Blog Modules

Industry, Products

Japanese chain specialist Yamamori Co Ltd talks exhibiting at IJL 2016

by IJL •

Every year International Jewellery London welcomes new brands from across the globe and the 2016 edition is no different. This year, we are pleased to welcome sterling silver chain and finished jewellery specialist Yamamori Co Ltd.

Founded in 1950, Yamamori was the first company to manufacture machine-made jewellery chains in Japan. Around 25 years ago, Yamamori set up a second factor in Surabaya, Indonesia, specifically for the production of silver 925 machine-made and hand-made chains, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other components and findings.

Today, its sales and marketing staff work across the world in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Malaysia, Italy and New York’s iconic jewellery quarter.

Yamamori Co Ltd’s William A. Graham, who works in sales and marketing, answers our questions here…

Q: What made Yamamori decide to exhibit at IJL in 2016 and what are your aims for the show?

WG: Reading about the additional groups and types of buyers who visit IJL, such as airline companies and High Street retail chains who don’t exhibit and therefore can only be met at shows. Over the past two years we have concentrated on the design and production of silver jewellery (earrings, bracelets, necklaces), which we already show in Hong Kong twice a year.

In addition, through our own efforts at marketing and a huge customer contact base, many of our designs are garnering more and more interest, even as far as Tiffany & Co. in New York, who buy a particular earring set of ours.

I believe it’s now time for us to exhibit at IJL, as I am convinced there are many more opportunities to expand our UK client base through IJL and meet new potential buyers who are as yet only vaguely aware of our name.

IJL publicity photo 2

Q: Are there any brands or retailers in particular who you are trying to reach?

WG: No particular brands, but our minimum order quantity is such that even individual designers who work from home already buy from us. But more simply put, I’d be hoping to meet any company interested in our jewellery or machine chains, whether they be an individual business, wholesaler, importer or retail chain.

Q: Have you noticed any shifting consumer tastes recently?

WG: I have noted the mixing up of colours, even with chains, where silver is mixed with yellow and red gold and black ruthenium plating (Ruthenium).

Q: What are your thoughts on the silver jewellery industry in general at the moment – are you feeling positive?

WG: I personally don’t see any major issues, and the silver market price has remained relatively stable for over two years now, which usually encourages/ensures buying. In some counties, silver is the new gold and with colour platings being quite commonplace I’d expect the silver jewellery industry to remain fairly stable, if not expand further. Countries which once dismissed silver as poor man’s jewellery are now flaunting it.

Industry, News, Products

Hans-Joachim Becker on the success of Richard Hans Becker in the UK

by IJL •

Fine jewellery company Richard Hans Becker will be bringing its collection of unique and distinctive designs to International Jewellery  London this September.

Here, third generation owner Hans-Joachim Becker discusses the differences between UK and German trade shows, the best-selling Triple collection and the resurgence of opals as a gemstone of choice for fine jewellery customers…

Q: For any British retailers who may not be familiar with Richard Hans Becker, can you tell us a little bit about the history of the brand and its specialisms?

HJB: Based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, Richard Hans Becker is a third generation family company with over 40 years experience in the manufacture of beautiful jewellery. Our passion is for beautiful gemstones and our workshop produces spectacular jewellery with unique and distinctive designs. We work in 14ct and 18ct gold, setting with opal, tanzanite, aquamarine, tourmaline and morganite, to name a few. We also offer a full design and manufacture service either using our own or our customer’s stones; we help to make their imagination come to life.

Q: What has been your experience of exhibiting at International Jewellery London and why do you see it as an important part of your yearly trade show calendar?

HJB: Our experience of exhibiting at IJL, especially in the new Olympia venue, has been very positive. It is well supported and it is very important for us to be there, both for our existing customers and to meet new retail partners.

Q: How do British trade shows compare to trade shows in your native Germany – are there any differences?

HJB: The main differences are that most of our British customers buy at the fair, while our German customers prefer to look and then make appointments for later. I think the reason for this is that we appear only once a year in the UK and have a much larger collection of jewellery with us there than I can possibly bring if I come over to visit people. As many of our products are unique pieces and can be sold out quickly, this gives our UK customers a much bigger choice – they get the actual pieces that they select at the fair.

Q: Have you noticed any trends in consumer tastes recently?

HJB: Our customers work with us because they like our designs, our ‘point of difference’ and the range and quality of our gem stones. We work mostly in red and yellow gold as they enhance the colour of many gems, and we are finding that opal is particularly strong at the moment.

 

Triple tanzanite toumaline morganite rings

Q: What are your thoughts on the fine jewellery industry in general at the moment? Are you feeling positive?

HJB: We have a good feeling about the fine jewellery market at the moment. It is not easy for any of us, supplier or retailer, but we are still growing strongly in our home market and the UK is developing well. Last year was good for us and this year has started strongly, a testament I think to the strength and popularity of our designs. We have a product that appeals to the customer who is looking for something more individual.

Q: What collections are proving particularly popular at the moment? 

‘Triple’ is a new and already successful design from Richard Hans Becker. The rings (pictured above) can be worn either together in multiple combinations of shape and colour or individually; the setting design also allows them to be worn snugly against a wedding band as the engagement ring with a difference.

Pieces are available in 18ct and 14ct red, white and yellow gold with a wide choice of gem stones – almost any colour you desire – in oval, round and marquise cuts.

See Richard Hans Becker at IJL 2015 Stand D90

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Clair Albone, Argos

by IJL •

With 550 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones and retail services suppliers, International Jewellery London is the ideal location for retailers and buyers to meet existing partners and find new collections.

Many buyers return year-on-year, including Argos’ jewellery buyer Clair Albone.

Here, she discusses the Argos customer’s love of yellow gold, the questions she asks herself before making a buying decision and the importance of IJL for discovering new trends…

Q: When you’re looking for new brands for Argos what are the three most important things you look for or consider before making a choice?

CA: We ask ourselves three questions:
1. Is it something our customer will love (i.e. style, price)?
2. Does it offer great value for the quality and style?
3. Will the brand help us to create our vision of a market leading brand proposition for our customers?

Q: As Argos is a digital first business, do you ever have to stop and consider how a product will look online or how it can be marketed on social media?

CA: Always. Some products simply do not photograph as well as they look in real life and this can really have an impact. However working with the catalogue as well as online this is a dimension that we are more than used to.

Having the digital channel gives us great benefits in supporting a much better customer journey. It enables us to tell the brand story as we have lots of great images, richer content, 3D images and even video – the digital marketing opportunities are much broader than in print.

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

CA: It’s a bit of both! We know who we want to see at the show as it’s a great opportunity to catch up on new trends. While there we will also take time to browse the show to see who else is there and admire new products.

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

CA: Over the years IJL has been a great experience as it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the latest products and to get inspiration.

Q: Will you be coming to this year’s IJL and are there any product areas or brands that you are interested in looking at?

CA: Absolutely. We always have the dates of the important shows in our diaries; Hong Kong, Vegas and IJL. We have some exciting changes coming up as part of our brand strategy and will see key brands that fit with that strategy.

Q: Have you noticed any trends among your customers recently, perhaps a particular style or gemstone that’s growing in popularity?

CA: Our customers love yellow gold so it’s great to see this as an emerging trend in the market along with rose gold which is also proving popular. Gemstones in general are well-liked as our customers do like a bit of colour. With our focus on digital we are seeing our web-site traffic increase as customers look for familiar as well as new and exciting brands.

Q: What are your impressions of the jewellery industry at the moment, are there any issues that you are trying to address or challenges that are causing you to make changes?

CA: Customers expectations have changed. Now, convenience and speed of delivery are key and Argos is the market leader so we ensure our customers expectations are met.

facebook_1442932161136

Industry

Inspire Insights: American brand Beverley K on cracking the UK market

by IJL •

Founded by Morrie Knopp in 1999, US brand Beverley K has developed a reputation for vintage-inspired fine jewellery designs studded with diamonds and precious gemstones.

Having increased its presence in the United States, Beverley K is now turning its attention to international markets to grow its customer base and showcase its award-winning collections.

Here we discover more about the brand and hear from Morrie Knopp on why she’s returning to International Jewellery London for the second consecutive year…

The history of Beverley K

The multi-award winning Beverley K Collection is known for vintage-inspired designs, attention to detail, full customisation services and old-world craftsmanship. Designs are available in 14ct and 18ct white, rose, and yellow gold, as well as platinum.

Since the company owns its design and fabrication operations, it is able to consistently meet design and service standards. The San Diego-based company offers an extensive line of engagement mounts, bands, earrings, pendants and bracelets to fine jewellery retailers throughout the United States and internationally.

Success in the United States

Beverley K is currently positioned as the industry leader in vintage-inspired designs in the American market, especially when it comes to hand milgrain and French-cut stones. The brand’s Bridal Rings collection has proved particularly successful in the US market and has won a number of awards, including the Bridal Design Award at the Centurion show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Also among its best-sellers are the diamond-set Stack Bands – a fresher take on eternity bands – and combinations of rose gold and morganite.

Hear from Beverley K owner, Morrie Knopp…

Q: What are your feelings on the fine jewellery market at the moment – have you experienced tough times or do you have a sense of confidence?

MK: Beverley K continues to do well. We are increasing our market share in the USA, which is our main market. We are also continuing to increase our footprint around the globe. We find it is essential that we continue to examine the market on a regular basis, as the world, and specifically our industry is in a constant state of change. Businesses that are content to ‘do business as usual’ are in for a rude awakening. Moving with the times, and being a leader in our niche has served us very well.

Q: What would you like visitors to IJL 2016 to know about Beverley K?

MK: We design and hand-craft exquisite jewellery of superb quality and beauty. Over the years, we have become known for our impeccable attention to detail, vintage reproductions, and customisation services. For over 17 years we have been creating unforgettable, detailed rings, mounts, earrings, bracelets and more for fine jewellers and their customers.

Our mission is simple: Exceed expectations through service, selection, quality and price. This commitment has guided us from day one and is the cornerstone on which we have built our sterling reputation. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your customers with extraordinary jewellery and service.

Industry, Products

Japanese chain specialist Yamamori Co Ltd talks exhibiting at IJL 2016

by IJL •

Every year International Jewellery London welcomes new brands from across the globe and the 2016 edition is no different. This year, we are pleased to welcome sterling silver chain and finished jewellery specialist Yamamori Co Ltd.

Founded in 1950, Yamamori was the first company to manufacture machine-made jewellery chains in Japan. Around 25 years ago, Yamamori set up a second factor in Surabaya, Indonesia, specifically for the production of silver 925 machine-made and hand-made chains, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other components and findings.

Today, its sales and marketing staff work across the world in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Malaysia, Italy and New York’s iconic jewellery quarter.

Yamamori Co Ltd’s William A. Graham, who works in sales and marketing, answers our questions here…

Q: What made Yamamori decide to exhibit at IJL in 2016 and what are your aims for the show?

WG: Reading about the additional groups and types of buyers who visit IJL, such as airline companies and High Street retail chains who don’t exhibit and therefore can only be met at shows. Over the past two years we have concentrated on the design and production of silver jewellery (earrings, bracelets, necklaces), which we already show in Hong Kong twice a year.

In addition, through our own efforts at marketing and a huge customer contact base, many of our designs are garnering more and more interest, even as far as Tiffany & Co. in New York, who buy a particular earring set of ours.

I believe it’s now time for us to exhibit at IJL, as I am convinced there are many more opportunities to expand our UK client base through IJL and meet new potential buyers who are as yet only vaguely aware of our name.

IJL publicity photo 2

Q: Are there any brands or retailers in particular who you are trying to reach?

WG: No particular brands, but our minimum order quantity is such that even individual designers who work from home already buy from us. But more simply put, I’d be hoping to meet any company interested in our jewellery or machine chains, whether they be an individual business, wholesaler, importer or retail chain.

Q: Have you noticed any shifting consumer tastes recently?

WG: I have noted the mixing up of colours, even with chains, where silver is mixed with yellow and red gold and black ruthenium plating (Ruthenium).

Q: What are your thoughts on the silver jewellery industry in general at the moment – are you feeling positive?

WG: I personally don’t see any major issues, and the silver market price has remained relatively stable for over two years now, which usually encourages/ensures buying. In some counties, silver is the new gold and with colour platings being quite commonplace I’d expect the silver jewellery industry to remain fairly stable, if not expand further. Countries which once dismissed silver as poor man’s jewellery are now flaunting it.

Industry, News, Products

Hans-Joachim Becker on the success of Richard Hans Becker in the UK

by IJL •

Fine jewellery company Richard Hans Becker will be bringing its collection of unique and distinctive designs to International Jewellery  London this September.

Here, third generation owner Hans-Joachim Becker discusses the differences between UK and German trade shows, the best-selling Triple collection and the resurgence of opals as a gemstone of choice for fine jewellery customers…

Q: For any British retailers who may not be familiar with Richard Hans Becker, can you tell us a little bit about the history of the brand and its specialisms?

HJB: Based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, Richard Hans Becker is a third generation family company with over 40 years experience in the manufacture of beautiful jewellery. Our passion is for beautiful gemstones and our workshop produces spectacular jewellery with unique and distinctive designs. We work in 14ct and 18ct gold, setting with opal, tanzanite, aquamarine, tourmaline and morganite, to name a few. We also offer a full design and manufacture service either using our own or our customer’s stones; we help to make their imagination come to life.

Q: What has been your experience of exhibiting at International Jewellery London and why do you see it as an important part of your yearly trade show calendar?

HJB: Our experience of exhibiting at IJL, especially in the new Olympia venue, has been very positive. It is well supported and it is very important for us to be there, both for our existing customers and to meet new retail partners.

Q: How do British trade shows compare to trade shows in your native Germany – are there any differences?

HJB: The main differences are that most of our British customers buy at the fair, while our German customers prefer to look and then make appointments for later. I think the reason for this is that we appear only once a year in the UK and have a much larger collection of jewellery with us there than I can possibly bring if I come over to visit people. As many of our products are unique pieces and can be sold out quickly, this gives our UK customers a much bigger choice – they get the actual pieces that they select at the fair.

Q: Have you noticed any trends in consumer tastes recently?

HJB: Our customers work with us because they like our designs, our ‘point of difference’ and the range and quality of our gem stones. We work mostly in red and yellow gold as they enhance the colour of many gems, and we are finding that opal is particularly strong at the moment.

 

Triple tanzanite toumaline morganite rings

Q: What are your thoughts on the fine jewellery industry in general at the moment? Are you feeling positive?

HJB: We have a good feeling about the fine jewellery market at the moment. It is not easy for any of us, supplier or retailer, but we are still growing strongly in our home market and the UK is developing well. Last year was good for us and this year has started strongly, a testament I think to the strength and popularity of our designs. We have a product that appeals to the customer who is looking for something more individual.

Q: What collections are proving particularly popular at the moment? 

‘Triple’ is a new and already successful design from Richard Hans Becker. The rings (pictured above) can be worn either together in multiple combinations of shape and colour or individually; the setting design also allows them to be worn snugly against a wedding band as the engagement ring with a difference.

Pieces are available in 18ct and 14ct red, white and yellow gold with a wide choice of gem stones – almost any colour you desire – in oval, round and marquise cuts.

See Richard Hans Becker at IJL 2015 Stand D90

Industry, People

Meet the buyer: Clair Albone, Argos

by IJL •

With 550 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers, designers, loose gemstones and retail services suppliers, International Jewellery London is the ideal location for retailers and buyers to meet existing partners and find new collections.

Many buyers return year-on-year, including Argos’ jewellery buyer Clair Albone.

Here, she discusses the Argos customer’s love of yellow gold, the questions she asks herself before making a buying decision and the importance of IJL for discovering new trends…

Q: When you’re looking for new brands for Argos what are the three most important things you look for or consider before making a choice?

CA: We ask ourselves three questions:
1. Is it something our customer will love (i.e. style, price)?
2. Does it offer great value for the quality and style?
3. Will the brand help us to create our vision of a market leading brand proposition for our customers?

Q: As Argos is a digital first business, do you ever have to stop and consider how a product will look online or how it can be marketed on social media?

CA: Always. Some products simply do not photograph as well as they look in real life and this can really have an impact. However working with the catalogue as well as online this is a dimension that we are more than used to.

Having the digital channel gives us great benefits in supporting a much better customer journey. It enables us to tell the brand story as we have lots of great images, richer content, 3D images and even video – the digital marketing opportunities are much broader than in print.

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

CA: It’s a bit of both! We know who we want to see at the show as it’s a great opportunity to catch up on new trends. While there we will also take time to browse the show to see who else is there and admire new products.

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

CA: Over the years IJL has been a great experience as it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the latest products and to get inspiration.

Q: Will you be coming to this year’s IJL and are there any product areas or brands that you are interested in looking at?

CA: Absolutely. We always have the dates of the important shows in our diaries; Hong Kong, Vegas and IJL. We have some exciting changes coming up as part of our brand strategy and will see key brands that fit with that strategy.

Q: Have you noticed any trends among your customers recently, perhaps a particular style or gemstone that’s growing in popularity?

CA: Our customers love yellow gold so it’s great to see this as an emerging trend in the market along with rose gold which is also proving popular. Gemstones in general are well-liked as our customers do like a bit of colour. With our focus on digital we are seeing our web-site traffic increase as customers look for familiar as well as new and exciting brands.

Q: What are your impressions of the jewellery industry at the moment, are there any issues that you are trying to address or challenges that are causing you to make changes?

CA: Customers expectations have changed. Now, convenience and speed of delivery are key and Argos is the market leader so we ensure our customers expectations are met.

facebook_1442932161136

Industry

Inspire Insights: American brand Beverley K on cracking the UK market

by IJL •

Founded by Morrie Knopp in 1999, US brand Beverley K has developed a reputation for vintage-inspired fine jewellery designs studded with diamonds and precious gemstones.

Having increased its presence in the United States, Beverley K is now turning its attention to international markets to grow its customer base and showcase its award-winning collections.

Here we discover more about the brand and hear from Morrie Knopp on why she’s returning to International Jewellery London for the second consecutive year…

The history of Beverley K

The multi-award winning Beverley K Collection is known for vintage-inspired designs, attention to detail, full customisation services and old-world craftsmanship. Designs are available in 14ct and 18ct white, rose, and yellow gold, as well as platinum.

Since the company owns its design and fabrication operations, it is able to consistently meet design and service standards. The San Diego-based company offers an extensive line of engagement mounts, bands, earrings, pendants and bracelets to fine jewellery retailers throughout the United States and internationally.

Success in the United States

Beverley K is currently positioned as the industry leader in vintage-inspired designs in the American market, especially when it comes to hand milgrain and French-cut stones. The brand’s Bridal Rings collection has proved particularly successful in the US market and has won a number of awards, including the Bridal Design Award at the Centurion show in Phoenix, Arizona.

Also among its best-sellers are the diamond-set Stack Bands – a fresher take on eternity bands – and combinations of rose gold and morganite.

Hear from Beverley K owner, Morrie Knopp…

Q: What are your feelings on the fine jewellery market at the moment – have you experienced tough times or do you have a sense of confidence?

MK: Beverley K continues to do well. We are increasing our market share in the USA, which is our main market. We are also continuing to increase our footprint around the globe. We find it is essential that we continue to examine the market on a regular basis, as the world, and specifically our industry is in a constant state of change. Businesses that are content to ‘do business as usual’ are in for a rude awakening. Moving with the times, and being a leader in our niche has served us very well.

Q: What would you like visitors to IJL 2016 to know about Beverley K?

MK: We design and hand-craft exquisite jewellery of superb quality and beauty. Over the years, we have become known for our impeccable attention to detail, vintage reproductions, and customisation services. For over 17 years we have been creating unforgettable, detailed rings, mounts, earrings, bracelets and more for fine jewellers and their customers.

Our mission is simple: Exceed expectations through service, selection, quality and price. This commitment has guided us from day one and is the cornerstone on which we have built our sterling reputation. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your customers with extraordinary jewellery and service.