Retailers win court battle against Mastercard and Visa

The Court of Appeals has ruled in favour of four UK retailers who claimed that card fees charged by Mastercard and Visa when customers make a transaction were too high. Judge Terence Etherton agreed with Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Argos and found that the card merchants’ system was an “unlawful…

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JNA Awards 2018 draws record number of entries

The seventh edition of the JNA Awards, has announced that a record-breaking number of 127 entries across 12 categories has been received. Organised by UBM Asia, the JNA Awards recognises best business practices, excellence and innovation in the international jewellery and gemstone industry. UBM said that fifty-six of those submissions…

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BRC calls for two-year freeze on business rates

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has asked the government to consider freezing business rates for two years to ease the pressure on retailers. By proposing a two-year freeze on increases, the BRC said it would give time for the government and industry to develop a proposal for an updated taxation…

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Mayfair Jewellers celebrate Royal Academy’s 250th anniversary

Susannah Lovis Jewellers and Liss Llewellyn have announced a partnership on a floral collection exhibition to celebrate the 250th anniversary of The Royal Academy of Art. Works from modern British artists and the Mayfair jewellers’ collections of antique pieces will be featured on the display entitled ‘A Hanging Garden’, which…

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Blockchain – The technology pulling the jewellery industry into the future

“In two to five years we won’t be talking about Blockchain, it will just be one of those things that is a given,” says Leanne Kemp. She is CEO of Everledger, a global startup that uses the best of emerging technology including Blockchain, Smart Contracts and Machine Vision to assist…

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Would you buy lab-grown diamond jewellery?

“Synthetic diamonds will never replace a natural diamond,” says Leonard Zell, Jewellery Focus’ own columnist and a specialist in jewellery sales training, with a chuckle. “I can’t see how a woman would ever want to mention that she has a lab created diamond as an engagement ring.” Zell’s remarks are…

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Glashütte Original creates a buzz with new Sixties models

Glashütte Original is celebrating its partnership – now in its 15th year – with the Dresden Music Festival by rolling out the latest two representatives of its Sixties line, which carry the style of the Sixties into the 21st century. Glashütte Original is a world-famous watch brand with a long tradition…

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Second Ethical Gem Fair to take place in London

The success of the inaugural Ethical Gem Fair in early March 2018 has resulted in the organisation of a second fair, taking place on August 31 to September 1 2018. The two-day event will allow guests to purchase gemstones that offer full provenance, in addition to presentations from each of…

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Brits prefer to own a precious keepsake to ‘throwaway fashion’

Young Britons are increasingly choosing to own luxury watches and jewellery with sentimental value, a survey by Beaverbrooks has shown. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 Britons under 25, revealed Brits are most likely to own a cherished item that holds a special milestone or memory for them, with women (44%)…

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Houlden appoints Lizzie McAuley as new director

Jewellery buying consortium Houlden has appointed Lizzie McAuley as a director on its board of executives.   She was chosen for the role after attending several director’s meetings as part of a guest member programme, and the group said she will play “a vital role” in delivering the key strategies…

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