Consumer confidence falls for second consecutive quarter

The Deloitte Consumer Tracker has revealed UK consumer confidence fell by one percentage point in Q4 2021 to -11%, the second consecutive quarter of decline. Deloitte said the result comes after consumers started to feel the “squeeze of inflation” and pockets were hit with higher household bills. Personal expenditure in…

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Spot the difference: lab-grown vs. mined diamonds

When we think of diamonds, it’s rarely in a negative light. Their beauty is infamously captivating, making them the most popular gemstone used in jewellery, and distracting us of their darker past. The lifetime of a diamond isn’t quite as beautiful as the end result. Pertaining to their label of…

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Jan footfall 20% down on 2019 figures

Footfall in UK retail destinations weakened in January, reaching a gap of -20.8% from the 2019 level versus -18.6% in December, according to Springboard. It said that the drop in levels was driven by a “poorer relative performance in high streets and shopping centres”. However, it said it was “a…

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Piaget celebrates Chinese New Year with ‘Possession’ collection

Piaget has launched a new ‘Possession’ collection to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with a selection of white gold and rose gold jewellery pieces. The collection comprises two 18K white gold pieces, including the Possession Contrast Ring which holds two bands made of diamonds and ceramic, set with a total…

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BoE raises interest rates to 0.5%

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised interest rates for the second time in three months to 0.5%, up from 0.25% previously. The BoE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) confirmed it voted by a majority of 5-4 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 0.5%. Interestingly, it revealed those…

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Jewels from private collection of Lady de Rothschild to be auctioned

A selection of jewels from the private collection of Victoria Lady de Rothschild, will be offered alongside a special selection of silver and tableware from her collection, in Dreweatts Fine Silver, Jewellery and Pens sale on March 8 and 9, 2022. Among the highlights is a Modernist gold coloured disc…

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Joshua James unveils ‘Body Confidence’ collaboration

Joshua James Jewellery has launched a ‘Body Confidence’ collection in partnership with Jessica Megan, an advocate and public figure for body confidence, in a bid to fundraise for the charity Beat. The range consists of Joshua James’ new classic disc pendants and bracelets that have been engraved with two “inspiring”…

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De Beers reveals rough diamond sales of $660m

De Beers Group has announced rough diamond sales (Global Sightholder Sales and Auctions) for the first sales cycle of 2022 reached $660m (£487m). It said that the provisional rough diamond sales figure quoted for Cycle 1 represents the “expected sales value for the period 17 January to 1 February and…

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Lala Salama launches the ‘Hoop Collection’

Lala Salama has launched its new ‘Hoop Collection’, comprising three different versions of the timeless hoop earrings – one set with a hammered finish, one polished finish and one mini. The earrings are made solely of brass, and the metal alloy is made of copper and zinc. Additionally, they have…

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Boodles to be official Cheltenham 2022 sponsor

Boodles has announced it will be the official sponsor of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022. It has been a supporter of the Cheltenham Festival since 2014. This year’s edition will be run on Friday 18 March at the conclusion of the four-day festival and broadcast live in the UK…

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