Download Spring PDF
Cover image: Ti Sento and Mesmeric Distribution
- Pantone Colour of the Year
- Style Edit '24
- Better Business
- Jewellery Festival Preview
- Spring Fair Preview
- Benevolent Society Ball Review
- NAJ Summit Preview
So, a new year. At the point you’re reading this (thank you), the festive spirit will have given way to anticipation of what lies ahead; Christmas must be but a hazy memory. So, if you could spare a retrospective thought for me – gathering the last loose threads of this spring issue while simultaneously wondering where I’ll find a turkey with just four days to go – that would be lovely! Writing my editor’s letter is always the very last loose thread, a matter of untangling thoughts as I guide you through the pages to come. Excuse me while I fetch another sustaining mince pie…
It’s another well-stuffed magazine as we look forward to a packed schedule of trade shows. Should you be in the market for a little pre-buying inspiration, may I draw your attention to my bejewelled interpretation of 2024’s Pantone Colour of the Year (p15). Peach Fuzz (hmm, I’m not sure either) is all about cosiness, kindness and wellbeing (so really, what’s not to love?), and I’ve gathered some beautiful pieces I think capture the vibe. You’ll have your own thoughts. For added direction, on page 36, our Style Edit ’24 pinpoints the strong, new and existing jewellery trends that promise to see you through to next Christmas at least.
Back to the trade events, and first on the UK calendar is Jewellery & Watch, hosted by Moda at Spring Fair (NEC, Birmingham). On page 22, we offer a snapshot preview of the who and the what of the show. A few weeks later sees Retail Jeweller’s UK Jewellery Festival, in its usual London home, but taking place much earlier in the year. A busy schedule of industry seminars and panel discussions will complement a strong gathering of new and returning exhibitors. See page 28.
It must go without saying there will be a diamond debate or two – the natural versus laboratory-grown conversation is as relevant as ever, which is why we’re pleased to introduce you to the Diamond Pipeline Integrity document (p49), created by the NAJ, Natural Diamond Council and London Diamond Bourse. This guide is vital reading for every jewellery retailer and diamond professional.
Which gives me a handy segue to our regular quizzing of a few of the Association’s members. In this issue, the spotlight falls on the innovative charitable activities at Ray & Scott in Guernsey (p18) and the exciting developments at PureJewels in London’s Green Street (p48). On page 34, we introduce three more businesses that have recently joined the NAJ (welcome!), and turning to page 42, we meet IRV Member number one thousand, plus another esteemed valuer who is celebrating 35 years with the Institute.
Team NAJ loves a celebration – nothing beats a heartfelt pat on the back. And while we find ourselves expressing admiration and gratitude throughout the year, the glitziest salute to our industry’s great and good is December’s Benevolent Society Ball. It truly is an evening of bonhomie, revelry and warmth. Just looking at the party pix on page 12 is giving me that fuzzy feeling. Oh… I’m so on point!