A major feature of this year’s JAA International Jewellery Fair will place local jewellery manufacturing in the spotlight with a “live” bench demonstration showcasing some of Australia’s most talented jewellers.
The demonstration is being organised by members of the Young Jewellers Group (YJG), a Facebook forum for young jewellers and apprentices, in conjunction with fair organiser Expertise Events as a prelude to a new project that will be introduced at next year’s event.
The bench demonstration, to be held over the three days of the fair, will involve four YJG members who will create two different rings. The jewellers will be given designated bench space on the show floor, providing visitors with an insight into jewellery manufacturing techniques such as CAD, setting and engraving.
Ewen Ryley, one of the founding members of YJG, explained, “The jewellers will show four aspects of the manufacturing side of the industry. For example on the first day, one of the jewellers will be hand-making a claw setting and then on the second day he’ll be making a different setting to show another technique.”
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy added that the decision to hold the demonstration was in response to comments made by fair attendees from previous years.
“We’ve taken on board the research and feedback from the industry that they want to see more manufacturing, tools and hands-on activities at the fair,” he said.
The demonstration is being organised by members of the Young Jewellers Group (YJG), a Facebook forum for young jewellers and apprentices, in conjunction with fair organiser Expertise Events as a prelude to a new project that will be introduced at next year’s event.
The bench demonstration, to be held over the three days of the fair, will involve four YJG members who will create two different rings. The jewellers will be given designated bench space on the show floor, providing visitors with an insight into jewellery manufacturing techniques such as CAD, setting and engraving.
Ewen Ryley, one of the founding members of YJG, explained, “The jewellers will show four aspects of the manufacturing side of the industry. For example on the first day, one of the jewellers will be hand-making a claw setting and then on the second day he’ll be making a different setting to show another technique.”
Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy added that the decision to hold the demonstration was in response to comments made by fair attendees from previous years.
“We’ve taken on board the research and feedback from the industry that they want to see more manufacturing, tools and hands-on activities at the fair,” he said.
Fitz-Roy also announced that the live demonstration would act as a prelude or launching pad for a new project – an Australian jewellery industry first – that would not be revealed until the first day of this year’s show.
While not disclosing specific details, he did provide a small teaser: “What we’re doing in 2015 will put our industry on the global stage and raise the profile of the jewellery manufacturing talent within Australia.”
This year’s demonstration has already gained support from the industry, with companies such as Peter W Beck and Chemgold donating materials and tools. The diamond and gemstone suppliers are also currently being finalised.
A raffle will be held over the course of the fair to win one of the pieces created – an 18-carat gold ring, set with diamonds and gemstones. The winning ticket will be drawn on the last day and part of the money raised from ticket sales will be used to fund next year’s new project.
Attracting media attention
This year’s show will also feature a presentation from one of Australia’s leading jewellers, Nic Cerrone, on Tuesday 2 September at 12:00pm.
Cerrone is the managing director of Cerrone Jewellers, which has three retail stores – two in the Sydney CBD and one in Leichhardt.
He has won more than 40 national and international jewellery design awards – including the 1998 De Beers Diamonds International Award.
“Nic arguably has one of the highest profiles within the jewellery industry as well as within the media,” Fitz-Roy commented. “His presentation will allow retailers to get insider information on some of Australia’s current jewellery trends, as well as to find out more about his achievements.”
In addition to sharing his thoughts on the future of jewellery design, Cerrone will be showcasing one of his most iconic pieces at the fair – a $5.9 million black and white diamond-encrusted bikini that has been worn by a number of celebrities including Australian model and television presenter Sarah Murdoch.
The jeweller is also expected to be a drawcard at the jewellery fair’s Media Morning Tea, which he will be attending on Tuesday.
The Media Morning Tea was introduced to the 2013 Sydney jewellery fair program, and will again invite selected members of the media, including editors and fashion journalists, to preview the newest collections and latest trends in the jewellery