Hosted at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from Saturday (1 February) until Monday (3 February), the industry embraced the opportunity to gather for the first time since the turning of the calendar.
There was a distinct focus on education at this year’s event, with daily presentations on store design and marketing, business management, and legal trading requirements.
As is always the case with jewellery fairs, the reception among exhibitors and retailers was mixed. Some reported strong business, while others were quiet.
Event services manager Nicholas Fewtrell told Jeweller that the show was an ideal opportunity for the industry to build momentum ahead of a busy year.
“This year’s Melbourne Jewellery Expo provided an exciting platform for both returning and first-time exhibitors, with strong interest from new exhibitors looking to expand their presence into the upcoming International Jewellery Fair in Sydney,” he explained.
“Running alongside the Melbourne Gift & Lifestyle Fair, the Expo created new opportunities for retailers exploring fine jewellery and pearls — categories they may not have previously considered for their stores.”
He added: “The timing of the event allowed exhibitors to reconnect with stockists after the busy festive season, fostering valuable discussions and setting the stage for strong business relationships in 2025.”
Among the exhibitors was John Wertheim, owner of JS Landau, a fine jewellery supplier. He said events such as the Melbourne Jewellery Expo were an opportunity to reflect on the market's complexity.
“While many people say that jewellery sales are down for retailers, I think that’s not quite true, and is a blanket generalisation and a sweeping statement for a complex market,” he explained.
“Many of the people we deal with, jewellery store owners who sell a higher-end or better quality product than average, are doing well. There is always a market for these products.”
“The ‘supermarket’ jewellers often sell different quality items and have constant sales, but they appeal to a different market that has tightened spending at the moment, and this has caused much of the sales ‘downturn’ in the industry.”
He added: “I think frequent sales and promotions can lower the prestige and dignity of selling jewellery. It should be a magical, emotional purchase, and not just a hunt for discounts.”
Stronger together
Among the crowd, two of Australia’s jewellery industry buying groups – Nationwide Jewellers and Independent Jewellers Collective – were busy meeting with retailers and suppliers.
Nationwide Jewellers membership manager Erin Keller said the opportunity to meet with members was always valuable.
“The show was exceptionally well organised, as always is to be expected from Expertise Events. The grid setup ensures all exhibitors have a chance to be seen by attendees, and our members immediately knew how to locate us without looking at a map,” she said.
“It was a great opportunity to sit down with several members and discuss their businesses, and work through improvements for their store.”
Keller continued: “Members were positive with their results from January, an unexpected surprise for most given December sales were lower than hoped. Most are hopeful for the year ahead and looking to improve their pool of custom-made designs and the engagement of their websites.”
Nationwide Jewellers will host its annual Timeout Conference on the Gold Coast in early April.
Where do we go from here?
Up next is the eagerly anticipated Australian Jewellery Fair, set to be held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-7 April.
Expertise Events has unveiled an official mascot for the event – a ‘fun-loving’ Koala named Ajay – who will offer exclusive gifts and prizes for attendees.
Following the Gold Coast event, the International Jewellery Fair will be held from 23 to 25 August at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney.
For further details and registration information, visit jewelleryfair.com.au.
More reading
Ready, set, go: Melbourne Jewellery Expo right around the corner
International Jewellery Fair 2024: Onwards and upwards
Hole-in-one: Industry sentiment positive after Australian Jewellery Fair
Industry upbeat following Melbourne Jewellery Expo
Melbourne Jewellery Expo successfully kicks off year