Master the Art of Jewellery Shopping
We are again ready to shop for the new season as the weather changes. Pop-ups are starting to appear everywhere, and before we know it, the Jewellery Arabia Bahrain show, the biggest jewellery exhibition in the Middle East, will be here.
Exhibitions and pop-ups can be an overwhelming experience with so many sparkly jewels that leave you feeling overstimulated. This month’s article will give you a step-by-step guide to shop exhibitions and pop-ups like a jewellery pro. I promise that you will feel in control once you follow my tips.
I still remember the first time I went to a jewellery exhibition. I was 10 years old, and my mother let me tag along with her and her friends at the Jewellery and Watches Exhibition in Sharjah, UAE. I remember feeling excited, hyper, tired, and overwhelmed, all at the same time. I watched my mother and her two best friends shop effortlessly. I was so impressed with how my mother was choosing unique pieces. This trip was one of many for me and one of the reasons I fell in love with the jewellery world.
Pop-ups and exhibitions are the best places to shop for unique pieces and to see pieces in person from your favorite independent designers worldwide.
So, what is the difference between a pop-up and an exhibition?
Pop-ups are smaller in size and have a handful of designers per edition. They typically have a mix of ready-to-wear, jewellery, and homeware. They are easier to shop as the space is relatively small, and you know beforehand everyone who is participating. They last, on average, one to three days with 10-30 participating brands. The shopping experience is relaxed, and you have time to see all the brands and take your time.
Exhibitions, on the other hand, are huge with hundreds of exhibitors from around the world. For example, Jewellery Arabia attracts over 500 exhibitors every year. There are endless options for designs, price points, and quality. Jewellery exhibitions usually exhibit only jewellery and watches. Designers and retail stores are often divided by halls.
Exhibitions are more overwhelming and require you to dedicate full days to shop thoroughly. They are also a great place to start building your timeless jewellery box. You will find unique, classic, one-of-a-kind, basic, staple pieces and every category you can think of! Check my previous article for more details on building a timeless jewellery box.
Different halls have different targets. For example, the halls with independent designers will have unique pieces, while the Hong Kong hall will have more bargain pieces and staple pieces like tennis bracelets. Before heading to any pop-up or exhibition, you must determine your target.
Now that you know what to expect and what you hope to find, it’s time for tips to help you shop more effectively. I made a list of the tips my mother, Alia, gave me and tips I use myself when I shop.
Alia’s Pro Tips:
- Wear a neutral colour to focus on the piece you are trying on.
- Don’t wear any jewellery to the show unless you are looking for a complementary piece. This will help you avoid losing your jewellery while you try on other pieces.
- Plan your visit. I like to start with the halls and designers I am most interested in.
- Don’t buy the first thing you see. Take pictures and decide after you finish looking at everything you are interested in.
- A good exhibition is a great place to shop for special gifts for your family and friends.
Nouran’s Pro Tips:
- Go with a target but keep an open mind to fall in love.
- Create an album or a note page with images of everything you like. After you make your first round, look at the images you took and decide which ones you can’t imagine leaving the exhibition without.
- Consider your lifestyle. Don’t buy pieces that will sit in your safe and never see the light of day.
- Quality is the one thing you shouldn’t compromise on. A well-crafted piece will last forever.
- Don’t miss the talks in Jewellery Exhibitions. Some exhibitions like Sharjah’s Jewellery and Watches Show and Jewellery Arabia Exhibition host talks by designers and insiders of the industry. They are often fun and very informative.
If you visit Jewellery Arabia show in Bahrain this year, come say hi. I will be giving a talk and a fun workshop on the third day. This will be my third year in a row!
You are now ready for your jewellery adventure. May your new pieces sparkle forever.
Happy shopping!
