Eminent designers making a presence include Hong Kong born Sarah Ho of London based SHO Fine Jewellery, the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design graduate Rachel Galley, Sarah Jordan, the Chinese-UK Fei Liu (image right), Dower & Hall and newcomers like Lola Rose, Cherry & Coco and Codis Maya.

Fine Jewellery will be glittering with selections from the British designer Shaun Leane, a celebrity favourite, along with the Croatian in Milan living Veronika Cugura and the German label Spreckelsen and Carnevale.

A first for 2009 will also be the Hungary Pavilion featuring Varga Design and Splendor and ‘KickStart’, a new initiative designed to provide a commercial platform for fledgling designers.

Launched in cooperation with the London-based British Jeweller’s Association, the bursary ‘Kickstart’ scheme is set to foster upcoming creative talent, whilst providing a valuable insight into some fresh new designers and companies. For retailers, Kick Start also offers the opportunity to source exciting new and cutting-edge designs.

Inspired Editors nominate jewellery designers
A top annual attraction at IJL is Bright Young Gems, which are nominated by leading editors and fashion icons – Hilary Alexander of The Daily Telegraph, Claudia Mahoney of Glamour and -- two newcomers for 09 -- Vivienne Becker of the FT How To Spend It and Jessica Andrews of Tatler. The nominated designers showcase their work and make their mark as the next big names in jewellery.