The Sydney trade fair celebrates its 20th anniversary and while Jeweller has previously reported on the organiser’s celebrations as well as the many promotions and events being organised by exhibitors - a number of last minute activities are being finalised.
Diamond tiara
Nationwide Jewellers has arranged for the Tolkowsky Tiara to be on display at the fair as part of a marketing promotion for brides.
The tiara contains more than 5 carats of Tolkowsky diamonds and over 400 individually set diamonds. The promotion offers Nationwide’s customers the chance to borrow the diamond tiara for their wedding day.
The $23,000 tiara was inspired by vintage Edwardian and Victorian styles and will be on display at the Sydney trade fair
The Tolkowsky diamond jewellery range is exclusive to Nationwide and managing director Colin Pocklington believes the promotion will help retailers secure diamond sales by differentiating Tolkowsky from its competitors.
“Customers buying a solitaire diamond ring with a diamond of 0.50 carats or larger will be entitled to borrow the tiara for their wedding day. It is a unique and innovative way to support our retailers, both in terms of stocking the brand, and also helping them [stores] to offer consumers Tolkowsky product,” Pocklington said.
The Tolkowsky Tiara is also available to Nationwide members for use at in-store promotion and events.
In other members news the group has also begun delivering the first batch of iPads to members, preloaded with its Virtual Vault application. The Virtual Vault allows members to sell product to customers from the suppliers’ ranges. In addition, the vault application contains supplier specials in place for the Sydney trade fair.
Young jewellers
The Young Jewellers Group of Australia and New Zealand will come together for an inaugural meeting on Monday. The new group has come together after Jeweller editor, Coleby Nicholson called on young people in the jewellery industry to unite and start networking with their peers.
Over 50 people quickly responded to Nicholson’s ‘call’ and a Facebook page was started which now has over 160 members.
The cocktail function will be held 3pm on Monday 29 August in Hospitality Lounge 3 and is sponsored by fair organiser Expertise Events. People wanting to attend the meeting or join the young jewellers group should contact Jeweller prior to the event.
International Jewellery Design Awards
Immediately after the young jewellers cocktail party, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is hosting a media launch and cocktail function to announce the details for its International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Awards.
Jewellery designers from Australia and New Zealand are being encouraged to enter their work for the Excellence awards. According to Peter Bosevski, marketing manager for the HKTDC, “The IJDE award provides a platform for international jewellery designers to exchange experiences and compete for the highest honour.”
The biennial Excellence Awards are open to jewellery designers who have won an industry award in their own country between November 21, 2010 and September 20, 2012. The winning designs will be publicised worldwide and showcased at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show in 2013, with the winner crowned the ‘Champion of the Champions.’
The cocktail party and media launch will take place at 3.30pm at the HKTDC booth, Q44.
Tony Kean Award
The Tony Kean Award will also be presented at the Sydney fair. Presented by the Gold and Silversmiths Guild of Australia, the Tony Kean Award is awarded to a person/s who have made a significant contribution to the Australian jewellery industry. The guild recognises people who through their activities have made a positive impact on the jewellery industry.
This year’s winner is Terry Coldham who has been involved in the gemstone industry for many years, with a specific interest in sapphires. He has played a significant role within the Australian Gemstone and Jewellery Industry Council in having the Australian standard for precious metals reinstated, and continues to work to improve the jewellery industry.
Until recently, Coldham owned and ran Sapphex Australia and Affiliated Importers.
The Sydney International Jewellery Fair commences this week from August 28 to August 30 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.
The Tony Kean Award, won this year by Terry Coldham
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