This past weekend saw the staging of two major jewellery trade shows in one city—a scheduling overlap that raised some eyebrows but provided Australian jewellery buyers with more choices and the opportunity for a richer, more varied experience.
The two events were:
- The International Jewellery Fair, held at Sydney’s ICC
- Jewellery Industry Fair, held at Carriageworks
Though the two events offered quite different experiences, both appeared to be successful, with exhibitors and attendees connecting meaningfully, fostering business relationships, and exploring the latest trends.
Attending the Jewellery Industry Fair on Saturday and the International Jewellery Fair on Sunday gave us the opportunity to compare and contrast two unique events.
One of the most prominent themes across both fairs was change—whether related to the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds, the evolving role of social media, or the impact of economic factors on consumer behavior. Many attendees noted that the rising cost of living is affecting consumer spending, but this did not diminish the positive energy and active trade taking place throughout the weekend.
International Jewellery Fair
The International Jewellery Fair lived up to its name, drawing more than 150 exhibitors, many of whom came from overseas markets like India and Hong Kong. The two spacious halls at Sydney’s ICC were bustling with activity, as exhibitors showcased an impressive range of products, and business deals were forged. This was very much a trade-focused fair, with a strong emphasis on networking and building partnerships.
One of the highlights was the Benchies Challenge, where six apprentice jewellers from TAFE NSW raced against the clock to meet the brief to create a piece of jewellery using a mystery box of resources, with a generous prize up for grabs for the winner.
Another standout feature was Scott Sucher’s collection of 38 famous diamond recreations, which included replicas of the most iconic diamonds in history.
The chance to see the collection of Cullinan diamonds in one place, alongside the reimagining of the original 3,106-carat Cullinan rough, was a rare and unforgettable experience.
Buyers groups were well represented at the event, with Showcase Jewellers, Nationwide Jewellers and Independet Jewellers Collective all welcoming their members. Nationwide in particular stood out by offering their members an enhanced experience with suppliers were on hand for consultations, and a variety of educational on offer. These sessions, exclusive to Showcase members, covered timely and relevant topics like ‘How to Become a Content Creator,’ equipping jewellers with valuable tools to succeed in today’s digital-first marketplace.
Despite the backdrop of economic uncertainty, there was a palpable sense of optimism among many exhibitors. While inflation and decreasing discretionary spending were widely discussed, several exhibitors were pleasantly surprised by how much business was being generated, with retailers already preparing for the busy Christmas season ahead.
Jewellery Industry Fair
In contrast to the large-scale International Jewellery Fair, the Jewellery Industry Fair at Carriageworks offered a more intimate experience, with around 40 exhibitors.
While the show had a strong focus on representative bodies such as the JAA, Diamond Dealers Club of Australia, and the Gold & Silversmiths Guild of Australia, it also attracted international suppliers and organizations, including the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The Jewellery Industry Fair offered an engaging environment where attendees could not only explore emerging trends but also foster meaningful connections across both local and global markets.
As well as vendors exhibiting their wares, JIF featured a series of insightful talks open to all attendees, covering a range of relevant topics. These included the latest jewellery trends, an important update on the Kimberley Process, and strategies for trust-based selling, providing valuable knowledge and practical advice to help jewellers navigate today’s evolving market.
On Saturday, the fair featured a celebratory Soiree and Jewellery Industry Awards, which recognised outstanding achievements within the jewellery sector. The awards celebrated innovation, ethical practices, and excellence in design, showcasing the industry’s commitment to pushing creative and sustainable boundaries.
Across both fairs, discussions around the state of the economy were unavoidable. Retailers and exhibitors alike shared concerns about inflation, consumer confidence, and tightening discretionary spending.
However, a prevailing sense of optimism permeated the events. Many exhibitors expressed relief that their expectations had been exceeded, with stronger sales than anticipated.
Despite initial concerns over scheduling two major events in the same city on the same weekend, the dual fairs ultimately provided a complementary experience for attendees.
By attending both, visitors could engage with the full spectrum of the industry—from the intimate, locally-focused experience at the Jewellery Industry Fair to the large-scale international marketplace of the International Jewellery Fair.
Looking ahead, both events have great potential for growth. The Jewellery Industry Fair continues to evolve, adding exciting new elements like the Between the Lugs Watch Fair, which further broadens its appeal. Meanwhile, the International Jewellery Fair remains a key platform for global networking, trend discovery, and business development, solidifying its place as Australia’s major player on the international stage.
By offering distinct experiences, both fairs serve the diverse needs of Australia’s jewellery industry, and together, they create a richer, more well-rounded experience for professionals in our sector.
