SPONSOR MESSAGE
THE GUILD OF JEWELLERY DESIGNERS AND THE BRITISH PEARL ASSOCIATION
The jewellery industry is evolving
Some 10 to 15 years ago nobody ever really gave much thought to the handful of jewellery making hobbyists beavering away in their sheds and living rooms making ‘ bits and bobs ’ for family members and friends , then the internet went ahead and changed all that .
With the expansion of the internet and television channels , websites became easier to create , information became easier to access and hobbyists became more knowledgeable and skilled . Networking opportunities were thin on the ground but specialist jewellery groups on social media now flourish offering opportunities to promote , sell and connect with like minded individuals .
The Guild of Jewellery Designers was created eight years ago and exists to provide a support network and information on subjects such as jewellery courses , PPL ( Products and Public Liability ) insurance and suppliers of tools , products and services along with support for beginners to the craft and seasoned professionals .
We continually strive to connect with other jewellery businesses that are prepared to offer discounted pricing structures and the best opportunities to our growing list of subscribing gold members to enable their business or hobby to develop .
WHAT DO WE PROVIDE ? Our current directory of supplier partners offering discounts now exceeds 60 with names such as Cooksongold , T H March and Geti Laser Engraving , all offering enhanced terms to our members .
The whole ethos of The Guild of Jewellery Designers is that the members support each other through our Facebook groups with networking and marketing information , help with jewellery making techniques or just listening when all that is needed is to let off steam after a challenging project or advice on dealing with an awkward customer .
Membership of The Guild of Jewellery Designers is open to all members of the UK jewellery trade , designers , retailers , manufacturers and tools and service providers .
SALES OPPORTUNITIES Members also have the opportunity to sell direct to the public through our online selling platform , Odissa .
Odissa is a growing marketplace of jewellery designer / makers where members of the public can browse and deal with jewellery makers direct . Each member has their own ‘ shop ’ area within Odissa which is branded with their own logo . Orders and payments go directly to the designer with a small commission deducted at source to cover the costs of running of the site . Odissa is an excellent marketing tool for designer / makers to use as an additional sales channel to compliment their existing web presence . It includes tools not readily found in other
marketplace sites , for example , auctions and daily deals . Products can also include a link to another site to channel traffic . www . odissa . co . uk
Odissa Wholesale is the latest B2B version of the marketplace where jewellery brands and manufacturers can showcase their products to verified trade jewellery retailers 365 days of the year ; a virtual jewellery exhibition that compliments their physical exhibition presence and website .
THE BRITISH PEARL ASSOCIATION
The BPA is our associate organisation dedicated to the promotion of pearls and pearl jewellery . Originally set up by founder , Louise Tippey , The GoJD took over the running of The BPA recently .
The British Pearl Association ( BPA ) is a national trade and consumer interest group . It ’ s purpose is to promote the growth of the UK and worldwide pearl industry and represents both cultured and natural pearls . With a steady , growing number of partnerships and memberships , the BPA represents suppliers , pearl jewellery wholesalers , retailers ( both on the high street and internet based ), jewellers , designers , hobbyists , consumers and galleries .
EDUCATION For retailers to be better informed about pearls and pearl products and be able to sell them with confidence .
We will be rolling out training packages for retailers to increase their knowledge base of pearls and to provide a better consumer service .
For consumers to be able to purchase pearls with an increased confidence and awareness of the differences between types of pearls , different shapes , pearl jewellery designs available and how pearls are sourced . We have a growing directory of jewellery designers and stockists of pearl products enabling an informed decision with regard to choosing where to shop .
SUPPORTING ETHICAL SOURCING We promote ethical sourcing by raising awareness of fair trade and sustainable pearl farming , the effects of unethical pearl sourcing and environmental effects of unfair trade .
Both The Guild of Jewellery Designers and The British Pearl Association look forward to welcoming new members so , to get a better idea of what we can offer , please create a free subscription to the organisation that best suits your needs .
www . guildofjewellerydesigners . co . uk www . britishpearlassociation . co . uk e : info @ guildofjewellerydesigners . co . uk t : 0121 507 0994
52 JEWELLERY FOCUS
February 2018 | jewelleryfocus . co . uk