The International Jewellery Fair begins at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour on Saturday (23 August).
One sure-fire highlight will be a renewed spotlight on the next generation of jewellers, led by the much-anticipated return of the Mystery Box Bench Challenge.
The competition was conceived as a platform for emerging bench jewellers to showcase their craftsmanship under pressure and in full view of a captivated audience.
With more than $5,000 in prizes on offer and the tension amplified by a ticking red countdown clock, Expertise Events managing director Gary Fitz-Roy said it was sure to be a standout.
“This challenge is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, education, and the future of our industry,” Fitz-Roy said.
“And this year our aim is to add a professional category which raises the bar and offers a unique opportunity to bring the full spectrum of our talent pipeline together — from emerging students to seasoned jewellers.”
• The inaugural edition of the jewellery industry’s ‘Big Night Out’ event will take place on the evening of 23 August (Saturday). Expertise Events recently confirmed that the cruise is fully booked, with more than 250 people taking part.
The event is designed for the entire industry – including independent retailers, buying groups, suppliers, and associations – to mix, mingle, and connect in a relaxed environment.
The cruise on the Sydney Harbour includes food, drinks, and entertainment, departing King Street Wharf (9) at 7.30 pm and returning after 2.5 hours.
Are you feeling lucky?
Visitors at this year’s International Jewellery Fair will have the chance to participate in an interactive competition with more than $5,000 worth of pearl jewellery up for grabs.
Ikecho is sponsoring the ‘Pick A Pearl Experience’, held three times a day. To enter, visitors can collect a ticket from the Ikecho at Stand E13.
Three times a day – 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, and 3.30 pm – one lucky winner will be drawn at random in a raffle to select an oyster shell and collect a piece of pearl jewellery. The competition is free to enter and runs throughout the Sydney Fair.
The major prize is the Ophelia Pendant, valued at $2,900, which features an Australian free-form Mabe pearl.
• For business owners striving to stand out in a crowded and competitive market, there’s a presentation focused on selling meaning, emotion, and unforgettable experiences.
Richard Sauerman, more commonly known as ‘The Brand Guy’, will host a presentation – From Storefront to Storyfront – at 2 pm on 24 August (Sunday).
“In a crowded market, a product alone isn’t enough. This session will give retailers the tools to create emotional connections, elevate their in-store and online experience, and stand out in a sea of sameness,” Sauerman explained.
• It’s a special occasion for the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA), celebrating its 80th anniversary. Two experts will host educational sessions addressing critical topics, with each presentation running twice on Saturday (23 August).
Bill Sechos of Gem Studies Laboratory will host two sessions (midday and 3 pm) on natural and lab-created diamonds, revealing how jewellers can identify diamonds. Sechos will also discuss the latest instruments and methods used in diamond identification.
For those passionate about colour gemstones, NSW lecturer Jan Vlazny will host two sessions (11 am and 2 pm) exploring key identification techniques, treatments, and the current market landscape.
• The traditional Happy Hour Cocktail Party is scheduled to go ahead at 5 pm on 24 August (Sunday). It’s an opportunity to engage with industry peers, exchange insights, and build meaningful connections in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoying complimentary drinks and unwinding while also expanding your professional network is an occasion not to be missed.
Dazzling new products and services
Also celebrating an anniversary this year is Soklich & Co., reaching 60 years in business. The company has marked this special occasion with new products, services, and a store.
The company was founded in 1965 and today is active as a retailer via Soklich & Co. and as a supplier via Ellendale Diamonds.
• Staying with anniversary celebrations, BECKS has chosen the Sydney Fair to unveil a refreshed brand and marketing strategy, along with a new product range.
This comes as the company begin planning for a major 50th anniversary celebration in 2026. BECKS is also a sponsor for the Big Night Out, and CEO Gavin Baird said it was sure to be an event to remember.
“Events like this are important because they build relationships — and relationships are the foundation of our industry. It’s also a chance to have a bit of fun, especially after the challenges of recent years,” he explained.
“We all work hard, and it’s moments like these that remind us why we love being part of the industry.
• Timesupply is anticipating strong demand for a popular European brand that specialises in personalised jewellery. At the upcoming fair, new additions to Nomination Italy’s Australia and New Zealand collection will be on display.
Among the collection is a range of instantly recognisable local icons - flags, ferns, kangaroos, koalas and kiwis - available in 18-carat gold and sterling silver.
• Two veterans of the local jewellery trade will return to Sydney this year, launching a new brand.
Graham and Oliver Cohen of Graham Cohen Marketing are the new Australian distributors of Town Talk Polish, a company specialising in jewellery cleaning products. It’s a brand with an unusually rich history.
Ready for a new approach?
A new approach to emerging technology and innovation will be introduced with the launch of ‘The Village’. Three exhibitors will be located at Stand 44, offering a range of technologies designed to enhance jewellery businesses.
Zeller offers integrated payment and business banking solutions, making payments simple while providing visibility and control over cash flow. Podium centralises all business communications, from SMS to webchat and reviews, into a single inbox, simplifying customer service management.
Retail Edge Consultants provides a jewellery-specific point-of-sale and business management system, specialising in inventory control and data analysis. Retail Edge will also host the inaugural edition of its Business Excellence Awards.
• Staying with technology, the staff at Chemgold are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase its newest platinum casting technology.
Earlier this year, Chemgold introduced a new transformative platinum casting technology for jewellers in Australia. It’s a process that creates platinum castings that are internally flawless, denser, and more refined.
• As part of a new partnership, West End Collection has launched its innovative Custom Diamond Jewellery Portal. This platform connects Australian jewellers directly with the Laxmi Diamonds design staff and valuers.
As a result, the platform provides Australian jewellers with a seamless design and production process managed under one roof. This includes CAD design, rendering, pricing, casting, setting, and finishing, each backed by local support.
Time for something new?
West End Collection is also expecting strong demand for Vivienne Westwood, a storied watch and jewellery brand that has a series of new releases that explore a fascinating philosophical debate.
In a contemporary setting, are watches still functional devices used for a specific purpose, or have they evolved into jewellery – symbols of status and style?
• Staying with watches, and Duraflex Group Australia will showcase DKNY Watches for the first time after a successful relaunch into the Australian market in January.
Duraflex also recently confirmed a new distribution partnership with global jewellery care product company Connoisseurs, which is available in more than 60 countries around the world.
New additions to Diamonds by DGA are also expected to command interest, with pink and yellow fancy colour diamond jewellery marking the latest expansion of the brand’s offering.
• Changing trends are also the focus for Golden Mile Jewellery Manufacturers, which has a range of new products dedicated to meeting the demand for ‘affordable luxury’ among Australian consumers.
This trend is particularly prominent among younger consumers who prioritise budget-friendly jewellery using alternative materials without compromising on style. This shift has also undoubtedly been aided by the record-high price of gold!
What are you waiting for?
Australia’s largest jewellery industry buying group, Nationwide Jewellers, has made two important announcements ahead of the International Jewellery Fair.
The buying group has revamped its Dashboard, a digital platform designed to give members faster and more efficient access to a range of tools, resources, and support materials.
Furthermore, Nationwide Jewellers will release the latest version of the Repair Price Book.
This will be the 16th version of the book that the buying group has published. The concept was introduced in 2005 in response to surveys that revealed significant inconsistency in pricing for repairs among members.
To review all the latest products and services from suppliers to the Australian jewellery industry, check out Jeweller’s 2025 Show & Tell Buying Guide.
The International Jewellery Fair will take place at Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, beginning on 23 August.
2025 Sydney Fair: everything on this weekend
» Meeting the 'affordable luxury' jewellery challenge
» $5,000 worth of pearl jewellery up for grabs
» Big Night Out jewellers cruise is fully booked
» Nomination rides the wave of personalised jewellery
» Changing with the times, staying true to heritage
» BECKS ready for the next chapter
» Take your jewellery sales to the next level
» Soklich & Co. celebrates special anniversary with new products, services, and store
» New diamond jewellery platform in the spotlight
» Duraflex announces new partnership with Connoisseurs
» Familiar faces launching jewellery cleaning brand at show
» DKNY Watches ready for the big stage
» Nationwide Jewellers launches new Dashboard
» Think outside-the-box at The Village
» New platinum technology making waves