Joanna Bury is a British Jewellery Designer and Maker who specialises in contemporary, statement jewellery pieces formed in a range of different materials, such as sand-blasted glass-like acrylic and precious metals. Joanna’s design style combines traditional techniques & new digital methods in a unique and original aesthetic; adorning the body with feminine lace-like patterns which echo back to her previous career as a lingerie designer. In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Joanna to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after. Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Joanna Bury Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections? The last 12 months have been a transitional period for me; I completed a part-time Master of Fine Art (MFA) Degree where I specialised in jewellery design, and during this time I ran my fledgling jewellery business. The culmination of work over the last 12 months has resulted in the development of many exciting design projects. One project of note was a collaboration with Falmouth University where I created jewellery for an interactive installation titled ‘UNKNOWN’. The installation was intended to break down barriers faced by a new generation of consumers whilst re-designing the future of retail. The visitors were encouraged to mine for pieces of jewellery, the jewellery that I designed, which created a memorable interactive experience. Q. Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration comes from a variety of places on a day to day basis, however there is always a strong connection to the human body, and design that relates to the body. For example, I often work with patterns, patterns as provided by nature and patterns that are designed. A large part of my work looks at how patterns are transformed once they are projected onto the body through the use of jewellery, adorning the body similar to a temporary tattoo. Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages? KickStart was a great platform to launch my business, the exposure that came with being part of such a world-renowned trade show was invaluable. It soon became clear that visitors made a concerted effort to come and see new talent at the show. It proved to be a good networking experience where information and ideas were shared. I received advice from everyone involved in the programme, and I received guidance through my first trade show. It was good to work alongside and share the experience with fellow jewellery designers that were at the same stage in their careers. This sense of community was much needed during the show, and it endured even after the show ended. Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice? My advice would be to come prepared, prepare your jewellery and plan your stand well in advance so you have plenty of rest before the show as the days are long; you should aim to be as equally engaged with the first person to the last person that visits your stand, whether it is day 1 or the end of day on the final day of the show. I would also aim to unveil a new show-piece design or collection at the show to benefit from the publicity, it also acts as something new to see for those that may have seen your work before. Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was commercialising my designs to be suitable for the wearer. It proved difficult calculating the cost of time intensive pieces where a non-precious material is transformed into a precious item that people would want to wear and could afford to buy. Commercialising my designs took time to develop, involving lots of experimenting with an element of trial and error. I sought advice from mentors, friends in the industry as well as advisors that were part of the Kickstart programme to ensure I was on the right track. Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career? My proudest moment so far would be curating, managing and hosting my own solo exhibition as a result of my MFA that unveiled a personal project exploring bespoke jewellery pieces, designed and manufactured for a specific person, utilising 3D body scans of the wearer and jewellery that was created to fit the wearer as the ultimate bespoke piece of wearable art. Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack
from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart-alumni-interview-with-2016-winner-joanna-bury/
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Sian Bostwick creates award winning jewellery inspired by a love of fairy tales, wondrous literature and mysterious story’s. Siân handcrafts each piece of jewellery from her Kent workshop. Her love of making jewellery founded at UCA Rochester’s Jewellery & silversmithing course. In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Sian to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after. Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Sian Bostwick Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections? I have launched new additional to our collections, help organise and develop open studio events, mentored graduating jewellery students and prepared to launch and whole new collection (launch very very soon, with a 50s pulp sci fi twist!) by experiment and exploring new techniques, launch one to one jewellery classes and couples wedding ring classes. This year has been a lot more focused on personal successes, being part of my sisters wedding and arrival of my niece but I have also become a homeowner for the first time, which is something I never i’d thought able to do. Q. Where does your inspiration come from? All of our jewellery is inspired by treasures stories and tales from some of my favourite books. From Alice in Wonderland, Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues under the sea, Arthurian legend and tales of fairy enchanted woodlands. I love to get lost in a good story, to explore worlds of magic and wonder through and excellent book, and many a happy hour is spend hunt for my next read in my local cavernous 2nd hand book shop. Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages? Kickstart was an amazing experience for me, I was a fresh graduate stepping out into the industry with not much of a clue what I was doing. Kickstart not only allowed my brand a launch into the industry by meeting press, buyers, gallery owners and industry professionals that’s I wouldn’t have been able to do before but the additional mentioning, advice and media training we invaluable. I was able to seek the guidance, advice and fellowship of the other participants for years to come. Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice? There is so much to constantly learn, you are never done learning new skills so it is hard to narrow it down. Take every opportunity you can, pursue and push for everything that comes along and don’t give up. Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it? There are may challenges when you start out on your own, in any industry not just the jewellery industry. When I first started with Kickstart I had workbench in bedroom and little idea of how to grow anything further. Kickstart helped hugely with this, but best of all I was able I get a place at an artists/craft studio building and community. Our workshop is still based there now and being part of the creative community of 30+other artists studios and workshops has been a truly wonderful support and creative space to grow and develop the brand from. Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career? Though I have been lucky enough to win many awards including New Designer of the Year for the UK Jewellery Awards and featured in plenty of press which have been wonderfully proud moments, but one of my favourite has been that I recently made my little sisters and her new husband wedding rings. It was a wonderful honer to be part of their special day in such a unique way, it was a wonderful occasion and and was delighted to be part of their story. It was more of a personal rather than a professional proud moment. Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack
from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart-alumni-interview-with-2010-winner-sian-bostwick/ Bermuda born Jeweller, De Anna trained as a Goldsmith from the age of seventeen prior to studying Architecture at Central Saint Martins. Her training in architecture further inspired her passion for creating in three-dimensional form, experimenting with scale from a micro level in jewellery to the macro in architecture. Exploring this overlap between the two disciplines led to her completing the MA Jewellery at The Cass where she was able to draw on her multidisciplinary background and skill set in creating her exquisite jewellery. This broad range of experience and training has benefited her with a breadth of design and craft knowledge significantly influencing her approach to design and use of materials, ranging from industrial finishing processes to working in traditional precious metals and gemstones. In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with De Anna to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after. Q. What have the last 12 months been like for De Anna Kiernan Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections? The past 12 months have brought a lot of change. We have moved our studio from London to the lovely Cotswolds. It’s been a busy time getting a new workshop up and running and finding new local stockists. The SHARD collection continues to be the most popular, particularly the cocktail rings. Q. Where does your inspiration come from? Architecture is probably my biggest influence. I have a background in both jewellery and architect, so for me translating the macro design features of a building to a wearable piece of jewellery is what I find most exciting as a designer. Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages? The KickStart program really helped with practical business skills, from accounts to branding & marketing. With this was the constant support and mentoring from leaders in the industry.The guidance and support from the Kickstart program really gave me the confidence to push my business forward. Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice? IJL is a brilliant opportunity for new brands to meet international buyers, galleries and fellow designers. I think being prepared for these meetings is key. Be ready to take orders! Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it? Balancing running a business with family life is a constant challenge. The biggest challenge in launching my brand was balancing this with becoming a new mum. This has shaped how my business has adapted over the past few years. I have scaled down the fashion jewellery ranges and have focused more on bespoke commissions which allows a good work life balance while running my business. Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career? Starting my own business has come with many challenges and a lot of hard work. With this are some pretty amazing highs. I’d say one of the proudest moments was being awarded the Goldsmiths’ Bursary in 2013, where I exhibited my jewellery alongside so many talented jewellers, in the gorgeous Goldsmiths Hall. Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack
from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart-alumni-interview-with-2016-winner-de-anna-kiernan/ The Goldsmiths Centres New Talent and Tutors Scoop Twenty- five Accolades at the Jewellery Oscars3/7/2019 The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London scooped twenty-five accolades at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council competition, known as the “Jewellery Oscars”, seeing its new talented craftspeople and their tutors represented across award categories. The prestigious award ceremony, which was held at Goldsmiths’ Hall on Monday 25 February 2019, saw the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s current and former Foundation Programme trainees, Goldsmiths’ Company apprentices, Setting Out course participants as well as their tutors win accolades across specialisms, from polishing, diamond mounting to silversmithing, reflecting the exceptional standard of talent, skill and the level of teaching in both the Junior and Senior Award categories. Former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase” Chosen from over 600 competition entries, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is celebrating the exceptional performance across the Junior categories. 19-year old Foundation Programme trainees, Amy Gibson and Sophie Chapman, made an impressive first mark on the awards by winning the Silversmiths – Silver Award in 2D Design category for Amy’s trophy design “Silver Fragmented Bottle” and the Chasers Junior Bronze Award for Sophie’s Chased ‘S’ Plaque with support from award-winning Foundation Programme tutors, Jennifer Bloy and Rod Stewart. She was joined by former Goldsmiths’ Company apprentice, Louise Sorrell, who won the major Junior Award for her breath-taking “Silver Engraved Vase” and the Theo Fennell Apprentice/Master Award under the tutelage of experienced Master engraver, Sam Marsden from Sam James Engraving. Louise will be demonstrating her skills alongside her Master as part of a series of events programmed in association with The Hand Engravers Association and The Lettering Arts Trust during London Craft Week (8 – 10 May) at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Louise was joined by another twenty current and former Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentices and three participants on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s business incubation course, Setting Out, demonstrating that new talent is making noticeable waves in the industry. In particular, Eleanor Woolacott, who completed her Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship at C.A. Treble London in 2018, as well 2017 WorldSkills finalist Alexander Wood, who is a current Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentice at Ian Read Setting, demonstrated their diamond mounting skills both winning Gold Awards. Jessica Jue, who is currently completing the intensive year-long business incubation course, Setting Out, at the Goldsmiths’ Centre also made a strong impression with her silverchased Amesiella Dish, winning three Silver Awards in the 3D Finished Pieces Design category. Peter Taylor, Director the Goldsmiths’ Centre, comments: “The team here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre are immensely proud and pleased for the winners of awards at this year’s competition. It is incredible to see the quality of work that is being produced by our trainees many of them under the age of 25. Securing all of the major Junior Awards at the competition is an amazing achievement. Our thanks and congratulations also go to the amazing tutors who go above and beyond to ensure that our learners achieve their potential and Apprentice Masters who are willing to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation”. For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit goldsmiths-centre.org For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, visit craftanddesigncouncil.org.uk from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/the-goldsmiths-centres-new-talent-and-tutors-scoop-twenty-five-accolades-at-the-jewellery-oscars/ Get ahead for autumn and winter 2019 with our run-down of the biggest trends from London Fashion Week. If you’ve not got your eye on statement earrings, yellow gold and hoops, you may want to think again! Top 10 Trends: Jewellery AW19Hosted from February 15 to February 19, London Fashion Week (along with Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week) showcases the accessories trends that will trickle down to the High Street in 2019. Continue reading to discover what will adorn ears, wrists, fingers and necks in the coming months. 1. The Year of Earrings (Again)When it comes to creativity, colour and character, earrings continue to be the jewellery winners. At London Fashion Week, Peter Pilotto continued his partnership with Italian jeweller, Marco Panconesi, balancing a 1970s colour palette with lovely agate gemstones. Elsewhere, pearls were a strong focus, especially flat-back pearls crafted into unusual floral shapes – perfect for larger, but lightweight designs. Discover more: The Best Jewels of the Oscars 2019 Red CarpetTap into the trend with unusual and statement gemstones, from banded agates and jaspers to malachite (as seen at Milan Fashion Week), charoite, included quartzes and lapis lazuli… ideally swinging from the ears! 2. A Hoop Earrings EraIf one style of earring dominated London Fashion Week AW19 it was the hoop earring. Huishan Zhang showcased oversized and statement options with flat-back pearls, while Simone Rocha presented ruby-red and sparkling versions that seemed to orbit the ear. Discover more: Top Jewellery Trends of Spring Summer 2019At Preen, hoops were adorned with monochrome black and white flowers or set with dangling charms that moved with the models. This sense of freedom with jewellery that is free to move, rattle, swing and spin is definitely a trend to watch. For something a little more ‘every-day’, look to the likes of Rejina Pyo and its chunky ‘huggy’ earring that skim the earlobe, and Burberry for hoops that sit flush to the ear in shades of gold and white (perhaps time to reflect on opal, howlite, moonstone and rock crystal gemstones). 3. Shoulder GrazersEarrings are getting longer… and longer and longer! Long white tendrils skimmed the shoulders at Port 1961 and Roksanda, while House of Holland sent models strutting down the catwalk with slinky lines of silver chains emerging past hairlines. 4. Party of OneIf shoulder grazing earrings aren’t enough, at Roksanda these statement pieces were presented asymmetrically with the other ear completely bare. The single earring trend has been making its mark for the past 12 months but expect to see more experimentation as Christmas party dressing takes hold from November. Discover more: Met Gala 2018 High Jewellery5. Chunky ChainsTraditional chains were given a makeover at JW Anderson with exceptionally large proportions in (what appeared to be) a vice-like grip around the neck. At Halpern, chokers were presented adorned with hundreds of fat faceted crystals – a cross between Studio 54 and 1980s excess. 6. Sunshine Yellow GoldWhether it was chokers, earrings, brooches, bracelets or hoops, the precious metal colour of choice was yellow gold. It is safe to say yellow gold is enjoying a fashion comeback, especially when partnered with jewel-toned crystals and this season’s most surprising colour, stark white. Look to Victoria Beckham for a slice of realistic, wearable yellow gold in action. 7. Unusual CombinationsAt Molly Goddard, crystal chains with a strong 1990s vibe were fastened with safety pins, strung with memento-like wedding bands and charms. Discover more: Red Carpet Jewels from the Cannes Film Festival 2018There’s a storytelling emphasis to this season’s jewellery, so expect to see quirky, buildable charm neckwear on the High Street later this year. Customers will be asking themselves: what does this jewellery say about me and how does it tell my story. 8. Florals, Feathers and SequinsLike dancers from a contemporary Moulin Rouge, models dazzled in feathers, sequins, ruffles and layers in London. Look to Erdem, with its strong combination of pinks and red, clashing patterns and bows, as well as Roksanda with its incredible display of feathers. Of course, the presence of yellow gold goes without saying! For brooch inspiration there’s Wales Bonner. Think pheasant feathers perking-up shoulders and lapels in eccentric, old-English meets new-English style. 9. Big and Bold or Nothing at AllWith so much drama on the catwalk, others took a different approach. At Christopher Kane, there was a notable lack of jewellery, highlighted by a slicked back hairstyle at the ears. Perhaps we are seeing a hint of Duchess of Sussex fever, with a hyper-pared back aesthetic on the horizon? While some may find themselves pulled in this direction, there’s always those of the Kiko Kostadinov school of thought… basically the bigger the better! 10. Clips, Barrettes and VeilsAlthough somewhat achievable in the fine jewellery sphere, hair adornments will be big in the fashion realm. Look to Ashish for some of the most creative examples, including geometric rows of crystals worn as close to the forehead as possible. Discover trend forecasting insights at International Jewellery London 2019. Find out more here Do you have fashion-worthy jewels to exhibit in the UK market? Speak to a member of our team to find out more about joining us in London from September 1-3, 2019 from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/the-top-10-biggest-jewellery-trends-from-london-fashion-week-aw19/ Originally from France, Cécile Gilbert is a jeweller from Brighton, UK who launched Tiki in 2012. With inspiration from 1930’s Bakelite jewellery, the Art Deco movement and Mid-century design, Cécile creates a range of contemporary jewellery that reflects those qualities, whilst adding a 21st century sophistication using polyester resin, combined with oxidised Sterling silver. In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Cécile to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after. Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Tiki jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections? 2018 was a very busy year! I travelled all around the uk to show at various contemporary festivals as well as taking part in exhibitions. My chunky bangles and slim bracelets are still my best sellers as I offer a wide range of designs and sizes. I also started to create statement rings entirely made from resin, which have been very popular. Q. Where does your inspiration come from? I am very influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1930s as well as Mid Century design. I love plastic based materials and the modernist form which I think is reflected in my work. Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages? Firstly being selected for Kickstart was a real encouragement and recognition. It was an amazing opportunity to show my work to a wide spectrum of the retail world. Taking part taught me how to present my work in a very professional manner and deal with retailers. It also put me in touch with my first stockists. Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice? -Have a professional wholesale price list ready, ideally on a cd with clean professional images. It’s easier for the buyers to store and check on their computer. Marketing material such as a catalogue are a plus which might make the buyers remember your work. -Supply some pieces for the IJL catwalk. – Finally make the most of the exposure and enjoy the experience Q. What was one of your biggest challenging in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it? My biggest challenge was to create my logo, website and marketing material. I was lucky to have graphic designer friends who helped me to create a cohesive look which matches the style of my designs. Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career? Recently I had one of the most touching custom made orders from a gentleman who wanted to surprise his wife for their 20th wedding anniversary. We spent 2 months creating 10 pieces especially for her. This lovely husband chose each design, hand picked each colour and made sure that all pieces were matching her outfits. The end result was a full set including a long necklace, 4 pairs of earrings, 3 slim bracelets and 2 brooches, all cast in a beautiful palette of Coral, Lime, Teal and Ivory White. Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack
from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart-alumni-interview-with-2016-winner-cecile-gilbert/ The most dazzling night of awards season, the 91st Academy Awards did not disappoint in terms of carat-weight on the red carpet. All eyes were on Lady Gaga’s extraordinary Tiffany & Co yellow diamond, while Helen Mirren shone in more than 235 carats of Harry Winston diamonds. Here is a recap of the beautiful jewellery from the Oscars 2019: Lady Gaga knows how to make an entrance. The Best Actress nominee arrived on the Oscars Red Carpet wearing the famed Tiffany Yellow Diamond, the most famous gem owned by the luxury retailer. She wore the 128.54-carat yellow diamond as a pendant attached to a diamond necklace with yellow and white diamond earrings. It is only the third time that the jewel was worn since its creation. The last time was by Audrey Hepburn for publicity photographs for her iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The gem is normally on display at Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship store. Another standout on the red carpet was a man, Billy Porter, who turned heads in a velvet tuxedo gown, while wearing Oscar Heyman jewels. Amy Adams walked the red carpet in vintage and new Cartier diamond, platinum and white gold jewels, including a Cartier High Jewellery Tennis necklace, a Cartier clip brooch, Paris, 1935, Cartier Collection earrings, London, 1934, Cartier Collection bracelet, Paris, 1937, a Cartier Collection ring, circa 2005. Actress and Bulgari ambassador, Laura Harrier, debuted a necklace in platinum, featuring diamonds, rubellites and more than 30 carats of emeralds along with a matching bracelet. The two pieces are part of Bulgari’s 2019 high jewellery collection, launching this summer. In a bit of a twist, actress, Rachel Weisz wore Cartier Collection platinum and diamond brooches, Paris, 1903, as a hairpiece. The Italian luxury jewellery house, Bulgari, knows how to make a statement on the red carpet with its big, bold jewels. Among the stars wearing Bulgari was Oscar-winning actress and presenter, Charlize Theron, who strolled the red carpet as a brunette in more than 300 carats of diamonds and 30 carats of sapphires from the Bulgari Serpenti collection jewels that included a white gold double wrap high jewellery necklace with a matching bracelet, along with a high jewellery diamond necklace of more than 75 carats and high jewellery earrings with 25 carats of sapphires. High jewellery bracelets and rings completed her look. from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/oscars-2019-the-best-jewels-on-the-red-carpet/ Known for her ‘East meets West’ style, Flora’s design is rooted in her family links with Asia. Using conflict free diamonds, recycled gold and hand carving, each jewel is infused with tradition, pattern and symbolism. Flora has won a number of prizes, was an IJL KickStart winner in 2015, New Designer of the Year 2017 finalist in the UK Jewellery Awards and has recently made it to the finals of the Professional Jewellery Awards 2018. In honour of KickStart’s 10 year anniversary, we caught up with Flora to find out about her experience of being a KickStarter and her journey after. Q. What have the last 12 months been like for Flora Bhattachary Jewellery and what have been your most successful pieces/collections? In 2018 we’ve launched the Mor Collection, which is made of recycled gold, conflict free diamonds and Australian Opals. We’ve worked hard to ensure that going forward our production uses ethically sourced stones and metals. I’ve also been working closely with The Maiyet Collective to promote sustainable jewellery. Q. Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration always comes from my family links with India and my early childhood experiences there. I draw on Asian traditions, patterns and symbolism. The new Mor collection is inspired by the Saraswati – the Hindu Goddess of knowledge. She embodies all that is pure in nature – which is why she seemed appropriate as the symbol behind a sustainably sourced collection. Q. What was your overall impression of KickStart and how did it help your business in its early stages? KickStart was a great platform from which to get my name out, and introduce my designs to the trade. I took orders and met new stockists – so it worked well for me as an introduction to retail and buyers. We also gained a lot of PR around the show and met many of the key jewellery journalists – which has really helped us going forward.. Q. How can future KickStarters capitalise on their IJL Journey and the IJL experience? What would be your advice? I think that you do have to see showing at trade shows as a journey – it isn’t just what happens at that one initial show. We have shown at IJL subsequently – and each time it builds your profile and increases recognition of the brand. Q. What was one of your biggest challenges in launching your jewellery brand and how did you overcome it? It took me a long time to get the confidence to create my brand. I worked for other jewellers and jewellery galleries for years before I launched. I finally bit the bullet and went for it – after taking an MA at St Martins and really pushing myself to go for it! Q. Finally, what is the proudest moment in your jewellery career? I think that winning awards have been the proudest moments. I was particularly delighted when I won two Awards at The Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council: Silver for the IJL Precious Jewellery Award and Silver for Fashion Led Conceptual Jewellery. The GCDC Awards are so prestigious – so receiving awards which are judged by some of the top professionals in the trade was amazing. Heading into it’s 10th Year, KickStart 2019 is now open for submissions. Enter here: To read more terms and conditions about KickStart, please click here. Quick Links: Listen to our IJL Talks podcast series Quick Links: Discover how to create a press pack from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/kickstart-alumni-interview-with-2014-winner-flora-bhattachary/ One of the UK’s leading pearl jewellery suppliers, Raw Pearls, have today released the first instalment of their online training programme, Pearl Academy by Raw Pearls. Miranda Raw, Director of Raw Pearls, said “We are committed to providing our clients with all the tools they need to successfully sell our product instore and online. We focus on partnering with our clients to make their pearl businesses work for them. Filming, editing and producing these freely accessible videos is a significant contribution the trade more broadly and we are not aware that anything in this format currently exists.” They have already gained outstanding feedback for these films, with one industry expert saying, “By far the best I’ve seen in our industry”. Chapter 1 is available now and looks at the differences between natural, cultured and synthetic pearls. Access Pearl Academy on Raw Pearls’ website from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/pearl-academy-by-raw-pearls-releases-first-online-training-video/ IJL celebrates the 10th anniversary of KickStart – the leading jewellery industry launch pad for up and coming designers PRESS RELEASE. London, 11 February 2019: International Jewellery London (IJL), long-established and world-leading jewellery trade event, has launched its hunt for the six of the best up and coming UK-based jewellery designers looking to make waves in the trade– KickStart 2019. UK up-and-coming jewellery designers, who have been trading for more than 12 months, are invited to apply for IJL’s KickStart. Entries open today (5 February) and the deadline is 9 April 2019. The six chosen designers will have access to the many career-boosting benefits, including a mentoring package, workshop days, ongoing pricing, branding and marketing support, introductions to key industry figures – and a presence at IJL 2019. The six designers will also be able to join The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), a professional membership body that delivers internationally recognised qualifications, and bespoke business mentoring, at a discounted rate. In addition, to provide extra support, each UK-based winner will receive a bursary funded directly by the Benevolent Society, to assist with London transport and accommodation costs. Katie Morris, IJL Exhibition Director said: “Our KickStart programme is a brilliant platform for ambitious jewellery designers looking to launch their careers. The programme provides emerging designers with an invaluable experience – our mentoring initiatives and access to IJL’s trade-only audience provides insider market knowledge and can open the door to fantastic new opportunities. For the 10th edition of KickStart, we are looking back at the winners from the past decade, and we are so proud to see how successful the KickStart alumni have become.” NAJ Jewellery Industry Promotions Ambassador, Lindsey Straughton, says: “I am so thrilled this initiative has reached a 10 year milestone and as those chosen for KickStart are immediately highlighted as the ‘stars of tomorrow’, which creates an important media and brand awareness opportunity, which has proven to be really successful. Retailers will look to you as trend-setters and future collaborators, so you can’t afford to miss out!” Previous 2018 KickStart winner, Natalie Perry; Natalie Perry Jewellery adds: “It was so valuable to be able to chat to trade professionals at IJL as well as being able to see which pieces stood out the most to retailers which will help me to develop my collections in the future.” 2010 winner De Anna Kiernan; De Anna Kiernan Jewellery said: “IJL is a brilliant opportunity for new brands to meet international buyers, galleries and fellow designers. I think being prepared for these meetings is key. Be ready to take orders!” 2009 winner Ulrikke Vogt; Ulrikke Vogt Jewellery said” “KickStart helped me get a fast growth to my business. I got to know the market in a way I would have had to work very hard for without the KickStart platform.” Following these schemes, more established designer brands can apply to become an IJL Design Gallery Exhibitor – a sign that their fledgling business has achieved industry success and consumer recognition. KickStart, created by jewellery industry hub IJL and trade body the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), has over the past ten years, helped more than 85 contemporary designers launch their careers and get an all-important foot in the door. KickStart alumni have gone on to have impressive careers in the jewellery sector. How to Apply: Visit jewellerylondon.com/kickstart to apply online. Only those who have been trading for more than 12 months will be considered. The deadline is 9 April 2019. IJL 2018 welcomed 500 exhibitors from 39 countries including 15 new countries ranging from South Korea, Czech Republic, Peru and Colombia to Qatar and Sierra Leone. Diamond Club International, which hosts the biggest international buyers, saw attendance up by 60% on 2017, with new attendees in 2018 from Canada and Jersey.
For media enquiries please contact Leighanne Murray, Midas PR, [email protected] / 0207 361 7860 from https://blog.jewellerylondon.com/ijls-kickstart-2019-now-open-for-entries/ |