Blog Modules

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Lorna Haddon of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers

by IJL •

With more than 65 stores nationwide and a 900-strong workforce, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers is one of the UK’s best-known High Street multiples, and one of the first places customers look for their jewellery and watch purchases.

Behind-the-scenes the family-owned business has an incredible track record of supporting charitable causes, including donating 20% of its post-tax profits to charity annually and securing a spot on the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Companies for 12 consecutive years.

For diamond ring and jewellery buyer Lorna Haddon, her focus is on discovering exciting new collections to add to Beaverbrooks’ existing brands such as Hearts on Fire, Maple Leaf Diamonds and its own best-selling Era collection.

Here, Lorna discusses what she looks for at busy trade events and why IJL has proved to be an excellent destination for sourcing new brands and discovering trends…

Q: When you’re looking for new brands or products for Beaverbrooks what are the three most important things you look for?

LH: With new brands or products I always think of our customer, what’s sold well in the past and consider new trends. I think your gut instinct is also really important too; if a piece of jewellery doesn’t feel right, I won’t buy it.

Q: How do you focus your time at trade shows, do you do your research beforehand and only visit select brands or ‘shop around’?

LH: As with all trade shows our aim is to walk the halls soon after arriving, ensuring that we cover each aisle in order to identify emerging trends, product development/direction or new brands. If we do see a new brand, potential trend or a product frequently repeated, then we consider whether it’s suitable for our customers and whether it will complement the Beaverbrooks collections.

Q: What has been your experience of IJL to date – is it a good place to meet new brands, make buying decisions?

LH: IJL is really important for Beaverbrooks as we’ll use it to seek out new trends emerging for 2017 and speak to suppliers about 2016 trade/performance. Having so many suppliers under one roof is an extremely efficient use of both buyers and suppliers time.

IJL presents a great opportunity to review product developments we are currently working on with our partners for imminent launches and also discuss our strategy and direction for ranges and collections for the following year. Every year, there are new exhibitors and of course lots of new product ranges which is a reason why we view IJL as ‘a must’ in our calendar; we never know what exciting new ranges/brands we will uncover until we arrive.

Product development is key for us, as is following the latest trends and showcasing new initiatives for our customers and because of this we will continue to support and attend as many trade fairs as we see fit. Supplier relationships are also very important to Beaverbrooks and IJL and other trade shows offer us the opportunity to meet up with many existing and potentially new suppliers who may have collections which we feel would complement Beaverbrooks’ existing ranges.

Q: Have you noticed any trends among your customers recently?

LH: Personalised jewellery is bigger than ever and consumer demand shows no sign of slowing down in 2016. More than possibly any other retail purchase, jewellery is a reflection of the individual and we’re seeing lots of different colours and materials, all being tailor-made into pieces that reflect the wearer’s style, aspirations and lifestyle.

Another trend we’re seeing is mixing old pieces with new, which creates some very special jewellery combinations. For example, brides in particular are mixing old and new in some original and hugely personal ways. How perfect to combine a memory – in a locket once given to you by your grandma for example, with a piece of jewellery that celebrates a brand new memory of your wedding day.

Following the announcement that rose quartz and serenity are 2016’s Pantone colours, these colours, and pastel tones in general, are certainly the hues of choice when it comes to gemstones.

Q: Finally, what is the best thing about being a jewellery buyer?

LH: I get really excited when a product that I have hand-selected is one of our best sellers. I also love it when customers share their engagement stories and photos with us – it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I have played a part in a customer’s special story, whatever that may be.

As a buyer I’m very fortunate in that I get to travel the globe, making regular trips to places like Vicenza in Italy, Munich and Las Vegas, to work with designers and spot emerging trends. Not many people can say that they’re going on a business trip to Vegas to look at diamonds!

Beaverbrooks. Pic: Jason Lock PR and Press Release Distribution only. Further or additional use requires permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Picture © Jason Lock

Industry, People, Trends

Q&A: Mark Milton talks best-selling ranges and gold jewellery trends

by IJL •

Mark Milton may have founded his eponymous jewellery brand in 2013, but his history in the world of jewellery manufacture and design goes back more than 30-years.

His focus is on 9ct and 18ct gold pieces, which fit into two distinct ranges: Mark Milton Classic and Mark Milton Collection. While the former offers timeless styles, including the popular 9ct gold 3D range, the latter presents a more contemporary outlook with coloured gemstones, bold chains and torques.

As one of IJL’s longest-standing exhibitors, Mark Milton has proven year-on-year that a focus on quality and varied gold jewellery can weather industry storms. This year the brand is riding the wave of a yellow gold revival, welcoming back buyers who may have shied away from the higher-priced metal in the past.

Here, Mark discusses his brand values, best-selling design and why he is predicting big things for gold in the next two years…

Q: What inspired you to enter the jewellery industry?

MM: My father and grandfather were in this industry so I guess it was my destiny! I’m lucky that I was introduced to a wonderful, creative profession at an early age and I had the perfect teacher and role model in my father. After three decades, I’m still passionate about making beautiful, exciting collections. I find inspiration in the very twists and turns of the design world and the endless subtleties of the raw materials I source from around the world.

Q: When you’re travelling to source raw materials are there any countries or regions that inspire you the most?

I’m a European at heart – so Italy, France, Greece and the exciting fashion scene here at home, I also take inspiration from Eastern and South/American influences.

Q: How would you describe your design style?

MM: Elegant and classic without being ordinary; fashionable without being faddy. Favourite jewellery pieces made with a quirky design twist or an unusual finish. Jewellery with clean, often symmetrical lines that you can love forever. For someone to wear their new Mark Milton piece as often as one from 20 years ago is a symbol of truly great design and I always have this in mind when I’m creating a new collection.

Q: Do you design for a particular type of woman?

MM: Anyone who appreciates contemporary classic design is our ‘particular woman’. Someone who desires and understands excellent design and craftsmanship but who isn’t blinded by a marketing story. Our collections offer simple every day pieces as well as larger, more unusual ranges and everything is expertly made to a very high standard. Women who are looking for the perfect combination of fashionable style and expert manufacturing.

Q: What are your best-selling designs at the moment?

MM: Our new Essentials range is selling brilliantly at the moment as are the 3D printing pieces and our heavy, statement chains and cuffs.

Q: Do you have any key collections or stand-out pieces that always seem to draw attention?

MM: Yes. Our 9ct Gold 3D range by Mark Milton Classic always draws a crowd and we’re becoming well-known for our statement cuffs and bold chains in the Mark Milton Collection.

Q: What are your feelings on the market for fine jewellery at the moment – do you feel confident?

MM: Yes, definitely! Gold is back and catching people’s interest again. The public are asking the retailers – who have very little to offer in commercial fine jewellery – so the retailers are asking us. Gradually and cautiously the gold business is coming back both from old customers we have not seen for years and excitingly from new stockists too.

Q: What do you feel the biggest trend for 2017 will be?

Gold, gold and gold!

Q: Are there any facets of your business that you will be trying to adapt or grow in 2016?

In recent years, many people have walked away from Gold jewellery and we’re now seeing them return. Some of the buyers are cautious but many can see the next new potential in the Gold business. We are experiencing a real success with our Gold ranges both as a way to introduce Gold back into people’s retail offer and for those who can and do extend their range to include our really exciting, luxury pieces.

Discover Mark Milton at International Jewellery London from 4th-6th September at Olympia Grand. 

 Mark Milton jewellery

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Joanna Mansbridge, director of buying for jewellery, QVC

by IJL •

Retailers are consistently being told to make storytelling their key motivation when designing and marketing new collections, and no one showcases this better than TV channel QVC. For customers who can’t touch or try-on a piece of jewellery before they buy it is up to the presenters to weave a fabulous story; whether that’s a tale of catwalk fashion trends or explaining the origins of pearls.

QVC UK’s main TV channel is available to 27 million homes, 24 hours a day, alongside its three sister channels: QVC Beauty, QVC Style and QVC Extra, with its roster of brands including  Bill Skinner, Links of London, Lola Rose and Clogau.

Here, QVC director of buying for jewellery and fashion accessories, Joanna Mansbridge, explains what makes buying for a television audience challenging and what she looks for in emerging brands looking to make their mark…

Q: When you visit trade shows what do you look out for and what is it that normally catches your eye?

JM: I am always looking for new and emerging trends or brands. Seeing a concept or trend growing in popularity helps us to decide with how much confidence, and when, we should back it and introduce it to our customers. Always on my radar, although more difficult to spot, are fresh ideas on how to update the more timeless pieces to give them a new lease of life.

Q: Does the nature of QVC as a broadcast sales channel mean you have to buy differently to others?

JM: We have to think about the visual impact for television, however the story behind the item is incredibly important as we are able to bring this to life on screen. Whilst price is key, we sell high value pieces very well so it’s all about demonstrating the quality and value of the item to our customers.

Q: Are there any jewellery brands that have done particularly well on QVC recently and why do you think that is?

JM: A variety of brands have proved to be very popular recently, demonstrating our ability to act as a jewellery department store – everything from high end diamonds, to quintessential British brands like Links of London and celebrity endorsed collections from Julien Macdonald, Kelly Hoppen and Michelle Mone. We also do well with niche artisan brands with a unique story and fashion lifestyle brands like Lola Rose and Orla Kiely, who recently launched a few pieces from her brand new jewellery collection with us.

Q: What are you looking for in 2016? Are there any areas that you are looking to fill with new brands?

We are always seeking out new brands to continually evolve our portfolio and excite our customers. We are expanding more into lifestyle jewellery and accessory brands, as we have found that a customer naturally wants to see other accessory items to update their look if they love a brand. This also helps us to create a more exciting and visual TV show.

Q: What would be your advice for new brands who are looking to connect with you, or showcase their products to you?

JM: We are looking for that ever important story behind your brand and product, something we can weave a story around to bring it to life on air and build an emotional connection with a future customer. We, and our customers, crave something different so unique concepts and a collection that stands out from the crowd are key, particularly as the high street continues to produce replicas of each other’s products.

Q: What has been your experience of attending International Jewellery London?

JM: I think it’s a real destination for anyone in the industry to see a cross section of some of the best brands and new emerging talent coming through. It’s always well organised with something for everyone, and the seminars and presentations provide topical updates on what’s relevant.

Q: Finally, what is the best thing about being a buyer for QVC?

JM: As the director of buying I am lucky to work with all the buyers across the team so am involved in the broader spectrum of everything we buy. The best thing will always be seeing that sales spike when you first launch a product or brand that resonates with your customers, and ultimate music to my ears is when you hear the presenter say the product is limited stock and then the sold badge appears on screen.

I also love having the cross section of collections from the latest rare gem find to a new celebrity or designer collaboration. No day is the same and we are continually excited by the next new concept. It’s a very innovative place to work, and I strongly believe that building multiple platform retail concepts is the way forward for merging the worlds of entertainment and shopping.

Joanna Mansbridge-QVC

Education, Industry

Sarah Kitley-Spencer, IJL Marketing Manager, spends a day at Gem-A

by IJL •

I have worked on International Jewellery London since 2010 and I have a real passion for gemstones – which girl doesn’t! I’m always amazed at the dazzling stones I see within jewellery or loose at the show!

Gem-A, which began as a Gemmological Committee of the National Association of Goldsmiths, first introduced a gemmology qualification in 1908 in order to encourage jewellers to understand the gems they were selling and to identify the fakes. Now, with the variety of gemstones encountered on the market and the diversity of treatments, synthetics and imitations, an internationally recognised qualification in gemmology is essential for any professional jeweller or gem dealer.

I’ve always wanted to know more but never had the opportunity too. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Gemmology Workshop hosted by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain a couple of weeks ago.  How I look at precious stones has changed forever.

The talented Gemmologist, Gem-A Head Tutor and International speaker Claire Mitchell took us through our paces and covered an outstanding amount of information in one day. What Claire doesn’t know about gemstones and gemmology isn’t worth knowing. Wow!

You can see why their  prestigious Gemmology and Diamonds Diplomas, taught around the world, are now globally recognized as qualifications of the highest status. Within the first ten minutes, I was hooked!

From the four c’s when grading diamonds to the diverse colours of rubies and sapphires we were treated to an exclusive day of gemmology. Armed with our own light and jewellers loupe we were tasked with grading diamonds. Starting with Clarity and Colour and looking at florescence too we were tasked to work our way through several diamonds and guess their official grade.

There were sighs in the room as we failed to guess the correct grading but shrieks of joy as practice made perfect and we started matching up our grading’s finally. Believe me – it’s quite addictive once you get started.

Before we knew it lunchtime had arrived – where we were treated to a feast of lunchtime bites and cake. The afternoon saw us learn more about the history of Gem-A, rubies, sapphires, aspects of light as well as a background in to the geology of gems, where they’re mined and ethics surrounding their extraction.

Whether a hobby or used to expand your knowledge to use within a workplace Gem-A offer an array of courses providing a flexible path for your education that best suits your location and your lifestyle. Whatever your choice, wherever you live, you can study gemmology with the world’s longest established provider of high-level gem qualifications.

Having spent a day with the team, I’m definitely hooked, thanks for having me Gem-A – I will be back!.

For further information on Gem-A, courses and history visit www.gem-a.com.IMG_0094          IMG_0041

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Lorna Haddon of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers

by IJL •

With more than 65 stores nationwide and a 900-strong workforce, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers is one of the UK’s best-known High Street multiples, and one of the first places customers look for their jewellery and watch purchases.

Behind-the-scenes the family-owned business has an incredible track record of supporting charitable causes, including donating 20% of its post-tax profits to charity annually and securing a spot on the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Companies for 12 consecutive years.

For diamond ring and jewellery buyer Lorna Haddon, her focus is on discovering exciting new collections to add to Beaverbrooks’ existing brands such as Hearts on Fire, Maple Leaf Diamonds and its own best-selling Era collection.

Here, Lorna discusses what she looks for at busy trade events and why IJL has proved to be an excellent destination for sourcing new brands and discovering trends…

Q: When you’re looking for new brands or products for Beaverbrooks what are the three most important things you look for?

LH: With new brands or products I always think of our customer, what’s sold well in the past and consider new trends. I think your gut instinct is also really important too; if a piece of jewellery doesn’t feel right, I won’t buy it.

Q: How do you focus your time at trade shows, do you do your research beforehand and only visit select brands or ‘shop around’?

LH: As with all trade shows our aim is to walk the halls soon after arriving, ensuring that we cover each aisle in order to identify emerging trends, product development/direction or new brands. If we do see a new brand, potential trend or a product frequently repeated, then we consider whether it’s suitable for our customers and whether it will complement the Beaverbrooks collections.

Q: What has been your experience of IJL to date – is it a good place to meet new brands, make buying decisions?

LH: IJL is really important for Beaverbrooks as we’ll use it to seek out new trends emerging for 2017 and speak to suppliers about 2016 trade/performance. Having so many suppliers under one roof is an extremely efficient use of both buyers and suppliers time.

IJL presents a great opportunity to review product developments we are currently working on with our partners for imminent launches and also discuss our strategy and direction for ranges and collections for the following year. Every year, there are new exhibitors and of course lots of new product ranges which is a reason why we view IJL as ‘a must’ in our calendar; we never know what exciting new ranges/brands we will uncover until we arrive.

Product development is key for us, as is following the latest trends and showcasing new initiatives for our customers and because of this we will continue to support and attend as many trade fairs as we see fit. Supplier relationships are also very important to Beaverbrooks and IJL and other trade shows offer us the opportunity to meet up with many existing and potentially new suppliers who may have collections which we feel would complement Beaverbrooks’ existing ranges.

Q: Have you noticed any trends among your customers recently?

LH: Personalised jewellery is bigger than ever and consumer demand shows no sign of slowing down in 2016. More than possibly any other retail purchase, jewellery is a reflection of the individual and we’re seeing lots of different colours and materials, all being tailor-made into pieces that reflect the wearer’s style, aspirations and lifestyle.

Another trend we’re seeing is mixing old pieces with new, which creates some very special jewellery combinations. For example, brides in particular are mixing old and new in some original and hugely personal ways. How perfect to combine a memory – in a locket once given to you by your grandma for example, with a piece of jewellery that celebrates a brand new memory of your wedding day.

Following the announcement that rose quartz and serenity are 2016’s Pantone colours, these colours, and pastel tones in general, are certainly the hues of choice when it comes to gemstones.

Q: Finally, what is the best thing about being a jewellery buyer?

LH: I get really excited when a product that I have hand-selected is one of our best sellers. I also love it when customers share their engagement stories and photos with us – it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I have played a part in a customer’s special story, whatever that may be.

As a buyer I’m very fortunate in that I get to travel the globe, making regular trips to places like Vicenza in Italy, Munich and Las Vegas, to work with designers and spot emerging trends. Not many people can say that they’re going on a business trip to Vegas to look at diamonds!

Beaverbrooks. Pic: Jason Lock PR and Press Release Distribution only. Further or additional use requires permission. Picture © Jason Lock Photography +44 (0) 7889 152747 +44 (0) 161 431 4012 info@jasonlock.co.uk www.jasonlock.co.uk

Picture © Jason Lock

Industry, People, Trends

Q&A: Mark Milton talks best-selling ranges and gold jewellery trends

by IJL •

Mark Milton may have founded his eponymous jewellery brand in 2013, but his history in the world of jewellery manufacture and design goes back more than 30-years.

His focus is on 9ct and 18ct gold pieces, which fit into two distinct ranges: Mark Milton Classic and Mark Milton Collection. While the former offers timeless styles, including the popular 9ct gold 3D range, the latter presents a more contemporary outlook with coloured gemstones, bold chains and torques.

As one of IJL’s longest-standing exhibitors, Mark Milton has proven year-on-year that a focus on quality and varied gold jewellery can weather industry storms. This year the brand is riding the wave of a yellow gold revival, welcoming back buyers who may have shied away from the higher-priced metal in the past.

Here, Mark discusses his brand values, best-selling design and why he is predicting big things for gold in the next two years…

Q: What inspired you to enter the jewellery industry?

MM: My father and grandfather were in this industry so I guess it was my destiny! I’m lucky that I was introduced to a wonderful, creative profession at an early age and I had the perfect teacher and role model in my father. After three decades, I’m still passionate about making beautiful, exciting collections. I find inspiration in the very twists and turns of the design world and the endless subtleties of the raw materials I source from around the world.

Q: When you’re travelling to source raw materials are there any countries or regions that inspire you the most?

I’m a European at heart – so Italy, France, Greece and the exciting fashion scene here at home, I also take inspiration from Eastern and South/American influences.

Q: How would you describe your design style?

MM: Elegant and classic without being ordinary; fashionable without being faddy. Favourite jewellery pieces made with a quirky design twist or an unusual finish. Jewellery with clean, often symmetrical lines that you can love forever. For someone to wear their new Mark Milton piece as often as one from 20 years ago is a symbol of truly great design and I always have this in mind when I’m creating a new collection.

Q: Do you design for a particular type of woman?

MM: Anyone who appreciates contemporary classic design is our ‘particular woman’. Someone who desires and understands excellent design and craftsmanship but who isn’t blinded by a marketing story. Our collections offer simple every day pieces as well as larger, more unusual ranges and everything is expertly made to a very high standard. Women who are looking for the perfect combination of fashionable style and expert manufacturing.

Q: What are your best-selling designs at the moment?

MM: Our new Essentials range is selling brilliantly at the moment as are the 3D printing pieces and our heavy, statement chains and cuffs.

Q: Do you have any key collections or stand-out pieces that always seem to draw attention?

MM: Yes. Our 9ct Gold 3D range by Mark Milton Classic always draws a crowd and we’re becoming well-known for our statement cuffs and bold chains in the Mark Milton Collection.

Q: What are your feelings on the market for fine jewellery at the moment – do you feel confident?

MM: Yes, definitely! Gold is back and catching people’s interest again. The public are asking the retailers – who have very little to offer in commercial fine jewellery – so the retailers are asking us. Gradually and cautiously the gold business is coming back both from old customers we have not seen for years and excitingly from new stockists too.

Q: What do you feel the biggest trend for 2017 will be?

Gold, gold and gold!

Q: Are there any facets of your business that you will be trying to adapt or grow in 2016?

In recent years, many people have walked away from Gold jewellery and we’re now seeing them return. Some of the buyers are cautious but many can see the next new potential in the Gold business. We are experiencing a real success with our Gold ranges both as a way to introduce Gold back into people’s retail offer and for those who can and do extend their range to include our really exciting, luxury pieces.

Discover Mark Milton at International Jewellery London from 4th-6th September at Olympia Grand. 

 Mark Milton jewellery

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Joanna Mansbridge, director of buying for jewellery, QVC

by IJL •

Retailers are consistently being told to make storytelling their key motivation when designing and marketing new collections, and no one showcases this better than TV channel QVC. For customers who can’t touch or try-on a piece of jewellery before they buy it is up to the presenters to weave a fabulous story; whether that’s a tale of catwalk fashion trends or explaining the origins of pearls.

QVC UK’s main TV channel is available to 27 million homes, 24 hours a day, alongside its three sister channels: QVC Beauty, QVC Style and QVC Extra, with its roster of brands including  Bill Skinner, Links of London, Lola Rose and Clogau.

Here, QVC director of buying for jewellery and fashion accessories, Joanna Mansbridge, explains what makes buying for a television audience challenging and what she looks for in emerging brands looking to make their mark…

Q: When you visit trade shows what do you look out for and what is it that normally catches your eye?

JM: I am always looking for new and emerging trends or brands. Seeing a concept or trend growing in popularity helps us to decide with how much confidence, and when, we should back it and introduce it to our customers. Always on my radar, although more difficult to spot, are fresh ideas on how to update the more timeless pieces to give them a new lease of life.

Q: Does the nature of QVC as a broadcast sales channel mean you have to buy differently to others?

JM: We have to think about the visual impact for television, however the story behind the item is incredibly important as we are able to bring this to life on screen. Whilst price is key, we sell high value pieces very well so it’s all about demonstrating the quality and value of the item to our customers.

Q: Are there any jewellery brands that have done particularly well on QVC recently and why do you think that is?

JM: A variety of brands have proved to be very popular recently, demonstrating our ability to act as a jewellery department store – everything from high end diamonds, to quintessential British brands like Links of London and celebrity endorsed collections from Julien Macdonald, Kelly Hoppen and Michelle Mone. We also do well with niche artisan brands with a unique story and fashion lifestyle brands like Lola Rose and Orla Kiely, who recently launched a few pieces from her brand new jewellery collection with us.

Q: What are you looking for in 2016? Are there any areas that you are looking to fill with new brands?

We are always seeking out new brands to continually evolve our portfolio and excite our customers. We are expanding more into lifestyle jewellery and accessory brands, as we have found that a customer naturally wants to see other accessory items to update their look if they love a brand. This also helps us to create a more exciting and visual TV show.

Q: What would be your advice for new brands who are looking to connect with you, or showcase their products to you?

JM: We are looking for that ever important story behind your brand and product, something we can weave a story around to bring it to life on air and build an emotional connection with a future customer. We, and our customers, crave something different so unique concepts and a collection that stands out from the crowd are key, particularly as the high street continues to produce replicas of each other’s products.

Q: What has been your experience of attending International Jewellery London?

JM: I think it’s a real destination for anyone in the industry to see a cross section of some of the best brands and new emerging talent coming through. It’s always well organised with something for everyone, and the seminars and presentations provide topical updates on what’s relevant.

Q: Finally, what is the best thing about being a buyer for QVC?

JM: As the director of buying I am lucky to work with all the buyers across the team so am involved in the broader spectrum of everything we buy. The best thing will always be seeing that sales spike when you first launch a product or brand that resonates with your customers, and ultimate music to my ears is when you hear the presenter say the product is limited stock and then the sold badge appears on screen.

I also love having the cross section of collections from the latest rare gem find to a new celebrity or designer collaboration. No day is the same and we are continually excited by the next new concept. It’s a very innovative place to work, and I strongly believe that building multiple platform retail concepts is the way forward for merging the worlds of entertainment and shopping.

Joanna Mansbridge-QVC

Education, Industry

Sarah Kitley-Spencer, IJL Marketing Manager, spends a day at Gem-A

by IJL •

I have worked on International Jewellery London since 2010 and I have a real passion for gemstones – which girl doesn’t! I’m always amazed at the dazzling stones I see within jewellery or loose at the show!

Gem-A, which began as a Gemmological Committee of the National Association of Goldsmiths, first introduced a gemmology qualification in 1908 in order to encourage jewellers to understand the gems they were selling and to identify the fakes. Now, with the variety of gemstones encountered on the market and the diversity of treatments, synthetics and imitations, an internationally recognised qualification in gemmology is essential for any professional jeweller or gem dealer.

I’ve always wanted to know more but never had the opportunity too. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a Gemmology Workshop hosted by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain a couple of weeks ago.  How I look at precious stones has changed forever.

The talented Gemmologist, Gem-A Head Tutor and International speaker Claire Mitchell took us through our paces and covered an outstanding amount of information in one day. What Claire doesn’t know about gemstones and gemmology isn’t worth knowing. Wow!

You can see why their  prestigious Gemmology and Diamonds Diplomas, taught around the world, are now globally recognized as qualifications of the highest status. Within the first ten minutes, I was hooked!

From the four c’s when grading diamonds to the diverse colours of rubies and sapphires we were treated to an exclusive day of gemmology. Armed with our own light and jewellers loupe we were tasked with grading diamonds. Starting with Clarity and Colour and looking at florescence too we were tasked to work our way through several diamonds and guess their official grade.

There were sighs in the room as we failed to guess the correct grading but shrieks of joy as practice made perfect and we started matching up our grading’s finally. Believe me – it’s quite addictive once you get started.

Before we knew it lunchtime had arrived – where we were treated to a feast of lunchtime bites and cake. The afternoon saw us learn more about the history of Gem-A, rubies, sapphires, aspects of light as well as a background in to the geology of gems, where they’re mined and ethics surrounding their extraction.

Whether a hobby or used to expand your knowledge to use within a workplace Gem-A offer an array of courses providing a flexible path for your education that best suits your location and your lifestyle. Whatever your choice, wherever you live, you can study gemmology with the world’s longest established provider of high-level gem qualifications.

Having spent a day with the team, I’m definitely hooked, thanks for having me Gem-A – I will be back!.

For further information on Gem-A, courses and history visit www.gem-a.com.IMG_0094          IMG_0041