National Association of Jewellers furloughs CEO

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has furloughed its CEO Simon Forrester as a “temporary measure” in response to pandemic. A statement issued by the NAJ read: “As all are acutely aware we are in unprecedented times, and uncharted waters lie ahead. The government have made it clear that we…

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Covid-19 & designer watches: The impact of the outbreak

The coronavirus outbreak has caused widespread devastation across the entire globe. Not only are the numbers of cases and deaths caused by the COVID-19 virus already in the tens of thousands, but industries and societal constructs are continuing to struggle as a result.  One such industry to suffer the consequences…

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Oroarezzo show moved to July amid Covid-19 Pandemic

Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has decided to move Oroarezzo 2020 (OA) to July and said it is working to “guarantee” customers, visitors, partners and its own workers, with the highest safety standards. OA 2020 will be held from 18  to 21 July in the Arezzo Expo Centre with a “proactive…

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World’s biggest watch brands exit Baselworld

Five of the world’s biggest watch brands have released a joint statement announcing their withdrawal from Baselworld 2021, following the cancellation of this year’s event due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a joint statement, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chanel, Chopard and Tudor said they will no longer participate in the world’s…

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Vicar of Dibley pendant goes to auction

A cross pendant that featured in BBC comedy The Vicar of Dibley will be auctioned at Fellows Auctioneers.  The 18ct gold ‘Heera’ diamond cross pendant was created in conjunction with the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) and designed by actress Dawn French.  The pendant has an estimated price between £500 and…

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Have your say: Baselworld lays out refund policy

Baselworld has announced it is planning to withhold exhibitor’s fees for the cancelled 2020 show and instead shift them to the event the following year.  MCH Group, which organised the event, said it would now carry forward 85% of the fees to Baselworld 2021, with the remaining 15% used to…

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Average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in 2021, says UHY

The average UK SME does not have enough cash to cover debts due in the next year, according to new research from accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young. The firm’s analysis of the balance sheets of more than 13,500 SMEs in the UK showed that the average SME now has only…

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De Beers contributes £2m to Botswana and Namibia

De Beers Group has announced that it will contribute $2.5m (£2m) across Botswana and Namibia to aid the response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in these countries. The jewellery group said it is a “50/50 joint venture” partner with both Botswana and Namibia in the recovery and sorting of rough…

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CMJ takes ‘unprecedented steps’ to support members 

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) announced that it is bringing forward its retrospective rebate payment to members in its latest efforts to provide support amid the pandemic. Retailer members of the association will now receive their retrospective rebate today (7 April), three months earlier than normal. The CMJ has…

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Theo Fennell launches online auction for charity

Theo Fennell has announced that it is hosting a seven day silent auction on its website, with a percentage of proceeds going towards the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation’s Covid 19 Appeal. The British fine jewellery and silverware brand said that the auction will feature five “one-of-a-kind” pieces, all of which…

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