RJC executive director steps down amid ongoing Russia conflict

The Responsible Jewellery Council’s (RJC) executive director, Iris Van der Veken, has reportedly resigned from her role following the organisation’s handling of Alrosa’s membership during the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Rapaport News, Van der Veken handed in her resignation letter to the board of directors on Wednesday (30 March) as…

Read More »

Lubrusan Studio calls for Russian diamond boycott

Lebrusan Studio has called on the jewellery industry to join in taking an active stance against Russian conflict diamonds. The global diamond industry is worth tens of billions of dollars, and Russia – the world’s leading diamond producer – accounts for around 30% of that market. The majority of Russian…

Read More »

High street footfall continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels

Footfall levels remain 23% below pre-pandemic levels in February 2022 as rising costs are reportedly set to “batter” retailers from 1 April, according to RSM. The latest data from Datscha, analysed by RSM, shows the overall decline in footfall is the worst in London with numbers on Oxford Street down…

Read More »

Pandora ends membership with RJC after refusal to suspend Russian companies

Pandora has announced it is ending its 12-year membership with the trade association Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) after its “failure to suspend Russian companies’ memberships and responsible business certifications and urge its members to suspend business with Russia”. It comes after Pandora had previously requested that RJC take such actions.…

Read More »

Lily Arkwright sales surge amid ‘strong demand’ for lab diamonds

Lily Arkwright, the ethical and sustainable lab grown engagement ring retailer has reported it has experienced “strong” demand for ethical jewellery and its lab diamond engagement ring collections in the face of slowing UK online retail sales in February 2022. The company said it is mindful of supply chain issues…

Read More »

Stephen Einhorn and A Bathing Ape announce collaboration

London-based luxury jewellery and accessories brand Stephen Einhorn and Japanese streetwear brand A Bathing Ape have combined to launch two new products. The products include an exclusive A Bathing Ape ring and Fire Garden interactive night light. With an enamelled BAPE logo, the Stephen Einhorn x A Bathing Ape ring…

Read More »

Unique & Co expands semi-precious collection

Unique and Co has expanded its semi-precious stones collection after its “successful” launch in the last few years. The collection will comprise further product styles and new designs feature pieces, such as carving on Mother-of-Pearl and pave cz setting. With a mix of Mother-of-Pearl, Malachite, Amazonite, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise,…

Read More »

Footfall rises by 7.8% as weather improves

The second anniversary of the start of the first lockdown in 2020 delivered positive results, with a rise in footfall of +7.8% last week from the week before across all UK retail destinations, according to retail experts Springboard. It found increases in all three destination types; +9.8% in high streets,…

Read More »

ChloBo appoints managing director

ChloBo has announced the promotion of Andi Lee from his role as a sales and marketing director to the jeweller’s new managing director. Having joined ChloBo in 2016, Lee has most recently taken on responsibility for merchandising and will now also take on the operations side of the business. A…

Read More »

Christies to offer ‘highest ever valued’ jewel at online auction

Christies has announced that its highest valued jewel to be offered in an online-only sale, the flawless star, a d-colour diamond valued at $4-6m (£3-4.5m), will be for sale in its new auction. The auction will take place from March 28 to April 7, and includes over 200 lots with…

Read More »