Know more

Blog, Industry, News, People

IJL Talks Podcast: Discover a Sparkling Digital World with 77 Diamonds

by IJL •

The rise and rise of e-commerce has undoubtedly had an impact on retail, but how is shopping at the click of a button changing the landscape of luxury diamond jewellery?

77Diamonds.com co-founder and managing director, Tobias Kormind sat down with luxury communications consultant Claire Adler at IJL 2017 to discuss 21st century sales, including ways to boost profit margins and make that all-important customer impact.

Related Blogs: How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

Taking place in the Inspiration Theatre, this fascinating ‘In Conversation With…’ talk lifted the lid on Europe’s larges online diamond jeweller, giving attendees invaluable insights on selling high-value items over the World Wide Web.

Related Blogs: 5 Ways to Make Your Customer Emails More Successful

Give your business a boost by listening to our recording of this fascinating talk – captured live at IJL 2017. Simply click the button below to download or listen.

Download the podcast here.

Don’t forget, you can listen to more IJL Talks by visiting our IJL Talks Content Hub or clicking here.

IJL is #withyou offering a 365-day strategy to grow your business. All of our blog content, seminar programme and top marketing advice is free to access, as well as our industry-leading summer masterclasses. 

Blog, Industry, News, Trends

How Will the Pantone Colour of the Year 2018 Impact Jewellery?

by IJL • • 2 Comments

International colour expert Pantone has announced that its official ‘Colour of the Year 2018’ is cosmic-inspired Ultra Violet.

This blue-based purple is said to communicate originality, ingenuity and forward-thinking vision. Think futuristic cool meets star-gazing, star signs and swirling solar systems.

But what does this new colour mean for jewellery in 2018? IJL Trends Editor, Rachael Taylor, predicted the rise of Ultra Violet on the IJL 2017 Trends Catwalk with ‘The Next Frontier’ – a macro trend summarised by the phrase, ‘The Future Is NOW’.

This direction is embodied by geometric lines, abstract shapes and pixelated patterns inspired by both the virtual world and the retro 1960s race to the moon. The latter is brought to life with heavy silver designs, glittering finishes, collars and cuffs, hoop earrings, celestial motifs, metallic spheres, Perspex and acrylics, and galactic gemstones like opals.

The Next Frontier IJL 2018 jewellery trend
The Next Frontier – a SS18 Jewellery Trend revealed on the IJL 2017 Catwalk.

Ultra Violet also has links to pop culture, with the late Prince famously embodying deep purple as his signature colour. It is also the traditional colour of royalty, which ties in nicely to the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.

The colour also has ties to mysticism or spiritualism, especially around healing crystals and various meditative and yoga practices. For example, purple-toned lighting is often used in meditation spaces to promote an inner energy. Considering the rise and rise of athleisure-wear and the popular drive towards eco-friendly, vegan and green practices – it is likely the Ultra Violet will come to represent a lot more than just stars in the sky.

To give you a sense of how Ultra Violet could impact the jewellery industry in 2018, we’ve rounded-up our ideas into three key predictions. Let us know if you have any further ideas via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Galaxy Quest 

Galaxy and space inspired jewellery had a big moment in 2017, with a number of brands and suppliers turning to star motifs, futuristic shapes and out-of-this-world designs. Think KickStart alumni Sammi-Jo Coxon’s Steller Collection, or Claudia Bradby’s Moonlight offer with pearls dotting the centre of stars. Astley Clarke pushed the trend to new heights in 2017 with the launch of creative director Dominic Jones’ debut collection, Astronomy.

The collection includes the planets recreated in diamond and gemstone form, such as the Planet Earth earrings with blue sapphires, diamonds and glass enamel and pearl moons in orbit. Elsewhere, Jessie V E has enjoyed fantastic success with her Constellation rings that transform the zodiac signs into contemporary cocktail rings. We expect plenty more space-inspired collections to launch in the summer and autumn of 2018.

Rare Diamonds and Semi-Precious Gems

The new Pantone Colour of the Year offers a great opportunity to educate consumers about fancy colour diamonds, especially the rarest violet diamonds. This certainly wasn’t missed by the Diamond Producers Associaton – who shared some exceptional violet diamonds discovered by Rio Tinto in Australia.

Elsewhere, expect top-quality amethyst to have a resurgence in 2018, alongside a boom in iolite, purple and violet sapphires, rubellite tourmaline , violet-blue tanzanite, perhaps partnered with kunzite, opal, labradorite and moonstone with its signature adularescence – the bluish sheen of light that appears to float on its surface.

We also predict a rise in traditional enamelling and miniaturised space scenes or galaxies created on watch dials and dramatic pendants – think guilloche for the millennial consumer.

Visual Variety 

In 2017, the natural green hue of Pantone’s Colour of the Year inspired more pared back, nature-themed visual merchandising – a sense of bringing the outdoors into the home. With such a vibrant and futuristic-inspired colour this year, it is likely to get creative juices flowing. This bold interiors, eye-catching window displays and a regal air.

Plus, the space theme naturally conjures stories from popular culture, hinting at the moon landing, famous hit movies and TV shows with a nod to alien life and intergalactic adventures. As a result, retailers and brands will need to push their storytelling further in 2018 by capitalising on props, fantastic images and video content. Customers will expect nothing less.

IJL is #withyou exploring the biggest jewellery trends and future-proofing your business with ideas and inspiration. Discover all of the biggest jewellery trends for SS18 here. 

Quick Links:Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Blog, Industry, News, Uncategorized

Discover All the Winners of the NAJ Awards 2017

by IJL •

Celebrating and supporting the success of jewellery brands, retailers, suppliers and professionals in our industry is at the heart of IJL, which is why the IJL team were thrilled to attend the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Awards 2017 on December 7. 

The annual awards are one of the highlights of the Benevolent Society Ball – an event attended by almost 400 jewellers. This registered charity provides assistance and support to those who once worked in the industry sectors represented by the British Allied Trade Federation (BAFT) who may have fallen on hard times.

The Wongs Jewellers team at the NAJ Awards 2017
The Wongs Jewellers team enjoying the party

As in previous years, the glittering event took place at The St Johns Hotel in Solihull, West Midlands, with guests enjoying a three-course dinner and plenty of entertainment.

Discover the full list of winners in the NAJ Awards 2017 below…

Retailer of the Year

Recognising bricks and mortar shops that deliver an excellent in-store experience and service that inspires their customers, employees and suppliers.

Anja Potze Jewellery
Wongs Jewellers
W E Clarke & Son – WINNER
Peter Jackson Jeweller
Jody Cory Goldsmith

Jewellery & Watch Supplier of the Year

Recognising suppliers of jewellery, silverware and watches that have provided a consistently good service and added value, alongside dynamic product.

Nova Silver
Unique and Co
London De Limited
Hockley Mint – WINNER
Roseberry

Hockley Mint NAJ Awards 2017
Hockley Mint at the NAJ Awards 2017

Website of the Year

Recognising outstanding B2B or B2C websites that are customer friendly and inspire the user to make an informed purchase.

77 Diamonds – WINNER
Winterson
Atelier Technology
Lucy Quartermaine
Repairsbypost

Service Provider of Year

Recognising outstanding services delivered to the jewellery industry

Hockley Mint
The Guild of Valuers & Jewellers
The Jewellers Box Company
John Benjamin Ltd
Parify Ltd – WINNER

Sales Person of the Year

Recognising outstanding service delivered by retail staff, sales agents or area sales people.

Hollie Francis, Henryka Ltd
Eleanor Marshall, R J Morris Jewellers
James Beckinsale, 77 Diamonds
Victoria Louise, Lucy Quartermaine – WINNER
Zee Robinson, Claudia Bradby

Victoria Louise Luxy Quartermaine NAJ Awards 2017
Victoria Louise receiving her award

Workshop Employee of the Year

Recognising the outstanding skills demonstrated by individuals who work in the workshop environment, from experienced craftspeople to apprentices.

Deborah Rootham, PA Jewellery
Andrew Stocks, Baroque Bespoke Jewellery
Paul Strong, WJ Edwards
Ross Bonner, Saunders & Pughe
Stuart Harkness, Harkness Premier Jewellers Ltd – WINNER
Sam Devoil, 77 Diamonds
Paul Barker, C W Sellors, Ashbourne

Designer of the Year

Recognising designers who are raising the bar in British design by creating interesting and on trend pieces.

MyriamSOS
Charlotte Lowe
VIXI Jewellery
Rachel Galley
Arabel Lebrusan – WINNER

Arabel Lebrusan NAJ Awards 2017
Arabel Lebrusan wins her NAJ Award 2017

Kickstarter of the Year 

This award recognises the Kickstarter of the Year, including their growth throughout their Kickstart journey and the representation of their brand during International Jewellery London 2017.

Farrah Al-Dujaili, Oddical – WINNER
Alice Barnes
Becky Dockree
Raliegh Goss
Emily Kidson
Lucy Spink Jewellery
Claire Macfarlane
Rhona McCallum
Ana Simoes, Muscari Jewellery
Heather Woof

Congratulations to all the winners and the shortlisted finalists!

IJL is #withyou supporting the industry year-round as part of the IJL 365 initiative. This industry-leading approach features content, social media, workshops, masterclasses and practical support to boost your business, whether you’re an emerging brand or long-established supplier. Contact our team to find out more. 

Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series

Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack 

Blog, Industry, News, People

NAJ Awards 2017 Reveals IJL 2017 ‘KickStarter of the Year’

by IJL • • 1 Comment

The annual National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Awards offer an exciting opportunity for our KickStarters to be recognised for their hardwork, commitment and creative potential. 

Every emerging designer-maker and brand who started their IJL Journey with our leading KickStart scheme in 2017 were automatically entered into the ‘KickStarter of the Year’ category at the NAJ Awards 2017. The lucky winner was named on the evening of December 7 at a glittering evening event.

Created by IJL and supported by the NAJ, KickStart is a ground-breaking initiative that gives emerging UK-based designer jewellers and up-and-coming international brands the chance to launch their concepts in the most dynamic way possible. Find out more here.

NAJ AWARDS 2017: KICKSTARTER OF THE YEAR

Farrah Al-Dujaili, Oddical – WINNER
Alice Barnes
Becky Dockree
Raliegh Goss
Emily Kidson
Lucy Spink Jewellery
Claire Macfarlane
Rhona McCallum
Ana Simoes, Muscari Jewellery
Heather Woof

It has been a fantastic year for Farrah Al-Dujaili, who was also the recipient of the IJL Editors’ Choice Award in the Designer to Watch category. Farrah is the founder of Oddical – an emerging British jewellery brand that adores the quirky and the individual, with the mantra ‘Wear Oddical. Be Oddical’.

Earrings by Oddical

 

The debut collection takes inspiration from plant and skeletal structures to create eye-catching statement earrings that have the appearance of being made in precious metals, without the weight. Each pair of quirky, lightweight earrings are 3D printed in nylon, plated in 22ct gold and finished with hand painted details.

DISCOVER ALL THE NAJ AWARDS 2017 AWARD WINNERS HERE

What is the IJL Journey?

Blazing a path from Bright Young Gems, to KickStart to Design Gallery Exhibitor

As part of our IJL 365 approach, the IJL Journey extends far beyond our three-day trade event. It offers myriad career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, and introductions to key industry figures.

This invaluable advice prepares each Bright Young Gem, KickStarter and Design Gallery Exhibitor to meet the 9,000 strong jewellery audience at IJL 2018, from September 2-4.

Discover more about the IJL Journey, here. 

IJL is #withyou offering career opportunities and the chance to grow your jewellery business, whether you are a student, recent graduate, emerging brand or established player. Speak to our team to find out more.