IJL 2016 extends its global reach

IJL 2016 is on course to showcase the most innovative designers and brands from the UK and around the world with a host of new international companies making their debut at this ‘must visit’ industry event. Many of the features on offer at the show can only be found at IJL, from the most impressive line-up of fine jewellery and the annual Market Focus to cutting-edge trends and thought-provoking seminar topics.

With over 500 exhibitors drawn from 33 countries, the international line-up not only includes an array of individual companies from Australia, Columbia, Brazil, Greece, Germany and Denmark to name but a few, but also high profile Country Pavilions from Hong Kong, South Africa and Sri Lanka, together with the European Village. This in turn has attracted a number of new key buyers from Russia, France, America and the Middle East to this year’s show for the first time as members of the prestigious Diamond Club.

Sam Willoughby, Show Director, comments: “As always, we aim to deliver an amazing show which meets the needs of all sectors of the industry – from the latest trend information to the ultimate in design inspiration. However, what makes the event so special is the high calibre of so many of the exhibitors who have already signed up for IJL 2016.

“We have a full agenda including our German Market Focus, the exciting trend based catwalk shows and the not-to- be missed schedule of insightful seminars and advice clinics, which includes for the first time a daily dedicated ’Watch Hour’ session in recognition of our watch exhibitors.”

IJL attracts jewellery and watch companies from every category. These include, for the first time, brands such as Rose Carvalho from Brazil, Colpo & Zilio from Italy, Eleuterio from Portugal, fine jewellery designer David Miracca from London, Drakenberg Sjolin from Denmark, Grew & Co from Australia, Astley Clarke from the UK and Clogau from Wales. Returning acclaimed designers are James Newman, Alex Monroe, Andrew Geoghegan, Rachel Galley and Sarah Jordan, who join major established brands like Charles Green, IBB London, UNOde50, Domino, Bronzallure, Nikki Lissoni and Unique.

Here is a snapshot of some of the new trends, designers and brands showing at IJL 2016:

Fine Jewellery

Domino will present new designs in their ‘Rosabella’ range of diamond earrings, necklaces and bracelet suites in 18ct gold. Christmas pieces include a selection of new diamond bracelets as well as new pieces in the Belle ile, the on-trend richly-hued gemstone collection.

Andrew Sollitt, Sales and Marketing Director at Domino, says: “As the UK’s only jewellery specific show, IJL offers a great opportunity for us to reach out to our UK customer base. Taking place, as it does, in September, it is also ideally timed for retailers who are starting to consider their stock for the all important Christmas season.”

Charles Green is a family owned British jewellery manufacturer that has been creating exceptional jewellery in Birmingham for 192 years. Traditional craftsmanship together with state of the art technology, create the beautiful jewellery that Charles Green is so well known for. High on their list at IJL 2016 will be traditional coloured gem stones and fancy coloured diamonds, a bang on trend Art Deco inspired collection and a new range of diamond engagement and eternity rings.

Oliver Sutton, Managing Director states: “IJL is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet new people, see old friends, and to showcase our jewellery, of which we are immensely proud, in amazing surroundings.”

Pugata is a new Yorkshire based company which specialises in fine diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery in classic elegant designs. At IJL their focus will be on diamond jewellery - perfectly matching suites in a range of unique designs - ideal for Christmas 2016. Also exquisite diamond and coloured gemstone collections from their luxury range - statement collarettes, earrings and bracelets in a range inspired by floral elegance, classic design, functional wear and the modern woman.

“Having previously visited IJL as retailers, we are excited to be exhibiting our hard work here for the first time. It seemed like a natural decision to be showcasing our jewellery in London at one of the most influential and important events within the industry. We know that IJL is the perfect platform for like-minded clients to see Larimars exceptional quality and beautiful collections,” observes Alexandra Haig, Pugata

Designer Brands

James Newman, the high profile designer, returns to IJL offering style conscious, innovative, and handcrafted jewellery for the design aware customer. Taking centre stage will be the Fiori collection embracing the designer’s artisan routes with handcrafted techniques applied in a contemporary way. Drawing influence from historical hoards in both form and technique, each piece of Fiori jewellery has a unique feel that is highly attractive to not only existing clientele, but also to those who wish to share James’ creative vision.

James states: “We have an ambitious outlook for the future and know IJL is the place to meet forward thinking retailers. As retailers ourselves, we know what customers want and expect from James Newman Jewellery. We have honed our designs and built on previous success, meaning our customers can be confident they are investing wisely too. Our return to IJL reflects our confidence in our new jewellery collections, the current jewellery market and our dynamic team.”

Debuting at IJL this year, Astley Clarke - the British fine jewellery brand founded by Bec Astley Clarke MBE – will be unveiling their latest collections, all designed in their London Studio. These include Interstellar in both diamonds and sapphires, Setting Sun and Biography stud earrings, with an emphasis this season on the use of more coloured gemstones, mismatched earrings and layered necklaces. An approach to relaxed luxury created to inspire the modern, intelligent woman to wear fashion fine jewellery every day.

Bec Astley Clarke MBE, Founder & Chairman of Astley Clarke, says: “As our UK and International wholesale channel continues to grow, we are thrilled to be able to showcase our collections to a wide audience of some of the most prestigious global jewellery retailers and IJL offers a great platform on which to do so.”

Rachel Galley is a regular exhibitor at IJL. Her contemporary silver lines can be stacked, mixed and matched, and last year she introduced a new bridal collection.

Rachel explains: “I am currently designing several new ranges for IJL 2016 which will feature gemstones and pearls - sure to catch everyone’s eye. IJL is my flagship show. Being UK based, I get to meet many of my current retailers as well as new customers, and it is great for networking.”

Andrew Geoghegan has just launched the exquisite Clair de Lune, a French inspired bridal collection. This will be paralleled with a new colour rich Cocktail launch, the Satellite Pear at IJL 2016, hot on the heels of his incredibly successful AG relaunch last year.

“IJL always hosts a fantastic mix of suppliers – many of whom are home grown talents that deserve a platform to shine. At last year’s show, we met new retailers, established retailers and even ones with whom we had previously parted company with, who placed orders and expressed their delight in the new Andrew Geoghegan brand launch,” says Andrew.

Australian company Grew & Co will be showing their new collection of wedding bands in warm colour tones and earthly textured surfaces combining richly coloured golds with the dramatic and dark shade of tantalum. This family business designs and manufactures out of its Sydney studio. As well as working with non-traditional jewellery materials they specialise in the ancient Japanese technique of Mokume Gane - a decorative layering of coloured precious metal resembling wood grain.

Gabrielle Grew comments: “We are looking forward to bringing finely crafted Australian made product to the UK and Europe, offering fresh design and material alternatives to the wedding ring market.”

Silver Jewellery

New to IJL, Welsh jeweller Clogau is a second generation family business who create pieces containing rare Welsh gold from the Snowdonia mountains. Clogau gold has been used to create wedding rings for some members of the British Royal Family. At IJL, Clogau will present their new majestic, elegant collections inspired by the sumptuousness and luxuriousness of their royal heritage, including a new take on the divine Debutante, the exquisite Kensington, and the opulent Origin collections. Inspired by the magnificence of the palaces, the compelling love stories and the splendid heritage of British royalty – all containing the same rare Welsh gold as used by royalty for over 100 years.

Ben Roberts, Managing Director states: “Exhibiting at IJL for the first time is a great opportunity to showcase Clogau to both existing and new audiences. With the attraction of a London location, we will be able to introduce our Gold of Royalty campaign to prospective customers.”

The Spanish company UNOde50 pulls out all the stops this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Their new autumn/winter collection for 2016 is grunge/glam inspired. These unique designs with rule-breaking spirit include spectacular silver-plated choker-style necklaces, ear cuffs with a minimalist essence and rebellious spirit - often combining Swarovski crystals with silver chains, midi rings in a cutting-edge design and articulated rings with a pronouncedly goth and metal air.

David Azulay, Wholesale Director UK, explains the importance of Unode50’s participation at IJL: “IJL is a major platform for the brand to be promoted nationwide. UNOde50 is now part of the UK market and IJL is a wonderful industry show that attracts the best international and national customers from across the country.”

Bronzallure from Italy will once again be showcasing their stunning jewellery designed and made in the iconic city of Milan. Inspired by the use of bronze in sculpture, art and architecture, the jewellery features an exclusively patented Bronze compound which is plated with 18 carat rose gold, resulting in one true colour throughout.

"IJL is the ideal platform for a brand such as Bronzallure to showcase our collections to a strong cross section of the industry over just a few days. We will be presenting pieces from our new collections which features beautifully made 18 carat rose gold plated jewellery, set with natural semi-precious gemstones,” says Jennie Higgins, UK Brand Development Manager.

First time exhibitors Drakenberg Sjölin from Sweden will showcase collections made from 925 silver, oxidized silver and 18k gold which reflect the Scandinavian seasons of light and darkness. The deliberate details with the asymmetrical shapes create a raw elegance and a delicate balance in the expression of each piece. New is their exclusive collection inspired by the Milky Way, worked with diamonds and 18k gold.

Andrea Drakenberg, Creative Director and Owner, comments: “IJL is the most important jewellery fair in the UK and therefore is an obvious, and exciting, choice for us.”

Following on from the success of their new Unique & Co. ladies silver collection at IJL last year, Unique plan to introduce extensions to the line. Inspired by Nature, these will be bigger pieces, some set with CZ stones and some rose gold plated pieces.

Daniel Ozel, Director Unique & Co, states: “IJL is important for us. We have exhibited since 1999 -17 years without any break. IJL is a good platform for us to highlight our latest collections and meet existing and new customers. The timing at the beginning of September is also very good in regards to the Christmas business.”

Design Gallery

Evans Collections is the new young design house from renowned Greek jeweller Anatol. Evan is the son of Anatol’s founder Rouli. His input of new ideas and thirst for excellence, guided by his father’s knowledge and experience, has given fruit to the fresh, creative and contemporary pieces in his distinctive StarStruck, Olympus, and Tattoo collections - many of which feature his favoured rose cut stones.

As a new exhibitor, Evan believes IJL offers opportunities to new designers who are beginning their journey, says: “IJL attracts the right type of people, who are interested in discovering brands and are passionate about the jewellery industry. I look forward to meeting the market experts and key players and hope to spark their interest with my collections.”

Irish company Yvonne Ryan Jewellery handcrafts pieces in silver and gold, often embellished with diamonds and precious gem stones. Using traditional methods and age-old tools, these pieces are all about quality, originality and authenticity. Inspired by history, nature and fashion, the latest collection is founded on a curiosity and love of French vintage. This collection has evolved into something which is truly luxurious and delicate and will be shown at IJL 2016.

“We are looking to expand into new markets, especially within the UK and will use our presence at IJL as a springboard to promote our brand and proposition amongst prospective clients,” explains Yvonne Ryan.

Creative designer maker Ria Poynton is inspired by geometric forms and traditional design methodologies. Her striking pieces are the embodiment of a desire to excel as a modern craftsperson and pay homage to classical high craft jewellery design. At IJL 2016 Ria Poynton will showcase her newest jewellery collections - Telkari Drops and Rectangles - wire-based work modelled on highly complex traditional filigree pieces.

Ria comments: “I am looking forward to the event and feel it is a great progression and opportunity to show with such highly revered companies, having previously shown with the BCTF there was only one way forward - which was IJL!”

Loose Diamonds & Precious Gems

New exhibitor Hudson Emeralds will show their superb collection of finest ethically sourced Columbian Emeralds. Owners Nicholas Hudson and Katherine Patiño, an English- Colombian couple, fascination with the El Dorado legend fuelled a passion for the ‘Gemstones of El Dorado’. Colombian emeralds are renowned for their superb quality and deep green colour.

Co-founder Nicholas Hudson says: “We are excited to be showcasing our superb collection of Colombian emeralds at the exclusive and glamorous IJL event. We look forward to meeting jewellers, designers and fellow exhibitors.”

Maygems is the newly formed Diamond and Gemstone wholesale business based in Hatton Garden which offers a full repair and restoration service alongside full bespoke jewellery design and manufacture. With a wide selection of precious, semi-precious and synthetic gems, the company also boasts a comprehensive Diamond stock including eight cuts, old cuts, rose cuts and brilliant cuts in a full range of shapes and sizes. Certificated goods including GIA, HRD and IGI certificated stones sourced from London and Antwerp, are available on request.

Steven May states: “At IJL we are hoping to show a new selection of natural and unheated/untreated gemstones with full provenance on origin of goods with the full mine to market trail available to the client for every step of the process. We are looking forward to meeting customers old and new in September.”

Free online visitor registration for IJL 2016 is now open -

www.jewellerylondon.com/register.

Register in advance online for the chance to win either an exclusive Champneys Pamper Spa Day for two or an Aston Martin Thrill Day at a famous motor race circuit.