Top trends
Minimalist jewellery remains in vogue for the season ahead. Delicate chains with feminine touches dominated the trade show floors. Rose gold is also poised to be a customer favourite.
Nature is full of inspiration and budding designs always are a retailer favourite. At the Canadian Jewellery Group (CJG) show, BB Impex’s nature pieces were particularly captivating. Ocean wave rings with different textures, coloured metals, shapes, and gemstones stood out among the designs. Tree branch-wrap rings were also a popular style.
Over the past few years, sterling silver has been able to step in to accommodate customer demand amid fluctuating gold prices. Today, however, the industry is seeing the return of gold. “Right now there is resurgence in yellow gold, and it’s great to see it coming back,” says Dubrovsky. Mario Carr, owner of JewelHouse Canada, has seen the trend, too. “I would estimate nearly 85 per cent of my sales right now are 10-karat gold,” he says.
Personalization is the key to success
When it comes to succeeding in this economically driven industry, fighting the dollar’s current slump can be difficult. However, Dubrovsky has found a niche market that’s booming: “Custom design is the new gold; it’s what sells.”
“There isn’t a downside to it,” Dubrovsky explains. “Retailers don’t want to keep inventory on hand, they just want sales. Custom keeps sales coming in without the headache of storage and up-to-date catalogues.”
He adds, there aren’t any specific items exploding right now, so custom design is the key to growth. Retailers need to figure out how they can incorporate it into their current business models and how they can do it best for their individual market, “The idea of ‘best’ will change from retailer to retailer, but it’s important to figure out what one can do,” says Dubrovsky.
“I have 55 CAD stations ready right now. We are more than ready for customized work in this country.”
