International Jewellery London starts with positive reports from exhibitors

Although official figures are yet to be confirmed, the initial reaction from those at the London show, which runs from September 4 to 7, was positive with exhibitors reporting heavy footfall and serious buyers.

Phil Barnes, managing director of predominantly silver jewellery brand Muru told Retail Jeweller: “We have never taken so many orders by this time on a Sunday at the show before.

“We were a bit pessimistic about potential footfall but it seems like the people who have come here have come to buy.”

First time exhibitors at IJL had high expectations. “We are looking to build out brand, grow our potential new stockists and increase general brand awareness among new people,” said London Road managing director Ed Adams. “You can’t beat visual presentation.”

Meanwhile those who have exhibited before were hoping to equal previous successes. On the Ti Sento stand, IBB Amsterdam account manager North Carol Sinfieldtold Retail Jeweller that they have high hopes for a busy show. “We want it to be as successful as Spring Fair was for us,” she said. “If we get that, we will walk away happy.”

Due to the ever expanding line up of international and UK exhibitors, two new exciting product areas are being unveiled at IJL this year - Designer Brands and Loose Diamonds & Precious Gems.

Designer Brands can be found within the Design Gallery with leading designers such as Brighton based Jeremy Hoye who is launching four new collections, Sarah Jordan, Rachel Galley and Andrew Geoghegan.

The event also welcomes a host of new fine jewellery companies including Vogue Diamond, Jeremy Hoye and the launch of the Italian Vendorafa brand, which specialises in 18ct gold.

Ben Williams, business development manager of Advalorem, which launched Vendorafa, said that he is exhibiting at the show to find further UK stockists and was impressed so far. “Wondering around the show yesterday I think it has gone up a level,” he said. “It has more of an international and fine jewellery feel.”

In the silver area new names included Raymond Hak. British design, however, continues to dominate throughout the show with key British designers SHO Fine Jewellery launching latest line, the Sarah Ho Couture collection.

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