STEPHEN and Robyn Sparke are back home after recently being dazzled at two Melbourne gift fairs and the Sydney International Jewellery Fair.

Robyn and Stephen, owners of Sparkes Jewellers in Moree and Goondiwindi, spent several days in Sydney and Melbourne sourcing quality, marketable and saleable products for their stores.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, Robyn and Stephen were on the look-out for new trends and  fashionable Icons to supplement existing ranges.

The Sydney International Jewellery Fair at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour is an annual event for jewellery and timepiece industry stakeholders.

It is a trade-only exhibition, and offers retailers a platform to view, network and buy from the best international and domestic suppliers.

The event is supported by industry buying groups, including Nationwide Jewellers, of which Robyn and Stephen are members.

“We engaged with industry experts, attended seminars and workshops while also exploring and procuring luxury pieces and affordable fashion jewellery,” Robyn said.

“Attending the jewellery fair in Sydney enabled us to source loose diamonds, gemstones and pearls, and meet with suppliers of chain and metal.

“The fairs help put us ahead of emerging industry trends, and keep us up-to-date with products and technologies,” she said.

The 2025 Melbourne Cup was displayed, along with a massive 12kg gold bar. Using current gold prices as a guide, the precious gold bar is worth more than $2.3 million.

The time-honoured Melbourne Cup is valued at more than $600,000.

The cup showcases Australian craftsmanship and time-honoured techniques, using gold sourced from Australia and refined into 18ct alloy of gold, silver and copper.

The precious metal is then sent to Palloys, a leading manufacturer and wholesaler of custom jewellery, fabricated metals and wedding rings, where it is hand-spun and crafted into the iconic cup.

“There were plenty of hefty security guards on-site protecting the gold bar and the cup,” Robyn smiled.

The Sydney exhibition also featured an apprentice jewellers’ competition, including the Mystery Box Bench Challenge, where emerging jewellers tested their skills by designing and manufacturing a piece of jewellery from provided materials.

“The challenge is conducted on-site, with apprentice jewellers competing to be the best in their trade,” Robyn said.

South of the border, thousands of suppliers exhibited at Australia’s premium gift-sourcing fair at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, with Reed Gift and Australian Gift and Homewares Association showcasing new products, giftware and jewellery.

“It’s an unmissable event and brings the latest and greatest in gift, lifestyle, home and décor,” Robyn said.

“There is also fashion and accessories, ideas for the kids and all family members, and beauty and wellness products – it’s a one-stop shop for industry professionals,” she smiled.

The Life in Style exhibition at the Royal Exhibition Building celebrated style and creativity with displays from the world’s most exquisitely curated collections.

Robyn and Stephen purchased giftware that is new to the marketplace, including Snow Globes by House Worx, a national wholesaling company owned by former Moree retailer, John Watts.

“John formerly owned kitchen and giftware store, House Worx, in Moree and is now a national wholesaler,” Robyn said.

“Despite thousands of people at the fairs, it’s always surprising how many times we were able to catch up with Moree business owners also doing their shopping, as well wholesalers like John with close ties to Moree,” she said.

Early-bird Christmas shoppers can get a glimpse of the House Worx Snow Globes, currently featured in a window display at Sparkes Jewellers’ Heber Street store.

“We will soon have to place another order as our Snow Globe stocks are running out fast – many shoppers are getting in early for Christmas,” Robyn said.

Robyn and Stephen’s extended interstate trip wasn’t all about work, however – Stephen’s sweet tooth led them astray several times.

“We were able to enjoy a little down time, catching up with our wholesale, manufacturing and retail friends in the industry,” Robyn said.

“Stephen couldn’t go past the treats at Tea Rooms 1892, the oldest tea room in Australia – he also stocked up on chocolates at Haigh’s,” she laughed.

Sparkes Jewellers Moree and Goondiwindi

Website: https://www.sparkesjewellers.com.au/

Moree: 0267 521396

Heber Street, Moree, 2400

Goondiwindi: 0746 713550

84 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkesjewellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkesjewellers/?hl=en