Jewellery convention 2008

This is the first time i go to a jewellery convention, my intention is to learn from the world famous designs. Though it took me and my old man half a day to walk through all the exhibition halls, regrettably the impression i get is quantity not quality. First of all the world famous brands dont participate, so it is left to the locals and crafts from thailand, israel, italy, and other minor exports to join. While many of the booths are as quiet as it gets, a few colour stones are quite exquisite, my dad was most intrigued with a couple brilliant aquamarine cushions, they cost roughly 2500 USD per carat nowadays. As far as jewellery design is concerned, i was rather disappointed, for they are almost identical one booth from the other, until i come around to the C & C booth at the local brand section, where they have pieces shaped like a tiny scoop, which is most inspiring by a mile already. The fact is, there are simply too many crafts to see, and even more are neglected. Some brands may resolve to a solution like the picture above, to have living mannequins for display instead of locking up the pieces in glass cases. I believe the problem with sales being tough on jewellers is that the marketing strategy has been set at a wrong path, and it has gone wrong for decades. De Beers believes diamonds are forever, for they are most precious and unique. Wrong. Go to the convention and take a look, you will realise what diamond flea-trading  is like, trust me, nothing should look unique any more. I dont encourage the method they use on the picture above, but it only seems wise in a situation like this, they have to get media's attention to beat competition, so perhaps they should display their pieces like a cross of car and fashion show. However the  one i witnessed was well tastless. It really is about time to change the image of jewellery.