PIXETJEWELRY

So-Le Studio has announced a collaboration with Sotheby’s London, which will see creative director Maria Sole Ferragamo become the first guest curator of their auction series The Luxury Edit. The auction series will showcase a city-specific curated collection of luxury items, including jewellery, watches and spirits in London, New York and Paris this September 2022. Ferragamo said: “I feel honoured to have been chosen by Sotheby’s in this context, for the first time I’ll apply my creative eye and my values to being a curator instead of a creator. My mission will be to recognise, acknowledge and highlight the beauty of these pre-owned objects, rather than creating new ones with existing materials. “I believe the next generation has a huge part to play in making more conscious choices to preserve our planet: this applies to the way they buy and surround themselves with objects. I hope this project can shed light on the important role we all have to play to create a beautiful life for

Jewellery customers have lowered their average purchases in recent months as interest rate hikes and inflationary pressures throughout the UK have “dampened” consumer sentiment, according to Lily Arkwright. The sustainable jewellery retailer said it is seeing early signs of shift in consumer sentiment towards high value purchases. It added that the business is “well placed” to weather any downturn due to the lower price point of lab grown moissanite and diamond engagement ring collections, compared to jewellers retailing mined diamonds at a higher price point. Philip Dawson, managing director for Lily Arkwright, said: “Sales have been strong throughout 2022 as we continue to execute our five year growth plan, energy prices and wider inflationary pressures do now appear to be having an impact on consumer confidence leading to a reduction in average purchase price of goods.” Lily Arkwright specialises in lab grown ethical and sustainable jewellery including moissanite, lab diamonds

VO Vintage , Italian Exhibition Group’s fine vintage watch and jewellery lounge will be back in Vicenza with numerous new features. From 9 th to 11 th September, during Vicenzaoro September (9-13 September), the third edition of the event will offer the community of collectors, dealers  and enthusiasts the chance to admire and wear unique objects that bear the value of time as well as to increase their technical skills and exchange views with opinion leaders and watchmaking historians.   THE FINE VINTAGE WATCH AND JEWELLERY COMMUNITY IN A STAR ROLE  In a elegant and secure setting in full privacy , in the foyer of IEG’s Expo Centre , a unique opportunity for a  face-to-face encounter with collectors of the calibre of Sandro Fratini , with his son Giulio, and Auro  Montanari ; opinion leaders from the worlds of watchmaking, such as Bruno Bergamaschi (aka Giorgione), and Fashion and Lifestyle,such as Alessandro Squarzi ; the most renowned experts in watchmaking techniqu

Vrai has announced the launch of its latest range, The Bezel Solitaire collection, described as “where modern meets art deco”. The collection features Vrai created diamonds surrounded by a solid gold bezel, marrying the signature Bezel line with the classic Solitaire collection for a “contemporary yet timeless allure.” A 14k recycled solid gold bezel setting outlines the eight different available cuts. The jewellery features diamonds sustainably created by their Diamond Foundry harnessing the power of the Columbia River, producing zero carbon emissions in the process. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/206084-vria-unveils-bezel-solitaire-collection

LVMH has reported a 28% rise in revenues for the first half (H1) of 2022, from €28.6bn (£23.9bn) in H1 2021 to €36.7bn (£30.7bn), with all business groups achieving double-digit organic revenue growth over the period. The group’s Watches and Jewellery revenues grew 22% from €4.02m (£3.3m) in the first half of 2021 to €4.9m (£4.1m). In the second quarter, revenues increased by 27% as sales in Europe and the United States have been up “sharply” since the start of the year. However, Asia saw a lower level of growth due to the new health restrictions in China. Profit from recurring operations was up 26% for the Watches and Jewellery business. In jewellery, Tiffany and Co. sales were driven by “strong” momentum in the United States. The new Knot collection notably benefited from “sustained” demand, as did the High Jewellery collection Blue Book, which saw “record” sales. At Bulgari, the Serpenti and Bzero1 Classic lines were “important growth drivers”, while new records were set by th

De Beers Group has announced the value of rough diamond sales for the sixth sales cycle of 2022 has dropped to a provisional $630m (£523m), down from $657m (£545m) in cycle five. Owing to the restrictions on the movement of people and products in various jurisdictions around the globe, De Beers Group has said it continued to implement a “more flexible approach to rough diamond sales during the sixth 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 6 represents the expected sales value for the period 11 July to 26 July and remains subject to adjustment based on final completed sales. Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: “Following a period of consistently robust demand in the first half, we continued to see steady demand for De Beers rough diamonds in the sixth sales cycle of the year. However, the diamond industry continues to adopt a watchful approach in light of t

Beaverbrooks has announced “record breaking” sales as its group operating profit surged 117% year-on-year from £16.3m to £35.3m in FY22, with turnover rising 64.4% year-on-year and 41.3% compared to its most profitable centenary year in 2019-2020. The family-owned national jewellery and watch retailer also saw a gross profit margin of 21.6%, up from 15.1% in 2021. This year, a new profit bonus was introduced to further support office teams and store management amid the rising cost of living, in addition to enhancing existing bonuses for store colleagues. Beaverbrooks said that its financial success has enabled the business to invest in its customers and estate, with “key” business strategies including additional investment in stock to help mitigate disruption to product availability following Brexit shortages. The company also progressed seven store refurbishments and openings across its portfolio in 2021/22, including recent investments in its Chester, Glasgow, Silverburn and Man

Leigh-On-Sea-based Jewellery business Inscripture founder Hayley Sturniolo has been named as a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, in partnership with Starling Bank, acknowledges and champions the hard work and uplifting stories of business owners across the UK, with an emphasis on their journey and resilience over financial achievements. Some awards will be given out per region for categories including Disruptor of the Year, Entrepreneur for Good Award, and the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year. Notable winners from previous years include Social Chain founder Steven Bartlett, who went on to become the youngest ever investor on BBC’s Dragon’s Den. The winners will be announced at a finale held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 21 November. Sturniolo said: “It is such an honour to be selected as a finalist from such an incredible number of entrants. I couldn’t be more thankful for the recognition of our hard work. This has

The jewellery industry is expected to rebound and grow globally between 3-4% over the next four to five years, with demand expected to increase from younger consumers and domestic markets with less international travel taking place, according to The Sheffield Assay Office. During the pandemic, the jewellery industry saw revenues globally decline by 10-15%. Now, there are three factors which are expected to emerge in particular due to a “shift” in the market, including an increase in branded jewellery, more digital sales, and a more sustainability focus Large lifestyle global brands are now adding jewellery to their collections or expanding their current ranges. Digital sales have also continued to increase with many retailers reporting double digit growth in this area. The Assay Office said that digital sales are heavily driven by younger consumers as they are more accepting of this being the generally accepted way of purchasing.  Additionally, sustainability will reportedly becom

A business showcase, a breeding ground for trends, innovation, information   and training, a place for global networking, a reference point for the entire gold and jewellery supply chain,   recognised and appreciated worldwide, Europe’s most eagerly awaited international event for the gold and  j ewellery community will be back in Vicenza from 9 th to 13 th September 2022: VOS Vicenzaoro September – The Jewellery Boutique Show .   Running alongside from 9 th to 11 th will be VO Vintage , the event open to the public of vintage watch and  j ewellery collectors and enthusiasts, a chance to buy unique and valuable pieces, negotiate with the best   dealers and catch up on the latest developments with sector experts on topics and trends in an exclusive and   reserved area.   VOS, organised by Italian Exhibition Group, will showcase a complete offer at Vicenza Expo Centre: high-end   and gold jewellery , with the latest collections and the very best of Made in Italy prod

The retail sector accounted for 10% of administrations in the first six months of the year – the third highest industry in the UK – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. It found more than 620 businesses, 62 of which came from the retail industry, filed for administration between 1 January and 30 June 2022, marking a 60% increase compared to 2021. The data from The Gazette Official Public Record revealed construction, manufacturing and retail were the sectors worst hit, accounting for 40% of administrations. Greater London led the way with 22% of the filings, followed by the South East (17%) and North West (15%). It added that while administrations nationally are still yet to hit pre-Covid levels (940 in the first six months of 2019), recession fears and the financial pressure on households and businesses means “the worst is still yet to come”. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Administrations were suppre

Boodles is set to host an exhibition at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from 22 October to 5 March 2023, to showcase the jewellery brand’s 225-year story and show how Liverpool has helped shape the company’s growth. The exhibition will feature examples of work by 19th century Liverpool jewellery makers as well as jewellery by Boodles. Pieces of “historic” jewellery from Liverpool makers and racing trophies made by Boodles will illustrate the early years of the firm. Visitors will be able to see the story behind the jewellery, from the sourcing of precious stones and metals through to the design and the manufacture of the pieces. Lady Lever Art Gallery said Boodles’ rise from city jeweller to high-end design and manufacture will be shown through the contemporary jewellery on display. Alyson Pollard, head of the Lady Lever Art Gallery, said: “The exhibition will show how this Liverpool family firm, previously known for many years as Boodle and Dunthorne, became a world leading brand. The

The De Beers Group has reported that rough diamond production fell by 4% to 7.9 million carats in the second quarter of 2022 (Q2), despite a “strong” demand for rough diamonds continuing in the quarter. In Botswana, production decreased by 4% to 5.5 million carats due to lower grade ore being processed at both Jwaneng and Orapa, and production in Canada decreased by 28% to 0.6 million carats amid unscheduled plant maintenance and the impact of Covid-19 related absenteeism. Additionally, South Africa production decreased by 4% to 1.2 million carats due to lower tonnes treated. However, Namibia production grew by 67% to 0.6 million carats, amid continued “strong” performance from the Benguela Gem since the early delivery of the new diamond recovery vessel in Q1 2022. Meanwhile, De Beers said a “strong” demand for rough diamonds continued into the Q2, with rough diamond sales totalling 9.4 million carats from three Sights. This compares with 7.3 million carats from two Sights in Q2 2

Retail sales dropped by 0.1% in June 2022 following a fall of 0.8% in May 2022 despite the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee boost, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).  The data, which covers 29 May to 2 July 2022, revealed that sales volumes were 2.2% above its pre-coronavirus February 2020 levels, but down over the past year. It revealed non-store retailing (online retailers) sales volumes fell by 3.7% in June 2022, however, sales volumes were 20.8% above its February 2020 levels. Non-food stores, such as clothing and household goods, slumped by 4.7% and 3.7% respectively and were hit “particularly hard”. However, the Platinum Jubilee increased food-related sales, which saw sales volumes spike by 3.1%, with retailers confirming that increased sales were because of the country’s celebrations. Supermarkets’ sales volumes rose 3.1% over the month, alongside an increase in specialist food stores such as butchers and bakers of 0.8%, and alcohol and tobacco stores,

Get-Diamonds has launched an augmented reality (AR) tool, ‘Virtual Hand’, that enables users to virtually try-on a variety of diamond rings in different sizes, cuts, and settings, using computerised imaging. Virtual Hand is intended for use by retailers as a service for their customers, and the first stage of the AR tool is open to all users, registered or not. The second stage, which will only be open to registered users, will enable users to virtually try-on stones from Get-Diamonds listings, not only in rings but also in earrings and other jewellery. The advanced tool is the result of cooperation with Inova Diamonds, a company that specialises in technological solutions for the online marketing of diamonds and jewellery using AR. Artium Sondelzon, co-founder of Inova Diamonds, said that a later stage of Virtual Hand will offer full 3D technology, including realistic diamond and gold reflection and diamond rotation. Get-Diamonds is the B2B online platform for listing polished d

The total number of pieces hallmarked in June 2022 rose 14.6% when compared with June 2021, according to the latest figures from the Birmingham Assay Office. Some 770,358 pieces were hallmarked, compared with 672,021 pieces over the same period in 2021. Silver hallmarked pieces saw the only increase, rising 39.3% to 439,694, up from 315,709. Gold hallmarked pieces sat at 299,677, down 6.7% against the 321,318 pieces hallmarked in the same period in 2021. In addition, the number of platinum pieces hallmarked totalled 30,513, marking a 11.4% decrease against last year’s figures. Hallmarked palladium pieces also dropped 16.3% to 474, down from 566. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/206011-hallmarking-rises-14-6-in-june-but-gold-sees-drop

Gemstones have been a popular choice for jewellery for centuries, and their popularity does not seem to be waning. Gemstones are currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance in the jewellery industry. Thanks to new technologies and design trends, gemstones are being used in innovative ways that are changing the way we think about jewellery. 1) Innovative Cutting and Setting One of the most exciting things about gemstones is that there are always new ways to cut and set them. Thanks to technological advances, stores like GemPundit now offer more options than ever to the customers. As a result, we are seeing more unique and interesting designs that showcase the natural beauty of these stones. In addition to traditional cuts, designers are now experimenting with more modern cuts that create interesting shapes and angles. They are also playing with different setting techniques that allow them to show off the stones in new and unexpected ways. All of this means that gemstone jewellery

Jeweller Constantin Wild has celebrated its 175th anniversary with a charity auction of a new piece, Tears of Hope. The piece of jewellery, designed by Caterina Murino, is a unique gold brooch which also can be worn as a pendant featuring a 4.58-carat Brazilian rubellite and a small diamond, and will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Ukrainian refugees. Catering Murino is a jewellery designer with a degree from the National Institute of Gemology in Paris. Constantin Wild began in 1847 when Johann Carl Wild founded J.C. Wild IX. Today’s owner Constantin “Conte” Wild is the fourth generation to lead the company, representing the 10th generation of the family. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205998-constantin-wild-celebrates-175th-anniversary-with-charity-auction

Lark and Berry has launched its 14K gold piercing range, Ear Envy, for summer 2022, comprising coloured gemstones and earrings in choices of white diamonds, white gold and yellow gold. The collection comprises a ‘Trio Stone Crawler’ earring in white gold which includes a trio of coloured stones, a ‘Lightning Strike Labret’ earring available in yellow or white gold, and a ‘Mini Heart Labret’ and ‘Shooting Star Labret’ in white gold. It also includes a ruby marquise-set ‘Knife Edged Hoop’ which is available in yellow gold and other choices of lab grown coloured gemstones, as well as a ‘Mini Shooting Star Labret’ in yellow gold. Overall, the collection has been made with lab grown diamonds, coloured sapphires, emeralds and spinel, labrets, studs and hoops. The earrings can be mixed, matched and stacked in every part of the ear, such as lobes, conches and helixes. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/205995-lark-berry-launches-summer-2022-piercings-range

Ethical diamond supplier Dimexon has announced the launch of its first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report – “Diamonds with Purpose”. The report aims to highlight ESG achievements over the years and to set new sustainability and ethical goals for 2023, 2025 and 2030. Among its aims include 100% traceability on individual diamonds of 0.18ct and above by 2023, 100% traceability on mixed parcels of diamonds weighing less than 0.18ct by 2025 and 100% of its suppliers to comply with Dimexon’s responsible supplier policy by 2023. Meanwhile, Dimexon will screen all its direct suppliers and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) member diamond suppliers, and by 2025 extend the criteria to non-RJC members by evaluating such suppliers every year It also aims for zero single-use plastic by 2023, zero waste to landfill by 2025, and to be carbon neutral by 2030. Dimexon director Rajiv Mehta said: “We are proud to present Dimexon’s first ESG report: Diamonds with Purpose: Our 2022 ES

Petra has announced that its revenues hit $585.2m (£486.7m) in the financial year ending 30 June 2022 (FY22), up year-on-year from $406.9m (£338.43m).  This comprises a 44% rise in revenues to $584.1m (£485.81m) from diamond sales, and additional revenues from profit share agreements of $1.1m (£914,903). Petra said the increase in diamond sales was driven by like-for-like prices increasing 41.5% year-on-year due to “record” jewellery retail demand out of the US following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and the sale of a high number of Exceptional Stones which contributed a “record” $89.1m (£74.1m) compared to $62m (£51.56m) in FY21. Meanwhile, production for the fourth quarter (Q4) was down 6% to 745,790 carats, largely due to lower tonnes treated at Cullinan Mine, while production for the year increased 3% to 3,353,670 carats, largely owing to the resumption of mining at Williamson. Petra Diamonds said it is closely monitoring current macroeconomic uncertainties, particularl

Some of the world’s biggest jewellery and gemstone companies are taking part in Jewellery & Gem WORLD (JGW), previously known as the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair , from 27 to 30 September in Halls 3 to 6 of the Singapore EXPO . The fair will present the newest products of around 1,000 exhibitors from close to 30 countries and regions. The iconic B2B jewellery show is temporarily relocating from its Hong Kong home base to the Lion City, a destination currently more accessible to overseas buyers and exhibitors. Unlike Hong Kong, which still subjects travellers to a seven-day mandatory quarantine in a designated hotel among others, Singapore welcomes fully vaccinated visitors with a seamless quarantine-free and test-free travel experience.  JGW Singapore has drawn an overwhelmingly positive response from buyers and exhibitors, signifying the growing clamour for the return of face-to-face sourcing events. Visitor registration is now open at this link . Inte

Footfall across UK high streets are down -7.3% on last week as the country experiences a heatwave, according to Springboard. However, high streets in coastal towns have seen a surge of footfall, rising by 9.0%. The largest drop was seen in greater London, which was down -13% across high streets and -10.2% across all destinations. In central London, footfall was down -16%. The only parts of the UK where high street footfall rose from last Monday were Scotland (+0.6%), Northern Ireland (+0.6%) and Wales (+3.2%) where temperatures whilst still hot are lower than in England. Diane Wehrle, insights director at Springboard, said: “The extreme heat occurring today and tomorrow was already impacting footfall in UK retail destinations over the period up to 11am on Monday morning. Typically when the weather is hot and sunny, shoppers gravitate to outdoor locations, and so footfall in high streets tends to increase while decreasing in shopping centres. “However, with the extreme heat today t

Faux Pas or Fabulous? The Art of Mixing Silver and Gold Jewelry Can you mix silver and gold jewelry, or is it a big fashion faux pas? Get our thoughts and a few suggestions on mixing metals in this guide! Keyword(s): silver and gold jewelry       Since the average woman owns about   $7000 worth of jewelry,   you likely have a lot of pieces that you like to wear regularly. If you feel that unspoken rules about mixing silver and gold jewelry are stopping you, we have good news: you don't need to let this hold you back. Here, we're going to talk about whether wearing gold with silver is a mistake... or whether it's en vogue. Read on to learn some facts about mixing metals and some jewelry trends that will make you look amazing. The Verdict on Mixing Metals Before we can get into the nitty-gritty on how to wear silver and gold jewelry together, it's important to clarify that this isn't a fashion faux pas. In fact, it's an awesome way to express yourself! M

Richemont has reported sales growth of 12% for the first quarter ending 30 June 2022, rising from €4.39bn (£3.72bn) to €5.26bn (£4.46bn), with its Jewellery Maisons business also delivering 12% sales growth from €2.51bn (£2.13bn) to €3bn (£2.55bn). The group’s other business areas, mostly composed of Fashion and Accessories Maisons, posted the “strongest” sales increase at 28%. The growth was driven by 42% sales growth in Europe amid “robust” domestic demand and a return in tourist spending, primarily from American and Middle Eastern clients. All in all, the US, Richemont’s largest single market for the quarter, sales grew by 25% and represented 22% of group sales. However, the enforcement of a zero covid policy in Asia Pacific led to a 37% drop in sales in mainland China and Macau SAR (China), and to a single-digit sales reduction in Hong Kong SAR (China). Sales in Asia Pacific overall contracted by 15%. Despite the disruption experienced in China, the Jewellery Maisons generated

What is your history in the jewellery industry? You may not know, but I started on the shop floor as a Saturday girl and worked up to store manager with the support of a wonderful employer. From this rather lucky start and introduction to the jewellery industry, I studied hard to gain my FGA and DGA qualifications to become the youngest registered valuer for the NAG. I began my own independent jewellery and watch valuation business in Staffordshire after 18 years, working with prestigious companies in the UK, including Plants the Jewellers and heading the jewellery department for Fellows Auctioneers.   Earlier this year, I moved my private practice from Staffordshire to London. As a member of the London Diamond Bourse in the heart of the world-famous jewellery quarter in Hatton Garden, I can meet private clients in a secure environment. I’m privileged to work with many major trade jewellery retailers such as The House of Garrard’s in London, Wongs in Liverpool, and Mallory’s in Bat

Goldsmiths has opened its first new concept showroom in Northern Ireland, at Victoria Square, Belfast. The new Goldsmiths showroom features a new interior design, as well as a line-up of luxury timepieces and fine-jewellery brands creating a retail environment of the future. It includes a newly introduced, large, dedicated Cartier area, and new designs from Italian jeweller Roberto Coin. Craig Bolton, President of the Watches of Switzerland Group, UK and Europe, 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 Victoria Square showroom concept will transform not just the Goldsmiths profile and experience but bring some fresh lif

Family-owned and run jewellery business, Charles Nobel is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and has said it is focusing on enhancing its range of diamond jewellery for the future. The New Milton business was founded in 1972 by Keith and Jenny Bollard, with the couple moving from the North of England to pursue their shared career ambition. The original Charles Nobel store was located up the road from where it is today in New Milton. Jenny Bollard said: “My husband has always worked in jewellery, managing shops for various wholesalers, independents, and H. Samuel in its early stages. He always loved the emotive side of the industry, creating something which people can treasure for many years – and he recognised that personalisation was key to making a product truly special. “Keith’s devotion to the industry was contagious and before I knew it, I was fully immersed myself. I had also seen first-hand the value of bespoke retail experiences, having worked as a freelancer in various cust

British fine jewellers, Robinson Pelham, has launched several new collections and updated colourways and iterations of its classics to celebrate 25 years in business. The new collections include Entwined rings which are a limited-edition capsule set featuring two geometric rings, one in carre diamonds with rainbow sapphires, and the other in carre diamonds and gold, with a central elongated hexagon diamond centre stone. The Labyrinth collection of rings and pendants feature a physical maze depicted in gemstones. Shapes include hexagon, round and heart, with accents of diamonds, pink sapphires and tsavorites.  The Love Is All Around rings include marquise, heart and half-moon pieces which will be made in diamond as well as the brand’s rainbow colouration. Additionally, the new concentric Zouk earrings are available in diamond and yellow gold, rainbow, tsavorite, pink sapphire and yellow sapphire. Meanwhile, new additions to existing collections include the Vega cocktail ring which

On a total basis, sales decreased by 1.0% in June, against an increase of 10.4% in June 2021, according to the latest figures from BRC’s sales monitor. This is below the three-month average decline of 0.8% and the 12-month average growth of 3.0%. UK retail sales decreased 1.3% on a like-for-like basis from June 2021, when they had increased 6.7%. This was above the three-month average decline of 1.5% and below the 12-month average growth of 1.0%. Over the three months to June, food sales increased 2.2% on a total basis and 1.6% on a Like-for-like basis. This is above the 12-month total average growth of 0.6%. For the month of June, Food was in growth year-on-year. Over the three-months to June, non-Food retail sales decreased by 3.3% on a total basis and 4.2% on a like-for-like basis. This is below the 12-month total average growth of 5.0%. For the month of June, non-Food was in decline year-on-year. Over the three months to June, in-store sales of non-food items increased 2.2% on