The Jewellery Cut Live was an event created to showcase the amazing independent jewellery designers and makers in the UK and this year saw a 74% increase in visitors.

The industry talks were of particular interest. I would have loved to have gone to more, but I was with a client in Hatton Garden all morning on the Monday, picking up a bespoke necklace. 

Jewellery Cut Live helping independent designers

The seminars were held in the beautiful Royal Institution, and the talks were held in the plush theatre, which I recognised from watching the Christmas Lectures as a child!

On Sunday afternoon I attended a masterclass by Jo Grogan (head of jewellery design for brands such as Top Shop), called ‘How to balance commerciality with creativity.’

It was about how independent jewellery designers can learn from global businesses, and how this information from the big players can be applied to jewellers working on a smaller scale.

• Including understanding changing consumer behaviour

• How to harvest data from tech and social media

• Omni-channel communications

• Range Building (creating core and directional lines)

• Making emotional connections by tapping into market trends/catwalks

This is something I’m starting to work on now, with a consultant. I recognise the importance of online engagement but it’s getting to know the how and the why which is important. In other words, knowing what YOU want to know and why you’d want to buy my jewellery.

The following day I attended a wonderful talk about a gemstone I’m rather fond of, ‘The Power of the Paraiba’, by Tayma Page Allies.

Tourmaline comes in many different colours, but the neon electric blue/green copper bearing cuprian tourmaline (first discovered in Paraiba in Brazil) is by far the rarest. The presence of copper and a hint of manganese gives this tourmaline its signature vivacity. It seems to glow from within!

Tayma outlined:

• The history of its discovery in the Paraiba State of northeastern Brazil in 1989

• Geographical discovery locations and what they have in common

• How confusion was solved with a court case, so copper bearing Tourmaline from Nigeria and Mozambique can also be legally called Paraiba Tourmaline

• Its rising value per carat

• How it has become an Industry disruptor, influencer and game changer - out-pricing the classic big 4 (Emerald, diamond, Ruby and Sapphire) at auction, and its potential as an investment for collectors.

• The scope of colours

I spent the whole talk nodding enthusiastically and adding more Paraiba to my virtual wishlist!

A couple of my gem dealer contacts/friends were in the audience, so it was fabulous to catch up with them after the talk.

Making use of my time at Jewellery Cut Live

When not in lectures, I took a good look around the pop-up stands; mainly manned by the jewellery designers themselves. I spoke to a lot of the designers about their influences, materials, techniques and gemstones. Everyone was really open and I felt very inspired by the diverse offering the UK independent jewellery industry has.

The book-lined chambers where the designers were showcasing their work was stunning. But the lighting was an issue - perhaps this is because it was held over two very grey rainy days - the jewellery looked stunning when under the glittering cabinet lights but was difficult to see properly when taken out of the cabinet. It didn’t spoil my visit, it was just another thing to note for any future events I am part of.

Watch this space. Perhaps JTJ will make a debut at The Jewellery Cut Live in 2021 ;)