PIXETJEWELRY

Christie’s has announced The Fortune Pink, an 18.18 carat pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond, will lead the Geneva Magnificent Jewels sale on 8 November 2022, as part of Christie’s Luxury Week. The exceptionally rare gemstone is the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond ever to be offered for sale at auction. To-date the largest vivid pink diamond sold at Christie’s was the 18.96 carat Winston Pink Legacy, which achieved CHF 50,375,000 and set a world record price per carat for a pink diamond sold at auction. It is expected to fetch between $25 and $35m (£23m and £32m). Rahul Kadakia, Christie’s international head of jewellery, said: “After The Rock, a 228 carat diamond sold this May in Geneva, Christie’s is proud to present The Fortune Pink, the largest pear-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond offered for sale at auction. With its auspicious weight of 18.18 carats this exceptional pink diamond of phenomenal colour will certainly bring good fortune to its new owner.” source

Jewellery maison Cartier International has joined the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) as a commercial member. Cartier operates over 200 boutiques in more than 60 countries, and three flagship stores, known as temples, in Paris, New York and London. Its revenues stood at approximately $12.4bn (£1.11bn) in 2022. The company, which designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells jewellery, leather goods and watches, was founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, and is today a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO president, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cartier International into the World Jewellery Confederation. “Its historical legacy, commitment to excellence and worldwide prestige are unprecedented, but it also is pioneering our industry’s journey towards full sustainability, realising our responsibility to the long-term wellbeing of all our stakeholders and health of our planet. We are most happy to be doing that together.” Cyrille

Facet has launched its first classic jewellery collection, ‘Fire Under Ice’, which comprises 27 pieces, made up of solitaire rings, pendants and earrings, with diamonds and Greenland rubies as the centre stones of these pieces. The company has formed an alliance with Tracemark and Greenland Ruby, and said the collection is the “most sustainable classic jewellery in the world with the oldest and most sustainable rubies to date”.    Pieces in the collection are traceable and come with a certificate of provenance, and the collection includes recycled traceable gold with a CoC certificate, certified by the RJC. Customers can scan their QR code and obtain fully audited information about every step in their jewels and components’ journey, from extraction to possession. Tracemark is a worldwide standard of traceability in jewellery that provides certified traceability and auditing of each piece of jewellery to “guarantee that all human rights have been respected” along the jewellery supp

Jewellery brand Rebecca has launched The Jolie Collection, a niche luxury collection available in 18Kt yellow gold and sterling silver enriched by colourful diamond dust exclusive to the Rebecca brand. The collection features “alluring and minimal jewels for a precious and timeless look, with elegance of the diamond dust of the pendants combined with a fresh style, trendy, minimal, and timeless”. Rebecca is a jewellery brand produced and distributed by Industrie Testi Spa, an Italian company with headquarters in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. The company was founded in 2000 by Alessandro Testi, chairman and designer of the first Group, to use “poor” raw materials such as bronze and steel, working them with top-quality craftsmanship techniques. Industrie Testi Spa produces its jewellery in a series of highly specialised departments where artisans and industrial design graduates work side by side. The Rebecca brand is now available in approximately 1,500 independent medium-high

Yoko London has launched a ‘Jubilee Masterpiece’ tiara as part of its Platinum Jubilee collection to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara is also a wearable necklace, designed to transition “seamlessly” between the two forms.  Featuring 181 Japanese Akoya and Australian South Sea Pearls, ranging between 2.5mm and 14.6mm in diameter, alongside 31.13cts of G VS diamonds, the piece is set in 18ct White Gold. To transform the piece from tiara to necklace, the frame can be unclipped and removed to reveal a fluid pearl and diamond necklace. An ornate clasp then slots into the back of the necklace to complete the piece. Yoko London started planning the collection at the beginning of 2022, ahead of the Platinum Jubilee. The company said the piece is its latest and most technically ingenious achievement to date. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/207201-yoko-london-presents-transformable-tiara-in-platinum-jubilee-collection

An early 20th Century diamond and platinum ring, formerly the property of business woman, philanthropist, Jewish scholar and famed hostess Mrs Flora Abraham Sassoon (1856-1936) of the Sassoon dynasty, has sold for a price of £38,000 at Mayfair auctioneers Noonans. The sale took place on 13 September in a sale of Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu at the auction house. Estimated to fetch £20,000-30,000, the ring had been passed on to Flora’s eldest daughter, Rachel Sassoon Ezra (Lady Ezra) and thence by family descent to the current vendors. Noonans Jewellery and Watches auction showed strong results: a beautiful diamond single stone ring by Boodle and Dunthorne, in the Art Deco taste, set with a brilliant-cut diamond of 3.01 carats, fetched £22,000 against an estimate of £7,000-9,000 and was bought by an overseas buyer. Prior to the sale, Frances Noble, associate director and head of jewellery at Noonans, said: “In the 19th Century, the Sassoon dynasty were known as the ‘Roths

Renné Jewellery has launched its most recent collection, the Beaded Bracelets, with each bracelet created with a 14-carat gold filled bead and Moonstone beads that come in “vibrant colours” to complement varied looks. Stones included in the collection are ammonite, kunzite, apatite, black tourmaline, chalcedony, chrysoprase, golden jade, morganite, and pink opal. Renné Jewellery said the bracelet collection is designed to provide a visual impact while providing ethereal guidance, and that the beads adoring the bracelet have spiritual meanings that can be chosen to reflect the wearer’s beliefs or values. The company added that it is only using predominantly ethically sourced, 100% recycled sterling silver and gold, and incorporates Ecosilver wire, a material that is an eco-friendly alternative to normal metal and manufactured using recycled silver from vintage jewellery and giftware industries. Any metal left over is then weighed in and re-used or melted down to create another piec

Did you know that one of the biggest cubic zirconia stones ever created weighed nearly 6,000 carats? The stone was called The Dare Devil, and it had a pinkish salmon coloring. Icon Marilyn Monroe may have helped make diamonds a popular jewelry item with her song titled "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," but there are other options to choose from that can also make great diamond alternatives. Cubic zirconia is a top choice for diamond alternative jewelry, and in this guide, we'll tell you why. Read more to discover more about the comparisons of cubic zirconia vs diamond and find out where you can get gorgeous cubic zirconia jewelry of your very own below. Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond Comparisons One of the main differences of cubic zirconia vs diamond is their origins. Natural diamonds are found in the earth and mined. Cubic zirconia is a man-made creation that comes from a lab.  Diamonds are made from compressed carbon crystals formed under high heat and pressur

Vrai, the sustainable fine jewellery and engagement ring brand has announced its first collaboration with Brides, launching on 27 September. The collaboration will feature pieces created as romantic heirlooms meant to be worn beyond the wedding day. The 14 fine jewellery designs are designed to be worn by the couple throughout any and all wedding events and beyond, as well as gifted to the wedding party, to be cherished for years to come. Mixed diamond shapes and hidden details give each romantic design an edge. Vrai’s signature customisation options can offer the bride and groom endless possibilities to create their unique and meaningful ring. Highlights include the round inlay unisex wedding ring gives a twist on the classic band, and can be stacked over your engagement ring or other rings, and the floating solitaire and split engagement rings feature a setting that gently lifts the diamond, letting light shine through. Vrai president, Mona Akhavi, said. “Our collaboration with B

Sweet Marie Jewellery has secured a number of new stockists in the UK and Ireland, following its recent participation in the UK Jewellery Festival and Top Drawer London trade events. The new stockists include EC One (London), Hill and Hill (Altrincham), Boo Gallery (Olney, Milton Keynes), and Jenny Jones Jewellery (Manchester), with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Sweet Marie Jewellery is a vintage-inspired boutique collection of jewellery with a “rock and roll edge”. The company was founded by Melissa O’Brien following a career spanning over 20 years in the fine jewellery and watches industry in London, and a degree in Fashion and Textile Design. Designed and conceived in her London studio, the pieces are made by the craftspeople of Jaipur, the centre of jewellery making in India. Natural diamonds and seed pearls are accentuated with ruby, sapphire and turquoise highlights and are all set in 14ct gold vermeil. Melissa O’Brien, founder of Sweet Marie Jewellery, said: “I’

UK consumer confidence has plummeted to a record low of -49% in September, the lowest since 1974, according to the latest research from GfK. It comes amid the cost of living crisis as households struggle with soaring energy bills and inflation. Four measures were down in comparison to the 19 August announcement, and one was flat, with the greatest concerns held over the general economic situation over the last 12 months. The fall defies expectations of a small rise to minus 42 forecast by economists polled by Reuters, who thought there would be some improvement following the government’s £150bn package aimed at freezing household energy bills. Joe Staton, client strategy director, GfK said: “UK Consumer Confidence tumbled in September to a new low of -49, the worst Overall Index Score since records began in 1974. There have been new lows in four out of the last five months and all measures are once again severely depressed. Especially worrying are the two key future-facing indicato

Piaget has launched the second instalment of its Solstice High Jewellery Collection, following the launch of the first chapter which was inspired by Haute Couture gowns. The collection comprises cocktail rings which include decorations that open to free the centre gem which can then be worn as a solitaire. To reproduce the volume, colours and textures of the cocktails’ ingredients, the Piaget ateliers and their craftsmen worked for months to create the pieces. Across the world, gemologists looked for the stones that could stand in for grenadine (pink sapphires), mint leaves (emeralds), sprinkled sugar (diamonds paved mounting), ice cubes (rough diamonds), or slices of lime (sculpted peridot) The fruit slices were sculpted by hand by glyptic masters, and Piaget said precision was needed for the diamonds and metal slice covering the fruit to fit “perfectly”. Additionally, the Audacious Savor necklace combines natural brown diamonds with sugarloaf spessartite and brilliant-cut diamo

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has today (23 September) announced a ream of tax cuts alongside a £60bn energy support package as part of the new government’s first mini-budget. Setting out his aims for economic growth, Kwarteng said that he wants the economy to increase by 2.5% annually in the medium-term, through a mix of tax incentives and reform. As part of the new mini-budget, the chancellor announced widespread tax cuts to help boost the economy. He confirmed that the proposed rise in corporation tax will be scrapped, and will not rise to the previously proposed 25% but instead remain at 19%. The chancellor said this would mean the UK has the lowest rate of corporation tax in the G7, adding that the move will put £19bn back into the economy. The 45% higher rate of income tax will also be abolished under the new chancellor, and will instead be replaced with a single higher rate of 40%, meaning 31 million people will be better off by an average of £170 per year. The basic rate of inc

Dior has announced the launch of The Wonderful World of Dior, a Christmas-themed mise-en-scène at Harrods which will run from 10 November, 2022 until 3 January, 2023. To mark The Wonderful World of Dior, Dior Joaillerie will pre-launch pieces from its signature Bois de Rose and Rose Dior Couture collections, and a new Dior Grand Bal watch will also exclusively be available at Harrods until the new year. For this occasion, and for the first time ever, the facade of the famed Brompton Road address will be adorned with a monumental installation, reinterpreting the compass rose – a symbol treasured by the founding couturier – animated by an interplay of lights featuring classic Dior emblems. The Dior gold star, Bar jacket and Medallion chair will guide pedestrians to the renowned Harrods windows, the full run of which will be transformed into tableaux vivants in a captivating decor composed of gingerbread, caramel and multiple delights showcasing the House’s various universes and iconic

Hello my darlings, Happy autumn to you all! This has been a wild year, hasn’t it? I’ve been so busy working for Instore Magazine and with my treasured freelance writing clients that I haven’t been posting here at good old DitL as much, but I haven’t forgotten you! I would never forget you. I’ve also spent a lot of time this year working with my new doctor on figuring out new ways to manage my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the mysterious chronic medical condition that I was finally diagnosed with last year. I’m happy to say that I’m finally making real progress and I’m in the process of making plans to go to a jewelry event in person (!!!!!!) for the first time since 2019. Continue reading What I’m Reading: Vol 121. at Diamonds in the Library. Via Diamonds in the Library https://ift.tt/d5QZwaC

The Sheffield Assay Office has announced that it has achieved re-certification to the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), marking Sheffield as the only UK Assay Office to be a certified member. The RJC now has over 1,600 members worldwide and is the world’s “leading” standard setting organisation for the jewellery and watch industry. The RJC promotes standards that “underpin people’s trust” in the worldwide jewellery and watch supply chain. The Assay Office said high standards and integrity are core to business, and that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement, and therefore the RJC certification is important to the role that it plays. The RJC unites companies who believe that responsible business (without causing harm to people or the plant) is good business, and said that this can only be achieved by working in partnership with each other. Sheffield Assay Office said: “In being RJC accredited, we have demonstrated that standards across our business achieve the hig

The Bank of England has today (22 September) announced that interest rates will be raised by 0.5%, with rates rising from 1.75% to 2.25%. The latest announcement from the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) comes as inflation remains at record highs for the UK, and marks the seventh consecutive rise in interest rates to come from the BoE. UK inflation hit 9.9% last month, down from 10.1% in July, but remains near a 40-year high as prices continue to rise. As the UK battles with its highest inflation rate in four decades, with rising food and energy prices, the standard of living has faced the biggest slump in years. In light of this, the BoE has been under pressure to boost the pound, which has been trading at its lowest level against the dollar since 1985 and is similar to that of the financial crash in 2008. Elsewhere, the US Federal Reserve announced yesterday (21 September) that it has increased interest rates by 0.75%, with US inflation reaching a 14 year high. Financial markets

Revenues in the jewellery industry have amounted to $4.03bn (£3.53bn) in 2022, with the market expected to grow annually by 5.6%, according to Statista. The global jewellery market size is expected to reach $518.9bn (£454.87bn) by 2030 and expand at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2022 to 2030, a report by Grand View Research, Inc reveals. The luxury goods industry continues to drive the market for jewellery, despite current macroeconomic challenges and concerns around inflation, and the industry is weathering the storm better than others. “Looking at recessions, jewellery has longevity when retailers are able to find the right product. Those feelings and stories created, especially into the festive season, is not something that other category sectors can say,” says Ben Massey, principal officer at the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ). However, many believe the highs of summer are expected to be short-lived in anticipation of austerity amid the impending energy crunch set to hit UK hous

John Hardy has appointed Reed Krakoff, former chief artistic officer at Tiffany and Co, to the newly created role of creative chairman, as well as strategic advisor to L Catterton, John Hardy’s majority shareholder. In his new role, Krakoff will oversee the creative and artistic direction of the business with a focus on accelerating the growth of the artisan, hand-crafted jewellery brand. He will also become a minority equity stakeholder in the business. Krakoff brings over 30 years of experience growing and redefining luxury brands. He most recently served as chief artistic officer at Tiffany and Co. from 2017 to 2021. From 1996 to 2013, he served as president and executive creative director of Coach, where he transformed the brand into a global $5bn (£4.4bn) fashion house. J. Michael Chu, chairman of the John Hardy board of directors and global co-CEO of L Catterton, said: “L Catterton has been a strong believer in the growth opportunities ahead for John Hardy, and we are confid

As the fall season approaches, it's time to take another look at your wardrobe. The switch from tank tops to turtlenecks means adjusting our jewelry selection as well.  Do you have some favorite, timeless jewelry that you want to transition to the new season? If so, there are some tips you can use to ensure you look chic all year long.  Start with these six simple steps.  1. Choose Quality Pieces The beauty of high-quality jewelry is that it lasts a lifetime and is often passed down to future generations. Timeless jewelry never goes out of style, unlike fashion fads and decor trends.  Cheap costume jewelry can break after a year or two, proving a waste of money. It's best to invest in a few quality pieces that transition through the seasons, accurately reflect your personal style, and last.  2. Start With the Basics Many pieces stand the test of time, lasting for years and remaining in style. These transitional pieces of timeless jewelry will suit you well from fall t

The total number of hallmarked pieces during August rose by 13.1% to 886,746, up from 784, 078 from last year, according to the latest figures from the four UK Assay offices. However, the number of gold pieces fell slightly, down -0.3% from 365,664 to 364,652. Silver saw the only jump, up 27.5% to 485,663. Meanwhile Platinum and Palladium both declined by -3% and -16.4% to 36,094 and 337 respectively. source https://www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk/207039-hallmarking-rises-13-1-in-august

The four Assay Offices of the UK have announced that the Platinum Jubilee Mark will be made available again from 20 September, following the death of Queen Elizabeth. The announcement comes after consultation with the King’s Assay master and the mark, which was created in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, will remain available until the end of 2022, as originally scheduled. All four Assay Offices reported a large number of requests from the trade and the public in support of continuing the application of the Platinum Jubilee commemorative mark. The UK Assay Offices said: “The sudden death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been a shock to all of us. On the day of her death, along with the other Assay Offices, we determined that the additional celebratory jubilee mark should be withdrawn as a mark of respect coincident with the commencement of a period of national mourning. “Since that time, the Assay Offices have continued to monitor the situation,

Vicenzaoro September closes its 2022 edition by recovering and  surpassing pre-pandemic results. The overall number of visits was up 10% compared to 2019 with an explosion  of foreign attendances showing an increase of 20%. Over half of the total attendance was international (51%),  rom 124 countries worldwide.  To date, total media contacts have reached 92 million gross, of which 29 million are from the foreign press.  Over 20 million viewings (impressions) on Vicenzaoro’s social channels during the event, while professional  operator viewings of exhibitor profiles on The Jewellery Golden Cloud B2B platform exceeded 125 thousand. Global business has returned to Vicenza. Italian Exhibition Group’s international gold and jewellery show confirms its role as a hub for business, training, information and networking with figures that prove it to be an  increasingly important point of reference for the sector’s international community, both in terms of new  products and its ability to anti

The Birmingham Assay Office has announced its chair, Carol Brady MBE, will step down from the role in October 2022, and Russell Jeans will take over as designated chair. Brady joined the Birmingham Assay Office as a guardian in 2014 and was elected chair in 2018. The Assay Office said she has played an instrumental role in the development of the office with her experience in consumer and regulatory policy. Previously, Brady was chair of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and is currently a commissioner for the Gambling Commission. Meanwhile, Jeans is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a postgraduate of Warwick Business School, having joined as a guardian in 2020, followed by his appointment as a warden in April 2021. He has worked his way up the financial and operational management ladder in a range of manufacturing and service sector environments. He spent 12 years at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, including the roles of

UK inflation eased slightly in August to 9.9%, down from 10.1% in July, but remains near a 40-year high as prices continue to rise, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.5% in August 2022, compared with a rise of 0.7% in August 2021. A fall in the price of motor fuels made the largest downward contribution to the change in both the CPIH and CPI annual inflation rates between July and August 2022. Rising food prices made the largest, partially offsetting, upward contribution to the change in the rates. Overall prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages have risen throughout 2022, and the 1.5% increase between July and August 2022 was the largest July to August rise since 1995, when a constructed series for food and non-alcoholic beverages showed a 1.6% increase. Meanwhile, the ONS added the annual rate for clothing and footwear was 7.6% in the year to August 2022, up from 6.6% in July. Prices rose by 1.1% on

Dimexon has joined as a member of the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030, a global initiative founded by luxury groups Kering and Cartier. The Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030 was launched in October last year, and its mission is to unite companies in the industry to work collaboratively towards ethical and sustainable goals. Dimexon said that by joining the initiative, it is strengthening its commitment to sustainable luxury, following its recent recertification with the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) and the release of its first publicly available ESG report in July. Dimexon is one of nine new members announced today (14 September), alongside A. Lange and Söhne, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-Lecoultre, Panerai and Piaget, as well as Dimexon, Mattioli, Pandora and Rubel and Ménasché. These new members are coming in addition to Cartier, Kering (Boucheron, Gucci Watches, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin), Chanel Horlogerie Joaillerie, Montblanc, Rosy Blue and Swarovski. The initiative

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office have announced Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. The event will take place on 3 November, and features a hallmarking presentation from Kerry Gregory of Gemmology Books, a tour of the Sheffield Assay offices, and roundtable discussions on a range of topics pertinent to the industry. NAJ’s principal officer, Ben Massey, said: “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value, no matter your experience in the jewellery sector. “By attending the event, members of the Association will be able to ensure they are getting the most out of their membership. Individuals looking to get into or progress in the Jewellery the community will also be able to seek advice and guidance. We also welcome businesses that aren’t yet members to learn more about the Ass

Petra Diamonds has announced its revenues grew 44% year-on-year from $406.9m (£347.5m) to $585m (£499.6m) for the year ended 30 June 2022 (FY22). This comprises revenues from rough diamond sales of $584.1m (£498.8m) and additional revenues from profit share agreements on partnership stones of $1.1m (£939k). The increase in revenues from rough diamond sales was driven by a 41.5% increase in year-on-year like-for-like prices, and the contribution from the sale of a “record” number of Exceptional Stones of $89.1m (£76.09m) Pre-tax profits also surged 875% from a loss of $18.3m (£15.6m) in FY21 to $141.9 (£121.19m) in FY22, and Petra doubled adjusted EBITDA from $130.2m (£111.2m) to $265m (£226.3m) which is up 103%. Additionally, the board has approved a dividend policy targeting an ordinary dividend within the range of 15%-35% of adjusted free cash flows after interest and tax and having adjusted for any windfall earnings. Petra also announced its intention to reduce its gross debt

The UK economy’s growth slowed in July to 0.2% according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The result is below previous forecasts of 0.4% growth for the month as worker shortages and soaring costs weighed on activity. It found that services grew by 0.4% in July 2022, after a fall of 0.5% in June 2022, and was the main driver to the rise in GDP; information and communication grew by 1.5% and was the largest contributor to the services growth in July. Production fell by 0.3% after a fall of 0.9% in June 2022; this was mainly because of a fall of 3.4% in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply. Meanwhile, Construction also fell in July 2022 by 0.8%, after a fall of 1.4% in June 2022; the decrease in monthly construction output in July 2022 came solely from repair and maintenance, which fell 2.6%. Output in consumer-facing services grew by 0.6% in July 2022, following flat growth in June 2022; consumer-facing services remained 4.3% below

Innovation at the service of jewellery with the fourth edition of ´Startup & Carats´, the project organised jointly by ITA (Italian Trade Agency) and Italian Exhibition Group that brings the solutions of the most innovative start-ups and SMEs to Vicenzaoro September (VOS). From 9th to 13th September, the IEG event, which will be held at the same time as VO Vintage (9th – 11th September), will be presenting eight start-up brands and SMEs at Vicenza Expo Centre (Hall 6) to inspire and stimulate creative cross-fertilisation in the jewellery sector. Jewellery prototyping and production, gemstone diagnostics, trade show stand attendance data analysis, web-based point-of-sale management, market entry and fundraising are the areas covered by the young companies selected within the project to support the industry´s development with product innovation, process innovation and innovative digital services. Technology and digital are an integral part of the jewellery supply chain and the jewe

Platinum jewellery sales have continued to recover in the key markets of India, Japan and the United States in the second quarter of 2022, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic and rising inflation, according to the latest platinum jewellery business review Q2 2022. In part, it reports that the upswing has been fuelled by a series of marketing programmes “underscoring platinum’s lustre and emotional appeal,” supporting the industry’s demand to drive sales and margin growth post-pandemic. India’s gem and jewellery industry enjoyed strong momentum in the second quarter of 2022 after businesses were disrupted for two years in a row. PGI’s strategic partners reported gains of 2-3 times compared to a year ago, and 110% growth from the same quarter in 2019. As store traffic increased, retailers focused on driving higher margins through sales of platinum jewellery. In the USA, the sector has outperformed overall retail, with platinum jewellery posting double-digit sales increases a

Lebrusan Studio has officially launched its Artisan Collection, a new troupe of engagement rings crafted exclusively from traceable and artisanally mined materials. The collection includes gold bands, elevated claw settings and 1ct round brilliant cut central diamonds, along with the option for hand engraving. Variations include a classic solitaire, a trilogy setting, and a band micro-set with small shoulder diamonds. Each made-to-order jewel is to be cast in 18ct Fairmined Ecological Gold, extracted by the XAMODX cooperative in Mongolia without the use of any mercury or cyanide. The collection’s crowning jewels are Ocean Diamonds, retrieved from the ocean floor off the west coast of Namibia career divers. Lebrusan Studio said that Ocean Diamonds are carried through torrent over billions of years and flow through rivers until they eventually settle between gullies or become hidden within the seabed. Once brought to the surface, the diamonds are faceted by stone-cutters in the local

Pomellato has announced the creation of a new capsule collection of Iconica rings that pay tribute to Venice’s legacy, in celebration of the restoration of St. Mark’s Basilica that is being carried out by Venetian Heritage. The ambo is made of red porphyry, a stone that according to Byzantine tradition was reserved for emperors. Second only to the main altar, the ambo is a particularly important structure within the building that until 1797 was the ancient Doge’s Chapel. It was from this ambo that the Doge addressed the Venetians and attended services at the Basilica. Sabina Belli, CEO of Pomellato Group, said: “The restoration of the Epistle Ambo at St. Mark’s Basilica is a significant project for Venice that makes me immensely proud, and is testament, once again, to Pomellato’s focus on the conservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of this wonderful city. “Pomellato and Venetian Heritage share not only a love of art, but also a commitment to safeguarding artisanal excell

Lily Arkwright has announced that it is offering all staff up to £500 to support them with rising energy bills this winter. The Manchester-based business will pay the sum in two £250 instalments, with staff receiving the first payment this October. This will be followed by a second instalment in January 2023 if energy prices rise further. Lily Arkwright said the decision comes as the cost of living crisis continues to hit businesses and households. Last Friday (2 September), the retailer announced a 10% average year-on-year growth in sales during Sustainable September, as consumers increasingly look to upcycle clothes and embrace the slow fashion trend. The company said it has seen continued interest in its items. In September 2021 alone, Lily Arkwright registered a 15% spike in sales compared to the previous month, a figure which has grown year-on-year since 2016, which the jewellers said indicates that consumer awareness of Sustainable September is becoming more commonplace.

Prime minister Liz Truss has announced today that energy bills for typical households will be capped at £2,500 annually for their gas and electricity bills from the start of this coming October. The news comes as her first major policy announcement, and according to Sky News, the new price guarantee will last for two years in order to save the average UK household £1,000 a year in bills. The current price cap sits at £1,971 and was due to rise in October to more than £3,500 and further still when the next level was due to be set in January. Forecasts have previously reported that it could have gone as high as £7,700 by next April. The new price guarantee is based on the existing price cap, combined with the £400 bills discount for all households, meaning costs will be similar to those facing the public today. It is reported that the same level of support will also be provided to Northern Ireland, where a separate energy market operates. Sky News also reports that the policy builds

New events, international exhibitors and partnerships will further enhance the vintage offer at VO Vintage, Italian Exhibition Group´s watch and jewellery show to be held from 9th to 11th September in the foyer at Vicenza Expo Centre alongside Vicenzaoro September – The Jewellery Boutique Show (9th – 13th September). The third edition of the event, aimed specifically at the fine vintage watch and jewellery community, will be attended by national and international dealers including Robert Maron Watches (USA) and Tokant (France), as well as independent contemporary fine watchmaking brands from the AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants) such as Andersen Genève and Matthias Naeschke, in attendance for the first time, and confirmations from Vincent Calabrese and Meccaniche Orologi Milano. In addition to having the chance to admire and wear unique and timeless objects, visitors will be able to engage with opinion leaders and the most renowned experts in watchmaking history an

Alice van Cal has introduced its September edition of The Birthstone Collection, a reinvention of its new signature Anima necklace with a round central blue sapphire. Every month of 2022 a new piece or capsule collection is to be launched featuring the birthstone of the month. The 18K white gold lariat necklace features a Blue Sapphire 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 adjustable chain allows the necklace to be worn close to the throat or loose. Alice Van Cal said: “Sapphire is a stone of wisdom and serenity. It promotes a peaceful state of mind in which we are able to perceive life’s deep truths without the interference of emotion or ego. Its deep blue colour is the colour of divine love and the foundation of all things. “In Ancient Persia it was believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire pedestal and its reflection gave the sky its glorious blue colou

Fine jeweller Hamilton and Inches has announced the launch of its new luxury gold luna collection, hand-crafted entirely from recycled 18 century solid yellow gold. The collection is crafted and made in-house in the Hamilton and Inches workshops on George Street, Edinburgh, encapsulating design, materials and a sustainable approach to craftsmanship. Pieces include the luna link necklet (£10,995), which features interlocking, highly polished oval links, and luna drop earrings (£1,395). It is its first collection crafted using entirely recycled solid yellow gold. Victoria Houghton, Hamilton and Inches CEO, said: “After the success of the sterling Silver Luna Collection, we are delighted to launch the new Gold Luna Collection. Since 1866 we have been hand-crafting stunning pendants and necklaces which often rely on a chain to support the main concept, but this September we are thrilled to launch and showcase the gold chain as a hero piece in its own right – an elegant and contemporary

Lark and Berry has announced the addition of four new statement pieces which have been added to its best-selling Veto Hoop Collection, offering an array of colours. The new pieces have been crafted with silver and rhodium plated to protect the jewellery, and includes new Veto Bright Sapphire and Diamond Hoops as statement pieces. It also includes new Veto Bright Sapphire, Spinel, Emerald and Diamond hoops comprising an ombré of coloured gemstones, from Blue Sapphire to Emerald Green with turquoise. Also being launched are Bright Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Hoops and Bright Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Hoops which are made up of yellow and white marquise cut sapphires. Each set has been designed and created with sustainably sourced lab-grown stones and diamonds. Lark and Berry said: “This mini-collection has been designed for everyday use but can also be stacked with the delicate yet daring piercings from the Ear Envy range. Customers will be able to create an effortless, chic look