Exhibitors celebrate following a successful IJL show with an increase in visitor numbers. In September this year, the International Jewellery London ended on a high note, revealing an increase in visitors compared to the year before. Exhibitor numbers were also high this year, with 580 including sharers. Only one exhibitor from Pakistan, two from Oman and two from Turkey participated. Many new designers and brands joined the established companies which showcase their new collections each year. Runway, a catwalk running down the length of the Boulevard, added a vibrant energy to the show floor. The seminar programme featured the Editor’s Choice, Bright Young Gems and KickStart, which highlighted some exceptional talent. Visitors commented on the luxurious look and feel of the show and many exhibitors were pleased about the amount of interest and orders they had received. Top senior-level jewellery buyers and retailers gave the show glowing reviews: “This was the best IJL show to date!” stated Terry Hatton, MD at Hatton Jewellery Ltd.
Glamour on the Boulevard
The prestigious Boulevard was lined with top brands and designers and this year the new IJL Runway added extra sparkle. The daily catwalk shows featured striking models, bringing jewellery to life and inspiring visitors.
New designers and new collections
IJL provides a great opportunity to source new exciting brands and the feedback from the 170+ new exhibitors was positive. Two IJL flagship initiatives — Bright Young Gems and KickStart — provided visitors with an exciting sneak preview of some brand new and undiscovered designers who are tipped as the talent of the future.
Seminars
There were more seminars than ever with everything necessary to run a successful jewellery business was covered — from trends and technical know-how — to retailing top tips and multi channel marketing. IJL has the most comprehensive free-to-attend seminar programme of any jewellery trade show in the UK.
Eastern sparkles
Among the Exhibitors were two outstanding designers, originally from the East — Farah Qureshi and Leyla Abdollahi.
Farah Qureshi
This talented young jeweller has been designing and selling jewellery for a number of years. She has showcased her outstanding pieces at both the International Jewellery London. and London Jewellery Week. She has several shops across the UK and is currently looking to expand her business. Later this year, Farah will be participating in Craft Central’s Open Studio and the East London Design Show in Shoreditch.
‘Baroque’ concept
Farah has been inspired by several art-forms, among them Baroque, although these new pieces have a contemporary spirit in the choice of colours and stones — white and black diamonds, pale blue acquamarine and brighterblue topaz, vivid pink tourmalines and a pale green amethyst. Some pieces have also been inspired by botanical shapes and forms.
From office to party concept
Jewellery designer, Farah Qureshi, has created a new range of silver and gold pieces of pared down simple shapes. The chunky chain pieces — necklaces and bracelets have a satin matt finish. There is also a finer range such as the ‘tear drop’ shapes for bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
A pair of stud earrings with a silver pendant can be transformed for an evening outfit by layering the jewellery or by mixing gold and silver pieces.
Leyla Abdollahi
Leyla Abdollahi graduated with a BA in Jewellery Design from Central St. Martins College of Art & Design, after studying fine arts in Iran and working in the fashion industry. She later enrolled in a gemology course and developed a passion for gemstones. She has been creating exquisite jewellery pieces for private clients, as well as for companies abroad and the UK.
Her creations have won a number of awards and published in several magazines. In 2009, she was invited to join Urban Life magazine as their jewellery editor, where she works alongside established brands.
Her understanding of fashion and jewellery comes together with Eastern and Western influences. Her creations are loved by their wearer as they are original, valuable and well-designed
Leyla’s new collection interprets her keen interest in ancient mythology and symbolism with a modern, striking twist. It is named after the feminine spirits that animated the waters in Greek mythology and were celebrated by Jean Sibellius, the composer. The collection consists of exclusive and luxurious hand crafted jewellery in gold. The combination of individual designs and vibrant colourful stones makes them extra special. Rings be a quintessentially sensual signature. The earrings can either be worn as a classic pair or as suspended drops. Leyla’s jewellery can be worn for dressy evenings or casual daytime wear.
