GIA London again exhibited at IJL 2009, the UK's only dedicated jewellery event, from Sept 6th-9th. As an official event supporter of IJL, organized each year by Reed Exhibitions, GIA maintained strong support to the trade with a series of free seminars, as well as having teaching and office staff on hand contributing to GIA's presence on the booth and at the show.
Highest ever attendance figure
According to organizers, this year's show received the highest recorded number of visitors in its 53 year history, with visitors and exhibitors alike reporting consistently buoyant responses to the show. As the show closed, the visitor number was recorded as 9,304 (unaudited) which is a 7% increase on the attendance to IJL 2008.
Event manager Syreeta Tranfield commented, "The IJL team were overwhelmed with the positivity from visitors and exhibitors at IJL. 2009 has been a tough year that ended with an excellent result and we are thrilled to record the highest ever attendance figure. IJL is viewed as a barometer for the industry and the overwhelming optimism seen at the show indicates more positive times ahead. This is a very timely ‘green shoot' for the jewellery business ahead of the Christmas period," Tranfield said.
Diamonds
Rapaport Diamond Report reported fewer diamond dealers than at previous shows, but those who attended left satisfied. Expectations were low in light of the economic downturn, which hit immediately after last year's show. Demand was strong for 0.30-1.50 ct., G-H, VVS-VS stones, while sales of diamonds larger than 3.00 ct. were sparse. Buyers at the show avoided stock purchasing and bought to fill specific orders.
Seminar Programme
The popular and growing IJL seminar programme offered a fantastic opportunity for retailers, designers and manufacturers to discover and learn. In tough times, a little expert advice can go a long way and make all the difference to businesses. The complimentary programme was extended for 2009 – with more than 40 seminars running.
GIA's Contribution
GIA London contributed with two free seminars which were specifically tailored to the UK retail trade. Cigdem Lule spoke on Sunday about ‘Selling The Allure of Coloured Stones' and Doug Kennedy spoke on Monday on ‘The Essential Guide to Selling Diamonds'. Both presentations were very well attended and received.
A group of students from GIA's 9-week Jewellery Design class spend the Monday at the show attending seminars, visiting exhibitors and networking.
GIA's relaxed and inviting booth provided a perfect venue to introduce GIA e-learning, the breakthrough method in learning and teaching gemmology. Many visitors had the opportunity to experience a sample of the e-learning method as offered online. A demo is available at http://www.gia.edu/tryelearning
There was also an increase in interest in corporate training for UK retailers offered by GIA and continuing strong demand for GIA's On Campus programs in Gemmology and Jewellery Design.
The Great Debate
Over 50 key industry influencers, including GIA London's Edward Johnson, flocked to the third Great Debate, staged by the Birmingham Assay Office at IJL. The event encouraged people to work in partnership to the benefit of all to deliver an ethical jewellery supply chain.
Chief Executive of The Birmingham Assay Office Michael Allchin was pleased with the outcome. "We had a fantastic turnout and that itself is a good sign" he says "The objective of the Debate is to keep things moving and encourage more partnerships by introducing different people with different experiences. Looking around during the busy networking session which followed the main discussion I feel we succeeded in doing that".
Dates for your diary for IJL 2010: 5th - 8th September 2009
28th September 2009