Discover jewellery at London showcase
Discover Jewellery Show is a destination jewellery event created to showcase the exclusive, contemporary jewellery available from the independent boutiques of Green Street, East London. Taking place in Stratford Town Hall from 12 to 15 June, it’s a unique opportunity for the public, buyers and collectors to purchase stunning, original jewellery. It is part of the inaugural Coutts London Jewellery Week – a grand celebration of the work of the city's jewellery designers. Discover Jewellery Show will showcase the boldest and most innovative jewellery from 20 of Green Street’s 22 boutiques.
It will also have a significant interactive element – featuring a lavishly-illustrated exhibition on the design process, workshops, demonstrations and talks from representatives of the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) and the London Assay office, which regulates precious metal hallmarking.
Many of Green Street’s stylish manufacturers and retail outlets are South Asian family businesses that have been in existence for two to three generations. As a result, their designs offer a truly exceptional blend of Western and Eastern aesthetics. The quality of their work and the materials in their designs are unparalleled. They use traditional craft techniques – passed down through the centuries – to create thoroughly 21st century weddings rings, engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and earrings. Many are made in platinum or 22 carat gold – the highest possible hallmark – and feature incredibly precious gems.
The event is being organised by the Green Street Jewellers’ Association (GSJA) – a unique trade organisation – in partnership with the London Borough of Newham, Newham College, CIP’s and CIDA. The GSJA means the jewellers’ work together to offer customers a truly bespoke service – and also market their street coherently as a top-end source of original jewellery. Corporate social responsibility is also an integral part of the association’s strategy. It aims to work with the local community to bring about the large-scale revitalisation of the East End in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics.
The calibre of Green Street’s offering means it is now attracting world-renowned names. Indian designer brand Joy Alukkas – with over 60 world-wide outlets, officially the planet’s largest 22 carat jewellery manufacturer and retailer –– has chosen Green Street as its London location.
Jayant Raniga of GSJA and says: “If you’re looking for one-off, designer jewellery of the very highest quality, then Green Street offers a fabulous, competitively-priced alternative to Hatton Garden or Bond Street. Our service standards are meticulous and we challenge anyone not to be inspired by the sparkle of our beautiful, modern designs. This glamorous new event is a unique chance to see our most exciting pieces under one roof.”
GSJA has contracted design events specialists Momentous Events to run the Discover Jewellery Show. The consultancy also organises the annual East London Design Show, in December. Founded by glassmaker Della Tinsley and photographer Gideon Cleary, the company has unparalleled contacts with artists and designers in the East End.
Della Tinsley of Momentous Events says: “It’s one of London’s best kept secrets that the East End hides this street of outstanding jewellery designers and manufacturers. But not for long! Discover is set to be an amazingly informative and enjoyable event. The various interactive elements are designed to help visitors appreciate the inspiration, narrative and creativity presented within the jewellery collections.”
Coutts London Jewellery Week will be the first time that the jewellery industry has united to showcase the UK’s status as one of the globe’s leading jewellery crafting centres. As well as this key event in Stratford Town Hall, it will feature catwalk shows, the Royal College of Art Jewellery and Silversmithing Awards, gemstone seminars, jewellery-making masterclasses and workshops.
For more information, visit Londonjewelleryweek.co.uk.
