NAJ names Heather Callaway as new chair

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…

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Laura Bond to open Edinburgh pop-up featuring new collection

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.…

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BoE raises interest rates to 1.25%

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…

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Hallmarking surges 69.5% in May

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.…

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Swarovski appoints first non-family CEO

Swarovski 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…

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The ARI by Presidium

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…

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First diamond verification showcase to take place in London

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…

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Laings: what’s next?

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…

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LVMH invests in laboratory-grown diamond producer

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…

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Brilliant Earth launches men’s fine jewellery collection

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…

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