IJL 2015 delivers new offerings

The 60th edition or the Diamond Jubilee of IJL 2015 (International Jewellery London 2015), UK’s premier jewellery trade event, unfolded with a fresh outlook, on 6th September and concluded on September 8. Amongst its offerings as a platform for a world-class showcase, it added some new aspects to the show, encouraging networking, knowledge sharing and design innovation sensibilities.

Over 530 jewellers and designers from over 38 countries, a seminar roster of high profile entrepreneurs and a host of additional Diamond Jubilee surprises made up the show this year.

“We have always been about what is new, fresh and cutting edge in this industry – trends, talent, marketing and the latest in design developments” said Sam Willoughby, Event Director. Visitors from 40 countries attended the show, reflecting IJL’s international standing. “On the buying front, we have also had a 20% increase in registrations for our Diamond Club – exclusively reserved for our VIP buyers who are drawn from a diverse range of buyers from major international stores to key online retailers”, adds Sam Willoughby. This being the Diamond Jubilee of the show, the organisers had planned some surprises being unveiled including a Late Night Shopping Event on 6 September, an additional Catwalk Show featuring a unique 'Diamond Blaze' scene, exclusively curated for the anniversary and the winners of the anniversary prize draw for exhibitors were also announced.

The show was a spectacle for the best in British and international designs. Further international inspiration came from the Hong Kong, South Asia, South African and Sri Lankan International Pavilions and the European Village and the new ‘In Stile Italiano’ - highlighting Italy’s jewellery industry.

Sam Willoughby mentioned that, “IJL’s offering this year very much reflects how well higher-end jewellery is performing and as result a growing number of brands and designers especially, are using gold in their new collections. This is reflected in the increasing number of high-end companies at the show – 80 percent of the new exhibitors for instance this year are in fine and designer jewellery”. Two new categories were added to the Editor’s Choice exhibitor competition this year - ‘Diamonds in Design’, and ‘In Stile Italiano’.

Companies like Boudici, Beverley K, Forevermark were some names featuring in the Bridal Jewellery section. Also, Victoriana Punk, Seventies, Geo-Form, Floral Fancy and Diamond Blaze were the key looks for Autumn/Winter 2015 and 2016 jewellery were unveiled on catwalk. Other segments like Market Intelligence for Commercial Success - The SS16 Jewellery trends you need to know, a KickStart designer chosen from amongst 10 for the Adorn Insight Award highlighted the show. The 10th collection of Bright Young Gems was unveiled, while complimentary seminar programme and advice clinics with leading professionals from the jewellery and other industries allowed retailers and exhibitors to interact and gain knowledge. This year for the first time an IJL Event App, sponsored by Links of London and Follie Follie was made available to download, giving a simple navigation to the show and keeping up with new features and event highlights including seminars.