By Skycity
Thousands of visitors poured through the doors of the SKYCITY Convention Centre over four days for The New Zealand Jewellery Show finishing on Sunday (19 July). The show was opened by Dame Jenny Gibbs on Thursday evening for a special gala preview which set the scene for the much anticipated showcase of New Zealand’s best fine and contemporary jewellery. The visitor exist survey showed an overwhelmingly positive response.
This was the event’s first year in Auckland after three successful years in the capital. Simon Jamieson, General Manager SKYCITY Hotels Group Auckland commented that hosting the show has been somewhat of a coupe for Auckland. “Popularity and public enthusiasm for this showcase has meant the move to Auckland and to SKYCITY to accommodate a bigger audience.”
Mr Jamieson also congratulated the two winners of the Regal Castings Jewellery Design Awards announced earlier that evening. Winners were Jane Dodd of Dunedin with her stunning piece, The Blue Fox Brooch, incorporating an ‘antler’ of mother of pearl shell with a sterling silver and tourmaline jeweled fox and Nick Hensman of Wellington whose ‘Erays’ pendant is a reversible piece, hand pierced, soldered and laser welded. The inspiration the piece comes from the ocean and sea life in general, particularly the stingray.
Event organiser Grant Stevenson of The Whiteboard Limited, a leading New Zealand events company are already looking forward to planning the future of the showcase at SKYCITY. “Exhibitors were extremely pleased with the exhibition and the high level of sales and leads. Many have already rebooked for next year.
“It was encouraging to see so many visitors taking the time to speak to the jewellery designers and learn about their favourite pieces and even better to see them taking the pieces home!”
