Blog Modules

Blog, Interviews, People, Trends, Uncategorized

KickStart Alumni; Interview with 2016 Winner, Cécile Gilbert

by IJL •

Originally from France, Cécile Gilbert is a jeweller from Brighton, UK who launched Tiki in 2012.

With inspiration from 1930’s Bakelite jewellery, the Art Deco movement and Mid-century design, Cécile creates a range of contemporary jewellery that reflects those qualities, whilst adding a 21st century sophistication using polyester resin, combined with oxidised Sterling silver.

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Cécile to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Tiki jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

2018 was a very busy year! I travelled all around the uk to show at various contemporary festivals as well as taking part in exhibitions. My chunky bangles and slim bracelets are still my best sellers as I offer a wide range of designs and sizes. I also started to create statement rings entirely made from resin, which have been very popular.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

I am very influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s as well as Mid Century design. I love plastic based materials and the modernist form which I think is reflected in my work.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

Firstly being selected for Kickstart was a real encouragement and recognition. It was an amazing opportunity to show my work to a wide spectrum of the retail world. Taking part taught me how to present my work in a very professional manner and deal with retailers. It also put me in touch with my first stockists.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

-Have a professional wholesale price list ready, ideally on a cd with clean professional images. It’s easier for the buyers to store and check on their computer. Marketing material such as a catalogue are a plus which might make the buyers remember your work.

-Supply some pieces for the IJL catwalk.

– Finally make the most of the exposure and enjoy the experience

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was to create my logo, website and marketing material. I was lucky to have graphic designer friends who helped me to create a cohesive look which matches the style of my designs.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Recently I had one of the most touching custom made orders from a gentleman who wanted to surprise his wife for their 20th wedding anniversary. 

We spent 2 months creating 10 pieces especially for her. This lovely husband chose each design, hand picked each colour and made sure that all pieces were matching her outfits.

The end result was a full set including a long necklace, 4 pairs of earrings, 3 slim bracelets and 2 brooches, all cast in a beautiful palette of Coral, Lime, Teal and Ivory White.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Industry, News, People, Trends, Uncategorized

Oscars 2019: The Best Jewels on the Red Carpet

by IJL •

The most dazzling night of awards season, the 91st Academy Awards did not disappoint in terms of carat-weight on the red carpet.

All eyes were on Lady Gaga’s extraordinary Tiffany & Co yellow diamond, while Helen Mirren shone in more than 235 carats of Harry Winston diamonds.

Here is a recap of the beautiful jewellery from the Oscars 2019:

Lady Gaga knows how to make an entrance. The Best Actress nominee arrived on the Oscars Red Carpet wearing the famed Tiffany Yellow Diamond, the most famous gem owned by the luxury retailer. She wore the 128.54-carat yellow diamond as a pendant attached to a diamond necklace with yellow and white diamond earrings.

It is only the third time that the jewel was worn since its creation. The last time was by Audrey Hepburn for publicity photographs for her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The gem is normally on display at Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship store.

Another standout on the red carpet was Billy Porter, who turned heads in a velvet tuxedo gown, while wearing Oscar Heyman jewels.

Amy Adams walked the red carpet in vintage and new Cartier diamond, platinum and white gold jewels, including a Cartier High Jewellery Tennis necklace, a Cartier clip brooch, Paris, 1935, Cartier Collection earrings, London, 1934, Cartier Collection bracelet, Paris, 1937, a Cartier Collection ring, circa 2005.

Actress and Bulgari ambassador, Laura Harrier, debuted a necklace in platinum, featuring diamonds, rubellites and more than 30 carats of emeralds along with a matching bracelet. The two pieces are part of Bulgari’s 2019 high jewellery collection, launching this summer.

In a bit of a twist, actress, Rachel Weisz wore Cartier Collection platinum and diamond brooches, Paris, 1903, as a hairpiece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuSrsYelgT9/

The Italian luxury jewellery house, Bulgari, knows how to make a statement on the red carpet with its big, bold jewels. Among the stars wearing Bulgari was Oscar-winning actress and presenter, Charlize Theron, who strolled the red carpet as a brunette in more than 300 carats of diamonds and 30 carats of sapphires from the Bulgari Serpenti collection jewels that included a white gold double wrap high jewellery necklace with a matching bracelet, along with a high jewellery diamond necklace of more than 75 carats and high jewellery earrings with 25 carats of sapphires. High jewellery bracelets and rings completed her look.

Blog, Education, Interviews, People

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2014 Winner, Flora Bhattachary

by IJL •

Known for her ‘East meets West’ style, Flora’s design is rooted in her family links with Asia.  Using conflict free diamonds, recycled gold and hand carving, each jewel is infused with tradition, pattern and symbolism. 

Flora has won a number of prizes, was an IJL KickStart winner in 2015, New Designer of the Year 2017 finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards and has recently made it to the finals of the Professional Jewellery Awards 2018.  

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Flora to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Flora Bhattachary Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

In 2018 we’ve launched the Mor Collection, which is made of recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and Australian Opals.  We’ve worked hard to ensure that going forward our production uses ethically sourced stones and metals.  I’ve also been working closely with The Maiyet Collective to promote sustainable jewellery.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration always comes from my family links with India and my early childhood experiences there.  I draw on Asian traditions, patterns and symbolism.  The new Mor collection is inspired by the Saraswati – the Hindu Goddess of knowledge.  She embodies all that is pure in nature – which is why she seemed appropriate as the symbol behind a sustainably sourced collection.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

KickStart was a great platform from which to get my name out, and introduce my designs to the trade.  I took orders and met new stockists – so it worked well for me as an introduction to retail and buyers.  We also gained a lot of PR around the show and met many of the key jewellery journalists – which has really helped us going forward..

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

I think that you do have to see showing at trade shows as a journey – it isn’t just what happens at that one initial show.  We have shown at IJL subsequently – and each time it builds your profile and increases recognition of the brand.

Q. What was one of your biggest challenges in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

It took me a long time to get the confidence to create my brand.  I worked for other jewellers and jewellery galleries for years before I launched.  I finally bit the bullet and went for it – after taking an MA at St Martins and really pushing myself to go for it!

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

I think that winning awards have been the proudest moments.  I was particularly delighted when I won two Awards at The Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council: Silver for the IJL Precious Jewellery Award and Silver for Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery.  The GCDC Awards are so prestigious – so receiving awards which are  judged by some of the top professionals in the trade was amazing.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Exhibiting, Industry, News

Pearl Academy by Raw Pearls releases first online training video

by IJL •

One of the UK’s leading pearl jewellery suppliers, Raw Pearls, have today released the first instalment of their online training programme, Pearl Academy by Raw Pearls.
Raw Pearls are embracing what will be one of 2019’s biggest business trends: video. The training series will supplement their in store training giving free access to accurate short video sessions. The series adds a significant strand to the company’s educational platform.

Miranda Raw, Director of Raw Pearls, said “We are committed to providing our clients with all the tools they need to successfully sell our product instore and online.  We focus on partnering with our clients to make their pearl businesses work for them. Filming, editing and producing these freely accessible videos is a significant contribution the trade more broadly and we are not aware that anything in this format currently exists.”   

They have already gained outstanding feedback for these films, with one industry expert saying, “By far the best I’ve seen in our industry”. Chapter 1 is available now and looks at the differences between natural, cultured and synthetic pearls.

Access Pearl Academy on Raw Pearls’ website https://www.rawpearls.com/services/pearl-training/

Blog, Interviews, People, Trends, Uncategorized

KickStart Alumni; Interview with 2016 Winner, Cécile Gilbert

by IJL •

Originally from France, Cécile Gilbert is a jeweller from Brighton, UK who launched Tiki in 2012.

With inspiration from 1930’s Bakelite jewellery, the Art Deco movement and Mid-century design, Cécile creates a range of contemporary jewellery that reflects those qualities, whilst adding a 21st century sophistication using polyester resin, combined with oxidised Sterling silver.

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Cécile to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Tiki jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

2018 was a very busy year! I travelled all around the uk to show at various contemporary festivals as well as taking part in exhibitions. My chunky bangles and slim bracelets are still my best sellers as I offer a wide range of designs and sizes. I also started to create statement rings entirely made from resin, which have been very popular.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

I am very influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s as well as Mid Century design. I love plastic based materials and the modernist form which I think is reflected in my work.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

Firstly being selected for Kickstart was a real encouragement and recognition. It was an amazing opportunity to show my work to a wide spectrum of the retail world. Taking part taught me how to present my work in a very professional manner and deal with retailers. It also put me in touch with my first stockists.

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

-Have a professional wholesale price list ready, ideally on a cd with clean professional images. It’s easier for the buyers to store and check on their computer. Marketing material such as a catalogue are a plus which might make the buyers remember your work.

-Supply some pieces for the IJL catwalk.

– Finally make the most of the exposure and enjoy the experience

Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was to create my logo, website and marketing material. I was lucky to have graphic designer friends who helped me to create a cohesive look which matches the style of my designs.

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

Recently I had one of the most touching custom made orders from a gentleman who wanted to surprise his wife for their 20th wedding anniversary. 

We spent 2 months creating 10 pieces especially for her. This lovely husband chose each design, hand picked each colour and made sure that all pieces were matching her outfits.

The end result was a full set including a long necklace, 4 pairs of earrings, 3 slim bracelets and 2 brooches, all cast in a beautiful palette of Coral, Lime, Teal and Ivory White.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 



Blog, Industry, News, People, Trends, Uncategorized

Oscars 2019: The Best Jewels on the Red Carpet

by IJL •

The most dazzling night of awards season, the 91st Academy Awards did not disappoint in terms of carat-weight on the red carpet.

All eyes were on Lady Gaga’s extraordinary Tiffany & Co yellow diamond, while Helen Mirren shone in more than 235 carats of Harry Winston diamonds.

Here is a recap of the beautiful jewellery from the Oscars 2019:

Lady Gaga knows how to make an entrance. The Best Actress nominee arrived on the Oscars Red Carpet wearing the famed Tiffany Yellow Diamond, the most famous gem owned by the luxury retailer. She wore the 128.54-carat yellow diamond as a pendant attached to a diamond necklace with yellow and white diamond earrings.

It is only the third time that the jewel was worn since its creation. The last time was by Audrey Hepburn for publicity photographs for her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The gem is normally on display at Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship store.

Another standout on the red carpet was Billy Porter, who turned heads in a velvet tuxedo gown, while wearing Oscar Heyman jewels.

Amy Adams walked the red carpet in vintage and new Cartier diamond, platinum and white gold jewels, including a Cartier High Jewellery Tennis necklace, a Cartier clip brooch, Paris, 1935, Cartier Collection earrings, London, 1934, Cartier Collection bracelet, Paris, 1937, a Cartier Collection ring, circa 2005.

Actress and Bulgari ambassador, Laura Harrier, debuted a necklace in platinum, featuring diamonds, rubellites and more than 30 carats of emeralds along with a matching bracelet. The two pieces are part of Bulgari’s 2019 high jewellery collection, launching this summer.

In a bit of a twist, actress, Rachel Weisz wore Cartier Collection platinum and diamond brooches, Paris, 1903, as a hairpiece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuSrsYelgT9/

The Italian luxury jewellery house, Bulgari, knows how to make a statement on the red carpet with its big, bold jewels. Among the stars wearing Bulgari was Oscar-winning actress and presenter, Charlize Theron, who strolled the red carpet as a brunette in more than 300 carats of diamonds and 30 carats of sapphires from the Bulgari Serpenti collection jewels that included a white gold double wrap high jewellery necklace with a matching bracelet, along with a high jewellery diamond necklace of more than 75 carats and high jewellery earrings with 25 carats of sapphires. High jewellery bracelets and rings completed her look.

Blog, Education, Interviews, People

KickStart Alumni: Interview with 2014 Winner, Flora Bhattachary

by IJL •

Known for her ‘East meets West’ style, Flora’s design is rooted in her family links with Asia.  Using conflict free diamonds, recycled gold and hand carving, each jewel is infused with tradition, pattern and symbolism. 

Flora has won a number of prizes, was an IJL KickStart winner in 2015, New Designer of the Year 2017 finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards and has recently made it to the finals of the Professional Jewellery Awards 2018.  

In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Flora to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after.

Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Flora Bhattachary Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections?

In 2018 we’ve launched the Mor Collection, which is made of recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and Australian Opals.  We’ve worked hard to ensure that going forward our production uses ethically sourced stones and metals.  I’ve also been working closely with The Maiyet Collective to promote sustainable jewellery.

Q. Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration always comes from my family links with India and my early childhood experiences there.  I draw on Asian traditions, patterns and symbolism.  The new Mor collection is inspired by the Saraswati – the Hindu Goddess of knowledge.  She embodies all that is pure in nature – which is why she seemed appropriate as the symbol behind a sustainably sourced collection.

Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages?

KickStart was a great platform from which to get my name out, and introduce my designs to the trade.  I took orders and met new stockists – so it worked well for me as an introduction to retail and buyers.  We also gained a lot of PR around the show and met many of the key jewellery journalists – which has really helped us going forward..

Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice?

I think that you do have to see showing at trade shows as a journey – it isn’t just what happens at that one initial show.  We have shown at IJL subsequently – and each time it builds your profile and increases recognition of the brand.

Q. What was one of your biggest challenges in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it?

It took me a long time to get the confidence to create my brand.  I worked for other jewellers and jewellery galleries for years before I launched.  I finally bit the bullet and went for it – after taking an MA at St Martins and really pushing myself to go for it!

Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career?

I think that winning awards have been the proudest moments.  I was particularly delighted when I won two Awards at The Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council: Silver for the IJL Precious Jewellery Award and Silver for Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery.  The GCDC Awards are so prestigious – so receiving awards which are  judged by some of the top professionals in the trade was amazing.

Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: https://www.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart/

To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Exhibiting, Industry, News

Pearl Academy by Raw Pearls releases first online training video

by IJL •

One of the UK’s leading pearl jewellery suppliers, Raw Pearls, have today released the first instalment of their online training programme, Pearl Academy by Raw Pearls.
Raw Pearls are embracing what will be one of 2019’s biggest business trends: video. The training series will supplement their in store training giving free access to accurate short video sessions. The series adds a significant strand to the company’s educational platform.

Miranda Raw, Director of Raw Pearls, said “We are committed to providing our clients with all the tools they need to successfully sell our product instore and online.  We focus on partnering with our clients to make their pearl businesses work for them. Filming, editing and producing these freely accessible videos is a significant contribution the trade more broadly and we are not aware that anything in this format currently exists.”   

They have already gained outstanding feedback for these films, with one industry expert saying, “By far the best I’ve seen in our industry”. Chapter 1 is available now and looks at the differences between natural, cultured and synthetic pearls.

Access Pearl Academy on Raw Pearls’ website https://www.rawpearls.com/services/pearl-training/