Blog Modules

5 minutes with: Sheldon Bloomfield

Industry, People

5 minutes with: Sheldon Bloomfield

Since setting up his business 25-years ago, Sheldon Bloomfield has weathered all the ups, downs, triumphs and tribulations that the jewellery industry has to offer. His eponymous Yorkshire-based fine jewellery company initially specialised in 9ct gold handmade jewellery manufactured in ... Read More
5 minutes with: Sheldon Bloomfield

Industry, People

5 minutes with: Sheldon Bloomfield

Since setting up his business 25-years ago, Sheldon Bloomfield has weathered all the ups, downs, triumphs and tribulations that the jewellery industry has to offer. His eponymous Yorkshire-based fine jewellery company initially specialised in 9ct gold handmade jewellery manufactured in ... Read More

Blog, Industry

10 Reasons Why UK Trade Shows Are Essential for International Brands

by IJL • • 2 Comments

With over 500 exhibiting companies from 37 countries, IJL is a truly international event in the heart of London.

We welcome brands, businesses and buyers from across the globe, each with a passion for jewellery, watches and gemstones.

Our team of multi-lingual International Agents is on-hand to guide you through the exhibiting process and help you decide whether IJL 2017 is for you. But before you pick up the phone, take a look at 10 reasons why the UK is an exciting market for your jewellery business below.

Reaching UK retailers – from thriving independents to booming High Street giants – is an exciting prospect, and exhibiting at UK trade shows will help you get there…

IJL 2017 Olympia Grand dates
Olympia London, the home of International Jewellery London 2017.

What makes the UK jewellery and watch market unique?

1. The United Kingdom remains one of the largest jewellery markets in the world. In fact, retailers in the UK purchased $9 billion worth of jewellery from international manufacturers in 2015 – now is your time to take your share.

2. Demand for watches has been going from strength-to-strength, enjoying 11% growth on average each year in the past five years, and now representing 20% of imports.

3. The UK offers a diverse range of jewellery buyers from a broad range of businesses, including contemporary concept stores, independent jewellery retailers, fashion and gift retailers, department stores, mail order suppliers, e-commerce boutiques, TV shopping channels and hotel chains.

4. Global market research company, Mintel, estimated that the UK jewellery market grew in 2015 by 1.2% to £4.1bn. Now, it has forecast that the jewellery market will increase by 9% to £4.5bn by 2020.

How will IJL 2017 help my brand grow in the UK?

5. International Jewellery London is the only UK show to have a strict verification process to ensure IJL remains trade only. This is essential, as it means everyone who attends our September event is relevant to the trade and ready to do business. In 2015, for example, 60% of visitors to IJL were actively looking for new suppliers.

Read more: Passport and Visa information for international visitors and exhibitors

6. IJL hosts the UK’s most significant and senior VIP programme, The Diamond Club, which welcomes senior jewellery buyers from the top department stores, independent retailers, fashion boutiques, museums and galleries, online retailers and multiple retailer from across the UK and internationally.

IJL 2017 Diamond Club buyers members
Guests in the dedicated Diamond Club Lounge at IJL 2016.

Take a look at some of the members of our Diamond Club below:

Independent Jewellery Retailers
Allum & Sidaway, Banks Lyon Jewellers, Baroque, David Christopher Ltd, Green & Benz, Hamilton & Inches, Hugh Rice Limited, Leonard Dews (Hyman Group), Mococo, Ogden’s in Harrogate, Philip Stoner the Jewellers, SWAG Jewellers, TH Baker, Wave, Weirs & Sons (Dublin), Whittles, Wongs Jewellers

Bond Street Jewellers
Wolf & Badger, Bentley & Skinner, Boodle & Dunthorne, DeBeers Diamond Jewellers, Garrard, Heming, Stephen Webster, William & Son

Museums and Galleries
British Museum Company, Christies, Talisman Gallery and the V&A Museum

Multiple Retailers
Aurum Holdings, Beaverbrooks, F. Hinds, Fields Retail, Fraser Hart, Goldsmiths, Kalyan Corporate Jewellers (UAE), Rivoli Group (UAE), Signet Group, TJX Group, CONSUL Swiss Watches & Jewellery Group (Russia), Watch Shop, Watches 2U

Online Retailers
Amazon, Argos, Mr Porter, Notonthehighstreet.com and QVC

Department Stores
Bentalls, Fenwicks, Fortnum & Mason, Hallet Retail, Harrods, John Lewis Partnership, Galleries Lafayette (France), Primtemps (France)

Airline/Duty Free Retailers
Harding Retail, World Duty Free Group, Gate Retail Onboard

Are trade shows worth it?

7. With exhibitors from 37 countries and visitors from 69 countries, IJL is a hub of activity and networking for jewellery businesses big and small. Trade shows such as IJL provide a unique environment to meet your target audience one-to-one, which is not always possible when trying to break into new markets.

Exhibitions are ‘permission based marketing’, which means visitors have made a conscious decision to attend and they want to be sold to. 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.

Are trade shows still relevant?

8. Quality buyers and exhibitors, alongside a sector-leading programme of events, seminars and initiatives, are what set IJL apart. Plus, IJL welcomes a leading selection of media and journalists who are able to continue telling your story long after the three-day event has finished.

Don’t believe us? Watch our 2016 highlights video to see what some of our international exhibitors have to say…

Are trade shows worth the investment?

9. International Jewellery London is more than just a three-day event. As a forward-looking trade show we offer 365-day exposure and support for our exhibitors, including free, dedicated marketing to your target audience and the wider UK industry.

10. Our sector leading marketing support, which is included in your exhibitor package, includes blog content, social media marketing, digital marketing and essential introductions. Here’s what you need to know…

You will get:

  • A profile on the IJL website to show off your products, videos and marketing material from point of singing up.
  • Images of your products on the IJL Product Gallery and show sector listing.
  • Your profile printed in the show directory – available to every visitor entering the show.
  • A listing in the Essential Guide, mailed to a 10,000 trade audience.
  • The chance to feature on the IJL catwalk, taking place 3 times a day.
  • Social media exposure to IJL’s 43,000 following.
  • Exposure and support from IJL’s dedicated PR team.
  • Opportunity to enter the Editor’s Choice Awards
  • Printed invitations, personalised floorplans and online personalised registration forms to send to your clients.
  • Access to an exhibitor masterclass to help you get the most out of exhibiting and to help your business thrive before, during and after the show.
  • Support from the Customer Service Team, helping to answer all of your exhibiting questions.
  • Entry to the IJL Event Party with guests invited from the VIP Diamond Club, trade and consumer press and the opportunity to invite your trade customers.
  • Get in touch with leads before the show with the exclusive ‘My-Event’ tool.
  • Recommendations – we will ensure your products are recommended to relevant buyers before the show.
IJL Catwalk marketing
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.

Don’t forget about the Hallmarking Act of 1973!

The UK has laws relating to the compulsory, independent hallmarking of gold and silver products, and these laws have an impact on anyone selling products into or within the UK. Please click here to find out more.

IJL is #withyou to support the growth, development and visibility of your brand or business. Find out how we can help you, by contacting us. 

Blog, Industry, People

Get Your Jewellery Career off to a Flying Start with the IJL Journey

by IJL • • 2 Comments

What do Pippa Small, Tomasz Donocik, Fernando Jorge, Imogen Belfield, Ruth Tomlinson and Sophie Breitmeyer have in common aside from their phenomenal jewellery design talents?

Since 2005, all of these award-winning jewellers have been on the IJL Journey; utilising the Bright Young Gems and KickStart schemes offered by International Jewellery London early in their careers to give their brands a boost.

These reputation-building initiatives are completely unique in the UK jewellery industry, offering students and emerging jewellery designers the chance to show off, meet press and sign those all-important orders with retailers.

Bright Young Gems and KickStart are just two steps in the IJL Journey, which takes brands and businesses from their infancy all the way to global domination.

The IJL Journey KickStart Bright Young Gems

Is the IJL Bright Young Gems scheme right for me?

Bright Young Gems is designed specifically for final year students at UK colleges and universities. If you think you have the talent, creative eye and ambition to be the next big thing in jewellery, we want to hear from you!

Read more: Discover the 2016 Bright Young Gems 

All the applicants to Bright Young Gems will be considered by our expert panel of judges, including Hilary Alexander, editor-at-large at Hello Fashion Monthly, Annabel Davidson, editor of Vanity Fair on Jewellery, British fine jewellery designer Shaun Leane, executive fashion and jewellery editor at Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country, Charlie Boyd, and Sunday Times Style jewellery editor, Alice Edwards.

Plus, Bright Young Gems is supported by the National Association of Jewellers, which means your efforts will be recognised by the wider jewellery industry.

BYG alumni are…

  • Stocked in major UK department stores, like Harrods, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason
  • Sold on Matchesfashion.com and Net-a-Porter.com
  • Own-brand boutique owners
  • Winners of prestigious Couture Show Design Awards
  • Excelling with the British Fashion Council and its Rock Vault scheme

I’ve already graduated… how will IJL KickStart help my jewellery career?

If you’ve already established your own business but you’re ready to take the next step and reach out to potential stockists, KickStart is for you. This initiative has been introducing new design talents to the UK and international jewellery industries since 2009, with many gaining long-term retail partners along the way.

Read more: Meet 2016 KickStarter Emily Richardson

The scheme, which is supported by the National Association of Jewellers, also includes mentoring, workshops and access to International Jewellery London’s business-boosting content. If chosen, you will have access to a stand in the Design Gallery area of IJL, as well as the opportunity to meet the trade press who could be your biggest media champions.

Are you thinking of entering KickStart 2017?

If you’re determined to grow your business, meet potential customers and get valuable feedback from industry experts, you’re going to have to meet the following conditions:

  • Your products must be designed and made in the UK
  • You must be able to take and fulfil orders from retailers
  • Participants will be required to become a member of the NAJ – check out their website naj.co.uk to find out more
  • All precious jewellery should be legally hallmarked
  • If you’ve already exhibited independently at IJL, jump straight to our Design Gallery information below.
  • Your business must be less than five years old
  • Successful KickStarters will be required to pay £715 + VAT for the price of a stand at IJL

Read more: Meet 2016 KickStarter Marina Skia

Are there other ways to get started on the IJL Journey?

If you’re ready to launch your business, but don’t feel Bright Young Gems or KickStart is right for you, we have another great option – the IJL New Designers Area.

IJL is renowned for showcasing new design talent – and there’s no better place for retailers to discover innovative new collections than with a visit to the New Designer Area, located within the Design Gallery on the Gallery Level of the show. Stands are available to designers exhibiting for the very first time at IJL, but only if your business is less than five years old.

If you’ve got strong design principles, a fantastic product and the ability to fulfil retailer orders we want to hear from you!

Am I ready to exhibit in the Design Gallery?

If you’ve been a KickStarter or exhibited in the New Designers Area and want to take things up a notch, then you need the Design Gallery. This specialist sector of International Jewellery London is dedicated to high quality designers and established talent, which is why we operate a strict selection process for stands.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to exhibit alongside the liks of Daou Jewellery, Jana Reinhardt, V Jewellery, Phoebe Jewellery, Jenny Llewellyn and Kristjan Eyjolfsson, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Share your IJL moments with us using the hashtag #IJLJourney

International Jewellery London is proud to support the jewellery industry. Find out how we’re #withyou here.

Blog, Education

Can Remarketing Services Help Your Business?

by Robbie Jones • • 5 Comments

Remarketing is a very clever marketing tool that can connect your brand with visitors who have gone to your website, but may not have made an immediate purchase.

A good example would be when you look at a particular website to buy a pair of shoes. When you exit the website without purchasing, you may notice an advert for those shoes following you around other, unrelated websites as a ‘reminder’ to make the purchase. This means you can barely access your phone or computer without the memory surfacing on your screen of those shoes that were tempting you earlier in the week.

Remarketing has provided a welcome solution for many companies, who previously had to make do with a web banner on one specific page of a website. Sometimes a web banner on one page can be effective, if the content is relevant; for example, an association sponsoring a page about industry education.

Read more: 7 Reasons Why Exhibiting at Trade Shows Is Good for Your Business

Too often, however, it has been a case of throwing money at internet advertising hoping that the right people will pay heed. What is so exciting about remarketing is that when your potential customer leaves your jewellery-related website, to check the latest news or football score, or to shop for something totally different, your banner will follow them and stand out as the only thing in the world of watches and jewellery on the next web page they are viewing.

Moving away from the whirlwind of jewellery websites, so often plastered with supplier and buyer messages, your advertising is much more distinguishable. There is guaranteed repeated exposure which delivers a real impact. People begin to associate with, and memorise, a brand after seeing them at least five times – the minimum each web-user should be targeted.

Read more: The Best Kept Secrets of LinkedIn for Business Owners

In terms of value, in the CPM (‘Cost Per Impression’) method of remarketing, you are paying for the number of people who will be targeted by your advertisement, not hoping that a certain number will see it based on projections. Your advertising providers should consult you on this anyway, but it’s important to remember that this advert can be more aesthetically driven or more educational for your audience, depending on what is most important to you.

At IJL, exhibitors like Clogau have used remarketing as a tool to help promote their participation at the show. When buyers go onto the IJL website to register, check the dates or plan their visit, a Clogau advert will appear when they then go onto BBC news for example, or the trainline.com, promoting visitors to go to their stand.

Several of IJL’s clients have benefited from this, since it was introduced in 2015– from First Jewellery to UK Beads, whose director Andrew Sanders said: “This is one of the most effective online promotional opportunities I have come across. I have generated sales before arriving at the event, with customers commenting on my profile.”

Read more: 5 Must-Have Free Marketing Tools

My favourite anecdote, which happened during IJL 2015, was listening to an industry insider paying a lovely compliment to Jan Martin Asscher on how she had been seeing his brand everywhere in the build up to the show, naturally not knowing that IJL had executed the campaign with him.

So, what are the criticisms of remarketing? There seem to be three reservations. The first is the reputed lack of targeting and certainty delivered by these campaigns. If remarketing is going to be following around a single website’s user-audience – in our case, IJL’s online visitors – you need to be sure that people who use that website will include your target audience. Although, presumably, this is why you exhibit at that event, or advertise in trade magazines, in the first place!

The next two criticisms are becoming more and more risible. Detractors have said it’s invasive, with some going as far as to describe it as ‘Big Brother interference’ – a reference that would make the author of 1984 turn in his grave.

There is an important moral difference between competing companies of any size trying to reach more potential customers, on the one hand, and a government’s brainwashing of a population (without free will) on the other! I’ve never once felt offended by a cricket bat or a television, or a piece of jewellery, following me around the internet. It must be effective though as it’s those brands I now think of first, in each of their respective fields. They should be credited for their ambition.

Finally, it’s true that users have the right to block cookies, meaning you can’t guarantee everyone who visits the initial website will then be re-targeted. However, you only pay for those people who have accepted the cookies and who are being retargeted.

Read more: Instagram Accounts That Every Jewellery Aficionado Should Follow

In summary, remarketing is here to stay. The watches and jewellery industry needs as much support as possible to be more productive online. Remarketing may be new to many of us, or perhaps you have embraced it and think of it as helping you to achieve only one of your goals? The original marketing questions have simply been amplified, not altered. We need to ask this all the time. “What message am I trying to convey to the trade?” and “What is this message going to look like?” These questions need answering before a remarketing campaign can begin. This certainty, knowing that the image you have decided on is going to stand out as the common theme – owned by you – on otherwise unrelated websites, is something we should be cherishing right now.

Working in such a visual industry, with so many vibrant stories and legacies attached to it, jewellery professionals need to be taking full advantage of this phenomenon

IJL is #withyou to help with your marketing goals. If you would like to find out more about implementing a remarketing campaign, please contact us. 

Discover more about Remarketing here. 

Industry, News

IJL KickStart 2017 – the Search Begins for the Most Talented 10

by IJL • • 6 Comments

International Jewellery London (IJL) celebrates the New Year with the launch of its highly successful KickStart industry bursary programme. Up-and-coming British jewellery designers are invited to apply online now to be one of the lucky ten who will exhibit on a group stand at IJL 2017 in September, the UK’s premier international showcase for the jewellery industry.

In addition, the KickStart Top Ten will benefit from valuable marketing and industry support from IJL and co-sponsors, the National Association of Jewellers.

Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, comments: “KickStart is a fantastic pool of talent, which consistently impresses with astounding creative flair and technical ingenuity. First started in 2009, it is the natural next step on the ladder for the new generation of trend-setting jewellers, many of whom have previously been featured in our Bright Young Gems platform for jewellery graduates.

“Over the past 8 years KickStart has supported 80 contemporary designers, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to build their brands. Already, several of our 2016 KickStarters have gone on to be recognised by The Jewellery Editor as the ‘Ones to Watch in 2017’, as well as being winners in the NAJ Jewellery Awards.”

Lindsey Straughton, NAJ Marketing Manager, adds: “This initiative has grown in stature every year, helping emerging British designers achieve further industry recognition and commercial success. We provide them with support and mentoring, not just at the show but throughout the year.

“This includes a dedicated one-day workshop in June, with experts at hand to ensure that they maximise the experience and all the unique benefits of exhibiting at IJL. The stand is a ‘must see’ destination at the show for visitors, providing a showcase of some of the most exciting jewellers in the UK today.”

The full line up for KickStart 2016 included Joanna Bury, Emily Richardson (Emily Richardson Jewellery), Emma Calvert, Sammie Jo Coxon (SJC London), Cécile Gilbert, Vicky Lew, Lucas Mitchell (Lucas Alexander), Charlotte Scott Moncrieff (CF Concept), Marina Skia and Jonna Jarvenpaa and  Laura Vilppula (Addalit).   They all enjoyed a really busy show, cementing contacts with press and buyers and filling order books.

People’s Choice winner Marina Skia explains how being a KickStarter has helped her: “KickStart really helped raise awareness for my brand and showing at IJL was a fantastic experience. Winning the People’s Choice Award was another big step for me and I am really looking forward to IJL in September 2017.   I recommend every designer who feels ready to take their brand to another level to apply for this important initiative.”

Read more: Meet emerging jewellery designer Marina Skia

Joanna Bury, previously a Bright Young Gem and KickStarter, adds: “My journey started as a Bright Young Gem and to then be selected as a KickStarter a couple of years later was a real confidence boost. I felt that the KickStart experience was a step up from any show I had previously done, the support from the KickStart team and fellow KickStarters was fantastic, ensuring we were all prepared and resulting in a very successful first trade show.”

Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and the ten most talented entries will win a place on this well-regarded industry mentoring scheme. All applicants must have been trading for not less than one year and even, if previously unsuccessful, can still reapply each year. The deadline for entries is 10 April 2017.

The winning KickStart 2017 designers will be at IJL showcasing their work from 3 to 5 September 2017 at Olympia GRAND. To enter, go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/Kickstart

Picture caption: IJL2016 KickStarters  Left to right: Cécile Gilbert, Emma Calvert, Marina Skia, Emily Richardson, Vicky Lew, Sammie Jo Coxon , Charlotte Scott Moncrieff, Lucas Mitchell, Jonna Jarvenpaa and  Laura Vilppula and Joanna Bury.

For more information about IJL 2017 please contact: Jennifer Hall-Thompson or Suzanna Hammond: +44 (0) 7770 802442  suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk

 

IJL 2017 will run from 3 to 5 September at Olympia GRAND, London.

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 550 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 64 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, Euromonitor 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 2015 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, Industry

10 Reasons Why UK Trade Shows Are Essential for International Brands

by IJL • • 2 Comments

With over 500 exhibiting companies from 37 countries, IJL is a truly international event in the heart of London.

We welcome brands, businesses and buyers from across the globe, each with a passion for jewellery, watches and gemstones.

Our team of multi-lingual International Agents is on-hand to guide you through the exhibiting process and help you decide whether IJL 2017 is for you. But before you pick up the phone, take a look at 10 reasons why the UK is an exciting market for your jewellery business below.

Reaching UK retailers – from thriving independents to booming High Street giants – is an exciting prospect, and exhibiting at UK trade shows will help you get there…

IJL 2017 Olympia Grand dates
Olympia London, the home of International Jewellery London 2017.

What makes the UK jewellery and watch market unique?

1. The United Kingdom remains one of the largest jewellery markets in the world. In fact, retailers in the UK purchased $9 billion worth of jewellery from international manufacturers in 2015 – now is your time to take your share.

2. Demand for watches has been going from strength-to-strength, enjoying 11% growth on average each year in the past five years, and now representing 20% of imports.

3. The UK offers a diverse range of jewellery buyers from a broad range of businesses, including contemporary concept stores, independent jewellery retailers, fashion and gift retailers, department stores, mail order suppliers, e-commerce boutiques, TV shopping channels and hotel chains.

4. Global market research company, Mintel, estimated that the UK jewellery market grew in 2015 by 1.2% to £4.1bn. Now, it has forecast that the jewellery market will increase by 9% to £4.5bn by 2020.

How will IJL 2017 help my brand grow in the UK?

5. International Jewellery London is the only UK show to have a strict verification process to ensure IJL remains trade only. This is essential, as it means everyone who attends our September event is relevant to the trade and ready to do business. In 2015, for example, 60% of visitors to IJL were actively looking for new suppliers.

Read more: Passport and Visa information for international visitors and exhibitors

6. IJL hosts the UK’s most significant and senior VIP programme, The Diamond Club, which welcomes senior jewellery buyers from the top department stores, independent retailers, fashion boutiques, museums and galleries, online retailers and multiple retailer from across the UK and internationally.

IJL 2017 Diamond Club buyers members
Guests in the dedicated Diamond Club Lounge at IJL 2016.

Take a look at some of the members of our Diamond Club below:

Independent Jewellery Retailers
Allum & Sidaway, Banks Lyon Jewellers, Baroque, David Christopher Ltd, Green & Benz, Hamilton & Inches, Hugh Rice Limited, Leonard Dews (Hyman Group), Mococo, Ogden’s in Harrogate, Philip Stoner the Jewellers, SWAG Jewellers, TH Baker, Wave, Weirs & Sons (Dublin), Whittles, Wongs Jewellers

Bond Street Jewellers
Wolf & Badger, Bentley & Skinner, Boodle & Dunthorne, DeBeers Diamond Jewellers, Garrard, Heming, Stephen Webster, William & Son

Museums and Galleries
British Museum Company, Christies, Talisman Gallery and the V&A Museum

Multiple Retailers
Aurum Holdings, Beaverbrooks, F. Hinds, Fields Retail, Fraser Hart, Goldsmiths, Kalyan Corporate Jewellers (UAE), Rivoli Group (UAE), Signet Group, TJX Group, CONSUL Swiss Watches & Jewellery Group (Russia), Watch Shop, Watches 2U

Online Retailers
Amazon, Argos, Mr Porter, Notonthehighstreet.com and QVC

Department Stores
Bentalls, Fenwicks, Fortnum & Mason, Hallet Retail, Harrods, John Lewis Partnership, Galleries Lafayette (France), Primtemps (France)

Airline/Duty Free Retailers
Harding Retail, World Duty Free Group, Gate Retail Onboard

Are trade shows worth it?

7. With exhibitors from 37 countries and visitors from 69 countries, IJL is a hub of activity and networking for jewellery businesses big and small. Trade shows such as IJL provide a unique environment to meet your target audience one-to-one, which is not always possible when trying to break into new markets.

Exhibitions are ‘permission based marketing’, which means visitors have made a conscious decision to attend and they want to be sold to. 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.

Are trade shows still relevant?

8. Quality buyers and exhibitors, alongside a sector-leading programme of events, seminars and initiatives, are what set IJL apart. Plus, IJL welcomes a leading selection of media and journalists who are able to continue telling your story long after the three-day event has finished.

Don’t believe us? Watch our 2016 highlights video to see what some of our international exhibitors have to say…

Are trade shows worth the investment?

9. International Jewellery London is more than just a three-day event. As a forward-looking trade show we offer 365-day exposure and support for our exhibitors, including free, dedicated marketing to your target audience and the wider UK industry.

10. Our sector leading marketing support, which is included in your exhibitor package, includes blog content, social media marketing, digital marketing and essential introductions. Here’s what you need to know…

You will get:

  • A profile on the IJL website to show off your products, videos and marketing material from point of singing up.
  • Images of your products on the IJL Product Gallery and show sector listing.
  • Your profile printed in the show directory – available to every visitor entering the show.
  • A listing in the Essential Guide, mailed to a 10,000 trade audience.
  • The chance to feature on the IJL catwalk, taking place 3 times a day.
  • Social media exposure to IJL’s 43,000 following.
  • Exposure and support from IJL’s dedicated PR team.
  • Opportunity to enter the Editor’s Choice Awards
  • Printed invitations, personalised floorplans and online personalised registration forms to send to your clients.
  • Access to an exhibitor masterclass to help you get the most out of exhibiting and to help your business thrive before, during and after the show.
  • Support from the Customer Service Team, helping to answer all of your exhibiting questions.
  • Entry to the IJL Event Party with guests invited from the VIP Diamond Club, trade and consumer press and the opportunity to invite your trade customers.
  • Get in touch with leads before the show with the exclusive ‘My-Event’ tool.
  • Recommendations – we will ensure your products are recommended to relevant buyers before the show.
IJL Catwalk marketing
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.

Don’t forget about the Hallmarking Act of 1973!

The UK has laws relating to the compulsory, independent hallmarking of gold and silver products, and these laws have an impact on anyone selling products into or within the UK. Please click here to find out more.

IJL is #withyou to support the growth, development and visibility of your brand or business. Find out how we can help you, by contacting us. 

Blog, Industry, People

Get Your Jewellery Career off to a Flying Start with the IJL Journey

by IJL • • 2 Comments

What do Pippa Small, Tomasz Donocik, Fernando Jorge, Imogen Belfield, Ruth Tomlinson and Sophie Breitmeyer have in common aside from their phenomenal jewellery design talents?

Since 2005, all of these award-winning jewellers have been on the IJL Journey; utilising the Bright Young Gems and KickStart schemes offered by International Jewellery London early in their careers to give their brands a boost.

These reputation-building initiatives are completely unique in the UK jewellery industry, offering students and emerging jewellery designers the chance to show off, meet press and sign those all-important orders with retailers.

Bright Young Gems and KickStart are just two steps in the IJL Journey, which takes brands and businesses from their infancy all the way to global domination.

The IJL Journey KickStart Bright Young Gems

Is the IJL Bright Young Gems scheme right for me?

Bright Young Gems is designed specifically for final year students at UK colleges and universities. If you think you have the talent, creative eye and ambition to be the next big thing in jewellery, we want to hear from you!

Read more: Discover the 2016 Bright Young Gems 

All the applicants to Bright Young Gems will be considered by our expert panel of judges, including Hilary Alexander, editor-at-large at Hello Fashion Monthly, Annabel Davidson, editor of Vanity Fair on Jewellery, British fine jewellery designer Shaun Leane, executive fashion and jewellery editor at Harper’s Bazaar and Town & Country, Charlie Boyd, and Sunday Times Style jewellery editor, Alice Edwards.

Plus, Bright Young Gems is supported by the National Association of Jewellers, which means your efforts will be recognised by the wider jewellery industry.

BYG alumni are…

  • Stocked in major UK department stores, like Harrods, Liberty and Fortnum & Mason
  • Sold on Matchesfashion.com and Net-a-Porter.com
  • Own-brand boutique owners
  • Winners of prestigious Couture Show Design Awards
  • Excelling with the British Fashion Council and its Rock Vault scheme

I’ve already graduated… how will IJL KickStart help my jewellery career?

If you’ve already established your own business but you’re ready to take the next step and reach out to potential stockists, KickStart is for you. This initiative has been introducing new design talents to the UK and international jewellery industries since 2009, with many gaining long-term retail partners along the way.

Read more: Meet 2016 KickStarter Emily Richardson

The scheme, which is supported by the National Association of Jewellers, also includes mentoring, workshops and access to International Jewellery London’s business-boosting content. If chosen, you will have access to a stand in the Design Gallery area of IJL, as well as the opportunity to meet the trade press who could be your biggest media champions.

Are you thinking of entering KickStart 2017?

If you’re determined to grow your business, meet potential customers and get valuable feedback from industry experts, you’re going to have to meet the following conditions:

  • Your products must be designed and made in the UK
  • You must be able to take and fulfil orders from retailers
  • Participants will be required to become a member of the NAJ – check out their website naj.co.uk to find out more
  • All precious jewellery should be legally hallmarked
  • If you’ve already exhibited independently at IJL, jump straight to our Design Gallery information below.
  • Your business must be less than five years old
  • Successful KickStarters will be required to pay £715 + VAT for the price of a stand at IJL

Read more: Meet 2016 KickStarter Marina Skia

Are there other ways to get started on the IJL Journey?

If you’re ready to launch your business, but don’t feel Bright Young Gems or KickStart is right for you, we have another great option – the IJL New Designers Area.

IJL is renowned for showcasing new design talent – and there’s no better place for retailers to discover innovative new collections than with a visit to the New Designer Area, located within the Design Gallery on the Gallery Level of the show. Stands are available to designers exhibiting for the very first time at IJL, but only if your business is less than five years old.

If you’ve got strong design principles, a fantastic product and the ability to fulfil retailer orders we want to hear from you!

Am I ready to exhibit in the Design Gallery?

If you’ve been a KickStarter or exhibited in the New Designers Area and want to take things up a notch, then you need the Design Gallery. This specialist sector of International Jewellery London is dedicated to high quality designers and established talent, which is why we operate a strict selection process for stands.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to exhibit alongside the liks of Daou Jewellery, Jana Reinhardt, V Jewellery, Phoebe Jewellery, Jenny Llewellyn and Kristjan Eyjolfsson, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Share your IJL moments with us using the hashtag #IJLJourney

International Jewellery London is proud to support the jewellery industry. Find out how we’re #withyou here.

Blog, Education

Can Remarketing Services Help Your Business?

by Robbie Jones • • 5 Comments

Remarketing is a very clever marketing tool that can connect your brand with visitors who have gone to your website, but may not have made an immediate purchase.

A good example would be when you look at a particular website to buy a pair of shoes. When you exit the website without purchasing, you may notice an advert for those shoes following you around other, unrelated websites as a ‘reminder’ to make the purchase. This means you can barely access your phone or computer without the memory surfacing on your screen of those shoes that were tempting you earlier in the week.

Remarketing has provided a welcome solution for many companies, who previously had to make do with a web banner on one specific page of a website. Sometimes a web banner on one page can be effective, if the content is relevant; for example, an association sponsoring a page about industry education.

Read more: 7 Reasons Why Exhibiting at Trade Shows Is Good for Your Business

Too often, however, it has been a case of throwing money at internet advertising hoping that the right people will pay heed. What is so exciting about remarketing is that when your potential customer leaves your jewellery-related website, to check the latest news or football score, or to shop for something totally different, your banner will follow them and stand out as the only thing in the world of watches and jewellery on the next web page they are viewing.

Moving away from the whirlwind of jewellery websites, so often plastered with supplier and buyer messages, your advertising is much more distinguishable. There is guaranteed repeated exposure which delivers a real impact. People begin to associate with, and memorise, a brand after seeing them at least five times – the minimum each web-user should be targeted.

Read more: The Best Kept Secrets of LinkedIn for Business Owners

In terms of value, in the CPM (‘Cost Per Impression’) method of remarketing, you are paying for the number of people who will be targeted by your advertisement, not hoping that a certain number will see it based on projections. Your advertising providers should consult you on this anyway, but it’s important to remember that this advert can be more aesthetically driven or more educational for your audience, depending on what is most important to you.

At IJL, exhibitors like Clogau have used remarketing as a tool to help promote their participation at the show. When buyers go onto the IJL website to register, check the dates or plan their visit, a Clogau advert will appear when they then go onto BBC news for example, or the trainline.com, promoting visitors to go to their stand.

Several of IJL’s clients have benefited from this, since it was introduced in 2015– from First Jewellery to UK Beads, whose director Andrew Sanders said: “This is one of the most effective online promotional opportunities I have come across. I have generated sales before arriving at the event, with customers commenting on my profile.”

Read more: 5 Must-Have Free Marketing Tools

My favourite anecdote, which happened during IJL 2015, was listening to an industry insider paying a lovely compliment to Jan Martin Asscher on how she had been seeing his brand everywhere in the build up to the show, naturally not knowing that IJL had executed the campaign with him.

So, what are the criticisms of remarketing? There seem to be three reservations. The first is the reputed lack of targeting and certainty delivered by these campaigns. If remarketing is going to be following around a single website’s user-audience – in our case, IJL’s online visitors – you need to be sure that people who use that website will include your target audience. Although, presumably, this is why you exhibit at that event, or advertise in trade magazines, in the first place!

The next two criticisms are becoming more and more risible. Detractors have said it’s invasive, with some going as far as to describe it as ‘Big Brother interference’ – a reference that would make the author of 1984 turn in his grave.

There is an important moral difference between competing companies of any size trying to reach more potential customers, on the one hand, and a government’s brainwashing of a population (without free will) on the other! I’ve never once felt offended by a cricket bat or a television, or a piece of jewellery, following me around the internet. It must be effective though as it’s those brands I now think of first, in each of their respective fields. They should be credited for their ambition.

Finally, it’s true that users have the right to block cookies, meaning you can’t guarantee everyone who visits the initial website will then be re-targeted. However, you only pay for those people who have accepted the cookies and who are being retargeted.

Read more: Instagram Accounts That Every Jewellery Aficionado Should Follow

In summary, remarketing is here to stay. The watches and jewellery industry needs as much support as possible to be more productive online. Remarketing may be new to many of us, or perhaps you have embraced it and think of it as helping you to achieve only one of your goals? The original marketing questions have simply been amplified, not altered. We need to ask this all the time. “What message am I trying to convey to the trade?” and “What is this message going to look like?” These questions need answering before a remarketing campaign can begin. This certainty, knowing that the image you have decided on is going to stand out as the common theme – owned by you – on otherwise unrelated websites, is something we should be cherishing right now.

Working in such a visual industry, with so many vibrant stories and legacies attached to it, jewellery professionals need to be taking full advantage of this phenomenon

IJL is #withyou to help with your marketing goals. If you would like to find out more about implementing a remarketing campaign, please contact us. 

Discover more about Remarketing here. 

Industry, News

IJL KickStart 2017 – the Search Begins for the Most Talented 10

by IJL • • 6 Comments

International Jewellery London (IJL) celebrates the New Year with the launch of its highly successful KickStart industry bursary programme. Up-and-coming British jewellery designers are invited to apply online now to be one of the lucky ten who will exhibit on a group stand at IJL 2017 in September, the UK’s premier international showcase for the jewellery industry.

In addition, the KickStart Top Ten will benefit from valuable marketing and industry support from IJL and co-sponsors, the National Association of Jewellers.

Sam Willoughby, IJL Event Director, comments: “KickStart is a fantastic pool of talent, which consistently impresses with astounding creative flair and technical ingenuity. First started in 2009, it is the natural next step on the ladder for the new generation of trend-setting jewellers, many of whom have previously been featured in our Bright Young Gems platform for jewellery graduates.

“Over the past 8 years KickStart has supported 80 contemporary designers, providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to build their brands. Already, several of our 2016 KickStarters have gone on to be recognised by The Jewellery Editor as the ‘Ones to Watch in 2017’, as well as being winners in the NAJ Jewellery Awards.”

Lindsey Straughton, NAJ Marketing Manager, adds: “This initiative has grown in stature every year, helping emerging British designers achieve further industry recognition and commercial success. We provide them with support and mentoring, not just at the show but throughout the year.

“This includes a dedicated one-day workshop in June, with experts at hand to ensure that they maximise the experience and all the unique benefits of exhibiting at IJL. The stand is a ‘must see’ destination at the show for visitors, providing a showcase of some of the most exciting jewellers in the UK today.”

The full line up for KickStart 2016 included Joanna Bury, Emily Richardson (Emily Richardson Jewellery), Emma Calvert, Sammie Jo Coxon (SJC London), Cécile Gilbert, Vicky Lew, Lucas Mitchell (Lucas Alexander), Charlotte Scott Moncrieff (CF Concept), Marina Skia and Jonna Jarvenpaa and  Laura Vilppula (Addalit).   They all enjoyed a really busy show, cementing contacts with press and buyers and filling order books.

People’s Choice winner Marina Skia explains how being a KickStarter has helped her: “KickStart really helped raise awareness for my brand and showing at IJL was a fantastic experience. Winning the People’s Choice Award was another big step for me and I am really looking forward to IJL in September 2017.   I recommend every designer who feels ready to take their brand to another level to apply for this important initiative.”

Read more: Meet emerging jewellery designer Marina Skia

Joanna Bury, previously a Bright Young Gem and KickStarter, adds: “My journey started as a Bright Young Gem and to then be selected as a KickStarter a couple of years later was a real confidence boost. I felt that the KickStart experience was a step up from any show I had previously done, the support from the KickStart team and fellow KickStarters was fantastic, ensuring we were all prepared and resulting in a very successful first trade show.”

Potential KickStarters are invited to apply online and the ten most talented entries will win a place on this well-regarded industry mentoring scheme. All applicants must have been trading for not less than one year and even, if previously unsuccessful, can still reapply each year. The deadline for entries is 10 April 2017.

The winning KickStart 2017 designers will be at IJL showcasing their work from 3 to 5 September 2017 at Olympia GRAND. To enter, go to: www.jewellerylondon.com/Kickstart

Picture caption: IJL2016 KickStarters  Left to right: Cécile Gilbert, Emma Calvert, Marina Skia, Emily Richardson, Vicky Lew, Sammie Jo Coxon , Charlotte Scott Moncrieff, Lucas Mitchell, Jonna Jarvenpaa and  Laura Vilppula and Joanna Bury.

For more information about IJL 2017 please contact: Jennifer Hall-Thompson or Suzanna Hammond: +44 (0) 7770 802442  suzanna@hammondpr.co.uk

 

IJL 2017 will run from 3 to 5 September at Olympia GRAND, London.

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 550 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 64 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, Euromonitor 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 2015 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