Historic Chester jewellery store saved from closure

Lowe & Sons, located in Chester, has been saved from closure after its lease was bought by Powells Fine Jewellery, and is set to reopen on 16 November 2018. The independent and historic jewellery store has been trading in the region since 1770 and has occupied its existing premises in…

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The importance of gift wrapping

When I first worked in my family store, Zell Brothers, in Portland, Oregon I knew how important the beauty of our gift wrapping was to the image of our store. My aunt and two other ladies made beautiful full bows of all sizes. The maroon ribbons had an elegant effect…

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Jewellery & Watch to host ‘consolidated’ 2019 show

The Jewellery & Watch exhibition has announced a ‘consolidated 2019 show’, as its new owner, ITE Group, develops a plan to boost the show in 2020. Having purchased the exhibition and its sister show, Spring Fair, in May 2018, the exhibitions and conferences organising firm has outlined plans to grow…

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Birmingham gold bangle scam trio jailed

Three jewellers who falsely claimed that sets of gold bangles they manufactured and sold were made from higher quality gold have been jailed for a total of 14 years. Ibrar Hussain, 38, and Sabhia Shaheen, 40, of Shiza Jewellers, based at 681 Stratford Road, together with 47-year-old Mohammed Afsar, known…

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Holts Gems reveals joint venture with Hearts of London Group

Holts Gems, one of the oldest jewellers in Hatton Garden, is launching a joint venture with diamond specialists Hearts of London Group, focusing on the growing demand for coloured gemstones in personal and bespoke fine jewellery. The new retail business will launch in the first quarter of 2019 under the…

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Pandora reduces FY expectations amid ‘unsatisfactory Q3’

Pandora has reduced its full-year expectations after experiencing an “unsatisfactory” third quarter in 2018. In Q3 group revenue decreased 3% in local currency due to “timing of shipments, change of inventory levels in the wholesale channel and negative total like-for-like”. Revenue from its estore increased 52% in local currency, up…

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World Gold Council reports 6% increase in jewellery demand for Q3 2018

Jewellery demand in Q3 of 2018 saw price-led year-on-year growth of 6%, as lower gold prices during July and August encouraged bargain hunting among “price-sensitive consumers”. According to the latest report by the World Gold Council, growth in India and China was up 10% in each region, outweighed weakness in…

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Cheffins holds East Anglia’s first dedicated jewellery, silver and watches sale

Cambridge-based Fine Art Auctioneers, Cheffins, hosted the region’s first ever dedicated sale for jewellery, silver and watches on the 25 October 2018 with over 450 items sold. Nearly 85% of the jewellery lots on offer were sold, with many at prices far exceeding presale estimates. The highlight was a sapphire…

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Casting: Are manufacturers matching the retailers into the future?

I am worried that the standard of craftsmanship within our industry is dropping. Of course we still have wonderful craftsmen and women in the UK, and more in training, but unless you are based either in London or Birmingham – how hard is it to find a first class apprenticeship…

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Gemfields uncovers 5,655 carat ‘lion emerald’

Gemfields has uncovered a 5,655 carat Zambian emerald crystal with “remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue”, which has been named ‘Inkalamu’ – the Lion. The gem was discovered at Kagem, Zambia, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial…

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