Lindsey's Blog; Trade shows, supply chains and sustainability
02 Nov 2021
Autumn is upon us, and so as I reflect on meeting members during last month's shows, I feel optimistic about the upcoming Christmas season. In addition to gifting, it’s a time for a greater number of engagements and delayed weddings are still catching up. Recent purchases I am informed by jewellers are sentimental ones, and perhaps it’s likely that meaningful gifts this festive season will be about personal treasures and birthstone jewellery. Talisman jewels are tipped to also feature strongly as we celebrate festive moments and gatherings this season.
Getting together
Last month saw me at a record number of events and exhibitions that would typically have been held earlier in the year alongside the traditional autumn seasonal shows. It was the perfect opportunity to test the temperature amongst suppliers and visitors, who were pleasantly relieved that trade was picking up and another lockdown was being avoided. The events that I have attended recently align fine jewellery closer to fashion again which I am sure we will benefit from next year.
Buying groups reported excellent trade, with Harvey, the chairman of the Hallmark Jewellers Group, extremely keen to receive both new retailers and suppliers into their fold. The most popular new designs and ranges revealed bright, vibrant gemstones.
Jewellery Cut Live even had an area dedicated to amazing jewels incorporating peridot mined by their sponsor Fuli Gemstones. This Sunday offers the opportunity to join the Gem-A virtual conference, where many international speakers will impart their specialist gem knowledge.
The continuing issue facing many exporter and importer members is the continued changes of tariffs and developments with paperwork for the movement of goods. Our export department within the Federation is planning updated webinars to help, and we have a hotline to our government sector desk.
Image: Lindsey with Harvey Morgan (Harvey the Jewellers)
Sustainability
As many political world leaders gather in Glasgow to discuss climate change, the jewellery industry is again turning its attention to the hot topic of sustainability. CIBJO is holding virtual meetings linking world jewellery organisations to discuss topics, including sustainability across the supply chain. So, look out for updates that will be available on our website.
In my opinion the Special Pearl Report that has just been released by CIBJO’s Pearl Commission, headed by Kenneth Scarratt makes for interesting reading with comments about Global warming and its effects on the oceans as a massive challenge to the pearling sector. Pierre Fallourd, who provides insight on the subject from the perspective of the Australian industry stated that “Extreme sea level events, which previously occurred once in 100 years will be happening every year by the end of this century. Ocean acidification, shifts in marine currents and nutrients flows, as well as extreme weather occurrences, directly challenge nacre growth productivity, resulting in smaller pearls and longer cultivation time.” (source: CIBJO)
Of course, rules about disclosure of laboratory-grown diamonds and treatments of other gemstones are also key on the agenda. The Responsible Jewellery Council have been compiling research to add to training programmes which will be invaluable and De Beers has produced a new diamond insight guide. Please note our latest assured guidance for diamond terminology, created in conjunction with other bodies has recently been referred to in a case of law.
Getting ready for 2022
Please check out Created in the UK and apply to use this unique mark and marketing collateral (for free for members!). You could use either in-store or online to help drive homegrown Christmas sales and support fellow UK companies and designers. I really think silversmiths are missing a trick if they don’t use it as after all it’s taken many hours to make a piece and for £1 more in Hallmarking fees it can carry the unique mark showing it was produced in the UK. God willing, 2022 will see us celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee so how good would the special Created in the UK additional mark and the commemorative Jubilee mark look on silverware. History and antiques in the making!
I hope the coming months provide golden sales in line with the current trends for all things gold-coloured and that your customers are fully informed of how, where and from what the item was made to the best of your knowledge.
Created in the UK
Source: National Association of Jewellers