The Alkemistry launches craft concept

London-based fine jewellery brand, The Alkemistry, has announced the upcoming launch of a luxury craft concept that is set to “harnesses luxury, craft, mindfulness and sustainability”. From 17 July, customers will be able to weave their own piece of fine jewellery from 18-carat gold chains and vibrant silk. The concept…

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Reopening date for non-essential retail in Leicester announced

Non-essential shops in Leicester will be able to reopen again on Friday 24 July, the government has confirmed. The local lockdown imposed on Leicester following a spike in coronavirus cases will begin to be eased from 24 July, although not all businesses on the high street will be allowed to…

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Goldsmiths’ Company launches collab to support Black jewellers

The Goldsmiths’ Company has today announced a collaboration with Kassandra Lauren Gordon, a Black jeweller who wrote an open letter to the jewellery industry highlighting how current practices and systems limit accessibility and entry into the trade for Black people. The letter also included a five-point plan to help increase…

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Going online – John Lewis closes down eight stores as Covid progresses

Following the havoc caused by COVID-19, the John Lewis Partnership has shocked the world with a difficult decision—permanently closing down eight stores, where 1,300 workers are now at risk of losing employment.  “Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and today’s announcement will come as very sad news to customers…

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Lark and Berry introduces carbon neutral shipping

Lark and Berry has introduced carbon neutral shipping across its brand, in a move to further offset its carbon emissions. The group currently plants trees for every purchase made, but now aims to become “one of the few” e-commerce brands to offset 100% of carbon emissions from shipping.  For every…

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Diamond sales plummet at De Beers 

Rough diamond sales at De Beers slumped by 96% to $56m (£44.6m) in the second quarter of the year, down from $1.3bn recorded the year prior.  This was largely driven by lower volumes, which plunged by 97% to 300,000 carats in the prios, while prices also fell.  It comes after…

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NAJ set to cut jobs

The NAJ has confirmed it is facing a “number” of redundancies following a widespread restructuring programme across several trade associations. The proposed plan was confirmed by the NAJ following the publication of a statement from the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) interim CEO, which was sent to all federation and…

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Usdaw welcomes compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops, but warns that it can only be effective alongside existing social distancing and hygiene procedures.  Earlier this week wearing a face covering in retail shops and supermarkets will be made compulsory from the 24 July. It…

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Inhorgenta cements plans to go ahead in open letter

Inhorgenta Munich, a jewellery and watch trade show that attracts international visitors, has published an open letter in support of its event that is set to take place in February 2021. The letter was signed by 35 members from the watch, jewellery and gemstone communities across the world. The annual…

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Everledger reveals revamped blockchain platform

‌Everledger‌ has announced ‌the‌ ‌launch‌ ‌of‌ ‌a‌ ‌new‌ ‌version‌ ‌of‌ ‌its blockchain platform,‌ ‌with‌ features‌ ‌that‌ ‌match‌ ‌the supply‌-and‌-demand‌ ‌of‌ ‌diamonds ‌based‌ ‌on‌ ‌the customer criteria‌. The group said the renewed platform will bring “additional‌ ‌transparency‌” ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌diamond industry‌ ‌by‌ ‌highlighting‌ ‌key‌ ‌characteristics‌ ‌of‌ ‌stones, such as ‌diamond‌ ‌quality,‌…

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