Jewellery Job Interview Style….

June 18th, 2011

Interview StyleSo, you have followed our advice for writing an impressive CV and you have secured an interview for that dream jewellery job! You are preparing well for the questions you might be asked and practicing your answers for every possible question that you can think of!!

Jewellery Stylist can reveal that there is often one part of the interview preparation process that many of us fail to address. Think first impressions…. they really do count, particularly for customer facing roles. The way you present yourself for a jewellery job interview can really set the tone for the interview and can alter an interviewers first impression of you.

Dressing well for a jewellery job interview means dressing appropriately. This, coupled with your body language, is how your prospective employer sees you. According to recent research for the Department for Work and Pensions, UK jobseekers are prepared to spend in the region of £75 on their image for a job interview although you don’t need to spend a lot of money to ensure you look smart for your jewellery job interview!

Interview Style Advice from celebrity stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones:

Don’t go over board. Being bold will make you memorable, and a bright coloured tie or shoes can be just the thing to keep you in the interviewer’s memory, but make sure it’s within limits.

You want to be remembered as confident and employable, not with horror. You may have great legs, but this is not the moment to display them; short skirts are out when it comes to interviews. Women who are used to wearing a lot of make up should consider toning it down for an interview. Similarly men should hold back on excessive amounts of hair gel.

Substance also counts. Looking good is key but you’ll need the confidence to carry it off. Confidence comes with knowing your game.

Looking good makes you feel confident which is vital when attending your jewellery job vacancy. However, it is extremely important to dress to fit the jewellery vacancy you are applying for! Research the role and assess what is appropriate for the jewellery position and, most importantly, what fits the style of the company you wish to join!

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in CV Advice, Jewellery Jobs | Comments Off

GIA Education: Offering You 3 Ways To Learn!

June 15th, 2011

“Whether you learn through GIA On Campus, Distance Education, or Lab Classes, you belong to GIA’s internationally respected tradition of knowledge and integrity. With GIA it doesn’t matter if you are around the corner or around the world, a prestigious GIA Diploma is conveniently within your reach.”

“Come enjoy the splendid surroundings of our Bloomsbury campus. Or take pleasure in the ease and convenience of studying from home. No matter how you choose to learn, rest assured that at GIA, you’ll learn the skills and knowledge of a true gem and jewellery professional.”

With on campus programmes, distance learning and lab classes, there is something for everyone’s lifestyle!  Visit the GIA website here to obtain the 2011 course schedule detailing Autumn and Winter start dates.  From Jewellery Design to Business Development Strategies GIA has a wonderfully diverse range of coursed to suit every aspect of the jewellery and watch industry!  So what are you waiting for! Sign up NOW!

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Share

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Get knowledgeable with Gem A’s Foundation in Gemmology!

June 13th, 2011

The Gem-A Foundation course launches your gem education. It will introduce you to a wide variety of gem materials, from amber to zircon, with a careful balance of theory and hands-on practical work. You will learn about the characteristics of gems, how they are employed in jewellery, how you may identify them, how they are assessed and how fakes are identified.The Gem-A Foundation Course leads to the Gem-A Foundation Certificate in Gemmology and is accredited at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This is equivalent to the UK Advanced Level Certificate (‘A’-Level).

There are various ways you can study, from full time and evening courses to distance learning, so you can pace yourself to best suit your other commitments. The course can be completed in as little as four months with daytime study, or can take just 9 months when you learn at your own pace as an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) student. The Foundation Certificate is awarded on the basis of course work and a final exam. The course fees include exam fees, comprehensive course notes and gem reference guide, our gem testing kit with the indispensable equipment for hands-on examination, and a set of gem materials chosen to illustrate important features of gemstones.

Check out the timetable for course start dates on the GEM A Website by clicking here!  emember that employers are increasingly looking for talented staff who hold recognised qualifications in jewellery and watches.  Be in demand with a CV that glitters with gem knowledge!

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in Education, News & Events | Comments Off

Learn More to Earn More!

June 10th, 2011

EducationToday, one of the most powerful sales assets that an individual can possess within the jewellery and watch trade are relevant qualifications. Research has shown that recruiters actively seek to recruit candidates that hold qualifications that are related to the trade, not only does this enhance existing product knowledge, but arms their business with staff that are truly confident in selling products effectively, without the fear of being asked a question that they will struggle to answer.

GEM A is the leading British Association providing jewellery education. Since 1913, this institute has been successfully educating individuals on the complex and specific factors needed to fully understand gemstones and diamonds. GEM A run several fantastic courses that are highly recognised across the world, and are more in demand by retailers than ever before! There are four courses run by GEM A:

  • The Foundation Certificate In Gemmology – An introduction to gem materials, their properties and how they are employed in jewellery.
  • The Diploma In Gemmology – Building upon an existing understanding of gems and their characteristics learning more about the factors that define a gem’s appearance and qualities.
  • The Diamond Practical Certificate – An intensive course, designed for those who require the qualification within a shorter timescale.
  • The Gem Diamond Diploma – A high-level diamond qualification based on a careful blend of theoretical and practical learning, essential for those who regularly deal with diamonds, an excellent asset when selling diamonds to customers.

GEM A also provides private tuition and corporate education for retailers who wish to provide excellent training for new and existing staff. These courses are invaluable when looking to progress within jewellery jobs, and retailers are now beginning to raise the bar when starting a recruitment drive.

Another excellent education scheme is provided by the National Association of Goldsmiths who provide an excellent course for beginners within the jewellery and watch trade, plus others for more experiences individuals.

The Jewellery Education & Training Courses (JET) 1&2 have really set the minimum standard expected from candidates, designed to “provide first-class product knowledge and a wide ranging understanding of the trade, including design, manufacture, hallmarking, gemstones, silverware, horology, antiques, legal matters, repair handling, selling techniques and window displays.”

“Making the decision to enroll on to a jewellery education course, is really a sure fire way to increase your career potential, as this not only makes candidates highly appealing to recruiters but it gives individuals a huge confidence boost when on the sales floor, resulting in the ability to maximise sales by justifying features and benefits, with Gem and Diamond qualifications readily becoming one of the most desirable requirements of luxury jewellery and watch retailers today” says, Jewellery Stylist’s Senior Recruitment Coordinator.

GEM A suggests enrolment in their courses during June/July for Autumn & October/November for January. Their 2008/09 course prospectus can be viewed here. They also offer distance learning programmes as well as classes based in London’s Hatton Garden.

© Jewellery Stylist.Com

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Share

Posted in CV Advice | Comments Off

Ready to give yourself a Promotion on your CV? Think Again!

June 8th, 2011

CVSo you increased turnover on your department from £2 million to £4 million did you? And you also ensured consistent sales growth year on year by 20% as well? Impressive stuff! What’s more, you were responsible for repairing luxury watch brands on site and you have a certificate in JET 1&2?

You certainly seem like a fantastic candidate. However you may want to think twice before giving yourself a “promotion” on your CV. According to research conducted by CareerBuilder.com in a 2006 survey, 57% of employers say they have caught a lie on a candidate’s application. Of those employers who discovered this, a huge 93% did not hire the candidate; understandably!

Can you get away with being deceptive on your CV?

Absolutely not. Never underestimate a recruitment agency or a direct employer. Consultants and employers are specialists in their field. They are experts in the sector you are applying for and therefore making overzealous and highly unlikely statements will be instantly recognisable. These people are trained to read CVs critically, to spot flaws and inconsistencies. Such professionals understand the profiles of other businesses in their genre and, as a result, they will understand the expectations and skills required at each level of hierarchy within a company. So claiming that you were responsible for all new store openings and budgets as a junior sales Professional, just won’t cut it.

So how does this relate to the Jewellery Industry?

Security and honesty is a prime factor in this trade and therefore employers are looking to recruit candidates who can uphold this trait. Lying on a CV clearly contradicts this. This industry is extremely close knit and therefore it is extremely easy to check claims made on a CV, check qualifications and work out sales figures.

At Jewellery Stylist we are extremely familiar with most jewellery and watch companies. We understand their profiles and therefore we can spot inconsistencies and over exaggerated claims. We know what levels of responsibility are expected from a position within a company and therefore we also know when claims are excessive and extravagant. It is also advisable to bear in mind that just beacuse you have worked abroad for a while, does not make you exempt from having these factors checked too. It is just as easy to verify this information with another country as it is in the U.K!

Remember, exaggerating or lying may seem like a way to achieve your ideal job, or obtain an increase in salary, but employers and recruitment agencies ARE extremely rigorous in checking out potential employees, often only a phone call away. Never put anything on your CV that you cannot explain and validate in an interview. Jewellery Stylist will always check and direct employers will too!

©Jewellery Stylist.com

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Share

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Are your salary expectations holding you back?

June 5th, 2011

How often have you really thought about your salary? How many times have you checked it compared to moneyother positions in your field and judged it accordingly? Chances are you have not.

In today’s competitive market, many individuals are being more realistic with their salary expectations. When searching for a new position, candidates must be realistic about their salary expectations going forward. It is important that you see your salary as a reflection of your level of responsibility, current experience and achievements in your career to date. Don’t think of your salary as a figure on a piece of paper. Many candidates see a new job prospect as an opportunity to increase their salary and do not take other factors into consideration.

It is important that you are realistic when setting salary expectations. Failure to research a realistic salary based upon your experience can lead to you being out priced in the competition. Candidates must really think about their current salary in comparison to their current position. At Jewellery Stylist, we see candidates who actually have great jobs, who earn a pretty decent salary for their level of experience, plus (and this is the factor that is most often overlooked) their benefits are fantastic! But they want to leave their position to achieve a better salary.

This often leads to candidates being out priced in the job market by others with realistic expectations. Here is an important check list to consider before setting your salary expectations:

  • Are there other companies that employ staff in the same position as you, with the same level of responsibilities, but pay higher?
  • What are your benefits? Do you earn an attractive bonus and/or commission from your role?
  • Does your current position offer any perks? Such as office hours, Saturdays and/or Sundays off?
  • Is your work place near to home, or is your travelling time short?
  • What does your day involve? Do you have a low level of responsibility compared to others with a lower salary?

Scenario A

 

Candidate A earns a salary of £35,000 pa. They work shift patterns ranging between 8.20AM and 9PM. Their working week consists of 5 days Monday to Sunday. They earn bonus only if the whole store hits target and they travel 45 minutes to work each way daily.

 

Scenario B

 

Candidate B earns a salary of £28,000 pa. They work from 8:30am until 6pm. Their working week consists of 5 days Monday to Saturday with each Sunday off.  They earn bonus if they hit their individual target plus commission on certain items. They travel 20 minutes to work each way daily.

 

Candidate B earns less money but has the potential to earn more than Candidate A. Candidate A has double the commuting time and works until late plus they must work a Sunday. Candidate B is out of work by 6 and is home in 20 minutes with the luxury of a Sunday off!

 

Here the benefits outweigh the initial salary. Obviously there are many occasions when a salary increase is absolutely justified and necessary. Never underestimate yourself to an employer, but think carefully and do your research before asking for an increase in salary, remember you must be able to justify it, not only with your potential, but with your career history too!

 

© Jewellery Stylist.Com

 

Jewellery Stylist on LinkedIn

Follow JewelleryJobs on Twitter

Share

Posted in CV Advice, Jewellery Jobs | Comments Off

HOLITION: A Magical Virtual Experience In London’s Fashionable Mayfair!

May 7th, 2011

HOLITION

Creates a Magical Virtual Experience In London’s Fashionable Mayfair

UK Vogue’s  ‘STREET LIGHTS’

10th – 15th May 2011

“Mirror, mirror on the wall… who is the fairest of them all?”   

Imagine wearing an exquisite tiara from Garrard 

Now imagine wearing it “virtually” using augmented reality

To celebrate UK Vogue’s ‘Street Lights’ initiative Holition was invited by Vogue Jewellery Editor, Carol Woolton and Garrard to collaborate with its Creative Director, Stephen Webster, on a visionary window display during the ‘Street Lights’ exhibition.  As the international leader in 3D and augmented reality solutions for luxury brands Holition has been creating cutting edge 3D reality applications which allows  consumers to “try on” luxury products such as diamond rings, jewellery and watches via the web.   Quality and precision is paramount as Holition’s innovative team experiments at the far reaches of advanced technology to explore all aspects of augmented reality.    

 Webster said “Having seen a demonstration of the technology being developed by Holiton we thought it would be fun to use the technique of virtually trying on jewellery and adapt it to create a unique window for Garrard.   As a result Holiton and Garrard have generated an exclusive “try on a tiara experience”.    Webster said they “chose a tiara as not many jewellers have one and the tiara is something synonymous with Garrard due to the company creating tiaras and crowns for royalty and society over its 275 year history.”

 Holition’s futuristic interactive window display at Garrard in Albemarle Street allows the famous jewellers to further engage with today’s online luxury customer.  The augmented reality application lets shoppers “try on” a virtual diamond & spinel tiara and enjoy a fairy tale princess experience.  The ‘virtual tiara’ is brought to life using the most advanced and photo-realistic computer modelling with Holition’s unique real time light reflecting technology.   Standing in front of the window the tiara will appear, as if by magic, on the person’s head and with a gentle movement the wearer will see the light sparkling from each faceted diamond  – a truly magical shopping experience.   

Lynne Murray, a graduate of the RCA and Brand Director of Holition, is part of the highly innovative team leading the way in creating groundbreaking technology and digital campaigns.  At the RCA, Lynne developed an interest in the use of rapid manufacture as a final product specializing in computer fabricated objects engineered in CAD.  Lynne’s interest in the use of computers to display and process objects has been further pushed within Holition.  The team’s combined luxury market, technical expertise and experience enables the company to constantly challenge and push the boundaries of 3D and augmented reality with Luxury Groups such as LVMH and Gucci already embracing Holition’s cutting edge technology.       

 CEO, Jonathan Chippindale says “The ‘Street Lights’ project provides an excellent platform for Holition to further increase the creativity and potential of augmented reality technology.    We are extremely excited about this exciting partnership with Vogue, RCA and Garrard as we are able to take our interactive technology and enhanced consumer experience directly to the iconic windows of one of the world’s oldest jewellers”.

ABOUT HOLITION

Holition is made up of a diverse and dedicated team of luxury marketers, futurists, technologists and retail experts, working to support its clients’ business objectives.

Holition has developed a unique augmented reality application for use online, in-store and at live events. Established in London in January 2008, Holition boasts unrivalled international luxury retail experience and is supported by the technical expertise of 3D specialists Inition. Holition understands the specifics of luxury retail brands, maximizing brand engagement through a deep understanding of changing consumer behaviour as well as the development of advanced marketing techniques made possible by the advent of augmented reality.    www.holition.com

Share

Tags:
Posted in News & Events, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Van Cleef & Arpels at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2011

April 11th, 2011

Van Cleef & Arpels exhibits creations on the theme “Les Voyages Extraordinaires” designed by students from the Creative Academy supervised by Ugo La Pietra Milan – Salone del Mobile – Fuorisalone, 12 – 17 April 2011 The Salone Internazionale del Mobile will open on 12th April and Milan
will live and breathe design for six days. For the second consecutive year,Van Cleef & Arpels will be actively participating in the event by displaying the creations of young designers from the Creative Academy – an international design and applied arts school created by the Richemont Group in Milan – throughout their Milanese boutique.

Ever since the Maison was founded, Van Cleef & Arpels has always placed its collections at the confluence of creativity and artistic craftsmanship. In addition to the traditional professions of High Jewellery and Watchmaking, pieces often call upon highly specific skills, such as enamelling or wood engraving. “Les Voyages Extraordinaires” inspires young designers.

This year, Van Cleef & Arpels launched a project that would allow talented young creators to express their ideas and make a name for themselves. The twenty students attending the Creative Academy worked on the theme of Jules Verne’s “Voyages Extraordinaires” (Extraordinary Journeys), which inspired Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest High Jewellery collection. The Maison selected four of Verne’s famous stories: Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Five Weeks in a Balloon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth and From the Earth to the Moon. These novels, written in the late 19th century, still remain extremely modern today.

The students were supervised by a leading designer: Ugo La Pietra Created in 2003, the Milanese Creative Academy is a higher education school
specialising in the design of luxury products. Twenty students from all over the world are welcomed each year to follow a course of study, take part in a work experience placement in one of the companies of the Richemont Group, and graduate with a Master of Arts in Design.  The Masters programme incorporates the entire creative process, from the design to the development of luxury products using exceptional artisanal techniques. The members of the Executive Committee include architect and designer Andrea Branzi, the Director of the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Hervé Chandes, and designers Matali Crasset and Marc Newson.

Exhibition from 12 – 17 April 2011
10.00 a.m.- 7.00 p.m
Free Admission
Vernissage (invitation only)
on 11th April between 6.00 p.m.- 9.00 p.m.
Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique
Via Pietro Verri, 10
Milan – Italy 

Share

Tags:
Posted in Fine Jewellery, Jewellery, Jewellery Designers, Jewellery Jobs | Comments Off

Harrods showcases Tissot’s latest interactive window display!

April 8th, 2011

Swiss watchmaker Tissot has partnered with Holition, the international leader in 3D and augmented reality solutions for retail, to showcase its Ladies and T-Touch collection in one of Harrods iconic Brompton Road window displays as part of the store’s new promotion celebrating all things Swiss. The augmented reality application will be live and fully interactive on weekends between 12pm and 6pm from 1st – 24th April.

The Brompton Road window display will enable consumers to virtually ‘try on’ watches from both the Ladies and T-Touch men’s collection, and a fully interactive touch screen will allow customers to engage with a wider range of Tissot watches than ever before.

Customers are also invited to take a piece of Switzerland home with them with the opportunity to win a Tissot Jungfraubahn watch and a holiday to Jungfraujoch to witness the most spectacular mountain panorama in Switzerland.

Guy Cheston, Harrods Director of Advertising Sales & Sponsorship, said: “We are delighted that Tissot is participating in Harrods storewide Swiss promotion. The use of augmented reality in Harrods world famous window displays allows us to interact with customers in a new and exciting way.”

Jonathan Chippindale, CEO, Holition, comments that: “We are extremely excited about the Harrods showcase as we are able to take our interactive technology and enhanced consumer experience directly to the iconic windows of the world’s most famous department store. Luxury brands are continuing to challenge expectations and consumer perceptions and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change.”

To see the fantastic interactive display in action watch here!

About Holition

Holition is made up of a diverse and dedicated team of luxury marketers, futurists, technologists and retail experts. Its combined luxury market and technological knowledge and experience enables Holition to constantly challenge and push the boundaries of the sector through innovative and integrated marketing techniques that work to support its clients’ business objectives.

Holition has developed a unique augmented reality application for use online, in-store and at live events. Established in London in January 2008, Holition boasts unrivalled international luxury retail experience and is supported by the technical expertise of 3D specialists Inition. Holition is the leading provider of online interactive marketing and retail solutions to clients across the luxury goods sector.   Holition understands the specifics of luxury retail brands, maximizing brand engagement through a deep understanding of changing consumer behavior as well as the development of advanced marketing techniques made possible by the advent of augmented reality.

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in News & Events, Watches, What's Hot | Comments Off

Rope Rings From London Road Jewellery

April 7th, 2011

LONDON ROAD JEWELLERY RINGS THE CHANGES

 ROPE RINGS FROM THE SOHO STACK RING COLLECTION

London Road has taken that 70s essential, the traditional Russian Wedding Ring (left), and brought it bang up-to-date by intertwining solid pink, yellow and white gold rope rings.  Available in small, medium and large, the retail price is £595.

Also from London Road are these Multi-colour Rope Rings (right) – wear them separately or as stack rings – a must-have on any girl’s wish list.  Retail prices are from £215 per ring.

London Road Jewellery mirrors the excitement, colour and diversity that are London. Collections are named after some of London’s most recognised neighbourhoods – Bloomsbury, Burlington, Kew, Pimlico, Portobello, Primrose and Soho, of course.  Each piece of London Road jewellery comes in a luxurious presentation box with matching carrier bag trimmed with lipstick pink or lime green.

 London Road London Road Jewellery is available from selected independent jewellers and 12 John Lewis stores countrywide.  Also available on line – www.londonroadjewellery.co.uk.  For more stockist information 084 4871 8454.

Share

Tags: ,
Posted in Jewellery, Jewellery Designers, News & Events | Comments Off

« Older Entries