Download Spring PDF
Front Cover: NB Diamonds
- Pantone Colour of the Year
- Jewellery & Watch Preview
- Retail Jeweller Festival Preview
- CMJ Spring Event Preview
- Inhorgenta Preview
- Better Business
- And much more...
Happy 2025!
Phew – I feel tired just looking at the run-down of features in this, our first issue of the year. Not so much because of the number of words written (although that too – there are quite a lot), but because I can see, at a glance, what a busy Q1 it’s going to be. And from where I’m sitting (mid-December), there’s still Christmas to get through. Now you, our revered readers, are out the other side, I hope you enjoyed a fruitful, fun-packed, fuss-free festive period. Those at the wonderful Benevolent Society Ball on 5th December got into the seasonal spirit – check out the photographic evidence on page 10… and be sorry to those who missed it!
Now, it’s on with the show… or, more accurately, several shows. The year kicks off with the glitz and glam fest that is Vicenzaoro in Italy (see a snapshot of the event on page 28), with Jewellery & Watch at Spring Fair hot on its heels – turn to page 12 for a preview of collections soon at the NEC. Barely time to unpack and wash smalls before it’s time to head to Munich for Inhorgenta ’25 (note to self: dig out snow boots), pen poised, new notebook ready (another note to self: finish writing J&W report before tackling another show). See page 22 for a few of Inhorgenta’s highlights. Back home and it’s onto the UK Jewellery Festival (p. 32), always an inspiring curation of brands as well as a programme of insightful talks and discussions (good excuse to buy a new notebook).
If you’re in the market for a little extra inspiration – particularly ahead of the buying season – check out some of the jewellery that fit the mood of Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025 (p.18). At first glance, Mocha Mousse seemed a tricky call, but a little creative latitude has resulted in a chocolate box selection with the desired cosy vibe. There’s nothing verychocolatey about opals, but they’re currently enjoying a moment – the perfect reason to readabout Marianne Pughe’s once-in-a-lifetime trip into the Australian opal scene (p.36).
We’re also giving you a glimpse into the life and times of two other NAJ members. The Jewellers Academy won the NAJ’s Service Provider of the Year Award 2024, so you might want to learn how founder Derek Boyd created this enterprise, in which case, turn to page 46. Meanwhile, Ainsworth Jewellers in Blackburn recently unveiled the latest (and very glamorous) chapter in its evolution (p. 30). We’re always happy to introduce new NAJ members – meet three on page 38 – and also significant association appointees, in this case, Sammantha McLachlan and Mehdi Saadian, who talk about their industry journeys on page eight.
Got to love this business and its people! I hope to see you in the aisles… somewhere or other.