Mr. Ricky Lam, CEO of EJI® recalled how he entered jewelry industry after graduation. It was his sister who introduced him to become a jewelry apprentice. He was given an all-rounded training including jewelry design and production. He attributed the establishment of his own company to the strong foundation in the training in the good old days. Hence, he was familiar with every jewelry production and selling procedure, upholding his development in jewelry industry afterwards.
In 1978, Mr. Lam dabbled in the jewelry industry as a gemstone setting apprentice and followed the sketches to draw model designs. He had been given the chance to participate in every production procedure in the factory. In 9 months, he embarked on jewelry selling. At that time, Mr. Lam learnt with around ten other apprentices. These youngsters all began with following the sketches to draw models. Gradually, they could design their own jewelry, they were also well trained with stone assorting and setting. They even had the chance to sell jewelry directly, they were well-equipped with jewelry business operating procedures from designing to selling, and were nurtured to be the future pillars of jewelry industry. At present, it is difficult to find companies which are willing to provide such all-rounded training, it is a great loss to novices.
Apart from learning factory operation and jewelry marketing, Mr. Lam was also involved in developing the Middle East market. As the tariff was high, it was improbable to bring real jewelry into the Middle East for sale. It mainly relied on acquaintances with specific clients, posting great difficulties in entering the Middle East market. Mr. Lam said that he and several jewelry designers could only go to the Middle East with their designs to make a deal. He witnessed the prosperity and lackluster of the Middle East market, then he turned to Europe and Japan afterwards. 7 years’ intensive training established a strong foothold for Mr. Lam. He spent another 4 years to assist some other jewelry company to open up Japan, Europe and the US market. He even established a Mainland factory, thus broadening his view, and nurturing his management and problem solving skills. Over 10 years’ comprehensive training laid the groundwork for his development in jewelry industry.
Mr. Lam revealed that the launch of Elegance Jewellery Design & Manufacturer Company in 1991 was derived from customer support. In 1996, the company revamped into EJI® and registered the trademark in 2005, with Elegance (Elegant and Innovative), Jewelry (High-end Jewelry) and International (Going International) as the company aims. The core members of the company are those comrades Mr. Lam met in apprenticeship. Mr. Lam understands how training benefits a company and how serious the lack of talent in jewelry industry is. Not only does he take an active role in giving working opportunities to graduates from local design institutes, but also provides all-rounded training for his staff. Designers are trained with production procedures such as stone assorting and setting, or even jewelry marketing and sales, in addition to jewelry design skills. EJI®’s designers are equipped to be “Men for All Seasons” with extensive and thorough jewelry knowledge. Training is not bounded to Hong Kong office, staff in Mainland factory also have the chance to receive all-embracing training. The complete training of designers in Hong Kong and China make up for and benefit one other.
Mr. Lam said, “our company began with a single customer base, mainly Japan. The gemstones used were of high quality, as Japanese clients were willing to pay high price for extraordinary designs and materials. Attributed to the extensive jewelry manufacturing experiences of our staff, every high requirement could be met.” In Mr. Lam’s view, sincerity is the most important when dealing with Japanese clients, quality control is indispensable. Japan’s business shrank to 20% as a result of the global financial tsunami in 1997. He had no choice but to open up the US market. Beginning with joining exhibitions, then taking order and organizing training team, EJI® opened up European and the US markets. At present, the company has expanded globally to diversify risks.
Talking about the jewelry market nowadays, with the competition from electronic products such as iPad and iPhone, in addition to price hike of raw materials and operating costs, running jewelry business is difficult. Mr. Lam urged, “keys to success: small quantity with lots variation, timely production, spectacular design and fast adapting mentality. Sincerity is important in jewelry industry, good relationship with customers is essential.” Facing the vast development opportunities in Mainland China, Mr. Lam was determined to open up the Mainland market in 2010. In 2011, EJI Jewellery (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. was established, extending the business scope.
Comparing the jewelry markets in China and Hong Kong, Mr. Lam thinks there is still great room for the Mainland jewelry industry to expand, but market and talent development can’t cope with the change, resulting in lack of skilled labor supply. On the other hand, Hong Kong merchants join Mainland delegations and business matching activities, not only can advocate jewelry industry development in Hong Kong and China, but also broaden the knowledge of Hong Kong merchants to the Mainland market. Their understanding of how Mainland jewelry market operates is also deepened. Nevertheless, it takes time to know the preference of Mainland customers, as preferences vary with regions, sometimes it should be figured out from customers’ orders. All in all, the Mainland market is yet to be explored.
Battled through the financial crisis and financial tsunami, EJI® reaped a great harvest in 2010. It was not only awarded “2010 Best SME's Award”, but also granted the Partner Employer Award (PEA) for its support of local graduates. Mr. Lam himself was awarded Fellow (Jewelry Industry) of The Professional Validation Council of Hong Kong Industries. As the corporate head, Mr. Lam practices what he preaches and takes an active role in advocating industry development. He led his staff to volunteer for “Adopt-A-School” Project to bring jewelry knowledge to school.
Throughout these 20 years, EJI® keeps it up to meet the high requirements of the international market. EJI® is formed by a group of enthusiasts to achieve their passions and beliefs with recognized qualities and innovative designs in the industry, bridging the company spirits to satisfy customers’ needs in the ever-changing business environment. Striving for “Breakthrough, Superseding, Excellent Design and Best Service”, EJI® is dedicated to create the most adorable jewelry for customers. EJI®’s newly established branch in Shenzhen is corresponding to its ideal of “Our Design to Yours”.
Tel: (852) 2311 0511
Fax: (852) 2311 0078
sales@eji.com.hk
www.eji.com.hk
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