Q&A: Michael Aldridge on the CMJ’s latest accounts

The Company of Master Jewellers has undergone some key changes in the last couple of years, refocusing the business on its core purpose – a buying group for independent high street jewellers. Michael Northcott caught up with chairman Michael Aldridge in the wake the the CMJ’s new accounts being published…

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The importance of internships and apprenticeships in the jewellery industry

It’s no secret that recruitment is a challenge. Over two-thirds (68%) of UK employers say they have struggled to find workers with the skills they need, according to a recent report (source: Edge). Attracting and retaining skilled talent is a difficult task for any industry, but is perhaps felt more…

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GIA senior vice president Kathryn Kimmel retires

Kathryn Kimmel, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, has retired from the Gemological Institute of America GIA. According to the group, during her 29 years of service to the Institute and its mission to protect consumers, she built a “remarkable and enduring” legacy. It added that Kimmel played a…

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NAJ launches new initiative to promote UK jewellery

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has launched its “long-awaited” campaign to promote jewellery and allied products made in the UK. The scheme entitled ‘Created in the UK’ champions British manufacturing, and is designed for both suppliers and retailers, whether NAJ members or not. Launched at the International Jewellery London…

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Carat London launches new lab grown diamond platform

Carat London has launched Gentle Diamonds, its new lab grown diamond platform. Carat London said it is “proud” to be the first national retailer to offer this product in the UK. In 2004, Scott Thompson, founder of Carat London first invested with Gemesis, one of the early pioneers of diamond…

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Okapi launches its first fine jewellery collection

African luxury lifestyle brand, Okapi, is launching The Karoo Collection, their first fine jewellery line, this September. The new collection uses the brand’s signature Springbok horn, an African talismanic charm believed to bring good luck to those who wear it, as the foundation for the range. Okapi’s evolution into jewellery…

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Guardian Brands appointed as new distributor for Engelsrufer

Guardian Brands has been appointed as the new distributor for the Engelsrufer brand in the United Kingdom. Engelsrufer said it believes that the brand has “yet to achieve its full potential in the UK market”, which is why it has selected a distributor which is solely focused on marketing and…

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Graff reveals new Lesotho Pink diamond ring

Graff has unveiled a new ring made from the cut and polished 13.33ct Graff Lesotho Pink diamond. According to the group, expert gemologists and craftsmen spent many months analysing the “complexities” of the rare diamond, and how best to capture the “extraordinary beauty of its unusually vibrant pink hue”. The…

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Jewellery sector forecast to reach £5.9bn in sales in 2019

The jewellery and watch industry is anticipated to rise to £5.9bn in 2019, according to new research from Mintel. According to Mintel’s upcoming Jewellery and Watches Retailing UK 2019 report, demand for jewellery and watches in the UK has remained “robust”, with sales reaching £5.7bn in 2018, up 2.9% from…

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Jonathan Payne Joins Hamilton & Inches as managing director

Edinburgh based jewellers and Royal Warrant holders Hamilton and Inches has announced Jonathan Payne as its new managing director to support Victoria Houghton, CEO, and the rest of the team. Payne will bring his luxury retail management expertise he gained from his previous roles to Hamilton and Inches as it…

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