UK footfall accelerates fourfold 

Footfall in UK retail destinations rose by 4.1% last week against the week before, marking a “significant” acceleration in the prior week’s rise of 0.8%, and 1.8% rise in the same week last year.   According to the latest data from Springboard, this was largely driven by rises in footfall of…

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Gemological Science International appoints chief learning officer

The Gemological Science International (GSI) has appointed Alethea Inns as its new chief learning officer.  The new role is part of the institute’s commitment to ongoing education programmes, courses and tools for the jewellery trade and consumers.   GMI refers to Inns as a “seasoned professional”, who brings with her an…

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IJL 2021 cancelled 

Organisers of International Jewellery London (IJL), Reed Exhibitions, have confirmed that the 2021 edition of the event will no longer go ahead.  Reed Exhibitions cited ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason for the event’s cancellation.  News of the cancellation comes two months after exhibitors announced that IJL…

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Maya Gemstones launches engagement ring collection

Maya Gemstones has announced the launch of a “unique” engagement ring collection, following a rise in bespoke sales of engagement rings during the pandemic. The new ‘Perfect Ring’ collection features options in brushed 18ct white, yellow and rose gold, with Maya Cut stones, including diamond, pink tourmaline and sky-blue topaz. …

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Céline Assimon named as new De Beers CEO

De Beers Group has announced that Céline Assimon will succeed François Delage the new CEO of De Beers Jewellers.  Having worked at De Beers Jewellers for a decade, Delage will step down as CEO at the end of September. Following his departure, Assimon will join the business on 1 September…

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Record economic growth anticipated for Q3

The UK is reportedly on track for a record economic resurgence during the third quarter of the year, following sharp declines in GDP at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in Q2. According to the Financial Times (FT), City of London economists have predicted a 14.3% rise in GDP for…

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NAJ launches yearbook

The NAJ has announced the publication of its annual yearbook, which aims to celebrate its members and wider industry “through the eyes of NAJ”. While members had previously benefited from its in-house publication, The Jeweller, the Association has now presented members with an “additional reference source, to inform, remind and…

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Austro-Hungarian necklace raises funds for Alzheimer’s Society

An Austro-Hungarian necklace has been sold at Fellows Auctioneers for £900 on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society. The late 19th Century neo-Renaissance enamel and gem-set necklace “soared” above its initial £600 to £800 estimate and received over 30 bids in Fellows’ Jewellery Sale.  It featured as Lot 29 in the…

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Road closures are ‘accelerating the decline of the high street’, says Bira

Local authorities across the UK are “accelerating the decline of the high street” with “unnecessary” road closures, according to Bira. The group said it has been “inundated” with calls from concerned businesses that post-lockdown accessibility issues are “significantly impacting trade”. Bira said it is now working hard to help address…

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The enjoyment of in-store shopping is a culture we must not forget

Before the pandemic hit, we were already inching closer to the death of the High Street. But with lockdown restrictions and now, new COVID containment measures in place, its demise seems that much more daunting. “Consumer sentiments have well and truly changed,” warns Robert Lockyer, CEO and founder of Delta…

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