According to the Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA), the Rising Star Arena is a designated area on the trade show floor where up-and-coming jewellers can display and sell one-off pieces.
JAA executive director Amanda Hunter said the program would help kick-start the careers of jewellers and jewellery students as well as provide retailers with access to new products.
“It’s a brilliant way for retailers to find unique designs for their customers, whilst supporting and encouraging Australian small businesses and creativity and manufacturing within our exceptionally talented industry,” she said.
A maximum of 20 individuals – either students enrolled in a jewellery related course and/or manufacturing jewellers who do not have a store or are working for a retail store or another manufacturing jeweller – would be selected.
The JAA noted that those chosen were required to have between five and 10 different pieces available for purchase during the trade show.
Applicants must submit a minimum of five images showing their pieces by 31 March 2017. Suitability for inclusion would be based on those images, taking the market, uniqueness of design and quality of manufacture into consideration.
According to the JAA, items provided for submission did not need to be completed because those selected would be given time before the show to finalise their jewellery pieces.
Expressions of interest can be submitted via the JAA Jewellery Tradeshow website.
The 2017 JAA Jewellery Tradeshow will take place at Moore Park, Sydney from 26 August to 28 August.
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