London Diamond Bourse announces EGM to discuss future location

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) has announced it will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in the wake of data showing leases in the Hatton Garden area are set to skyrocket. The bourse hopes the meeting will provide an opportunity to consult its members as to the various options available…

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Hallmarking slumps 11.8% in July

The total number of hallmarked items dropped 11.8% in July, a decrease of 92,333 pieces when compared with the same month last year. New figures from all four of the UK’s assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, which found the total number of hallmarked items in July…

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H&T Pawnbrokers’ first half profits soar 42.3%

The UK’s largest pawnbroking group, H&T, has revealed a jump in profits in the first half of the year, despite “challenging trading conditions”. In its unaudited trading update for the six months ending 30 June 2016, the company reported profit before tax of £3.7m – up 42.3% compared with the…

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Holts Academy partners with Claire Adler for advice seminar at IJL

Holts Academy has announced it has partnered with writer and communications consultant, Claire Adler, for seminar at this year’s International Jewellery London (IJL). The partnership will see Holts and Adler deliver a tailor-made version of her ‘Media Mindset Workshop’, which will be designed to show jewellers how to maximise trade,…

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136.24-carat diamond recovered by Alrosa

Mining firm Alrosa Group has announced the recovery of a 136.24-carat diamond from its Nyurbinskaya mine. The gem-quality rough diamond, which is 3 Black Makeable 1 Сolour, measures 29.32 х 23.88 х 21.9 mm and is one of the largest rough diamonds ever to be recovered at the mine. Currently…

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Western investors drive gold demand to near-record high

Western investors have driven the demand for gold to a near-record high, according to a new report from the World Gold Council (WGC). Global gold demand reached 2,335 tonnes (t) in the first half of 2016 – a record for the first half of a year and 16% higher than…

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Small firms ‘could deliver one million more apprenticeships’, says FSB

Small firms could create a million new apprenticeships with the right support from the government, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has said.  A new report from the FSB claims the small business sector in England has the potential to double the number of apprentices it takes on to over…

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Petra recovers 138.57-carat white diamond

Petra Diamonds has announced the recovery of a 138.57-carat white diamond from its Cullinan mine in South Africa. The diamond is classified as Type IIa, D colour, meaning it has high clarity, and will be offered for sale as part of the company’s upcoming sales process in Johannesburg next month.…

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De Beers partners with NAJ to launch new diamond grading service

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced a partnership with De Beers’ diamond grading service in the UK. The service – a partnership between NAJ and the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), part of the De Beers Group of Companies – will see NAJ members benefit…

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Weston Beamor joins Somme poppy pins project

Weston Beamor has announced a new project that will see it cast poppy pins designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The casting, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company will cast the poppies for London-based company TMB Art Metal as a fundraising initiative…

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