March 9, 2022

A new industry event for a new era

By Kirsten Ehrlich Davies

Posted in Business, Local News, News, Trade Fairs, What's New Jewellery Industry Fair The Network

The Jewellery Industry Network overcame countless obstacles and setbacks to launch the industry’s social networking event of the year – the Jewellery Industry Fair.

After two long years, the jewellery industry has finally launched back into in-person networking and buying, with a dynamic and versatile new format to meet the challenges of the 2020s. The inaugural Jewellery Industry Fair (JIF22) – held at the Timber Yard in Melbourne on February 6th and 7th. – was an exciting achievement for the Jewellery Industry Network (JIN), headed by managing director Laura Moore, who had deftly navigated multiple obstacles and delays over the last two years to make the long-awaited fair a reality.

While there have been virtual fairs during the pandemic, these events cannot achieve same colourful collaborative energy of a real-world jewellery fair. With more than 450 guests over two days, it was a testament to the ambience of the event that people lingered for hours, rather than just dropping in to “shop and go”. While last minute restrictions prevented attendees from Western Australia, the other Australian states were strongly represented by exhibitors and guests, making the fair a resounding success.

Gemmologist Victoria Gibbins said that the event “brought style and youth to the industry” while Jennifer from Vous Creations said “the vibe from the fair and the JIF team have been most friendly and supportive… it has paid off in more ways than one.”

“It was a fun-filled, business-filled event,” said Laura. “Guests had the opportunity to learn more about new brands and view new product lines, see what the industry is doing, and keep up with market trends.”

Innovation and Transformation

The Timber Yard, in the centre of Melbourne, was a fitting backdrop for the sparkling jewels, precious metals and elegant innovative designs on display at JIF22. A spacious and versatile 6,000 sqm venue, the Timber Yard is consisting of indoor and outdoor spaces, designed around the philosophy of recycling and upcycling. Laura saw a connection between the refurbished premises and the art of making jewellery. “The beautiful space of the Timber Yard is airy and bright, making it easy to network,” said Laura. “It has a raw rustic artisan atmosphere, which complements the work of jewellers who transform raw materials into items of beauty.”

The COVID-safe event provided the long-awaited opportunity to mingle with fellow industry members, along with the hybrid option of joining the event online. Virtual attendees could browse through the list of exhibitors, click to view booths, interact with exhibitors by sending questions or products requests, and watch live feeds from the Fair.

Exhibitors at the Fair included Chemgold, Cudworth, Hamid Bros, Ikecho, Millennium Chain, Fortune Opal, Metro Diamonds, Najo, JC Jewels and so many more. Influencer Bebe Bashke of Champagne Gem gave a live podcast interview, which will be available to listen to on The Jewellers Podcast.

Sustainability Message

The venue also reflected one of the key messages behind the event – sustainability. Both event days hosted various speakers who spoke on the topic of sustainability from their own different perspectives, all relevant to the jewellery industry audience. Matt Taylor of Heart HR spoke on building a sustainable workforce, while Andy Phanthapangna of Apeirogon Technology talked about sustainable technology for your business, and Jacky Green of Grit and Heart Coaching gave a talk on sustainable leadership for the future of your business.

Paul Moore, Head of Energy at Sage Group had some important tips on how to make a jewellery business more environmentally sustainable, and Jeff Sawade spoke about safety and wellbeing for your business.

The best-attended event at JIF22 was the talk given by Rami Baron, CEO of both Q Report Jewellery Insurance and The Australian Jewellers Consortium. Rami spoke about NFT, block chain and cryptocurrency, and their place in the jewellery industry.

A Touch of Luxury

Designer Kiron Barui of Wearing Memories has built her jewellery range, such as her signature champagne locket, around “the sound of happiness” – the popping of a champagne cork. So it was fitting for Wearing Memories to be Sparkling Sponsor at the event, and arrange for every attendee at JIF22 to receive a complimentary glass of bubbles.

Once inside, attendees could enjoy complimentary freshly shucked oysters served by roaming oyster butlers or they could explore the options available at the bar and the food trucks at the event. On the Sunday evening, around 80 to 90 people attended Sparkle Under the Stars, a cocktail party for suppliers and customers to mingle and network, while enjoying drinks and canapes in an exciting and convivial atmosphere.

Door prizes donated by sponsors ranged from glamorous – a set of lab-grown diamond emerald cut pendant and matching studs from JC Jewels – to practical – an Introduction to Gems & Gemmology short course in your state, from GAA. The National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) gave away a prize of $2,000 to be spent at any exhibit at the fair. This prize was won by Michelle Cangiano Jewellery – Michelle is very excited by her win, and says she intends to spend the prize money on gemstones from Hamid Bros.

Upskilling Opportunities

While JIF22 was primarily a promotional and buying event, for some attendees, it was also an opportunity to consider options for upskilling and further education. Jewellery Industry Network (JIN) and Minres provided information regarding the Business Certificate III, while representatives of the company Banquet Creative had some great marketing tips for visitors to JIF22.

As well as giving away generous door prizes, the NCJV and GAA also had information on training options for industry members. Members also have access to an expert network for up-to-date advice and guidance regarding industry issues.

Marketing Exposure and Promotion

The lead-up to JIF22 inspired some symbiotic promotion as jewellery businesses showcased their upcoming product lines and innovations. This promotional strategy attracts the attention of customers and industry peers, and helps create a buzz about new product lines while simultaneously highlighting the fair. Golden Mile Jewellery Manufacturers began linking their social media promotions to JIF22 in late January, with an Instagram post of a variety of gold chains, captioned: “Stand by. Launching new designs at the Melbourne fair.”

The next few posts presented the launch of a range of new chain styles at the fair, while simultaneously promoting those products and the fair itself on social media. Salt and Pepper Diamonds took a similar approach, posting a link to the fair with the caption “We will be there! Find us near the entrance”; followed by images of their display booth featuring their ethically sourced natural earth mined diamonds. Brand ambassadors Philippe Poix and Craig Troy of Poix & Troy gave sneak previews of their booth on Instagram: “Just add the jewellery and we are ready to see you tomorrow.” Najo Jewellery promoted the latest Halo collection in connection with the company’s appearance at the fair.

The new face of networking

The overwhelming success of JIF22 was due to the tireless planning and perseverance of the team at the Jewellery Industry Network, who channelled the obstacles of the last two years into a dynamic and versatile event that propels the industry into the 2020s. The result was a truly inspiring and welcoming event, where attendees were enthusiastic about participating, whether as exhibitors or visitors.

Chris Sherwin of the Gold and Silversmith Guild paid tribute to “the enthusiasm and professional dedication” of everyone involved in running the fair. “Despite the difficulties of the last two years of the pandemic, the optimism in the event has opened the door to fresh beginnings for many organisations within the jewellery industry,” Chris said.

Adam from Orange River Diamonds expressed the same views more succinctly: “Thanks for putting on a great fair, we had a blast.”

Superhero Charm

Pandora teams up with Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe to release jewellery inspired by the iconic heroes.

Posted in Fashion, Products Avengers Marvel Pandora Sterling Silver

Pandora has assembled your Avenger heroes in jewellery form as the brand announced its new collaboration with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Available online and in stores from 17 February, the first Marvel and Pandora collaboration includes 14 karat gold-plated and sterling silver hand-enamelled charms of Black Panther, Hulk, Black Widow, Iron Man and his arc reactor, Captain American’s shield, Thor’s hammer, the Infinity Gauntlet and stones, and the Avengers logo.

The charms are finished with cubic zirconia stones and are engraved with the characters’ mottos which symbolise their personalities and values – “Wakanda forever” for Black Panther, “Actually, I can,” for Natasha Romanoff and “Find your power” for Tony Stark.

A gold-plated Infinity Stones ring, with a rainbow of six gems, is engraved with the powers each stone represents, and the arc reactor is engraved with Tony Stark’s daughter’s words, “I love you 3000.” The charms can be worn on Pandora’s snake chain or leather bracelets, adjustable rolo chain necklaces and keychains.

Why is the new generation of jewellers powering ahead of the old?

Rami Baron - Q Report I just returned from Melbourne where I attended the wonderful Jewellery Industry Network Fair. Without a doubt, a lot of…

Posted in Business, Trade Fairs Block Chain Business Jewellery Industry Fair Q Report Rami Baron

Rami Baron – Q Report

I just returned from Melbourne where I attended the wonderful Jewellery Industry Network Fair.

Without a doubt, a lot of credit goes to Laura, Brett, Ewan and Andy for putting together such an event during these difficult times. They put on a professional event and we all look forward to the next one. As always, it’s about meeting and greeting, listening and learning as to what are the different strategies that jewellers are using to grow their business. On this trip I had an epiphany.

Consumers buy the story. Is it an old one or a new one?

I was speaking to several jewellers who came from jewellery families. In some cases, it was three generations of family jewellers. In listening to them, I recognised so much of myself and how I used to communicate when I had my jewellery stores. It’s so easy and comforting to define ourselves with the past. I was the first to say that I’m a third-generation jeweller. I even have that written all over my bio on LinkedIn now. So how can you, a new jeweller, who doesn’t come from a traditional apprentice workshop background, or diamond dealing family, compete with me or those who have that heritage, that training, that historical knowledge that is handed down from one generation to the next? Rather than beating around the bush, I’m going to get to the crux of it straight away. I must add that what I am about to say doesn’t apply to everyone, but it applies to the majority. With the advent of social media, a small independent jeweller can create as much content as a multinational jewellery brand. The beauty of the content is that it is authentic and about them, who they are, often what they do, how they look and how they speak. In fact, you get to know these people before you even make contact or visit them. These new jewellers won’t show you photos of the past and won’t have signs that say established in 1950. Instead, they have built a social media presence and marketing, which is very much about saying “This is who we are today”

As a consumer, you either buy into their story or not—that’s up to you. The power of social media has meant that the trust that a consumer needs to build before they purchase is largely formed before they even enter the jewellery operations of this new generation of jewellers. An easy way to understand this is to observe the big luxury brands. The consumer has already bought the Tiffany brand before they enter the store. The salesperson needs to be friendly and nice, but the trust in making a purchase has already been created by the marketing message that the brand has promoted. Again, if the customer aspires, relates, and connects to Tiffany’s message, then it’s the experience that will facilitate the sale. To a large extent though, the decision to buy a Tiffany piece of jewellery was already made. The old and traditional jeweller thinks that just by showcasing jewellery, they will attract the next customer. They also rely so much on their past to build trust when they first meet the customer. When and if they get this concept that trust is built before the customer interacts with them, they too will see a massive change to their business.

Modern issues do influence your customers

Of course, there are a few other factors. The new generation of jeweller is happy to focus on the gems and where they come from. There are comfortable to talk about traceability, sustainability and transparency and don’t keep saying “my customers aren’t interested in that, they never ask.” Mark my words — if they haven’t, they will, or you are dealing with an older demographic. Do you think that a 28-year-old has any idea who or what DeBeers is or was? This company literally created the modern diamond engagement ring industry. They also stopped generic marketing of diamonds 20 years ago which contributed to the slowdown of our product in the luxury market, and they lost a name which was as famous as Rolex today. If you don’t come from the jewellery industry historically, you’re not saturated with stories of how things were—the good old days. In the 1970s, jewellers told me that a customer would come in to purchase an engagement ring, were told to sit down at a table where they would be shown six designs from which they had to choose one. The customer provided their budget, they were shown what fitted the budget, they paid a deposit and put the ring on layby. The finger was measured, they were asked how long they would need to pay off the ring, and after the second last payment it would be ready for pickup. The markup was normally 2.5 to 3 times on cost. No credit cards at that time.

I think it goes without saying, that you need to be comfortable with digital photography. Learn how to get the most out of your iPhone or Android camera. Understand how to improve lighting, ask others how you can combine a Zoom call, flicking back and forth between a face-to-face discussion and the image projected on one of your monitors. Make sure there is good lighting on your face, and the background reflects the sort of business you are. Everything you do must align with the image you are trying to create. You must be authentic, and you must walk the talk. Every piece of marketing literature, especially when it comes to social media, screams about this very issue. I don’t care if you’re ultraconservative or way out there, if it lines up and your marketing tells a true story of who you are and what you do, your customer will buy you and your story before they get to your store or showroom. My conversations with generational jewellers were about defining their future because they found themselves inadvertently trapped in the past. My conversations with the new generation of jewellers were about technology, bringing NFT’s and crypto into their business, utilising online databases of merchandise and stock, rather than tying up money in physical stock.

Share and embrace change

This new generation of jewellers are not fearful to share knowledge and information with other jewellers. I have written in numerous articles about my disgust at the lack of sharing. Yet when I was in Melbourne, I saw a couple of the new generation of jewellers visiting a forward-thinking tech savvy jeweller, who was happy to sit and share the logic of his software. He openly shared contacts he used for his fit out and the whole logic of his business structure. No fear, no secrets, just “This is how we do it, and I hope it helps.” Change isn’t easy for any of us. I gave a presentation at the fair explaining blockchain, crypto currency and NFT’s and how they relate to our industry. It will be on the Jewellery Industry Fair website and Facebook shortly. I finished my presentation with the following advice:

“This crypto, NFTs and let’s-not[1]talk-about-the-Metaverse requires a radical mindset change. You don’t have to jump into it, but you need to understand it. The key is never to stop asking questions until you get some comfort, getting your head around it.”

P.S. And yes, at some point in the not-too-distant future, you too will accept crypto as a form of payment. And yes, chill out about that because in reality you already have a digital wallet on your phone—it’s just limited to one or two banks.

See Rami Baron’s talk from the 2022 Jewellery Industry Fair here:

March 9, 2022

Jewellery, concept to customer: CAD at Palloys

Sophie Kim - Creative Consultant, Palloys CAD, or computer-aided design, has truly revolutionised how we manufacture jewellery at Palloys. Its multi-faceted effects have enabled us…

Posted in Metals, Tech Cad Metals Palloys Tech

Sophie Kim – Creative Consultant, Palloys

CAD, or computer-aided design, has truly revolutionised how we manufacture jewellery at Palloys. Its multi-faceted effects have enabled us to streamline and personalise the manufacturing process of a piece, from concept to customer. CAD has enabled jewellers to create magnificent designs with the most accurate precision, in a prompt manner.

The importance of computer-aided design is paramount in the current state of our jewellery industry. CAD enhances the product offering by giving the jeweller greater control over the design and manufacture of their designs.

That is the essence of what separates Palloys in the jewellery industry—our ability to take a client from their first design and guide them through the processes involved in bringing their piece to life, facilitated by the fact that every single process is undertaken exclusively in our workshop at Palloys, beginning with CAD. The wide uptake of CAD technology has illustrated the significance of creating specialised and accurate designs.

CAD at Palloys involves a wonderfully personalised, one-to-one consultation with our designers. The CAD team at Palloys is enriched with the sharp expertise of our staff. Each team member has over 10 years of experience CAD, or computer-aided design, has truly revolutionised how we manufacture jewellery at Palloys. Its multi-faceted effects have enabled us to streamline and personalise the manufacturing process of a piece, from concept to customer. CAD has enabled jewellers to create magnificent designs with the most accurate precision, in a prompt manner. PALLOYS POINTS Sophie Kim, Creative Consultant, Palloys Concept to Creation with CAD software, primarily in the speciality of jewellery design.

We are one of the largest CAD teams in the jewellery industry, and our communicative and positive work environment allows for a true forum of skills and styles that improves our team overall. This amalgamation of individual competency, teamwork and calibre of combined skill is unique to Palloys in the jewellery design sector. Our highly proficient designers have the advantage of overlooking the manufacturing process to achieve the highest quality of precision and intricate designs for the jewellers. The CAD team is supported by an unmatched print capacity. Palloys has invested in the most advanced printers and the team focuses on producing the highest resolution of resins and waxes which ensures there is no porosity and minimum breakaway during casting. Whether we receive a design brief or stereolithography (STL) files from clients, there is always a dialogue between designer and client that results in the creation of the final 3D rendering from which physical production of the piece begins.

This ensures that the client has significant input in their design and the final 3D render, thereby improving client satisfaction when the piece is finished. CAD itself is a competitive service. As we are equally well equipped for its complimentary service, CAM (Computer[1]Aided Manufacturing), Palloys’ service is rare in that we are enabled to oversee and streamline every step, from creating the 3D render to the 3D print of the final design.

Our precise control and strong interdepartmental communication skills, coupled with the lack of need for outsourcing, is drastically more cost-effective for both manufacturer and client and enables a much quicker turnaround from design to the finished piece. Moreover, Palloys is one of the most cutting[1]edge and current when it comes to both software and hardware. We are fastidious with ensuring all our programs have the newest and most advanced licensing and are functioning on the most recent updates. Our hardware is carefully quality-controlled and is regularly replaced with the newest models, ensuring we are equipped with the finest and most advanced technology in the industry. Our highly skilled Design & Print team is proficient in all major CAD applications, and we can work with your files created in MatrixGold, RhinoGold, 3Design and JewelCAD. We can work from a PDF, sketch, photo, or logo for the most streamlined and efficient CAD service. At Palloys, we want to educate you on the best techniques to create the most magnificent CAD designs. Having a start-to-finish approach to jewellery manufacturing, especially involving CAD, allows a more satisfied client, as well as a more fulfilling role as a creative consultant.

Having the ability to oversee a piece’s entire manufacturing journey is so rare, but even more unique to Palloys is how at the end, I get to experience the genuine joy and delight in a client when their completely custom design has been brought to life at Palloys. For the upcoming and new jewellers, we emphasise that it is essential to recognise CAD as an art form, customised to your own preferences. To be authentic, to learn and to observe and recognise your own signature style is the best way forward. This is the golden aspect of Palloys that make us a truly remarkable front-runner in the jewellery industry: our ability to take a concept to customer approach to each and every piece. Managing CAD as an aspect of this journey has been as challenging as it is gratifying.

Blue diamond auction

One of the most valuable blue diamonds in existence will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in April. The De Beers Cullinan Blue was originally a type…

Posted in Diamonds, World News De Beers Diacore Diamonds Sotheby's World News

One of the most valuable blue diamonds in existence will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in April. The De Beers Cullinan Blue was originally a type IIB 39.34 carat rough stone, unearthed from the Cullinan mine in April 2021. It was sold to De Beers and Diacore for US$40 million and was transformed into an internally flawless 15.10 carat step-cut fancy vivid blue diamond.

Only five blue diamonds weighing more than 10 carats have ever come to auction, and none of these ever exceeded 15 carats. De Beers now value this diamond at $48 million, although experts believe that the rarity of the gemstone could achieve a record price of up to US$4 million per carat.

Royal Jewels

On February 6, Queen Elizabeth commemorated a historic 70 years on the throne with a tea party at Sandringham House, where she wore a blue…

Posted in World News Diamonds World News

On February 6, Queen Elizabeth commemorated a historic 70 years on the throne with a tea party at Sandringham House, where she wore a blue crepe embroidered dress with a triple-strand pearl necklace and two rosette brooches from the Nizam crown of Hyderbad.

The Nizam crown was a detachable diamond tiara featuring an English rose pattern, which could convert into three brooches. Designed by Cartier, the tiara was a wedding gift for the then Princess Elizabeth from the Indian prince Nizam of Hyderbad, who was the world’s richest prince at that time. He also her a Cartier necklace, which is considered to be one of the most valuable jewellery pieces in the British royal collection.

The Queen wore the tiara in the years following her marriage, but she later opted to break it up. Most of the diamonds were used to create the Burmese Ruby Tiara, but the three rose brooches remain.

Day: March 9, 2022

A new industry event for a new era

Innovation and Transformation

Sustainability Message

A Touch of Luxury

Upskilling Opportunities

Marketing Exposure and Promotion

The new face of networking

Further reading:

Superhero Charm

Further reading:

Why is the new generation of jewellers powering ahead of the old?

Consumers buy the story. Is it an old one or a new one?

Modern issues do influence your customers

Share and embrace change

Jewellery, concept to customer: CAD at Palloys

Further reading:

Blue diamond auction

Further reading:

Royal Jewels

Further reading: