Is it time for jewellers to invest in cryptocurrency?

In September, diamond jeweller Samer Halimeh made the decision to start trading with cryptocurrency. Also, digital cash brand Dash has partnered with the National Association of Jewellers to specifically target the UK market. This all begs the question: is it time for jewellers to invest in cryptocurrency? What is cryptocurrency?…

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Could the GIA’s diamond detector save the diamond industry?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a new device which it says is more effective than anything else in the market at detecting synthetic diamonds. Will the new technology be the silver bullet the industry needs to solve this problem? SHEKINA TUAHENE speaks to Tom Moses, executive vice…

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Janet Fitch- Earrings jump through hoops

The popularity of earrings has swung throughout history, from being important in antiquity to times when they were not worn at all, but last year saw a resurgence of earrings of every variety, matched or mismatched, and the momentum continues now, with statement chandelier and hoop earrings as well. Demand…

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The rise of wearable tech – how the market turned luxury

Wearable tech has in recent years become mainstream, but it doesn’t always look great as a fashion item. As more brands try to enter the space with ‘luxury’ wearable tech pieces, SHEKINA TUAHENE speaks to patent lawyer MARK MARFE about how these products come to be and why there is…

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Voice on the High Street – Annie Haak

NAME: Annie Haak Designs LOCATION: Petersfield, Hampshire   YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2009 NUMBER OF STAFF: 16-20 WEBSITE: www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk When was Annie Haak founded? Annie Haak was founded in 2009 when Annie’s husband Johnny was involved in a motorcycling accident on the tropical island of Bali. Annie flew out to Bali to…

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Pearl Corner – Four Pearl Trends

Pearls have been around virtually forever and what is so unique about them is that they are still relevant for the discerning woman today – the pearl boom shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. By LOUISE TIPPEY Whilst you read this you will be looking for some…

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Amazon is coming Part II

And they never seem to stop. They just announced a $5 billion investment in a second headquarters in the US and to hire 50,000 people to high paying jobs. No other company has ever grown this fast. It is only a matter of time before they increase their selection of…

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Design-Nation to showcase designers at Top Drawer Spring 2018

Design-Nation, the UK’s membership portfolio for contemporary craft and design will return to Top Drawer Spring in January 2018. It will showcase 10 talented designer-makers including independent jewellers Amy Leigh and Trevor Forrester. Clare Edwards, director of Design-Nation said: “After the recent successful merger of Design-Nation and Design Factory, exhibiting…

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CBI announce retail sales rise in Christmas run-up

Retail sales rose in the year to December, building further on November’s solid performance, according to the latest monthly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. The survey of 109 firms, of which 56 were retailers, showed that in the year to December, retail sales and orders continued to rise, although it noted…

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Joanna Hardy reveals ‘world’s first’ foundation course in jewellery

Independent fine jewellery consultant, Joanna Hardy, has announced an online foundation course offering access to workshops and opportunities to work with craftspeople responsible for some of the worlds finest jewellery. Students will learn techniques and skills used by master craftspeople, offering advice on how to select jewellery in an informed…

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