Jeweller - September 2025

VOICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY SEPTEMBER 2025
Party Time!
WHAT DID WE LEARN
AT THE 2025 SYDNEY FAIR?
Ride the Rainbow
FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
OFFER A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
National Treasure
THE RISE OF AUSTRALIAN OPAL
GAINS MORE MOMENTUM

2 | September 2025

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
& September CONNECT 2025 | 3

P 08 6111 1961
sales@ellendalediamonds.com.au
4 | September 2025

Loose Diamonds Wholesaler & Desert Rose Jewellery Manufacturer
PINKS, BLUES, CHAMPAGNES, YELLOWS AND WHITES FROM ARGYLE & ELLENDALE MINES
www.desertrosejewellery.com.au
@desertrose_jewellery
www.ellendalediamonds.com.au
@ellendalediamonds
September 2025 | 5

For over 15 years, Pink Kimberley has been devoted to crafting exceptional pink diamond jewellery, celebrating
the rare beauty of Argyle pink diamonds from the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. The latest Pink
Kimberley Collection celebrates the exquisite rarity of these natural treasures with captivating engagement ring
designs. Each piece is bold, distinctive, and uniquely beautiful – a striking fusion of contemporary design and the
rare allure of Argyle pink diamonds, crafted to make a statement as unforgettable as the stone itself.
PinkKimberley.com.au
6 | September 2025

When you become a Pink Kimberley stockist, our expert team is here to support you. We provide
marketing materials, including social media content, website content, and advertising materials.
Our graphic designers offer product images, website banners, and design assistance, while our
gemmologists and national sales team provide expert guidance and support. You also gain
access to our wholesale portal, where you can purchase our newest products, explore our
catalogue, and receive brand education and training.
pink@samsgroup.com.au
02 9290 2199
Become a stockist today!
September 2025 | 7

8 | September 2025
p +61 (0)8 8221 5580
sales@timesupply.com.au | timesupply.com.au
exclusive distributor AU & NZ

WHAT DID WE LEARN
AT THE 2025 SYDNEY FAIR?
VOICE OF THE AUSTRALIAN JEWELLERY INDUSTRY SEPTEMBER 2025
FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
OFFER A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE
THE RISE OF AUSTRALIAN OPAL
GAINS MORE MOMENTUM
SEPTEMBER 2025
Contents
This Month
Industry Facets
11 Editorial
26
10 YEARS AGO
Time Machine: September 2015
12 Upfront
29
LEARN ABOUT GEMS
Around The World: Opals
31 FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
Ride the rainbow
14 News
48
MY BENCH
Max Housden
Fancy colour diamonds continue
to defy the odds and stun consumers
with their natural beauty.
24 Events
50
SOAPBOX
Olivia Deskoski
Features
31
36
40
FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
Colour is the hallmark of the rarest of the rare
2025 INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY FAIR
What did we learn from the Sydney Fair?
2025 AUSTRALIAN OPAL EXHIBITION
Momentum building for Australia's national gemstone
Better Your Business
36 2025 SYDNEY FAIR
Industry unified
The International Jewellery Fair
in Sydney was one to remember
- headlined by new competitions,
awards, and business partnerships.
42
44
45
46
47
BUSINESS STRATEGY
DALE FURTWENGLER says it's time to slow things down within your business.
SELLING
GRAHAM JONES recommends you re-think your attitude towards your retail rivals.
MANAGEMENT
DAVID BROWN discuss the artistry behind jewellery store layouts.
MARKETING & PR
SARAH SMITH YKORUK highlights the importance of consistency in digital marketing.
LOGGED ON
SIMON DELL explains some significant recent changes to social media promotion.
40 OPAL EXHIBITION
All gas,
no brakes
While the Australian
opal industry may be facing
new challenges, the raw
beauty of these gemstones
continues to shine bright.
FRONT COVER
Ellendale Diamonds proudly supplies
traceable and ethically sourced diamonds
from the Argyle and Ellendale mines in
the Kimberleys of Western Australia.
It's a part of the world well-known for
producing the finest quality white and
fancy colour diamonds, which are used
to manufacture exquisite ranges of
Australian jewellery. To learn more visit:
ellendalediamonds.com.au
Party Time!
Ride the Rainbow
National Treasure
September 2025 | 9

Jewellers
Business
Insurance
Made Easy
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
WITH THE JEWELLERY
INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
COVERAGE OPTIONS
Property Insurance
Jewellers &
Setters Cover
Theft Insurance
Public & Product
Liability
Business Interruption
Professional Indemnity
CENTRESTONE INSURANCE
IS UNDERWRITTEN BY:
Fidelity Guarantee
Fusion & Machinery
Breakdown
Berkley Insurance is one of the world’s most respected
insurance companies and is a New York Stock Exchange listed,
Fortune 500 company. Berkley is a specialist in business
insurance and provides jewellers block insurance all over the world.
Sendings
SCAN HERE
FOR MORE DETAILS
1300 356 680
CENTRESTONE.COM.AU
10 | September 2025

Editor’s Desk
Jewellery psychology: Subtle tweaks and significant sales
The devil is in the details for jewellery retailers.
SAMUEL ORD encourages you to reconsider your pricing philosophy.
The debate about when and how to
discount products is never-ending.
Retail experts have conflicting opinions
on this critical subject; however, we do
know one thing for sure: even the smallest
advantage can be the difference in today’s
fiercely competitive jewellery market.
It’s been said many times that this is
particularly true in the digital marketplace,
where consumers are physically separated
from products as they browse. In this setting,
the presentation of the product, especially
its price, takes on a heightened importance.
For the digital consumer, the only actionable
information available to guide their decisionmaking
process is an image, a description,
and a price. Without the added advantage
of touch and sight – and perhaps a
charismatic salesperson – it’s critical
that jewellers get these elements right.
As researchers explore the driving
motivations behind purchasing behaviours
and patterns among consumers, an arsenal
of subtle strategies has emerged that gives
considered retailers a competitive edge.
It goes without saying that there is never
a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing,
product, and pricing strategy for jewellery
retailers. At the end of the day, jewellery
is a luxury, wrapped in emotion, symbolism,
and cultural meaning, and not a necessity.
With that said, while there may not be a
‘silver bullet’ that works in every jewellery
store, researchers have identified many
valuable principles – all you have to do
is find the right one for you.
Math problems
Should you display implied savings as a
percentage or a dollar amount?
As a blanket rule, many experts suggest
that if the discounted price amounts to
implied savings of less than $100, retailers
should use a percentage. Conversely, if
the implied savings exceed $100, retailers
should outline the dollar value.
If you purchase a $50 ring that has been
discounted, a label that reads ’20 per cent
off’ sounds like a better deal than ‘$10 off’.
On the other hand, if you’re buying
a $2,000 necklace, the implied savings
of ‘$400’ rather than ’20 per cent’ is
more immediately attractive.
The more extreme the example, the more
obviously effective this principle appears.
A $1,000 discount on a $20,000 diamond
ring sounds more appealing than
‘five per cent off’.
While this principle is easy to follow, there
are some additional caveats to consider.
Consumers with lower purchasing power
– perhaps the target market for fashion
jewellery – were found to be particularly
sceptical of percentages in advertising.
Others advised caution when providing a
dollar value for implied savings on larger
luxuries, as it may be an unnecessary
reminder to the consumer that they are
about to spend a significant amount of
money on something that is not a necessity.
Saving for a rainy day
Infomercials are a common cure for
insomnia. Have you ever wondered why
those late-night broadcasts always feature
the problem, the ‘old way of doing things’,
in grayscale?
Meanwhile, the demonstration of the
supposed solution – whether it be a set of
knives, weight loss supplements, or gym
equipment – is shown in bright colour.
Advertisers use this strategy because
when two things contrast visually, they
are perceived as distinctly different by
consumers. The same is true for the
display of pricing on products.
Discounted prices can be distinguished
using colour in a range of ways, most
commonly with the classic red tag – but
you must be careful! Researchers have
suggested that if you’re going to use the
colour red when pricing products, it can’t
just be one slowly-moving ring or necklace.
This singles out that product as inferior to
everything else, and harms the chances of
sales rather than improving them.
Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder,
but other studies suggest that ‘ugly’ fonts
can be used to enhance deals because they
attract greater attention from consumers.
Broadly speaking, larger fonts should be
used for quality products, while smaller
fonts should be used to convey a good deal.
When it comes to the layout of your website,
should you provide a product description
or a price first?
Without
the added
advantage of
touch and sight
– and perhaps
a charismatic
salesperson –
it’s critical that
jewellers get
these elements
right.
Whether online or in person, in nearly all
sales negotiations, it is best to detail the
benefits before the costs.
If you’re selling high-quality jewellery, you
should always describe the product before
providing the price. A study that used brain
scans found that consumers are less
impacted by price when they’ve previously
been entertained by benefits.
If you’re selling more price-sensitive
jewellery, you should show the price first and
then the description. Consumers will fixate on
the cost while evaluating the product, which
helps build the budget-friendly association.
Final words of wisdom
It might be tempting to include some
‘pseudo claims’ in your advertising or
promotional material. As an example,
advertising a ring as featuring a
‘100 per cent natural diamond’ or describing
a necklace as ‘100 per cent handmade’.
Broadly speaking, consumers dislike these
kinds of claims and, according to one study,
actively resist them. This research found
that among consumers surveyed regarding
two brands of orange juice, the ’99 per cent’
option was more appealing than the
‘100 per cent’ rival.
Researchers were even told by the
participants that they disliked those who
preferred the ‘100 per cent juice’, believing
them to be less intelligent and successful
based on their choice. Harsh!
While some, or perhaps none, of these
examples may directly apply to your
business, pricing philosophy is still a
subject worthy of routine reflection.
At the very least, these insights shed light
on the often-overlooked, intangible forces
that shape consumer behaviour. Many of
these influences operate beneath the
surface, guiding choices in ways
customers are unlikely to recognise.
Whether through pricing, design,
or tone, every detail contributes to
the overall impression your jewellery
business shares with the world —
and ultimately, to the consumer’s
decision to purchase or walk away.
SAMUEL ORD
EDITOR
September 2025 | 11

Upfront
Rewind: Best Bench Tip
Stranger Things
Weird, wacky and wonderful
jewellery news from around the world
Expensive luggage mix-up
A Dubai-based diamond merchant
has been reunited with $300,000
worth of diamonds after accidentally
taking another passenger’s bag
at Dubai International Airport.
The mix-up occurred when he picked
up luggage nearly identical to his
own after a security scan. He
only realised the mistake upon
arriving at his destination and
finding clothes instead of diamonds.
Watch King targeted by crooks
Moshe Haimoff, a retailer popular
on social media and known as
'The Watch King' to his 1.6 million
Instagram followers, was robbed at
gunpoint outside his Queens home
on 23 July. Two masked men, dressed
as construction workers, tasered
him and stole a $400,000 watch,
along with jewellery worth $149,000.
Haimoff, who operates in New York’s
Diamond District, suffered minor
injuries and now has 24/7 security.
No arrests have been made.
APRIL 2015
“The devil is in the
detail – do not overlook
any part of the process.”
JADE PFEIFFER
PETER W BECK
HISTORIC GEMSTONE
The Dresden Green
For those interested in diamonds with
colour, the Dresden Green, of mysterious
origin, is of particular note. It gained
historical prominence when its remarkable
emerald green colour captured the attention
of King George I. Originally likely more
than 100 carats in rough form, it is a unique
diamond due to its rare green hue, which is caused by natural
exposure to radioactive elements. Named after Dresden, which has
been prominently displayed at the Green Vault in the Albertinium
Museum for much of the past two centuries, this rare diamond has
also travelled to the Soviet Union post-World War II and briefly to
the Smithsonian Institution in 2000. Its historical significance has
positioned the Dresden Green alongside the famous Hope Diamond,
both notable for their size, intense colour, and cultural impact.
Timeless Trends
The neck mess trend in jewellery
involves layering multiple necklaces
of varying lengths, styles, and textures
to create a curated, eclectic look.
It's a personalised, maximalist
approach that celebrates individuality,
often combining vintage, modern,
and meaningful pieces.
Images: Jacquie aiche
Diamond breakthrough
Researchers have successfully
created bulk quantities of super-strong
hexagonal diamonds — known as
lonsdaleite — for the first time in a lab.
Unlike regular diamonds with a cubic
lattice, hexagonal diamonds have
a different atomic stacking.
Previously found only as microscopic
grains in meteorites, lonsdaleite
was first proposed by British
crystallographer Dame Kathleen
Lonsdale in 1967. Their findings
were published in Nature.
The Swatch Group is planning the release of a new
service that will allow customers to
design watch
dials using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As reported by
WatchPro, customers will be able to communicate
directly with Swatch’s artistic intelligence, called
AI-DADA, to create their own Swatch watch.
AI-DADA, developed in-house by Swatch, will
suggest designs inspired by a database of
designs from the past 40 years. There has been
no further information from Swatch, so it remains
unclear whether customers will design and
purchase their watches online or in-store.
Campaign Watch
For Gabrielle Chanel, life was
shaped by meaningful encounters
where chance met destiny. This
idea inspires Chanel's latest
Coco Crush campaign, featuring
Wang Yibo and Leah Dou, set at
Los Angeles' Château Marmont
— a subtle yet striking tribute to
individuality and self-expression.
Images: Chanel
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
• 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.

F OR C OLOUR
S INCE 1951
Everyone Loves A Parti
Australia’s Finest Range of Premium Quality Parti Sapphires
Calibrated and Single Stones: In-Store & Online Now.
Round | Oval | Pear | Emerald Cut
Baguette | Hexagon | Kite
ROOM 405, 4TH FLOOR, WALES BUILDING
227 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE VIC 3000
PO BOX 397, FLINDERS LANE VIC 8009
03 9654 5200
sales@oagems.com
oagems.com
September 2025 | 13

News
Founder: Sir Michael Hill
passes away aged 86
Modest jewellery sales rise for Pandora despite
increasing concerns around impact of US tariffs
Sir Michael Hill, founder of the jewellery chain Michael
Hill International, has passed away at the age of 86.
The company announced the news on July 29 in a
statement that expressed condolences to Hill’s family
and friends.
“Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur,
philanthropist, and committed father and husband
who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew
Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei,
New Zealand, to a global retail jewellery brand that
spans Australia, New Zealand, and Canada,”
the statement reads.
“What began as a job soon became a passion.
Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a
keen eye for visual merchandising, an instinct for
attracting customers and a gift for selling. He won
international awards for his window displays and
revolutionised the store’s advertising with bold,
unconventional campaigns.”
In April, the company issued a statement confirming
that Hill would be taking a leave of absence to
undergo medical treatment, with Andrea Slingsby
appointed director.
Michael Hill International was founded in 1979 by
Michael Hill and his wife, Christine, in Whangarei.
The business expanded to Australia in 1987 and
today operates more than 200 stores across three
countries. Chairman Rob Fyfe said that the legacy
would be continued.
“To every endeavour he pursued, Michael brought
a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity,
open-mindedness and creativity that challenged
all of us to embrace ever more lofty goals and be
unconstrained in our thinking – a legacy that will
continue to inspire us.”
In a social media post, New Zealand Prime
Minister Christopher Luxon described Hill as
an inspirational figure in the local business
community.
“He built a brand from scratch and gave back
to the country that he loved. May he rest in peace.”
Michael Hill International is headquartered in
Queensland.
The world’s largest jewellery brand, Pandora,
recorded a minor rise in jewellery sales during
the second quarter of the financial year.
Pandora reported a 4 per cent increase in sales
for the period ending 30 June, with a particularly
strong demand noted in the US market around
Mother’s Day.
As the controversy surrounding US tariffs
continues to impact the industry, Pandora
noted potential issues with products sourced
from Thailand, China, Vietnam, India, and
other countries.
In a statement, the company also noted a sales
increase of 36 per cent for the Pandora Lab-
Grown Diamonds collection.
CEO Alexander Lacik said that amid adverse
economic conditions, it was a pleasing quarter
for the company.
Australian fashion jewellery chain Lovisa has
reported a 14 per cent increase in sales over the
past financial year as the company’s global store
count passed the 1,000 benchmark.
Lovisa recorded $798.1 million in revenue over
the past 12 months, with profit increasing by 15
per cent on a year-on-year comparison.
“In these turbulent times, we are satisfied with
yet another quarter of high single-digit organic
growth and strong profitability,” he said.
The results show that our brand and unique
storytelling proposition continue to attract
more consumers and that our global footprint
enables us to balance ups and downs across
the markets.
“Despite the macroeconomic challenges to
top and bottom line, we are confident that we
will deliver on our targets for the year, driven
by an exciting product pipeline, new marketing
campaigns and operational agility.”
Pandora will open between 25-50 new stores
worldwide over the full fiscal year, rather than
the 50 to 75 it had previously projected. In total,
the company plans to expand its network by 400-
500 stores by the end of 2026.
Milestone: Lovisa records significant sales boost
and opens 1,000th store worldwide
The company opened 162 new stores
in the past financial year, bringing the
global portfolio to 1,041. This includes
stores of the recently opened Jewells
fine jewellery chain, launched by Brett
Blundy earlier this year.
Newly appointed CEO John Cheston said that
with Lovisa now operating in more than 50
markets, the company is well-positioned.
“It is an honour to be able to lead such an
amazing global business and I am looking
forward to maintaining our relentless focus
on bringing brilliantly affordable fashion
jewellery to the world,” Cheston said.
“I would also like to share my appreciation
to the global Lovisa team for their hard work
to be able to achieve these solid results.”
The statement noted that with a focus on
expanding both physical and digital store
networks, global expansion is expected
to continue.
14 | September 2025

News
De Beers breaks drought with kimberlite discovery
International Jewellery Fair:
Where do we go from here?
As the dust settles on the local jewellery industry's
largest annual gathering, organisers are forecasting
further changes in the years to come as the event
continues to evolve.
The International Jewellery Fair was hosted at the
International Convention and Exhibition Centre
in Sydney’s Darling Harbour from 23-25 August.
The De Beers Group has unearthed a new
kimberlite field, the first to be discovered by
the company in more than 30 years.
The world’s largest diamond producer has
searched for diamonds in Angola alongside
state-owned Endiama since April 2022 after
signing two investment deals with
the government.
The agreement was expanded in 2024 to
include diamond processing and additional
exploration projects.
Now, it’s been revealed that the company
struck kimberlite, the most common source of
diamonds, in July. In a statement, the company
announced plans to conduct drilling, geophysical
surveys, and lab analysis over the coming months
to determine the kimberlite type.
It’s been another positive month for Australia’s
independent jewellery stores, with the latest
market analysis documenting another
increase in sales.
The latest report from Retail Edge Consultants
documented a 4 per cent increase in jewellery
sales in August on a year-on-year comparison.
The analysis suggested that while trading remains
slightly lower than two years ago,
the market has stabilised in value, although
it has not yet fully recovered in volumes.
Unit sales decreased by 7 per cent on a
year-on-year comparison, while the average
retail sale (inventory only) increased by
14 per cent to $313.
“The decline in transaction numbers continues
to underline selective consumer behaviour,
with fewer purchases being made but at
higher average values,” the report explained.
“The steady increase in sale value is supporting
revenue levels despite continued softness
in units, reflecting a stronger focus on
higher-value and quality-first purchasing.”
In terms of specific categories, diamond
jewellery sales declined by 7 per cent.
CEO Al Cook said this discovery was a
reminder that many hands make light work.
“Angola is, in our view, one of the best places
on the planet to look for diamonds, and this
discovery reinforces our confidence,” he said.
“It is a powerful reminder of what can be
achieved through partnership, and I commend
President Lourenco and his government
for all the work they have done to enhance
transparency, adopt international best practices,
and create a business-friendly environment,
all of which has enabled us to return to Angola
and seek new sources of supply.”
Cook added that De Beers intended to help
Angola deliver on its potential both ‘above
and below the ground’.
Jewellery sales rise for fourth consecutive month
Mean while, colour gemstone sales increased by
14 per cent on a year-on-year comparison.
Sales of jewellery without a diamond or colour
gemstone spiked by 17 per cent compared
with August 2024. Silver and alternative metals
jewellery sales climbed by 13 per cent on
a year-on-year comparison.
“This category continues to perform well at valuedriven
price points, benefiting from affordability
and everyday wear appeal,”
the report explained.
The overall increase in jewellery sales in
August follows a positive return in July
(7 per cent) and rises in June (1.3 per cent)
and May (3.9 per cent).
This year’s Sydney Fair was memorable for many
reasons, including the introduction of the Sydney
Cruise, the rising popularity of the Mystery Box
Bench Challenge, and the launch of the
Business Excellence Awards.
These were just three examples of attractions that
received rave reviews from attendees, and Expertise
Events managing director, Gary Fitz-Roy, said that
continuing to evolve the event was a critical focus.
“The feedback over the past week has been quite
strong. I think because of the trading conditions over
the past year, many of our exhibitors went into the
event with tempered expectations and have been
left pleasantly surprised,” he told Jeweller.
“This year, we had several initiatives in place to create
a fresh and revitalised experience at the Sydney Fair,
and we’ve been very happy with the response to those.
“The biggest change was the introduction of the
Sydney Cruise, and hearing from so many people that
the evening went above and beyond their expectations
was terrific. We took a big risk introducing that event,
and fortunately, it’s been very well received.”
Earlier this year, Expertise Events confirmed a new
destination for the 2026 Australian Jewellery Fair,
which will be held 19-20 April in Adelaide, with an
anticipated move to another tourism city in 2027.
Fitz-Roy said that, as the organiser of the local
jewellery industry’s key gatherings each year,
remaining flexible and open to change amid a
rapidly evolving market was critical.
“We’ve got a new benchmark now, and the challenge
for us will be surpassing those expectations again
next year,” Fitz-Roy said.
“We’re focused on creating an environment that works
for everyone, and the Fair will continue to evolve every
year to meet the changing needs of the market.
“Fortunately, we aren’t the only ones facing that
challenge, and we’ve seen this year many exhibitors
that have stepped up and changed their approach.
In particular, I think Nationwide Jewellers did a terrific
job of essentially entirely reinventing their space
and approach to the event.
“All of the changes they made seemed to resonate
strongly with exhibitors and buyers, and it’s more
evidence that embracing change to keep things
fresh and exciting is always important.”
The International Jewellery Fair will return to the
International Convention and Exhibition Centre in
Sydney’s Darling Harbour on 22-24 August 2026.
September 2025 | 15

News
2025 Australian Opal Awards winners shine brightly in the spotlight
It’s a rare example of fine Andamooka crystal opal,
displaying a full spectral range with orange, green,
and yellow hues on a light honey-colored body.
The opal is designed to spin within a double-sided
diamond frame and includes gold tassels tipped
with opals and diamonds.
“Regarding its design, the magnificent opal itself
was the inspiration for the entire piece. My goal was
to create something that highlighted the opal's best
features, especially its stunning display of colour on
both sides,” Neuman told Jeweller.
“This led to the decision to make the gemstone
rotatable, allowing everyone to enjoy this
magnificent natural creation.
A stunning example of opal jewellery by a Sydney
designer has taken out first prize at the 2025
Australian Opal Awards.
The awards were held on 25 July in Lightning Ridge,
New South Wales, with the entrants showcased
from 23-26 July. More than 260 people attended
the event, celebrating the night with a
Roaring Twenties’ theme.
There were six categories: open prestige jewellery,
freeform prestige jewellery, designer men's wear
jewellery, freeform carving, figurative carving, and
jewellery hand sketch. More than $30,000 in prizes
was up for grabs.
The winner of the Open Prestige Jewellery Award
($15,000) was Nadia Neuman of Mondial, with her
piece The Celestine. The handmade 18-carat gold
Andamooka Opal necklace features a captivating
20-carat freeform, double-sided crystal opal from
South Australia.
“As for the inspiration behind the collection, I've
wanted to create an opal collection for some time
now. My aim is to offer a more contemporary
collection that reminds Australians of the inherent
beauty and magic of these natural gemstones.”
It’s been an eventful year for the Sydney jeweller –
winning the Champion of Champions award at the
International Jewellery Design Excellence Awards in
Hong Kong with her piece Kaleidoscope in March.
Neuman added: “I hope to elevate the opal beyond
a souvenir for tourists, showcasing it in elegant,
timeless, and contemporary designs. Australia has
an abundance of beautiful and unique gemstones,
and displaying them in this way is what I love most.”
Two entrants were awarded Highly Commended in
the Open Prestige Jewellery category. These were
John Li (Jia Ling Li) from Otto Jewellery with Ripple
of a Dream and Cheal Opal with the Electra Ring.
The Freeform Prestige Jewellery Award was won
by Symphony from Andrew Mitchell of Martin
Rogers Jewellery. This category also had two
Highly Commended awards - Corey Gibson of
Corey Gibson Jewellery with The African Queen
and Vulcano Island by Kristia Strinz of
Designatelier Strinz.
Ripple of a Dream
John Li, Otto Jewellery
Gibson was also the winner of the People’s Choice
Award, followed by Kayt Primmer from Valued
Possessions with Mantra of the Ridge. Designer
Menswear was awarded to Carmen Hui of Hang
Fong Opal Company with Timeless Uluru. Highly
Commended was awarded to Adrian Hogan from
Matchmaker Opals with Prometheus.
The Figurative and Freeform Opal Carving was
won by Jenny Summerville with her pieces Koi for
Figurative and Icefire for Freeform. Echoes in the
Spiral by Kuo Lai and Hsiu-Chu from Yu Hsiang
Jewellery was the winner of the Jewellery Hand
Sketch Award. The judging panel said the quality
of entries was consistently high-quality.
"The calibre of work submitted in 2025 has truly
raised the bar. A significant number of entries
would not only hold their own, but excel on the
international stage," a spokesperson said.
The Australian Opal Awards are organised by
the International Opal Jewellery Design Awards
Association, a not-for-profit organisation founded
in 2000 to promote the national gemstone.
Positive reception for the latest release from the MoonSwatch project
Earlier this month, the latest release from
MoonSwatch, a collaborative project between
the Swatch Group and Omega, was unveiled.
OMEGA x Swatch: Mission to Earthphase
Moonshine Gold is the first model in this
bioceramic collection to feature both a moon
phase and an ‘Earth phase’ indicator.
The Earth phase complicated mirrors the lunar
cycle in reverse. The result is a counterclockwise
rotation of the planet through the face, paired with a
traditional clockwise moon phase dial at 2 o’clock.
Reception to the release has been predominantly
positive, with the model praised for maintaining the
core attributes of the Omega Speedmaster while
also offering something fresh.
“Since Swatch started teasing this release last week,
we all knew another Snoopy MoonSwatch was on its
way,” Tantan Wang for Hodinkee.
“I really thought we'd just get a simple blue take
on the other two Snoopy Moonphase models,
maybe a golden seconds hand since the brand
was teasing another full moon.
"But I didn't expect to see everything, and the
kitchen sink included in this release.
“Do I like it? Yes. It's the latest MoonSwatch
complication with Snoopy on the dial. It's also in
its white dial with contrasting blue accents and a
Snoopy at 9 o'clock."
In March of 2022, shopping centres around
the world were flooded with thousands of
consumers trying to get their hands on the
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Bioceramic
MoonSwatch collection.
16 | September 2025

Introducing
Soklich & Co. Casting House
We offer the following services:
• CAD design
• Casting
• Cutting blocks
• Resin printing
• 3d scanning
• Assembling, setting and finishing on products
designed, printed and cast in house.
• Designing and remaking using your customers
gold and gemstones into new pieces.
AUSTRALIAN OWNED & MADE
For all wholesale queries and orders,
call us on +61 8 9367 7712
or email workshop@soklichco.com
103 Mill Point Road, South Perth WA 6151
soklichco.com
September 2025 | 17

News
2025 Business Excellence Awards: Aussie jewellers rewarded for hard yards
At this year’s International Jewellery Fair in Sydney,
a new awards program was debuted, which
organisers are hoping will become a staple
of the industry for years to come.
On the opening day of the Sydney Fair, Retail Edge
Consultants launched the Business Excellence
Awards. The competition was sponsored by
Expertise Events, Zeller, and Picup Media.
The winner of the grand prize, the Store of the Year
Award, was Springfield Jewellers in Queensland,
leading Robert Cliff Master Jewellers (New South
Wales) and Suzy’s Fine Jewellery (Victoria).
Every member of Retail Edge’s Business
Coaching program was entered into the awards,
with finalists announced in late July. The initiative
was spearheaded by business development
manager Kim Ridley, who told Jeweller that
the inaugural edition was a rousing success.
“We might have been three years ahead of
schedule with the awards, but based on the
success of so many of our coaching clients,
we felt that it was the right time to start
celebrating these achievements,” she said.
“The response from the retailers was quite
overwhelming. We had one retailer who was
in tears when she was announced as a finalist,
and she jokingly told us that she hadn’t won
any awards since year eight in high school.”
Ridley continued: “Business coaching is about
learning to be so much more than just a jeweller.
2025 Business Excellence
Awards Winners
Store of the Year Award
WINNER – Springfield Jewellers
Robert Cliff Master Jewellers
Suzy’s Fine Jewellery
Best Newcomer Award
WINNER – Claudia Jewellers
RUNNER-UP – Villani Jewellers
Best Transformation Award
WINNER – Fishers Jewellers
RUNNER-UP – Jade Jewellers
Sales Growth Award
WINNER – Robert Cliff Master Jewellers
RUNNER-UP – Suzy’s Fine Jewellery
Most Improved Award
WINNER – Diamonds Plus
RUNNER-UP – Fishers Jewellers
"All of the finalists have done an outstanding job
of expanding and managing their businesses.”
Perhaps what was most impressive about the
launch of the business awards was the specific
criteria applied to each category.
Business coach Malcolm Scrymgeour explained
that each award was determined by pragmatic
factors within the business, for example, an
increase in sales and profit from year to year.
As each finalist was announced, Scrymgeour
provided an insightful history of the business
and its owner, and it was clear that these details
encouraged discussion among the crowd. Retailers
who were unfamiliar with one another were quick to
make introductions between announcements, and
Ridley said this was the driving motivation.
“For so many jewellery businesses, the jeweller
is the business. Without the owner, the business
cannot operate on its own. Business coaching
helps jewellers see the forest from the trees,”
she explained.
“A coach is someone who looks at the business
without any emotion – there’s only facts and figures
– and helps jewellers make concise decisions.
“We’ve been increasingly focused on connecting
jewellers within the coaching program so that they
can learn from each other, and I think the awards
achieved that aim.
Ridley added: “It was fitting that we held the event
at the Sydney Fair, because the level of business
development we celebrated also benefits suppliers.
"These jewellery businesses have all become
better buyers as a result of their development,
and that reflects in their interactions at the show
with exhibitors.”
18 | September 2025

INTERCHANGEABLE
p +61 (0)8 8221 5580
sales@timesupply.com.au | timesupply.com.au
September 2025 | 19
exclusive distributor AU & NZ

News
Storm clouds swirl above LVMH
amid luxury slowdown
Australia’s Longest
Operating Watch Brand
ClassiqueWatches.com
Become a stockist today
02 9290 2199
20 | September 2025
A special report has highlighted the ongoing turmoil faced by luxury leader
Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) after a whirlwind year.
LVMH recently reported a 4 per cent decline in revenue in the first
half of the financial year, with consumers in the US and Asia reducing
discretionary spending.
As the report from The Economist explains, LVMH’s market value has fallen
by more than a quarter over the past year.
Hermès has surpassed LVMH as the most valuable company in the luxury
industry. As a result, the Arnault family has been surpassed at the top of
France’s rich list for the first time since 2017.
The aggressive launch of Donald Trump’s tariffs highlighted the unique
friendship between the US President and LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault.
To date, it remains unclear what impact tariffs will have on the European
luxury goods conglomerate, with Arnault describing the situation as
‘uncharted waters’.
“Arnault is attempting to steer towards calmer waters. New bosses
have been put in charge of the booze, watches and retailing units. The
appointment of Jonathan Anderson as the new creative director of Dior
has been cheered by fashionistas. Some investors, however, worry that the
companies’ problems are deeply rooted,” the report explains.
“One concern is that decades of pushing fancy clothing and accessories not
just to the super-rich but also the merely well-off have made LVMH’s brands
more vulnerable to economic cycles and dented their image of exclusivity.
“Even Louis Vuitton, the company’s crown jewel, has not been immune.
Analysts at HSBC term the brand ‘schizophrenic’ for its attempt to peddle
entry-level products such as chocolate and make-up alongside ultra-pricey
handbags and luggage.”
The company was also front and centre of the controversial trial of a former
head of France’s domestic security services, who was found guilty of using
public resources for LVMH in March.
LVMH has also been struck by cybercriminals multiple times this year, with
incidents in South Korea and Hong Kong compromising customer data.
Finally, what began as a crowning achievement for LVMH – the showcase of
its brands during the 2024 Paris Olympics – eventually faced controversy.
As a major sponsor, LVMH’s branding was a consistent theme across the
three-week event, which was viewed by millions worldwide.
Chaumet was tasked with creating the Olympic Medals; however, less than
one year after the competition closed, more than 100 athletes asked for their
‘crumbling’ medals to be replaced.
“Mr Arnault, aged 76, is navigating all this while making plans for a
transition at the helm. He clearly intends to keep the enterprise under family
management. All five of his children work in different corners of his empire
under the tutelage of experienced executives,” the report continues.
“Mr Arnault refuses to answer questions on the topic of succession. Having
raised the age limit for his job from 75 to 80 three years ago, he raised
it again to 85 earlier this year. That may mean he will wait until he has
steadied the ship before relinquishing control. Even then, some investors
question whether it is possible to replace the man who created the modern
luxury industry.”
The report concludes: "Mr Arnault still has plenty to do before he hangs up
his captain’s hat.”
LVMH oversees the operations of more than 70 brands, including
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Kering, and TAG Heuer.

NOW PROUDLY
DISTRIBUTED BY DGA
Since 1962, Duraflex Group Australia have been proudly distributing international
jewellery and watch brands. (02) 9417 0177 | www.dgau.com.au
September 2025 | 21

News
Buffalo: Monstrous Zambian
emerald appears at auction
Determined traveller ends search for diamond
After a month-long search for a special stone,
a New York woman has unearthed a 2.3-carat
diamond at a popular state park in the US.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas
is the only public diamond mine in the US and
has a ‘finders keepers’ policy for visitors to
search the area.
More than 360 diamonds have been registered
at the state park so far this year.
Last month, 31-year-old Micherre Fox discovered
a 2.3-carat diamond, which she told locals would
be used for her engagement ring.
“Having never seen an actual diamond in my
hands, I didn’t know for sure, but it was the
most ‘diamond-y diamond’ I had seen,” Fox said.
“I was willing to go anywhere in the world to
make that happen. I researched, and it turned
out that the only place in the world to do it was
right in our backyard, in Arkansas.”
“There’s something symbolic about being able
to solve problems with money, but sometimes
money runs out in a marriage. You need to be
willing and able to solve those problems with
hard work.”
Fox had been searching for around a month
before she found the diamond. Most of the
diamonds found in the volcanic crater are white,
brown and yellow.
More than 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed
there since 1906. The largest discovered,
at 40.23 carats, Uncle Sam, is on display
in the Smithsonian’s National Museum
of Natural History.
Earlier this year, a couple from Florida discovered
a 3.36-carat diamond at the state park, naming it
‘The Dash Diamond’ after their family dog. Other
notable discoveries include a two-carat diamond
found by a father and son from Arizona, as well
as a 7.46-carat brown diamond spotted by a
French tourist in January 2024.
Colour gemstone producer Gemfields has
showcased a remarkable 11,685-carat emerald that
was discovered at the Kagem mine in Zambia earlier
this year.
Fabergé sold to tech firm for $76 million
The emerald has been named ‘Imboo’, which means
‘buffalo’ in the native Bemba language in Zambia.
The gemstone is the headline item of the current
Gemfields auction, which concludes on 11 September.
Managing director Adrian Banks said that the
buyer will be able to use Provenance Proof tagging
technology to make the emerald traceable after
cutting and polishing.
“Even under the beam of strong light that is necessary
to illuminate a gemstone of this remarkable size,
Imboo reveals an intense, verdant green touched
with golden warmth, and a clarity that captivates the
eye,” he said.
“It is easy to imagine Imboo giving rise to several
fine-quality cut emeralds of significant size. Such
a rare collection could form an entire high-jewellery
suite from this single gemstone.”
Geologist Dharanidhar Seth discovered Imboo at
the Chama pit on 3 August, accompanied by chiseler
Justin Banda.
This is the largest discovery for Gemfields at the
Kagem mine.
In 2010, the company unearthed the 6,225-carat
‘Insofu’, which means ‘elephant’ in the Bemba
language.
That gemstone was used by Chopard to create
a jewellery collection.
Earlier this year, a 6,620-carat emerald, named the
Pilala and known for its intense fluorescent colour
and transparent clarity, helped garner $USD24.8
million in sales at auction.
Legendary jewellery brand Fabergé has been
sold to a technology investor as part of a $76.2
million deal.
Fabergé was founded in 1842 and is renowned for
its Imperial Russian Easter eggs. The company
was purchased by colour gemstone producer
Gemfields in 2013 and has now been sold to SMG
Capital, a US investment company controlled by
Sergei Mosunov.
Mosunov is a Russian national based in the UK
and described the purchase as a ‘great honour’.
“Fabergé’s unique heritage, with ties to Russia,
England, France and the USA, opens significant
opportunities for further strengthening its
position in the global luxury market and
expanding its international presence,” he said.
“We look forward immensely to providing
exceptional service to Fabergé’s existing retail
and wholesale customers, and to warmly
welcoming new brand aficionados.”
Fabergé rose to prominence after the creation
of ornate eggs for the Russian royal family, as
commissioned by Tsar Alexander III in the 1800s.
There are 50 Imperial Easter eggs in collections
around the world.
Gemfields purchased the company from private
equity company Pallinghurst as part of a $217
million deal in 2013. CEO Sean Gilbertson
described the sale as the ‘end of an era’.
“Having initiated our strategic review of Fabergé
in response to the considerable challenges
Gemfields started facing in Q4 2024, today’s
sale marks the end of an era for us,” he said.
“Fabergé has played a key role in raising
the profile of the colored gemstones mined
by Gemfields, and we will certainly miss its
marketing leverage and star power.”
According to media reporting, Fabergé reported
revenue of $13.4 million in 2024. The sale was
reportedly be finalised in late August.
22 | September 2025

News
GIA outlines new lab-created
diamond certification system
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has confirmed the details
of its new grading system for lab-created diamonds.
In June, the GIA announced that it would change the language used to
describe lab-created diamonds in certificates to better distinguish them
from natural diamonds.
The organisation will begin issuing certificates with the new updated
format on 1 October, using the terms ‘premium’ and ‘standard’ to
describe lab-created diamonds, rather than traditional nomenclature.
These ratings will be determined by the clarity, colour, and cut of the
diamonds. Discussing these changes, new CEO Pritesh Patel emphasised
that the GIA’s work should reflect market conditions.
“Using descriptive terms for the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds
is appropriate, as most fall into a very narrow range of colour and clarity,”
he said.
“Because of that, the GIA will no longer use the nomenclature created
for natural diamonds to describe what is a manufactured product.”
To qualify for the ‘premium’ label, lab-created diamonds must be D colour
and have a minimum clarity of VVS with excellent polish and symmetry. The
‘standard’ label will be used to describe diamonds with a colour range of
between E to J with VS clarity. They must also have a polish rating of ‘very
good’, as well as additional symmetry requirements.
Every diamond that meets the GIA’s criteria for a certification will have a
laser inscription using the term ‘laboratory-grown’ along with a qualityassessment
number. Diamonds that don’t reach the requirements for
‘standard’ will not receive a report.
Nationwide releases eagerly anticipated
new Repair Price Book
Nationwide Jewellers has released the 16th edition of its Repair Price Book,
first introduced in 2005 after surveys exposed inconsistent repair pricing
among members.
The buying group collaborates with a panel of jewellers and watchmakers
to analyse common repairs, factoring in time, materials quantities, and
associated costs.
Managing director Colin Pocklington said the result is a precise pricing
model that secures healthy gross margins for members’ repair work.
“It was clear that repair prices in the market were based on a variety of
methods, few of which used accurate calculations for time, materials,
and labour costs. As a result, many jewellers weren’t making an
adequate margin — and in some cases, were losing money on repairs,”
he tells Jeweller.
“We don’t release new editions every year. Instead, we wait until increases
in metal and labour costs justify significant changes in retail prices. With
the sharp rise in metal prices over recent years, most repair costs have
now increased.
The latest version of the Repair Price Book includes machine
engraving pricing, with retail prices now factoring in the amortisation
of equipment costs.
Additionally, all repair items now include codes (QR and SKU) from
The Edge, the point-of-sale system from Retail Edge Consultants.
Pocklington said that members who use The Edge platform can adopt
Nationwide’s repair prices or retain their own.
(02) 9417 0177 September | dgau.com.au 2025 | 23

Events Not to Miss
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 Calendar
09 SEPT
–
13 SEPT
09
SEPTEMBER
17 SEPT
–
21 SEPT
29 OCT
–
31 OCT
THAILAND
02 SEPT – 06 SEPT
72nd Bangkok Gems &
Jewelry Fair
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
BANGKOK, THAILAND
bkkgems.com
17 SEPT
–
21 SEPT
Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair
Hong Kong Convention &
Exhibition Centre
HONG KONG, CHINA
hktdc.com/event/hkwatchfair/en
05 SEPT – 09 SEPT
Vicenzaoro
Jewellery & Gem WORLD
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Convention and
Exhibition Centre
HONG KONG, CHINA
jgw.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com
International Jewellery
Tokyo Autumn
Pacifico Yokohama
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN
ijt.jp/autumn/en-gb.html
Fiera di Vicenza
VICENZA, ITALY
vicenzaoro.com
06 SEPT – 08 SEPT
ADD EVENT
TO CALENDAR
& REGISTER
NOVEMBER
11
CHINA
Jewellery & Gem WORLD
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
HONG KONG, CHINA
jgw.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com
ADD EVENT
TO CALENDAR
& REGISTER
29 OCT
–
31 OCT
Bijorhca Paris
Porte de Versailles
PARIS, FRANCE
whosnext.com
09 SEPT
–
13 SEPT
OCTOBER
01 OCT
–
04 OCT
10
05 NOV – 11 NOV
Jewellery Salon Riyadh
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
jewellerysalon.com/en
11 NOV
–
13 NOV
JAPAN
International Jewellery Tokyo
Autumn
72nd Bangkok Gems
& Jewelry Fair
Queen Sirikit National
Convention Center
BANGKOK, THAILAND
bkkgems.com
Istanbul Jewelry Show
Istanbul Expo Center
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
istanbuljewelryshow.com
Jewellery, Gem & Technology
in Dubai
Pacifico Yokohama
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN
ijt.jp/autumn/en-gb.html
11 NOV
–
13 NOV
13 SEPT – 15 SEPT
Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair
Pragati Maidan
NEW DELHI INDIA
delhi.jewelleryfair.in
09 OCT – 12 OCT
Surabaya International
Jewellery Fair
Shangri-La Hotel
SURABAYA, INDONESIA
indonesiajewelleryfair.com
Dubai Exhibition Centre
DUBAI, UAE
jgtdubaijewelleryshow.com
21 NOV – 24 NOV
Taiwan Jewellery & Gem Fair
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Jewellery, Gem & Technology
in Dubai
Dubai Exhibition Centre
DUBAI, UAE
jgtdubaijewelleryshow.com
15 SEPT – 19 SEPT
Jewellery & Gem WORLD
Hong Kong
Asia World-Expo (AWE)
HONG KONG, CHINA
exhibitions.jewellerynet.com/9jg
10 OCT – 11 OCT
Kosmima Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki International
Exhibition & Congress Center
THESSALONIKI GREECE
kosmima-expo.gr/en
Taipei World Trade Center
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
taiwanjewelleryfair.com
27 NOV – 30 NOV
JMA Hong Kong International
Jewelry Show
Hong Kong Convention &
Exhibition Centre
HONG KONG, CHINA
jewelryshows.org
24 | September 2025

International
Jewellery Fair
Uniting the
WORLD
of Jewellery
in Australia
jewelleryfair.com.au/ijf
JOIN US NEXT YEAR AT IJF 2026
AUGUST 22-24, 2026
ICC Sydney Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW
September 2025 | 25

10 Years Ago
Time Machine: September 2015
A snapshot of the industry events making headlines this time 10 years ago in Jeweller.
September 2015
ON THE COVER
PETER W BECK
Editor’s Desk
Ten years on and the 'next' Pandora
"There are several reasons behind
Pandora’s success – hard work; right
product; right time; good management;
even luck – but the real reason Pandora
has been so successful is because it
created a unique connection between
product and consumer. Without that, it
would not be where it is today.
"Right now, the industry could do with
a new fad to once again drive sales –
another mega-trend would even be
better – but if a supplier won’t invest
in marketing and promotion, retailers
should pass it by and find one that will.
Only then might we see the next
Pandora."
Historic Headlines
The Swiss get more complicated with new watch
Jail time for jewellery ram-raider
Hope Spinel emerges after almost a century
Aussie diamond producer lands in more trouble
Aussie jewellery apprentice takes silver
Tiffany & Co jewellery moves to
New Zealand
Strong demand from New Zealand customers
has prompted Tiffany & Co’s Australian
subsidiary to expand across the Tasman.
The international jewellery company recently
announced it would open its first companyoperated
retail store in New Zealand next year.
The store, which will be managed by Tiffany’s
Australian subsidiary, will occupy the
approximately 430 square metre ground floor
of Australis House, a heritage building that
is part of the Britomart luxury shopping
precinct in Auckland.
It is expected to open in late 2016.
Glen Schlehuber, Tiffany vice president and
managing director for the Oceania region, said the
company had many loyal New Zealand customers
and that the retailer had been seeking to establish
a presence in New Zealand for some time.
STILL RELEVANT 10 YEARS ON
"Salespeople need personality to
sell but they also need technical skill
and a system to follow. Rarely are
salespeople who rely solely on their
magnanimous personality the top
producers, nor are those who follow
a strict checklist when selling the top
performing products."
Rare Aussie opal makes
international headlines
An Australian opal that is said to be extremely
rare has attracted overseas media attention in
the lead-up to its first public appearance.
Although the gemstone, which has been dubbed
the Virgin Rainbow, was discovered more than a
decade ago, it recently entered the spotlight after
the South Australian Museum announced it would
be the centrepiece of its upcoming opal exhibition.
The 6 cm-long, 72-carat gemstone was found in
September 2003 by second-generation opal miner
John Dunstan at Frank’s Folly mine in Coober Pedy,
South Australia.
Dunstan told Jeweller the Virgin Rainbow was the
best specimen he had encountered in his 28 years
of opal mining, adding that he believed it was “the
rarest stone to come out of Coober Pedy”.
READ ALL HEADLINES IN FULL ON
JEWELLERMAGAZINE.COM
Soapbox
A jeweller’s right to boycott
"We as jewellers can help stop the illegal
trade in ivory by refusing to create or
repair jewellery made from the material.
"I say don’t repair it, don’t buy it and
don’t sell it.
"The small act of rejecting that one piece
can contribute to putting a stop to a
disgraceful and destructive industry.
"I won’t go into the devastating impact
of the poaching in Africa here.
"Google the statistics; they’re both
mind blowing and sickening."
Nicholas de Klerk
de Klerk and Pinn Jewellers
Innovative jewellery range
launches in Australia
The customisable jewellery sector looks set to
‘heat up’ with the arrival of a European collection
that features a unique and personalised point of
difference.
Italian jewellery business Le Corone has expanded
the distribution of its innovative jewellery range to
encompass Australia and New Zealand.
The collection includes rings, bracelets, necklaces
and earrings incorporating different coloured cubic
zirconia; however, it is arguably a design feature
that allows for the re-sizing of rings and bracelets
that offers the main point of difference.
Le Corone Australia managing director Mandy
Thurgar explained that the rings and bracelets had
adjustable coloured silicone bands that jewellery
retailers could cut to a size that suited the wearer.
Diamond jewellery sales
exceed $100 billion
A recent report has indicated that despite
an increase in global diamond jewellery
demand and rough diamond production
in 2014, industry performance may
stagnate this year.
The findings from De Beers Group’s Diamond
Insight Report 2015 showed a 3 per cent rise
in global diamond jewellery sales last year,
with figures exceeding $USD80 billion
($AUD113.9 billion) for the first time.
It was said that consumer demand increased
in each of the major diamond markets – those
that account for 75 per cent of worldwide sales,
including the US, China, Japan, India and
the Gulf – with 2014 representing the
fifth year of consecutive expansion since
the global recession.
26 | September 2025

28 | September 2025

REVIEW
Gems
Australia: Opal's National Significance & Global Appeal
More than a striking gemstone, Australian opal
holds a unique place in the nation's identity.
As Australia’s national gemstone, opal is an
enduring emblem of natural beauty, ancient
history, and cultural identity. Officially recognised
in the Australian Symbols booklet, published
by the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet, the opal stands alongside the national
flag, coat of arms, colours, and floral emblem
– as a nationally significant and internationally
recognisable Australian symbol.
While opal is found in several countries,
Australian precious opal stands apart for
its singular beauty, rarity and connections
to deep time and culture. It comes from
a continent inhabited continuously by
First Nations peoples for tens of thousands
of years, and from landscapes that have
witnessed hundreds of millions of years
of geological and ecological evolution.
Since the late 1800s and early 1900s, when
mining began in earnest in the remote outback,
Australian opal has dominated the global
market. The vibrant, resourceful culture
of opal prospecting and mining continues
to shape the national character.
A national symbol must have broad relevance.
In Australia, commercial opal production occurs
in New South Wales, Queensland, and South
Australia, with minor occurrences in Western
Australia. Globally recognised localities include
Lightning Ridge, White Cliffs, Quilpie, Yowah,
Coober Pedy, and Andamooka.
These remote and storied places, all associated
with the Great Artesian Basin, are known
for their isolation, harsh climate and stark
beauty – hallmarks of Australia’s vast
interior and national identity.
Although opal mining is relatively recent,
the geological conditions that produce
Australian precious opal are ancient,
dating back more than 110 million years to
a time when much of central Australia was
covered by an inland sea and formed part
of the supercontinent Gondwana.
Opal, often described as a gemstone of rainbow
colours, features in First Nations stories,
including those of the Rainbow Serpent.
Rare opalised fossils further deepen its
scientific and cultural significance, offering
tangible connections with Australia's deep past.
Gemmologists classify opal into two main
types: common opal and precious opal.
Precious opal – which displays the dazzling
phenomenon known as play of colour –
is the more celebrated and valuable.
Unlike crystalline minerals, precious opal is
amorphous, with its spectral colours caused
by light diffracting through an orderly array of
silica spheres.
In Australia, commercial opal deposits occur
in sedimentary rocks. Common opal, by contrast,
lacks play of colour, though it may show
attractive hues, patterns and optical effects in
its body colour.
Sometimes described as 'ornamental' rather
than 'common', it is found in various global
locations. Examples include Peru’s pink opal
and Indonesia’s green-blue varieties.
Common opal typically forms in volcanic
environments and may exhibit some
micro-crystallinity.
Valuing precious opal is complex. A key factor
is body tone – classified as black, dark, or light
– with black opal being the most highly valued
for its striking contrasts and vivid colours.
Other value factors include the brightness,
directionality, and consistency of the play of
colour, the spectral colours present, and
the distinctiveness of their patterns.
Australia is the source of many of the world's
finest gemstones, including opal, diamonds,
sapphire, and pearls.
One of precious opal's most exciting
properties is that no two gemstones are alike.
This celebrated variety and diversity can
present challenges to those striving
for expertise in assessing opal, including
the separation of natural opal from synthetics
and simulants.
To support greater expertise in this area,
the Gemmological Association of Australia
(GAA) has developed the GAA Certificate in
Opal Studies. Delivered in partnership with
the Australian Opal Centre, this self-paced
online course provides comprehensive,
up-to-date knowledge for anyone involved
in buying, selling, valuing, collecting,
or simply fascinated by opals.
Australian precious opal symbolises the
colourful spirit and story of Australia,
including – to quote the national anthem –
its "beauty rich and rare". To wear it is to wear
not just a symbol of Australia, but a piece of
this ancient and beautiful land.
NATALIE HAMBLY is a Sydney-based writer and
gemmologist with a background in journalism
and media. The GAA OPAL COMMITTEE is a
specialist group at the Gemmological Association
of Australia. For more information on gems
and gemmology, visit www.gem.org.au
September 2025 | 29

30 | September 2025

FANCY COLOUR DIAMONDS
Raw Beauty
THE FANCIEST OF THEM ALL
Fancy colour diamonds have a vibrant and rich history.
SAMUEL ORD says that with consumer passion for these
rare natural wonders continuing to rise in recent years,
the story has only just begun.
T
o find a diamond worthy of high-end
jewellery is a challenge in and of itself;
however, unearthing one with extraordinary
natural colour defies far greater odds.
Fancy colour diamonds – those vibrant natural treasures
that are only formed in the perfect geological conditions –
are the very definition of rare.
For hundreds of years, fancy colour diamonds were
admired by nobility and royalty alone. Fortunately, these
remarkable stones are no longer the exclusive domain
of power brokers, appearing in Australian jewellery
stores and providing local consumers with the
opportunity to own something truly unique.
Eden Rachimov, author of The Fancy Color
Diamond Book, perhaps summarised it best.
“In a modern affluent society where almost
anything can be purchased, owning a rare
fancy colour diamond serves as a statement
of individualism, highlighting the power of an
unattainable luxury,” Rachimov wrote.
Fancy colour diamonds are only sourced from a
handful of mines around the world. The closure
of Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in 2020 marked the end
of the source of more than 90 per cent of the world’s
pink diamonds.
Elsewhere, some mines are still producing fancy colour
diamonds at reduced volumes. In South Africa, the
Cullinan Mine remains a source for blue diamonds,
while in Botswana, the Orapa and Jwaneng Mines
generate blue and yellow diamonds.
David Morris
September 2025 | 31

Fancy Colour Diamonds | RAW BEAUTY
CTF PINK STAR
59.60 CARATS
THE DRESDEN GREEN
40.70 CARATS
THE HOPE DIAMOND
45.52 CARATS
The Diavik and Ekati Mines in Canada have developed
into an essential source for yellow diamonds, while
in Sierra Leone, some examples of vivid yellows have
been recovered.
Earlier this year, the Natural Diamond Council released
its first-ever Fancy Colour Diamond report, offering
insight into the history of the rarest of all diamonds.
At the time, CEO David Kellie described these stones
as a testament to nature.
“Fancy colour diamonds are the ultimate expression
of passion, desire, personal style and enduring value,”
Kellie said.
“No two are ever the same. We’re not talking about just
jewels, we’re talking about a vibrant legacy of Earth’s
ultimate power and beauty.”
These diamonds not only come in an astonishing range
of hues, each colour with its own distinctive traits, but
also have a rich history.
Examples such as the Hope Diamond, the Dresden Green,
the Tiffany Yellow and more recently the Winston Red,
have captured the imagination of collectors for hundreds
of years.
That rich history is even reflected in the broader name
for these diamonds – ‘fancy’. Nearly 400 years ago,
King Louis XIV commissioned court jeweller Jean Pitau
to recut the Tavernier Blue, resulting in a 67-carat
diamond which royal inventories listed as the Blue
Diamond of the Crown of France.
Fancy colour diamonds were particularly popular with
French aristocrats, and diamond cutters would use the
term ‘fantaisie’ when describing these stones. When
translated to English, fantaisie can be interpreted two
ways – ‘fancy’ and ‘fantasy’.
White diamonds have traditionally been evaluated based
on the ‘4Cs’ – carat, colour, clarity, and cut. Unsurprisingly,
for fancy colour diamonds, one of those factors rules the
roost – colour – and they become more valuable as their
colour increases in intensity.
Three characteristics are of particular interest with fancy
colour diamonds - the dominant colour of the stone
(hue), how light or dark the colour appears (tone), and the
strength of the colour (saturation).
The GIA identified 27 hues, including pure colours and
blended tones and uses a scale of grades.
Eden Rachimov
The Fancy Color Diamond Book
“In a modern affluent society
where almost anything can be
purchased, owning a rare fancy colour
diamond serves as a statement of
individualism, highlighting the power
of an unattainable luxury,”
David Kellie
Natural Diamond Council
“Fancy colour diamonds are the
ultimate expression of passion, desire,
personal style and enduring value.
No two are ever the same. We’re not
talking about just jewels, we’re talking
about a vibrant legacy of Earth’s
ultimate power and beauty.”
Priya Raj
Rapaport News
“Cutting coloured diamonds is a
highly specialised process. While
traditional cutting prioritises
brilliance and carat retention, the
goal in this case is to maximise the
colour intensity.”
The nine grades range from ‘faint’ to ‘fancy vivid’.
Interestingly, fancy colour diamonds are graded face-up to
assess how the colour appears in a setting, as this is how
it will be seen when worn. White diamonds, meanwhile,
are graded face down to minimise sparkle and reveal any
subtle body colour.
The science behind fancy colour diamonds is far from
settled and is an evolving story. As a report from Rapaport
News explains, the category has pushed producers to
develop new techniques.
“Cutting coloured diamonds is a highly specialised
process. While traditional cutting prioritises brilliance
and carat retention, the goal in this case is to maximise
the colour intensity,” writes Priya Raj.
“This has led cutters to experiment cautiously with
new techniques, such as using split bezels and pointy
corners to direct light in a way that makes the color
appear more vibrant.
“They’ve also found that radiant cuts hold colour better
than other stone cuts. Companies like Choron Group —
which specialises in handling colours like pink, purple,
blue and yellow, and which contributed to the NDC report
— have refined these processes, combining technology
with craftsmanship to ensure that each diamond reveals
its fullest potential. ”
Perfectly Pink
While fancy colour diamonds are found hidden miles
beneath the surface of the Earth in various places
around the world, in many ways, they’re a uniquely
Australian story.
Pink diamonds are captivating – rare blush tones evoke
elegance, romance, and mystery. The soft sparkle is
intimate and ethereal, stirring emotions of love, wonder,
and timeless, delicate beauty.
As mentioned, the Argyle Mine was once the world’s only
consistent source of pink diamonds, and no other source
has yet been discovered to replace it following its closure.
While the Argyle Mine was closed more than half a
decade ago, these stones have increasingly captured
the hearts and minds of consumers and collectors in
recent years. Earlier this year, James Temelli of Temelli
Jewellery in Melbourne discussed the increasing
popularity of uniquely Australian jewellery – and the
opportunity it presents local retailers.
32 | September 2025

New Lab-Grown Diamonds by Ikecho
THE TIFFANY YELLOW
128.54 CARATS
“While there may be valid concerns about consumer confidence
and discretionary spending, there is an undeniable passion and
demand for jewellery inspired by Australia,” he explained.
“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.”
Temelli suggested that consumers abroad have developed a
lasting appreciation for Australia’s high-quality manufacturing
and jewellery design.
Echoing this sentiment is Steve der Bedrossian of SAMS Group,
who recently wrote about the rise of the Pink Kimberley brand.
“Moving into fine jewellery was a leap; however, I’ve always
believed in the strength of Australian products, and pink
diamonds held a particular allure,” he wrote.
“In 2009, I launched Pink Kimberley, a brand positioned for
the mid-range market. The key challenge was convincing
retailers that they could confidently sell higher-priced items in
a branded format.
“Fortunately, Pink Kimberley resonated quickly. Certification
played a significant role in building trust, and the brand’s
comprehensive collection enabled retailers to offer a cohesive
product range.”
In the coming years, it seems reasonable to expect that
consumers’ fascination with pink diamonds will only be amplified.
Fancy colour diamonds are often at the centre of stories that
command significant attention from audiences.
Within the past few weeks, a story from Dubai has generated
international headlines after it was revealed that authorities had
thwarted a plot to steal a 21-carat pink diamond valued at more
than $USD25 million.
Closer to home, a five-part podcast series was released by the
ABC in 2022 – Expanse: Pink Diamonds Heist. It featured many
previously unknown details of a pink diamond scandal from
the 1980s and was well received by critics and listeners around
the country.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that this podcast will be adapted
into a television series, which, if well executed, will surely only add
to the aura of pink diamonds.
wholesale.ikecho.com.au | 02 9266 September 0636 | enquiries@ikecho.com.au
2025 | 33

Fancy Colour Diamonds | RAW BEAUTY
Soaking up the sun
THE ARGYLE VIOLET
2.83 CARATS
Yellow diamonds radiate joy, their golden glow evoking the warmth
of sunlight. They provoke feelings of happiness, optimism, and
vitality, blending luxury with a cheerful brightness that is both
bold and uplifting.
Contrary to what some may believe, yellow diamonds are also
incredibly rare. They supposedly owe their golden hue to the presence
of nitrogen in the atomic structure. The greater the nitrogen content,
the deeper and more vibrant the colouring.
As part of the Natural Diamond Council’s report, fancy colour diamond
expert Alan Bronstein discussed the enduring impact these diamonds
are capable of.
“I’ll always remember that day in 1980 when a golden yellow diamond
that burned like the evening sun setting in the western sky was flashed
in front of my eyes by a fellow trader,” he explained.
“It had a hypnotic glow that kept me staring in wonder. We patiently
and deliberately selected the diamonds in the Aurora Pyramid of Hope
according to a plan focused on the extensive diversity of diamond
colours offered by nature.
“The basic premise is that all coloured diamonds are examples of
nature at her geological best.”
Sapphire Dreams celebrates the exceptional beauty of
Australian sapphires, showcasing their unparalleled
colour range within meticulously crafted, elegant jewellery
designs. Each sapphire is hand-selected by our team of
expert gemmologists, ensuring every piece highlights the
stone’s natural brilliance and unique beauty.
Our ethically sourced, Australian sapphires embody the
harmony of luxury and sustainability.
Although many of the best yellow diamonds have been unearthed in
South Africa, they are found in a variety of locations around the world,
including Australia. In Western Australia, the Ellendale Mine reportedly
produced around 50 per cent of the world’s yellow diamonds – a further
connection between the local market and the broader story of fancy
colour diamonds.
Perhaps the most famous example of all is the Tiffany Yellow,
a canary-yellow octahedron that weighed more than 287 carats
when it was discovered in South Africa in the 1870s. The unique cut,
featuring 90 facets and a stepped crown, has been the subject of
intrigue and debate among gemmologists.
The diamond has reportedly never been formally examined by a
gemmological organisation, leaving questions about its precise
clarity and unique features unanswered.
The association between Tiffany & Co. and yellow diamonds was
reignited slightly over a decade ago and continues today. The largest
vivid yellow fancy colour diamond discovered in Canada was cut into
two remarkable emerald-cut stones by Tiffany & Co. in 2023.
SapphireDreams.com.au
Become a stockist today 02 9290 2199
34 | September 2025
The 71.26-carat rough was discovered at the Ekati mine in northern
Canada in 2021 and was purchased by the company the following year.
After previewing the diamond to private customers, the rough was cut
into separate 15-carat and 20-carat stones in Antwerp.

NEW 2025/2026
COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE
THE WINSTON RED
2.33 CARATS
The excitement around rare fancy colour diamond discoveries has
continued in recent years, with prominent stories including Alrosa’s
showcase of the largest yellow diamond in Russian history.
It was said that a team of 15 master cutters transformed the diamond
from rough to polished using a 3D model. Spectral analysis and virtual
projects were used to assess all possible shapes, determining which
cut would highlight the diamond’s colour while preserving as much of
its weight as possible.
A massive 158-carat fancy colour yellow diamond was recovered
from the Diavik Mine in Canada earlier this year. Rio Tinto announced
the find and described it as one of the largest fancy colour yellow
diamonds in Canada.
It’s one of five diamonds larger than 100 carats discovered at the
Diavak Mine over the past two decades. Other notable discoveries
include a 552-carat yellow diamond in 2018 and the 187-carat
Diavik Foxfire in 2015.
Ride the Rainbow
THE MOUSSAIEFF RED
5.11 CARATS
These stories of pink and yellow diamonds are merely the tip of the
iceberg. The rarest of them all, red diamonds are thought to attain
their hue from geological conditions that include intense pressure
and high temperature, causing a specific twist in the diamond’s
crystal lattice.
New Opal Collection
New Multicolour
Collection
Blue diamonds are believed to form more than 500 kilometres below
the Earth’s surface, far deeper than most diamonds, and gain their
colour from a trace amount of boron. Fittingly, that is a mineral
usually found in seawater.
Earlier this year, Sotheby’s hosted the sale of the Mediterranean Blue,
a 10.03-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, at the Geneva High Jewellery
sale. The diamond returned $USD21.5 million ($AUD33.42 million).
Green diamonds supposedly acquire their colour from natural
radiation exposure over millions of years, which affects the carbon
atoms in their structure. This has caused considerable controversy in
recent years regarding certification.
Orange diamonds are thought to owe their colour to nitrogen atoms,
which are configured to absorb blue and yellow light, while the daring
and bold black diamonds gain colour from dense concentrations of
graphite and other minerals.
New ab Diamond
Engagement Ring
From extraordinary origins to mesmerising hues, fancy colour
diamonds are one of nature’s most radiant masterpieces. Each
diamond tells a story of geological wonder, human craftsmanship,
and personal expression.
As collectors and consumers continue to embrace their brilliance,
these rare diamonds remain timeless symbols of individuality, luxury,
and the enduring allure of the Earth’s deepest treasures.
September 2025 | 35

INTERATIONAL JEWELLERY FAIR
The Power of Unity
2025 SYDNEY FAIR
When the International
Jewellery Fair concluded
in Sydney’s picturesque
Darling Harbour, for so many reasons,
it was one to remember.
It’s been said that ‘little things mean a lot’,
a suggestion that the smallest details often
have the largest impact, and this year’s
Sydney Fair exemplified this wisdom.
While the driving force of the trade show
was business-to-business networking and
transactions, it was the extra features on the
periphery of the event that generated consistent
praise from retailers and suppliers.
• The central highlight of the weekend was the
‘Big Night Out’ on Saturday, with more than 250
members of the local jewellery industry climbing
on board a boat for a 2.5-hour cruise through
Sydney Harbour.
• In what has quickly become a highlight of the
annual Sydney Fair, the return of the Mystery Box
Bench Challenge was warmly welcomed by buyers
and suppliers alike. With more than $5,000 in prize
money on offer, 12 students from Design Centre
Enmore (TAFE NSW) competed across three days.
• Nationwide Jewellers traditionally hosts its
annual awards night in conjunction with the
Sydney Fair; however, those awards have been
shifted to the group’s conference in April 2026.
With that said, the group still announced the
winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award
at the show – and this year’s top prize went to
Zoe Lanham from Haab Designer Jewellers
in Tasmania.
Lanham received the Nathan Cameron Perpetual
Trophy and, as the winner of the Apprentice of the
Year Award, received $5,000 in prize money
to further her career.
• Also turning heads was the Pick A Pearl
Experience, sponsored by Ikecho, held three
times daily during the Sydney Fair.
This interactive event invited visitors to dive into
an ocean-themed sandpit and choose an oyster,
with a chance to win from a prize pool worth
more than $5,000.
• The International Jewellery Fair marked a bold
new direction for Retail Edge Consultants, centred
around the launch of the Business Excellence
Awards on the opening day.
Enough fun and games
While the entertainment surrounding the
International Jewellery Fair will undoubtedly
secure the event as a memorable occasion in
the minds of retailers and suppliers, at the
end of the day, it’s a business affair.
Walking the show floor, it was commonly reported
that foot traffic appeared to have declined from the
previous year; however, the intention of buyers had
sharpened, and many had arrived in Sydney with a
specific purchasing strategy in mind.
Naturally, these reports are subject to bias among
exhibitors, as they are confined to their stands for
the majority of the show.
Consequently, reports also conflicted regarding
the timing of buying. Some suggested that traffic
in the mornings was busy and the afternoons were
quiet, while others reported the opposite.
Such is life at the Sydney Fair!
Beyond the occasional reports of slow business,
most exhibitors suggested on the third day that
they expected sales to reach a level similar to
that of the previous year.
There are, of course, always outliers.
Chief among them this year is Himalayan
Treasures. When asked about the weekend,
head designer Brendan Wilson was somewhat
at a loss for words.
“This has been a record year for us. We didn’t
expect this at all. The economy has been
reasonably slow, but people have just been
loving what we had to display and making
orders,” he told Jeweller.
Nationwide Jewellers has crowned Zoe Banham from
Haab Designer Jewellers as Apprentice of the Year.
“We heard some familiar reports from
retailers about their business, that the winter
had been long and hard, but we received
so much kind feedback about our products.
"We’ve barely had time to sit down, so many
people stopped by and said that our designs
are unique and there’s nothing else quite like
it on the market.”
Located nearby was Duraflex Group Australia,
showcasing DKNY Watches and Connoisseurs for
the first time, as well as a range of new additions
to the company’s wide-reaching portfolio.
Managing director Phil Edwards said it was
an event that offered valuable lessons.
Ikecho hosted the Pick
A Pearl Experience
across three days.
“I think the overall sentiment after this Sydney Fair
is fantastic. On the opening morning, the number
of visitors to our stand was a little overwhelming,
which, when all is said and done, is a nice problem
to have,” Edwards said.
“That energy and enthusiasm carried over to
Sunday, which was great to see. We were dealing
with a lot of buyers who came to Sydney with a
serious intention to buy, and many of them were
open-minded and willing to learn about a range of
brands, which, from our perspective, is terrific.”
A short walk away and the staff at Timesupply were
hard at work, showcasing a range of new releases
from the company’s European brands.
Before the Sydney Fair, managing director
Ken Abbott had forecast a strong demand for
Nomination Italy, and those predictions proved
accurate.
“The 2025 International Jewellery Fair was another
strong event for Timesupply. We reconnected with
many of our valued stockists and welcomed new
partners for Nomination, Coeur de Lion, Qudo,
and UNOde50,” Abbott explained.
36 | September 2025

SCAN FOR
COMPLETE
IMAGES &
FULL REVIEW
BECKS Group proudly
sponsored the
Big Night Out event.
The first-ever Big Night Out,
Sydney Harbour Cruise was
a smash hit with jewellery industry.
“Fresh collections brought plenty of excitement,
and Sydney Fair proved once again to be the perfect
stage to showcase them.
“Nomination Italy continues to generate buzz —
particularly among younger customers. Retailers
often tell us that it’s their children asking them to
bring the Composable Bracelet into store ranges, a
great sign of the brand’s generational appeal.”
As the planning continues for a special 50th
anniversary celebration next year, this International
Jewellery Fair was a critical moment in time for
BECKS. Proudly displaying a refreshed brand look
and a range of new products and packages, CEO
Gavin Baird said that it was a successful voyage
from Adelaide to Sydney.
“The event was really the culmination of almost
12 months’ worth of planning, and finally being
able to see all of our efforts finally roll out was
really satisfying as a business," Baird said.
"We were absolutely delighted with the overall
turnout and the strong numbers through the
BECKS stand.
“The level of engagement from customers was
fantastic, and the response to everything we
showcased exceeded our expectations."
At the previous International Jewellery Fair,
Designa Accessories completed a soft launch of the
Philipp Plein and Plein Sport watch and jewellery
brands. Philipp Plein is a German fashion designer
and the founder of the luxury brand Philipp Plein,
established in 2004.
Nearly 12 months later, Meys told Jeweller that the
development of the brand in the local market had
exceeded that early optimism.
“Over the course of the past 12 months, we’ve seen
the brand move from strength to strength. When
we first showcased the brand, it was obviously
early days, and now we’ve got a great deal more
information about how well suited these products
are to the local market,” he said.
“We’ve had some strong responses from the
independent retail segment in both Australia and
New Zealand, and we plan to continue expanding
the distribution network with new releases."
"It’s been said that ‘little things mean
a lot’, a suggestion that the smallest
details often have the largest
impact, and this year’s Sydney
Fair exemplified this wisdom."
For the staff at Worth & Douglas, some colourful
new product ranges had received some very
positive feedback. Business development
manager Chris Worth said that the expansion
of the Ziro range was a clear highlight.
“It’s been a good weekend, we’re happy with the
business that we’ve written out,” he explained.
“When zirconium is anodised, you get a range of
different colours and retailers have responded very
positively to these new designs. The gold band
has been particularly appealing because of the
record-high prices.”
New at the Sydney Fair was Town Talk Polish,
a company specialising in jewellery cleaning
products that is now distributed in local
markets by Graham and Oliver Cohen
of Graham Cohen Marketing.
Visitors wait for the
doors to open on the
first day of the Fair.
Graham said that the brand’s rich history was a hit
with visitors to the stand.
“This was my first Sydney Fair in three years, and it
was wonderful catching up with people whom I’ve
worked with for 35 years,” Cohen said.
“The response to our new brand has been really
positive. People are very impressed with the
premium label, and responded particularly well
to the personalised packaging that’s available.”
It was also a special anniversary occasion for
Soklich & Co., which this year celebrates its
60th anniversary. Co-owner Lexie Soklich said
that the response to the launch of the Soklich
Casting House was thrilling.
“We have had an overwhelming response with
orders already in production. As I have said many
times to both new and existing customers, as a
business, we are committed to quality over quantity,
as we have always been,” she explained.
“For this reason, we don't want to overpromise
and underdeliver. Overall, the 2025 Sydney Fair
has been a great event and an interesting one in
terms of how the consumer and retail markets
are moving forward. Some interesting shifts in
the future are already unfolding in front of us.”
Meanwhile, Ellendale Diamonds sales and
marketing manager Gersande Price was
pleased with the reception among visitors
to some uniquely Australian products.
“At the exhibition, our collection and clear point of
difference were very well received, reinforcing the
strong demand for Australian-made pieces with
authenticity and provenance," Price explained.
The Australian Opal Association was also in the
spotlight, with recently reappointed president Ruth
Benjamin-Thomas unveiling fresh rebranding and
detailing the organisation’s ambitious future plans.
“There are many silly misconceptions about Aussie
opal that persist. It’s an unlucky gemstone; you
can only wear it if you’re born in October. Some
still think it’s very fragile,” she explained.
“Australian opal is the most stable opal in the
world. Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that
Australian consumers dislike opals. Nonsense!
All you need to do is look at some of the biggest
jewellery brands in the country and the work they
are doing with our national gemstone.”
The International Jewellery Fair was hosted in
Sydney’s Darling Harbour and the event returns
next year, scheduled for the 22-24 August.
September 2025 | 37

2025 SYDNEY FAIR
Mystery Box Bench Challenge
COMPETITION HEATS UP
The next generation of bench jewellers put their
skills to the test in front of a captivated audience
at the 2025 International Jewellery Fair in Sydney.
In what has quickly become a central highlight
of the annual Sydney Fair, the return of the
Mystery Box Bench Challenge was warmly
welcomed by buyers and suppliers alike.
With more than $5,000 in prize money on offer,
12 students from Design Centre Enmore
TAFE NSW competed across three days –
two qualifying stages on Saturday and Sunday,
before the grand finale on Monday.
Each student was provided with a random
assortment of materials to design and
manufacture a piece of jewellery.
An ominous red countdown clock and steady
stream of interested onlookers elevated the
young jewellers under mounting pressure,
and TAFE NSW head teacher of jewellery design,
Gina Kind, told Jeweller that each student would
depart the competition with valuable life skills.
“They’ve all been amazing. Every student has
turned up, put their best foot forward,” Kind said.
2025 MYSTERY BOX FINALISTS
» First Brielle Prince
» Second Max Housden
» Third Lachlan George
Sam Black
Matthias Simon
Olena Kovalevska
“Everyone needs to learn to bounce back from
challenges and to roll with the punches, and that’s
precisely what these young jewellers have done.
“If something goes wrong – and something will
always go wrong, especially when you’re creating
jewellery – you need to be able to remain calm
and find a solution.
“This is true in every line of work, but especially
in jewellery, and I think they’ll all be better off for
having participated in the competition.”
The winner of the Mystery Box Bench Challenge
was Brielle Prince (Meg Maskell Fine Jewellery).
Max Housden (Kristopher Graydon Jewellers)
finished in second place, followed
by Lachlan George in third.
The emergence of the Mystery Box Bench
Challenge is a well-timed victory for the
Australian jewellery industry.
With an increasing demand for custom-made
jewellery and an ageing workforce with a shortage
of apprentices, events like these are unquestionably
valuable in securing the future of the trade.
The Mystery Box Bench Challenge was made
possible due to the support of Chemgold,
Palloys, Expertise Events, and the Gemmological
Association of Australia (GAA). Kind expressed
her gratitude to each of the sponsors of the event.
“We can’t thank the supporters of the competition
enough. We’re incredibly grateful for all of the work
that Gary [Fitz-Roy] and the team at Expertise have
put into making this possible,” Kind said.
“We really appreciate the support of Chemgold,
Palloys, and the GAA – so many people were
quick to get involved and support the event again,
and that’s outstanding.”
38 | September 2025

Thank You
for joining us at the 2025
International
Jewellery Fair
ICC Sydney Darling Harbour
jewelleryfair.com.au/ijf
Proudly supported by
Organised by
September 2025 | 39

AUSTRALIAN OPAL EXHIBITION
National Gemstone Shines
T
he natural beauty and rising popularity
of opal jewellery were recently on
display at the Australian Opal Exhibition. TThe The 22nd edition of the Australian Opal Exhibition was hosted
at the Southport Sharks venue on the Gold Coast, across Wednesday
and Thursday (6-7 August).
The event welcomed visitors from around Australia and the world,
with an extensive collection of the country’s most impressive opal
and opal jewellery on display. Event organiser Maxine O’Brien said
it was pleasing to see plenty of fresh faces attending the show for
the first time.
“It was a really good show, we are delighted. We had quite a few
new retailers come and visit the show for the first time,
which was terrific,” O’Brien told Jeweller.
“Many of them were from Queensland, which makes sense given
where the show is hosted. The first day was very busy, pretty
much all day, which was pleasing. The second day is always a little
quieter, but there was still a strong buzz, which was great to see.”
Walking the show floor was a special guest, Jade Smith,
this year’s Lightning Ridge Opal Queen. The Lightning Ridge Opal
Queen is a unique industry tradition, with a winner crowned
each year at the Lightning Ridge Gem and Opal Festival.
This year’s four-day event featured more than 6,000 visitors.
Smith was this year’s winner, leading Kiara Barrett as runner-up
and Dorothy Dossa Kelly in third. The People’s Choice award winner
was Tiarne McBride.
Among the exhibitors was Damien Cody of Cody Opal, who recently
published a report in Jeweller about the future of the industry in
Australia and abroad. Cody said that with the industry facing
a range of challenges, the event offered a valuable opportunity.
“It was a good industry gathering with a nice mixture of miners,
cutters, and dealers taking part. It’s pleasing to see a full spectrum
of the industry under one roof,” Cody said.
“What I enjoy about the show is the explicit focus on opal. Other
jewellery industry events have more of a broader focus, for obvious
reasons, and while those events are also important, it’s good that
the Australian Opal Exhibition is firmly dedicated to our trade.
“It’s great knowing that everyone is on the same page and is
interested in discussing one thing – opal!”
Among the other highlights of the two-day affair in Queensland
was the display of Nadia Neuman’s necklace, The Celestine. The
handmade 18-carat gold Andamooka Opal necklace features a
20-carat freeform, double-sided gemstone from South Australia.
The piece was recently crowned the winner of the Open Prestige
Jewellery Award in Lightning Ridge as part of the Australian Opal
Jewellery Awards.
"CELESTINE", MONDIAL BY NADIA

“I hope to elevate the opal beyond a souvenir for
tourists, showcasing it in elegant, timeless, and
contemporary designs,” Neuman told Jeweller.
“Australia has an abundance of beautiful and
unique gemstones, and displaying them in this
way is what I love most.”
Among the exhibitors was Elaine Raines of
Austgems, who said that the increasing demand
for opal jewellery is showing no signs of slowing.
“It’s always great to gather with people from
across the industry. I’ve been a part of the trade
for 35 years, and I would say that this year, most
people were quite positive about the market
at the moment,” she said.
“The event welcomed visitors from
around Australia and the world,
with an extensive collection of the
country’s most impressive opal
and opal jewellery on display. "
“There was some discussion about the uncertainty
around the changes in the US, with new tariffs
being introduced. It was also clear that demand
for high-end opal jewellery is still through the roof.
“For successful wholesalers, and particularly
cutters, you need to be nimble and flexible
because the only constant in this business
is change.”
Another highlight was the dinner hosted at the
Aviary Rooftop Bar at the Mantra on Wednesday.
It was attended by more than 90 people. As the
attention now turns to next year’s event, O’Brien
said early signs were positive.
“We judge the success of events based on the rate
of rebooking, and so far, every exhibitor except one
or two has confirmed they’ll be back next year,
which is outstanding,” she explained.
“Among regular exhibitors who were unable
to appear at this year’s show, many have had
issues with supply and mining, and the floods in
Queensland have also affected business, which
is something that’s out of anyone’s control.”
The Australian Opal Exhibition is attended by
visitors from Hong Kong, the US, and India,
among other places, and O’Brien said that
over the next few years, the event would look
to capitalise on the increasing popularity
of opal jewellery in overseas markets.
“It’s always our ambition to involve as many
overseas visitors as possible in the event, so
that we can continue spreading the word
internationally about the beauty of opal,” she said.
“In particular, we’d like to expand further
into the US market.
"There’s some uncertainty at the moment
around the new US tariffs; however, hopefully
by this time next year, that situation will be
clearer and we can welcome more visitors
from that market.”
The Australian Opal Exhibition returns
to Southport Sharks on 5-6 August 2026.
“For successful wholesalers,
and particularly cutters, you
need to be nimble and flexible
because the only constant in
this business is change.”
"Other jewellery industry
events have more of a broader
focus, for obvious reasons,
and while those events are also
important, it’s good that the
Australian Opal Exhibition is
firmly dedicated to our trade."
“Australia has an
abundance of beautiful
and unique gemstones, and
displaying them in this way
is what I love most."
“It’s always our ambition to
involve as many overseas
visitors as possible in the
event, so that we can
continue spreading the word
internationally about the
beauty of opal."
Elaine Raines
Austgems
Damien Cody
Cody Opal
Nadia Neuman
Mondial
Maxine O'Brien
Australian Opal Exhibition
September 2025 | 41

BUSINESS
Strategy
Slow the game down:
Setting goals and defining fairness
Feel like you’re struggling to stay on top everything?
DALE FURTWENGLER explores three important concepts in modern business.
Athletes at their peak performance
say the game slows down. They see
things as if they were moving in
slow motion, enabling them to see
the entirety of what’s happening
more clearly.
Many business owners feel that they
are constantly scrambling to keep up.
They’d love to have time to reflect
on their business and the direction
they’re headed.
Let’s discuss why these feelings persist
and how you can “slow the game down”
in your business to alleviate the feeling
that you’re constantly scrambling.
Let’s begin by examining why we feel
that we’re always scrambling. Here are
a few reasons business owners think
that they’re scrambling to keep up.
They are: Constantly reinventing
the wheel, afraid to delegate, and
allowing technological changes to
dictate their activities.
Let’s explore each in more detail.
Constantly reinventing the wheel:
Some business owners enjoy treating
every event as a new learning
opportunity; others simply hate
taking the time to document
their processes.
Whatever the reason, the lack of a
defined process means you’re going
through the same learning curve
repeatedly.
Absent the ability to pass items off your
plate onto someone else’s plate and feel
comfortable that they’ll accomplish the
work in the manner you would have, you
inevitably must scramble to accomplish
all the tasks on your plate.
Afraid to delegate: Humans have
difficulty trusting others, so we are
afraid to delegate. We are concerned
that the task will be completed with the
quality and timeliness with which we
would have completed it.
While this is a natural tendency we all
possess by virtue of our humanity, it’s
one of the most detrimental tendencies
in that it locks us into a heavier
workload than we or any human being
can manage on our own.
Allowing tech change to dictate activity:
The rate of change in technology is
mind-boggling. Even those whose job
is in technology find it difficult to keep
up with all the changes.
The real challenge for business
owners is deciding which technological
advances to adopt and which to
forego. All too often, business owners
adopt new technologies to ‘keep up’
without considering whether the
latest technology will help them
improve their operating results.
In other words, they are allowing
technology to direct their business
efforts instead of choosing which
technology will advance their business.
One of the
simplest ways
to slow the
game down
is to identify
and document
processes that
consistently
produce good
results.
Slowing the game down
One of the simplest ways to slow the
game down is to identify and document
processes that consistently produce
good results.
This enables you to complete tasks
more quickly and, ultimately, pass them
on to others so that you can continue
to devote your time and energy to
developing even better approaches in
the future.
Another way to slow the game down is
to understand and embrace this simple
concept: people live up to, or down
to, your expectations. If you let your
employees know that you believe that
they possess the skills and abilities
to make good decisions and produce
excellent results, they won’t disappoint.
It’s human nature not to want to
disappoint those who believe in us.
Develop this trust mindset and you’ll
enjoy a staff that produces great results
for you - even in your absence.
Evaluating new technology in terms of
how it will help you achieve the goals
you’ve already set, then choosing to
employ only those technologies that
will accelerate the achievement of your
goals, will slow the game down for you.
You’ll avoid wasting time on
technologies that don’t help you
achieve your business goals. It’ll also
help you develop a healthier attitude
toward technology.
It also means that you can’t pass this
work off to anyone else because they
don’t have a process to guide them.
Now that we understand why the game
isn’t slowing down, let’s discuss how
we can slow it down.
If you employ these three tactics, it
won’t take long for the game within
your business to begin ‘slowing down’.
42 | September 2025

Beware the one-sided goal
All too often, business goals are onesided,
which means they have a
singular focus. That singular focus
creates unforeseen consequences,
hence my ‘beware’ caveat.
Here are a few examples of one-sided
goals and the potential consequences
they create:
The company's chief financial officer
notices that the average age of the
accounts receivable is going up—
customers aren’t paying on time. He
pressures the collection department to
bring the accounts receivable current,
but forgets to say, “By the way, we want
to retain the customers.”
It’s easy to see how aggressive
collection efforts could result in some
excellent customers going elsewhere.
The sales force must add any number of
new customers by a certain date.
That mandate could result in the sales
force ignoring existing customers, which
could risk their retention. It could also
result in salespeople making promises
that the company can’t fulfil. They
may bring on customers who are not
financially sound, which could result in
financial losses.
You’ve incentivised your purchasing
department to minimise acquisition
costs. Suddenly, you find that repair
costs are rising, and production is
slowing because the materials the
purchasing department chooses are
inferior to your company’s operating
needs. You’re also getting an increased
number of customer complaints over
late delivery.
These aren’t hypothetical examples.
I’ve seen companies make these kinds
of mistakes when they establish
one-sided goals.
Something to consider: When
establishing goals, allow the first goal
to become your primary goal. Then ask
yourself, “What unwanted consequences
might this goal create?” Then, add to
your goal conditions to avoid unwanted
consequences. You’ll create fewer
headaches for yourself and your staff.
Fairness: A misguided concept?
Tolerating poor performance in the
interest of fairness is a misguided
concept.
Over the years, I’ve seen many
business owners and leaders justify
their tolerance of poor performance
by saying they want to be fair to the
under performing employee. There
are two things wrong with their
concept of fairness.
• They aren’t considering whether
they’re being fair to their other
employees.
• They aren’t considering what the
under performing employee
is experiencing.
Let’s explore each in more detail.
Fairness to other employees:
Owners and leaders, in their attempts
to be fair to the poor-performing
employee, forget that the person’s
co-workers have to pick up the slack
and clean up the messes left by the
under performing employee.
Is that fair? I don’t think so. That’s why
I use a group meeting format in my
business coaching to establish goals
and priorities, celebrate successes and
solve problems. In this group format, all
employees get to see who is performing
well and who isn’t, who is functioning as
a valuable team member and who is not.
Employees witness all the attempts
made to help the poor performer and
the failure of the under performing
employee to embrace that help.
In other words, when a consistently poor
performer’s employment is terminated,
they know that it was done with just
cause and appreciate that the owner/
leader removed an obstacle to their
staff’s success.
Fairness to the under performer:
Typically, people who consistently fail
to perform to expectations are fully
aware of that fact.
That means that every morning, they
awaken wondering whether today is the
day the axe will fall and whether they
will be out of a job.
HOW CAN WE
SLOW DOWN
THE GAME?
Stop
reinventing
the wheel
The lack of a
defined process
means you’re
going through the
same learning
curve repeatedly.
Don’t be afraid
to delegate
Overcome your
fear of trusting
others and
maximise your
staff.
Embrace
the right
technology
Don’t jump onto
every popular
program or
platform; identify
what works for
your business.
That’s a horrible way to live!
No one with a heart wants to terminate
someone’s employment; however, in
fairness, we not only alleviate a lot of
stress, fear and anxiety, but we also
enable the person to move on to a
better fit for their skills and abilities.
During my early years as a chief financial
officer, I had to let an employee go in two
instances, with two different companies.
In both cases, the individual saw me
roughly a year later and thanked me.
They said, “I’ve found a job I really enjoy,
I’m making more money, and I really
enjoy the people.”
Employees often stay in jobs that don’t
make them happy because they fear the
uncertainty of finding another job.
It’s a matter of the devil you know against
the one you have yet to meet. This is
why it’s often up to us, as business
owners and leaders, to terminate the
employment of poor performers.
Takeaways
Stop kidding yourself. You’re not
tolerating poor performance because
you want to be fair to the under
performing employee.
Instead, think about whether you’re
being fair to your other employees.
Then imagine how much stress, fear,
and anxiety the poor performer is
experiencing. It’ll change your whole
perspective on fairness.
In situations in which clients have
acknowledged that they need to
terminate a poor performer, but continue
to postpone doing so, I ask them “Is it fair
to allow that person to live in daily fear of
losing their job because you don’t want to
have a five-minute meeting in which you
tell them that they no longer have a job
with you?”
Realising that they’re prolonging
another’s pain to avoid discomfort
typically inspires them to act.
DALE FURTWENGLER is the
founder of Cutting Edge Business.
He is a speaker, author and
business consultant.
Learn more: cuttingedge-business.com
September 2025 | 43

BUSINESS
Selling
Is it time to stop fighting and work together
with your competitors instead?
Retail is tough enough - can’t we all just get along?
GRAHAM JONES encourages you to set your differences aside.
It’s a crazy world out there, isn’t it?
Wherever you look, there are disputes,
and one group of people is set against
another.
I suspect that, like me, you have worked
in offices where someone wants to
create an “us or them” culture.
Arguments and division ensue, which
only serve to weaken the business and
prevent it from thriving.
When everyone works together
collaboratively, it’s incredible what
can be achieved. Ask the folks at the
local circus whether it’s a good idea to
collaborate or be in conflict, potentially
dropping their partner from the trapeze.
All of this came into sharp perspective in
recent weeks when I attended an event
run by The Times newspaper in London.
It was a fascinating evening for rugby fans
in the run-up to the British & Irish Lions
tour in Australia. The evening saw two
former Lions players, Lawrence Dallaglio
and Sam Warburton, in discussion
with three sports journalists.
The audience was allowed to ask
questions, too, and one question
was about the relationships between
the players.
The team comprises individuals from
England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.
Throughout each rugby season, they are
sworn enemies; however, once selected
for the Lions squad, those bitter rivals
must get on with one another.
Lawrence Dallaglio said that the
Lions team only works if rivalries are
set aside and each team member is
open and honest.
He then likened the situation to
businesses in competition with
each other. He asked if three or four
companies had to work together,
and success would depend upon those
firms forgetting they were competitors.
Recently, while thinking about those words
from the night, I opened my news tracker
only to find that Marks and Spencer had
been helped by its rival Tesco during the
aftermath of the recent cyberattack.
It reminded me examples I use in lectures
of competitors that work together.
Apple, for instance, could not have
succeeded in the mobile phone sector
without the help of its rival Samsung,
which provided the iPhone screen
for many years.
Similarly, UPS worked with DHL in
the USA to fly parcels nationwide.
And Boeing and their rival Lockheed
Martin have a joint venture in the space
sector to compete with Elon Musk.
Competing firms clearly can achieve
success when they collaborate.
But don’t take my word for it. That’s
what Harvard Business Review pointed
out almost 40 years ago in the 1980s.
That article says that one of the significant
benefits of collaboration is what
companies learn from each other.
That was also a point made in The Times
event about the Lions tour.
The players know a great deal from
working together with their rivals.
Competition is good because it
provides motivation and can lead
to greater quality and improved
customer pricing.
However, it is not the only route to
success. Collaborating also leads to
benefits, such as learning new ways
of working, improving productivity
and the development of fresh ideas.
Competition is
good because
it provides
motivation
and can lead to
greater quality
and improved
customer
pricing.
Indeed, this was shown in a study
published in Milan.
It found that when teams used the
artificial intelligence application “DALL-E”
it produced greater creativity and the
production of more ideas by the group.
It's important to acknowledge the power
of collaboration over conflict, both
in the workplace and beyond.
Drawing parallels between office
environments, competitive businesses,
and sports teams like the British & Irish
Lions, it's easy to see that success
often depends on setting rivalries
aside and working together.
Many sports teams only succeed when
national rivalries are replaced with
trust and openness.
This lesson extends to business:
companies such as Marks & Spencer
and Tesco, or Apple and Samsung,
have benefited from cooperation
despite being competitors.
Historical examples, such as UPS,
DHL, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin,
demonstrate how rivals can collaborate
effectively.
Academic studies further support the
idea that collaboration fosters learning,
innovation, and productivity.
Ultimately, it's important to encourage
individuals and businesses to embrace
cooperation, suggesting it can yield
greater results than competition alone.
The key message is that collaboration
leads to shared growth and innovation.
Fighting with your competitors or
colleagues in the workplace is a
distraction.
Collaborating with them can achieve
much more than rivalry alone.
Next time you eye your competitor warily,
ask yourself: What could we achieve by
collaborating instead?
GRAHAM JONES studies online
behaviour and consumer psychology
to help businesses improve website
success. Visit: grahamjones.co.uk
44 | September 2025

BUSINESS
Management
The importance of store layout in
boosting jewellery sales
Ready to shake things up within your jewellery store?
DAVID BROWN highlights the fundamentals of perfect store design.
If you want to boost your sales, one of
the most powerful tools at your disposal
is your store layout. You might be
surprised how a little rearranging
can yield significant results.
In his seminal work ‘Why People
Buy’, Paco Underhill highlights the
psychological impact of setting up a
store correctly.
A well-thought-out layout can enhance
customer experience, encourage
browsing, and drive more sales. It can
keep customers in your store for longer,
increasing the prospect of them buying.
Lighting & Ambience: Set the mood
Let’s not overlook the importance of
lighting and ambience. The proper lighting
can enhance your store’s atmosphere and
create an inviting space. What should you
keep in mind?
Highlight key areas: Use spotlights or
accent lighting to draw attention to specific
displays or zones. This can create a focal
point that captivates customers.
Create a comfortable environment: Bright
lighting can be off-putting in the wrong
place. Aim for inviting ambience that
encourages customers to linger.
How you arrange your products can
guide customers through your space,
influence their purchasing decisions,
and keep them returning for more.
Your store is like a stage, and the layout
is the script. If you want customers to
stay engaged and excited, you must
create an environment that draws them
in and keeps them moving.
The importance of traffic flow
One key concept in store layout is traffic
flow. You want to create a path that
naturally guides customers through
your store. Most shoppers will follow
the path of least resistance, so consider
how they enter and move around.
Entrance matters: Make a great first
impression! Your entrance should be
inviting and clear of clutter.
Consider using signage to highlight
promotions or new arrivals right at the
door. This will grab attention and draw
customers in.
Main aisles and pathways: Ensure that
your main aisles are wide enough to
accommodate foot traffic and those
unable to move freely. A congested aisle
can turn customers away.
Zoning: Create distinct areas
Once your traffic flow is sorted, it’s time
to think about zoning. Zoning means
grouping similar products to create
distinct areas within your store.
This makes it easier for customers to find
what they’re looking for, encourages them
to explore, and allows you to exploit the
power of cross merchandising.
Placing complementary products together
can encourage impulse buys.
For example, placing the diamond
earrings with the diamond necklaces
is a no-brainer. This tactic can entice
customers to grab more items than they
originally planned.
The right display: Make it eye-catching
An eye-catching display can turn heads
and drive sales. Think of your displays as
miniature billboards for your products.
Here are some tips for making them pop:
Height and visibility: Use vertical space
to your advantage wherever possible.
Taller displays draw the eye upward, and
customers are likelier to notice them.
Keep your most popular items at eye level
and consider using shelves or stands to
create dimension.
Seasonal themes: Refresh your displays
regularly to keep things interesting.
Seasonal themes make your store feel
fresh and create a sense of urgency.
Checkout: Don’t forget this key Area
Your checkout area is the final touchpoint
for customers, crucial for maximising
sales. How do you maximise this space?
Impulse items: Place small, low-cost
items near the checkout to encourage
last-minute purchases. Think cleaning
products—these are often impulse buys
that can add up quickly.
Clear signage: Make sure your checkout
process is straightforward. Clear signage
helps customers understand where to go
and what to expect, minimising confusion.
If you want
customers to
stay engaged
and excited,
you must
create an
environment
that draws
them in and
keeps them
moving.
Consider using softer lighting for
walkways, especially in areas where
customers are likely to spend more time.
Good lighting over diamond product is a
must – make sure bulbs are changed out
once they weaken.
Collect feedback and adjust
Remember that optimising your store
layout is an ongoing process. Don’t be
afraid to experiment based on customer
feedback and sales data. Keep an eye
on which areas are performing well and
which may need a little love.
Ask for customer input: Engaging with
your customers can provide valuable
insights. Ask them about their shopping
experience —what they like, what could
be improved, and whether they found
everything they needed.
Monitor sales trends: Pay attention to
your sales reports. If certain areas of
your store consistently under perform,
it may be time to rethink your layout or
merchandising strategy.
Optimising your store layout for
increased sales doesn’t have to be a
daunting task. With some thought and
creativity, you can create a shopping
experience that attracts customers and
keeps them returning for more.
So go ahead, make those changes, and
watch your sales soar!
DAVID BROWN is co-founder
and business mentor with Retail
Edge Consultants. Learn more:
retailedgeconsultants.com
September 2025 | 45

BUSINESS
Marketing & PR
Consistency is the key in digital marketing
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
SARAH SMITH YKORUK says that jewellers who persist with digital marketing are rewarded.
To stand out in a crowded market,
jewellery stores need to remain
top-of-mind for customers,
a goal best achieved through
ongoing and consistent digital
marketing efforts.
This is achieved by building and
maintaining visibility online.
In the jewellery industry, visibility
online is paramount. Consistent
digital marketing ensures that your
store remains at the forefront of
your customers' minds.
You can improve your search engine
rankings over time.
SEO is not a one-time effort but a
continuous process.
Regular updates and optimisations
ensure that your website remains
competitive and attracts organic traffic,
which can lead to higher conversions
and sales in the long run.
Connecting with your audience
Social media platforms are powerful tools
for connecting with your audience.
Whether through search engines,
social media, or email campaigns,
regular engagement with your
audience builds recognition and trust.
Far too often, we see jewellery stores
give digital marketing a try and then
scale back when sales are slower or
immediate results don’t materialise.
However, pausing or reducing your efforts
during slower periods can cause your
store to lose hard-earned momentum
and shrink your digital footprint just
when you need it most.
Industry experts consistently advise
staying the course and even increasing
your investment in digital marketing
during challenging times.
By maintaining a steady, visible presence
through all seasons, you strengthen
your credibility, reinforce trust with
your audience, and ensure your store
remains competitive and relevant.
Instead of reacting to short-term
fluctuations, successful jewellery
retailers double down, using data-driven
strategies to refine campaigns, expand
reach, and connect with customers at
every stage of their buying journey.
Disappearing from the digital landscape
is never the answer—instead, proactive
engagement and continuous marketing
are essential for lasting growth and
market leadership.
Jewellery is often a considered purchase,
and potential customers need multiple
touchpoints before making a decision.
By maintaining a steady online presence,
you ensure that when they are ready to
buy, your store is the first they think of.
Long-term customer engagement
When you share educational blog posts,
spotlight new collections, feature
customer stories, or offer behind-thescenes
glimpses into your store,
you foster a genuine connection that
positions your store as both a trusted
advisor and a community builder.
Newsletters can deliver personalised
recommendations, style inspiration,
or exclusive offers directly to inboxes,
nurturing each customer's journey
and reinforcing your brand's value.
By providing valuable content and
maintaining regular communication,
you can nurture leads and turn
one-time buyers into loyal customers.
These efforts cultivate an emotional
relationship that makes customers feel
valued and understood, increasing their
likelihood to return for future purchases.
Over time, your store becomes top-ofmind
and top-of-heart—not just the
place to shop, but the go-to authority for
jewellery trends and expertise.
This ongoing engagement is crucial for
repeat business and word-of-mouth
referrals, empowering your store to
become a pillar in your customers'
lives and a recognised name in the
broader jewellery community.
Leveraging SEO for sustainable growth
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a
long-term strategy that can significantly
enhance your online visibility.
Consistently optimise your website and
content for relevant keywords.
By maintaining
a steady,
visible presence
through all
seasons, you
strengthen
your credibility,
reinforce trust
with your
audience, and
ensure your
store remains
competitive
and relevant.
Regular posts, stories, and interactions
on platforms like Instagram, Facebook,
and Pinterest can help you build a
community around your store.
Through consistent social media
outreach, you can showcase your
products, share customer testimonials,
and engage with your followers.
This not only boosts your visibility but
also fosters a sense of loyalty and
trust among your audience.
The power of data-driven decisions
One of the significant advantages of
digital marketing is the ability to track
and analyse data.
By consistently monitoring your marketing
efforts, you can gain valuable insights
into what works and what doesn't.
Data-driven decisions allow you to
optimise your campaigns for better
performance.
Whether it's adjusting your ad spend,
refining your target audience, or
tweaking your content strategy,
leveraging data ensures that your
marketing efforts are practical
and yield a positive return on investment.
If you’re looking to elevate your digital
marketing strategy — especially with
the holiday season approaching —
now is the perfect time to review
your digital marketing strategy.
SARAH SMITH YKORUK is director
of Client Relations at GemFind Digital
Solutions Visit: gemfind.com
46 | September 2025

BUSINESS
Logged On
Instagram posts are now searchable on Google
Digital marketing strategy on Instagram has changed significantly.
SIMON DELL provides helpful advice on navigating this new landscape.
Instagram has opened the doors to
search engines, making public content
from professional accounts eligible to
appear in Google results. For business
owners, this is a game-changer for SEO,
brand visibility and content strategy
across the board.
In a significant shift for the digital
marketing landscape, Instagram
announced that public posts from
professional accounts, business, and
creator profiles will be visible through
Google Search. This change, rolled out
globally in July 2025, marks a notable
evolution in how social media content
is discovered and consumed online.
For years, Instagram has mainly operated
as a closed platform. Its content was
intentionally difficult to access via external
search engines, with posts confined to
the app’s internal ecosystem. With this
latest update, that wall is coming down.
Google will now be able to index and
display eligible Instagram content in
search results, extending its reach far
beyond followers and hashtags.
For brands, marketing consultants
and content creators, this opens new
possibilities and introduces
new responsibilities.
Increased visibility means more potential
eyes on your content; however, it also
means your posts will be exposed to
audiences that may not understand
the original context.
Why does this update matter?
For years, Instagram content has lived
behind a wall. Unless someone followed
your account or visited your profile, your
posts were practically invisible to the
broader internet. That changes now.
From mid-July, Google and other search
engines will begin indexing public posts
from professional Instagram accounts,
including photos, reels, and videos. If you
are using a business or creator account
on Instagram, your content may soon
show up in a basic Google search, even
to people who do not follow you.
This change comes with opportunities and
risks. On one hand, it can boost organic
reach and amplify your content strategy.
On the other, it raises questions about
privacy, brand control and content quality.
According to the official announcement,
the change applies only to public
professional accounts, which include
both business and creator profiles,
users aged 18 and above, and content
that is already set as public, such as
standard posts, reels, and video uploads.
Private accounts, personal Instagram
profiles, and users under 18 will be
exempt. If your account is private or
personal, you are not affected.
Until now, Instagram posts have had a
limited impact on traditional search engine
optimisation (SEO). That’s because most
Instagram content was not indexed by
search engines.
With this update, your posts could appear
in Google Images, offering greater visual
discoverability. Your content may be linked
directly from search results, increasing
click-through traffic to your profile.
Your account may rank for specific
keywords if your captions, hashtags,
and alt text are well-optimised.
What does this mean for your digital
marketing strategy?
Image alt text becomes more important:
Instagram allows alt text on images for
accessibility. Now, it could also play a
role in search visibility.
Hashtags might function like keywords:
Strategic use of hashtags may help your
posts get indexed under relevant queries.
Content longevity increases: Previously,
an Instagram post had a short shelf life.
In a searchable format, its lifespan could
extend significantly.
Increased
visibility means
more potential
eyes on your
content;
however, it also
means your
posts will be
exposed to
audiences
that may not
understand
the original
context.
Risks: Context collapse and privacy
While visibility may be a win for marketers,
it introduces a concept known as context
collapse. This happens when content
intended for a specific audience is seen by
people outside that context.
For example, a humorous or sarcastic post
tailored for your followers might appear
unprofessional when viewed by potential
clients or employers on Google.
Old promotional content could resurface
months or years later, even after it is
deleted on Instagram. Also, Google may
cache and store content, meaning deleted
Instagram posts may continue to appear
in search results for some time.
With that in mind, what can you do?
• Review your recent posts and archive
any that might not age well
• Update your caption strategy to be
evergreen and universally relevant
• Avoid highly niche or insider references
without context
If you prefer your Instagram content to
stay out of Google’s reach, you have
options. Disabling external search is
possible as Instagram has added a
toggle to disable external indexing.
This is done by turning off the setting
that says ‘allow public photos and videos
to appear in search engine results’.
This setting is only available for business
or creator accounts that are public.
You can also switch your business account
to private. If external visibility does not
align with your business goals, consider
switching back to a personal profile.
Marketing will never be the same
Instagram is no longer a walled garden.
For some, it’s a golden opportunity to
generate free traffic. For others, it’s a
wake-up call to tighten up what gets
shared on public platforms.
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
September 2025 | 47

Max Housden
Kristopher Graydon Jewellers
EMERGING JEWELLERS
My Bench
• AGE: 29 • YEARS IN TRADE 3.5 • FIRST JOB: Track cyclist
FAVOURITE GEMSTONE
Free-form sapphire (green).
FAVOURITE METAL 18-carat white gold.
FAVOURITE TOOL Fretz goldsmith hammer.
BEST NEW TOOL DISCOVERY
Carl Zeiss binocular magnifiers.
BEST PART OF THE JOB Creating something
incredible that started as gold granules.
WORST PART OF THE JOB
Cleaning farmers’ watches!
BEST TIP FROM A JEWELLER
Every mistake is perfect when it’s handmade.
BIGGEST HEALTH CONCERN ON THE BENCH:
Customers’ gold teeth.
LOVE JEWELLERY BECAUSE
It’s an opportunity to create something that
means so much to someone, and that will
be passed on through generations.
48 | September 2025

September 2025 | 49

OPINION
Soapbox
Don’t be scared of ghosts:
Jewellers must stay online!
Ghost stores are a spooky sight for jewellery retailers. OLIVIA DESKOSKI says that
despite recent challenges, the reward still outweighs the risk for online businesses.
When my opal jewellery business,
Black Star Opal, was targeted last year
by online scammers, the experience
was infuriating and heartbreaking.
Although my website is secure for shoppers
and was not hacked, scammers copied
my images and product descriptions to
establish a series of ‘ghost stores’. It was
an eye-opening experience, and in that
moment, I could see how easy it is to
believe that the internet is a dangerous
place and that online jewellery retail is a
risky business. You might think you’re
better off sticking to in-person sales;
however, that can be the wrong conclusion.
There’s no doubting that ghost stores and
online scammers are a serious problem.
With that said, they are not a reason for
legitimate jewellers or consumers to avoid
the internet. With the proper education
and protections in place, online retail is
one of the most powerful tools we have to
showcase Australian gemstone products.
This is particularly important for the opal
industry. I don’t believe that online shopping
will ever completely replace physical stores.
We’ve run our bricks-and-mortar store, The
Opal Centre, for almost 40 years, and it isn’t
going anywhere soon.
In today’s competitive market, an
omnichannel approach that integrates
online and offline experiences is essential
for reach and sustainable growth. It’s not
just viable; it’s vital.
Jewellers can’t afford to lose the internet
More and more Australians are using the
internet to shop for jewellery, and this isn’t
a passing trend - it’s fuelled by convenience
and habits formed during the pandemic.
Furthermore, Australia produces more
than 90 per cent of the world’s gemstonequality
opals. These gemstones are sought
by collectors and jewellery lovers in every
corner of the globe. The internet is our
gateway to those lucrative international
markets. It’s also the most efficient avenue
to reaching local consumers who don’t have
ready access to quality opal products.
There’s strength in numbers, and if jewellers
retreat from online retail because of the
risk posed by scammers, we make it easier
for bad actors to control the conversation.
Legitimate jewellers have the skill, the
product, and the story. Our business has
learned that a heritage of mining, cutting,
and designing opal jewellery is best
showcased online. We’ve been able to build
a narrative around provenance, ethics, and
craftsmanship with a clarity that a quick
in-store interaction can rarely match.
The question is whether we are prepared
to meet that interest where customers
now congregate, which is the internet.
More importantly, how do we best protect
both our businesses and consumers?
Master the basics
Jewellers can’t control the existence of
bad actors; however, we can control our
preparedness. For businesses, this starts
with fundamentals: a secure website with
HTTPS and trusted payment gateways;
a verified, consistent brand presence
across social media; and clear signposts
for customers about your official domain,
contact details, and channels.
Reputation is reinforced by the basics,
which include an up-to-date Google
Business Profile, genuine reviews, visible
ABN and industry memberships, and
phone and address details. Monitoring
your content is important. Make a habit of
checking to see if your product photography,
copy, or name is being misused.
When a scammer targeted our business,
we reported the fake website to its host,
lodged complaints with domain registrars,
alerted payment processors, and made
public statements to warn potential victims.
We also assisted customers who had been
misled to the best of our ability.
It was time-consuming; however, speed,
persistence, and transparency helped to
minimise the damage. The overwhelmingly
supportive response from customers
confirmed a simple truth: decisive action
and communication can counterbalance
impersonation in the digital age.
Consumers have a part to play as well, and
a little research goes a long way. Before
purchasing jewellery online, shoppers
should verify exactly who they are shopping
with by checking the signals listed above:
contact information, a physical address and
phone number, and active social media.
Businesses and
consumers can
achieve a great
deal on their
own; however,
our industry
leaders could be
doing more to
raise awareness
of this issue.
They must also consider reviews from
trusted sources, and confirmation that a
legitimate ABN is displayed for businesses.
Prices that seem too good to be true
usually are, particularly when paired with
a dramatic sob story involving a closingdown
narrative. These ads flood Facebook
newsfeeds. One practical tip we often share
with customers is to use reverse-image
search tools to verify that product photos
are original to the seller. This isn’t about
fostering mistrust; it’s about empowering
confident and informed buyers.
Industry leadership is the missing piece
Businesses and consumers can achieve
a great deal on their own; however, our
industry leaders could be doing more to
raise awareness of this issue. I believe the
jewellery industry would benefit from a
marketing campaign and a central, easy-tofind
resource that explains how to identify
scam sites, outlining the steps a business
should take if it’s targeted by impersonators.
It would also ideally offer consumer
education on a safe strategy for shopping
for gemstones and jewellery online.
Too many of us are handling these issues
in isolation, learning through trial and error.
A united, industry-led approach would
be far more effective.
Our website has connected us with
customers around the world who would
otherwise be unable to visit our store.
Don’t let ghost stores chase you offline.
The internet is not the enemy; ignorance
and inaction are. With protections,
monitoring, informed customers and
industry support, we can build an online
jewellery marketplace that is credible and
thriving for retailers and consumers alike.
Opals are Australia’s national gemstone.
The fire and colour deserve the world’s
stage! The internet is that stage and in
today’s retail environment, we can’t afford
to step away.
Name: Olivia Deskoski
Business: Black Star Opal
Position: Owner
Location: Coffs Harbour, NSW
Years in the industry: 20
50 | September 2025

Protect
your clients
jewellery
for all its
worth
CENTRESTONE BENEFITS
WORLDWIDE COVER
ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
INSTANT COVER FOR YOUR
CUSTOMERS BEFORE THEY
LEAVE YOUR STORE
AGREED VALUE & LIKE
FOR LIKE REPLACEMENT
COVER FOR ACCIDENTAL
DAMAGE, LOSS AND THEFT
YOUR CLIENTS CLAIMS COME
STRAIGHT BACK TO YOU
150% COVER OF THE
INSURED AMOUNT
NO EXCESS ON ALL CLAIMS
ANNUAL REVALUATIONS TO
MATCH REPLACEMENT COST
WWW.CENTRESTONE.COM.AU
Our Service
In the event of a claim, your clients claims come straight
back to you for any repairs or replacement of their jewellery.
Like-for-like replacement to the same quality and
craftmanship that was lost.
Each year we provide annual revaluations to match
replacement cost.
Up to 150% cover of the insured amount to protect
your clients against replacement cost price increases.
Streamlined claims process and settlement within
a few busines s days.
CALL NOW
TO PROTECT YOUR CLIENTS
JEWELLERY FOR ALL ITS WORTH
1300 356 680
September 2025 | 51

Discover the delicate allure of the Blush Pink Collection - a tribute to Australian heritage
and natural beauty. Each piece within the Blush range showcases rare light pink diamonds,
sourced from the renowned Argyle mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Thoughtfully designed and expertly handcrafted, these timeless jewels harmoniously blend
elegance with history, creating wearable heirlooms that celebrate both grace and origin.
02 9290 2199
pink@samsgroup.com.au
52 | September 2025
Pinkkimberley.com.au/collections/blush-pink
Become a stockist today!