PIXETJEWELRY

Japanese jewellery maison, Tasaki, has released its new pearl and diamond Danger collection which comprises over 30 pieces of chokers, necklaces, earrings, ear cuffs and rings. The ‘danger’ series includes a pearl necklace available in two forms – a long length necklace and a choker, both with danger’s thorn motif set within each individual pearl. The volume of the necklaces reportedly allows for versatile styling for any gender, and the four-strand choker and accompanying bracelet both offer the same thorn motif. Additionally, the ‘danger spike’ series includes earrings, pendant and ring which use a single South Sea Pearl with the nature of the danger motif. Previously, the design for the danger series consisted of one thorn motif for each individual pearl, but the new pieces are decorated with numerous thorns on each pearl. Meanwhile, the ‘danger diamonds’ series use diamonds which are set with the thorn motif to capture maximum light. For the first time, the series introduces a...

Dior has launched its new collection Color Dior, designed by Victoire de Castellane. The new collection utilises a mesh composed of the initials CD detailing a new range of chains, available in three parures. Parures include gold featuring rounds of coluor such as yellow, orange, red, parma, pink, violet, French royal blue, electric blue, water mint green and grass green rose gold A second parure in rose gold explores a black and white theme, while a third combines gold and wood. The company said of the release: “The new collection highlights versatile, transformable pieces that blend glamour and playfulness.” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205740-dior-launches-new-dior-color-collection

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has expanded its portfolio of gemmology qualifications with the launch of an online-only, entry-level course – GemIntro. GemIntro is a new beginner’s level course aimed to make gemmology education more accessible and professionalise wider, trade-related disciplines with “accurate, science-based knowledge”. GemIntro incorporates 11 lessons, 50+ videos and 30 hours of self-guided study. The syllabus, which focuses on 32 gem materials, was created by the association’s in-house and external partners to provide an interactive overview of “core” gemmological principles and key mineral species. Participants will work towards an accredited Ofqual Level 2 qualification, accompanied by a formal Gem-A Certificate. Gem-A said the fully online course leverages contemporary online platforms to disseminate content quickly and affordably. The qualification is designed to complement the association’s existing portfolio of study options, includ...

Goldsmiths has opened its latest new luxury concept showroom at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. Bluewater is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. The new Goldsmiths showroom includes a line-up of fine-jewellery brands, with dedicated areas for TAG Heuer and Tudor. Craig Bolton, president, said: “This is a significant milestone for Goldsmiths. Luxury today has become far more relaxed, inclusive, and experiential, so while we are elevating the Goldsmiths brand position, our goal is to make everyone feel valued and at home when visiting our showrooms. “Our ambition is for everyone to have a memorable luxury experience long after they’ve made their purchase. We believe the repositioning and new showroom concept will transform not just the Goldsmiths profile and experience but bring some fresh life to our high streets and we are particularly delighted to launch our new showroom in Bluewater.” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205734-goldsmiths-unveils-latest-showroo...

The Jewellers Academy has announced it has opened applications for its JewelFund for its fifth year, offering jewellers a £1,000 grant to help grow their jewellery business. There are three £1,000 grants available to spend on a specific area of an applicant’s business, and successful candidates are not required to pay the loan back. At least one of these grants will reportedly be awarded to a jeweller who identifies as Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic or from multiple races. As well as the loan, successful applications will receive one-hour business coaching sessions with jewellery designer and entrepreneur, Jessica Rose, and a one year membership for Jewellers Academy. Examples of what the grant can be used for include: jewellery tools or supplies, CAD work or outsourcing to create a new collection, a new website, rebranding, hiring staff or freelancers to help, stock, workspace rental, training and mentoring, updating packaging or point-of-sale, shows or events, IT equipment or fur...

Pomellato has announced the appointment of Boris Barboni as its new chief marketing and product officer for Pomellato and DoDo, the luxury jewellery brands part of the Kering Group. Barboni began his jewellery career at Bulgari as global marketing director of its jewellery business unit, he then moved to managing director of Spain and Portugal, and finally was managing director of Italy and Turkey and worldwide cross market strategy. Before joining Bulgari, Barboni held various marketing and product development positions at Colgate-Palmolive, L’Oréal and Ferragamo. CEO, Sabina Belli, said: “I am confident that with Boris’s background and professional skills, he will be instrumental in strengthening our brands’ international positioning. With his experience in product development, marketing and communication, and his sharp business acumen, I know Pomellato and DoDo will be able to reach new heights.” Barboni added: “I am delighted to join the group. The Pomellato and DoDo brands hav...

New exports of Russian gold will no longer be allowed to enter the UK, Canada, US and Japan due to new measures announced at the G7 Summit yesterday (26 June), in a bid to ramp up the pressure on Putin amid his attack on Ukraine. Gold is reportedly Russia’s biggest non-energy export, worth £12.6bn to the Russian economy in 2021. Its value to the Russian elite has also increased in recent months with oligarchs rushing to buy gold bullion in an attempt to avoid the financial impact of western sanctions. The gold import ban, which will come into force shortly, will apply to newly mined or refined gold, and does not impact Russian-origin gold previously exported from Russia. The UK government said there are no plans to extend restrictions to Russian gold purchased legitimately before the import ban was put in place. UK import restrictions now apply to over £13.5bn worth of Russian exports. The UK has also sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals and more than 100 entities since Putin’s i...

Jewellery retailers have expressed concern over the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures which show headline inflation at 9.1%. Jewellers have cited reasons such as the increased prices of gold and silver, a lack of support and understanding from the government, and dwindling sales as cause for their concern. Seena Gosrani, owner of London-based jeweller, Bottlebee, said: “Inflation at this extraordinary level is really hitting my business hard. The price of gold and silver have skyrocketed and I will have to increase my prices to keep in line with increasing supplier costs. “The competition in this sector is fierce and a lot of people are selling as a hobby rather than a business so it’s hard to compete. Jewellery is not a need, it’s a want, and as inflation increases, people will look to buy mass-produced items rather than something that is handmade and unique to them.” Meanwhile, Julia Usher, managing director at Burton-on-Trent-based Ashes Memorial Jewellery, said: “As a s...

Zoe Davidson Jewellery has launched its reimagined Skara Brae Collection which is based upon the structures and passages of Skara Brae, the 5,000 year old prehistoric settlement in Orkney Islands, Scotland. Most pieces will be available in two different finishes – matte and polished – and use gemstones such as Citrine to symbolise the hearth and heart of the building. The collection will be added to over the coming weeks with more releases based upon this archeological site. The collection is a cumulation of work researched, designed and hand crafted through the pandemic, and the design process included studying aerial maps and reflecting on how people lived there. The Skara Brae collection was exhibited at the 200 th Royal Highland Show in Ingilston, Edinburgh. Zoe Davidson, founder, said: “I have long been fascinated by the shape of the houses at Skara Brae and the people who occupied them. Being onsite it is easy to imagine them walking through the passages of their village, ...

Bunny von Karatz, a new emerging jewellery brand, has unveiled its new collection created by Ruth MacDonald. Inspired by the 20th Century aesthete Bunny Von Karatz, BVK launched with its signature piece, ‘The Bunny’, six pieces named for iconic global cities or locations: Trancoso, Sevilla, Jaipur, Fez, Kandy and Shanghai. ‘The Bunny’ is presented in either blue, white, pink, orange and yellow sapphire versions, or in green tsavorite garnets and are set in 18 carat rhodium, palladium, rose or antique gold respectively. The jeweller said: ‘The Bunny’ has a unique clasp mechanism, beautifully and ingeniously designed so it can be secured to the chain, thus allowing the wearer to move freely without moving position on the chain. This mechanism further allows you to collect a number of Bunnies or to build your own unique collection for a stunning bespoke necklace.”   source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205715-bunny-von-karatz-unveils-new-collection-inspired-by-cities-aroun...

Laings has unveiled a 2ct carat diamond and sapphire necklet created to help raise funds for Sir Jackie Stewart’s charity, Race Against Dementia.   The one-off piece features over 100 diamonds and two blue sapphires – which represent the Saltire. It was crafted to pay homage to Stewart’s prestige as a two-time shooting champion for Scotland before he became involved in motor racing. Stewart worked closely with Laings on the bespoke design, which also includes a hand engraving to mark the event, and he commissioned Laings to create this piece. Influenced by the Scottish landscape, the handcrafted white gold necklet was commissioned as a prize for the clay pigeon shooting event held as part of the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring at Thirlestane Castle. The event was held in aid of Race Against Dementia – the charity founded by Stweart to raise money for research into prevention and treatment for dementia, a disease that affects 50 million people worldwide. Sarah ...

De Beers Group today announced the value of rough diamond sales (Global sightholder sales and auctions) for the fifth sales cycle of 2022 stands provisionally at $650m (£530m). This is up from $604m (£493m) in the fourth cycle, and $477m (£389m) in the fifth cycle of 2021. Owing to the “restrictions on the movement of people and products in various jurisdictions around the globe”, De Beers Group has continued to implement a more flexible approach to rough diamond sales during the fifth sales cycle of 2022, with the Sight event extended beyond its normal week- long duration. As a result, the provisional rough diamond sales figure quoted for Cycle 5 represents the expected sales value for the period 6 June to 21 June and remains subject to adjustment based on final completed sales. Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “Diamond jewellery demand continues to perform well in the key US market, and this was reinforced by positive sentiment following the influential JCK Las Vegas je...

Diamonds Factory Ireland, a bespoke jewellery manufacturer, has announced it will default 70% of its online products to lab-grown diamonds to help consumers cut costs. The announcement came as the global cost of diamonds rose by 30% over the past three months. By purchasing lab-grown, shoppers could save up to 40% on natural diamonds. Diamonds Factory has seen a steady increase in lab-grown diamond sales. In 2021, 10-15% of their overall sales were lab-grown, which is now tracking at about 30% this year. Ben Stinson, head of ecommerce, said: “while natural diamonds are still the more popular option, there is a steady rise in lab-grown alternatives. “Shoppers are becoming more eco-conscious, we’ve had that verbally, we’ve seen it in demand on our website, search trends on Google and in the increasing demand for knowledge and education.” It said the decision to default to lab-grown came down to a “need to educate the consumer on the options available when purchasing customisable jew...

Alice Van Cal has launched its latest item in The Birthstone Collection, a reinvention of its new signature Anima necklace with a round central moonstone set in 18K white gold. For The Birthstone Collection, every month of 2022 the designer will release a new piece or capsule collection will be launched featuring the birthstone of the month. The 18K white gold lariat necklace features a moonstone at the centre. At the end of the drop chain sits a pendant set with 7 stones – diamond, aquamarine, yellow sapphire, amethyst, Iolite and blue sapphire. The jeweller said: “Jewellery is the most personal and intimate item that one can wear and as such, people tend to attach meaning to it, helping them remember something or someone. In addition, each person is attracted to different colours, or feels a connection to specific gemstones which gives the jewellery they wear even more power and purpose. “At Alice van Cal we fully embrace this spiritual role that jewellery can play in our lives a...

CME has added a new range of sterling silver anklets to its collection, which is now available to retailers. The new collection consists of a beaded chain anklet, a double-layered sliding heart anklet, a twisted chain with spaced beading anklet, and a “trending” paperclip chain anklet. CME said: “Now that holidays are back on the agenda and the sun is shining, sales of anklets are on the up. “Customers are looking for that beautiful dainty holiday jewellery that they can wear anytime, anywhere.” The announcement comes as CME launched its latest jewellery collection, ‘Articles of virtu’, last month (30 May). The collection was designed by CME buyer and designer, Tracey Toach, and the retro pieces were designed with a hint of “Victorian splendour” to provide customers with “glamour”. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205696-cme-launches-new-anklet-collection

Footfall across UK retail destinations rose by +4.1% last week from the week before, with the largest rise of +5% in high streets, according to Springboard. Footfall aslo in retail parks rose by +2.5% and by +3.7% in shopping centres. On Saturday footfall in high streets declined by -7.6% whilst rising by +5.2% in retail parks and by +3% in shopping centres. When the temperature peaked on Friday, reaching over 30 degrees Celsius across many parts of the UK, Springboard reported that shoppers “largely stayed away from retail destinations”, with a decline of -1.2% on that one day versus a rise of +7% on the day before. In regional cities outside of London footfall on Friday declined by -0.6% from the week before versus a rise of +6.3% on Thursday, and in Central London it rose by only +0.5% versus +6.5% on Thursday. These results are in contrast to coastal towns, where the increase in footfall became greater as the weather got hotter, with a rise of +14.9% on Friday up from +10.8% on...

Tiffany and Co has opened its ‘Vision and Virtuosity’ exhibition hosted at London’s Saatchi Gallery from 10 June to 19 August.  Its exhibition brings over 400 objects from the House’s archives, with many pieces shown to the public for the first time. The exhibition is a “visual chronicle” of the jeweller since its founding in New York City in 1837 and takes visitors on a journey through seven different chapters, exploring separate themes that are central to Tiffany’s brand identity, heritage, and creative influence. Anthony Ledru, president and CEO of Tiffany and Co, said: “Vision and Virtuosity tells the extraordinary story of one of the oldest luxury jewellers, through its nearly 200-year history of pioneering creativity, legendary craftsmanship and sourcing of the world’s most extraordinary diamonds and gemstones. “This exhibition perfectly captures our long-standing heritage in bridging tradition and modernity. We are thrilled to share the world of Tiffany and Co. and our u...

Can You Wear Gold and Silver Jewelry at the Same Time? Can you wear gold and silver jewelry at the same time? The short answer to that question is yes, but there are a few rules you need to know. Keep reading below! Keyword(s): gold and silver jewelry         If you're like the average woman and own   $7000 worth of jewelry , you likely have trouble deciding what you want to wear each day. You likely have different pieces that you want to pair up, but fear clashing too much. How much can you get away with? Here, we're going to talk about whether or not you can wear your favorite gold and silver jewelry together. Read on to learn why matching metals is  in  and how you can create an awesome look using all your favorite pieces! Can You Wear Gold and Silver Jewelry Together? Short answer: yes. You can definitely mix and match gold jewelry with silver pieces! This is true regardless of what type of gold you prefer. Silver is a neutral-look metal ...

Hayes and Lake, the new laboratory grown diamond brand launched by Diamnet, has appointed David Hartley as its new head of sales. Hartley’s career in the industry spans across 25 years, including with online retailer Hearts on Fire, and his new role focuses on the move from natural mined diamonds to laboratory grown diamonds. Hayes and Lake said that its laboratory grown diamonds can sit side by side with natural mined diamonds in a retail shop, giving consumers an “easy to understand choice without sacrifice”. Howard Levine, Diamnet managing director, said: “For Hayes and Lake, we were looking for someone well known to the trade and David’s 25 years in the industry and especially his work with Hearts on Fire, made him the perfect person. “It didn’t take long for David to grasp the advantages a retailer has when presenting laboratory grown diamonds in a top quality product with all the collateral of a top end brand.” Hartley added: “When Howard Levine asked me to head up sales fo...

Supernaturae, a nature based artistry and design brand, has announced its first pop-up in a new series will open in 12 Piccadilly Arcade for one month only, which will feature a jewellery collection from Oraik. It comes as Supernaturae will be producing a series of rotating events around nature, beauty, and design, including workshops.. Supernaturae features work produced in rural villages where “craftwork is often the only local source of income”. The pop-up at 12 Piccadilly Arcade will showcase the brand’sThey are bringing to London their collaborations with artisans from Mexico and India. The pop-up installation is designed by artist Andy James, after the company was granted the opportunity by Westminster City Council. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205679-supernaturae-announces-first-pop-up-in-piccadilly-arcade-series

The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has appointed Douglas K. Hucker, to serve as its next chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Gary Roskin who has led the association for the past seven years. In his new role, Hucker will work to expand ICA’s membership, strengthen the organisation’s influence and resources, and uphold its role in public and industry affairs as an advocate for its members and the coloucred gemstone industry at large. Prior to joining the ICA, Hucker served as CEO of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) over two decades. His involvement in the industry includes participation on the boards of several associations, including the AGTA, the American Gem Society, the Jewellers Vigilance Committee, and the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO). He has also been a supporter of the Jewellers’ Security Alliance and the Women’s Jewellery Association. The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) is a non-profit organisation, created specifica...

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has elected Heather Callaway as its new chair for a two-year term until 2024, succeeding Gary Wroe. The association has also elected Adam Jacobs as vice-chair and David Doyle has been re-elected as president until June 2023. Additionally, joining the NAJ National Committee is Mehdi Saadian, director of GIA’s London campus. Saadian began his career in jewellery by managing a small jewellery business in Iran, before going on to work as a store manager for a high-end jeweller in London before joining GIA’s London campus as a gemmology instructor. Meanwhile, the NAJ has also unveiled its new strategy focused on “shaping professional excellence” for the industry through compliance, profitability and responsibility. Callaway said this means the association is “not only looking at how we can strengthen the member offer but also how to inform more individuals”, and give access to relevant and practical guidance and information. Wroe said: “I’d ...

Scottish Jeweller Laura Bond will open up a pop-op in St James Quarter in Edinburgh to showcase its latest collection of solid gold earrings. Laura Bond currently has a business value of £1.5m, and will now open in the Scottish Capital from June 24th-25th complete with an exclusive VIP launch. The pop-up will feature over 300 exclusive designs, including the newly launched online collection of piercing jewellery. Previous plans for a Laura Bond pop-up in the capital were thwarted by Covid-19 lockdowns, This time around, customers will be welcomed on a walk-in basis. The jeweller was set up by eponymous founder and creative director Laura Bond, who runs it together with sister Georgie, husband Doug and two further team members. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205657-laura-bond-to-open-edinburgh-pop-up-featuring-new-collection

The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee has voted to raise interest from 1% to 1.25% – marking its fifth rise in a row as it bids to offset the impact of rising inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee voted by a majority of 6-3 to increase the rate to 1.25%, with the minority bidding to raise the rate further to 1.5%. The increase comes as the BoE has increased its inflation forecast for the year with CPI inflation expected to be over 9% during the next few months and to rise to slightly above 11% in October. The increase in October reflects higher projected household energy prices following a prospective additional large increase in the Ofgem price cap. Alongside outside pressures such as the war in Ukraine and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MPC also noted domestic factors, including the “tight labour market and the pricing strategies of firms”. The BoE’s monetary policy summary also noted that UK GDP was “weaker than expected” in April, with Bank staff no...

The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 69.5% to 842,236 in May 2022, up from 496,964 for the same period in 2021. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, Gold hallmarked pieces increased 31.8% to 336,108, against last year’s 254,995. Silver saw an increase of 118.5% year-on-year, from 212,299 to 463,849. Platinum also saw an increase, up 41.5% to 41,606. Finally, palladium saw the biggest increase, up 143.8% year-on-year to 673 pieces. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205601-hallmarking-surges-69-5-in-may

Swa rovski has named Alexis Nasard as the company’s first external chief executive officer (CEO), effective on 4 July. This marks a further step in the jewellers transition from a family-managed to a family-owned business. Nasard is the first leader from outside the Swarovski family to hold this role in the 127-year-history of the luxury brand. Swarovski said that in his new role, Nasard’s most important task will be to anchor the Swarovski brand in its luxury heritage, and lead the transformation of the Swarovski business along the full value chain for scale and profitable growth.  Nasard brings a range of leadership experience to the role, with a track record as a CEO and skills in brand building and innovation across global markets for both fashion and fast-moving consumer goods. Meanwhile, Michele Molon, Swa rovski’s interim leader for the past nine months of the leadership transition, has been appointed to the newly established key position of chief commercial officer....

Verifying the origin of mounted diamonds has become a difficult yet important undertaking for the jewellery industry. Laboratory-grown diamonds are prevalent. Identification can be hard. Combine these factors with the often small sizes of stones and the limited testing options due jewellery settings – it is enough to challenge even the more experienced of jewellery professionals. The ARI by Presidium has been created specifically to help with this task. This portable handheld instrument is easy to use, gives straight-forward results, and can identify whether a diamond is natural, or whether it requires further analysis. It can also identify the trickiest of diamond simulants; synthetic moissanite. Designed for: • Mounted and loose facetted stones Diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds and synthetic moissanites • Colour: Colourless (D – J) • Size: 0.02ct + Approximately 1.7mm in diameter • Shape: Round brilliant cut and some fancy-shapes. • Cut quality: Very good + • Simulants: C...

The London Diamond Bourse in collaboration with the Natural Diamond Council will be hosting the first ever London Assure Showcase of diamond verification instruments. The event will take place in London and will run from June 20 until July 29. The six-week event will take place at the London Diamond Bourse, 100 Hatton Garden, London, EC1N 8NX and will aim to “enable members of the diamond and jewellery trade the opportunity to try many of the diamond verification instruments available today.” The council said the purpose of the Assure Showcase is to “promote usage of Diamond Verification Instruments in the UK by facilitating a space for retailers, jewellers, and trade participants to learn about instruments and interact with the manufacturers. Lisa Levinson, head of marketing and communications UK, Natural Diamond Council, said: “The first ever Assure Showcase in London is a unique opportunity for jewellery designers, retailers, designer-makers, valuation professionals and trade par...

What is your history in the industry? I have been in the industry for over 27 years, having held various roles across the sector and within Laings itself – from shop floor to operations management. My career in the jewellery and watch sector started in 1995 with Ernest Jones, before moving to Mappin and Webb as an assistant manager in Edinburgh. During this time, I was able to lead the opening of the Old Course Hotel showroom in St. Andrew’s which gave me a glimpse into the luxury market.  From there, I was able to start my journey with Laings in 2006 as an assistant manager at the old Fredrick Street location before relocating to Laings Cardiff as the general manager where I gained a wealth of customer service experience. I re-joined the Laings team in Edinburgh in 2019 from Fraser Hart Jewellers, taking over management of the watch gallery, before becoming Laings Edinburgh manager. In October last year, I moved into a new role as head of retail where I led our team through t...

LVMH Luxury Ventures has joined other investors in completing an investment round of $90m (£74.3m) in LUSIX, a producer of lab-grown diamonds (LGD), with other investors including Ragnar Crossover Fund and More Investments. LUSIX will use this investment to fuel its growth initiatives, such as the expansion of its production capacity in Israel with a second 100% solar-powered facility, which will commence production this summer. LUSIX said the new facility will enable the company to better serve the increasing demand for LGD, from its clients worldwide and from the overall industry. The company was founded by entrepreneur and inventor Benny Landa, within Landa Labs – the science innovation and incubation platform of the Landa Group. LUSIX was spun-off in 2016 as a separate disruptive business relying on R&D foundations and experienced teams of experts, around co-founder and current chief technology officer (CTO) Yossi Yayon. Benny Landa, LUSIX founder and chairman, said: “We ...

Brilliant Earth Group, Inc. has launched a men’s fine jewellery collection, building upon the brand’s signature men’s wedding bands, featuring 93% recycled gold and 99.8% recycled silver. The 22-piece collection features an assortment of cable chains, engravable pendant, engravable cufflinks, and ID bracelets.  Each gemstone and precious metal is ethically sourced and offered in either silver, 14-18K recycled yellow gold, or 14K recycled white gold.  Pieces include recycled metals, ethically sourced bevels and onyx inlays, as well as bevelled edges, dark tones and nature-inspired motifs. Kathryn Money, SVP of merchandising and retail expansion for Brilliant Earth, said: “The new fine jewellery collection, much like the men’s wedding bands and our existing gender neutral collections like Mx and Rings for Everyone, were designed as everyday essentials—to enhance his everyday look.” Ryan Atlas, director of product development, added: “A signature of the collection is our pr...

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced that Mitchel and Co. has won retailer of the year at this year’s NAJ Awards during the NAJ Summit 2022. The jewellery retailer beat off competition including Bradley’s Jewellers York, C W Sellors, Sonny’s Jewellers and Fitzgerald Jewellers. Meanwhile, Saunders and Pughe were announced as the winners of designer of the year, beating designers including Jessica Flinn Jewellery, Lucy Quartermaine Jewellery, Dinny Hall and Purely Diamonds. Ben Massey, principal officer at the NAJ, said: “The Members’ Gala Dinner at the NAJ Summit was the ideal time to announce this year’s NAJ Award winners. “I would like to express my hearty congratulations to all those who walked away with awards on the night and all the shortlisted businesses who impressed us with their innovation, professionalism and excellence in the last 12 months.” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205572-mitchel-co-wins-retailer-of-the-year-at-naj-awards

How to Style an Anklet With Your Summer Fashion An anklet can add an extra touch that pulls an entire outfit together. Here's how to style an anklet with your summer fashion! Keyword(s): anklet         Ankle bracelets, also known as anklets, have been around since   before the 7th century . These unique pieces of jewelry wrap around the ankle, similar to the way bracelets go around the wrist.  Anklets have survived centuries of trends due to their versatility, allowing them to maintain their stronghold on fashion (especially in India).  Even today, ankle bracelets are a popular jewelry item in many outfits. But their versatility can make it hard for anklet wearers to know the best ways to style them.  If you need help discovering unique ways to wear an anklet, you're in luck! Everything you need to know about styling an ankle bracelet is waiting below.  Pair Your Anklet With Heels  Summer is the perfect time for beach parties ...

SO-LE Studio, the jewellery brand founded by Maria Sole Ferragamo, has announced the launch of new designs of jewellery pieces created from upcycled leather. The new styles are an evolution of the core collection pieces first designed when SO-LE Studio launched in October 2020. The collection is composed of seven new designs: four earrings, one cuff, one necklace, and one ear cuff. Flashes of pop colours and glitter applications play a central role in the collection, enhancing the party yet elegant mood of the existing pieces. Ferragamo said: “I think my jewellery raises questions. There’s a sense of ambiguity that makes you look deeper and allows you to engage with it.” source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205566-so-le-studio-unveils-unveils-updated-collection

The British Jewellery and Giftware International association (BJGI) has announced plans to work with the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) to organise the Jewellery Quarter Summer Festival, which is due to take place on 23 July 2022. The festival will feature a handmade market showcasing West Midlands-based designers, makers and independent brands, which The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has called “a great opportunity to showcase some of our industry brands”. The BJGI and the JQBID are calling for attendees to join the festival to display fine skills and connect with thousands of attendees visiting the very popular JQ Summer Festival”. They are reportedly seeking a mix of handmade products, “from homestyle to fashion, accessories to wellness, where visitors can explore a beautiful mix of creativity”. Applications are currently open for West Midlands-based designers, makers and independent brands to apply to exhibit at Jewellery Quarter’s Handmade Ma...

Signet Jewellers has revealed its total sales increased 8.9% year-on-year to $1.8bn (£1.4bn) in the 13 weeks ended 30 April 2022 (Q1 FY23), rising by $149.5m (£120.19m). The retailer said the performance comes as customers responded to the “breadth and newness” within Signet’s assortment, including higher price point offerings, diamonds and precious metals.  Same store sales (SSS) are also up 2.5%, however Signet’s income dropped from $168.7m (£168.7m) Q1 FY22 to $200,000 (£161,240). All in all, international sales surged 91.6% year-on-year to $110m (£88.68m) . SSS also grew 102.6% due to prior year store operating restrictions, higher average transaction value (ATV) and a higher number of transactions. Meanwhile, North America posted sales growth of 5.4% to $1.7bn (£1.36bn) compared to Q1 FY22. However, SSS dropped 0.9% amid higher ATV and a lower number of transactions. The company, however, did swing to a loss in Q1, reporting a loss of $92.1m (£74.04m) with diluted loss ...

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) has officially launched the expansion of the ethical making pledge to art colleges and training providers with jewellery and silversmithing courses across the UK. The Goldsmiths’ Centre, the UK’s “leading charity” for the professional training of goldsmiths, was announced to be the first education provider out of Scotland to sign the ethical making pledge on 8 June, which “denotes a promise to embark on a journey towards ethical making”.   The ethical making pledge is a collaborative and community-based initiative that “encourages education providers to embed practical and theoretical learning about ethical making into their curriculum, workshop practice and sourcing of materials, with the aim to empower the next generation of makers and apprentices”. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust’s ethical making programme began partnering with The Goldsmiths’ Centre this year, as they “share an ambitious plan to extend the ethical making pledge beyond ...

Dior has announced the launch of a new collection of high jewellery, Dior Print. Designed by creative director Victoire de Castellane, the collection consists of 137 3D transpositions of the “graphic power of prints”, featuring motifs from stripes to checks, from Liberty to tie-dye. The creations will be revealed alongside the haute couture silhouettes envisioned by Maria Grazia Chiuri. It is the first high jewellery collection from Dior since Galons Dior in January 2022. Featured in the collection is a 12.07-carat Madagascar sapphire, a double ring set with a nearly six-carat Ceylon sapphire, a 8.02-carat lilac sapphire from Madagascar on the pistil of the Dior Print Emerald necklace, and a 10.05-carat cushion-cut D Flawless white diamond, and a 11.92-carat Colombian emerald. De Castellane said: “As with couture, it’s a process that requires a series of adjustments. The work is all the more precise due to the settings’ curved surfaces, which distort prints and lines.” source h...