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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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…

Read More »

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,‌…

Read More »

Swatch Group reports 46% drop in sales

Swatch Group has reported a 46% drop in sales in the first half of the year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Although sales figures nearly halved, the group reported a 21.4% operating margin in its watches and jewellery segment for the month of January. Swatch Group, which owns brands such…

Read More »

Watches of Switzerland launches ‘by personal appointment’ service

The Watches of Switzerland group has announced the launch of its ‘by personal appointment’ service following the re-opening of its stores.  From this week forward, customers can now access a real-time booking system online through either the Goldsmiths, Mappin and Webb or Watches of Switzerland websites, and arrange an appointment…

Read More »