The annual Jewellery & Watch trade fair, a key event within Spring Fair at Birmingham NEC, attracted significant attendance from February 1st to 4th, 2026. Industry stakeholders gathered to deliberate on effective measures to counter the challenges posed by the escalating and unstable costs of precious metals, notably silver.
This annual exhibition, commencing on the inaugural Sunday of February each year, offers retailers a crucial opportunity to replenish their inventories following the holiday shopping season. A central focus of the event was silver jewelry, with exhibitors actively addressing the repercussions of the extended surge in silver prices, which recorded a remarkable 147 percent increase in 2025 and continued to climb sharply at the beginning of 2026. This upward trend was briefly interrupted by a substantial sell-off on January 30, 2026. The rally in silver prices has been primarily driven by robust demand from industrial sectors and investors, coupled with limited supply, creating a challenging environment for the jewelry industry.
In response to these market dynamics, Annabelle Marie-Blanche from LBJ, a prominent silver jewelry supplier and member of the NAJ, highlighted their latest offerings. These new collections feature necklaces characterized by intricate gemstone designs and a reduced silver content, presenting an innovative approach to manage material costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal. While some silver jewelry suppliers, who hold substantial existing stock, have not yet significantly adjusted their pricing, it is widely anticipated that they will eventually be compelled to procure new inventory at elevated prices, leading to inevitable cost pass-throughs.
Exhibitors at the Jewellery & Watch fair were closely observing market reactions, assessing the capacity of retailers to absorb potential price increases. The consensus among market analysts points to sustained support for silver prices throughout 2026. This outlook is attributed to silver's enduring appeal as a 'safe haven' asset during economic uncertainties, alongside persistent strong industrial demand. Furthermore, expectations of interest rate reductions in the U.S. later in the year, coupled with a softer U.S. dollar, are expected to bolster bullion prices, further impacting the cost structure within the jewelry manufacturing sector.
The trade fair served as a vital platform for the jewelry sector to collectively strategize and innovate amidst the shifting economic landscape. Discussions and product introductions underscore the industry's resilience and adaptability in facing commodity price fluctuations. The insights gained and the strategies adopted during this event are expected to play a critical role in shaping business approaches and market positioning for the upcoming year.