Gold and platinum up in May hallmarking

Both the number of gold and platinum pieces hallmarked in May 2019 increased by 1.4% and 12.4% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Gold hallmarked pieces increased from 294,530 to 298,654 and platinum items increased from 24,768 to 27,847 during the month. However, this was offset…

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Taylor & Hart creates Pride-inspired ring collection

In celebration of Pride month, London-based bespoke jewellers, Taylor and Hart has created a collection of gemstone rings inspired by the LGBTQ+ community. The consists of a classic unisex band that it described as “easily wearable”, with the Pride flag serving as inspiration for the rainbow gemstones depicting the “diverse…

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Christie’s Important Jewels auction totals £5.6m

Christie’s Important Jewels auction on 12 June 2019 recorded sales totalling £5.6m, drawing London Luxury Week to a close with a combined total of £12,608,796. Highlights included an Important Diamond Necklace, achieving £335,250, a Fine Late 19th Century Sapphire Brooch of 26.49 carats, which realised £237,500 and a Rare Late…

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The potential of the US and Canada for jewellery retailers and brands

There are glittering prizes in reach for UK jewellery brands and retailers that tap into the growing demand from younger shoppers worldwide to purchase luxury jewellery online. The opportunities are coming into clear focus as consumers, particularly those belonging to Gen Z (those born after 1995), become increasingly receptive to…

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Trade Insight: L’atelier De Pino Spitaleri

Pino Spitaleri, 36, was born in Belgium, and has been around stones and diamonds ever since he was a child. His family were originally from Sicily where his grandfather was a miner, and the family immigrated to Belgium for mining work. The passion for jewellery was awoken early: when he…

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North East gallery launches jewellery showcase

The Biscuit Factory – the UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery in Newcastle’s Ouseburn Valley – has presented a new jewellery collection inspired by the theme of ‘play’. The collection features makers whose work has a “playful quality”, with highlights including include statement jewellery by Norfolk-based Jane Sedgwick…

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Police investigating Carlisle jewellery store robbery

Police investigating a robbery in Carlisle city centre are appealing for anyone who might have seen a car involved in the incident to contact them. Two men arrested in connection with the robbery at St Nicholas Galleries in Bank Street at about 2.20pm 6 June remain in custody. According to…

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Making finance more engaging

An engagement ring is one of the most exciting purchases many individuals (or couples) can make. Marriage proposals are causes for joy and celebration. However, the average engagement ring spend in the UK stood at (a not insignificant) £1,483 last year – a huge 89% increase on the year before,…

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Former president of the GIA Glenn Nord dies

Glenn Nord, member of the GIA Board of Governors and past president of the Institute, died on Sunday, 9 June. Throughout his more than 50-year association with GIA, Nord was a student, instructor, president and member of the Institute’s board of governors. Nord, who turned 90 in 2018, earned his…

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Amazon reduces selling partner fees for jewellery and watches

Online retail giant Amazon has introduced a new tiered referral fee for jewellery and watch selling partners across Europe. According to the retailer, this will “significantly” reduce the cost of selling jewellery and watches priced over €250/£225. The changes are: Watches referral fee changing from a flat 15% in the…

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