National Living Wage has ‘not led to job losses’

The introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) has not resulted in mass job losses, according to a new study released today (11 July). The report, published by the Resolution Foundation, found employers have responded to the NLW by raising prices (36%) or reducing profits (29%) rather than cutting jobs,…

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De Beers CEO highlights importance of partnerships

The new chief executive officer of De Beers, Bruce Cleaver, has highlighted the importance of relationships with the company’s partners, saying they are the “cornerstone of the business”. In a blog for the company’s website, Cleaver, who was recently appointed to the position, said: “De Beers holds a unique position…

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Thieves steal £14,000 from Suffolk pawnbrokers after chiselling through wall

Thieves have made off with jewellery worth around £14,500 from a Suffolk jewellers after reportedly chiselling through a brick wall. Around two or three thieves broke into an area behind a neighbouring pet shop on Bevan Street in Lowestoft, before spending an hour chiselling through a solid brick wall to…

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The British Craft Trade Fair to launch first London exhibition

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF), which takes place in Harrogate, has announced the launch of its inaugural London exhibition. The autumn exhibition, which will take place on Sunday 11 to Tuesday 13 September, will be located at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane London. The fair will still continue…

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NAJ Awards open for nomination

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced its annual awards ceremony is now open for nominations. It’s second awards since the association was formed from a unification between the National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) and the British Jewellers Association (BJA), businesses within the industry will be nominated across seven…

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Strong auction results for Fellows despite ‘Brexit anxiety’

Fellows Auctioneers has reported an “impressive” hammer sale of £276,976 at its jewellery auction held on Thursday, 7 July. More than 1,500 lots were available at the sale with 72% being told. The auction house said the most “encouraging” thing was the comparison with its sale two weeks earlier –…

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W.E Clark & Son nominated for best independent retailer in local awards

Sussex-based jewellery retailer W.E Clark & Son has been nominated for ‘Best Independent Retailer’ at the Lewes District Business Awards 2016. The awards, which will take place on 14 July at Lewes Town Hall, aim to celebrate excellence among the district’s business community and will see around 200 of the…

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ACID named ‘IP Champion’ on first British IP Day

Anti Copying in Design (ACID) has been named at the first-ever UK ‘IP Champion’, at an event in Westminster yesterday (Tuesday, 5 July). The award – handed out on the first British IP Day, launched by the Alliance for Intellectual Property – recognises a person, organisation or campaign that has…

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Shop prices fall for 38th consecutive month

Shop prices fell 2% in June, the 38th consecutive decline and a deepening from the 1.8% price fall recorded in May. That’s according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Nielsen Shop Price Index, which revealed the fall was lower than the 12-month average decline of 1.8%. Non-food deflation…

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Brexit fuels uncertainty as polished diamond prices slide in June

Polished diamond prices fell in June and sentiment softened after “relatively weak” Las Vegas and Hong Kong shows, according to the Rapaport Group. The group said steady US demand supported the market but overall demand was sluggish, with Britain’s decision to leave the EU, the US election and continued weakness…

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