Poll launched for new Platinum Jubilee marks

The Four UK Assay Offices have published two marks to commemorate the Queen’s platinum jubilee. The offices are now asking NAJ members and their customers their opinion on the two separate designs. The two Platinum Jubilee marks have been created by the British Hallmarking Council (BHC), made up of the…

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Christie’s launches series of online auctions

Christie’s is preparing to launch the Geneva Luxury Sales, a series of live and online auctions, which will last from 27 October to 19 November. The “season” of auctions will feature three ‘Jewels’ auctions, one ‘Watches’ sale and a ‘Rare and Fine Wines’ auction. Live auctions (9-10 November), as well…

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UK retail sales grow for fifth consecutive month

Retail sales in the UK have risen for the fifth consecutive month, despite the introduction of the tiered lockdown system, according to the latest figures released by the ONS. Last month, overall growth in sales volume was up 5.5% compared with February’s pre-pandemic levels.  In the three months to the…

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The Jewelers Circle launches online trading platform

The Jewelers Circle has announced the launch of an international online trading platform intended to expand the trade show model “in support of the jewellery industry’s current needs”. The group said the move comes after recognising a “demand for a safe alternative to in-person trade events, where the fine and…

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Sunak extends Covid scheme to pay up to half of wages

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced increases to the Job Support Scheme, which will now see the government pay up to half of employees wages. As part of the updated scheme, employers will pay less and employees will work fewer hours to qualify, with the taxpayer subsidy now doubled. The increase…

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Tag Heuer launches timepieces inspired by Ayrton Senna

Tag Heuer has launched two commenartive timepieces inspired by Ayrton Senna, the legendary Formula 1 driver. The Tag Heuer Formula 1 models, an automatic chronograph and a quartz chronograph, feature a ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale that goes up to 400 km/h. Powering both special-edition timepieces is the automatic…

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BAJ debuts Pins of Praise jewellery in support of NHS

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that the winning designs of its Pins of Praise competition are now available to purchase.   All proceeds from sales of the 3D-printed brooches will go to NHS Charities Together, a membership organisation representing and supporting over 250 NHS charities. The four winning…

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Gemworld Munich cancelled due to rise in Covid cases

Organisers of Gemworld Munich, the international jewellery trade fair, have been forced to cancel the event due to rising cases of Covid-19 in the area. The fair, alongside its sister event The Munich Show, was slated to begin on 30 October, running until 1 November. The Messe München trade fair…

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Manchester moved into Tier three

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced that Manchester will be placed into Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions, after talks between mayor Andy Burnham and the UK government collapsed.  As a result of being placed under Tier 3, pubs and restaurants must close unless they are supplying substantial meals and outside household…

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Footfall continues decline following tiered restrictions

Footfall fell by 3.1% across all retail destinations last week from the week before, following tiered restrictions being introduced across the UK. According to the latest figures from Springboard, footfall saw largely similar rates of decline in all three destination types, with footfall down by 2.8% in high streets, 3%…

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