Blog Modules

Industry, People

KickStart 2016: Meet jewellery designer Emily Richardson

by IJL • • 1 Comment

International Jewellery London’s annual KickStart initiative is aimed at emerging UK designers looking to take their business to the next level.

10 up-and-coming design talents have been selected by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and IJL to have the unique opportunity to showcase their jewellery at IJL 2016 on a group stand in the prestigious Design Gallery.

Here, emerging designer and 2016 KickStarter, Emily Richardson, explains how she got started in the jewellery industry and what makes her collections stand out from the crowd.

Q: If you had to describe your brand in three words what words would you choose?

ER: Versatile, effortless & playful.

Q: How did you get started in the jewellery industry?

ER: Drawn to the arts and in particular jewellery, I chose to study a BA honours degree at central St Martins in jewellery design. St Martins provided us with the opportunity to work with brands such as; Cartier, Swarovski, Links of London and delivered us with a great platform to get started in the industry.

My graduation collection ‘If only for an hour’ which was inspired by Busy Berkley grabbed attention and led me to be selected as an International Jewellery London Bright Young Gem in 2008. I chose to grow my experience and commercial understanding as a designer in the industry working for a variety of suppliers and established brand.

My intention had always been to start my own business, which I felt ready to do this year launching with my first collection Dali. As well as designing and managing Emily Richardson jewellery, I continue to freelance and find new exciting accounts to work with.

Q: Can you explain a little bit more about your design style, your key collection(s) and the type of customer you are designing for?

ER: The brands distinctive voice is to create fresh, versatile and personal designs that can be worn every day and treasured for a lifetime. The catalysts for my designs derive from historical icons in film, theatre and the arts. These are then reflected in contemporary trends and film and become the nucleus of future collections and one off statement pieces. I have launched with the ‘The Dali Collection’ which places emphasis on dreams evoked by Salvador Dali’s’ surrealist paintings.

I design for a confident, modern woman with sophisticated style who appreciates high end quality and attention to detail. My customer wants something that’s unique, adaptable, sophisticated and fun!

Q: What are the most challenging aspects of launching and growing a new brand in 2016?

ER: Challenging aspects are financing the creation of the collection before it is ready to sell. Having to be designer, production manager, finance director, marketer and PR guru! As well as getting the brand seen and heard!

Q: If you had a mentor in the jewellery industry what would you ask them?

ER: Practical advice would be on marketing: How to get into the game, ahead of the game and stay ahead of the game! Asking their guidance would be: what mistakes did you make and what you would do differently.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at IJL 2016 and what do you hope to achieve?

ER: Having such a prestigious platform to showcase my work. I am looking forward to meeting buyers and presenting the collection in person. Building new relationships, exploring collaborations and creating as much exposure and brand awareness as possible.

Q: Are there any types of retailers or stockists in particular that you are trying to attract?

ER: My jewellery is targeted at high end retailers/stockists who are keen to promote emerging designers that can also share my passion and enthusiasm for the brand.

Trends

IJL Trend Report: The essential themes that will shape jewellery in SS17

by IJL • • 1 Comment

Trend analysis agency Adorn Insight has discovered four themes that will shape the worlds of art and design in the spring and summer of 2017.  

Here, they explain how these ideas can be used as a springboard to create commercially successful jewellery collections, while also giving jewellery buyers some essential themes to look out for when they browse International Jewellery London later this year.

Read the full report here.

GRAPHIC PUNCH

Real-world objects and environments take on a surreal, dream-like appearance, often with a mischievous sense of fun. Think cartoon-like motifs, saturated colours, lots of layering and hints of organic forms.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Exaggerated scale and ad hoc compositions, florals, mini beasts and creepy crawlies, tendrils, organic eruptions.
  • Techniques: Clustering and layering, tonal palettes, ombré effects, inverted gemstones, cutouts, laser cutting, guilloché enamel.
  • Colours: Candy and saturated hues.
  • Materials: Textured metal enamel and ceramic, colourful metal alloys (blue, pink and lilac gold).

CRAFT TECH

The world of design is responding to consumer desire for stylish sustainability. From up-scaled natural finds to must-have objects made from re-cycled materials, doing the right thing has never looked so good.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Unconventional elements, facets, spirals, flexible structures, mesh and coils.
  • Techniques: 3D printing, new alloys, laser engraving.
  • Colours: Iridescent finishes, smoky tones, turquoise, gold, greens.
  • Materials: Natural materials in new contexts, mixed media, re-cycled materials, Fairtrade gold, patinated surfaces, composites, titanium, PVD coatings.
  • Gems: Irregular or included, ethical, super-faceted, rough cuts, coloured diamonds, lab-created gems, colour enhanced gems.
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.

NU FORM

Although this trend has architectural inspirations at its core, the key to translating it successfully into jewellery designs is to understand that things have moved one from mathematical rigidity to something altogether more dynamic.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Grids, folds, twists, distortion, rounded edges, rods, gravity-inspired silhouettes, layering, puzzle arrangements.
  • Techniques: Geometric settings and complex chain links.
  • Colours: Metallics (yellow, white and rose), oxidised surfaces.
  • Materials: Flexible metal alloys, marble; Perspex; carved beads.
  • Gems: Iridescent pearls, haematite, semi-precious slices, patterned stones such as malachite and labradorite, coloured pearls.

VINTAGE SELFIE

As a source of inspiration, this trend is the perfect vehicle to create jewellery which taps into the consumer’s all-important desire for personalisation and story-telling.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Patterns, pavé, focus on settings, clustering, tassels, componentry, insignias, charms, mementos, found objects, letters and numerals, motifs, embossing, roundels and sunray discs, circular slices, coins and medallions.
  • Techniques: Micro-mosaic, engraving, milgrain, oxidisation, antiqued surfaces.
  • Colours: Red, green and blue, black, burnt orange; deep yellow
  • Materials: Woven metal, chain cascades, carved stones, resins, rose and white gold.
  • Gems: Agate, tigers’ eye, Amethyst, smoky quartz, pearls, Padparadscha sapphire and citrine.

You can see these trends in action on the IJL Catwalk daily at International Jewellery London 2016. Find out more here.

Industry, News

The Editor’s Choice winners to look out for at IJL 2016

by IJL •

The winners of this year’s Editor’s Choice have been announced, with brands and designers recognised for their creative talent and innovative techniques in five categories. 

Sam Willoughby, IJL event director and Editor’s Choice judge, commented: “Editor’s Choice always highlights the very best design and craftsmanship on show at IJL and this year is no exception. These superb pieces, many created using ground-breaking techniques, reflect the diversity of brands and designers at this year’s show.”

Find out more about each of the winners and their stand-out designs below…

GERMAN STYLE
This new category for 2016 recognises the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the German Market Focus for 2016.

WINNER: Tezer Design

Tezer for Editors Choice blog

Tezer Design managing director, Sema Sezen is inspired by Bauhaus design and geometric forms when it comes to creating her jewellery collections. She says: “It is a great honour to receive this award. We have been exhibiting for more than 15 years at IJL and have found so many wonderful customers in the UK. Thank you for this recognition of my work.”

COMMERCIAL VISION
This award is given to a piece or collection produced in volume that demonstrates thorough research of target markets and current trends – destined to become a bestseller.

WINNER: Samsares Fine Jewelry

samsares

The judges were impressed with Samsares’ use of recycled 18ct rose gold and white and pink opals, rose quartz and orange carnelian to create a collection themed around ‘Floral Folklore’.

Giedra Jeanneret, owner of Samsares Fine Jewelry, commented: “My vision was to create a new concept of luxury – a fine jewellery collection which would be flawless, not only in terms of craft quality and consistent design, but also in ethics and environmental preservation.”

VISUAL IMPACT
Judges were looking for a show-stopping piece or collection that photographs beautifully and will look enticing in editorial shoots or online.

WINNER: David Miracca

Titanium ring

This incredible titanium and amethyst ring certainly stole the attention of the judges, making debut exhibitor David Miracca a ‘one to watch’ at this year’s International Jewellery London.

He says: “In jewellery manufacture, much of design and technical innovation goes on behind the scenes, with few opportunities to demonstrate ways and ideas that are new and different. We are very excited and grateful to have won this award, as it represents recognition of a hard-won technical expertise that has enabled us to create such a ring in titanium.”

OVERALL ORIGINALITY
Awarded to a truly unique piece or a collection which highlights the talents of the designer.

WINNER: Vicky Lew London
Vicky Lew earrings

KickStarter Vicky Lew impressed with her Flight collection, especially her Thalurania Colombica earrings made with sapphire, topaz, spinel, rhodolite and smoky quartz, hand-set in black rhodium-plated 18ct white and yellow gold

Vicky Lew added: “This award is a huge honour and a massive boost of confidence as a designer! I hope this can raise my company’s brand awareness even further to an already excellent platform, thus leading to more sales and retail opportunities.”

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
A piece or collection that is worked with technical innovation or a rarely used technique, resulting in a thought provoking piece.

WINNER: John Moore Jewellery

Editors Choice winner- John Moore

Winner of The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2016, artist John Moore is known for his distinctive designs with fluid movement and clever use of colour. This year’s Editor’s Choice award for technical excellence was presented for his Diamond Verto necklace, which is crafted in sterling silver and 18ct gold, with 29 diamonds, silicone and magnets.

John Moore explained: “The jewellery is born as an expression of myself as the maker and then it becomes a means of expression for those with whom it resonates, empowering them and enhancing the positive energy they put out into the world. It’s a celebration of nature, of beauty and of the self. To win this award is a complete surprise and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

All of these winning designs will be available to view at International Jewellery London from September 4th-6th 2016 at Olympia Grand. 

Free online visitor registration for IJL 2016 is now open.

Register in advance online for the chance to win either an exclusive Champneys Pamper Spa Day for two or an Aston Martin Thrill Day at a famous motor race circuit.

Industry, People

5 minutes with: IJL 2016 exhibitor Ellis Mhairi Cameron

by IJL •

The International Jewellery London Design Gallery is the place to see emerging and established design talents from across the UK and further afield. 

One designer who will showcase her new collections at IJL 2016 is Ellis Mhairi Cameron, who continues to be inspired by her Scottish Highlands home.

Here, we talk to Cameron to discover more about her signature designs, her impressions of IJL and what she’s hoping to achieve in 2016 and beyond…

Q: How would you describe your design style?

EMC: I designed the Cairn Collection (which I will be showing at IJL) in response to the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, where I am originally from. I worked from drawings and collages I made of the landscape, incorporating stones from Scottish beaches in the final pieces. Each piece in the Cairn Collection has been hand carved and cast in silver, so although pieces can be made in the same style, allowing me to cater to large trade orders, each piece is still unique.

Q: What would you say are your signature pieces and why?

EMC: The rings in the Cairn Collection are the most popular with my clients. A ring is such a versatile piece; it can be worn in the day or the evening and wearing something on your finger feels very personal. Often clients order several skinny rings to layer alongside one of the larger stone rings. There is a sense of endless possibility with rings.

Q: What type of woman are you designing for, and what attracts her to your jewellery pieces?

EMC: The woman I design for wants luxurious jewellery, but with a rawer aesthetic. She disregards mainstream perfection, desiring instead pieces which are full of organic intricacies and imperfections.

Q: If you had an industry mentor what would you ask them and why?

EMC: I would want to speak to them about their opinions on independent design, as the jewellery world is quite different to even five or 10 years ago. No longer is the jewellery field dominated only by big brands; clients are seeking out independent design and want something different and unique. I think that the client desire for bespoke work is hugely interesting and has helped my own business grown considerably.

Q: Are there any skills or areas of your business that you would like to develop in the coming months?

EMC: I’ll be sending out invitations to my main list of clients, but I’m always interested in meeting new clients and new trade buyers. IJL is such a great platform for ‘meet and greets’ and for clientele to see the work first hand. Trying on a piece of jewellery can be when you really fall in love with it.

Q: You’ve exhibited around the world and at IJL – what has brought you back to IJL in 2016?

EMC: I had showed at IJL for the first time last year and had a very successful show, meeting great clients and securing some fantastic trade orders. I’m hoping that this year will be even more successful. As well as the Cairn Collection, I will also be launching a new range in June 2017, so it’s going to be a busy year ahead.

Q: What are your aims for 2016 and are there any particular stockists or retailers you are trying to attract?

EMC: I’m focusing on maintaining the strong customer relationships I already have and I am excited to meet new clients and buyers at IJL in September. I’m looking for retailers and stockists who want to invest in bespoke, handcrafted work and who appreciate independent design.

See Ellis Mhairi Cameron at IJL 2016 from September 4th-6th on Design Gallery Stand P65.

 

Industry, People

KickStart 2016: Meet jewellery designer Emily Richardson

by IJL • • 1 Comment

International Jewellery London’s annual KickStart initiative is aimed at emerging UK designers looking to take their business to the next level.

10 up-and-coming design talents have been selected by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and IJL to have the unique opportunity to showcase their jewellery at IJL 2016 on a group stand in the prestigious Design Gallery.

Here, emerging designer and 2016 KickStarter, Emily Richardson, explains how she got started in the jewellery industry and what makes her collections stand out from the crowd.

Q: If you had to describe your brand in three words what words would you choose?

ER: Versatile, effortless & playful.

Q: How did you get started in the jewellery industry?

ER: Drawn to the arts and in particular jewellery, I chose to study a BA honours degree at central St Martins in jewellery design. St Martins provided us with the opportunity to work with brands such as; Cartier, Swarovski, Links of London and delivered us with a great platform to get started in the industry.

My graduation collection ‘If only for an hour’ which was inspired by Busy Berkley grabbed attention and led me to be selected as an International Jewellery London Bright Young Gem in 2008. I chose to grow my experience and commercial understanding as a designer in the industry working for a variety of suppliers and established brand.

My intention had always been to start my own business, which I felt ready to do this year launching with my first collection Dali. As well as designing and managing Emily Richardson jewellery, I continue to freelance and find new exciting accounts to work with.

Q: Can you explain a little bit more about your design style, your key collection(s) and the type of customer you are designing for?

ER: The brands distinctive voice is to create fresh, versatile and personal designs that can be worn every day and treasured for a lifetime. The catalysts for my designs derive from historical icons in film, theatre and the arts. These are then reflected in contemporary trends and film and become the nucleus of future collections and one off statement pieces. I have launched with the ‘The Dali Collection’ which places emphasis on dreams evoked by Salvador Dali’s’ surrealist paintings.

I design for a confident, modern woman with sophisticated style who appreciates high end quality and attention to detail. My customer wants something that’s unique, adaptable, sophisticated and fun!

Q: What are the most challenging aspects of launching and growing a new brand in 2016?

ER: Challenging aspects are financing the creation of the collection before it is ready to sell. Having to be designer, production manager, finance director, marketer and PR guru! As well as getting the brand seen and heard!

Q: If you had a mentor in the jewellery industry what would you ask them?

ER: Practical advice would be on marketing: How to get into the game, ahead of the game and stay ahead of the game! Asking their guidance would be: what mistakes did you make and what you would do differently.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at IJL 2016 and what do you hope to achieve?

ER: Having such a prestigious platform to showcase my work. I am looking forward to meeting buyers and presenting the collection in person. Building new relationships, exploring collaborations and creating as much exposure and brand awareness as possible.

Q: Are there any types of retailers or stockists in particular that you are trying to attract?

ER: My jewellery is targeted at high end retailers/stockists who are keen to promote emerging designers that can also share my passion and enthusiasm for the brand.

Trends

IJL Trend Report: The essential themes that will shape jewellery in SS17

by IJL • • 1 Comment

Trend analysis agency Adorn Insight has discovered four themes that will shape the worlds of art and design in the spring and summer of 2017.  

Here, they explain how these ideas can be used as a springboard to create commercially successful jewellery collections, while also giving jewellery buyers some essential themes to look out for when they browse International Jewellery London later this year.

Read the full report here.

GRAPHIC PUNCH

Real-world objects and environments take on a surreal, dream-like appearance, often with a mischievous sense of fun. Think cartoon-like motifs, saturated colours, lots of layering and hints of organic forms.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Exaggerated scale and ad hoc compositions, florals, mini beasts and creepy crawlies, tendrils, organic eruptions.
  • Techniques: Clustering and layering, tonal palettes, ombré effects, inverted gemstones, cutouts, laser cutting, guilloché enamel.
  • Colours: Candy and saturated hues.
  • Materials: Textured metal enamel and ceramic, colourful metal alloys (blue, pink and lilac gold).

CRAFT TECH

The world of design is responding to consumer desire for stylish sustainability. From up-scaled natural finds to must-have objects made from re-cycled materials, doing the right thing has never looked so good.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Unconventional elements, facets, spirals, flexible structures, mesh and coils.
  • Techniques: 3D printing, new alloys, laser engraving.
  • Colours: Iridescent finishes, smoky tones, turquoise, gold, greens.
  • Materials: Natural materials in new contexts, mixed media, re-cycled materials, Fairtrade gold, patinated surfaces, composites, titanium, PVD coatings.
  • Gems: Irregular or included, ethical, super-faceted, rough cuts, coloured diamonds, lab-created gems, colour enhanced gems.
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.
The International Jewellery London catwalk at Olympia Grand.

NU FORM

Although this trend has architectural inspirations at its core, the key to translating it successfully into jewellery designs is to understand that things have moved one from mathematical rigidity to something altogether more dynamic.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Grids, folds, twists, distortion, rounded edges, rods, gravity-inspired silhouettes, layering, puzzle arrangements.
  • Techniques: Geometric settings and complex chain links.
  • Colours: Metallics (yellow, white and rose), oxidised surfaces.
  • Materials: Flexible metal alloys, marble; Perspex; carved beads.
  • Gems: Iridescent pearls, haematite, semi-precious slices, patterned stones such as malachite and labradorite, coloured pearls.

VINTAGE SELFIE

As a source of inspiration, this trend is the perfect vehicle to create jewellery which taps into the consumer’s all-important desire for personalisation and story-telling.

How this will impact jewellery design and trends:

  • Forms & Motifs: Patterns, pavé, focus on settings, clustering, tassels, componentry, insignias, charms, mementos, found objects, letters and numerals, motifs, embossing, roundels and sunray discs, circular slices, coins and medallions.
  • Techniques: Micro-mosaic, engraving, milgrain, oxidisation, antiqued surfaces.
  • Colours: Red, green and blue, black, burnt orange; deep yellow
  • Materials: Woven metal, chain cascades, carved stones, resins, rose and white gold.
  • Gems: Agate, tigers’ eye, Amethyst, smoky quartz, pearls, Padparadscha sapphire and citrine.

You can see these trends in action on the IJL Catwalk daily at International Jewellery London 2016. Find out more here.

Industry, News

The Editor’s Choice winners to look out for at IJL 2016

by IJL •

The winners of this year’s Editor’s Choice have been announced, with brands and designers recognised for their creative talent and innovative techniques in five categories. 

Sam Willoughby, IJL event director and Editor’s Choice judge, commented: “Editor’s Choice always highlights the very best design and craftsmanship on show at IJL and this year is no exception. These superb pieces, many created using ground-breaking techniques, reflect the diversity of brands and designers at this year’s show.”

Find out more about each of the winners and their stand-out designs below…

GERMAN STYLE
This new category for 2016 recognises the quality and creativity of German craftsmanship, as part of the German Market Focus for 2016.

WINNER: Tezer Design

Tezer for Editors Choice blog

Tezer Design managing director, Sema Sezen is inspired by Bauhaus design and geometric forms when it comes to creating her jewellery collections. She says: “It is a great honour to receive this award. We have been exhibiting for more than 15 years at IJL and have found so many wonderful customers in the UK. Thank you for this recognition of my work.”

COMMERCIAL VISION
This award is given to a piece or collection produced in volume that demonstrates thorough research of target markets and current trends – destined to become a bestseller.

WINNER: Samsares Fine Jewelry

samsares

The judges were impressed with Samsares’ use of recycled 18ct rose gold and white and pink opals, rose quartz and orange carnelian to create a collection themed around ‘Floral Folklore’.

Giedra Jeanneret, owner of Samsares Fine Jewelry, commented: “My vision was to create a new concept of luxury – a fine jewellery collection which would be flawless, not only in terms of craft quality and consistent design, but also in ethics and environmental preservation.”

VISUAL IMPACT
Judges were looking for a show-stopping piece or collection that photographs beautifully and will look enticing in editorial shoots or online.

WINNER: David Miracca

Titanium ring

This incredible titanium and amethyst ring certainly stole the attention of the judges, making debut exhibitor David Miracca a ‘one to watch’ at this year’s International Jewellery London.

He says: “In jewellery manufacture, much of design and technical innovation goes on behind the scenes, with few opportunities to demonstrate ways and ideas that are new and different. We are very excited and grateful to have won this award, as it represents recognition of a hard-won technical expertise that has enabled us to create such a ring in titanium.”

OVERALL ORIGINALITY
Awarded to a truly unique piece or a collection which highlights the talents of the designer.

WINNER: Vicky Lew London
Vicky Lew earrings

KickStarter Vicky Lew impressed with her Flight collection, especially her Thalurania Colombica earrings made with sapphire, topaz, spinel, rhodolite and smoky quartz, hand-set in black rhodium-plated 18ct white and yellow gold

Vicky Lew added: “This award is a huge honour and a massive boost of confidence as a designer! I hope this can raise my company’s brand awareness even further to an already excellent platform, thus leading to more sales and retail opportunities.”

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
A piece or collection that is worked with technical innovation or a rarely used technique, resulting in a thought provoking piece.

WINNER: John Moore Jewellery

Editors Choice winner- John Moore

Winner of The Goldsmiths’ Company Award 2016, artist John Moore is known for his distinctive designs with fluid movement and clever use of colour. This year’s Editor’s Choice award for technical excellence was presented for his Diamond Verto necklace, which is crafted in sterling silver and 18ct gold, with 29 diamonds, silicone and magnets.

John Moore explained: “The jewellery is born as an expression of myself as the maker and then it becomes a means of expression for those with whom it resonates, empowering them and enhancing the positive energy they put out into the world. It’s a celebration of nature, of beauty and of the self. To win this award is a complete surprise and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

All of these winning designs will be available to view at International Jewellery London from September 4th-6th 2016 at Olympia Grand. 

Free online visitor registration for IJL 2016 is now open.

Register in advance online for the chance to win either an exclusive Champneys Pamper Spa Day for two or an Aston Martin Thrill Day at a famous motor race circuit.

Industry, People

5 minutes with: IJL 2016 exhibitor Ellis Mhairi Cameron

by IJL •

The International Jewellery London Design Gallery is the place to see emerging and established design talents from across the UK and further afield. 

One designer who will showcase her new collections at IJL 2016 is Ellis Mhairi Cameron, who continues to be inspired by her Scottish Highlands home.

Here, we talk to Cameron to discover more about her signature designs, her impressions of IJL and what she’s hoping to achieve in 2016 and beyond…

Q: How would you describe your design style?

EMC: I designed the Cairn Collection (which I will be showing at IJL) in response to the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands, where I am originally from. I worked from drawings and collages I made of the landscape, incorporating stones from Scottish beaches in the final pieces. Each piece in the Cairn Collection has been hand carved and cast in silver, so although pieces can be made in the same style, allowing me to cater to large trade orders, each piece is still unique.

Q: What would you say are your signature pieces and why?

EMC: The rings in the Cairn Collection are the most popular with my clients. A ring is such a versatile piece; it can be worn in the day or the evening and wearing something on your finger feels very personal. Often clients order several skinny rings to layer alongside one of the larger stone rings. There is a sense of endless possibility with rings.

Q: What type of woman are you designing for, and what attracts her to your jewellery pieces?

EMC: The woman I design for wants luxurious jewellery, but with a rawer aesthetic. She disregards mainstream perfection, desiring instead pieces which are full of organic intricacies and imperfections.

Q: If you had an industry mentor what would you ask them and why?

EMC: I would want to speak to them about their opinions on independent design, as the jewellery world is quite different to even five or 10 years ago. No longer is the jewellery field dominated only by big brands; clients are seeking out independent design and want something different and unique. I think that the client desire for bespoke work is hugely interesting and has helped my own business grown considerably.

Q: Are there any skills or areas of your business that you would like to develop in the coming months?

EMC: I’ll be sending out invitations to my main list of clients, but I’m always interested in meeting new clients and new trade buyers. IJL is such a great platform for ‘meet and greets’ and for clientele to see the work first hand. Trying on a piece of jewellery can be when you really fall in love with it.

Q: You’ve exhibited around the world and at IJL – what has brought you back to IJL in 2016?

EMC: I had showed at IJL for the first time last year and had a very successful show, meeting great clients and securing some fantastic trade orders. I’m hoping that this year will be even more successful. As well as the Cairn Collection, I will also be launching a new range in June 2017, so it’s going to be a busy year ahead.

Q: What are your aims for 2016 and are there any particular stockists or retailers you are trying to attract?

EMC: I’m focusing on maintaining the strong customer relationships I already have and I am excited to meet new clients and buyers at IJL in September. I’m looking for retailers and stockists who want to invest in bespoke, handcrafted work and who appreciate independent design.

See Ellis Mhairi Cameron at IJL 2016 from September 4th-6th on Design Gallery Stand P65.