Search Stories by:

and/or

News

The excitement at the International Jewellery Fair continues tomorrow with more events, exhibitions, and celebrations still to come.

2025 Sydney Fair: Opening day headlined by innovation, education, and community

Posted August 23, 2025 | By Samuel Ord

The opening day of the 2025 International Jewellery Fair is officially in the books, and the event is off to a high-flying start.

Before the doors opened, attendees were welcomed by a live violin performance in the foyer from Scarlett Aalders, the co-founder of local musical group Celeste Strings.

This set the tone for a lively day ahead, and inside the exhibition floor was bustling. An impressive range of new products and services from the Australian jewellery industry’s suppliers was showcased in every corner of the hall. Despite recent trading challenges, the overall sentiment among retailers and suppliers was optimistic for the road ahead.

The eagerly anticipated Mystery Box Bench Challenge made a triumphant return, drawing crowds throughout the day. Apprentices worked intently under pressure, creating intricate pieces in full view of a captivated audience.

With more than $5,000 in prizes up for grabs and a red countdown clock ticking away, the competition offered emerging jewellers a rare opportunity to demonstrate their skill and composure under pressure.

The competition is supported by the Design Centre Enmore, with returning major sponsors Palloys and Combined Jewellery Services, and new prize sponsors Chemgold and the Gemmological Association of Australia.

• Also turning heads was the Pick A Pearl Experience, sponsored by Ikecho. Held three times daily during the Sydney Fair, this interactive event invites visitors to dive into an ocean-themed sandpit to choose an oyster, with a chance to win from a prize pool worth more than $5,000.

Crowds gathered eagerly throughout the day to take part, and the already-popular competition continues tomorrow.

• As part of its 80th anniversary celebrations, the Gemmological Association of Australia provided sessions on critical topics within the jewellery trade.

Bill Sechos of Gem Studies Laboratory led two sessions on distinguishing between natural and lab-created diamonds, along with updates on the latest detection technologies. Meanwhile, NSW lecturer Jan Vlazny delivered expert sessions on colour gemstone treatments, identification techniques, and market trends.

The Australian Opal Association was also in the spotlight, with recently reappointed president Ruth Benjamin Thomas unveiling fresh branding and outlining the organisation’s future direction.

A significant focus was myth-busting – using striking local opal specimens to dismiss outdated misconceptions of Australia’s national gemstone.

• Palloys once again showcased the iconic Melbourne Cup trophy, giving visitors a rare chance to hold one of the most coveted prizes in Australian sport.

• Meanwhile, Retail Edge Consultants launched the inaugural Business Excellence Awards, recognising standout achievements in the jewellery retail sector.

Retailers from across the country gathered to celebrate innovation, resilience, and business success in what organisers hope will become a new tradition and a permanent fixture.

• Tomorrow, the Australian jewellery industry will do it all over again. Between now and then, however, the industry’s first-ever ‘Big Night Out’ event is ready to take place this evening.

The Sydney Harbour cruise departs from King Street Wharf (9) at 7:30 pm, offering guests a chance to unwind with food, drinks, and entertainment. Open to retailers, suppliers, associations, and buying groups, the evening promises to be a relaxed and memorable networking opportunity.

The excitement at the International Jewellery Fair continues tomorrow with more events, exhibitions, and celebrations still to come.