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IJL’s Leading Industry Launch Pad – KICKSTART 2018 – Now Open for Applications for Six of the Best

by IJL •

This year’s successful six will receive expert mentoring, business advice, access to buyers, a dedicated bursary and industry-wide publicity

Emerging UK up-and-coming jewellery designers with their sights set on success are invited to battle it out for one of just six places in this year’s KickStart initiative – organised by International Jewellery London (IJL), the must-attend annual destination for the jewellery industry, taking place at Olympia London from September 2-4, 2018.

This long-running mentoring, advice and exhibition platform is a key link in the IJL Journey – a unique industry path that guides design talent from final year student to successful consumer-facing brands.

In a change for 2018, KickStart will accept just six applicants from UK-based designers. The chosen designers will have access to the many career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, introductions to key industry figures – and the opportunity to win a free stand at IJL 2019 in the special ‘Industry’s Choice’ award.

In addition, to provide extra support, each UK-based winner will receive a bursary funded directly by the Benevolent Society, to assist with London transport and accommodation costs.

All of which will help ensure that each KickStarter has the opportunity to excel on their IJL Journey and maximise their experience at the show, where they will have access to IJL’s 9,000-strong jewellery audience of key buyers, leading influencers, international brands and consultants.

IJL Event Manager, Sarah Kitley-Spencer, comments: “If you’ve worked hard to establish your brand, now’s the time to start your IJL Journey. KickStart nurtures ambition, determination and talent, giving up-and-coming designers the chance to get their collections seen. Now in its ninth year, KickStart is entirely unique, with an unrivalled package of support, as well as the opportunity exhibit at IJL 2018. We balance practical advice with design inspiration, so that you can become a better jewellery entrepreneur in today’s digital world.”

NAJ Jewellery Industry Promotions Ambassador, Lindsey Straughton, says: “Those chosen for KickStart are immediately highlighted as the ‘stars of tomorrow’, which creates an important media and brand awareness opportunity. Retailers will look to you as trend-setters and future collaborators, so you can’t afford to miss out!”

Previous 2017 KickStart winner, Farrah Al-Dujaili from Oddical, adds: “KickStart gave me the perfect platform to launch new additions to my collection and get in touch with stockists that I wanted to work with; it gave me more confidence sending those initial emails. It helped me secure multiple stockists and created great PR for Oddical.”

The IJL Journey begins with the final year student and graduate-focused Bright Young Gems initiative. Alumni of this scheme and emerging designer brands can then apply for KickStart: a programme dedicated to new brands looking to make waves in the trade.

Following these schemes, more established designer brands can apply to become an IJL Design Gallery Exhibitor – a sign that their fledgling business has achieved industry success and consumer recognition.

KickStart, created by jewellery industry hub IJL and trade body the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), has over the past nine years, helped more than 80 contemporary designers launch their careers and get an all-important foot in the door. KickStart alumni have gone on to have impressive careers in the jewellery sector.

How to Apply: Visit jewellerylondon.com/kickstart to apply online. Only those who have been trading for more than 12 months will be considered. The deadline is April 10, 2018.

For more information about IJL 2018 please contact: Jennifer Hall-Thompson or Suzanna Hammond: +44 (0) 7770 802442 / suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk 


ENDS

Notes to Editors

Experience is Everything

International Jewellery London is the UK’s leading jewellery industry event, combining exceptional buying opportunities with networking, education, entertainment and inspiration. Under the motto, ‘Experience is Everything’, IJL offers a year-round platform for jewellery business support and 550+ exhibitors under one roof during its three-day flagship event every September.

IJL is proud to facilitate connections between buyers, e-tailers, independent retailers, multiples, department stores, airlines and broadcasters from 64 countries.

IJL 2018 will run from September 2-4 at Olympia, London. Jewellerylondon.com

What is IJL 365?

International Jewellery London is leading a new generation of trade events with a dedicated, 365-day content strategy and industry participation. This proactive approach is detailed in the IJL #withyou social media campaign.

About International Jewellery London

International Jewellery London is the UK’S leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 520 high-end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones, and retail services suppliers. IJL attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery-focussed and pre-qualified buyers from 71 countries in an exclusive trading environment to do business, share knowledge and network in the heart of London, the UK’s style capital. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL showcases future industry trends, provides 100% free education and attracts an unrivalled selection of consumer and trade press.

IJL is sponsored by the NAJ and supported by the GIA, Gem-A, The Houlden Group, The Company of Master Jewellers, The Responsible Jewellery Council, The Goldsmiths Company and CIBJO. For further information, please visit www.jewellerylondon.com

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 500 events in 30 countries. In 2016, Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 40 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

Jewellery and Fashion Accessories events are: Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) in January and April; Girls Jeweller Tokyo (IJT); Bijorhca Paris; JCK Tuscon; Tokyo Fashion Jewellery Expo (April); Garderobe; International Jewellery & Watch Show (JWS); International Jewellery Kobe (IJK); Luxury and JCK Las Vegas. For further information, please visit: www.reedexpo.com

Blog, Exhibiting, Industry, People

KickStart Alumni: Farrah Al-Dujaili Shares Her IJL Journey and Insider Advice

by IJL •

Farrah Al-Dujaili brought her brand Oddical to IJL in 2017 as part of our leading initiative, KickStart. This career-boosting platform takes emerging brands and designer-makers and gives them the opportunity to learn, network, grow and exhibit at the UK’s leading jewellery industry trade show for a fraction of the cost.

Here, Farrah shares her opinion of KickStart and explains how the IJL Journey has supported her business in its early stages.

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

Exhibiting at IJL with the support from the KickStarter team was a real industry seal of approval for Oddical. It showed that industry experts believed Oddical had to potential to succeed as a business. That helped visitors to the stand appreciate the collection that little bit more than if I had taken a stand independently.

Edie Mini Hoop Drop Earrings Oddical RRP£135
Edie Mini Hoop Drop Earrings by Oddical RRP £135.

The training they provided in the run up to the show was also really valuable to me and it’s something I can take into the future when exhibiting at future trade shows. When in conversation with potential new stockists it was a real boost to be able to say I was part of KickStarter and invite them to visit. It was a wonderful environment to have that first contact with stockists.

Q. Being a KickStarter does involve investing in the cost of a shared stand at IJL 2018 – what would you say to people who are worried about taking the leap?

I think investing to take part in any trade show is always a big commitment, one you have no way of knowing will pay off. What I liked about being a KickStarter is that along with that investment you had industry support and guidance. The training day before the show was so useful in getting prepared for the show.

Sylvie Mini Statement Necklace Oddical RRP£510
Sylvie Mini Statement Necklace by Oddical RRP £510.

I felt free to email all the KickStart team and ask as many questions as I needed afterward. The industry recognition and visibility for the KickStarters in press leading up to the show, is so much more than what you would get doing it alone. You also get the support and friendship from the other KickStarters that is so valuable during the process. It was great knowing there were nine other KickStarters going through the same thing, especially during the late nights leading up to the show!

Q. What did you enjoy most about the three days of IJL 2017 in September?

I admit I was nervous the first day but everyone I met was so friendly and genuinely interested. I loved having the opportunity to talk about my collection and seeing reactions to the pieces. I came back with contacts that I believe I either wouldn’t have gotten or that would have taken longer to create.

It seemed like there was a mixture of stockists, stylists, press, jewellers and service providers (I made a contact with Shapeways, my 3D printing company) visiting the show and wanting to meet us. Receiving the Editors’ Choice ‘Designer to Watch’ came as such a surprise.

Farrah (centre) winning the IJL Editors’ Choice Designer to Watch Award at IJL 2017.

I’m proud to say Oddical jewellery is unusual and for the judges to celebrate that and predict success for the future was such a confidence boost. I came home feeling the show was a success for me.

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

As soon as you know you have been selected start planning your time, the months fly by! Decide what you want to achieve at the show. I think it’s a perfect opportunity to launch a new collection.

Research potential stockists and get in touch with them, tell existing stockists you’re involved. Talk about it on all your social media, you want to create a buzz about it so that you get the most visitors to your stand. Use the IJL website for information – I was constantly checking what tasks I should be doing and when. Reply to all the team’s emails asking for images or information as it’s such valuable PR. I also recommend applying for the Trends Catwalk (I had so many people come find me because of the piece they saw on the catwalk). Basically be as visible as you possibly can!

Q. How did KickStart help you on your journey to success?

KickStart gave me the perfect platform to launch new additions to my collection and get in touch with stockists that I wanted to work with; it gave me more confidence sending those initial emails. It helped me secure multiple stockists and created great PR for Oddical.

Dottie Oversized earrings Oddical model image
A model wears Dottie Oversized Drop Earrings by Oddical, RRP £235.

I believe it made approaching stockists and securing them easier as it gave me the perfect environment for those meetings and gave stockists confidence in me as a brand. Receiving the NAJ ‘KickStart of the Year’ Award again feels like a huge seal of approval from the industry and helps to establish Oddical as one to watch.

Q. Finally, how is your jewellery industry career or brand progressing and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?

I am extremely happy with how Oddical is progressing as a brand after a little over twelve months since launching. A lot of the goals I had set out for myself at the start of the year I have achieved and it has all helped to strengthen my ambition to make Oddical a successful jewellery brand.

I’m excited to say Oddical will be stocked with Young British Designers in early 2018 so I will be working hard towards that. I will then focus on developing and launching the second collection. I will also be launching a precious metal range of ‘ultra mini’ pieces created from sections of my most popular designs for people who want the quirky Oddical style but on a much smaller scale.

Over the course of 2018 I plan to build on my current stockists and hope to have Oddical stocked with high-end fashion retailers and increase the awareness of the brand on social media and in the fashion press. I’m determined to make 2018 even more successful for Oddical than 2017!

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

To apply for KickStart, please click here. 

The 2017 KickStarters at their shared stand at Olympia.

What is the IJL Journey?

As part of our IJL 365 approach, the IJL Journey extends far beyond our three-day trade event. It offers myriad career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, and introductions to key industry figures.

This invaluable advice prepares each Bright Young Gem, KickStarter and Design Gallery Exhibitor to meet the 9,000 strong jewellery audience at IJL 2018, from September 2-4.

Discover more about the IJL Journey, here. 

IJL is #withyou offering career opportunities and the chance to grow your jewellery business, whether you are a student, recent graduate, emerging brand or established player. Speak to our team to find out more. 

Quick Links:Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Images by Garazi Photography

Blog, Education, Exhibiting, Industry

7 Reasons Why Exhibiting at Trade Shows Is Worth It for Your Business

by IJL • • 6 Comments

So, what’s so great about trade shows? Firstly, exhibitions are a form of ‘permission based marketing’, which means visitors have made a conscious decision to attend and want to be sold to.

Trade shows offer a unique environment to simultaneously build brand awareness, network, close sales, maximise your future pipeline and speed-up the sales process. Even in the Internet age, when information is easier to come by, you’re more likely to secure a deal face-to-face at an exhibition.

Buyers come to trade shows with a budget to spend and are investing time to use it. If you aren’t taking your share – it means someone else is!

Take a look below to discover 7 Reasons why exhibiting at trade shows like IJL is crucial for your business…

Trade shows help to establish your brand identity

Whether you are established or are just starting out, exhibiting at a trade show demonstrates your commitment as a key player in the industry. Having a stand lets buyers know that you are invested in your business, while helping to raise your profile and affirm your position as a business that is serious about taking orders.

You can get face-to-face with your targeted audience

The fastest way to build relationships is face-to-face. From the very start, you can cement a solid relationship with your target audience and sign orders right there and then.

Related Blogs: How To Boost Your Brand With Influencer Marketing and Bloggers

Exhibition organisers work year-round to make sure that the right audience comes to their shows by vetting VIP’s, qualifying a trade audience and inviting or hosting international buyers to ensure a quality and quantity of visitors you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

Trade shows will expand your market reach

Break into new markets by showcasing your products to international buyers, getting the unique opportunity to meet them on a one-to-one basis. You’ll meet a diverse range of industry professionals who can help to expand your business, such as trade visitors from museums, TV shopping channels, hotels, airline retail, e-commerce stores and more.

And show off your brand and products

Having a stand doesn’t only allow buyers to see, touch and try your product for themselves, but it also gives you the opportunity to present a large amount of your products as they would appear within their stores. Your exhibition stand can act as your ‘shop window’, allowing buyers to discover your brand’s personality as well as its products.

Related Blogs: 5 Jewellery Industry Trends to Look out for in 2018

You’ll benefit from a 365-day community

Exhibition organisers have an extensive database to help promote your brand. Benefit from exposure to a wide audience on the IJL website and via direct mail, e-newsletters, social media and media coverage. Make the most of an extensive marketing campaign as part of your exhibiting package and take advantage of targeted marketing and branding opportunities.

Related Blogs: How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

Trade shows facilitate new relationships and maintain existing ones

Exhibitions offer a unique environment, not just to meet new leads and potential customers, but also to reconnect with your existing customers. Reinforce those all important relationships, introduce new products and increase orders during three intensive, but rewarding days!

Trade shows keep you up-to-date with industry insights

There is no better place to network than at a trade show. Uniting suppliers, buyers, distributors, agents, press, associations and industry professionals allows you to keep abreast with industry news and trends as well as learn from your peers and competitors.

Related Blogs: Never Miss a Seminar Speaker with the IJL Talks Podcast Series

Benefit from the dynamic education, seminars and one-to-one advice not only from the jewellery industry, but from a broad range of disciplines.

IJL is #withyou offering essential jewellery industry advice, guidance and support for emerging companies, designer-makers and international brands. Speak to our team to find out more. 

Quick Links: How to write a press pack

Quick Links: Get essential social media support

Blog, Industry, News, Trends

5 Jewellery Industry Trends to Look out for in 2018

by IJL • • 3 Comments

As another New Year fast approaches it is time to consider what the jewellery industry has in store for 2018.

The last 12 months have been tumultuous for retail, with businesses facing the impact of Brexit, unstable hallmarking figures and business rate woes. But, as we all know, the jewellery industry is infused with long-standing family traditions, fantastic people and creative skills that sparkle from the High Street and via the World Wide Web. It is this passion for a vibrant industry that guides the IJL team as we step into 2018.

Related Blogs: How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

Every year at IJL, countless brands, businesses and suppliers unveil their latest products and innovations. Drawing on this limitless source of inspiration and insight from the wider IJL community, we have developed five core predictions about what will shape the trade in 2018.

Take a look at our ideas below, and let us know your predictions on Twitter @jewellerylondon.

Jewellery Industry Trends 2018: Brand Power

It was clear that leading suppliers couldn’t steer clear of the branded boom for too long. As a result, many have now stepped into the branded space, turning their long history and heritage into a brand story in its own right.

Fantastic examples include bridal jewellery and wedding band specialist, Brown & Newirth, that has masterfully created shop-in-shop boutiques, brand advertising and collections that put its name, rather than its retail partners, at the centre. Despite this shift, its relationships with retailers are arguably stronger than ever, proving that becoming a brand need not ruin hard-won partnerships.

Related Blogs: Social Media Marketing For Jewellery Retailers

Charles Green, Hockley Mint, Domino and Curteis are also continuing with branded efforts (with some fantastic look-books and marketing materials on display at IJL 2017), and we expect this to flourish in 2018. Finally, expect to see more brands and suppliers considering own-brand boutiques in strategically-important locations. Clogau has benefited from its portfolio, while Henryka and Deakin & Francis (see below) are inviting customers into their worlds in Hereford and London respectively.

Jewellery Industry Trends 2018: Bespoke Brides

In recent years, brides have become more aware of the bespoke options available to them. They are more willing than ever before to push for something unique. But with the advent of personalisation and customisation in fashion jewellery, brides are beginning to expect more than just a design tweaked to their personal style… they want one-of-a-kind engravings, hidden messages, fingerprints and the complete experience that encapsulates this level of detail.

IJL 2017 Exhibitor of the Year Insignety is leading the way in this area, offering brides the chance to have their heartbeat, fingerprints, signature or unique messages inscribed onto wedding bands.

A post shared by Insignety (@insignety) on

For retailers, this means carefully communicating the presence of a bespoke service, whether creating a dedicated area in store, online or by allowing customers to browse beautiful portfolios of past designs in store. Take customers on a journey that is luxurious and unique to them to reap the rewards. UK Jewellery Award 2017 double winner, Allum & Sidaway is a great example of this in action.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Savvy Shoppers

It is safe to say that customers aren’t afraid to ask questions. A continuing interest in Fairtrade and ethical sourcing will combine with the urgency of environmental concerns in 2018, focusing millennial attention on not only where your jewellery comes from, but its impact on the planet itself.

Over the next 12 months, sales training will need to adapt to help employees answer questions in the right way, without leaving the customer confused or in doubt as to your authenticity. A clear communication strategy will also be required to show how your jewellery is a force for good.

Related Blogs: 5 Top Tips to Create a Stronger Jewellery Brand

What does this mean for emerging designer brands? Start as you mean to go on in 2018 by including a FAQ section on your website, spelling-out your ethical intentions or sharing behind-the-scenes pictures of the making process. The more authentic and transparent you can be, the better.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Employee Experience

2016 and 2017 were all about the customer experience and how a retail store can offer the ‘wow-factor’. 2018 will focus more on the Employee Experience. Why? Because fantastic, dedicated and well-trained staff are needed to drive these customer experiences forward. As retail evolves, retail employees will need to evolve too. Outdated training manuals and clunky videos will be replaced with contemporary, mentor-led training initiatives, designed to support Millennial and Gen-Z staff members with easily-digestible video clips via their mobile phones.

This new generation of employees also needs to see how their hard work can benefit their career prospects, so create a clear path from junior to manager from the get-go. The emphasis must be on showing how retail jewellery is not just a Saturday job, but a thriving and varied career.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Rock, Roll and Royalty

We already know that Pantone has declared ‘Ultra Violet’ the colour of 2018, but what else is in store for jewellery design in the next 12 months? The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May is likely to step away from ‘traditional’ royal weddings, adding a slightly more contemporary edge to proceedings.

For this reason, expect to see classically elegant designs and meticulous vintage-inspired pieces mixed with more rock-and-roll touches. As Miss Markle’s engagement ring is a trilogy diamond ring, perhaps an array of diamond and precious gemstone set versions is a good place to start!

Royalty aside, 2018 looks set to be the year of pearls, quirky charms and oversized earrings. Single strands of pearls will be set aside for rock-chick layering, featuring spikes, inky-black crystal accents and pops of colour. Elsewhere charm bracelets will emerge renewed in 2018 with quirkier, eccentric charms that tell a story beyond the traditional ‘mother’, ‘daughter’ or ’21st birthday’ tropes.

Finally, oversized earrings by the likes of Becca will continue to storm ahead (although IP issues in this area are sadly a concern for many talented designers), alongside quirky cameos and a resurgence of inlay and enamelling to create miniaturised paintings for a new generation.

IJL is #withyou exploring the biggest jewellery trends and future-proofing your business with ideas and inspiration. Discover all of the biggest jewellery trends for SS18 here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Industry, News

IJL’s Leading Industry Launch Pad – KICKSTART 2018 – Now Open for Applications for Six of the Best

by IJL •

This year’s successful six will receive expert mentoring, business advice, access to buyers, a dedicated bursary and industry-wide publicity

Emerging UK up-and-coming jewellery designers with their sights set on success are invited to battle it out for one of just six places in this year’s KickStart initiative – organised by International Jewellery London (IJL), the must-attend annual destination for the jewellery industry, taking place at Olympia London from September 2-4, 2018.

This long-running mentoring, advice and exhibition platform is a key link in the IJL Journey – a unique industry path that guides design talent from final year student to successful consumer-facing brands.

In a change for 2018, KickStart will accept just six applicants from UK-based designers. The chosen designers will have access to the many career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, introductions to key industry figures – and the opportunity to win a free stand at IJL 2019 in the special ‘Industry’s Choice’ award.

In addition, to provide extra support, each UK-based winner will receive a bursary funded directly by the Benevolent Society, to assist with London transport and accommodation costs.

All of which will help ensure that each KickStarter has the opportunity to excel on their IJL Journey and maximise their experience at the show, where they will have access to IJL’s 9,000-strong jewellery audience of key buyers, leading influencers, international brands and consultants.

IJL Event Manager, Sarah Kitley-Spencer, comments: “If you’ve worked hard to establish your brand, now’s the time to start your IJL Journey. KickStart nurtures ambition, determination and talent, giving up-and-coming designers the chance to get their collections seen. Now in its ninth year, KickStart is entirely unique, with an unrivalled package of support, as well as the opportunity exhibit at IJL 2018. We balance practical advice with design inspiration, so that you can become a better jewellery entrepreneur in today’s digital world.”

NAJ Jewellery Industry Promotions Ambassador, Lindsey Straughton, says: “Those chosen for KickStart are immediately highlighted as the ‘stars of tomorrow’, which creates an important media and brand awareness opportunity. Retailers will look to you as trend-setters and future collaborators, so you can’t afford to miss out!”

Previous 2017 KickStart winner, Farrah Al-Dujaili from Oddical, adds: “KickStart gave me the perfect platform to launch new additions to my collection and get in touch with stockists that I wanted to work with; it gave me more confidence sending those initial emails. It helped me secure multiple stockists and created great PR for Oddical.”

The IJL Journey begins with the final year student and graduate-focused Bright Young Gems initiative. Alumni of this scheme and emerging designer brands can then apply for KickStart: a programme dedicated to new brands looking to make waves in the trade.

Following these schemes, more established designer brands can apply to become an IJL Design Gallery Exhibitor – a sign that their fledgling business has achieved industry success and consumer recognition.

KickStart, created by jewellery industry hub IJL and trade body the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), has over the past nine years, helped more than 80 contemporary designers launch their careers and get an all-important foot in the door. KickStart alumni have gone on to have impressive careers in the jewellery sector.

How to Apply: Visit jewellerylondon.com/kickstart to apply online. Only those who have been trading for more than 12 months will be considered. The deadline is April 10, 2018.

For more information about IJL 2018 please contact: Jennifer Hall-Thompson or Suzanna Hammond: +44 (0) 7770 802442 / suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk 


ENDS

Notes to Editors

Experience is Everything

International Jewellery London is the UK’s leading jewellery industry event, combining exceptional buying opportunities with networking, education, entertainment and inspiration. Under the motto, ‘Experience is Everything’, IJL offers a year-round platform for jewellery business support and 550+ exhibitors under one roof during its three-day flagship event every September.

IJL is proud to facilitate connections between buyers, e-tailers, independent retailers, multiples, department stores, airlines and broadcasters from 64 countries.

IJL 2018 will run from September 2-4 at Olympia, London. Jewellerylondon.com

What is IJL 365?

International Jewellery London is leading a new generation of trade events with a dedicated, 365-day content strategy and industry participation. This proactive approach is detailed in the IJL #withyou social media campaign.

About International Jewellery London

International Jewellery London is the UK’S leading trade event for the international jewellery industry. The event showcases the latest product ranges from over 520 high-end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones, and retail services suppliers. IJL attracts an unparalleled range of jewellery-focussed and pre-qualified buyers from 71 countries in an exclusive trading environment to do business, share knowledge and network in the heart of London, the UK’s style capital. Inspiring the industry for over 60 years, IJL showcases future industry trends, provides 100% free education and attracts an unrivalled selection of consumer and trade press.

IJL is sponsored by the NAJ and supported by the GIA, Gem-A, The Houlden Group, The Company of Master Jewellers, The Responsible Jewellery Council, The Goldsmiths Company and CIBJO. For further information, please visit www.jewellerylondon.com

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organiser, with over 500 events in 30 countries. In 2016, Reed brought together over seven million event participants from around the world generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organised by 40 fully staffed offices. Reed Exhibitions serves 43 industry sectors with trade and consumer events. It is part of the RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries.

Jewellery and Fashion Accessories events are: Jewelers International Showcase (JIS) in January and April; Girls Jeweller Tokyo (IJT); Bijorhca Paris; JCK Tuscon; Tokyo Fashion Jewellery Expo (April); Garderobe; International Jewellery & Watch Show (JWS); International Jewellery Kobe (IJK); Luxury and JCK Las Vegas. For further information, please visit: www.reedexpo.com

Blog, Exhibiting, Industry, People

KickStart Alumni: Farrah Al-Dujaili Shares Her IJL Journey and Insider Advice

by IJL •

Farrah Al-Dujaili brought her brand Oddical to IJL in 2017 as part of our leading initiative, KickStart. This career-boosting platform takes emerging brands and designer-makers and gives them the opportunity to learn, network, grow and exhibit at the UK’s leading jewellery industry trade show for a fraction of the cost.

Here, Farrah shares her opinion of KickStart and explains how the IJL Journey has supported her business in its early stages.

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

Exhibiting at IJL with the support from the KickStarter team was a real industry seal of approval for Oddical. It showed that industry experts believed Oddical had to potential to succeed as a business. That helped visitors to the stand appreciate the collection that little bit more than if I had taken a stand independently.

Edie Mini Hoop Drop Earrings Oddical RRP£135
Edie Mini Hoop Drop Earrings by Oddical RRP £135.

The training they provided in the run up to the show was also really valuable to me and it’s something I can take into the future when exhibiting at future trade shows. When in conversation with potential new stockists it was a real boost to be able to say I was part of KickStarter and invite them to visit. It was a wonderful environment to have that first contact with stockists.

Q. Being a KickStarter does involve investing in the cost of a shared stand at IJL 2018 – what would you say to people who are worried about taking the leap?

I think investing to take part in any trade show is always a big commitment, one you have no way of knowing will pay off. What I liked about being a KickStarter is that along with that investment you had industry support and guidance. The training day before the show was so useful in getting prepared for the show.

Sylvie Mini Statement Necklace Oddical RRP£510
Sylvie Mini Statement Necklace by Oddical RRP £510.

I felt free to email all the KickStart team and ask as many questions as I needed afterward. The industry recognition and visibility for the KickStarters in press leading up to the show, is so much more than what you would get doing it alone. You also get the support and friendship from the other KickStarters that is so valuable during the process. It was great knowing there were nine other KickStarters going through the same thing, especially during the late nights leading up to the show!

Q. What did you enjoy most about the three days of IJL 2017 in September?

I admit I was nervous the first day but everyone I met was so friendly and genuinely interested. I loved having the opportunity to talk about my collection and seeing reactions to the pieces. I came back with contacts that I believe I either wouldn’t have gotten or that would have taken longer to create.

It seemed like there was a mixture of stockists, stylists, press, jewellers and service providers (I made a contact with Shapeways, my 3D printing company) visiting the show and wanting to meet us. Receiving the Editors’ Choice ‘Designer to Watch’ came as such a surprise.

Farrah (centre) winning the IJL Editors’ Choice Designer to Watch Award at IJL 2017.

I’m proud to say Oddical jewellery is unusual and for the judges to celebrate that and predict success for the future was such a confidence boost. I came home feeling the show was a success for me.

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

As soon as you know you have been selected start planning your time, the months fly by! Decide what you want to achieve at the show. I think it’s a perfect opportunity to launch a new collection.

Research potential stockists and get in touch with them, tell existing stockists you’re involved. Talk about it on all your social media, you want to create a buzz about it so that you get the most visitors to your stand. Use the IJL website for information – I was constantly checking what tasks I should be doing and when. Reply to all the team’s emails asking for images or information as it’s such valuable PR. I also recommend applying for the Trends Catwalk (I had so many people come find me because of the piece they saw on the catwalk). Basically be as visible as you possibly can!

Q. How did KickStart help you on your journey to success?

KickStart gave me the perfect platform to launch new additions to my collection and get in touch with stockists that I wanted to work with; it gave me more confidence sending those initial emails. It helped me secure multiple stockists and created great PR for Oddical.

Dottie Oversized earrings Oddical model image
A model wears Dottie Oversized Drop Earrings by Oddical, RRP £235.

I believe it made approaching stockists and securing them easier as it gave me the perfect environment for those meetings and gave stockists confidence in me as a brand. Receiving the NAJ ‘KickStart of the Year’ Award again feels like a huge seal of approval from the industry and helps to establish Oddical as one to watch.

Q. Finally, how is your jewellery industry career or brand progressing and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?

I am extremely happy with how Oddical is progressing as a brand after a little over twelve months since launching. A lot of the goals I had set out for myself at the start of the year I have achieved and it has all helped to strengthen my ambition to make Oddical a successful jewellery brand.

I’m excited to say Oddical will be stocked with Young British Designers in early 2018 so I will be working hard towards that. I will then focus on developing and launching the second collection. I will also be launching a precious metal range of ‘ultra mini’ pieces created from sections of my most popular designs for people who want the quirky Oddical style but on a much smaller scale.

Over the course of 2018 I plan to build on my current stockists and hope to have Oddical stocked with high-end fashion retailers and increase the awareness of the brand on social media and in the fashion press. I’m determined to make 2018 even more successful for Oddical than 2017!

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

To apply for KickStart, please click here. 

The 2017 KickStarters at their shared stand at Olympia.

What is the IJL Journey?

As part of our IJL 365 approach, the IJL Journey extends far beyond our three-day trade event. It offers myriad career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, and introductions to key industry figures.

This invaluable advice prepares each Bright Young Gem, KickStarter and Design Gallery Exhibitor to meet the 9,000 strong jewellery audience at IJL 2018, from September 2-4.

Discover more about the IJL Journey, here. 

IJL is #withyou offering career opportunities and the chance to grow your jewellery business, whether you are a student, recent graduate, emerging brand or established player. Speak to our team to find out more. 

Quick Links:Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Images by Garazi Photography

Blog, Education, Exhibiting, Industry

7 Reasons Why Exhibiting at Trade Shows Is Worth It for Your Business

by IJL • • 6 Comments

So, what’s so great about trade shows? Firstly, exhibitions are a form of ‘permission based marketing’, which means visitors have made a conscious decision to attend and want to be sold to.

Trade shows offer a unique environment to simultaneously build brand awareness, network, close sales, maximise your future pipeline and speed-up the sales process. Even in the Internet age, when information is easier to come by, you’re more likely to secure a deal face-to-face at an exhibition.

Buyers come to trade shows with a budget to spend and are investing time to use it. If you aren’t taking your share – it means someone else is!

Take a look below to discover 7 Reasons why exhibiting at trade shows like IJL is crucial for your business…

Trade shows help to establish your brand identity

Whether you are established or are just starting out, exhibiting at a trade show demonstrates your commitment as a key player in the industry. Having a stand lets buyers know that you are invested in your business, while helping to raise your profile and affirm your position as a business that is serious about taking orders.

You can get face-to-face with your targeted audience

The fastest way to build relationships is face-to-face. From the very start, you can cement a solid relationship with your target audience and sign orders right there and then.

Related Blogs: How To Boost Your Brand With Influencer Marketing and Bloggers

Exhibition organisers work year-round to make sure that the right audience comes to their shows by vetting VIP’s, qualifying a trade audience and inviting or hosting international buyers to ensure a quality and quantity of visitors you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

Trade shows will expand your market reach

Break into new markets by showcasing your products to international buyers, getting the unique opportunity to meet them on a one-to-one basis. You’ll meet a diverse range of industry professionals who can help to expand your business, such as trade visitors from museums, TV shopping channels, hotels, airline retail, e-commerce stores and more.

And show off your brand and products

Having a stand doesn’t only allow buyers to see, touch and try your product for themselves, but it also gives you the opportunity to present a large amount of your products as they would appear within their stores. Your exhibition stand can act as your ‘shop window’, allowing buyers to discover your brand’s personality as well as its products.

Related Blogs: 5 Jewellery Industry Trends to Look out for in 2018

You’ll benefit from a 365-day community

Exhibition organisers have an extensive database to help promote your brand. Benefit from exposure to a wide audience on the IJL website and via direct mail, e-newsletters, social media and media coverage. Make the most of an extensive marketing campaign as part of your exhibiting package and take advantage of targeted marketing and branding opportunities.

Related Blogs: How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

Trade shows facilitate new relationships and maintain existing ones

Exhibitions offer a unique environment, not just to meet new leads and potential customers, but also to reconnect with your existing customers. Reinforce those all important relationships, introduce new products and increase orders during three intensive, but rewarding days!

Trade shows keep you up-to-date with industry insights

There is no better place to network than at a trade show. Uniting suppliers, buyers, distributors, agents, press, associations and industry professionals allows you to keep abreast with industry news and trends as well as learn from your peers and competitors.

Related Blogs: Never Miss a Seminar Speaker with the IJL Talks Podcast Series

Benefit from the dynamic education, seminars and one-to-one advice not only from the jewellery industry, but from a broad range of disciplines.

IJL is #withyou offering essential jewellery industry advice, guidance and support for emerging companies, designer-makers and international brands. Speak to our team to find out more. 

Quick Links: How to write a press pack

Quick Links: Get essential social media support

Blog, Industry, News, Trends

5 Jewellery Industry Trends to Look out for in 2018

by IJL • • 3 Comments

As another New Year fast approaches it is time to consider what the jewellery industry has in store for 2018.

The last 12 months have been tumultuous for retail, with businesses facing the impact of Brexit, unstable hallmarking figures and business rate woes. But, as we all know, the jewellery industry is infused with long-standing family traditions, fantastic people and creative skills that sparkle from the High Street and via the World Wide Web. It is this passion for a vibrant industry that guides the IJL team as we step into 2018.

Related Blogs: How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

Every year at IJL, countless brands, businesses and suppliers unveil their latest products and innovations. Drawing on this limitless source of inspiration and insight from the wider IJL community, we have developed five core predictions about what will shape the trade in 2018.

Take a look at our ideas below, and let us know your predictions on Twitter @jewellerylondon.

Jewellery Industry Trends 2018: Brand Power

It was clear that leading suppliers couldn’t steer clear of the branded boom for too long. As a result, many have now stepped into the branded space, turning their long history and heritage into a brand story in its own right.

Fantastic examples include bridal jewellery and wedding band specialist, Brown & Newirth, that has masterfully created shop-in-shop boutiques, brand advertising and collections that put its name, rather than its retail partners, at the centre. Despite this shift, its relationships with retailers are arguably stronger than ever, proving that becoming a brand need not ruin hard-won partnerships.

Related Blogs: Social Media Marketing For Jewellery Retailers

Charles Green, Hockley Mint, Domino and Curteis are also continuing with branded efforts (with some fantastic look-books and marketing materials on display at IJL 2017), and we expect this to flourish in 2018. Finally, expect to see more brands and suppliers considering own-brand boutiques in strategically-important locations. Clogau has benefited from its portfolio, while Henryka and Deakin & Francis (see below) are inviting customers into their worlds in Hereford and London respectively.

Jewellery Industry Trends 2018: Bespoke Brides

In recent years, brides have become more aware of the bespoke options available to them. They are more willing than ever before to push for something unique. But with the advent of personalisation and customisation in fashion jewellery, brides are beginning to expect more than just a design tweaked to their personal style… they want one-of-a-kind engravings, hidden messages, fingerprints and the complete experience that encapsulates this level of detail.

IJL 2017 Exhibitor of the Year Insignety is leading the way in this area, offering brides the chance to have their heartbeat, fingerprints, signature or unique messages inscribed onto wedding bands.

A post shared by Insignety (@insignety) on

For retailers, this means carefully communicating the presence of a bespoke service, whether creating a dedicated area in store, online or by allowing customers to browse beautiful portfolios of past designs in store. Take customers on a journey that is luxurious and unique to them to reap the rewards. UK Jewellery Award 2017 double winner, Allum & Sidaway is a great example of this in action.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Savvy Shoppers

It is safe to say that customers aren’t afraid to ask questions. A continuing interest in Fairtrade and ethical sourcing will combine with the urgency of environmental concerns in 2018, focusing millennial attention on not only where your jewellery comes from, but its impact on the planet itself.

Over the next 12 months, sales training will need to adapt to help employees answer questions in the right way, without leaving the customer confused or in doubt as to your authenticity. A clear communication strategy will also be required to show how your jewellery is a force for good.

Related Blogs: 5 Top Tips to Create a Stronger Jewellery Brand

What does this mean for emerging designer brands? Start as you mean to go on in 2018 by including a FAQ section on your website, spelling-out your ethical intentions or sharing behind-the-scenes pictures of the making process. The more authentic and transparent you can be, the better.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Employee Experience

2016 and 2017 were all about the customer experience and how a retail store can offer the ‘wow-factor’. 2018 will focus more on the Employee Experience. Why? Because fantastic, dedicated and well-trained staff are needed to drive these customer experiences forward. As retail evolves, retail employees will need to evolve too. Outdated training manuals and clunky videos will be replaced with contemporary, mentor-led training initiatives, designed to support Millennial and Gen-Z staff members with easily-digestible video clips via their mobile phones.

This new generation of employees also needs to see how their hard work can benefit their career prospects, so create a clear path from junior to manager from the get-go. The emphasis must be on showing how retail jewellery is not just a Saturday job, but a thriving and varied career.

Jewellery Trends 2018: Rock, Roll and Royalty

We already know that Pantone has declared ‘Ultra Violet’ the colour of 2018, but what else is in store for jewellery design in the next 12 months? The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May is likely to step away from ‘traditional’ royal weddings, adding a slightly more contemporary edge to proceedings.

For this reason, expect to see classically elegant designs and meticulous vintage-inspired pieces mixed with more rock-and-roll touches. As Miss Markle’s engagement ring is a trilogy diamond ring, perhaps an array of diamond and precious gemstone set versions is a good place to start!

Royalty aside, 2018 looks set to be the year of pearls, quirky charms and oversized earrings. Single strands of pearls will be set aside for rock-chick layering, featuring spikes, inky-black crystal accents and pops of colour. Elsewhere charm bracelets will emerge renewed in 2018 with quirkier, eccentric charms that tell a story beyond the traditional ‘mother’, ‘daughter’ or ’21st birthday’ tropes.

Finally, oversized earrings by the likes of Becca will continue to storm ahead (although IP issues in this area are sadly a concern for many talented designers), alongside quirky cameos and a resurgence of inlay and enamelling to create miniaturised paintings for a new generation.

IJL is #withyou exploring the biggest jewellery trends and future-proofing your business with ideas and inspiration. Discover all of the biggest jewellery trends for SS18 here. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack