Jeweller

VOICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY MARCH 2025

Glamour Galore

REVIEW THE LATEST PRODUCTS

AHEAD OF THE GOLD COAST SHOW

Timely Trends

WHAT'S HOT AND WHAT'S NOT

IN THE WORLD OF WATCHES

The Ring Gallery

FORGING FOREVER RELATIONSHIPS

WITH RINGS OF DISTINCTION

Make time yours.

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BY

2 | March 2025

AU +61 2 8543 4600 NZ +64 9 480 2211 | designaaccessories.com.au

SINCE 1996

Helping you shine

yesterday, today

& tomorrow.

YOUR LEADING SUPPLIER OF PINK ARGYLE, WHITE DIAMONDS & DIAMOND JEWELLERY

NEW SOUTH WALES

VICTORIA

QUEENSLAND

NEW ZEALAND

Suite 301, Level 3

70 Castlereagh Street

Sydney 2000

Suite 502, Wales Corner

227 Collins Street

Melbourne 3000

Unit 17, Level 111

138 Albert Street

Brisbane 4000

Suite 4K

47 High Street

Auckland

02 9232 3557

sydney@worldshiner.com

03 9654 6369

melbourne@worldshiner.com

07 3210 1237

brisbane@worldshiner.com

+64 9 358 3443

nz@worldshiner.com

worldshiner.com

SCAN HERE

TO CONTACT

& CONNECT

March 2025 | 3

Experience the understated elegance of the Blush Pink collection, where each piece reflects a

slice of Australian history. This range features natural light pink diamonds, sourced from the

Kimberley region of Western Australia. Meticulously crafted and designed, these diamonds

are set into wearable, timeless jewellery, embodying beauty and heritage in every design.

4 | March 2025

Pinkkimberley.com.au/collections/blush-pink

Become a stockist today 02 9290 2199

The New Halle Bracelet & Necklace

from Sapphire Dreams have been

crafted to reflect a deep admiration for the

natural beauty & colour range of Australian

sapphires, celebrating exceptional workmanship

and contemporary jewellery designs. Proudly family

owned and operated in Australia, our team has almost 60

years of experience in luxury jewellery, with every product a

true reflection of passion and first-class craftsmanship.

SapphireDreams.com.au


March 2025 | 5

6 | March 2025

REVIEW THE LATEST PRODUCTS

AHEAD OF THE GOLD COAST SHOW

VOICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY MARCH 2025

WHAT'S HOT AND WHAT'S NOT

IN THE WORLD OF WATCHES

FORGING FOREVER RELATIONSHIPS

WITH RINGS OF DISTINCTION

MARCH 2025

Contents

This Month

Industry Facets

9 Editorial

24

10 YEARS AGO

Time Machine: March 2015

10 Upfront

27

LEARN ABOUT GEMS

Around The World: Brazil

12 News

64

MY BENCH

Arda Kara

29 THE WATCH REPORT

Timely trends

22 Events Calendar

66

SOAPBOX

James Temelli

The watch industry is unique as it carries

a devotion to tradition and convention while

simultaneously proving dynamic and willing

to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

Features

29

THE WATCH REPORT

What changes can we expect in the watch industry?

41

51

RINGS OF DISTINCTION

Take your jewellery store to the next level

AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR BUYING GUIDE

Review the latest products ahead of the Gold Coast show

Better Your Business

41 RINGS OF DISTINCTION

Forging lifetime bonds

Create a life-long connection between

your customers and your business with

memorable and well-crafted rings.

60

61

62

63

SELLING

JEANNIE WALTERS discusses the impact of burnout on retail employees.

MANAGEMENT

Less rules, more freedom. BARRY URQUHART explains problem-solving in business.

MARKETING & PR

STEPHANIE WATERS details the importance of marketing in tough trading conditions.

LOGGED ON

SIMON DELL documents significant changes in the digital marketing landscape.

51 GOLD COAST

Ready for

the big show?

The Australian

Jewellery Fair is

expected to be one to

remember. Take a look

at the latest releases

from suppliers ahead

of the show.

FRONT COVER

DKNY has always been synonymous

with New York, capturing the energy,

attitude, and unstoppable momentum

of the city. Now, that spirit is reimagined

in DKNY Watches, where timekeeping

meets effortless style. Designed for

those who embrace the fast pace of life,

each watch is a reflection of modern

utility and purpose — practical,

contemporary, and undeniably bold.

To learn more visit: dgau.com.au/dkny

Glamour Galore

Timely Trends

The Ring Gallery

March 2025 | 7

A new range of natural coloured diamond jewellery,

from Australia’s coloured diamond specialists.

ninasjewellerywholesale.com.au

EST• 1 965

Nina’s Jewellery proudly supports White Ribbon Australia. Stand up, speak out and act to end men’s violence against women.

8 | March 2025

Editor’s Desk

Misleading advertising under the microscope

Trust is the most essential ingredient in effective communication.

SAMUEL ORD reminds retailers that honesty is critical to the future of the industry.

A recent announcement from the

Australian Competition and Consumer

Commission (ACCC) has highlighted areas

of concern that will be targeted in the year

ahead, and jewellery business owners

would be wise to take notice.

The so-called consumer watchdog has

declared that misleading advertising and

retail pricing practices will be its primary

focus areas this year.

These investigations, it was said, aim

to address competition and consumer

concerns within retail, ensuring the

'proper functioning' of local markets.

Special emphasis will be placed on social

media conduct and digital businesses.

While continuing to monitor broader

consumer and fair trading issues,

deceptive advertising practices related

to social media influencers and online

reviews will be targeted.

There will also be heightened scrutiny on

environmental claims, specifically identifying

and curbing greenwashing practices.

While these priorities are not new, they

reflect ongoing concerns, and are

important for the jewellery industry.

The ACCC previously established a task

force to focus on sustainability, exploring

the intersection of environmental issues

and competition and consumer law.

This is especially relevant for jewellery

retailers given common claims around

the supposed 'environmentally friendly'

nature of lab-created diamonds.

It was said that because consumers are

increasingly factoring environmental

considerations into their purchasing

decisions, the ACCC highlights the

importance of transparency and accuracy

in these claims.

The ACCC published the results of a sweep

examining businesses that engage in

'greenwashing' practices, and it was found

that the fashion sector exhibited the highest

rate of concerning claims. More than half

of the businesses reviewed were found

to be making potentially misleading claims

about their eco-friendly credentials.

The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO)

is frequently cited as a valuable resource for

jewellery retailers in this area.

The Diamond Terminology Guideline is

a valuable reference point, particularly

concerning lab-created diamonds.

It states that the following qualifiers are

acceptable - ‘synthetic’, ‘laboratory-grown’

or ‘laboratory-created’. Abbreviations such

as ‘lab-grown’ or ‘lab-created’ should not

be used.

Similarly, ‘cultured diamonds’ or ‘cultivated

diamonds’, ‘cultured’ and ‘cultivated’ refer

exclusively to organic/biogenic products.

This also applies to terms such as ‘real’,

‘genuine’, ‘precious’, ‘authentic’ or ‘natural’

- as those apply exclusively to natural

minerals and gemstones.

The guideline aims to encourage the full, fair,

and effective use of diamond terminology by

all sector bodies, organisations, and traders.

Any other issues?

Recently, the ACCC swept more than 2,000

retail websites, uncovering significant

issues related to return policies.

The review highlighted several common

clauses in the terms and conditions of

retailer websites that could potentially

contravene the law. It was clarified that

under the ACL, retailers are prohibited

from asserting that "no refunds are

available under any circumstances."

The report also addressed problematic

policies, such as refusing refunds on

discounted or specialised items, items

that have been opened or used, and

imposing arbitrary timeframes within

which refunds can be offered.

This serves as an important reminder

for retailers to prioritise two key areas

that particularly affect jewellery stores:

consumer guarantees and the prevention

of false or misleading practices.

It’s important to understand that the ACCC

defines misleading advertising as any

advertising or marketing communication

that deceives or can potentially deceive

consumers.

These factors,

and many

more, can lead

to issues with

misleading

advertising.

However,

adhering to

these rules is

about more than

just avoiding

penalties.

Any information or claims a business

provides about its products or services

must be accurate, truthful and based on

reasonable grounds.

This includes information on prices, images

and descriptions of what is offered, claims

about the value of products, shipping options

and delivery times, benefits, qualities, and

performance of products and services.

Standards apply to any communication by a

business, including advertising, packaging,

a quote, information provided by staff

verbally or in writing, social media content,

testimonials, websites or other platforms.

Under the ACL, it’s illegal for businesses to

engage in misleading or deceptive practices.

Businesses engaging in these practices

can face penalties, fines, and orders to

compensate affected consumers.

What’s at stake?

As a luxury product, the value of jewellery

can be subjective, and its appeal can vary

depending on personal preferences, cultural

significance, and emotional connections.

It’s a highly technical industry and it’s often

difficult for consumers to grasp complicated

terms and definitions. Advertisers frequently

play on emotions, especially during

milestones such as engagements.

These factors, and many more, can lead to

issues with misleading advertising. However,

adhering to these rules is about more than

just avoiding penalties. It’s about preserving

consumer trust in the jewellery industry,

especially when it comes to natural and

man-made diamonds.

These rules are essential because trust is

the foundation of the jewellery industry.

Just as suppliers and retailers rely on open

and honest communication to conduct

business, consumers rely on jewellery

retailers to faithfully ‘fill in the blanks’

and guide them to the right product.

Preserving this trust is critical for the

future of this industry, and any misleading

advertising threatens to sour the relationship

between jewellers and consumers.

Jewellery can be a highly technical industry

and keeping up-to-date with the latest

changes in terminology can be challenging.

This might include false or misleading

claims, omissions or half-truths, and

deceptive visual representations.

SAMUEL ORD

EDITOR

March 2025 | 9

Upfront

Rewind: Best Bench Tip

Stranger Things

Weird, wacky and wonderful

jewellery news from around the world

War-torn gemstones

A special report has detailed the

increasing importance of colour

gemstone sales in Afghanistan following

the takeover of the Taliban three

years ago. After two decades, the US

occupation of Afghanistan concluded

in August 2021, and the World Bank

estimates that the country’s economy

has shrunk by 25 per cent over the

past two years. In a bid to revive the

economy, the Taliban is reportedly

prioritising the sale of natural

resources, which includes weekly

emerald auctions.

Coconut blessing goes south

Around $150,000 worth of jewellery

was stolen from a woman in Sydney in

early January by a man claiming to be

a ‘spiritual guide’. According to media

reports, a 47-year-old woman was

taking a lunch break in Darling Harbour

on 9 January when a man claiming to

be a spiritual guide approached her.

After the pair started a conversation,

the man offered to perform a blessing

involving placing a coconut over her

jewellery. The jewellery was replaced

with empty boxes and other items

during the supposed blessing.

Presidential polish

Greenlab Diamonds, based in India’s

Surat, has showcased a 4.7-carat

lab-created diamond resembling US

President Donald Trump. Director

Smit Patel, said it was a diamond

that represented the relationship

between the two countries. The diamond

took three months to grow using the

chemical vapour deposition (CVD)

process and was cut and polished

to resemble Trump's side-on profile.

APRIL 2019

"Be patient and listen,

believe in your ability and

never be afraid to learn or

try something new."

DAVID MURPHY

DAVID MURPHY JEWELLERS

HISTORIC GEMSTONE

The Chalk Emerald

The Chalk Emerald is a 37-carat rectangular step-cut emerald

mined in Colombia. In the late 1950s, it was sold by the Maharaja

of Koch Bihar to a British gem broker. Harry Winston purchased

the gemstone, recut it, and set it in a

ring adorned with 60 pear-shaped

diamonds. In 1962, the ring was sold

to Oscar Roy Chalk, , a New York

entrepreneur, for his wife, Clair, to

wear at a White House state dinner

honouring Queen Elizabeth II. The

family donated the piece to the

Smithsonian Institution in 1972,

and it remains part of the National

Gem and Mineral Collection.

Buy Now, Pay Later drama

Australian Securities and Investments

Commission (ASIC) has launched a

consultation on new regulatory guidance

for the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry.

According to ASIC, these new laws are

designed to maintain the benefits of

BNPL contracts while increasing consumer

protection. The regulation will force credit

licensees to comply with responsible

lending conduct obligations to prevent

consumers from experiencing financial

stress or being harmed by unaffordable

credit contracts.

Timeless Trends

Mixed metal jewellery remains popular

with consumers of all ages. Talented

manufacturers use precious materials

such as gold, silver, copper, and platinum

to create unique and dynamic designs.

This trend offers versatility, contrasts

in texture and colour, and allows for

personalised, modern statement

pieces with bold appeal.

Campaign Watch

Image: David Yurman

The World Federation of Diamond

Bourses (WFDB) has released a new

marketing campaign promoting natural

diamonds. The campaign, ‘Moments’,

highlights the emotional connection

consumers forge between diamond

jewellery and milestone achievements.

Its tagline is “Crafted by Earth, Celebrated

by You.” The WFDB confirmed that the

campaign will appear on social media

platforms over the next four months.

VOICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY

Published by Befindan Media Pty Ltd

Locked Bag 26, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 AUSTRALIA | ABN 66 638 077 648 | Phone: +61 3 9696 7200 | Subscriptions & Enquiries: info@jewellermagazine.com

Publisher Angela Han angela.han@jewellermagazine.com • Editor Samuel Ord samuel.ord@jewellermagazine.com • Advertising Julia Tran julia.tran@jewellermagazine.com

Production Prince Bisenio art@befindanmedia.com • Digital Coordinator Riza Buliag riza@jewellermagazine.com • Accounts Paul Blewitt finance@befindanmedia.com

Copyright All material appearing in Jeweller is subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden without prior written consent of the publisher. Befindan Media Pty Ltd

strives to report accurately and fairly and it is our policy to correct significant errors of fact and misleading statements in the next available issue. All statements made, although based on information

believed to be reliable and accurate at the time, cannot be guaranteed and no fault or liability can be accepted for error or omission. Any comment relating to subjective opinions should be addressed to

the editor. Advertising The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement to comply with Australian law and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher for all damages or liabilities

arising from the published material.

Since 1962, Duraflex Group Australia have been proudly distributing international

jewellery and watch brands. (02) 9417 0177 | www.dgau.com.au

March 2025 | 11

News

Nationwide Jewellers raises

much-needed support for

hard-working apprentices

Australian industry buying group Nationwide Jewellers

has confirmed a significant increase in its support

for jewellery and watchmaking apprentices.

For the past two decades, Nationwide’s Apprentice

Assistance subsidy has provided financial support

for apprentices to counter cost-of-living pressures.

That support has been increased significantly this

year, with apprentices now able to choose between

$700 in cash to assist with tertiary fees or an $800

tools voucher. That is an increase of 75 per cent

and 60 per cent, respectively.

The tool vouchers can be redeemed at Australian

Jewellers Supplies (Australia) or G & A Warburtons

(New Zealand) – two businesses that have supported

the program since 2010.

Nationwide’s membership manager, Erin Keller,

said the move reinforced the group’s commitment

to the future of the local jewellery industry.

“In 2024, 21 Nationwide apprentices benefitted from

the support scheme, and we are expecting increased

enrolments in 2025,” she told Jeweller.

“The increased benefits for apprentices recognises

the importance we place on supporting our industry,

and particularly those who are starting their careers

in the jewellery industry”.

"By continuing to invest in our apprentices, we are

ensuring a strong and vibrant future for our industry.”

Nationwide’s Apprentice of the Year competition will

also return in August, with the winner crowned

during the International Jewellery Fair in Sydney.

Australia’s emerging jewellery manufacturers were

a key focus at the 2024 Sydney Fair, highlighted by

the popular Mystery Box Challenge.

Jeweller’s 2025 Buying Group Report recognised

Nationwide Jewellers as Australasia’s largest industry

group, with 364 members and 428 stores. The group

also has 73 members and 80 stores in New Zealand.

Improving jewellery sales highlighted in January

Australia’s independent jewellery retailers

began the year on a positive note, with the

latest analysis revealing an increase in sales

in January.

The latest report from Retail Edge Consultants

detailed a 1.7 per cent increase in sales at

independent jewellery retailers on a year on

year comparison.

Comparative units sold decreased by 7 per cent,

with the average retail sale (inventory only)

rising (11 per cent) to $237. This marked a

15 per cent increase on a two-year comparison.

Sales of diamond jewellery increased modestly

by 1 per cent on a year-by-year comparison;

however, a 20 per cent decrease on a two-year

comparison was attributed to the impact of

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colour gemstone jewellery decreased by

10 per cent on a year-on-year comparison,

while the report noted that silver and alternative

precious metal jewellery rose by 1.4 per cent

by the same metric.

The analysis of new orders and pickups or

cancellations in laybys and special orders

highlighted an increase in both categories,

while services such as repairs decreased.

Consumer confidence on the rise

In welcome news for retailers, the latest

confidence analysis among Australian

consumers from ANZ-Roy Morgan revealed

a notable increase.

ANZ economist Sophia Angala said a more

positive outlook on the Australian economy over

the next year was driving improved sentiment.

“Households are feeling more confident about

the economic outlook, with short-term economic

confidence rising to its highest level since April

2022 – before the first rate hike in May 2022 –

while economic confidence over the next five

years reached a 12-month high,” she said.

On a state-by-state basis, improved confidence

was recorded in Victoria, Queensland, Western

Australia, and South Australia.

Pandora boss details roadmap to sales success

Pandora’s CEO has offered a frank assessment

of the global jewellery trade and detailed the

‘secrets to success’ for the world’s largest

jewellery brand.

Pandora recently reported strong fourth-quarter

sales, with a notable rise in revenue from

the company’s largest market (US) bucking

broader industry trends.

In an interview with Forbes, CEO Alexander Lacik

said many brands have learned valuable lessons

despite adverse trading conditions.

“It’s the highest level of promotions we’ve seen

in my six years at Pandora, and we have seen a

negative sentiment in the industry over the

past couple of years,” he said.

“What emerged at the end of last year and

also continuing into this year is that more brands

are struggling and moving to heavier discounting

to get the sales volume they need.”

The report details the four key pillars of

Pandora’s Phoenix Strategy, an initiative

announced in the first quarter of 2021.

These include transitioning into a ‘complete’

jewellery brand, an emphasis on design to

broaden assortment, expanding market

penetration, and personalisation through

retail execution and digitalisation.

While Pandora reported that charm and bracelet

sales still account for 74 per cent of total sales,

revenue from other jewellery products has

increased by 22 per cent.

Lacik explained: “In any market condition,

there will be winners and losers, and it’s

usually the brands that continue investing in

their identity and customer relationships that

emerge stronger."

“This is the essence of our Phoenix Strategy, and

six consecutive quarters of double-digit growth

in a challenging market show that it is working.”

New store designs, named Evoke 2.0, have

been central to the transition into a complete

jewellery brand. The report estimates that

around 60 per cent of Pandora’s stores will

feature this design by 2026.

With that said, a focus on digital sales remains

critical, with between 700 and 900 million

consumers visiting the brand’s website each

year. Lacik noted that around 2 per cent of these

visits result in sales. While many brands focus

on incremental improvement, Pandora has

other ambitions and is testing new initiatives

in Canada and Italy.

“We must think another way. What about the

98 per cent who are walking away? How can we

get more of those 98 per cent engaged with

us and keep them from leaving?” he asked.

“That’s what we are looking at, and the first

step is what we’ve done in Canada and Italy.

It is actually quite promising.”

Outgoing Pandora general manager for Australia

and New Zealand, Travis Liddle, recently spoke

with Jeweller about the brand’s plans in the

local market.

12 | March 2025

News

Shiels Jewellers launches 80th anniversary celebration

"To stay ahead, he ensured that Shiels offered

the widest jewellery range in Australia. That’s

still one of our points of difference today.”

Lovisa faces class action

lawsuit amid allegations

He continued: “Our success has been built on

innovation, customer focus, and a willingness

to adapt. As we look to the future, we remain

committed to providing Australians with the

best jewellery at unbeatable prices.”

Australian retailer Shiels Jewellers has detailed

plans for an 80th anniversary celebration.

The company was founded in 1945 by Jack and

Jeanne Shiels. It started as a family-run jewellery

store in Adelaide’s Central Market Arcade.

Albert Bensimon and his wife Nyra took over

the company in 1977 and led a national

expansion, driving the company to a network

of more than 50 stores.

To mark the occasion, Shiels has launched

a 35-day promotion which includes a special

discounted catalogue, a weekly jewellery

giveaway and new marketing material.

Director Toby Bensimon reflected on his

father's accomplishments and underscored

the value of offering consumers a broad

assortment of products.

“Reaching 80 years in business is a remarkable

achievement, especially in today’s challenging

retail environment. When my father started,

competitors were sceptical of his discounting

approach, but they eventually copied his lead,"

he said.

Daniel Bracken died unexpectedly on Wednesday

at the age of 57 following an adverse reaction to

medical treatment for an underlying condition.

The ASX listed jewellery retailer issued a

statement saying, “It is with profound sadness

that we announce the passing of our beloved

CEO and Managing Director, Daniel Bracken.

“Daniel was not just a leader; he was a

visionary who inspired all of us with his

In the year ahead, Shiels intends to expand its

store count in Queensland, complementing an

established network in South Australia,

Western Australia, and New South Wales.

Bensimon said that while trading conditions

during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted

the value of digital strategy, the in-person

shopping experience remains critical for

jewellery consumers.

“Competition is now really tough, so we are

changing to meet the market’s needs. The

digital space is crucial, especially with social

media becoming a primary search tool for

engagement ring shoppers. Platforms like

Instagram and TikTok provide endless inspiration,

and we’re tapping into that,” he explained.

“While online retail is growing, trust remains

crucial in jewellery shopping. Customers still

want to visit a store, see and try on pieces,

and experience the brand in person. That’s why

brick-and-mortar stores continue to be a core

part of our growth strategy.”

The 80th-anniversary promotion will conclude

on 30 March.

Michael Hill International CEO passes away

passion, dedication, and unwavering

commitment to excellence.”

Bracken joined Michael Hill in 2018 following

the resignation of its CEO Phil Taylor citing

health concerns.

At the time Michael Hill chair Emma Hill said,

“We are confident Daniel is the right candidate

to successfully lead the company against

the backdrop of a rapidly changing retail

environment,” she said.

She outlined Bracken’s more than 26 years’

experience in fashion and retail and is currently

CEO of Specialty Fashion Group, prior to that

he was deputy CEO of Myer. He also held

senior executive positions at Burberry London.

In 2023, Bracken was instrumental in Michael

Hill’s acquisition of its retail rival Bevilles, in

a strategic $45 million deal.

The company will announce its plans for interim

leadership while it searches for a replacement

in due course.

Fashion jewellery juggernaut Lovisa is being taken to

court over accusations of employee mistreatment

and underpayment.

In an ASX statement, the company confirmed it

has been served with a representative class action

proceeding filed in the Federal Court of Australia

by Adero Law.

Adero Law is a firm specialising in commercial

litigation and employment law. Two years ago,

allegations of employee mistreatment surfaced,

foreshadowing this class action.

“We are investigating the underpayments on behalf

of casual, part-time and full-time employees of

Lovisa,” Adero’s website states.

“This includes team members, senior stylists,

assistant store managers, store managers,

inventory managers and any other in-store employees.

“We would seek to recover underpayments due to

breaches of the Lovisa Enterprise Agreement 2014,

owed to current and former employees from 2019

to current date.”

In the ASX statement, Lovisa stated that it takes

its obligations under the Fair Work Act and the

Lovisa Enterprise Agreements of 2014 and 2022

“very seriously.”

“Lovisa intends to defend the class action proceedings

and will provide further updates to the market as and

when appropriate,” the statement reads.

The allegations of underpayments to staff date from

January 2019 to January 2025.

Consumer confidence on the rise

Lovisa recently reported a significant spike in sales

over the past two months as the company’s global

expansion continues.

Lovisa reported a 12.9 per cent increase in revenue

over the past seven weeks, as the company’s global

network reached 956 stores.

Outgoing CEO Victor Herrero said that with plans to

open new stores in a 50th market, the company was

well-positioned for the year ahead.

The US remains the company’s largest market with

209 stores, followed by Australia with 180.

March 2025 | 13

News

Welcome news as De Beers and

Botswana reach sales agreement

After a lengthy negotiation period, the De Beers Group and the

government of the Republic of Botswana have signed a 10-year sales

agreement.

De Beers and Botswana have also formalised a 25-year extension of

the mining licenses for Debswana, a 50/50 joint venture that operates

the Jwaneng and Orapa mines.

Under the new deal, the share of the government-owned Okavango

Diamond Company in the production of Debswana will climb to

40 per cent, revised from a provisional 50 per cent.

Duncan Wanblad, chief executive of Anglo American, said the new

agreement should offer reassurance to the entire diamond industry.

“These agreements provide long-term stability for both partners as

they work together to support the rough diamond market’s recovery

from a period of challenging trading conditions,” Wanblad said.

“The certainty provided also forms a critical step towards De Beers’

next chapter as an independent company and as the world’s most

iconic diamond business.”

Negotiations concluded in February after six years of exhaustive debate.

Botswana president Duma Boko said it was an agreement signed

with the country's best interests in mind.

“We have us a good deal and we trust that it will carry us into the

future. To the people of Botswana, this agreement is about you, about

the jobs it will create,” he said.

De Beers CEO Al Cook described the agreement as ‘groundbreaking’

and said it was an extension of the greatest public-private partnership

in the world.

Botswana's government said the economy contracted over the past year

due to a downturn in the diamond market and detailed its expectation

of a recovery in the year ahead.

Another setback for European

Union’s diamond tracking scheme

The European Union has pushed back the deadline for the

implementation of a tracing mechanism for rough diamonds

through the supply chain for a second time.

The announcement came on 23 February, with the EU detailing a

16th package of sanctions designed to pressure Russia in response

to the conflict in Ukraine. The EU has delayed the deadline to 1 January

2026, a second extension for the introduction of a system mandated

by the G7 in December 2023.

It was said that a ‘robust traceability-based verification and certification

mechanism’ would be installed by 1 September 2024. That timeline

was extended in June 2024, with a new deadline of 1 March 2025 noted.

“Addressing governance issues associated with the traceability system

will require ongoing cooperation with the G-7 and third countries,”

the latest EU statement reads.

“In order to further the facilitation of the implementation of those

measures and continued engagement with the G7 and third countries,

continued monitoring of the level playing field among G7 partners

with regard to diamond-related measures should be conducted.”

PinkKimberley.com.au


14 | March 2025

CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, Karen Rentmeesters, said

there was still much confusion around this proposed system.

News

Pandora launches new global

jewellery marketing campaign

A USTRALIAN PINK DIAMONDS FROM THE ARGYLE MINE

Pandora has completed the global launch of a new marketing

campaign, with a cavalcade of well-known trendsetters paired

with new products.

The BE LOVE campaign was released on 27 February and features

appearances by actress Winona Ryder, supermodel Iman, and models

Vittoria Ceretti, Mica Arganaraz, Karen Elson, He Cong, and others.

A central theme in the new campaign is the different ways people

perceive love as an emotion. Ryder, the star of films such as Heathers

(1988), Beetlejuice (1988), and Edward Scissorhands (1990), said that

love is an extension of compassion.

“It’s really to listen. To try and be as understanding as possible.

Seeing things through a different perspective, that represents love

to me. It’s just a profound way to experience love,” Ryder said.

Among the notable new products is the BE LOVE heart charm.

It is available in sterling silver and can be engraved and customised

with dates, drawings, initials, or symbols.

The ESSENCE organically shaped heart ring, crafted in sterling silver

and plated in 14-carat gold, is minimalist and modern. The UNICEF

charm is also heart-shaped and has a blue stone in the centre.

Timex announces brand partnership

LIVE STOCK

browse pieces from our signature

collections availabale for immediate dispatch

Timex Group has announced a new partnership with the iconic British

car manufacturer Aston Martin.

Timex will design, manufacture, and distribute a collection of watches

and jewellery under the Aston Martin and Aston Martin Aramco

Formula One Team brands as part of this licensing agreement.

Revealed at Timex’s annual summit in Abu Dhabi, CEO Tobias

Reiss-Schmidt said these collections will appeal to consumers

with a passion for performance and luxury.

“Aston Martin has such a rich heritage that allows us to create new

icons in both watches and jewellery,” he said.

“We look forward to introducing our collections to a diverse audience,

especially those drawn to Aston Martin’s Formula One presence.”

The collections will feature elements such as Aston Martin’s wings

logo and the signature racing green colour. They are expected to launch

later this year.

March 2025 | 15

News

Harry Winston: Remarkable

collection gifted to museum

Speculation continues over potential buyer for

enormous diamond discovered in 2024

The Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa

in 1905, weighs 3,106 carats and is considered

the largest gemstone-quality diamond ever

recovered.

It was initially speculated that the diamond

would be sold to HB Antwerp as part of an

offtake agreement. It was later suggested

that the diamond may remain rough, and

in a recent interview with MiningMX, CEO

William Lamb revealed that the company

has been in discussions with unusual buyers.

The second-largest diamond discovered,

Motswedi, may be headed to a museum display.

News broke in August that Lucara had

unearthed a 2,492-carat diamond from the

Karowe mine in Botswana.

The mining company identified the stone during

kimberlite processing at the site using X-ray

transmission technology (XRT).

“The short and sweet of it is that these are

not easy stones to move, if you looked at the

universe of people that could afford the stone

— you’ve got to be fairly selective,” he explained.

“We’ve had discussions with three different

museums across the globe who want to

acquire the stone. They want it in the rough;

they don’t want to polish it.”

Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi

described the stone as “overwhelming.”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural

History has been gifted a collection of 41 fancy colour

diamonds expected to appear on display in April.

Harry Winston's eldest son, Ronald Winston,

has donated the Winston Fancy Colour Diamond

Collection. The collection features stones in

various colours, from peach to teal, and sizes

as large as 9.49 carats.

The collection was amassed over the past six

decades, and among the more interesting stones is

the Winston Red, a 2.33-carat fancy colour diamond.

National Museum of Natural History director Kirk

Johnson it would be an exhibit not to be missed.

“This ranks among the most significant gifts ever

received by the Smithsonian,” he said.

“The Winston diamonds are unprecedented in their

beauty and rarity, and we are thrilled to welcome

them as additions to our National Gem Collection.

We extend our gratitude to Ronald Winston for

making this gift to the nation possible.”

A study of the Winston Red is expected to appear

in an upcoming issue of Gems & Gemology, the

Gemological Institute of America’s quarterly journal.

“The red diamond is the highlight of my career, and

I have never seen anything else like it,” Winston said.

“This donation to the museum represents my life’s

achievements in this domain, and I am so happy

to share this collection with the [Smithsonian]

Institution and the museum’s visitors.”

The collection will be displayed in the Winston

Gallery, which houses the Hope Diamond, donated

by Winston in the 1950s.

Legal fight for legendary diamond concludes

A legal battle for ownership of one of the most

famous diamonds in the world has concluded.

The court case began in November with art

collector Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Thani

claiming he had the legal right to purchase a

fancy colour diamond known as the Idol’s Eye.

The Idol’s Eye is a 70.21-carat Golconda diamond

with a blue tinge. It is shaped like an Old Mine

cut, but it has nine main facets instead of eight.

The diamond was unearthed in India more

than 400 years ago and, according to legend,

was kept as the eye of a secret idol in the

Temple of Benghazi. The diamond is owned

by a foundation established by the late

Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Ali Al-Thani,

who purchased the stone for £7 million

($AUD13.92 million) in 2004.

Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani claimed

he had a legal right to purchase the diamond

through an investment company, Qipco, because

the Al-Thani family offered it for sale in 2020.

The company that legally owns the Idol’s Eye,

Elanus, which is itself owned by the family

foundation, disputed the case on the grounds

that no firm ‘wish’ to sell the item had ever

been established.

Matters were further complicated by a loan

of the diamond from Elanus to Qipco in 2014

for an exhibition. Part of the agreement

stipulated that Qipco could purchase the

diamond if Elanus established a desire for sale.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Judge Simon Birt

rejected Qipco’s claim to be entitled to purchase

the diamond and said that a desire to explore the

possibility of a sale did not constitute an express

wish for it to be sold.

He also said it was clear that other family

members did not wish to proceed with a sale.

“Although Sheikh Hamad bin Saoud Al-Thani

was keen to explore how a sale could be effected

and what price could be achieved, he had not

reached a final decision definitely to sell, and

he did not have a settled intention to carry a sale

into effect,” Birt said.

“Whatever the intention or wish of Sheikh Hamad

bin Saoud Al-Thani in the period February to

April 2020, it is very clear that none of the

other members of his family shared any wish

to sell the diamond.”

The value of the diamond was discussed during

the case, with one expert suggesting £21 million

($AUD41.77 million).

16 | March 2025

A RING FOR THE UNDERSTATED

SIMPLE

&SLEEK

DGA are proud to partner with some

of the world’s top diamond jewellery

manufacturers to bring you high quality

finished diamond jewellery

at exceptional price points.

Looking for something simple, yet sophisticated?

You've come to the right place!

Our curated collection features a stunning array of precious and

semi-precious gems, each hand selected for its brilliance, quality,

and unique beauty. Whether you’re searching for the perfect stone

for a custom creation or a timeless piece of gemstone jewellery,

Fine Gems offers unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM BOLTON GEMS

WWW.BOLTONGEMS.COM.AU • 1800 777 413


(02) 9417 0177 | dgau.com.au jewellery and watch brands. (02) 9417 0177 | www.dgau.com.au

March 2025 | | 17 9

News

President Trump's fascinating jewellery connection:

40 years of unlikely friendship with LVMH's Arnault

A fascinating special report has highlighted the deep

connections between the owner of one of the world’s

largest jewellery companies and US president

Donald Trump.

The report, published by the Wall Street Journal,

details the surprisingly strong relationship between

Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) chairman

Bernard Arnault and President Trump.

A new range of Argyle pink & blue

diamond jewellery, from one of

the original Argyle Pink Diamond

Select Ateliers.


EST• 1 965

Proudly supporting

18 | March 2025

The friendship began in the early 1980s, when

Arnault, living in New York, met Trump at a

charity dinner at the Plaza Hotel. Both were

aspiring property moguls at the time.

Later that decade, Arnault shifted his focus to

luxury brands, purchasing Christian Dior and

beginning his acquisition of LVMH. He also

invested in real estate, including properties

on Fifth Avenue, close to Trump Tower.

In the weeks before Trump’s inauguration in 2017,

Arnault was identified as one of the first business

leaders to travel to the US to pay homage. His son,

Alexandre Arnault, who had known Trump’s

son-in-law Jared Kushner for years, joined him.

There are no signs that this partnership has

weakened in recent years; in fact, it seems to

have only grown stronger.

“The day after President Trump survived an

assassination attempt in Pennsylvania last

summer, he received a call from a familiar French

voice. It was Bernard Arnault, owner of the globespanning

luxury empire LVMH,” writes Nick Kostov.

“Arnault wanted to check in on the man he had

known for decades. Trump was also in the middle

of a fierce presidential campaign, as well as

several criminal proceedings.”

He continued: “The phone call from Arnault sent

a clear signal: The luxury titan was sticking with

Trump through thick and thin.”

This political support was again emphasised during

Trump’s second inauguration in January, when

Arnault appeared at the Capitol Rotunda alongside

his wife, Hélène Mercier-Arnault, and two of his

five children, Alexandre and Delphine.

“Who would refuse an invitation from the president

of the United States to attend their inauguration?”

Besides, I’ve had a longstanding relationship with

him,” Arnault said.

The connection between the children of the unlikely

pair continues with daughter Ivanka Trump, who

is close with Arnault’s daughter, Delphine, and a

major supporter of the Dior brand.

The report reveals that when LVMH purchased

Tiffany & Co. in 2021 in a landmark billion-dollar

deal, Arnault personally informed Trump of a

major upcoming deal beforehand.

Among the other interesting observations, the

Trump Organisation is the landlord of the Louis

Vuitton store in Midtown Manhattan.

Trump’s well-known ‘air rights’ agreement above

the Tiffany & Co. flagship store is also highlighted.

The current president was reportedly so pleased

with the deal that he named his daughter Tiffany

after the brand — which Arnault now owns!

Tension & Tariffs & Tiffany

The report also details the significance of Trump’s

proposed steep tariffs on European luxury products,

which could negatively impact LVMH.

It’s suggested that Arnault has worked to leverage

his personal relationship with Trump to protect

LVMH from trade wars. This involves LVMH’s

significant investment in the US, with a Louis

Vuitton factory in Texas being one of 14 factories.

“It’s evident that we’re being strongly encouraged

by US authorities to continue expanding our

presence there. And I must say that, given the

current environment, this is something we are

seriously considering,” Arnault explained in January.

In 2019, Trump imposed tariffs on European

goods; however, he spared luxury items such

as champagne and handbags due to Arnault’s

investment in US production.

When French media asked Trump why the

tariffs were so selective, he conceded he had

been discussing the issue with Arnault.

“I can’t tax him [Arnault] because he moved to

the United States. He was very smart. He was

way ahead,” Trump said.

The report speculates that future tariffs may be

determined in part by the relationship between

the two unlikely friends.

“With Trump now in office and warning of steep

tariffs on European goods, the question is whether

Arnault can leverage his connection to keep his

luxury conglomerate out of any trade wars,”

Kostov continues.

“Tariffs would be a blow to Arnault’s empire,

whose largest market is the US — equal in size

to all of Europe combined. Trump has called the

European Union’s trade surplus with the US an

‘atrocity’, but he also often leans on personal

relationships to guide his policy.”

LVMH recently reported a group revenue decline

of 2 per cent over the past financial year.

March 2025 | 19

News

Industry watchdog takes aim

at misleading advertising

Melbourne trade show kicks off busy

year for Australian jewellery industry

The Australian Competition and Consumer

Commission (ACCC) has outlined its key focuses

for the year ahead, highlighting a focus on retail

pricing and misleading advertising.

Addressing the Committee for Economic Development

of Australia in Sydney, chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said

the organisation would conduct investigations to

address competition and consumer concerns

in the retail sector.

“The ACCC‘s complementary mandates support the

community to participate with trust and confidence

in commercial life and promote the proper functioning

of Australian markets,” she said.

“We will continue to pursue our priorities through

strong enforcement action, education to foster

compliance, and advocacy for reform.”

Cass-Gottlieb added: “Consumers are still doing it

tough, and the cost of groceries and essential services

have contributed to significant cost of living stress.”

The ACCC will also continue to review consumer and

fair trading issues, focusing on misleading or deceptive

advertising in influencer marketing and online reviews.

Claims around environmentalism and sustainability

will also be reviewed, emphasising identifying and

eliminating greenwashing practices.

“In the year ahead, as we progress the priorities I

have outlined today, we will continue to use our full

range of tools and powers available under Australia’s

Competition and Consumer Act and the Australian

Consumer Law, and to exercise our enforcement

powers independently, in the public interest, and with

integrity and professionalism,” Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We will also continue, as always, to remain clear

eyed in our purpose to enhance competition across

our economy, to promote the welfare of consumers

and small businesses and to make markets work

for all Australians.”

The ACCC recently completed a sweep of more than

2,000 retail websites and highlighted issues around

return policies.

With Victoria in the midst of a scorching heat

wave, the Australian jewellery industry sought

the air-conditioned comfort of the Melbourne

Jewellery Expo across three days.

Hosted at the Melbourne Exhibition and

Convention Centre from Saturday (1 February)

until Monday (3 February), the industry embraced

the opportunity to gather for the first time since

the turning of the calendar.

There was a distinct focus on education at this

year’s event, with daily presentations on store

design and marketing, business management,

and legal trading requirements.

As is always the case with jewellery fairs, the

reception among exhibitors and retailers was

mixed. Some reported strong business, while

others were quiet. Event services manager

Nicholas Fewtrell told Jeweller that the show

was an ideal opportunity for the industry to

build momentum ahead of a busy year.

“This year’s Melbourne Jewellery Expo provided

an exciting platform for both returning and

first-time exhibitors, with strong interest from

new exhibitors looking to expand their presence

into the upcoming International Jewellery Fair in

Sydney,” he explained.

“Running alongside the Melbourne Gift &

Lifestyle Fair, the Expo created new opportunities

for retailers exploring fine jewellery and pearls

— categories they may not have previously

considered for their stores.”

"The timing of the event allowed exhibitors

to reconnect with stockists after the busy

festive season, fostering valuable discussions

and setting the stage for strong business

relationships in 2025.”

Among the exhibitors was John Wertheim,

owner of JS Landau, a fine jewellery supplier.

He said events such as the Melbourne Jewellery

Expo were an opportunity to reflect on the

market's complexity.

“While many people say that jewellery sales are

down for retailers, I think that’s not quite true,

and is a blanket generalisation and a sweeping

statement for a complex market,” he explained.

“Many of the people we deal with, jewellery store

owners who sell a higher-end or better quality

product than average, are doing well. There is

always a market for these products.”

“The ‘supermarket’ jewellers often sell different

quality items and have constant sales, but they

appeal to a different market that has tightened

spending at the moment, and this has caused

much of the sales ‘downturn’ in the industry.”

He added: “I think frequent sales and promotions

can lower the prestige and dignity of selling

jewellery. It should be a magical, emotional

purchase, and not just a hunt for discounts.”

Stronger together

Among the crowd, two of Australia’s jewellery

industry buying groups – Nationwide Jewellers

and Independent Jewellers Collective – were

busy meeting with retailers and suppliers.

Nationwide Jewellers membership manager

Erin Keller said the opportunity to meet with

members was always valuable.

“The show was exceptionally well organised,

as always is to be expected from Expertise

Events. The grid setup ensures all exhibitors

have a chance to be seen by attendees, and our

members immediately knew how to locate us

without looking at a map,” she said.

“It was a great opportunity to sit down with

several members and discuss their businesses,

and work through improvements for their store.”

Keller continued: “Members were positive

with their results from January, an unexpected

surprise for most given December sales were

lower than hoped. Most are hopeful for the

year ahead and looking to improve their pool of

custom-made designs and the engagement of

their websites.”

Nationwide Jewellers will host its annual

Timeout Conference on the Gold Coast in

early April.

Where do we go from here?

Up next is the eagerly anticipated Australian

Jewellery Fair, set to be held at the Gold Coast

Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-7 April.

Expertise Events has unveiled an official

mascot for the event – a ‘fun-loving’ Koala

named Ajay – who will offer exclusive gifts and

prizes for attendees.

Following the Gold Coast event, the International

Jewellery Fair will be held from 23 to 25 August

at the International Convention and Exhibition

Centre in Sydney.

For further details and registration information,

visit jewelleryfair.com.au.

20 | March 2025

News

Retailers dismiss new crime laws

as 'extremely dangerous'

Retailers have expressed dismay over proposed changes to crime legislation

in New Zealand.

Plans to amend the Crimes Act 1961 have been announced based on

recommendations by the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail

Crime.

These reforms include amending legislation so that New Zealand

citizens can intervene to stop any offence at any time of the day. Industry

representative Retail NZ claims these amendments would allow employees,

security guards, and members of the public to detain alleged offenders.

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young said these changes would place more people

in harm’s way and dismissed them as extremely dangerous.

“This is extremely dangerous – people will get hurt or even killed,” she said.

“Frontline retail workers, who are often young people in their first job, do

not go to work to do law enforcement. Retail NZ’s focus remains on training

retail workers and security personnel in prevention and de-escalation.”

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said retail crime increased 85 per cent

between 2019 and 2023.

Young is a member of the group responsible for these recommendations.

She said most of her association’s members strongly oppose the proposals.

“As employers, retailers must do everything they can to keep staff safe under

the Health & Safety at Work Act,” Young continued.

“Most retailers train their staff to prioritise their own safety rather than

try to recover stolen goods. We cannot condone retail workers putting

themselves into dangerous and volatile situations.”

She continued: “We understand that all retailers are frustrated with the

level of crime in their stores. However, we believe that preventative

measures, alongside the ability to recover goods and effective trespass

laws will be more effective and safer for workers.”

Around 230,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector. A report from

Retail NZ highlighted an increasingly optimistic outlook for the industry

regarding sales prospects in the year ahead.

According to the latest Retail Radar survey, 70 per cent of businesses

expect to survive the year ahead, a five per cent improvement from the

previous year.

Inflation and cost-of-living pressure (73 per cent) and insurance

increases (53 per cent) were listed as the key concerns for retailers.

When detailing a ‘wish list’ for the year ahead, an improvement in

consumer confidence (30 per cent), decreasing inflation (17 per cent),

and merchant surcharge legislation (14 per cent) were identified as

critical to successful trading.

Events Not to Miss

UPCOMING EVENTS

2025 Calendar

06 APR

–

07 APR

MARCH

03

23 APR

–

26 APR

06 JUN

–

09 JUN

04 MAR – 08 MAR

AUSTRALIA

Hong Kong International

Jewellery Show

Australian Jewellery Fair (AJF)

Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition

Centre, QUEENSLAND

jewelleryfair.com.au/ajf/

ADD EVENT

TO CALENDAR

& REGISTER

23 APR

–

26 APR

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition

Centre, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG

hktdc.com/event/hkjewellery/

09 MAR – 12 MAR

Jewellers International

Showcase, Miami

Miami Beach Convention Centre

FLORIDA, USA

jisshow.com

31 MAR – 06 APR

Haute Jewels Geneva 2025

Jewellery & Gem ASEAN

Bangkok (JGAB) Bangkok

Queen Sirikit National Convention

Center, BANGKOK, THAILAND

jewellerygemaseanbkk.com

MAY

05

JCK Las Vegas

The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas,

NEVADA, USA

lasvegas.jckonline.com

18 JUN – 21 JUN

The Unique Show

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO

theuniqueshow.com

Intercontinental Hotel

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

hautejewels.com

10 MAY – 13 MAY

Oroarezzo International

Jewelry Exhibition

19 JUN

–

22 JUN

THAILAND

Jewellery & Gem ASEAN

Bangkok (JGAB)

Queen Sirikit National Convention

Center, BANGKOK

jewellerygemaseanbkk.com

UNITED STATES

JCK Las Vegas

06 JUN

–

09 JUN

The Venetian Expo, Las Vegas, NEVADA

lasvegas.jckonline.com

APRIL

01 APR – 7 APR

Watches & Wonders

Palexpo, Geneve, Switzerland

watchesandwonders.com

06 APR

–

07 APR

04

Australian Jewellery Fair (AJF)

Arezzo Fiere e Congressi

AREZZO, ITALY

oroarezzo.it

15 MAY – 17 MAY

29th International

Jewellery Kobe (IJK)

Kobe International Exhibition Hall

KOBE, JAPAN

ijt.jp/kobe/

23 MAY – 26 MAY

International Jewelry Vietnam

Nguyen Du Stadium

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

vietnamjewelryfair.com

JUNE

06

Jewellery & Gem ASIA (JGA)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Convention and

Exhibition Centre

HONG KONG, CHINA

jga.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com

JULY

10 JUL

–

13 JUL

07

19 JUN

–

22 JUN

Gold Coast Convention &

Exhibition Centre

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

jewelleryfair.com.au/ajf/

10 APR – 12 APR

Palakiss

4 JUN –7 JUN

Las Vegas Gem, Mineral

& Jewelry Show

The Expo at World Market Center

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

jogsshow.com/las-vegas-gem-andjewelry-show/

CHINA

Jewellery & Gem ASIA (JGA)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition

Centre HONG KONG, CHINA


Fiera de Vicenza

VICENZA, ITALY

palakiss.com

16 APR – 20 APR

Istanbul Jewelry Show

Istanbul Expo Centre

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

istanbuljewelryshow.com

5 JUN –8 JUN

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry

& Watch Show

Wynn Las Vegas Resort

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

lasvegasantiquejewelryandwatchshow.com

Singapore International

Jewelry Expo

Sands Expo & Convention Centre

SINGAPORE


22 | March 2025

April 6 – 7, 2025

GOLD COAST CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

Where Business Meets

Beachside Elegance

Free gift

for all

attendees

Register now at ajf.jewelleryfair.com.au

SUPPORTED BY

FREE REGISTRATION

ORGANISED BY

March 2025 | 23

10 Years Ago

Time Machine: March 2015

A snapshot of the industry events making headlines this time 10 years ago in Jeweller.

March 2015

Historic Headlines

Synthetic diamonds top international agenda

Award winners honoured at jewellery fair

Diamond suppliers collaborate for industry first

Passion8 diamonds receives facelift

Aussie heads to global jewellery conference

STILL RELEVANT 10 YEARS ON

"How well do you know your

customers? If given a pop quiz about

what makes them tick, do you think

you’d pass? As much as businesses

would like to think they know their

customers well, research would

indicate otherwise."

READ ALL HEADLINES IN FULL ON

JEWELLERMAGAZINE.COM

Editor’s Desk

Apple pick-pocket Watch – the real 'game

"However, after all of the debate and

prognostication, men and women will

continue to buy traditional watches as

items of jewellery and adornment and

as a way to display their style and status,

as they always have.

The Swiss, and others, have that market

well and truly wrapped-up and, as much

as they try, even the mighty Apple and

Google can't demolish that business

model! (Well not right now).

I think jewellery retailers should welcome

the Apple Watch because the traditional

market will eventually benefit from a new

generation of watch connoisseurs."

Soapbox

ON THE COVER

NIKKI LISSONI

Competitive advantages

"Some people are hesitant to enter

competitions; they don’t think they

will win. But it is not about winning.

All the benefits that I have mentioned

above come just by entering and being

motivated to do your best. Winning is

an added bonus and everyone should

be confident in themselves and believe

that they have the ability to do so.

Another factor that can put jewellers

off competing is the amount of time

required to participate. I understand

that we are in a very busy trade and

free time is a rarity; however, you have

to be willing to make some sacrifices to

be successful."

Jyothi Forman

Georgies Fine Jewellery

Traditional brands join

smartwatch bandwagon

Apple may have dominated headlines during its

recent Apple Watch presentation but that’s not

the only development in the smartwatch arena

potentially affecting the jewellery industry.

While Apple revealed a number of details

about its version of the smartwatch last week

– including the fact it would be available for

purchase on 24 April not only through the

company’s own stores but also a number

of boutique-style fashion outlets – other

new announcements have signalled that

traditional watch manufacturers are

serious about entering the market.

Fashion watch brand Guess Watches recently

unveiled its own smartwatch, Guess Connect,

at an electronics show in Barcelona.

The company, which partnered with smartwatch

developer Martian Watches, based the design

on its existing Rigor model.

Aussie opal demand

soars in past year

After years of difficult trading, the Australian

opal industry looks set for a resurgence with a

number of local suppliers recording strong

sales over the past 12 months.

Peter Sherman, owner of Sydney business

Sherman Opals, said that for the first time

in 25 years, a combination of a low Australian

dollar and global interest rates as well

as fashion trends had resulted in a

“perfect storm” for the opal sector.

According to the report, opal prices had spiked

sharply in the past 12 months, with the field

value of blue-green opal increasing to $1,000

per carat – double the price charged five years

ago – and the field price for the “rarest” opals

increasing from $6,000 to $8,000 per carat.

Major jewellery groups

discuss ‘hot’ topics

Key members of the Australian jewellery

and retail industry recently converged

in Sydney to discuss some of the most

topical issues facing the sector.

A number of wide ranging subjects were

discussed between jewellery retailers,

buying groups and retail organisations

at a meeting hosted by the JAA on

Monday 23 March.

While a similar meeting was held in January

last year, this was said to be the first time

all major jewellery chains had been

involved. Combined, the retailers

represented more than 1,700 stores.

Those involved included Wallace Bishop

and Hardy Brothers; Bevilles; Shiels and

Grahams Jewellers; Hoskings Jewellers;

Prouds The Jewellers, Angus &Coote and

Goldmark; Salera’s Jewellmasters;

Michael Hill Jewellers; Zamel’s;

Pandora; and Swarovski.

Changes abound for

Australian jewellery fairs

The organiser for Australia’s jewellery trade

fairs has announced major changes to the

schedule of the country’s trade shows and

related buying days.

One of the most significant adjustments

relates to the post-Christmas trade show

that traditionally kicks off the year in

late February.

While this year’s event took place at the

Gold Coast, the Australian Jewellery Fair

will move to Melbourne in 2016, alternating

with Queensland every second year.

24 | March 2025

A member owned organisation

where profits are shared

directly with you.

Chat with the Showcase team at the

AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

Benefit from our wealth of knowledge and expertise essential for the

modern independent jewellery retailer. We offer support services in

marketing, finance, administration, retail, training and education.

Our members also enjoy generous discounts from our diverse network

of preferred suppliers. Join a community of like-minded peers to

connect and grow together.

To find out more, contact us today.

Email: enquiries@showcasejewellersgroup.com

Phone: (02) 8566 1800

Visit: showcasejewellers.com.au

Confidence

in

Diamonds

Starts with up to date knowledge

Gem-Ed Australia

SCAN FOR INFO

/GemmologicalAssociationGAA

@gaa_australia

GemmologicalAssociationofAustralia

26 | March 2025

REVIEW

Gems

Important gemstones around the world: Brazil

In the world of gemmology, the South American

country of Brazil plays host to a variety of

precious gemstones.

The ancient landscape comprises various cratons,

formed during the Precambrian period, the

earliest part of the Earth's history. This unique

geological landscape is rich in minerals, providing

a diverse environment for gemstone formation.

Brazil is home to more than a hundred

different varieties of gemstones; here are just

a few that have shaped the gemmological

history of the country.

Emerald

Brazil is a world-famous source of emerald

gemstones, third only to neighbouring Colombia

and Zambia in south-central Africa.

Emerald is the vibrant green variety of beryl that

occurs in the biotite-schist deposits of the region

as a reaction of pegmatitic veins within ultrabasic

rocks that result in the formation of new minerals.

Emerald deposits were discovered in 1573 in

the present-day Governador Valadares area.

Emerald production now occurs across three

states: Goiás, Bahia and Minas Gerais. In 2001,

one of the world's largest emeralds was found

in Brazil. It is called the Bahia Emerald and

weighs more than 180,000 carats.

Santa-Maria Aquamarine

Another member of the beryl gemstone family

is the highly prized Santa-Maria Aquamarine.

Aquamarine shares its basic chemical

composition with emerald; however, it is coloured

by iron impurities. Brazil has been a primary

world source of aquamarine for more than

300 years, with aquamarines found across the

Bahia, Espirito Santo, Paraiba, Rio Grande do

Norte, Ceara, and Minas Gerais regions.

High-quality aquamarines are prized for

their sky-blue colour and exceptional clarity.

Vivid-blue varieties were discovered in the

Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil and

are dubbed Santa-Maria aquamarine.

This unique hue made Santa Maria aquamarine

highly valuable, and although supply from the

Santa Maria de Itabira Mine is near exhaustion,

demand for the variety remains high.

Hence, there are more aquamarines on the

market called Santa Maria than have been mined!

Paraiba Tourmaline

Tourmaline comes in many colours, most of

which can be found in Brazil.

Discovered

EMERALD

With that said, none is as rare and sought-after

as the neon blue to green Paraiba tourmaline.

This tourmaline variety was discovered in

the 1980s by Heitor Dimas Barbosa, who had

spent many years prospecting in the hills of

the Paraiba region.

The vivid glow of the material was unlike

any gemstone that had been seen before.

Created by copper inclusions in the gemstone's

structure, the variety is also called cuprian

or copper-bearing elbaite.

Since the discovery of tourmaline deposits in

Africa with Paraiba-like qualities, the debate

over the definition of 'Paraiba' tourmalines

has raged. However, true Paraiba tourmalines

mined from the region continue to be some

of the most coveted gemstones by collectors.

Imperial Topaz

1500s

Mohs Hardness 7.5 - 8

First deposits discovered in Bahia

PARAIBA TOURMALINE

Discovered

1980s

Mohs Hardness 7 - 7.5

Discovered by Heitor Barbosa

Brazil's mining regions produce more topaz than

any other country. Topaz has a diverse chemical

composition. It forms as an aluminium fluorine-

Brazil is home to more than a hundred different

varieties of gemstones and plays a significant role

in the jewellery trade.

SANTA-MARIA AQUAMARINE

Discovered

hydroxy silicate, and the presence of fluorine

makes it an uncommon mineral.

However, the warm hues of the pinkish-orange,

gold, and red stones are some of the most

desired in the world.

They are referred to as imperial topaz, which has

been associated with the Russian monarchy.

According to legend, the Tsar was presented with

the gemstone when deposits were discovered in

the Ural Mountain ranges during the 18th century.

The Tsar prized the gemstone for its impressive

colours and only allowed members of the royal

family to wear it.

However, a second version of the tale attributes

the name to Emperor Peter II. In 1881, he visited

the town of Ouro Preto and, upon being presented

with the gemstone by Professor Henry Gorceix,

coined the term.

Whatever the case, imperial topaz is sought after

by gemstone collectors worldwide, and the mines

of Ouro Preto in the state of Minas Gerais remain

the premier source.

Other gemstones

1900s

Mohs Hardness 7.5 - 8

First mined in

Santa Maria de Itabira

Discovered

IMPERIAL TOPAZ

1700s

Mohs Hardness 8

Discovered in the

Ouro Preto region

Brazil is one of the most important sources

of gemstones used in jewellery. Although a

wide array of gemstone varieties can be found

throughout the country, Brazilian emeralds,

Santa-Maria aquamarines, Paraiba tourmalines,

and imperial topaz are some of the rarest

gemstones ever discovered.

Teaghan Hall is a fine art graduate and

gemmologist. She works in the antique

jewellery trade and has written for various

industry publications. For more information on

gems and gemmology, visit www.gem.org.au

March 2025 | 27

THE

NEW

ICONS

ADORED PIECES IN UPDATED DESIGNS



28 | March 2025

THE WATCH REPORT

Timely Trends

ROSEFIELD

T

he watch industry continuously evolves, with fluctuations

driven by innovation, shifting consumer demands, and

the relentless pursuit of timeless appeal.

While some changes may fundamentally reshape the market, such as the

iconic Quartz Revolution or the transition from analog to digital and then to

smartwatches, others merely reflect the transient nature of taste.

Indeed, it’s a market that balances dynamism and progression with

conservatism and tradition, with new technologies and design philosophies

creating an industry in a constant flux.

With the new year well and truly underway, emerging trends will once again

reshape the market. Whether it's the integration of cutting-edge technology

or a return to classic designs, the watch world is always looking ahead.

A common theme among many analysts who have dared gaze into a crystal ball

thus far has been the importance of identity for consumers and watchmakers.

Consumers increasingly consider personalisation a critical factor. Their desire

for unique and individualised products reflects their need for a more profound

emotional attachment to jewellery and watches and their appreciation of

exclusivity's timeless appeal.

Matthew Stein, founder of the watch brand Ralph Christian, says that modern

consumers are searching for timepieces that feel personal and distinctive.

“In an era where watches serve as extensions of personal style, consumers

are increasingly curating collections that suit different occasions and outfits,”

he told London Daily News.

“This shift in preferences has created a thriving market for small-batch

production, bespoke designs, and handmade details — products that stand

out and offer a deeper sense of individuality”.

The importance of identity has been observed among both consumers and

brands. The perception of a brand plays a pivotal role in setting itself apart

in a competitive market.

As consumers become increasingly interested in the brand behind the product,

a strong identity allows watchmakers and retailers to foster deeper connections,

influencing purchasing decisions and long-term loyalty.

Victoria Gomelsky of Robb Report recently published interviews with 11 watch

industry experts, outlining their expectations for the year ahead. Among them

was Guido Terreni of Parmigiani Fleurier, who says consumers are increasingly

discerning.

“My bold prediction for 2025? Luxury will less be defined by price or status and

more by informed and intentional choices,” Terreni explains.

“Brands that articulate the soul of their creations and embody authenticity will

resonate with today’s and tomorrow’s discerning clientele.”

He continues: “A timepiece will transcend its role as an accessory, becoming

a statement of a personal choice and taste — a true testament to values and

character. At Parmigiani Fleurier, this is what we call private luxury.”

Small models make a big comeback

Over the past two years, the increasing importance of ‘smaller’ watches has

been passionately debated. Many experts suggest that today’s consumers

prioritise comfort over statement.

An intriguing report from GQ found that watches weren’t actually getting smaller.

Instead, it was determined that larger watches were merely being phased out.

The founder of Neighbourhood Watch Club, Jarrod Cooper, told Robb Report

that smaller watches, along with unisex models, would be increasingly popular

among consumers.

“2025 is the year for the smaller and more inclusive watch. I believe we are

going to continue to see watches being released in ‘smaller’ sizes, catering to

the unisex market,” predicts Cooper.

“I’ve noticed a lot more men are looking for watches around the 36mm mark

and enjoying how they wear compared to the larger sizes they were used to in

the past. At the same time, women are straying away from diamond-encrusted

watches and looking for more wearable pieces. Moving forward, I think that

watches aren’t going to be released as gender specific.”

March 2025 | 29

CLASSIQUE

Indeed, the preference for smaller watch cases

reflects the demand for minimalist design and

comfort. This appeals to those hunting for

discreet yet luxurious models.

These watches offer versatility, balancing style,

functionality, and a more subtle presence. Rob

Corder of WatchPro suggests that while this trend

will remain popular, it will also be restricted to a

specific market segment.

“The fashion for smaller men’s watches will

continue, but should not be over-stated. Sure,

celebrities are fuelling excitement in slimmer,

dressier watches from the 1970s, but this is still

a niche market,” writes Corder.

“The trend for more discreet wristwear is affecting

the oversized watch market the most. Chunky

sports watches at 45mm or more diameters

were commonplace five years ago; now, to me

at least, they look ugly.”

“The sweet spot, as watch-loving veterans remind

me, is 39mm. Expect to see a lot of watches

launching this year in the 36-39mm range.”

All shapes, all sizes

Watchmakers often experiment with unusual cases

to stand out in a competitive market. This approach

appeals to consumers seeking individuality.

Innovative shapes, materials, and designs

offer eye-catching aesthetics, allowing brands

to stray beyond the boundaries of convention.

30 | March 2025

GUESS

This creativity enhances visual appeal

andmeets the evolving demand for

unique timepieces.

“Brands need to stop playing it

safe and start embracing bold,

imaginative designs,” writes Neil

Cody for WatchGecko.

“It’s becoming tedious to see

recycled models from their archives

dressed up with a few new colour

options and marketed as ‘fresh’ releases.

Whether it’s due to a lack of creativity or an

overly cautious approach, the

result feels stagnant.”

Cody identified the 1970s as a 'golden era' for

experimentation in watchmaking. Designers

and brands embraced the challenge of creating

something new, and while not every piece was a

success, it was a philosophy that

drove innovation.

“As I’ve said before, fewer circles and more

corners should be the mantra for modern watch

design. We need creations that stand out and

represent the future, not endless tributes to

the past,” he continues.

“Interestingly, it’s the smaller independent brands

that are driving innovation. They’re capturing

the imagination of collectors and proving that

daring designs can succeed.”

Back to the future

While some may have grown weary and bored of

the ‘reinvention’ trend, the popularity of vintage

designs remains difficult to dispute.

In recent years, Jeweller has written extensively

on the significance of heritage among brands,

with the likes of Timex, Maxum, Edox and WOLF

each finding success by returning to their roots.

International brands such as Vacheron Constantin

(270 years), Breguet (250 years), and Audemars

Piguet (150 years) each have important

anniversaries this year.

The anniversaries of the Rolex Datejust (80 years)

and the Rolex GMT-Master (70 years) are likely to

fuel vintage appeal.

“It is a fact: the watch industry loves to celebrate

anniversaries and important milestones,” writes

Brice Goulard for Monochrome Watches.

“Being emotionally driven products, playing on

nostalgia has long proven an efficient strategy

for watch brands.”

He continues: “This year, in 2025, we know that

three of the most prestigious brands will be

celebrating important jubilees, and specific

models will be reaching significant anniversaries.

And this can already give us a pretty clear image

of what to expect for 2025.”

All the colours of the rainbow

The debate around watch colour trends remains

heated. Some expect the popularity of bright

and eye-catching tones to capture the hearts

of young consumers, while others predict a

return to understated conventional colours.

Ariel Adams of ABlogToWatch has a more

straightforward perspective.

He argues that colours such as black, blue, grey,

silver, and white will remain popular merely

because they better suit the most common

clothing choices of consumers.

“Designers also often prefer using classic colours

because they like shapes and materials to sell a

product, not the mere use of visually exciting hues,”

Adams writes.

“For a number of years now, I’ve joked about how,

after so many highly colourful watches, someone

will start to release monochromatic designs

and be heralded for their design-forwardness -

even though the old joke is that few people are

demanding more black-dialed watches.”

He continues: “I anticipate this to start happening

more often in 2025. Wild colours will still have a

place in the catalog of every brand, but no longer

will looking through a list of new watches be like

trying to identify an exotic frog, bird, or insect in

one of Earth’s rare bastions of biodiversity.”

What does the future hold?

The year ahead is expected to be dominated by

evolving preferences around personalisation and

identity, while a desire for comfort and minimalism

remains a critical consideration.

Watchmakers are expected to continue

experimenting with bold, innovative shapes and

materials to cater to the demand for distinctive

designs. Despite debates about colour trends,

classic tones such as black, blue, and grey are

expected to dominate, as they align with consumer

preferences and versatile fashion choices.

Perhaps the only clear expectation for the year

ahead is that watches will continue to transcend

their functional role and remain personal

statements of style and taste.

TURN PAGE FOR THE

WATCH BUYING GUIDE

Watches on Jeweller

BAUME & MERCIER

SCAN TO READ

ONLINE & MORE



November 2022 | 3

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Watch Buying Guide

CLASSIQUE

GENTS PRO MARINER

SAMS GROUP

classiquewatches.com

The Gents Pro Mariner 40mm Automatic

Watch is a fusion of classic elegance and

modern performance. Featuring a precision

automatic movement, this timepiece boasts

a 40mm stainless steel case, a sleek rotating

bezel, and a luminous dial for enhanced

visibility. Designed for both style and durability,

it’s water-resistant and built to endure.

COACH

MGDL

mgdldistribution.com.au

This Coach women’s watch from the Coach

Signature collection features a timeless

design with modern elegance. The goldtone

steel case pairs beautifully with the

crisp white dial, creating a refined look.

The bracelet-style design adds a touch

of sophistication and fluidity to the piece.

Designed to elevate any outfit effortlessly

combining style with grace.

2025 WATCH BUYING GUIDE

DIAL

DELI GHT

Search for new watches and timepieces for your store?

Jeweller provides an update on Australia’s leading

suppliers and their latest releases.

DANIEL WELLINGTON –

MARLON ST MAWES

DURAFLEX GROUP AUSTRALIA

dgau.com.au/daniel-wellington

This brand-new watch shape from

Daniel Wellington features several

vintage-inspired details. The cushion-

shaped case evokes classic vintage

men's watches. The linen-embossed

print on the dial enhances its

nostalgic design, making it elegant

and timeless and a perfect style staple

for any occasion and any type of look.


OPHELIA MINI



The Ophelia Mini Watch from Daniel

Wellington features a dial with an

elegant oval shape that diverges from

traditional timepieces. The watch

boasts metal Roman numerals atop a

disc pattern at the centre of the sunray

dial, and the case and bracelet are

polished to a bold, shimmering finish.


QUADRO MINI REFLECTION



This updated Quadro Mini features a

genuine mirror glass dial that perfectly

complements the fully polished

components of the watch. The new mesh

strap, with its flattened and polished

design, creates a seamless mirror effect

throughout the entire piece. The result is

an exclusive yet playful expression.

32 | March 2025

MGDL is a leading Australian watch distributor proudly representing

some of the most recognised brands in the fashion watch market

including international brands such as Movado, Tommy Hilfiger,

Hugo Boss, Coach, Lacoste, MVMT, Olivia Burton and Calvin Klein.

P: +61 3 9372 1122 | info@mgdl.com.au | mgdldistribution.com.au

DIAL DELIGHT | WATCH BUYING GUIDE

DKNY – BROOKLYN MIDI


dgau.com.au/dkny

Effortlessly chic and undeniably

timeless, the DKNY Brooklyn Midi

Gold Bracelet Watch is a blend of

modern elegance and New York-

inspired sophistication. Featuring a

sleek gold-tone stainless steel case

and a refined bracelet-style strap,

this watch exudes everyday luxury.

The minimalist gold dial with subtle

DKNY branding adds a touch of

understated glamour.

DKNY – CHAMBERS MIDI


dgau.com.au/dkny

The DKNY Chambers Midi Silver Dial

Watch is a fusion of elegance and

contemporary design. With its refined

gold-plated stainless-steel case and

band, this timepiece adds a touch

of luxury to any outfit. The striking

silver-white dial creates a clean,

timeless look, while the midi size

offers a modern, sophisticated feel.

FURLA

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/furla

DKNY – CITY MAXI


dgau.com.au/dkny

Make a statement with the DKNY

City Maxi Silver Dial Watch, a chic

and elegant timepiece designed

for those who appreciate style and

functionality. Featuring a sleek

silver dial that contrasts with the

gold-plated stainless-steel case

and band, this watch is a refined

addition to any collection.

Dainty but modern, this elegant

timepiece by Furla doubles as a

distinctive chain bracelet to bring

sophisticated style to every day. The

Furla Arch logo forms the links in the

gold-tone stainless steel bracelet.

Complemented by the round,

textured green sunray dial, which

stands out against the gold-tone

28mm case.

GUESS

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/guess

For those that demand sophistication

and statement styling, this new collection

from GUESS Watches is a must have.

The 36mm gold-tone case features the

iconic a quattro 'G' logo at the centre of

the croco textured champagne dial and is

paired with an elegant gold-tone bracelet.

GUESS

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/guess

This new oversized style from GUESS

Watches features a coin edge bezel and

chrono-look multi-function deep blue

dial. The sleek gold-tone stainless steel

bracelet completes this iconic look.

34 | March 2025

ORIGINALS



March 2025 | 35

HUGO BOSS

MGDL


A striking fusion of sporty design and

refined craftsmanship featuring a robust

bold black dial with dynamic blue details.

The chronograph features enhance

functionality, while the resilient silicone

strap offers comfort and flexibility. With

its sleek finish and versatile design, this

timepiece is perfect for both everyday

wear and active pursuits, embodying

both performance and style.

JACQUES DU MANOIR

WEST END COLLECTION

westendcollection.com.au

Introducing the Jacques du Manoir

Horizon Gents collection, where timeless

elegance meets modern functionality in

every detail. With a sleek 41mm stainless

steel case and bracelet available in silver,

gold, grey, blue, green, and black with

patterns, this watch exudes sophistication

and versatility to suit any style.

SUPPLIERS

DIRECTORY

AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND’S

#1 JEWELLERY & WATCHES DIRECTORY

LUMINOX


dgau.com.au/luminox

The Navy SEAL Foundation XS.3517.NSF.

SET reflects Luminox’s close connection

to elite military units, featuring a

bold military green and yellow colour

combination. Built with a robust 45mm

CARBONOX case and bezel, the watch

is designed to withstand extreme

environments, offering water resistance

up to 200 meters.

Find it 24/7.

You’ll want to bookmark this.

WATCH BUYING GUIDE | DIAL DELIGHT

MAURICE LACROIX

WEST END COLLECTION


This is a limited edition release from

Maurice Lacroix, featuring engraving

and dial design by artist Wotto and a

brushed and polished stainless steel

case with an open caseback. Wotto

designed a pattern engraved on the

case and the dial features a grey

background with a vertical colour

gradient (blue to yellow) with black

surrounding.

MAXUM – FANTA

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/maxum

Sleek, stylish and on trend.

Reintroducing the Fanta, a Maxum

classic that's here to stay. A trendy

silver-tone curved rectangular case

shape is complemented by a silver dial

and a sleek two-tone stainless steel

bracelet creates a chic and classy look.

MONDAINE


dgau.com.au/mondaine

A concave dial, paired with doubledomed

sapphire crystal, creates a

captivating play of light and depth,

enhancing both legibility and visual

appeal. Inspired by vintage curved

dials, this blend of vintage charm

and sleek minimalism results in

a refined, timeless addition to the

MONDAINE family.

MOVADO

MGDL


A true testament to refined luxury,

the new Movado timepiece blends

stainless steel and blush ceramic for

a sophisticated, modern look. The

silver dial with its signature minimalist

design, exudes timeless elegance

while Swiss-made craftsmanship

ensures precision. A perfect choice

for those who appreciate the fusion

of artistry, innovation, and exceptional

craftsmanship in a timepiece.

DIAL DELIGHT | WATCH BUYING GUIDE

PHILIPP PLEIN

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au

At Philipp Plein, no effort is spared to

turn dials into impeccable works of art.

The unmistakable essence of Philipp

Plein permeates every aspect of the

Date Superlative. From its distinguished

top ring to its unique 42mm green dial’s

finishing and distinctive symbols, every

detail is meticulously crafted.

PLEIN SPORT – OPIUM

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


At the heart of Opium's design is the

mesmerising gold-tone 3D tiger head

complemented by a champagne dial and

38mm gold-tone case, a symbol of fierce

beauty and independence, etched onto

the crystal. This piece from PLEIN SPORT

boasts a luxurious golden-tone leather strap

and an engraved logomania on the top ring.

TED BAKER –JOLYYE

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/ted-baker

ROSEFIELD – THE BOXELLE

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/rosefield

Rosefield reinvented two best-selling

timepieces to create a new iconic silhouette.

The beautiful Boxelle from Rosefield features

a petite 19.5mm x 24.5mm square case with

a light champagne sunray dial and gold-tone

stainless steel bracelet that's easy to adjust.

A timeless new statement of elegance that is

sure to become an instant classic.

Ted Baker's Jolyye is back with more

refined and elevated details. The delicate

24mm gold-tone case features a black

sunray dial surrounded by a ring of crystals

and paired with a simple black leather

strap, making it unique and contemporary.

The Jolyye is available in both a leather

strap version and the bracelet version.

TOMMY HILFIGER

MGDL


A perfect blend of classic elegance

and modern functionality with a sleek

stainless-steel case and bracelet with

gold-tone accents. The deep blue dial is

adorned with gold-tone hour markers

and hands, offering a striking contrast

for easy readability. An ideal timepiece

for the discerning individual who values

both style and precision.

TIMEX – Q TIMEX®

DESIGNA ACCCESSORIES

designaaccessories.com.au/timex

The Q Timex Continental GMT brings

refinement with a new streamlined

39mm brushed stainless-steel case

with polished edges and a sleek GMT

function featuring a discreet display at 6

o’clock. The simple black or silver-tone

dial features a radial texture and a clean

presentation that’s effortlessly cool,

highlighted by faceted hour markers.

38 | March 2025

22nd

SOUTHPORT SHARKS

CNR OLSEN & MUSGRAVE AVENUE, SOUTHPORT QLD 4216

ADD E VENT

TO CALENDAR

» WED 6 AUGUST 2025

» THU 7 AUGUST 2025

9.00AM - 5.00PM

9.00AM - 4.00PM

+ 61 427 920 474 • MAIL@AUSTOPALEXPO.COM.AU

PO BOX 731, LIGHTNING RIDGE NSW 3834 AUSTRALIA

S AV E TH E DATE

AUGUST 6 & 7

@ Southport Sharks

A new range of Argyle pink and blue diamond jewellery,

from one of the original Argyle Pink Diamond Select Ateliers.

All Rosé products are made with official Argyle pink and blue diamonds.


EST• 1 965

Nina’s Jewellery proudly supports White Ribbon Australia. Stand up, speak out and act to end men’s violence against women.

40 | March 2025

RINGS OF DISTINCTION

Lasting a Lifetime

A GALLERY OF THE EXTRAORDINARY

TOP TO BOTTOM: Planet Almas; Mark McAskill; Gerrim; Duraflex; Sams Group Australia

E

very day, a new consumer embarks on a quest to find

that one perfect ring that encapsulates the emotional

significance of life’s important milestones. Meanwhile,

jewellery retailers are on a mission to ensure that the ideal

piece can be found in their store.

The ever-expanding versatility of ring designs is a promising

phenomenon for these consumers; however, it marks another

significant challenge for jewellery store owners. Difficult decisions

need to be made. It’s impossible to stock everything — even when

consumers appear to demand it.

With this in mind, ring selection remains a critical practice for

Australia’s independent jewellery retailers. It’s the hunt for

those perfect designs that build lasting customer relationships.

These are Rings of Distinction. Some may feature the best of the

best in terms of diamonds and gemstones, while others are

understated and relatively inexpensive. The one characteristic

they share is that they’re well-crafted and meaningful.

Jeweller previously published a report that underscored the

importance of rings in jewellery store sales among retailers. It was

found that rings accounted for approximately one-third of all sales

among a substantial sample of stores.

Unsurprisingly, diamond rings represented the most significant

value in dollar terms, while silver rings consistently led by a sizable

margin in terms of units. Clear preferences for yellow gold and

white gold were also highlighted.

Fast forward to the present, and recent research has offered more

valuable insights into jewellery trends for retailers. Easy Weddings,

an events management company based in Victoria, publishes an

annual report that includes survey responses from thousands

of engaged and newlywed couples.

The report provides data on budgets, demographics, and supplier

preferences, and the most recent edition identified a 3 per cent

increase in spending on engagement rings over the past year,

reaching $5,854.

This data was contrasted with an average spend above initial wedding

budgets of 28.6 per cent, a 29.5 per cent increase on a year-on-year

comparison. The average wedding budget was $27,455, a slight

decline by annual comparison.

With the average expenditure on weddings reaching $35,315,

the report also identified the spectrum's extremes. It was found

that 13 per cent of couples spend more than $60,000 on their

weddings. On the flip side, 64 per cent of couples are spending

less than $40,000.

Unsurprisingly, sticking to an established budget was the leading

cause of stress during planning. Furthermore, 69 per cent of

couples are decreasing their budget in some way because of cost

of living concerns, while 19 per cent are spending more because

of price hikes.

So, what does this mean for retailers? The increase in spending on

engagement rings suggests that despite the pressures of wedding

planning, shopping for rings that will last a lifetime remains a priority.

Furthermore, a focus on offering entry-level options for rings could

appeal to those who want to stick to a budget but still desire

something heartfelt and special.

Conversely, this research also hints at an undying passion for highend

luxury jewellery, and retailers can target this demographic

with premium products.

More than anything, this data shows an overall increase in spending

despite financial pressure, underscoring the perpetual importance

of jewellery in the wedding experience.

March 2025 | 41

SPLENDID FEATHER COCKTAIL RING

GÜBELIN

ANYA TAYLOR-JOY

TIFFANY & CO.

Add to the banquet – more food for thought

Recent research published by the Natural

Diamond Council offers additional insights into

evolving consumer preferences around rings.

Natural Diamond Trends: A 2024 Overview

found that consumers are increasingly

experimental with style choices. They combine

precious metals, diamonds, and colour

gemstones into unconventional designs that

reflect their preferences and personalities.

A strong appetite for individuality is reflected

in a poll that identified uniqueness as the

most critical factor in choosing a diamond

engagement ring (27 per cent), with clarity

being the second most important factor.

It was noted that fancy shapes, such as pear,

marquise, emerald, oval and non-round cuts

were popular among consumers expressing

a wish to showcase their originality.

Diamonds are also increasingly paired with

pearls to symbolise sophistication and elegance.

Without any budget considerations, nearly half

of the responses indicated a preference for a

white diamond. Interestingly, among those aged

18-24, fancy colour diamonds were identified

as particularly desirable. In terms of cut, round

brilliant and emerald were the most popular.

The research involved a survey of 2,000 adults

in the UK and highlighted other notable trends,

including the desire for an engagement ring

from independent jewellers (30 per cent), rather

than high-street jewellery stores (9 per cent).

Of the few participants who said they were

disappointed with their engagement ring,

57 per cent admitted it was because it wasn't

big enough. One-fifth of people confessed they

had lied to a family member or friend about

liking jewellery when they didn't.

Around one-third (34 per cent) of respondents

said they would like their engagement ring

to be a surprise. In contrast, the majority

(48 per cent) wanted to choose the ring

with their partner – perhaps to avoid the

aforementioned disappointment!

Lifestyles of the rich and famous

The report also focused on the popularity of

celebrity rings, with the Duchess of Sussex,

Meghan Markle, identified as the owner of the

most prized piece.

Markle's engagement ring is a trilogy ring with

a cushion-cut diamond in the middle and two

smaller round diamonds on either side.

The ring is set in an East-West bezel design,

which makes the diamond appear prominent.

Actress Mila Kunis’ stunning diamond

engagement ring finished in second place.

It’s a five-carat round-cut diamond solitaire

on a platinum band with a semi-pave inlay.

Adele’s engagement ring ranked third.

It features a pear-shaped diamond on a

platinum band with a pavé setting of smaller

diamonds. The piece is estimated to be

around 8 carats.

Kate Middleton's engagement ring, which

features a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded

by 14 solitaire diamonds on an 18-carat white

gold band, reached fourth place.

Rounding out the top five was Zendaya's

engagement ring, a 5-carat cushion-cut

diamond in a Georgian-style setting.

The ring is made of white and yellow gold.

What did we learn?

The research above suggests that jewellery

retailers should prioritise a mix of ring

designs that reflect the increasing demand

for individuality, personalisation and quality

craftsmanship.

The demand for rings that symbolise life's

key milestones and accomplishments

remains fierce among high-end and

budget-conscious consumers.

The popularity of celebrity engagement

rings shows that many consumers still take

inspiration from iconic styles. Retailers may

consider offering rings to match this desire,

especially those that blend elegance with

modern flair. These timeless designs will

appeal to consumers looking for classic

and sophisticated options.

By diversifying their offerings with a mixture

of traditional and unique styles and focusing

on exceptional service and quality, retailers

can build lasting relationships with customers

and meet evolving market trends.

TURN PAGE FOR THE

RING BUYING GUIDE

Rings of Distinction

on Jeweller

SCAN TO READ

ONLINE & MORE

PLANET ALMAS FINE JEWELLERY

F O L L O W U S

March 2025 | 43

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Ring Buying Guide

BUTTERFLY PARADISE

COCKTAIL RING

THOMAS SABO – DURAFLEX

dgau.com.au/thomas-sabo

From THOMAS SABO, this playful butterfly

cocktail ring has curved wings and a radiant stone

setting. There's a touch of romantic sparkle due

to to zirconia stones in elegant shapes such as

navette and round cuts. Butterflies are a symbol

of beauty and represent the reinvention of the self.

AUDREY & MARILYN RINGS

ellendalediamonds.com.au

Embrace timeless elegance with these two exquisite

rings from Ellendale Diamonds, each showcasing

rare Argyle pink diamonds. The classic Audrey

features a unique 2.56-carat Argyle white round

brilliant cut. Marilyn’s beauty features three round

brilliant cut Argyle pinks 5PP totalling 0.298-carat.

These heirloom-worthy pieces celebrate the beauty

and rarity of Australia’s iconic diamonds.

BUYERS CATALOGUE

Rings of

DistinctioN

CURVACEOUS PURPLE

SER VALIENTE

& CREVICE RING

UNODE50 – TIMESUPPLY

unode50.com.au

The most popular design from

UNOde50 is the iconic Crevice Ring.

UNOde50 offers truly unique and

original, organically styled jewels.

Handmade in Madrid, Spain, the brand

is a leader in bold and uncompromised

design, appealing to fashionistas and

lovers of statement pieces.

Build a relationship that lasts a lifetime

with these high-quality and well-crafted

pieces from leading industry suppliers.

ESMEE RING

NINA'S JEWELLERY


With hidden diamond details on the bridge intended

just for the wearer, The Esmee from Nina's Jewellery

features an oval-cut 0.22 carat PC3 Argyle pink diamond

at its centre, complemented by a halo of fourteen round-

cut 6-7P shimmering Argyle pinks. White diamond pears

on the shoulders add a final fancy flourish.

DSM PACIFIC

dsmpacific.com.au

With one of the largest stocks of diamonds in Australia,

DSM Pacific is confident in its ability to find you the

perfect product. These stunning halo solitaire diamond

rings are available in 18-carat yellow gold and white gold.

44 | March 2025

ESTELLE COLLECTION:

MULTI STONE RING

MARK MCASKILL

markmcaskill.com.au

This multi-stone ring from Mark McAskill is bound to

inspire with playful, fancy-cut gemstones. It features

an exquisite combination of pink and mint tourmalines,

blue topaz and diamond set in 9-carat yellow gold.

ESTELLE COLLECTION:

MINT TOURMALINE &

SAPPHIRE

MARK MCASKILL

markmcaskill.com.au

From Mark McAskill's Estelle Collection, this

piece is modern elegance meeting a heirloom-

inspired design in a tailor-made 9-carat gold

ring, showcasing a magnificent 6.57-carat

pear cut mint tourmaline surrounded by halos

of sapphires and diamonds.

FREYA RING

NINA'S JEWELLERY


Kimberley Grand Magnolia

A true reflection of luxury and high-quality

craftsmanship, the Grand Magnolia Ring

from Pink Kimberley showcases the exquisite

pink hues of Australian pink diamonds. This

piece is a one-of-a-kind, dazzling floral

display of sparkling white diamonds and

vibrant, saturated pink diamonds.

Nina's Jewellery presents the Freya

diamond ring, a floral masterpiece in

18-carat white and rose gold. The 0.05-carat

Argyle pink diamond centre, embraced by

petal-like pear-cut white diamonds, forms a

captivating forever flower.

PinkKimberley.com.au


RINGS OF DISTINCTION | BUYING GUIDE

GARNET BLOOM RING

GERRIM

gerrim.com

Gerrim introduces a breathtaking

Floral-Inspired Gold Ring. A deep

red, round-cut garnet sits at the

heart of the ring, exuding passion

and sophistication. Surrounding the

centre stone is a halo of vivid pink

sapphires, adding a rich contrast and

extra sparkle. Set in high-polished

yellow gold, this ring is designed to

make a statement of luxury.

GERRIM

This stunning gold ring from Gerrim features

an intricate lattice design adorned with multiple

lustrous pearls. The crisscross gold framework

creates a luxurious and sophisticated look.

This statement piece beautifully blends modern

artistry with timeless charm, making it a

perfect choice for those who appreciate unique

and bold jewellery.

GERRIM

This exquisite gold ring from Gerrim showcases a striking,

oversized faceted green amethyst as its centrepiece. The

large, oval-cut gemstone reflects light beautifully, revealing

a mesmerising mix of green hues. Delicate diamond accents

trace the curving gold band, adding a touch of sophistication.

Two smaller marquise-cut green gemstones are set on

either side, enhancing the ring’s nature-inspired aesthetic.

GRAND MAGNOLIA

PINK KIMBERLEY – SAMS GROUP

pinkkimberley.com.au

The Grand Magnolia Ring from Pink

Kimberley is a breathtaking celebration of

nature’s beauty, crafted with Australian pink

diamonds and white diamonds. At its heart

lies an Australian pink diamond, encircled by

a halo of pink stones and marquise-cut white

diamonds reminiscent of magnolia petals in

bloom. Set in 18-carat white and rose gold.

JS LANDAU

jslandaudiamonds.com

JS Landau takes pride in offering

a stunning range of designs, from

exciting new creations to our

best-selling favourites available

for your order.

46 | March 2025

LOVELY DAISY COCKTAIL RING

THOMAS SABO – DURAFLEX

dgau.com.au/thomas-sabo

An elaborate cocktail ring with a romantic

bouquet of flowers from THOMAS SABO. Set with

white and yellow zirconia in elaborate cuts such

as baguette, heart and drop cuts. Stylised leaves

complete the playful design that celebrates the

beauty of nature and invites you to dream.

PINK SAPPHIRE RING

BOLTON GEMS

boltongems.com.au

Turn up the sparkle with this gorgeous 18-carat yellow gold ring from

Bolton Gems. Featuring a vibrant 7x5mm oval pink sapphire claw set

at the centre, this piece radiates elegance. Surrounded by a dazzling

scalloped halo of brilliant diamonds and diamond-set shoulders, it’s

a blend of bold colour and timeless glamour.

PLANET ALMAS

planetalmas.com.au

There's no other design like this.

Lagoon tourmaline in the centre with

lagoon tourmaline and lab-created

diamonds on the sides finished in a

classic vintage style. This design will

brighten any jewellery store window

and yield a sparkle in the eyes of

customers. This is a unique design

for unique customers who want

individual pieces.

March 2025 | 47

RINGS OF DISTINCTION | BUYING GUIDE

PLANET ALMAS

This aquamarine ring with lab-created

diamonds is set in 18-carat gold with

fancy kite cut aquamarines on the sides.

A classic design with a modern touch.

PLANET ALMAS

From Planet Almas, this ultimate

trilogy ring with tanzanite set in

18-carat yellow and white gold with

lab-created diamonds. Exquisite in

every way and a top-seller.

PLANET ALMAS

planetalmas.com.au

From Planet Almas, a sunrise pink sapphire with

lab-created diamonds set in a halo design with

marquise-shaped diamonds on the shoulders to

elevate this ring to stand out from the crowd.

RHODOLITE RING

BOLTON GEMS

boltongems.com.au

Add a pop of colour to your collection

with this stunning 18-carat rose gold

ring from Bolton Gems. Featuring a

vibrant 6mm round Rhodolite Garnet as

the star of the show, the centre stone is

claw set for a bold yet elegant look.

SAKURA

NINA'S JEWELLERY


Proudly presented by Nina's

Jewellery, the Sakura Brand is set

with 24 Argyle pink diamonds and

82 fine white diamonds. The band

features five diamond-set flowers,

forever in bloom between her white

diamond rails.

STULLER

stuller.com

From Stuller, a stunning 14-carat

white oval natural diamond semiset

engagement ring featuring a

1.93-carat emerald.

WORLD SHINER

worldshiner.com

World Shiner has introduced a new selection of

ring mounts, adding to an already impressive

collection. These mounts are designed to take

a variety of solitaire diamonds and gemstones,

enhancing their brilliance and overall appearance.

Whether you're looking for something classic or

contemporary, this new range offers something

for every style and preference.

48 | March 2025

FURLA

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


An elegant pair of rings, one in an

enamel finish inscribed with the

Furla name and founding date, the

other a band of sparkling white

crystals, celebrate an unmistakable

style. Sold in sets of two and can pair

with the matching Furla 1927 Colour

Edition collection pieces.

MILKY WAY STACKING RING

IKECHO

wholesale.ikecho.com.au

Set in either 9-carat gold or sterling silver,

Ikecho's subtle yet stunning band-style opal ring

is sure to be an everyday favourite. Featuring a

line-style of nine delicately crafted pieces of light

opal, this ring is perfect for everyday wear and

showcases translucent beauty.

A RING FOR THE UNDERSTATED

SIMPLE

&SLEEK

Looking for something simple, yet sophisticated?

You've come to the right place!

ROSEFIELD

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


The Small Croissant ring from Rosefield

is a delicate way to add interest to any ring

collection. The gentle twist details make

this perfect to stack with other rings.

LAB DIAMONDS BY DGA


dgau.com.au/diamonds-by-dga

Elegance meets sustainability with

the Lab Diamonds by DGA and this

9-carat Gold Ring — a timeless piece

crafted for those who appreciate

both luxury and ethics. Featuring

stunning lab-created diamonds, this

ring sparkles with brilliance.

Our curated collection features a stunning array of precious and

semi-precious gems, each hand selected for its brilliance, quality,

and unique beauty. Whether you’re searching for the perfect stone

for a custom creation or a timeless piece of gemstone jewellery,

Fine Gems offers unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM BOLTON GEMS

WWW.BOLTONGEMS.COM.AU • 1800 777 413

March 2025 | | 499

#ONEFORMEONEFORYOU

THE COMPOSABLE BRACELET

MADE IN ITALY

AJF STAND

A38

AJF STAND

A38

AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

2025 Buying Guide

STAND

A39

AUTORE PEARLS

autorepearls.com

Autore is a globally renowned

pearl jeweller, worn by celebrities

on red carpets and in film. As one

of the largest South Sea pearl

distributors, AUTORE manages

farming, wholesaling, jewellery

manufacturing, retail, and marketing.

Their success reflects a commitment

to quality, innovation, and leadership

in the luxury pearl industry.

STAND

C35

BELLA DONNA SILVER

belladonnasilver.com.au

Bella Donna Silver offers branded, unique, and

exclusive sterling silver Harmony Balls, pearl,

and keepsake jewellery. They provide free gift

wrapping, store merchandising, and a lifetime

guarantee. Committed to ethical practices,

they support orphaned children and fair work

conditions. Founders Jason and Donna Quinn

assist retailers with quality, affordable jewellery.

STAND

C01

BOLTON GEMS

boltongems.com.au

Introducing the Crossroads ring from Bolton

Gems, where bold design meets luxurious

elegance. Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold,

this striking piece features a 0.52-carat round

brilliant-cut Australian Chocolate Diamond set

at the heart of an eye-catching crossover design.

AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR 2025

Sparkle

& Sunshine

The Australian Jewellery Fair is set to be

one to remember! Jeweller offers a review

of the latest and greatest new products

from local suppliers ahead of the show.

STAND

A38

COEUR DE LION

TIMESUPPLY

coeurdelionjewellery.com.au

Introducing the latest

interpretation of the ICONIC

GEOCUBE collection, showcasing

unique tone-on-tone colours

or fresh colourways to match

the season’s fashions. These

Bauhaus-inspired cubes have

become iconic design classics and

have won international acclaim.

A new addition to our range is the

beautiful Coeur de Lion Tennis

Bracelets - the perfect layering

partner to GeoCube bracelets.

STAND

C02

DIAMONDS BY GEORGINI

WEST END COLLECTION


STAND

B09

CULTURED JEWELLERY

DESIGNS

culturedjewellerydesigns.com

Diamonds by Georgini is set to make waves

in 2025 with must-have—stunning diamond

letter pendants. Crafted from a single, whole

1.5-carat lab-created diamond and mounted

in 9-carat gold, each piece is cut to perfection,

delivering an unparalleled sparkle. These

statement-making stones redefine brilliance,

offering a timeless way to express yourself.

Cultured Jewellery Designs is an Australian

pearl wholesaler offering South Sea and

Tahitian pearls, gemstones, and diamonds

in elegant jewellery pieces. Founded

by gemmologist Lisa Berghofer, CJD

ensures top-quality pearls through global

partnerships. They also provide restringing

services and custom jewellery designs,

crafting timeless pieces in silver and gold.

STAND

C18

DIAMONDS BY DGA


dgau.com.au

Elevate your elegance with the Diamonds by DGA

Gold Necklace, a timeless piece designed for

those who appreciate luxury and sophistication.

Crafted from 18-carat gold, this exquisite

necklace features a brilliant-cut diamond and a

rich red ruby, symbolising passion and refinement.

March 2025 | 51

GOLD COAST 2025 | AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

STAND

C33

DISTELL INTERNATIONAL

Distell was established in 1982, and is

a family-owned and operated business,

delivering high-quality finished jewellery

at affordable prices. Based in Sydney,

Distell specialises in colour gemstone

jewellery either with or without diamonds.

STAND

A16

STAND

B18

DJ DIAMOND DESIGNS

djdiamonddesigns.com.au

DJ Diamond Designs is a natural diamond and

precious colour gemstone jewellery manufacturer

and supplier. The company specialises in

beautifully designed 18-carat products including

earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and

rings. New designs feature diamonds, emeralds,

rubies, pink and blue sapphires, tourmaline,

tanzanite, morganite and yellow beryl.

ELLENDALE DIAMONDS

ellendalediamonds.com.au

The latest gold nugget pendant collection from

Ellendale Diamonds celebrates the allure of

rising gold prices with stunning freeform designs.

Featuring Australian diamonds and vibrant

gemstones, these unique pieces highlight local

luxury and natural beauty. Showcase the best of

Australia’s treasures with timeless elegance.

STAND

B06

EVIDENT AUSTRALIA

evidentscientific.com

Evident Scientific is a global company driving

innovation to meet evolving customer needs.

Supplying advanced solutions across research,

infrastructure inspection, and mineral

testing, Evident enhances safety and health

worldwide. With offices across Australia, they

provide local expertise, technical support, and

world-class service to ensure prompt and

professional client assistance.

Ellendale Diamonds’s latest

opal jewellery range captures

the mesmerising beauty of

Australia’s national gem.

Featuring vibrant freeform

designs with opals in a

kaleidoscope of colours, each

piece is paired with Australian

diamonds and gold for

timeless elegance. Celebrate

nature’s brilliance with this

stunning collection, perfect for

those seeking unique luxury.

STAND

C02

GEORGINI

WEST END COLLECTION


Inspired by the Sydney nightlife and

designed for after-dark glamour, this

Georgini collection features curated ear

stacks and layered styling. With limitededition

Moonlight and Starlight pieces,

Midnight Velvet ensures you shine.

STAND

A07

FURLA

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


This effortlessly elegant necklace by Furla

is a fashion statement that commands

authority in any setting. Substantial oval links

intersect with links formed from the Furla

Arch logo, creating an iconic, contemporary

accessory that’s equally fabulous with a crisp

white t shirt or strapless black evening gown.

STAND

B33

GERRIM

gerrim.com

Gerrim Golden Classics is a selection of

timeless gold signet rings made in Australia.

One notable piece is the 9-carat Signet Ring,

with a matching diamond band featuring a

sleek gold band suitable for everyday wear and

special occasions. This collection highlights

a range of gold jewellery, including various

signet rings that cater to diverse tastes.

52 | March 2025



March 2025 | 53

GOLD COAST 2025 | AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

STAND

B22

GLOBAL JEWELLERY CONCEPTS

gjconcepts.com.au

Global Jewellery Concepts is a family-owned

business, providing a wide range of jewellery

featuring natural and lab-created diamonds,

as well as ideal zirconia rings, earrings,

necklaces, pendants, bracelets and tennis

bracelets. The company also offers a large

range of Italian gold earrings, necklaces and

bracelets and provides custom jewellery and

manufacturing to suit any customer's design.

STAND

A05

GOLDEN ARROW

goldenarrowjewellers.com.au

STAND

A25

GOLDEN MILE JEWELLERY

MANUFACTURERS

goldenmile.com.au

Golden Mile Jewellery Manufacturers

are a family-owned and operated

business, manufacturing gold jewellery

since 1990. Since its inception, the

business has grown from making

bangles and handmade chains, and

expanded into machine-made fine

chains and are now also wholesalers of

high-quality earrings and pendants.

STAND

B01

GOLD EXCHANGE UNIVERSE

goldexchangeuniverse.com.au

Gold Exchange Universe has worked with fine jewellery

and precious metals for the past 35 years. The company

will help you maximise your return without the hassle

via an online auction platform or make a cash offer.

The professional and experienced staff provide free

appraisals and advice, giving you the best value.

STAND

B24

IKECHO

wholesale.ikecho.com.au

The Goldie Necklace from

Ikecho is a fusion of elegance

and versatility. Showcasing

luminous white freshwater pearls

accented by radiant yellow gold

beads, it exudes warmth and

sophistication. With its delicate

yet striking design, this necklace

is perfect for layering or making a

subtle statement on its own.

From Golden Arrow, these Good Luck

Pendants represent good fortune, strength

and protection against negative energy.

Crafted in 9-carat yellow gold, the Lucky

Horn Pendant is available in two sizes with

red enamel or plain polished finished.

The Callie Jewellery Set

from Ikecho is a vibrant yet

timeless trio, featuring dreamy

Amazonite beads and luminous

freshwater pearls. The Cleo

Jewellery Set is a bold yet

elegant trio featuring natural

Bamboo Coral beads and

luminous freshwater pearls. The

bracelet, necklace, and earrings

combine rich, warm tones with

timeless sophistication.

STAND

C32

IMAJPAK

imajpak.com

Imajpak is based in Melbourne, supplying

premium jewellery packaging and

displays. The company offers free of

charge logo printing with small minimum

quantity requirements, all produced

in-house in Melbourne. Imajpak stock

an extensive range of jewellery boxes,

children's jewellery boxes, money boxes,

and musical carousels.

STAND

A02

JS LANDAU DIAMONDS

jslandaudiamonds.com

STAND

B34

JEWELARC

INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

jewelarc.com

Jewelarc has been designing, manufacturing,

and distributing jewellery worldwide since

2002. Specialising in fine gold, silver, precious

gemstones, and diamonds, they prioritise

sustainability and ethical sourcing. Committed

to environmental protection and community

support, Jewelarc ensures all materials are

traceable, using exclusively Botswana diamonds

and responsibly sourced gold and silver.

JS Landau Diamonds is a longestablished

company, beginning in 1938.

With 85 years of outstanding service

to the jewellery industry, the company

specialises in precious colour gemstone

and diamond jewellery, the latest

exclusive European, antique, antique

style and old favourite designs of the

highest quality but at a reasonable price.

54 | March 2025

See us at the AJF Gold Coast Stand B24

PEARL & OPAL JEWELLERY STYLED BY NATURE

wholesale.ikecho.com.au | enquiries@ikecho.com.au | (02) 9266 0636

March 2025 | 55

GOLD COAST 2025 GUIDE | AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

STAND

B38

LA COURONNE JEWELLERY

lacouronnejewellery.com.au

For 40 years, La Couronne has supplied the Australian

jewellery industry with high-quality gold, silver, and

stainless steel pieces set with diamonds and colour

gemstones. They provide comprehensive marketing

support, including catalogues, posters, digital assets,

and point-of-sale materials, helping retailers effectively

showcase their jewellery collections in the current market.

STAND

A29

MARK MCASKILL JEWELLERY

markmcaskill.com.au

STAND

A38

NOMINATION

TIMESUPPLY

nomination-jewellery.com.au

The new Nomination Composable collection

offers more than 90 new links. Fun links in

18-carat gold offering cute colourful styles with

a hot air balloon, a groovy combi van, lipstick,

or 9-carat rose gold links featuring unicorns,

princesses, dance links, and so many more.

Mark McAskill Jewellery are

manufacturers of fine quality 9-carat,

18-carat gold and platinum jewellery.

Established in 1989, the range consists of

rings, earrings and pendants, featuring

both colour gemstone and diamond

designs from the Aura, Lux, Pink Caviar,

Estelle and Modern Bridal collections.

The company also offers a custom CAD

design and manufacturing service.

STAND

A20

OLYMPIC SWISS WATCHES

olympicwatch.com

Olympic Swiss Limited was established in 1972 and

celebrated 45 years in business in 2017. Founded to

create high-quality, affordable watches, Olympic’s

success comes from attention to detail, technical

expertise, and excellent customer service. Their Swissdesigned

Ronda movements and minimum 30-metre

water resistance set them apart from competitors.

The new Nomination

Fashion Jewellery lines

are the perfect blend of

tradition and modernity.

They encompass a

variety of styles from

classic to contemporary;

there’s something to

suit all ages.

GOT GOLD? WE’RE READY TO BUY!

We Buy

& Sell

All Types of

Gold, Diamonds,

Jewellery,

Watches, Coins

Talk to us: (02) 9267 9990

www.goldexchangeuniverse.com.au

GB 303 Pitt St Sydney NSW 2000

STAND

C23

PATERSON FINE JEWELLERY

pfj.com.au

Paterson Fine Jewellery is a prominent

jewellery wholesaler in Australia offering

a wide range of quality jewellery for

ladies, gents and children. Established

in 1935, Paterson Fine Jewellery has

built a reputation as a trusted wholesale

jewellery supplier in Australia.

STAND

B23

OOZOO TIMEPIECES /

STEEL & BARNETT

oozoo.com.au

OOZOO Timepieces are fashion items

in every sense of the word. OOZOO

does not follow trends, it sets trends.

Fashion comes in first place, but

obviously it’s just as important to

display the right time. All OOZOO

timepieces are high-quality watches

with the best movements available in

this price range.

STAND

A07

PHILIPP PLEIN JEWELLERY

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


Wearing a piece from the Plein Edge

collection means embracing your bold

and slightly rebellious side. Highlighting

the iconic Philipp Plein symbols, this

silver-tone necklace cherishes those

who make their history their strength.

STAND

B40

PINK KIMBERLEY

SAMS GROUP AUSTRALIA

pinkkimberley.com.au

The Kimberley Mon Cheri Ring showcases

rare pink diamonds from the Argyle mine,

encircling a mesmerising blue-green

cushion-cut diamond. Crafted in 18-carat

white and rose gold, its luxurious design

blends contrasting hues, adding a modern

touch to the classic halo setting.

The Kimberley Sophie Ring features a

rare Australian pink pear-cut diamond

at its heart, elegantly framed in 18-carat

white and rose gold. A double halo

of dazzling white and pink diamonds

enhances its brilliance, creating a striking

contrast that exudes sophistication. This

exceptional design is a true testament to

luxury, rarity, and craftsmanship.

STAND

B06

PLANET ALMAS

planetalmas.com.au

A new and modern take on the classic

trilogy ring from Planet Almas.

It combines vintage and classic

elements with a modern twist and is

sure to delight consumers seeking

traditional or progressive designs.

STAND

B16

RAD JEWELLERY WHOLESALE

radjewellerywholesale.com.au

Rad Jewellery Wholesale is a family-

owned business, established in 1990 as

a manufacturer and wholesaler of fine

jewellery with a large range of products,

including classic to fancy designs.

GOLD COAST 2025 GUIDE | AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR

STAND

C38

RETAIL EDGE CONSULTANTS

retailedgeconsultants.com.au

Founded in 2005 by Australian jewellery store owners,

Retail Edge Consultants supports more than 400 jewellery

businesses with The Edge Point of Sale and expert business

consulting. As a leader in data, benchmarking, and industry

trends, they collaborate with independent jewellers, buying

groups, and stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand.

STAND

C37

SAPPHIRE EXPORTS

sapphirexport.com

From Sapphire Exports, this 4.2-carat sapphire

is paired with a 1.2-carat GVS round brilliant

cut diamond set in 18-carat yellow gold.

STAND

A07

ROSEFIELD

DESIGNA ACCESSORIES


These glistening octagon double crystal studs

by Rosefield are eye-catching. The 14-carat

yellow gold plated stainless steel studs are

elevated by two iconic octagon-shaped crystals.

They can be dressed up or down for any outfit.

B32

SEARAY

searay.net.au

Searay, a leading Australian jewellery wholesaler

since the late 80s, is known for quality and reliability.

Originally importing Italian gold chains, they

now offer 5,000+ 9k and 18k gold and diamond

designs. Committed to excellence, Searay supports

independent jewellers and integrates cutting-edge

technology to maintain industry leadership.

STAND

C24

STAND

TUTU DISPLAY

tutudisplay.com.au

From Tutu Display, this set of jewellery display cases with

storage. Counter glass showcases are made of stainless

steel for the frame and legs, inside with LED bars on the

top edge. As well as the display stand, other sets are

applicable to necklace, pendant, bracelet, bangle, earring

and ring. These products are available custom made.

STAND

B40

SAPPHIRE DREAMS

SAMS GROUP AUSTRALIA

sapphiredreams.com.au

The Halle Necklace is a symphony

of colour and craftsmanship

featuring marquise-cut Australian

Parti sapphires in a mesmerising

array of greens, blues, and golden

yellows. Set in 18-carat yellow

gold, this necklace is further

elevated by the brilliance of

scattered white diamonds, creating

a dazzling interplay of light.

The Halle Bracelet is an

exquisite piece crafted in

luminous 18-carat white gold.

Adorned with marquise-cut

Australian Parti sapphires in

captivating hues of green, blue,

and yellow, each stone is set to

create an organic, free-flowing

design. Accented with brilliantcut

white diamonds, this bracelet

exudes a luxurious radiance.

STAND

C18

THOMAS SABO


dgau.com.au

Elaborate butterfly ear studs with curved wings and a

radiant stone setting from THOMAS SABO. With many fine

engraving lines on the front and back of the jewellery piece,

detailed butterfly wings are created in a 3D look. Romantic

sparkle comes from zirconia stones in elegant shapes.

58 | March 2025

AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY FAIR | GOLD COAST 2025

STAND

C08

VANESSA JEWELLERY

vanessajewelry.shop

Vanessa, established in 2011, is recognised

for its expertise in tanzanite fine jewellery.

The company plays a vital role across the

supply chain — from sourcing gemstones at

mines to cutting, designing, manufacturing,

exporting, wholesaling, and brand franchising.

In addition to tanzanite, Vanessa offers colour

gemstones set in gold and silver jewellery.

STAND

B08

WORLD SHINER

worldshiner.com

World Shiner has introduced a new selection of ring mounts,

adding to an already impressive collection. These mounts

are designed to take a variety of solitaire diamonds and

gemstones, enhancing their brilliance and overall appearance.

Whether you're looking for something classic or contemporary,

this new range offers something for every style and preference.

STAND

B17

WORTH & DOUGLAS

wdrings.com

Bold and modern, these men's rings from

Worth & Douglas combine striking textures

with mixed metals. Featuring rugged

patterns in black, gold, and silver tones,

each design offers a unique statement.

Crafted for durability and style, these rings

are available in various materials and

finishes to suit any preference.

JEWELLER MAGAZINE PRINT 1-4 Block 98x129mm.pdf 1 2025/2/27 9:23:31

We offer an exquisite selection of lightweight, high-quality

earrings, alongside beautifully crafted ID bracelets, crosses,

religious medals, pendants, lucky eye charms, and elegant

necklaces, all designed to enhance your store offerings.

Suite 2B, Level 4, Dymocks Building

428 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

admin@goldenarrowjewellers.com.au

(02) 9223 8171 | goldenarrowjewellers.com.au

BUSINESS

Selling

Preventing burnout among the staff in your store

You’ll never help anyone if you can’t help yourself.

JEANNIE WALTERS reveals the secret to avoid burnout among your staff.

There is a strange dichotomy in

customer service. At its core,

it should be joyful!

It feels good to help customers solve

problems, have a moment of delight,

and feel better about their business

relationships.

With tools available such as timers,

it’s imperative to encourage this

andmake it easy and supported.

Employees should feel empowered

to take those necessary breaks for

their well-being and for the better

outcome for the next customer

they serve.

However, the truth is that those

same customers, whom we are

happy to serve, do not always sing

our praises or use their ‘inside

voices’ when asking for support.

Serving customers is hard work.

Retailer LL Bean conducted a

company-wide wellness study in

2015 and found that the largest

concentration of employees at

most significant risk for medical

and emotional problems worked

at their call centers.

Those employees had a higher

percentage of issues with blood

pressure, obesity, diabetes and,

perhaps most telling, more than

60 per cent of them reported

feeling emotional stress.

Burnout in your business is a real

threat to not only your staff but

also your customers.

If your employees perpetually battle

burnout, their attitudes will affect

their service. Your customers will

feel it, and the well-being of your

staff, your customers, and perhaps

the whole customer experience

may be negatively impacted.

Are you thinking seriously about how

to prevent burnout in your business?

If not, it’s time to start now. To assist

you, here are just a few ideas to

help your best people serve your

customers on their worst days.

Provide meaning

Engaging your staff in meaningful ways

is critical. Employees who are more

engaged are more likely to give

their best to the task at hand. But

what does it mean to engage them?

Meaningful engagement means

creating a culture where employees

feel empowered, heard, and safe

to be themselves.

Cultures that punish employees who

come forward with ideas or issues

suffer lower engagement than others.

The Harvard Business Review reports

that 42 percent of employees withhold

information from managers out of

fear. That’s right, fear! They fear what

will happen to their role, status, or

employment if they share information.

Employees who feel this way will not

stay long, and if they are disengaged

negatively, they might begin to spread

that negativity around your business.

Ask employees what is meaningful to

them. Some might feel heard simply

by having a chance to speak up in a

staff meeting, while others might prefer

the safety of anonymous suggestions.

Closing the communication loop

with employees who offer ideas

and insights is just as important as

closing the communication loop with

customers. If an employee provides

an idea, it isn’t meaningful if it is

implemented; however, that employee

is never informed or recognised for it.

Celebrate the contributions of engaged

employees, and others will see that as

an example of the culture.

Encourage wellness practices

You should encourage wellness

practices during the workday, not

just in theory.

It’s one thing to say, “Get up from

your station every hour,” however,

it’s another to live it.

Burnout in

your business is

a real threat to

not only your

staff but also

your customers.

Some businesses provide cardio

exercise equipment outside the door,

and workers there are encouraged

to take a 10-minute active break.

A business I visited recently would

look for opportunities to hold ‘plank’

contests for either small groups or

the entire staff. A manager who

was particularly enthusiastic about

wellness asked shift workers to take

a minute each time they stood or sat

back down to do a quick yoga pose

and practice mindful breathing.

It is the manager’s way of reminding

workers they had control over their

health and well-being. I observed

how that shift would remain

motivated and engaged.

Connect the daily with the vision

Burnout often presents itself in slow

motion, with a previously engaged

worker feeling disenchanted one day

and silently perusing job postings the

next. That disenchantment is usually

caused by questions about how their

role and daily duties relate to the

business's vision.

Hold regular training sessions to help

your staff understand how serving one

customer and gaining their trust again

can increase retention, loyalty, and

revenue for the business.

Better yet, if your vision is connected

to the customer experience, you can

reinforce the positive behaviour that

lives up to that vision. Leaders must

do this regularly to avoid burnout.

It’s time to take burnout seriously.

Take care of your people so they

can take care of your customers!

JEANNIE WALTERS is founder and

CEO of Experience Investigators.

Learn more: experienceinvestigators.com

60 | March 2025

BUSINESS

Management

Rules are for guidance and not obedience

To solve a problem, introducing more rules is rarely the right answer.

BARRY URQUHART calls for increased flexibility for Australian businesses.

As things change in business so too do

answers, actions, and attitudes - or at

least they should!

Sadly, in the rapidly evolving economy

and marketplace many philosophies,

goals, strategies, tactics, and business

plans have remained static. In some

instances, because of the vagaries of

market forces, some have devolved

into inertia.

The recent third tranche of the Closing

Loopholes Act, which included the

specific provision for employees to

invoke the right to disconnect, highlights

a series of major and concerning issues.

Employees have the right to turn off or

not respond to, read, or monitor contacts

initiated by employers or third parties.

They cannot be disciplined or dismissed

for refusing contact outside of normal

working hours.

Employers or their authorised agents

have the right to initiate contact where

and when circumstances are reasonable.

In a number of dimensions that template

and set of parameters are vague, and

difficult to deploy, monitor and measure.

What exactly is normal and reasonable?

It’s important to remember that in

business, rules are for guidance and

not obedience.

Be productive!

Broadly speaking, Australia and its many

businesses have for some time suffered

from poor and falling productivity. It has

impacted profitability, competitiveness,

and inflation.

The recent legislation does not address

or redress this and several related

pressing matters.

It will add more layers of bureaucracy to

processes, adding to costs and time.

A fundamental flaw is the insensitivity

and incompetence of politicians who

appear to lack an appreciation of the

unintended consequences of additional

rules and regulations.

Businesses need less, not more, of both!

Enhancing and accelerating productivity

is the foremost need – both recognised

and unrecognised - of society, the

economy and commerce.

Improving productivity is a priority, if not

an imperative.

Effective leadership has been subjected

to many and varied forces since 1982,

when the book, ‘In Search of Excellence’

was first published by Robert H.

Waterman Jr. and Tom Peters.

It's a popular book that examines the

art and science of management used

by several companies in the 1980s.

Globalism, technology, digitisation,

social media, innovation and, more

recently, artificial intelligence have

added to the complexities of delegation,

transparency, accountability, and

responsibility.

The ‘NOW generation’ expects immediacy

from the businesses they interact with,

and that is without mentioning instant

gratification. This is an experience I have

no doubt most if not all jewellery retailers

in Australia will know well.

For many business owners, that means

the need to reconnect, re-engage and

respond, now. The first step is to reach

out, not retreat. Job security and growth

demand it. Business is like life. In the

words of the late Beatle, John Lennon:

“Life is what happens, while you are

busy making other plans.”

It is rare to anticipate, influence or

determine the future. Therefore, the

need exists to be open, receptive, and

responsive to ensure and ultimately to fit.

Restrictive choices

Rules, regulations, and legislations

often restrain, constrain and limit

freedom, choice and originality.

For many

business

owners, that

means the need

to reconnect,

re-engage and

respond, now.

Dynamism implies rules, typically

scripted, and evoked in the past,

have little relevance and resonance.

Accordingly, the consequences are

seldom binary.

There is no right or wrong!

Performance measures, absolute

and relative, are subjective and often

projective. One key measure appears to

have a universal application - productivity.

Securing consensus, understanding, and

commitment to this idealised state, goal

or outcome is imperative.

All related and consequential thoughts,

actions and outcomes will be considered

fair and reasonable. No need for

documented legislation, rules, or

regulations. Integration, cohesion, and

malleability will ensure currency and

an acceptable and beneficial state to all.

In-built flexibility: The COVID-19

pandemic and related ‘working

from home’ practices necessitated

and facilitated flexibility, choice,

understanding and tolerance by

employers and employees.

To differing degrees, most if not all

participants considered themselves

to be winners due to the circumstances

of the pandemic.

However, it must be said that cultures,

relationships, cohesion, and integration

did suffer as a result. Not surprisingly,

once the external causal factor waned,

employers, and managers sought an

outright or increased return to work

within company and entity practices.

It was in a very specific form, the right

and need to connect. The answers do not

lie in legislation! Nor will they be found in

regulation, monitoring, enforcement,

or the application of penalties.

Guidance, with the implicit presence of

respect, tolerance and understanding, is

more positive and acceptable to all, than

finite, inflexible demands for obedience.

BARRY URQUHART is managing

director of Marketing Focus. He has been

a consultant to the retail industry since

1980. Visit: marketingfocus.net.au

March 2025 | 61

BUSINESS

Marketing & PR

A recession-proof playbook for thriving in 2025

Is your business ready for a fresh start?

STEPHANIE WATERS encourages you to embrace new strategies.

The current economic climate presents

unique challenges for the jewellery

industry. With discretionary spending

often the first cut, it's easy to feel the

pressure to slash marketing budgets.

History has shown that businesses and

brands that maintain or even increase

marketing spending during downturns

emerge stronger afterward.

An interesting study from Harvard

University revealed that companies

that maintain their marketing efforts

and increase them during recessionary

periods come out on top, during the

downturn and boom that follows.

Moreover, companies that lowered

advertising spending during a recession

experienced sales decreases of 20-30

per cent over the next three years.

It may be time to ask yourself, "Can my

business afford to spend three years

playing catch-up with competitors

who maintained their marketing

during the downturn?”

It’s not easy to remain consistent and

adapt your marketing strategy during

these challenging times.

That’s why, over the past few months,

we have been researching with industry

experts on how to use effective marketing

tactics during a downturn.

This isn't a time for panic! It's a chance

to refine your strategy, deepen the

connections with your customers,

and outshine the competition.

If you’re a traditional jewellery retailer,

consider the following strategies.

Building long-term relationships with

existing customers: This may include

personalised experiences, loyalty

programs and exclusive offers.

Leverage the power of in-store

experiences: Create a welcoming

atmosphere, offer personalised

consultations, and showcase your story.

Harness the potential of digital marketing:

Utilise email marketing, social media, and

advertising to reach a wider audience.

Collaborate: Partner with complementary

businesses, such as spas and boutiques,

to cross-promote and reach customers.

Emphasise the emotional value of

jewellery: Focus your messaging on

the enduring joy and significance of

owning a special piece.

If you’re a bench jeweller, you might

consider the following strategies.

Build a strong online presence:

Showcase your unique designs and

craftsmanship through high-quality

photography and videography on

platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Engage the audience: Share your creative

process, interact with followers, and build

a community around your business.

Explore direct-to-consumer sales

channels: Utilise online platforms such

as Etsy, your own website, and craft and

lifestyle fairs to reach customers directly.

Partner with stores to showcase your

work and reach a new audience.

Offer unique services: To cater to modern

individual preferences, consider offering

custom design consultations and

bespoke jewellery creations.

Don’t be afraid to reimagine your budget.

Allocate a significant portion to proven

performers such as email marketing

and social media campaigns.

Explore cost-effective strategies such

as leveraging influencer marketing,

user-generated content, and strategic

partnerships to maximise your reach

without breaking the bank.

Consider ‘recession-proof’ investments,

such as building long-term relationships

with customers through exclusive loyalty

programs and personalised experiences.

This isn't a

time for panic!

Instead, it’s an

opportunity

to refine your

strategy,

deepen

connections

with your

customers, and

outshine the

competition.

Reinforce the value of your business.

Emphasise ethical sourcing, sustainable

practices, and the emotional value of

your jewellery.

Humanise your brand by sharing the

stories behind your designs, introducing

your talented bench jewellers, and

showcasing the craftsmanship that

sets your pieces apart.

Engage with the community around

your business by hosting virtual events,

conducting surveys, and actively listening

to customer feedback to understand

their evolving needs and preferences.

Capitalise on shifting consumer behaviour

and target the ‘treat yourself’moment.

Focus your messaging on jewellery's

enduring value and emotional significance

as a source of joy and self-expression.

To enhance the customer journey, explore

experiential marketing, such as exclusive

online consultations, virtual jewellery

try-on experiences, and personalised

engraving services.

Embrace storytelling by crafting

compelling narratives. Weave stories

around each piece, highlighting its history,

craftsmanship, and emotional resonance.

Leverage visual storytelling and utilise

high-quality photography and videography

to showcase the beauty and artistry of

your jewellery. Share customer stories

and feature real-life testimonials and

user-generated content to build social

proof and inspire others.

Tailor your messaging and craft messages

that resonate with each customer segment

and address their specific needs.

Good luck!

Implementing these strategies can help

your business weather the economic

storm and emerge stronger, with a

more loyal customer base and a more

resilient business.

Remember, this isn't just about surviving;

it's about thriving.

STEPHANIE WATERS is the owner of

Content Smith, a Melbourne-based digital

agency that makes brands memorable

through impactful digital experiences.

Learn more: contentsmith.com.au

62 | March 2025

BUSINESS

Logged On

Digital marketing: What’s hot and what’s not?

As another year begins, it’s essential to reflect on the evolution of the marketplace.

SIMON DELL reveals current trends in digital marketing.

Welcome to 2025, where digital

marketing is evolving faster than ever!

With tighter budgets, AI taking over,

and consumers becoming increasingly

selective about the brands they engage

with, staying ahead of trends is a must.

So, what’s shaping the marketing world

this year? To thrive in this ever-changing

landscape, let’s dive into the key strategies

businesses should embrace.

Marketing budgets are being stretched

to their limits, meaning brands need to

be savvier with their spending. The good

news? AI-driven tools are stepping in

to make marketing more efficient, from

automating repetitive tasks to optimising

ad placements. By working smarter, not

harder, businesses can maximise their

impact while keeping costs under control.

Social media remains a major player in

brand engagement, with people spending

an average of two hours daily across

various platforms.

However, catching and holding attention

is more challenging than ever. The decline

of X, formerly Twitter, has created a gap

that emerging platforms like BlueSky

and Threads are rushing to fill.

BlueSky champions ad-free, communityfocused

interactions, while Threads has

skyrocketed to over 275 million users.

If your business hasn’t tapped into these,

now’s the time!

Simply being present isn’t enough.

A recent Kantar study found that

engagement with social media ads is

declining—just 31 per cent of users find

them appealing, compared to 43 per cent

the previous year. What does this mean?

Businesses need to ditch the generic ads

and focus on content that resonates with

their audience.

Employee voices: The new influencers

Influencer marketing is still effective;

however, there’s a new trend in town —

employee-generated content (EGC).

Businesses are looking inward and

encouraging their staff to be advocates,

particularly on LinkedIn, which is set

to surpass 800 million users this year.

Why? Because people trust real people

over corporate messaging.

Businesses that empower employees

to share their experiences and insights

build credibility and authenticity.

Transparency is also crucial, as 94 per

cent of consumers say they’re more

loyal to businesses that openly share

their values and practices.

AI: The ultimate marketing assistant

AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s

a game-changer. While businesses

debated whether to use AI last year,

they’re now figuring out how to use

it effectively this year.

With 54 per cent of marketers now

relying on AI (up from 37 per cent in

the past year), automation is reshaping

everything from content creation to

customer support.

Take Amazon’s AI-driven shopping

assistant, Rufus, for example. It helps

users refine searches and discover

products, which boosts conversions.

More businesses are following suit,

using AI to enhance personalisation

and customer experiences. Balance

is key; AI should enhance human

creativity, not replace it.

The evolution of search: Are you ready?

The way people search for information is

changing rapidly. Gartner predicts a 25

per cent drop in traditional search engine

traffic by 2026 as younger generations

increasingly turn to TikTok, Instagram,

and voice assistants like Alexa. To stay

visible, businesses must rethink their

SEO strategies and optimise content for

various platforms beyond Google.

Content strategy: Quality over quantity

More content doesn’t necessarily mean

better results.

Businesses

need to ditch

the generic ads

and focus on

content that

resonates with

their audience.

If your best-performing posts aren’t hitting

the mark, consider refreshing instead of

endlessly creating new ones. Studies

show that updating older content can

increase traffic by up to 106 per cent!

AI-generated content is on the rise, but

consumers and Google are wary of lowquality

AI material. Businesses need to

prioritise originality, data-driven insights,

and storytelling. The winning formula? AI

efficiency paired with human creativity.

Personalisation: Key to customer loyalty

Today’s consumers expect tailored

experiences and are willing to pay more

for them. AI-driven automation makes

personalisation easier; however, with

privacy laws tightening, businesses

need to be mindful of how they collect data.

First-party data, gathered through

loyalty programs and direct customer

interactions, is becoming the gold

standard for effective marketing.

Google’s long-awaited phase-out of thirdparty

cookies is finally here. This means

businesses must shift their focus to firstparty

data collection and build stronger

direct relationships with customers.

Investing in robust CRM systems and

privacy-first marketing strategies will

be critical for staying competitive.

Gen Alpha: The consumers of tomorrow

Move over, Gen Z — Gen Alpha is stepping

into the spotlight. Born between 2010

and 2025, these digital natives have high

expectations for technology, sustainability,

and social responsibility.

Businesses that engage with them now

will be well-positioned for long-term

success as this generation becomes

a major consumer force.

The digital marketing world in 2025 will

be fast-paced and filled with

opportunities. To stay ahead, businesses

must be agile, innovative, and willing to

evolve. Keeping the focus on customers is

the key to success.

SIMON DELL is co-founder and CEO

of Cemoh, a Brisbane-based firm that

provides marketing staff on demand.

He specialises in digital marketing and

brand management. Visit: cemoh.com

March 2025 | 63

My Bench

Arda Kara

Fidda & Katina

• AGE: 36 • YEARS IN TRADE 6 • TRAINING: On-the-job training at the family business • FIRST JOB: Kegam Kara Jewellery • OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Software

CLOSE TO THE HEART

This was the very first custom-made piece I completed.

This ring was extra special, as it was the engagement

ring that I used to propose to my wife. Due to the

sentimental value, I took extra care and precision to

design this ring, leveraging my existing contacts in the

industry to source the perfect diamonds to create this

timeless ring.

FAVOURITE GEMSTONE The durability and

resilience of naturally formed diamonds, coupled with

their exquisite beauty, make them my favourite.

FAVOURITE METAL I find white gold appealing due

to its versatility. It complements various skin tones and

can be paired with different precious gemstones.

FAVOURITE TOOL High-quality loupe.

BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY The laser welder.

BEST PART OF THE JOB Connecting with customers

and helping them find the perfect piece of jewellery for

their special moments. The happiness and satisfaction

on their faces are truly rewarding.

WORST PART OF THE JOB Having to handle delicate

and sentimental situations when customers need

repairs or adjustments after an unfortunate incident.

BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER Always double-check

and triple-check measurements and specifications

before finalising a custom order. Precision is crucial!

BEST TIP TO A JEWELLER I'd recommend

embracing collaboration. Connecting with other

professionals from different fields can bring diverse

perspectives and ideas to your work.

BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH: My

biggest concern is maintaining a good posture, as

we can sit on the chair for hours designing a piece.

Remember to sit up straight, take breaks to rest your

eyes, and avoid stressing your wrists.

LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE Being a part of

someone's journey to find that special piece and

witnessing the sentimental value it holds for them is

what makes it so fulfilling.

64 | March 2025

March 2025 | 65

OPINION

Soapbox

Opportunities and advantages

in the Australian jewellery trade

There’s an undeniable passion for custom-made jewellery among consumers.

JAMES TEMELLI says this presents an opportunity not to be missed.

Trading in the final months of the past year

suggested a robust demand for Australiandesigned

and crafted jewellery, and these

trends have continued so far in 2025.

Consumers are searching for high-quality

jewellers who offer unique pieces and

custom design services. In recent years,

many voices in the Australian jewellery

trade have echoed this sentiment,

which is certainly reflected in our store.

While international brands and chain

stores have their place in the industry,

local Australian businesses and designer

jewellers now have unprecedented

opportunities.

Recent visits from local clients, as

well as those travelling from interstate

and overseas, indicate an increased

demand for specialised services and

customised products.

While there may be valid concerns about

consumer confidence and discretionary

spending, there is an undeniable passion

and demand for jewellery inspired by

Australia. Pieces featuring Argyle pink

diamonds and other fancy colour

stones, South Sea pearls, and opals

are increasingly popular.

These Australian diamonds and gemstones

hold significant value, and while some may

question consumer spending levels, the

demand is there and stems largely from

overseas clients. The positive impact of

the lower Australian dollar has led to an

influx of tourists, resulting in an increase

in spending among this demographic.

From a retail perspective, late 2024 and

the beginning of 2025 have witnessed a

surge in interstate and international

client visits and orders.

I believe these clients have recognised

Australia’s reputation for highquality

manufacturing jewellers

and renowned designers who offer

custom-designed pieces.

It’s important to remember that

customisation is less common in

international chains, providing local

businesses with a competitive advantage

and the opportunity to offer more

unique and personalised products.

Naturally, jewellery is also a very personal

and emotional purchase, so being a local

brand or family business allows you to

connect with clients on a long-term basis.

These relationships are worth their weight

in gold and are crucial to success in the

jewellery business.

Enhancing the customer experience

Firstly, it is paramount that every client

who enters our establishment has a

positive experience.

This fosters a memorable brand reputation

and positive word-of-mouth, which is

the most effective form of advertising.

Having had the privilege of being a part

of a local jewellery business that recently

celebrated its 25th anniversary, I have

come to realise the significance of

creating an exceptional experience.

Jewellery is frequently acquired to

commemorate a significant occasion

or milestone. When a business provides

that perfect experience, it establishes

a lifelong bond with its clients and even

the next generation.

In addition to offering a ready-to-wear

collection, our specialty lies in customdesigned

jewellery.

Our team possesses a comprehensive

understanding of the manufacturing

process and even backgrounds in gemology,

design, and architecture, which are crucial

aspects of designing a piece of jewellery.

Equipped with this knowledge and

experience, we are able to address any

inquiries a client may have, fostering

trust and ensuring the perfection of the

final product.

These

relationships

are worth their

weight in gold

and are crucial

to success in

the jewellery

business.

These are advantages that can’t be

overlooked in a competitive market.

Our flexible approach allows us to offer

customised timelines that cater to our

client’s specific needs.

Ongoing care and servicing are also of

paramount importance in maintaining a

successful client relationship, ensuring

its longevity and providing us with the

opportunity to assist clients in celebrating

future milestones.

Seizing the opportunity

There is an increasing consumer interest

in Australian-designed and crafted

jewellery, particularly for unique and

custom pieces, and independent retailers

can leverage this passion by offering

products tailored to these preferences.

Customisation is a key differentiator.

Local jewellers can stand out by providing

personalisation options, such as allowing

customers to select their own diamonds

or gemstones. This can be a significant

advantage in attracting clients looking

for one-of-a-kind jewellery.

Independent jewellers can capitalise on

their knowledge of the jewellery-making

process, including gemology and design,

to provide expert advice and high-quality

customer service.

Jewellery is often a personal and

emotional purchase, and being a local

or family-owned business allows retailers

to build strong, long-lasting relationships

with their customers.

Furthermore, focusing on enhancing the

customer experience can result in positive

reviews and loyalty, fostering a strong

reputation around your business.

The passion for unique and one-of-a-kind

jewellery is burning bright. These are

advantages not to be overlooked when

standing out in a competitive market is

increasingly important.

Tailoring a product to meet a client’s

specific preferences is crucial in meeting

this demand, whether it involves design

elements, intricate aspects of settings,

or the option to select their own

diamonds or gemstones.

As a local brand, we are committed to

providing prompt client service. This

includes offering same-day resizing

and expedited timeframes, which are

not feasible for international brands

or jewellery chains.

Name: James Temelli

Business: Temelli Jewellery

Position: Marketing manager

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Years in the industry: 19

66 | March 2025

The Beauty of Limitless Potential

From small adjustments to complete custom designs, Stuller’s manufacturing

capabilities will make every dream piece a reality.

The Beauty of It All ®

Stuller.com/Customization

March 2025 | 67

Contemporary Australian Designs,

Swiss Precision Movement

ClassiqueWatches.com


Jeweller - March 2025

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Jeweller - March 2025

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?