Blog Modules

Industry, News, Trends

The biggest luxury watch trends of 2016

by IJL •

WatchPro editor James Buttery highlights the key trends in the luxury watch market for the year ahead following a jam-packed trade show season…

Identifying trends can often be an arduous task of mentally connecting the dots after being exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of new watches during the opening few months of the year. So far, this year has been slightly different. Watch brands have been far more considered in their launch of new product, leading me to suspect we’ll see more being drip-fed throughout the year.

As such trends are being telegraphed through to such a degree that even the casual observer should be able to play watch trend bingo. I’m often amazed by how quickly trends appear within the watch industry considering how long new product takes to turn around. Sure if you’re manufacturing in China then turnaround on new product can be a matter of just a few weeks, but the Swiss industry works at a slightly more sedate pace.

Moonphase complications

Late last year saw a revival in interest in moonphase complications. Both Swiss haute horlogerie brand Arnold & Son and Anglo-Swiss Christopher Ward produced centrally mounted moonphase watches with greatly enlarged discs and apertures, making for a much more visual take on the complication. Not everyone has gone with the bigger moonphase variation (the discs can require a lot of torque to turn) but everyone is introducing at least one moonphase watch this year.

Better in bronze

After the occasional dalliance with bronze as a case material from the likes of Panerai, Schofield and Anonimo the watch industry seems to have gone all in this year. Bronze watches tend to be divers watches because of the maritime association with the metal. It also develops its own unique patina, meaning no two watches will look the same given time. In the last couple of months alone Tudor introduced a larger version of its versatile Black Bay in bronze, Oris grew its successful Divers Sixty-Five collection with a bronze tribute and Fossil Group-owned Zodiac created a new brand of cool with a limited edition divers watch.

All about blue

Don’t let anyone tell you that blue is a trend in watches. Blue was a trend two years ago, now if you don’t have a blue dial in your collection in 2016 you are doing something very wrong indeed. The colour has entered the watch mainstream and is now as essential and core as having black, white and silver dial options. As with its use in fashion, blue often provides a more enigmatic alternative to black. For an example of just how breathtaking blue watches can be look no further than Zenith’s new 6150 in blue, a true horological knockout.

Ring in the changes

Interchangeable straps are also playing their part in driving business at both ends of the market and for entirely different reasons. Interchangeable, quick-change straps offer consumers of the volume brands a quick, affordable purchase to instantly change the look of their watch. Such complementary purchases must also boost company turnover and give consumers a reason to revisit their local stockist.

At the other end of the spectrum, hallowed brand Vacheron Constantin unveiled its revamped Overseas collection in January. The remit of the sports watch design was instantly expanded when Vacheron revealed that not only had the watch changed, but it would be presented on a series of proprietary interchangeable straps. This means that the Overseas can switch personalities in a matter of seconds with rubber, metal or leather options attaching to the watch head. This equates to added value in the luxury sector with one watch purchase suddenly having a multitude of uses, from boardroom to beach. With sales down across the Swiss watch industry brands will have to give consumers extra reasons to  make expensive purchases with clever concepts such as this.

Of course it could be argued that Hublot has been ahead of the competition for years with the frankly brilliant quick-change strap system on its Big Bang collection.

Whatever trends are revealed over the course of 2016 you can be sure that the watch industry will have made them as easily digestible as possible, with brands looking to produce new watches that sell-through this year in a bid to tackle the growing threats of vintage and grey market sales.

Interested in finding out more?

For 2016, International Jewellery London has launched ‘Ones to Watch’, a brand new initiative developed in collaboration with WatchPro magazine to shine a light on all our valued watch exhibitors, while also offering them a comprehensive package of editorial coverage – both online and in print – social media support and email campaigns.

All of our watch exhibitors will benefit from a profile in WatchPro’s September issue, as well as the opportunity to enter the new watch category for the prestigious Editor’s Choice Awards. We’ve also introduced ‘The Watch Hour’ – a series of talks, seminars and panel discussions that will take place during the three days of IJL. 

To find out more, click here.

James Buttery

Industry, People

5 minutes with: UKJA Finalist and KickStart alum Lauren Rowden

by IJL •

International Jewellery London is thrilled to be supporting the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards New Designer of the Year category in 2016.

To celebrate, we’re finding out a little bit more about the shortlisted designer-makers and brands, including Lauren Rowden, founder of Ellie Air Jewellery.

Here the KickStart alum reveals what she would ask an industry mentor, and describes the key collections that have got her noticed for all the right reasons…

Q: When did you establish Ellie Air Jewellery?

LR: Ellie Air Jewellery was founded in 2013 when I returned from Florence, Italy where I had been trained in contemporary jewellery. Before then I had worked as a student apprentice under a Hatton Garden goldsmith since leaving school.

Q: How would you describe your design style and is there a particular woman you design for?

LR: The aesthetic of the Ellie Air brand has become its own signature over the last few years, incorporating mixed metals, a very minimalist approach to design and consistent use of linear, fine details. Our target audience is a woman between 30-50 with a classic style and disposable income.

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

LR: Both permanent collections ‘Alchimia’ and ‘Firma’ encompass the Ellie Air aesthetic while standing apart from each other; Alchimia shows off a Scandi style using the contrast between black, gold and silver, while Firma is inspired by antique rings and found things.

Colour blocks and antique styles are both quite popular in fashion at the moment, however my lines stand out from the high street by offering solid fine metals and diamonds at affordable prices.

Q: What is it like being a new designer in the UK jewellery industry? 

LR: I find that it is quite competitive, but also extremely inclusive. I work best when I am challenged (or on a tight deadline!) and I love to work alongside my peers so that we can inspire and advise each other.

Being part of Kickstart 2015 meant I made invaluable connections with designers at the same point in their career where we can bounce ideas off each other and encourage each other. IJL proved to be a huge success, and I had the chance to meet professionals in all areas of the trade, which was extremely worthwhile for the future of Ellie Air!

Q: If you could learn one thing from a mentor or peer in the industry what would it be?

LR: New manufacturing skill sets – I love to learn and feel that Ellie Air as a brand could expand hugely with more depth in design and skill.

Industry, Products, Trends

Raw Pearls director Miranda Raw on the challenge of rising pearl prices

by IJL •

According to research by the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, the value of pearls has risen by a staggering 369% in the past decade due to strong demand.

But it has only been in recent years that customer opinion of pearls has dramatically shifted, with many hailing them as the ultimate on-trend accessory as opposed to a grandmother’s adornment.

In 2015, Christie’s auction house proved just how popular pearls can be when it sold a four-strand natural pearl necklace for a record-breaking £3.35 million – signalling a stand-up-and-take-notice attitude among jewellery buyers and collectors.

Here, IJL exhibitor Miranda Raw of Raw Pearls explains how her business is tackling the issue of rising prices head-on, and how she plans to offer a new crop of ‘show specials’ to IJL visitors this year…

Q: Why have pearl prices risen so dramatically and what is Raw Pearls doing to tackle this?

MR: Freshwater pearls in particular have seen huge price increases in the last two years for a variety of reasons including closures of farms in China, environmental challenges associated with global warming, and more demand in the local markets. Some of these factors also hold true for the akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearl markets.

This is not a situation that we expect to be resolved in the near future and so price increases may well be here to stay, particularly for those seeking a higher quality product.

We tend to plan our biggest buying trips at the beginning of the year after the previous year’s crop has been processed (cleaned, drilled etc). This is important because this is the time when we have access to the largest selection of product and can seek out the very best at the various price points. Likewise, having access to the farms is important because we cut out layers of agents and offices adding their margin.

Q: Have you noticed any trends in the pearl jewellery market in recent months? 

MR: Classic pearl strands and studs are always a jeweller’s staple, but with advances in farming methods, we see bigger, brighter natural colour freshwater pearls on the market. Catwalks continue to display ‘pearls’ in some form on the runway and many were on display at the recent Paris Fashion Week, showing that pearls are still very much current in fashion.

Raw Pearls bracelet

Q: What has been your experience of exhibiting at IJL and do you think it is benefiting your business?

MR: Our experience of IJL has been wonderful – it has allowed current customers to come and view our range in the glamorous Olympia environment, with much more stock to choose from than we can possibly take to an appointment. It has also allowed us to connect with potential customers who have been considering stocking Raw Pearls and would like to view the range, and meet the team, without the pressure to buy. We are very much looking forward to continuing this into 2016.

Q: What are your business aims for 2016?

MR: Our aim for 2016 is to expand our reach further into the UK trade market, and to provide a friendly, good-value, family service to our customers. We introduce new items throughout the year and there will be show specials specific to IJL – our show specials last year were our best-sellers by far and IJL gave them the platform we needed to allow the trade to access them.

Q: What are your feelings on the UK jewellery industry in general?

MR: Feedback from retailers in the last year or so has generally been positive, we hope to see this continue this year. Offering value at all price points is key in allowing our customers to remain competitive in the market.

Industry, News, People

UKJA Finalist Marie Walshe talks establishing a brand in a competitive market

by IJL •

International Jewellery London is thrilled to be supporting the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards New Designer of the Year category in 2016.

To celebrate, we’re finding out a little bit more about the shortlisted designer-makers and brands, including Marie Walshe, founder of Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery.

Here the designer discusses her career in the jewellery industry, the mentors who have shaped her skills and the competitive nature of the marketplace in 2016…

Q: When did you established Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery and what inspired you to start your own brand?

MW: Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery launched last year to an incredible reception. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years with other inspiring jewellers, creating a fine jewellery brand of my own had been my dream for many years. The whole Sorrel Bay brand, the designs and the gemstones have been developing for many years and my dream to become a fine goldsmith has finally come to life.

I attained a BA in 3-Dimensional design though I’am essentially a self-taught jeweller, with much guidance from the renowned Phil Park who creates pieces for Solange Azagury Partridge, Jason French of Graff Diamonds and Pippa Knowles of award-winning Baroque Bespoke Jewellery (I was involved in the launching of Baroque over nine years ago. Becoming a jeweller has always felt like my destiny, so after my greatest achievement of motherhood, and the birth of my daughter whom I named Sorrel Bay, I felt ready to bring Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery to life.

Q: How would you describe your design style and is there a particular woman you design for?

MW: I like to think of my designs as timeless and elegant. Though very much inspired by ancient styles and designs led by the beauty of the gemstones themselves, they are created to be luxury collections that are inspired by the women who wear them. Strong confident women who appreciate unique one-of-a-kind design, who are wanting a treasure to hand down to their children as future heirlooms.

I work only in Fairtrade Gold, as addressing human rights issues and the environmental impact of mining are paramount to me and my work. I like to think of Sorrel Bay as a ‘sunny’ brand, to be worn in the sea and never taken off; to become a part of the wearer because of how fabulous it makes her feel. My pieces will not tarnish or fade, my settings are flush and sleek, will not catch or scratch and are designed with both beauty and comfort in mind. I feel my work has both great design and a strong ethical background that I feel my customers can identify with.

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

MW: I have always had a great love of gemstones and I chose to use unusual gems and cuts like rose cut diamonds with their natural fissures. I love to mix opals and geodes with accents of vintage grey brilliant-cut diamonds too. I have been collecting stones for many years and work with ethical dealers wherever possible. I feel my work is distinctive and cohesive, so even though most pieces are one of a kind or limited edition every single piece sits together beautifully.

My mix of opals and diamonds have attracted much attention since our launch, but also we have been overwhelmed by how successful our engagement rings have been. We are attracting the alternative bride, who is looking for an engagement ring unlike any other.

Q: What is it like being a new designer in the UK jewellery industry in 2016?

MW: It is exciting but it is incredibly competitive. I am truly passionate about what I do and the reward for me is not only a financial one but in knowing that each piece of Sorrel Bay jewellery will have its own story. To be awarded New Designer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2016 would be a great achievement for me and would be an amazing boost at such an exciting time for us. There are many challenges ahead, but staying true to yourself, your design style and your ethics are the best tools to help you stay unique in a very tough market. Sorrel Bay is fast growing a loyal customer base so we feel confident and ready for the challenges ahead.

Q: If you could learn one thing from a mentor or peer in the industry what would it be?

MW: As a creative I think you always feel there is more to learn. If I could I would sit on the shoulders of as many of the fine goldsmiths out there learning all the amazing tricks of the trade. I am never happier than when I’m at the bench, but being given an insight into propelling Sorrel Bay to becoming a globally recognised would be invaluable.

Industry, News, Trends

The biggest luxury watch trends of 2016

by IJL •

WatchPro editor James Buttery highlights the key trends in the luxury watch market for the year ahead following a jam-packed trade show season…

Identifying trends can often be an arduous task of mentally connecting the dots after being exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of new watches during the opening few months of the year. So far, this year has been slightly different. Watch brands have been far more considered in their launch of new product, leading me to suspect we’ll see more being drip-fed throughout the year.

As such trends are being telegraphed through to such a degree that even the casual observer should be able to play watch trend bingo. I’m often amazed by how quickly trends appear within the watch industry considering how long new product takes to turn around. Sure if you’re manufacturing in China then turnaround on new product can be a matter of just a few weeks, but the Swiss industry works at a slightly more sedate pace.

Moonphase complications

Late last year saw a revival in interest in moonphase complications. Both Swiss haute horlogerie brand Arnold & Son and Anglo-Swiss Christopher Ward produced centrally mounted moonphase watches with greatly enlarged discs and apertures, making for a much more visual take on the complication. Not everyone has gone with the bigger moonphase variation (the discs can require a lot of torque to turn) but everyone is introducing at least one moonphase watch this year.

Better in bronze

After the occasional dalliance with bronze as a case material from the likes of Panerai, Schofield and Anonimo the watch industry seems to have gone all in this year. Bronze watches tend to be divers watches because of the maritime association with the metal. It also develops its own unique patina, meaning no two watches will look the same given time. In the last couple of months alone Tudor introduced a larger version of its versatile Black Bay in bronze, Oris grew its successful Divers Sixty-Five collection with a bronze tribute and Fossil Group-owned Zodiac created a new brand of cool with a limited edition divers watch.

All about blue

Don’t let anyone tell you that blue is a trend in watches. Blue was a trend two years ago, now if you don’t have a blue dial in your collection in 2016 you are doing something very wrong indeed. The colour has entered the watch mainstream and is now as essential and core as having black, white and silver dial options. As with its use in fashion, blue often provides a more enigmatic alternative to black. For an example of just how breathtaking blue watches can be look no further than Zenith’s new 6150 in blue, a true horological knockout.

Ring in the changes

Interchangeable straps are also playing their part in driving business at both ends of the market and for entirely different reasons. Interchangeable, quick-change straps offer consumers of the volume brands a quick, affordable purchase to instantly change the look of their watch. Such complementary purchases must also boost company turnover and give consumers a reason to revisit their local stockist.

At the other end of the spectrum, hallowed brand Vacheron Constantin unveiled its revamped Overseas collection in January. The remit of the sports watch design was instantly expanded when Vacheron revealed that not only had the watch changed, but it would be presented on a series of proprietary interchangeable straps. This means that the Overseas can switch personalities in a matter of seconds with rubber, metal or leather options attaching to the watch head. This equates to added value in the luxury sector with one watch purchase suddenly having a multitude of uses, from boardroom to beach. With sales down across the Swiss watch industry brands will have to give consumers extra reasons to  make expensive purchases with clever concepts such as this.

Of course it could be argued that Hublot has been ahead of the competition for years with the frankly brilliant quick-change strap system on its Big Bang collection.

Whatever trends are revealed over the course of 2016 you can be sure that the watch industry will have made them as easily digestible as possible, with brands looking to produce new watches that sell-through this year in a bid to tackle the growing threats of vintage and grey market sales.

Interested in finding out more?

For 2016, International Jewellery London has launched ‘Ones to Watch’, a brand new initiative developed in collaboration with WatchPro magazine to shine a light on all our valued watch exhibitors, while also offering them a comprehensive package of editorial coverage – both online and in print – social media support and email campaigns.

All of our watch exhibitors will benefit from a profile in WatchPro’s September issue, as well as the opportunity to enter the new watch category for the prestigious Editor’s Choice Awards. We’ve also introduced ‘The Watch Hour’ – a series of talks, seminars and panel discussions that will take place during the three days of IJL. 

To find out more, click here.

James Buttery

Industry, People

5 minutes with: UKJA Finalist and KickStart alum Lauren Rowden

by IJL •

International Jewellery London is thrilled to be supporting the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards New Designer of the Year category in 2016.

To celebrate, we’re finding out a little bit more about the shortlisted designer-makers and brands, including Lauren Rowden, founder of Ellie Air Jewellery.

Here the KickStart alum reveals what she would ask an industry mentor, and describes the key collections that have got her noticed for all the right reasons…

Q: When did you establish Ellie Air Jewellery?

LR: Ellie Air Jewellery was founded in 2013 when I returned from Florence, Italy where I had been trained in contemporary jewellery. Before then I had worked as a student apprentice under a Hatton Garden goldsmith since leaving school.

Q: How would you describe your design style and is there a particular woman you design for?

LR: The aesthetic of the Ellie Air brand has become its own signature over the last few years, incorporating mixed metals, a very minimalist approach to design and consistent use of linear, fine details. Our target audience is a woman between 30-50 with a classic style and disposable income.

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

LR: Both permanent collections ‘Alchimia’ and ‘Firma’ encompass the Ellie Air aesthetic while standing apart from each other; Alchimia shows off a Scandi style using the contrast between black, gold and silver, while Firma is inspired by antique rings and found things.

Colour blocks and antique styles are both quite popular in fashion at the moment, however my lines stand out from the high street by offering solid fine metals and diamonds at affordable prices.

Q: What is it like being a new designer in the UK jewellery industry? 

LR: I find that it is quite competitive, but also extremely inclusive. I work best when I am challenged (or on a tight deadline!) and I love to work alongside my peers so that we can inspire and advise each other.

Being part of Kickstart 2015 meant I made invaluable connections with designers at the same point in their career where we can bounce ideas off each other and encourage each other. IJL proved to be a huge success, and I had the chance to meet professionals in all areas of the trade, which was extremely worthwhile for the future of Ellie Air!

Q: If you could learn one thing from a mentor or peer in the industry what would it be?

LR: New manufacturing skill sets – I love to learn and feel that Ellie Air as a brand could expand hugely with more depth in design and skill.

Industry, Products, Trends

Raw Pearls director Miranda Raw on the challenge of rising pearl prices

by IJL •

According to research by the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, the value of pearls has risen by a staggering 369% in the past decade due to strong demand.

But it has only been in recent years that customer opinion of pearls has dramatically shifted, with many hailing them as the ultimate on-trend accessory as opposed to a grandmother’s adornment.

In 2015, Christie’s auction house proved just how popular pearls can be when it sold a four-strand natural pearl necklace for a record-breaking £3.35 million – signalling a stand-up-and-take-notice attitude among jewellery buyers and collectors.

Here, IJL exhibitor Miranda Raw of Raw Pearls explains how her business is tackling the issue of rising prices head-on, and how she plans to offer a new crop of ‘show specials’ to IJL visitors this year…

Q: Why have pearl prices risen so dramatically and what is Raw Pearls doing to tackle this?

MR: Freshwater pearls in particular have seen huge price increases in the last two years for a variety of reasons including closures of farms in China, environmental challenges associated with global warming, and more demand in the local markets. Some of these factors also hold true for the akoya, South Sea and Tahitian pearl markets.

This is not a situation that we expect to be resolved in the near future and so price increases may well be here to stay, particularly for those seeking a higher quality product.

We tend to plan our biggest buying trips at the beginning of the year after the previous year’s crop has been processed (cleaned, drilled etc). This is important because this is the time when we have access to the largest selection of product and can seek out the very best at the various price points. Likewise, having access to the farms is important because we cut out layers of agents and offices adding their margin.

Q: Have you noticed any trends in the pearl jewellery market in recent months? 

MR: Classic pearl strands and studs are always a jeweller’s staple, but with advances in farming methods, we see bigger, brighter natural colour freshwater pearls on the market. Catwalks continue to display ‘pearls’ in some form on the runway and many were on display at the recent Paris Fashion Week, showing that pearls are still very much current in fashion.

Raw Pearls bracelet

Q: What has been your experience of exhibiting at IJL and do you think it is benefiting your business?

MR: Our experience of IJL has been wonderful – it has allowed current customers to come and view our range in the glamorous Olympia environment, with much more stock to choose from than we can possibly take to an appointment. It has also allowed us to connect with potential customers who have been considering stocking Raw Pearls and would like to view the range, and meet the team, without the pressure to buy. We are very much looking forward to continuing this into 2016.

Q: What are your business aims for 2016?

MR: Our aim for 2016 is to expand our reach further into the UK trade market, and to provide a friendly, good-value, family service to our customers. We introduce new items throughout the year and there will be show specials specific to IJL – our show specials last year were our best-sellers by far and IJL gave them the platform we needed to allow the trade to access them.

Q: What are your feelings on the UK jewellery industry in general?

MR: Feedback from retailers in the last year or so has generally been positive, we hope to see this continue this year. Offering value at all price points is key in allowing our customers to remain competitive in the market.

Industry, News, People

UKJA Finalist Marie Walshe talks establishing a brand in a competitive market

by IJL •

International Jewellery London is thrilled to be supporting the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards New Designer of the Year category in 2016.

To celebrate, we’re finding out a little bit more about the shortlisted designer-makers and brands, including Marie Walshe, founder of Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery.

Here the designer discusses her career in the jewellery industry, the mentors who have shaped her skills and the competitive nature of the marketplace in 2016…

Q: When did you established Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery and what inspired you to start your own brand?

MW: Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery launched last year to an incredible reception. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years with other inspiring jewellers, creating a fine jewellery brand of my own had been my dream for many years. The whole Sorrel Bay brand, the designs and the gemstones have been developing for many years and my dream to become a fine goldsmith has finally come to life.

I attained a BA in 3-Dimensional design though I’am essentially a self-taught jeweller, with much guidance from the renowned Phil Park who creates pieces for Solange Azagury Partridge, Jason French of Graff Diamonds and Pippa Knowles of award-winning Baroque Bespoke Jewellery (I was involved in the launching of Baroque over nine years ago. Becoming a jeweller has always felt like my destiny, so after my greatest achievement of motherhood, and the birth of my daughter whom I named Sorrel Bay, I felt ready to bring Sorrel Bay Fine Jewellery to life.

Q: How would you describe your design style and is there a particular woman you design for?

MW: I like to think of my designs as timeless and elegant. Though very much inspired by ancient styles and designs led by the beauty of the gemstones themselves, they are created to be luxury collections that are inspired by the women who wear them. Strong confident women who appreciate unique one-of-a-kind design, who are wanting a treasure to hand down to their children as future heirlooms.

I work only in Fairtrade Gold, as addressing human rights issues and the environmental impact of mining are paramount to me and my work. I like to think of Sorrel Bay as a ‘sunny’ brand, to be worn in the sea and never taken off; to become a part of the wearer because of how fabulous it makes her feel. My pieces will not tarnish or fade, my settings are flush and sleek, will not catch or scratch and are designed with both beauty and comfort in mind. I feel my work has both great design and a strong ethical background that I feel my customers can identify with.

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

MW: I have always had a great love of gemstones and I chose to use unusual gems and cuts like rose cut diamonds with their natural fissures. I love to mix opals and geodes with accents of vintage grey brilliant-cut diamonds too. I have been collecting stones for many years and work with ethical dealers wherever possible. I feel my work is distinctive and cohesive, so even though most pieces are one of a kind or limited edition every single piece sits together beautifully.

My mix of opals and diamonds have attracted much attention since our launch, but also we have been overwhelmed by how successful our engagement rings have been. We are attracting the alternative bride, who is looking for an engagement ring unlike any other.

Q: What is it like being a new designer in the UK jewellery industry in 2016?

MW: It is exciting but it is incredibly competitive. I am truly passionate about what I do and the reward for me is not only a financial one but in knowing that each piece of Sorrel Bay jewellery will have its own story. To be awarded New Designer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2016 would be a great achievement for me and would be an amazing boost at such an exciting time for us. There are many challenges ahead, but staying true to yourself, your design style and your ethics are the best tools to help you stay unique in a very tough market. Sorrel Bay is fast growing a loyal customer base so we feel confident and ready for the challenges ahead.

Q: If you could learn one thing from a mentor or peer in the industry what would it be?

MW: As a creative I think you always feel there is more to learn. If I could I would sit on the shoulders of as many of the fine goldsmiths out there learning all the amazing tricks of the trade. I am never happier than when I’m at the bench, but being given an insight into propelling Sorrel Bay to becoming a globally recognised would be invaluable.