How brands rise to the top

An enormous number of jewellery businesses that offer the same thing. Don’t get me wrong, many present beautifully designed and crafted collections, but outside of well-made jewellery they all look the same to me. I certainly couldn’t see many with a compelling story behind them – a soul, that big…

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How did Amazon catch everyone off guard?

Complacency by retailers in the US was the major factor why Amazon’s success caught the entire retail industry off guard. Three of our largest retailers in the US have paid a steep price. Macys JC Penny have closed hundreds of stores and Sears’ future is in doubt. The Limited, one…

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Laings flagship Glasgow store unveils renovations

Luxury jewellers, Laings has unveiled the results of its recently renovated flagship store in Glasgow. Laings currently has seven stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Southampton.The Glasgow store is located at the Argyll Arcade which is also home to over 30 jewellers. Laings said the renovation, which will help it…

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Tests, drugs and the payroll – understanding your obligations as an employer

According to a survey carried out in 2015 on employees from a range of sectors, nearly a third admitted using drugs at work, with a significant number claiming to be ‘under the influence’ every working day. In fact, many of those admitting to taking drugs were using cannabis or other…

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Understanding international jewellery

The first month at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham is well underway. Bustling workshop demonstrations and creative experimentations are taking place, contextual study-trips and talking practice events are stimulating minds and the students are settling into the routine of formative lectures and seminars. But there is nothing routine about…

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Footfall drops in July as customers avoid high street in heatwave

The heatwave drew customers away from the high street in July, as footfall fell by 10.8% compared with the same month in 2017. According to the Ipsos Retail Traffic Index, footfall was down in all regions compared with July 2017 with Scotland and Northern Ireland seeing 6.5% less shoppers on…

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First Look – Luca Jouel

Tell us a bit about the company, its history and background? Luca Jouel is a boutique Australian fine jewellery brand offering beautiful custom designed and made pieces that celebrate a sophisticated yet organic beauty. Luca Jouel is a proud member of the prestigious community of luxury lifestyle brands bearing the…

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Voice on the High Street: Alyssa Smith Jewellery

Name: Alyssa Smith Jewellery Location: Sparkle Towers HQ, Hertfordshire Year established: 2010 Number of staff: 4 When was Alyssa Smith founded? Alyssa Smith Jewellery was born in 2010. I started with nothing but a tiny, cramped bedroom floor for a workshop and a degree in marketing and applied arts. What…

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Tips for better pearl photography

Your visitors will always be drawn to an image before they read the text on the page, so you need to make sure that your images look compelling. But mastering the art of pearl jewellery photography takes patience, practice and more practice. Oh, and a little technical acumen. We teamed…

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NAJ appoints Marie Garnett as new head of education

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has appointed Marie Garnett as head of education, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained over 25 years as an ‘educational developer’. Primarily in the higher education sector, she has worked at universities on the development and provision of training portfolios for staff…

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