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Education, Industry, News, Trends

Unveiling Future Trends – Discover the latest SS18 Trends

by IJL • • 2 Comments

Meet Rachael Taylor, IJL Trend Editor

Rachael Taylor is a freelance journalist specialising in jewellery who writes for a wide range of titles. In her 10 years reporting on the industry, she has travelled the globe to visit key trade fairs, descended a Fairtrade gold mine on top of a Peruvian mountain, toured silver jewellery factories in Thailand, and regularly has access to the most sparkling jewels and people in the business.

CHASE THE RAINBOW

Innovation in jewellery craft brings us surreal colour statements. Bespoke alloys or rhodium plating can transform gold into shades of fuscia, green, purple or black, while heat transforms titanium into peacock hues to stand out from, or blend in with, gemstones.

Coloured enamel and ceramics add accents or form the basis of designs, while bright leathers, feathers and silks create tactile flashes of colour.

 

THE ARTISAN

 

As technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, we have a new appreciation for traditional crafts. Centuries-old jewellery techniques including filigree, millegrain, gemstone carving, granulation and enamelling are a refreshing alternative to mass production. Jewels that appear to have been made by hand or personalised tap into consumers’ desire for experiences over purchases. Look too for jewels that mimic a couturier’s skills – metal that crumples like fabric or creates lace-like patterns; gems that evoke the lavish of brocade; pearl embellishments.

THE NEXT FRONTIER

The future is now. Geometric lines, 3D printing, abstract shapes and pixelated patterns make for exciting jewels inspired by the virtual worlds we inhabit. Delicate lines of diamonds or precious metal can be used to create cage shapes, spheres, open silhouettes. Jewellery embedded with tech gives us a glimpse into the future. Yet this trend has a retro side too, with romanticised 1960s-inspired visions of space exploration translated into heavy silver designs, glittering finishes, collars and cuffs, hoop earrings, celestial motifs, metallic spheres, Perspex and acrylics, and galactic gemstones like opals.

 

TRUE ROMANCE

Ladylike styles are once again back in vogue with soft colour palates, elegant cuts and sophisticated styles that echo timeless glamour. Create sugary colourways with pretty pastel gemstones such as kunzite, rose quartz, morganite, pale amethyst, chalcedony and coral. Pearls of all shades are key to this trend, presented in modern styles as the hero of the design. Diamonds should be kept light in simple line bracelets, dotted on long chains or micro-set to create minimalist open silhouettes and fluid shapes. Botanical and floral motifs add some refined drama.

 

SPECIAL CATWALK SCENE – HIGH SPIRITS

 

Next year’s bridal trends ooze confidence and exuberance. Dramatic bell sleeves on dresses, capes and off-the-shoulder styles bring a sense of playfulness and modernity to the wedding party, while sheer mesh with lace details in strategic places and deep V necklines and backs give dresses a sexy edge. Statement earrings or chokers work well with bare necklines, as well as the season’s other big trend for minimalist dresses, while lustrous bright pearls perfectly illuminate the new alternative nude palate. Florals, embellishment, glamour, maximalism – this is going to be one fun wedding.

News

Gold set for further rally as momentum falters for U.S. rate hikes

by David Brough • • 1 Comment

By David Brough

June 5, 2017 – Gold could be set for a further rally as momentum for further U.S. interest rate rises has slipped after the latest weaker-than-expected jobs data in the world’s biggest economy.

Signs of a faltering U.S. economic recovery mean that the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank, could be less aggressive in its interest rate setting policy in the coming months.
However, a rise in U.S. interest rates next week (the second this year) does look inevitable.

Receding pressure for a series of rate hikes this year is seen as bullish for bullion, as gold does not bear interest. Further signals of setbacks to the U.S. economic recovery could extend gold’s latest surge.

Bullion hit U.S.$1,281.95 per ounce, its highest level in more than six weeks, on June 5. Gold had jumped more than one percent on June 2 after data showed that U.S. job growth slowed in May.

Nikos Kavalis, director of independent consultancy Metals Focus, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying gold would probably rise to a four-year high above U.S.$1,400 an ounce this year, while Toronto-Dominion Bank’s Bart Melek said gold could touch U.S.$1,300 and average U.S.$1,275 in the fourth quarter.

Goldman Sachs has pushed back its forecast for a third U.S. interest rate rise this year to December, from September.

The reason for the change is that “the (Fed) committee will prefer to wait for clarity on the outlook before implementing a third hike this year – particularly given signs of slowing job growth and the recent drop in core inflation.”

Related Blog: Rare Colour Diamonds Steal Limelight but Highlight White Diamond Opportunities

Another factor supporting gold is global political turmoil and uncertainty, with the June 3 terror attack in London seen as boosting bullion’s attraction as a safe-haven asset. The ongoing investigation into any possible improper links between members of the Trump administration and Russia, could also drive investors to gold, especially if it dampens the administration’s efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy.

Uncertainty over the outcome of the UK’s June 8 general election could support gold prices. The election result is now expected to be much tighter than previously predicted. The extent of bullion’s near-term recovery will be linked to how the U.S. dollar, in which gold is denominated, continues to react to the disappointing U.S. jobs data. A further weakening of the dollar this week would put more fuel into bullion’s rally.

According to FXStreet.com, from a technical perspective, there is no resistance now between gold’s present level and the April high of U.S.$1,295.70 per ounce.

Money managers increased long positions in U.S. futures to the highest in four weeks in the five days to May 30 after raising them by the most in almost a decade a week before, Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show.

Meanwhile, holdings in the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest exchange-traded fund backed by bullion, have risen by more than 6 percent since the end of January to 851 metric tons as of June 2.

Related Blog: Market Update: Trump Era Brings Spark Back to Gold Investments

Blog, Education, Industry

The Three Layers of Engaging Visual Merchandising for Retailers

by IJL • • 2 Comments

By Jo Henderson of JHJ Consultancy

We can all be guilty of looking but not seeing when it comes to the presentation of our stores and displays. We assume that because we view them constantly that we see what our customer(s) and potential customers see.

However try this experiment; without looking cover the watch you have on your wrist and try and answer all of these questions correctly; is it numbers or markers and of what style and placement, what colour and pattern is the face and where exactly is the logo. I can predict you have answered at least one of these questions wrongly. What this demonstrates is we assume we see but we don’t look with fresh eyes. You can do the same experiment with a £20 note, try it with your team as well.

Read more: Essential Advice to Improve Your Digital Customer Experience

So let’s think about really looking with fresh eyes and where to start?

Visual Merchandising Layer One : Make a great first impression

Stand as far away as possible from your store(s), across the street, the other side of the precinct. What is the tone of your brand, your store, what message do you portray? Do you give off a vibe of classic luxury? Contemporary fashion? Do you appear open and inclusive? Aspirational? Do you stand out? Can you be seen? Is the store intimidating? Old fashioned?

Crucially, does your store tell the customer who you are as a brand and draw them closer?

At this stage customers can have an incorrect assumption about your store or not even notice it, so they never get close enough to look in the window… let alone cross the threshold. You may be offering exactly what they want to buy, but if they’re not impressed by your store on first glance, they’re likely to walk away. This stage is not about the jewellery and watches you sell or display, it’s about the atmosphere you create.

Visual Merchandising Layer Two: Draw customers in

If you are able to draw customers to your store ensure that, like moths to a flame, they see exactly what it is they were hoping to find and more. Go above and beyond their expectations. This layer is predominately about your window displays and the displays that guide a customers inside your store.

Have a plan for up to a year in advance and make sure to change your window theme and colours at least four times a year. Don’t leave it until the last minute and give yourself and your staff plenty of time to source props and materials.

Think about the time of year, such as the seasons and, obviously, celebrations such as Christmas and Valentine’s. However, I would advise against being too literal  – this can be limiting and restrictive to creativity.

Think about repetition and scale, and beware of anything that looks halfhearted or amateur. Think simple, but effective. Some of the best displays I have seen take very easily sourced, inexpensive materials and use them in creative and innovative ways. Don’t forget, your jewellery is visible at this stage, so while you should be captivating and inspiring the customer, you shouldn’t be overshadowing or sidelining your jewellery.

Read more: What Do Customers Look for in Luxury Brands in 2017?

The old adage: less is more really can apply here when it comes to product. Show enough to give a picture of what is available but let it breathe. Take a look at the Instagram account of IJL 2017 exhibitor, 4D Projects, who will be showcasing their talents in the IJL Retail Experience Zone this year.

Visual Merchandising Layer Three: The star of the show

Jewellery and watches must ultimately be the main focus. Ensure that pieces are correctly lit, beautifully placed and grouped. Allow space around products and group them in families or suites. Think about colour and style and, where appropriate, do consider cross-merchandising between different designers and brands to show a ‘look’ to a customer to encourage link selling.

Have you considered labelling? Beautifully presented and relevant information will be read by the customer. Just because you know about the product don’t assume the customer does. Stories and product descriptions can be very powerful and give the sales person a seamless starting point for customer interaction.

Read more: Why the Synthetic Diamond Market Hinges on Clever Promotion

To price or not is a personal choice, but in most cases I am in favour of neat, unobtrusive pricing even if you only visibly price some of the pieces. Above all treat the product, the displays and your customers with the care they deserve.

Now, go and take a look at your business’ displays with fresh eyes!

IJL is #withyou drawing on the expertise and knowledge of industry experts to support your retail business. Discover our Diamond Club of over 500 UK and international retailers and buyers here. 

Education, Industry, News

What You Need to Know About Working With the B2B Trade Press

by IJL • • 2 Comments

By Ruth Faulkner, editor, Retail Jeweller

The purpose of the trade press is to keep the industry informed of the latest news, products, trends and information in order to enable them to run their businesses better.

The trade press is fundamentally different to the consumer press and, more often than not, from a brand and designer point of view, it is necessary to secure coverage in trade titles in order to gain new stockists ahead of targeting the consumer press.

There is no point getting coverage in a consumer title if you are not yet stocked in retail outlets, as consumers will not be able to buy your product. A trade title though, might be able to help you secure those stockists.

Related Blogs: IJL 2017 Exhibitor The Rock Hound On Business Growth, Social Media and Advertising

As a result of these differences between the trade and consumer press, their specific requirements in terms of what they are looking for and what they need from you are also fundamentally different.

What the trade press want from you

· Put simply, the trade press want information that is relevant to the trade

· This could include, but is not limited to, information on new collections/collaborations/an appearance at a trade show/news of new stockists/new store openings/success at awards

· A news worthy angle. Any news must be current and not something which happened a long time ago

· Focused information which is concise and to the point but includes all relevant information

What makes a great B2B press release?

One of the best ways to get all of the information across is by sending a press release including all relevant points. Take a look below to see some of my top press release dos and don’ts…

DO

· Include the most important information towards the top of the release

· If the press release relates to a new collection or something that you will launching at a trade show include information about price points, materials used, design inspiration

· If you can, and it is relevant, include a quote which can be used in an article

· Make sure you include all of your contact information

DON’T

· Forget to include good quality high res images or a link to download them

· Send an overly long press release – one side of A4 is usually sufficient

What sort of images should I send your way?

Despite often referring to new collections or pieces, the number of people that forget to send over high quality images is quite astounding.

Related Blogs: 5 Of The Best Royalty Free Image Websites

All images supplied should be at least 300dpi (print quality) and it is usually best to supply a mixture of product (cut-out) still life images and lifestyle (model) shots also (if you have them). Supplying a range of images offers the publication a choice.

What else would you recommend?

If you are unsure about what the trade press might be looking for from a story, read their magazines and websites to get a sense of the sorts of articles they generally run.

Attend industry events and seminars, where possible, as this is your best chance of meeting members of the editorial team and getting to know them. Put quite simply, if you know the people working at a magazine, you will find it much easier to approach them about what they are looking for from news stories and features.

Related Blogs: 5 Reasons Why Your Jewellery Business Needs Content Marketing

If you are unsure if something is news worthy or you want some help with a press release – just ask. Most people in this trade are willing to offer their support and that includes the trade press.

IJL is #withyou drawing from the expertise of our friends and colleagues in the industry to grow your business and tell your stories. Speak to our dedicated marketing team to find out more. 

Education, Industry, News, Trends

Unveiling Future Trends – Discover the latest SS18 Trends

by IJL • • 2 Comments

Meet Rachael Taylor, IJL Trend Editor

Rachael Taylor is a freelance journalist specialising in jewellery who writes for a wide range of titles. In her 10 years reporting on the industry, she has travelled the globe to visit key trade fairs, descended a Fairtrade gold mine on top of a Peruvian mountain, toured silver jewellery factories in Thailand, and regularly has access to the most sparkling jewels and people in the business.

CHASE THE RAINBOW

Innovation in jewellery craft brings us surreal colour statements. Bespoke alloys or rhodium plating can transform gold into shades of fuscia, green, purple or black, while heat transforms titanium into peacock hues to stand out from, or blend in with, gemstones.

Coloured enamel and ceramics add accents or form the basis of designs, while bright leathers, feathers and silks create tactile flashes of colour.

 

THE ARTISAN

 

As technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, we have a new appreciation for traditional crafts. Centuries-old jewellery techniques including filigree, millegrain, gemstone carving, granulation and enamelling are a refreshing alternative to mass production. Jewels that appear to have been made by hand or personalised tap into consumers’ desire for experiences over purchases. Look too for jewels that mimic a couturier’s skills – metal that crumples like fabric or creates lace-like patterns; gems that evoke the lavish of brocade; pearl embellishments.

THE NEXT FRONTIER

The future is now. Geometric lines, 3D printing, abstract shapes and pixelated patterns make for exciting jewels inspired by the virtual worlds we inhabit. Delicate lines of diamonds or precious metal can be used to create cage shapes, spheres, open silhouettes. Jewellery embedded with tech gives us a glimpse into the future. Yet this trend has a retro side too, with romanticised 1960s-inspired visions of space exploration translated into heavy silver designs, glittering finishes, collars and cuffs, hoop earrings, celestial motifs, metallic spheres, Perspex and acrylics, and galactic gemstones like opals.

 

TRUE ROMANCE

Ladylike styles are once again back in vogue with soft colour palates, elegant cuts and sophisticated styles that echo timeless glamour. Create sugary colourways with pretty pastel gemstones such as kunzite, rose quartz, morganite, pale amethyst, chalcedony and coral. Pearls of all shades are key to this trend, presented in modern styles as the hero of the design. Diamonds should be kept light in simple line bracelets, dotted on long chains or micro-set to create minimalist open silhouettes and fluid shapes. Botanical and floral motifs add some refined drama.

 

SPECIAL CATWALK SCENE – HIGH SPIRITS

 

Next year’s bridal trends ooze confidence and exuberance. Dramatic bell sleeves on dresses, capes and off-the-shoulder styles bring a sense of playfulness and modernity to the wedding party, while sheer mesh with lace details in strategic places and deep V necklines and backs give dresses a sexy edge. Statement earrings or chokers work well with bare necklines, as well as the season’s other big trend for minimalist dresses, while lustrous bright pearls perfectly illuminate the new alternative nude palate. Florals, embellishment, glamour, maximalism – this is going to be one fun wedding.

News

Gold set for further rally as momentum falters for U.S. rate hikes

by David Brough • • 1 Comment

By David Brough

June 5, 2017 – Gold could be set for a further rally as momentum for further U.S. interest rate rises has slipped after the latest weaker-than-expected jobs data in the world’s biggest economy.

Signs of a faltering U.S. economic recovery mean that the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank, could be less aggressive in its interest rate setting policy in the coming months.
However, a rise in U.S. interest rates next week (the second this year) does look inevitable.

Receding pressure for a series of rate hikes this year is seen as bullish for bullion, as gold does not bear interest. Further signals of setbacks to the U.S. economic recovery could extend gold’s latest surge.

Bullion hit U.S.$1,281.95 per ounce, its highest level in more than six weeks, on June 5. Gold had jumped more than one percent on June 2 after data showed that U.S. job growth slowed in May.

Nikos Kavalis, director of independent consultancy Metals Focus, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying gold would probably rise to a four-year high above U.S.$1,400 an ounce this year, while Toronto-Dominion Bank’s Bart Melek said gold could touch U.S.$1,300 and average U.S.$1,275 in the fourth quarter.

Goldman Sachs has pushed back its forecast for a third U.S. interest rate rise this year to December, from September.

The reason for the change is that “the (Fed) committee will prefer to wait for clarity on the outlook before implementing a third hike this year – particularly given signs of slowing job growth and the recent drop in core inflation.”

Related Blog: Rare Colour Diamonds Steal Limelight but Highlight White Diamond Opportunities

Another factor supporting gold is global political turmoil and uncertainty, with the June 3 terror attack in London seen as boosting bullion’s attraction as a safe-haven asset. The ongoing investigation into any possible improper links between members of the Trump administration and Russia, could also drive investors to gold, especially if it dampens the administration’s efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy.

Uncertainty over the outcome of the UK’s June 8 general election could support gold prices. The election result is now expected to be much tighter than previously predicted. The extent of bullion’s near-term recovery will be linked to how the U.S. dollar, in which gold is denominated, continues to react to the disappointing U.S. jobs data. A further weakening of the dollar this week would put more fuel into bullion’s rally.

According to FXStreet.com, from a technical perspective, there is no resistance now between gold’s present level and the April high of U.S.$1,295.70 per ounce.

Money managers increased long positions in U.S. futures to the highest in four weeks in the five days to May 30 after raising them by the most in almost a decade a week before, Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show.

Meanwhile, holdings in the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest exchange-traded fund backed by bullion, have risen by more than 6 percent since the end of January to 851 metric tons as of June 2.

Related Blog: Market Update: Trump Era Brings Spark Back to Gold Investments

Blog, Education, Industry

The Three Layers of Engaging Visual Merchandising for Retailers

by IJL • • 2 Comments

By Jo Henderson of JHJ Consultancy

We can all be guilty of looking but not seeing when it comes to the presentation of our stores and displays. We assume that because we view them constantly that we see what our customer(s) and potential customers see.

However try this experiment; without looking cover the watch you have on your wrist and try and answer all of these questions correctly; is it numbers or markers and of what style and placement, what colour and pattern is the face and where exactly is the logo. I can predict you have answered at least one of these questions wrongly. What this demonstrates is we assume we see but we don’t look with fresh eyes. You can do the same experiment with a £20 note, try it with your team as well.

Read more: Essential Advice to Improve Your Digital Customer Experience

So let’s think about really looking with fresh eyes and where to start?

Visual Merchandising Layer One : Make a great first impression

Stand as far away as possible from your store(s), across the street, the other side of the precinct. What is the tone of your brand, your store, what message do you portray? Do you give off a vibe of classic luxury? Contemporary fashion? Do you appear open and inclusive? Aspirational? Do you stand out? Can you be seen? Is the store intimidating? Old fashioned?

Crucially, does your store tell the customer who you are as a brand and draw them closer?

At this stage customers can have an incorrect assumption about your store or not even notice it, so they never get close enough to look in the window… let alone cross the threshold. You may be offering exactly what they want to buy, but if they’re not impressed by your store on first glance, they’re likely to walk away. This stage is not about the jewellery and watches you sell or display, it’s about the atmosphere you create.

Visual Merchandising Layer Two: Draw customers in

If you are able to draw customers to your store ensure that, like moths to a flame, they see exactly what it is they were hoping to find and more. Go above and beyond their expectations. This layer is predominately about your window displays and the displays that guide a customers inside your store.

Have a plan for up to a year in advance and make sure to change your window theme and colours at least four times a year. Don’t leave it until the last minute and give yourself and your staff plenty of time to source props and materials.

Think about the time of year, such as the seasons and, obviously, celebrations such as Christmas and Valentine’s. However, I would advise against being too literal  – this can be limiting and restrictive to creativity.

Think about repetition and scale, and beware of anything that looks halfhearted or amateur. Think simple, but effective. Some of the best displays I have seen take very easily sourced, inexpensive materials and use them in creative and innovative ways. Don’t forget, your jewellery is visible at this stage, so while you should be captivating and inspiring the customer, you shouldn’t be overshadowing or sidelining your jewellery.

Read more: What Do Customers Look for in Luxury Brands in 2017?

The old adage: less is more really can apply here when it comes to product. Show enough to give a picture of what is available but let it breathe. Take a look at the Instagram account of IJL 2017 exhibitor, 4D Projects, who will be showcasing their talents in the IJL Retail Experience Zone this year.

Visual Merchandising Layer Three: The star of the show

Jewellery and watches must ultimately be the main focus. Ensure that pieces are correctly lit, beautifully placed and grouped. Allow space around products and group them in families or suites. Think about colour and style and, where appropriate, do consider cross-merchandising between different designers and brands to show a ‘look’ to a customer to encourage link selling.

Have you considered labelling? Beautifully presented and relevant information will be read by the customer. Just because you know about the product don’t assume the customer does. Stories and product descriptions can be very powerful and give the sales person a seamless starting point for customer interaction.

Read more: Why the Synthetic Diamond Market Hinges on Clever Promotion

To price or not is a personal choice, but in most cases I am in favour of neat, unobtrusive pricing even if you only visibly price some of the pieces. Above all treat the product, the displays and your customers with the care they deserve.

Now, go and take a look at your business’ displays with fresh eyes!

IJL is #withyou drawing on the expertise and knowledge of industry experts to support your retail business. Discover our Diamond Club of over 500 UK and international retailers and buyers here. 

Education, Industry, News

What You Need to Know About Working With the B2B Trade Press

by IJL • • 2 Comments

By Ruth Faulkner, editor, Retail Jeweller

The purpose of the trade press is to keep the industry informed of the latest news, products, trends and information in order to enable them to run their businesses better.

The trade press is fundamentally different to the consumer press and, more often than not, from a brand and designer point of view, it is necessary to secure coverage in trade titles in order to gain new stockists ahead of targeting the consumer press.

There is no point getting coverage in a consumer title if you are not yet stocked in retail outlets, as consumers will not be able to buy your product. A trade title though, might be able to help you secure those stockists.

Related Blogs: IJL 2017 Exhibitor The Rock Hound On Business Growth, Social Media and Advertising

As a result of these differences between the trade and consumer press, their specific requirements in terms of what they are looking for and what they need from you are also fundamentally different.

What the trade press want from you

· Put simply, the trade press want information that is relevant to the trade

· This could include, but is not limited to, information on new collections/collaborations/an appearance at a trade show/news of new stockists/new store openings/success at awards

· A news worthy angle. Any news must be current and not something which happened a long time ago

· Focused information which is concise and to the point but includes all relevant information

What makes a great B2B press release?

One of the best ways to get all of the information across is by sending a press release including all relevant points. Take a look below to see some of my top press release dos and don’ts…

DO

· Include the most important information towards the top of the release

· If the press release relates to a new collection or something that you will launching at a trade show include information about price points, materials used, design inspiration

· If you can, and it is relevant, include a quote which can be used in an article

· Make sure you include all of your contact information

DON’T

· Forget to include good quality high res images or a link to download them

· Send an overly long press release – one side of A4 is usually sufficient

What sort of images should I send your way?

Despite often referring to new collections or pieces, the number of people that forget to send over high quality images is quite astounding.

Related Blogs: 5 Of The Best Royalty Free Image Websites

All images supplied should be at least 300dpi (print quality) and it is usually best to supply a mixture of product (cut-out) still life images and lifestyle (model) shots also (if you have them). Supplying a range of images offers the publication a choice.

What else would you recommend?

If you are unsure about what the trade press might be looking for from a story, read their magazines and websites to get a sense of the sorts of articles they generally run.

Attend industry events and seminars, where possible, as this is your best chance of meeting members of the editorial team and getting to know them. Put quite simply, if you know the people working at a magazine, you will find it much easier to approach them about what they are looking for from news stories and features.

Related Blogs: 5 Reasons Why Your Jewellery Business Needs Content Marketing

If you are unsure if something is news worthy or you want some help with a press release – just ask. Most people in this trade are willing to offer their support and that includes the trade press.

IJL is #withyou drawing from the expertise of our friends and colleagues in the industry to grow your business and tell your stories. Speak to our dedicated marketing team to find out more.