Whether used as a gift, a way of showing your commitment to another, or simply a way to spoil yourself, jewellery is something everybody purchases at some point. In the UK alone, Brits spent over £10.5 billion in 2022 on various jewellery pieces and watches.
With such an expansive industry—ranging from perfectly cut and polished gems to intricate designs of gold and silver—it is no surprise that there are numerous jewellery trade shows each year.
If you’re curious about the latest designs in the jewel market, read on to learn about the top UK jewellery shows you need to attend.
The Jewellery Show
Organised by CloserStill Events, the Jewellery Show is easily the largest jewellery trade show in the country. It takes place each year over two days in September, with the 2023 show taking place at the ExCel in London—the same venue where pop culture enthusiasts attend the MCM London Comic Con and brands like casinos.com exhibit at ICE (the International Casinos Exhibition).
The event is the only jewellery trade show in the country that caters to all demographics of people in the industry. These include retailers, buyers, manufacturers, designers, and suppliers of some of the best jewellery available from across the world.
The exhibition, the largest trade show to return in 2022 after three years of almost no movement in the industry due to the pandemic, is home to over 100 exhibitors. It also hosts over 50 guest speakers discussing the industry, latest trends, and newest designs and is attended by over 3,000 visitors annually.
The show is free for attendees but is not open to the general public, who may simply be interested in seeing the latest trends before they hit the stores. Because of this, online registration requiring proof of identity and employment in the industry is mandatory.
All registrations to attend the event are vetted by CloserStill Events prior to confirmation, and an online request must be made for those looking to exhibit. If you fall into this group, you will be contacted by the organisers to discuss your participation.
UK Jewellery Festival
Launched in 2021 due to the lack of organisation on behalf of existing trade shows, the UK Jewellery Festival has successfully run annually since its inception. In 2023, the trade show, organised by emap Publishing, is expanding from one day to two.
Held at the Hilton London Metropole, the event targets jewellery retailers, fashion boutiques, designers, and even museums and galleries. Despite its short history, it has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, with Gisser using the event to announce its official entry into the UK market.
Aside from the trade show, which this year is taking place on 5 and 6 September, the event marks the occasion for the annual UK Jewellery Awards. These prestigious awards occur during the evening on the last day of the trade show and will cater to over 600 of the industry’s most crucial brands and individuals. Entry into this prestigious event is by registration only. Like with the Jewellery Show, only industry workers can apply, and registrations are vetted. Exhibitors can only apply via email and will be accepted based on their current reputation and collection.
Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair
Organising events in the jewellery sector since 2000, Craft In Focus is the group behind the Desire Jewellery and Silversmithing Fair. The event is hosted multiple times yearly, with the main event held in London at Chelsea Old Town Hall.
The latest event, taking place on 8–12 November 2023 at the RHS Garden Wisley, will hold a variety of new designs from up-and-coming designers to those that have already established themselves in the industry.
While particular emphasis is given to jewellery made using silver and unique gems, the trade show also features a variety of sparkly wearables made using gold, platinum, glass, copper, and even aluminium.
Aside from showing their current works, exhibitors at the fair are also known for accepting commissions for unique jewellery based on the request of anyone looking to get something special.
Entry to the fair is open to anybody—whether or not you work in the industry. For the upcoming event at RHS Garden Wisley, admission is free. However, you will still be required to pay the garden entry fee. If you’re an RHS member or family guest, entry is free.
To apply to be an exhibitor at the fair, you must apply via email and include your name, physical address, and the style of the jewellery that you will have on display.
Rock, Gem, and Bead Show
The main event of the Rock, Gem, and Bead Show will take place on 24–25 September 2023 at the Newark Showgrounds. The family-run event is tailor-made for upcoming designers and focuses on all types of jewellery, popular gemstones, unique rocks, and stunning beads.
While nowhere near the size of the events listed above, this show holds various events across the calendar year, with 15 different shows and locations booked between July and November 2023 alone. As such, it offers plenty of opportunities for interested parties to see the latest polished stones and gems and the unique creations designers make using the materials. Although entry isn’t free, it will set you back just £5 per ticket (or £3 per ticket if you are a pensioner or under the age of 16 years and accompanied by an adult).
