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In Times of Challenge, Creativity Shines Brighter – A Report from the Istanbul Jewelry Show

A country with centuries-old goldsmithing traditions is a natural setting for one of the five largest jewelry fairs in the world. In early October, the enchanting metropolis straddling two continents hosted the autumn edition of the Istanbul Jewelry Show. Once again, I had the honor of visiting Turkey to cover this vibrant event and even participate in an inspiring discussion about jewelry trends.

 

The fair was hosted by Informa Markets, whose team ensured a remarkable experience for visitors, with a rich showcase of over 1,000 exhibitors from 14 countries. Buyers from a staggering 134 countries flocked to Istanbul, making up 34% of all attendees—an indication of the immense scale of the local jewelry industry and market. For anyone professionally involved in the jewelry business in the region, IJS is a #mustbe event. From my perspective, the Turkish scene is fascinating and full of surprises. Many local manufacturers design collections exclusively for IJS, allowing attendees to marvel at stunning premieres and jewelry masterpieces of an extraordinary scale.

 

 

A Time of Challenges

 

 

The jewelry industry, like any other business, is entangled in political and social contexts. Many such issues surfaced in conversations at the trade fair forum and behind the scenes. Local goldsmiths and brands are grappling with unfavorable government regulations aimed at reducing gold imports to balance the trade deficit. This has resulted in a significant increase in gold prices in the domestic market, reducing the competitiveness of Turkish producers compared to, for instance, Dubai or Italy. One visible effect of this trend is the combination of gold with silver in jewelry pieces to maintain attractive pricing. Interestingly, we observed how these challenges influenced design itself: many creations featured light, filigree forms while retaining a luxurious character and, of course, masterful craftsmanship. Do limitations spark creativity? In this case—absolutely.

IJS is an important event for professionals from the Middle East. The escalation of conflicts in the region made it difficult for many people from countries like Lebanon and Iran to attend. Nevertheless, attendance at the fair remained high, booths were crowded, and business was thriving. One exhibitor mentioned to me that Friday mornings tend to be quieter due to prayers, but after 1:00 p.m., the hall filled up again, and trade picked up momentum. This is a great example of how cultural rhythms can influence business at international trade shows.

 

 

 

Hot Conversations About Trends

 

 

A highlight and a huge honor for yours truly—during IJS, I participated in a discussion panel titled “Jewelry Design Trends in the Upcoming Seasons.” This inspiring conversation was moderated by the erudite and jewelry industry expert, the one and only David Brough from Jewellery Outlook. I was joined on the panel by Bebe Bakhshi, Shohista Turdiyeva, and Renu Choudhary. What were the takeaways from our debate? We noticed a trend toward bold colors and a diversity of materials. Designers are reaching for colorful gemstones such as rubellites, tourmalines, and Paraiba, as well as opals and pearls. Silver, and even gold-plated silver, is making a comeback—another consequence of rising gold prices. We agreed that good design would be key in such jewelry. Among alternative materials, titanium is gaining strength, as it can take on various colorful hues. Titanium is lightweight, though relatively challenging to work with, and is often favored by designers with a penchant for innovation.

 

An important topic in our discussion was lab-grown diamonds—a field as full of controversy, particularly regarding their environmental impact, as it is of promising (also commercially) opportunities. The topic of sustainability, as at other industry events, was also prominent in our conversation. Increasing attention is being paid to responsible practices, such as using recycled gold or verifying the origins of stones—not only for ethical mining conditions but also for compliance with humanitarian standards.

 

No discussion about trends is complete without questions about the impact of artificial intelligence on industry development. I see AI not as a threat but as support in the creative process. It’s an excellent tool, especially during research and design phases.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Once again, IJS captivated me with its engaging program, hospitality, and a sea of jewelry discoveries, this time also showcasing the local jewelry scene’s determination to thrive despite challenging business and political circumstances. Let this be an invitation to join the next edition of the event in spring, from April 16-19, 2025.

 

Jestem influencerką i strateżką marek biżuterii oraz autorką Pierwszego Polskiego Serwisu o Biżuterii BLINGSIS (dawniej Pica Pica), który po 4 latach uzyskał miano 2. najlepszego blogu o biżuterii według International Jewellery London (IJL).