International Jewellery London (IJL), the UK’s leading trade event for the international jewellery industry, will host a Spotlight on Birmingham in association with Birmingham School of Jewellery and supported by Cookson Gold and Weston Beamor.
The new feature at IJL will provide a spotlight on a UK or world jewellery hub each year.
This year Spotlight on Birmingham exhibit will be opened by The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, on Sunday 2 September.
It is a collaboration of industry, education and commerce; from the Assay Office Birmingham to the manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers and will be chance to showcase the city with 1000 trades role within the jewellery industry.
Work from the Birmingham School of Jewellery will be on show to demonstrate the diversity of their talent and educational reach – from horology to 3D printed jewellery.
It will include a supporting seminar programme celebrating the past, present and future of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter and its contribution to the global jewellery industry. This will take place on Monday 3 September entitled Birmingham: A City of 1000 Trades – Focus on Jewellery Careers in The Inspiration Theatre at IJL from 15:30-16:15.
Fotoulla Michael, Head Of Sales, International Jewellery London (IJL) said: “Everyone at IJL is delighted to be honouring and showcasing the influential role that Birmingham plays in the UK jewellery industry. An essential hub that complements those of London, Sheffield and Edinburgh among others, it is wonderful to see Birmingham as IJL’s first SPOTLIGHT.
“Forward-thinking technology combined with cutting-edge design and traditional and skilled craftsmanship demonstrate all that is great about our UK jewellery industry whose influence extends across the globe.”
Professor Stephen Bottomley, Head of the School of Jewellery, commented: “Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter grew in the 18th Century with a reputation as a city with 1000 trades. The School of Jewellery has been both geographically and philosophically at the heart of this historic quarter since the ‘new school’ opened its doors in 1890, by the will of the local trades association.
“Today our pedagogy continues to reflect this rich cultural heritage whilst also embracing the demands of a modernised world. Our mission today is clear; To provide a world-class facility filled with both traditional and cutting-edge technology and staff.
“This in turn will attract and educate the best creative designers, makers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow for the brightest future for both our art and our industry. We are proud to celebrate the Birmingham’s jewellery industry at IJL.”
Alongside the Spotlight on Birmingham, IJL is proud to welcome both old and new designers and businesses from Birmingham, a selection of which includes Fei Liu Fine Jewellery, Charlotte Lowe, Jewellery by Annamarie, Katie Stone, Daisy Grice, Charles Green, River Mounts, Domino, Weston Beamor, Clark Diamonds, Just Diamonds, Continental Jewellery, Hockley Mint, Assay office Birmingham, DWJ, R.E. Morrish, SMP Bullion & Diamonds and W J Sutton.
Additionally, during IJL, Cooksongold are exhibiting the future of jewellery production with their PRECIOUS M 080 system – the first Direct Precious Metal 3D Printing system designed exclusively for the jewellery, watch and precious metals industries, which is jointly optimised by Cooksongold and EOS GmbH (Electro Optical Systems).
IJL will return to Olympia, Kensington, from 2-4 September 2018 with an expanded events programme, and will showcase the latest ranges from over 550 high end, finished jewellery manufacturers and designers, and loose gemstones and retail services suppliers.
IJL is sponsored by the NAJ and supported by the GIA, Gem-A, The Houlden Group, The Company of Master Jewellers, The Responsible Jewellery Council, Euromonitor and CIBJO.