The London Gem & Mineral Show, A Growing Business and Investment Platform for the Global Gem and Mineral Industry Returns 23rd-24th November

The London Gem & Mineral Show, A Growing Business and Investment Platform for the Global Gem and Mineral Industry Returns 23rd-24th November

Founders and Entrepreneurs Alix Bramwell and Mary Cox Champion the Growing Gems and Minerals Sector, Attracting Investors from Around the World 

London, UK – The London Gem & Mineral Show, one of the UK’s fast-growing business events in the gems, minerals, and fossils sector, returns to Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher on the 23rd-24th November. Since its inception in 2023, the event has quickly gained recognition from international businesses, investors, and collectors in the gemstone industry.

The UK gemstone market is currently poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a market value of $1.2 billion by 2026. The growth has been attributed to rising consumer awareness and a growing preference for the use of natural stones in jewellery, as well as an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals investing in gemstones.*

Research by Future Market Insights demonstrates that last year the global gemstone market was estimated at $32.38 billion and is likely to reach $55.96 billion by 2033.**

Recent innovations have also driven the growth of the gemstone market, making it easier for companies to meet consumer demands. New technologies such as advanced imaging, and precision cutting have streamlined the production process, reducing costs while enhancing gem quality, whilst new technology such as 3D printers are helping manufacturers create innovative designs.

The growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds and synthetic gemstones, meanwhile, has enabled businesses to offer customers quality affordable alternatives, and with sustainability and ethical sourcing taking centre stage for consumers, demand for responsibly produced gemstones is growing. It's no surprise, then, that businesses across the globe are capitalising on these trends and expanding their offerings. It’s against this backdrop that the London Gem & Mineral Show is positioning itself as a key event for international businesses looking to explore this flourishing industry.

Launched by entrepreneurs Alix Bramwell and Mary Cox, the show has been built from the ground up, to offer a platform that connects industry professionals, supports the growth of the UK’s gemstone market, and fosters partnerships within the global minerals community. Despite only being in its second year, the exhibitors’ stands for the 2024 edition of the show, sold out in just a week. 

Co-founders Alix Bramwell, a seasoned events professional, and Mary Cox, a jewellery designer with a background in wellness and healing, launched the London Gem & Mineral Show in response to the growing demand for an event of this calibre in the UK. The founders’ combination of expertise in events, wellness, and jewellery design has been key to the success of the show. 

With over a decade of experience in the events industry, Alix’s mental health struggles and his turn towards the wellness industry, shaped the ethos of the event, while Mary’s background in fashion, jewellery, and energy healing brings a creative and holistic approach to the show’s design and offerings. Together, Alix and Mary created WOW Fest, a wellness gathering. The two of them recognised a gap in the market for a high-quality event centred around gemstones, which led to the launch of the London Gem & Mineral Show.

Alix explains, “The London Gem & Mineral Show was born out of a shared vision to create a business platform that goes beyond a traditional trade show model. Our goal is to create an immersive space where UK and international players from across the gem and mineral industry can network, learn, and grow together. It’s an event that prioritises education, collaboration, and advancing the industry, all while celebrating the beauty and science of gemstones and minerals.”

Their debut event in 2023 attracted attendees from around the world, with the show even seeing a sale of half a million pounds. Alix and Mary aim to make The London Gem & Mineral Show the UK’s go-to gathering for British and global gem businesses, connecting exhibitors and buyers in a setting that’s both educational and awe-inspiring. With goals to expand onto the international stage, the pair are working to increase the show’s focus on UK-mined minerals and gems and showcase local talent and resources.

Although the event was originally envisioned as a space for the gem and mineral community to meet and network with like-minded enthusiasts, the founders now have a much grander vision. As there are no other shows of this size in the UK, they plan to expand even further and create a larger show to compete with other events from across the globe.

For both Alix and Mary, the show is a reflection of their personal and professional journeys, and their commitment to creating a business ecosystem that values innovation and tradition. Their personal passion for wellness, creativity, and community engagement is fuelling the success of the London Gem & Mineral Show, and ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry. As the show continues to grow, it’s become a hub for the global gem and mineral trade, with a particular emphasis on connecting UK businesses with international buyers, collectors, and industry professionals.

Significant Rise in Sales of Opals - Investor Case Study 

The London Gem & Mineral Show attracts investors from around the world, from Austria to Australia, and opals in particular are drawing in investors from around the globe. With the 'Opal Whisperers' attending the upcoming show, as featured on the TV show the 'Outback Opal Hunters' on the Discovery channel, investors will be safe in the knowledge and advice of experts. 

The global opal market is experiencing a surge, in 2024 the market value reached $1.2 billion which is a 15% increase from the previous year, whilst online sales of opal jewellery have skyrocketed by 45% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year.***

One investor travelling to attend the show from Austria shares their tips and insights into investing in Opals:

What initially attracted you to investing in opals, and why did you choose the Opal Whisperers?

You know, I have always loved the rare and the extraordinary—it runs in my blood. My family, we have been dealing with antiques for generations—four generations of finding treasure, understanding value that does not always scream at you from the outside, but speaks to you, here! (gestures to his heart)

My father, he was brilliant—may he rest in peace! He taught me the way, how to see what others cannot. When I first heard about Opal Whisperers, I was cautious, you know? I thought, “Opals, are they like antiques? Can they carry the same value?" But when I met Isaac and Alex Andreou (the Opal Whisperers)… ah… these men, they have passion in their veins! I could see the way they looked at opals—not as just gems, no, but as living treasures—things that carry stories. They were not just selling stones. No, no, they were sharing a piece of history, like a fine antique. I knew right away—this is where I must be.

How do you see opals as an investment compared to other assets like stocks, real estate, or gemstones such as diamonds?

Stocks, real estate, diamonds? Yes, of course, they are all fine investments, no? But they do not carry the life that opals carry. Opals, they have soul! It is like looking at a piece of living art—you can see it, touch it, feel it change in the light. A diamond, it is cold, yes? A stock, numbers on a paper. But an opal, it is like the earth, like the very heart of nature itself. It moves with the light, and every time you look, it shows you something new—like a story unfolding before your eyes.

And now, I see the market is catching on. Since the Opal Whisperers appeared on the Discovery Channel, the value of these stones has jumped—yes, I am not surprised. 20 to 50 percent, this is no coincidence! They are finding pieces worth more than a million dollars. There is something magical about them… and scarcity, of course, we all know scarcity is what makes something valuable, yes? That is why opals, I tell you, they are one of a kind!

Can you tell us more about the six-figure collection you’ve invested in—what makes it unique or valuable as an investment piece?

 Ah! This collection—magnificent! This is no ordinary collection, no. The stones, they were gathered over decades, from the family of Opal Whisperers - pieces that have been hidden away, unseen for decades, many from the best parts of Australia, like Yowah. To find such opals today, impossible! What makes them so special? Ah, let me tell you, it is the history, the heritage behind them. These are not just gems, no! These are living pieces of art that carry with them the legacy of the Andreou family. The quality is like nothing else. My own family deals with antiques—so I know what I am talking about. The uniqueness and rarity of these stones, they are irreplaceable. This is why I invested so much—I believe in them!

What role do you see opals playing in the broader investment market? Do you anticipate their value growing significantly in the future?

I see a great future for opals - yes! Like the rarest antiques or the finest wines they will become highly coveted assets, sought after by the wealthiest of collectors and investors. As the supply of these precious stones grows ever more limited, the value will increase—like a beautiful vintage that only grows in worth over time. You see, the Andreou family (Opal Whisperers) has long understood the rarity of opals and they are very rare. The land where they are mined is becoming smaller, the supply is limited, and soon, my friend, these opals will be worth more than gold! Just wait, you will see!

What excites you about the launch of “Art of Opal,” and how does it align with your investment goals?

Ah, the “Art of Opal” - this is where the magic begins. I see it as the next big thing in the world of luxury investments. Opals are already being recognised as masterpieces, but with the Art of Opal—they are becoming a new form of art, not just for collectors but for the elite!

This is history in the making, my friend! And I intend to be part of it! The Opal Whisperers have created something that will revolutionise the gemstone market, and I will be one of the first to add these pieces to my collection. I can already see it—one day, the Art of Opal will be on the stock market, a publicly traded company, and all the best opals will be in the hands of those who recognise their true value! It will be the next great thing, just you wait, my friend.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start investing in gemstones, particularly opals?

Ah, my advice to you—do not be afraid! I understand, it is not easy to spend a significant amount of money, especially if you are new to the world of gemstones. But trust me, opals are worth it. When you buy an opal, you are not just buying a stone—you are buying a piece of history, a living work of art that will bring you joy for years to come.

My advice is simple—buy quality! The best pieces, those with the richest colours and the most unique patterns, are the ones that will hold their value and grow in worth over time. And most importantly, buy from reputable sources—like Opal Whisperers—who have the experience and expertise to guide you. It is not just about money—it is about passion, about finding something that you will treasure forever!

How do you assess the authenticity and value of a gemstone before committing to a significant investment?

The key to any good investment—authenticity! With gemstones, you must rely on both history and expertise. This is where a true gemstone dealer like Opal Whisperers comes into play. You see, in the world of antiques, it’s not just about what you see with your eyes—oh no! It is about understanding the story behind the piece. Where has it been? Who owned it? What process went into creating it?

An opal, it must have a history—the best opals come from a long lineage of careful craftsmanship, and a piece with such a background is irreplaceable. So, you must trust your instincts, but more importantly, trust the pedigree of the people behind the stones. Just as I trust my family’s legacy in antiques, I trust the legacy of the Opal Whisperers to provide me with only the finest and most authentic opals.

What draws you back to the London Gem & Mineral Show, and why do you find it a valuable event for collectors and investors?

Ah, the London Gem & Mineral Show! This is where the elite gather! And not just for the opals, no—this is where the best of the best come to showcase their collections, their finest pieces! It is like a treasure hunt, a grand exhibition of the world’s rarest gems, from diamonds to opals. For me, it is vital to attend, because it is not just a shopping event. It is where I meet with other collectors, investors, and professionals who can guide me, show me the next big thing. It is an opportunity to expand my own collection, to find hidden gems that others may not yet see. The London Gem & Mineral Show is the heart of the gemstone world—and for someone like me, who comes from a family of collectors, it is a place of knowledge, of discovery, and of great opportunity.

Are you considering further investments in opals or related pieces?

Ah, yes, of course! I have only just begun, my friend. You see, the Opal Whisperers have opened my eyes to the true potential of opals. And like with antique collecting, it is a lifetime journey—you cannot just buy one piece and stop! You must keep collecting, keep adding the finest gems to your portfolio. For me, opals are not just about a single investment, but a legacy I can pass down. I intend to keep expanding my collection. I am already looking forward to the next pieces that will become available—each one more precious than the last. I will be one of the first to purchase the best of the best, and I know that these opals, just like the finest antiques, will only increase in value over time. I have a vision—and I am committed to it!

How important is it to see collections and innovations like “Art of Opal” showcased at events like the London Gem & Mineral Show?

 Ah, this is very important! You see, innovation is what keeps the market alive. The Art of Opal is not just about opals. It is about a new form of expression, a fusion of art and nature. And what better place to showcase this innovation than the London Gem & Mineral Show, where the best and brightest come to present their creations?

The Art of Opal is a pioneering movement, and to see it on such a grand stage—well, this is a historic moment for the gemstone world! It shows that opals are not just for collectors—they are for art lovers, for people who appreciate beauty in all its forms. And I believe this will redefine how the world looks at opals.

Ends

Editors notes

For interviews with the Founders of the London Gem & Mineral Show - Alix Bramwell and Mary Cox, or Isaac Andreou from the Opal Whisperers, please contact: Hussain@plus1comms.com. 

References:

*https://www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/united-kingdom-uk-gemstones-market-2020-2026

**https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/gemstones-market

***https://lefkarasilver.com/womens-opal-jewelry/

For more information about the London Gem & Mineral Show visit: www.thegemandmineralshow.com. 

Social Media Accounts: Instagram: @thegemandmineralshow

Facebook: The London Gem & Mineral Show

Outback Opal Hunters, premieres on discovery+ and Quest on Monday 24th February. https://opalwhisperers.com/en-gb