Bijorhca – France’s Largest Int’l Trade Show for Fine Fashion, Jewelry and Watches

Bijorhca – France’s International Trade Show for Fine, Fashion Jewelry and Watches

Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center Paris, France

by Jane Rosenstein

(September 5-8, 2014) – Today the market for fine and fashion jewelry that lets women be creative while not spending fortunes has increased. Bijorhca had 11,120 attendees. It was an increase of 18% from July, 2013 which the organizers feel in part was due to changing the date to September instead of July. There was an increase in retailers visiting particularly in boutiques selling watches and jewelry who enjoyed seeing 150 exhibitors in the precious jewelry sector and also visiting a special section for watches. International visitors accounted for 30% of the total with buyers from 82 countries attending. The buyers came to see their usual sellers and to see new items, foreign brands, and to buy for the holiday season. They also came to see the “Tendances “ Seciton created by Elizabeth Leriche which most found fascinating. In total there were over 540 exhibitors up from 450 in July :30% for precious jewelry and 55% for fashion jewelry. There were several conferences presented by the big players in the various sectors.

The Fashion Trends Area at Bijorhca Paris featured fashion jewelry, fine jewelry and watches. Elizabeth Meroche created the THE WONDERSTORE “trend boutique” of the future for the Autumn/ Winter 2014-2015. This collection of jewelry and objects focused on the fantasy world of childhood and the era of 1960s and 1970s to bring some fun and magic into fashion jewelry.

`There were four areas featured at this trend boutique.

Magic Princess.

This is the look of the elegant, delicate jewelry featuring beads, porcelainand, satin. Animal motifs such as the owls, squirrels, foxesand wolves,pendants, bracelets and pins were all part of this theme.

Dark Queen

Bewitching and sophisticated, with classy jewelry describes this look; Materials like hammered bronze, fur ,andvelvet ribbons are used. The collection includes cuff bracelets, poisonous flower rings (not real poison) and large pins.

Baby Doll

A modern, urban look with various geometric forms was featured; Patent leather, lacquered metal; satin and silk ribbon are all used to show the carefree spirit of the 60s and 70s to which the Baby Boomers today can relate to. Color is widely used especially bright colors such as orange and red. Cuff bracelets, glass bead tourquet necklaces, iridiscent glass jewelry, plastic earrings and cocktail rings were featured.

Lady Rock

This collection focusds on the modern creative , extroverted and liberated woman whose jewelry reflected this spirit. Chains, lacquered metal, giant crystals are some of the materials used. She feels confident wearing a leather stud and eyelet necklace or a vinyl cuff bracelet/

We can see all the trends incorporate using various materials together in one piece and not necessarily expensive stones but very expressive jewelry. In addition to jewelry there were several exhibitors selling jewelry supplies to make jewelry.

I bought a string of Chinese stones for about 12 Euros that I have to have a friend restring. Of course I went back to the seller and got the appropriate thread and bought a closing clasp. I also bought some earring backs. It was great to get them at wholesale prices.

By attending this show, I saw many ways of combining semi-precious stones with fabrics like patent leather, glass and vinyl. Going to Bijorcha I was able to see l good fashion jewelry, noting new trends, that women can wear with confidence.

Jane Rosenstein

Jane Rosenstein is a U.S. citizen living in Paris, France. She is a professional translator/interpreter. She is the owner of The International Connection which does international marketing consultation including sales of wine, interpretation, and translation.

She enjoys the cultural life that living in Paris offers and has talents in organizing events. She speaks English, French, and Spanish. She has a B.S. degree in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.B.A. degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.