Now IJL 2017 has drawn to a close, we can reflect on the industry trade-show highlight of the year, which took place from 3-5 September 2016 at Olympia, London.

Over 500 exhibitors from 43 countries had the opportunity to meet with thousands of quality visitors from around the globe and we are proud to have provided the industry with a platform for new ideas, new innovations, and new business relationships.

With 185 exhibitors who were new to IJL 2017 and a variety of new show feature areas, one thing was clear: IJL 2017 was going to be a breath of fresh air…

New to this year’s IJL was the Retail Experience Area, designed to inspire retailers to redefine their space and explore new opportunities, offering consumers an enhanced shopping experience. The amazing 4k flat screens throughout the show floor, provided by LG & MCS, were an example of how to maximise the digital presence and embrace technology to show off your products.

Jewellery LIVE invited the industry to see, feel, experience and engage with jewellery in the making, from CAD design and 3D printing to mounting, microsetting and assaying, this new show area was an amazing glimpse of ‘behind the scenes.’

The drinks were flowing at the IJL ‘After Hours’ Party as exhibitors, Diamond Club, Press and invited Retailers ‘brightened their bubbles’ at the Champagne Bar and gathered to celebrate the industry, with live music and plenty of networking.

Over the three days, crowds gathered at the catwalk for a glimpse into the Spring/Summer 2018 trends and the special IJL Bridal scene, with models adorned in jewellery provided by IJL’s exhibitors. Just in case anyone was wondering how to translate these trends into their store, Rachael Taylor, IJL’s Trends Editor, kickstarted the seminar programme with  ‘SS18 Trends: From the Catwalk to your Store’.

The industry renowned seminar programme continued throughout the three days in the Inspiration Theatre, DIGIfest, The Academy and the Skills Lab, where audiences gathered to get ‘hands on’ at social media workshops by Warren Knight, learned how to string pearls, got some one-to-one advice on topics like photography, PR and social media… and made the most of over 70 free-to-attend sessions.

It was then the audiences chance to ask the questions, as they gathered for the ‘In Conversation With’ series to hear the journey from Stephen Webster, Yunus & Eliza, GEMOLOGUE’s Liza Urla, Katerina Perez and Maria Doulton, who we all got to know a little better as they shared their stories and first-hand advice.

It was smiles all round and the camera’s were flashing as award winners were announced throughout the show! Alice Barnes, IJL KickStarter, won the Industry’s Choice and Turkish exhibitor Ozlem Tuna won a green tourmaline for her unique design for the Gem-A Gem Empathy Award.

And the awards just kept on coming as the Editors’ Choice Awards, judged by Claire Adler and Sam Willoughby, were handed to the well deserved winners The Rock Hound who won Technical Trailblazer, Isabella Liu who won Creative Originality and Franco Florenzi who won Creative Mastermind.

Then to mix it up, top editor’s from trade industry magazines cast their votes for the ‘at show’ Editors’ Choice awards. Congratulations to Oddical (Designer to Watch,) Les Georgettes (Visual Excellence), Nadine Aysoy (Show Stopper) and Exhibitor of the Year winner- Insignety.

New areas like the Watch Lounge, Lifestyle Launchpad, Precious Gems Quarter and International Pavilions from ‘Made in Russia,’ Hong Kong and Sri Lanka provided plenty to explore and discover from the UK and abroad.

Not only did IJL 2017 bring the industry together for three days of face-to-face networking and business; the uplifting atmosphere provided the perfect platform to bring the hope and assurance that the industry is stronger together and truly is a great one to be part of.

For the IJL team, IJL 2017 may have closed it’s doors, but for us, it’s not over yet. We continue to gather and analyse feedback, provide year-round support to our exhibitors and visitors and start planning for another show stopping IJL, from 2-4 September 2018.

Will you be joining us for IJL 2018? Discover more about the show here. 

IJL 2017 industry