Over the past month, Jeweller has reported on the many new initiatives, presentations and product releases planned for the 2014 Sydney jewellery fair. There have noticeably been a large number of new additions introduced to this year’s program that aim to provide visitors with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and advice on improving business.
“This is a great industry full of creative people and this year we’ve spent a lot more time conducting and analysing research and talking to retailers to find out what their needs are. We’re trying to marry up a program offering that caters to those needs,” trade show organiser Gary Fitz-Roy said.
He added there had been quite a few late exhibitor bookings, which indicated the strength of industry confidence in both the upcoming fair and trading year to come.
With so many activities taking place during the three-day show – held at the new Glebe Island venue – retailers are encouraged to plan ahead.
Below is a final wrap-up of what to expect at this year’s major industry event.
The Jewellers Bench
Local jewellery manufacturing will be placed in the spotlight this year with a “live” bench demonstration showcasing some of Australia’s most talented jewellers.
The display – organised by the Young Jewellers Group (YJG) – involves four of the group’s members who over the course of the fair will create two rings featuring diamonds and gemstones.
In addition to gaining insight into jewellery manufacturing techniques such as CAD, setting and engraving, visitors will also have the chance to win one of the handmade rings.
As previously reported by Jeweller, the live demonstration will act as a prelude or launching pad for a new project in 2015 – an Australian jewellery industry first – that will be revealed on the first day of this year’s show.
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World Famous Diamonds
The World Famous Diamonds exhibition will be on display during the event. The collection is the brainchild of Scott Sucher, a retired US Air Force pilot who has been fascinated with diamonds since he was 14, and features perfect replicas of 36 of the world’s most famous diamonds.
Sucher first presented the collection in Australia in 2008, where he “toured” 28 stones, but that number has now increased to 36. Among those that will be on display include the Tiffany, Hope, Koh-I-Noor, Cullinan and the Star of South Africa replica diamonds.
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Meet the Designers
In another new initiative for this year, the JAA Australasian Jewellery Awards finalists will be on the fair floor on Monday at 4:00pm showcasing their pieces and explaining the inspiration and motives behind them. Winners of the prestigious awards will be announced at a ceremony later that evening.
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Training seminars
A long list of free education and training seminars have been planned throughout the event, offering retailers the opportunity to gain valuable business advice.
Presentations will be made by high-profile industry experts like Australian jewellery designer Nic Cerrone and Pandora Australia and New Zealand president David Allen. Jimmy DeGroot, the Jewellery Marketing Guy, will also be visiting exclusively from the US to offer daily advice on how retailers can improve customer service and their bottom line.
In addition, the JAA will present a Panel Discussion on the state of the jewellery industry on Monday from 12:30pm–1:15pm. Led by JAA Code committee chair Colin Pocklington and moderated by Jeweller editor Coleby Nicholson, the panel will discuss the current and future issues impacting the industry, latest trends and changing consumer behaviour.
As part of the session, JAA executive director Amanda Hunter will provide an update on many of the important initiatives being promoted by the JAA, including consumer law, the industry code and the Senate inquiry into rents.
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Prizes galore
Why not reward all of that learning by entering some competitions? Numerous exhibitors have confirmed they will be offering special contests and promotions over the course of the show.
There will also be a treasure chest up for grabs that is filled with jewellery valued at almost $20,000. The Treasure Chest prize will be drawn on the last day of the fair.
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Bridal area
The fair organiser has announced there will be a dedicated bridal jewellery area at this year’s event.
The bridal area, which focuses on what is arguably the most important category for a retailer, will showcase the season’s latest jewellery trends for brides and grooms. Bridal jewellery specialists will share their experience and tips for maximising sales in this area, and bridal fashion parades have been scheduled twice daily.
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Social events
Although the fair is primarily used for suppliers and retailers to conduct business, there will be opportunities to socialise as well.
In addition to hosting gala dinners for their members, buying groups Leading Edge Jewellers, Nationwide Jewellers and Showcase Jewellers will also be sponsoring a social event on the fair floor.
The International Jewellery Fair Happy Hour will take place on Sunday at 5:00pm and has been organised with the aim of providing retailers and suppliers the opportunity to network in a less formal setting.
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The 23rd JAA International Jewellery Fair will be held from Sunday 31 August until Tuesday 2 September at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island.
Opening hours are as follows:
Sunday 9:30am – 6:00pm
Monday 9:30am – 6:00pm
Tuesday 9:30am – 3:00pm
A full list of current exhibitors can also be viewed here.
More reading
Jewellery fair preparations kick into high gear
Talking heads at Sydney Trade Fair
Benchies, Nic Cerrone gear up for jewellery industry firsts
World famous diamonds at Sydney jewellery fair
Prizes galore at Sydney jewellery fair
2014 JAA Design Awards: Jewellery’s night of nights
$10,000 treasure chest at Glebe Island
How to increase jewellery sales and boost profits