Ijl

[ps_bond]

So... Who's going? Who's been?

I shall toddle up tomorrow - I need (hmm, maybe just "want") some bits from Jura, drop in on Gem-A as well as the London Assay Office and I want to have a look at what's being offered in the way of rapid prototyping as well as some general networking. Not sure I'll see any of the seminars, I don't usually manage.

Maybe I'll have a look at some stones too.

That sounds despairingly well planned, doesn't it? It won't last

[pearlescence]

I'm off to the Hong Kong show. just a bit bigger

[ps_bond]

Perhaps a little bit. Inhorgenta & Basel are a bit bigger than IJL too.

[susieq]

Am undecided. Have been in the past and really like to see the student work as it reinforces what I can do and gives me ideas/ helps me problem solve; but at the moment I merely "dabble" and to be honest feel a bit of a fraud being there. I wish there was something less intimidating for the hobbyist to go to. i know practice makes perfect, but my ds, dil and two babies are now living with us, so finding time is limited at the moment.

Be interesting to hear thoughts from anyone who has already been.

Susie

[pearlescence]

The diamond hall (one of about 20 or more) is in itself bigger than the whole IJL. Row upon row just of diamonds. The sept show is so big they use HK's two exhibition centres at the same time. I was just at the excel in London, which is about a quarter the size of one of them, to give you some idea.

[Dennis]

I went early on Sunday. IJL is a show most relevant to retailers, with an ever decreasing number stands exhibiting tools and loose gem stones.

This year for tools there was only Walsh, with quite a small display and SSP Steidle, a company specialising in burrs and gadgets for flexshaft. In the gemstone section the most interesting were Marcia Lanyon , Marcus McCallum and Joias. AE Ward was not there.

The layout of the exhibition was similar to that in past years, but there was also a gallery. Although the venue was new and smart, a surprising number of exhibitors took no trouble to dress their stands in an attractive way and were just a mess. Others were still setting up an hour after opening time.

To take in the year’s trends and spot stands of interest, I tramped the isles and climbed to the gallery, but did not see anything memorable. Having arrived at 9.30 , I handed back my lanyard at 10.30 and was not about to linger for the seminars, mostly retail orientated.

Next year I shall give this show a miss. Dennis.

[art925]

That's really good to read Pat and we'll done SteveLAO!!

[Patstone]

It wasnt arranged by Steve it was arranged by John Love and Dave Merry, but Steve has a presence on here. I know that Dave is down in either Dorset or Devon this week, in the Westcountry anyway, so John showed us around.

[Tabby66]

How fantastic Pat!! (Well done LAO)

[SteveLAO]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it Pat......

If anyone is interested in having a tour, then on Monday 20th October you're very welcome to come along to another of our famous hallmarking information days! It's an all day event including lunch and wine and the afternoon session includes a trip around the assay office and the Goldsmiths' library, together with the opportunity to "have a go" at hallmarking, and to have an item of precious metal tested. If anyone is interested please let me know and i can pass on all the details.....