about painting a picture of the kind of lifestyle your target audience wants to live.

Not everything has to be a budget line

Marketing to millennials used to be all about being cheap, affordable, and quick, but that’s all changing. This is a generation that’s now coming of age and starting to earn like never before. Market your jewellery as sought after and something highly discerning, and you’ll be able to reach a whole new corner of the market. These are the people who now have disposable income, and they want to be told what they should do with it.

“Catching the eye of the millennial is all about selling a story that goes with your products. Jewellery is one of those areas where you really need to stand out, so putting thought into what you’re doing, and why, has never been more important” — says Luke Thomas, SEO Specialist at Essay Typer.

When you show the younger generation influencers wearing your range, and blogs featuring you, you’ll have hit the right note. These are the people whose views they care about, and they’re the best way to move away from the old school marketing techniques that just won’t work.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve heard all about how to sell your pieces to the ever-growing millennial market, all you need to do is put the tips and advice into action. The most important thing is to never lose sight of who you are, and why you’re in business. That way younger buyers will be able to connect with your story and won’t be shy about spreading it all over social media.

This article was written by guest contributor Natalie Andersen.