Queensland fine jewellery a hit in UK
Published Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
An exclusive Queensland jeweller business has exploded onto the UK market, opening a new store in London and signing sales deals with some of the UK’s best-known high-end brands.
Minister for Trade John Mickel congratulated Gold Coast-based Calleija Jewellers on the official opening of their London office this week, and their export success that has been assisted by the Queensland Government’s export agency Trade Queensland.
“The opening of Calleija’s new London store on Old Bond Street in London was attended this week by Claudia Schiffer and Australian singing sensation Gabriella Cilmi,” Mr Mickel said.
“Trade Queensland provided regular advice to Calleija on a whole range of issues relating to the new store including advice on the selection of a business consultant, establishment of the office, set up and fit-out, and recruitment
“The store opening builds on recent export successes including a sales deal with iconic UK department store Harrods, and a worldwide with Aston Martin to produce their accessory line.
“Trade Queensland London was instrumental in introducing Calleija Jewellers to Harrods in 2007. This gave the company the opportunity to showcase their pieces in Harrods this year, in what is believed to be a first for an Australian jeweller. Trade Queensland London arranged business introductions and assisted with arranging appointments. The quality of the product meant that sales success was almost immediate.
“Harrods took a particular interest in the rare Argyle Pink Diamonds, so Calleija created an array of exceptional pink diamond designs especially for the department store. This collection is currently exhibiting in the Harrods Fine Jewellery Section.
“Calleija is also the first jewellery partner to be selected for Aston Martin. This partnership gives Calleija exposure to an international market of high-end clientele through Aston Martin marketing and promotion resources and retail networks.
“These successes prompted the decision to open the new Calleija London store
“As part of their strategic plan to leverage the prestige and exposure provided through the Aston Martin partnership, Calleija has been working through Trade Queensland in the US and London to gain further access to high-end boutique outlets for its collection internationally.
“I congratulate designer and Calleija Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Calleija, on turning his passion for precious stones into a thriving Smart State export business,” Mr Mickel said.
Calleija Jewellers was established on the Gold Coast in 1988 and specialises in individual hand-crafted jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.
In 2000, Mr Calleija won the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Award – considered the world’s most prestigious industry design accolade, and has honed his skills throughout more than two decades in the jewellery trade.
Calleija Jewellers last year received a $47 500 Queensland Industry Development Scheme (QIDS) grant from the Queensland Government to produce a professional export plan.
Minister’s office: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
June 26, 2008
Minister for Trade John Mickel congratulated Gold Coast-based Calleija Jewellers on the official opening of their London office this week, and their export success that has been assisted by the Queensland Government’s export agency Trade Queensland.
“The opening of Calleija’s new London store on Old Bond Street in London was attended this week by Claudia Schiffer and Australian singing sensation Gabriella Cilmi,” Mr Mickel said.
“Trade Queensland provided regular advice to Calleija on a whole range of issues relating to the new store including advice on the selection of a business consultant, establishment of the office, set up and fit-out, and recruitment
“The store opening builds on recent export successes including a sales deal with iconic UK department store Harrods, and a worldwide with Aston Martin to produce their accessory line.
“Trade Queensland London was instrumental in introducing Calleija Jewellers to Harrods in 2007. This gave the company the opportunity to showcase their pieces in Harrods this year, in what is believed to be a first for an Australian jeweller. Trade Queensland London arranged business introductions and assisted with arranging appointments. The quality of the product meant that sales success was almost immediate.
“Harrods took a particular interest in the rare Argyle Pink Diamonds, so Calleija created an array of exceptional pink diamond designs especially for the department store. This collection is currently exhibiting in the Harrods Fine Jewellery Section.
“Calleija is also the first jewellery partner to be selected for Aston Martin. This partnership gives Calleija exposure to an international market of high-end clientele through Aston Martin marketing and promotion resources and retail networks.
“These successes prompted the decision to open the new Calleija London store
“As part of their strategic plan to leverage the prestige and exposure provided through the Aston Martin partnership, Calleija has been working through Trade Queensland in the US and London to gain further access to high-end boutique outlets for its collection internationally.
“I congratulate designer and Calleija Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Calleija, on turning his passion for precious stones into a thriving Smart State export business,” Mr Mickel said.
Calleija Jewellers was established on the Gold Coast in 1988 and specialises in individual hand-crafted jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.
In 2000, Mr Calleija won the DeBeers Diamonds International Design Award – considered the world’s most prestigious industry design accolade, and has honed his skills throughout more than two decades in the jewellery trade.
Calleija Jewellers last year received a $47 500 Queensland Industry Development Scheme (QIDS) grant from the Queensland Government to produce a professional export plan.
Minister’s office: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
June 26, 2008