Shop prices fall 2% in December

Overall shop prices fell 2% in December from the 2.1% decline seen in November, according to new data released today. The latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Nielsen Shop Price Index found that non-food shop prices, which includes jewellery, fell by 3% during the month – slightly lower than the…

Read More »

World’s largest blue star sapphire ‘discovered in Sri Lanka’

The world’s largest blue star sapphire has been found in a mine in Sri Lanka, gemologists have claimed. Gemologists in the country’s capital said they have certified the gem, which was mined in the city of Ratnapura, known as the City of Gems, as weighing 1404 carats –  the previous…

Read More »

Polished diamond prices increase in December

The price of polished diamond continued to increase in December, boosted by last-minute Christmas holiday orders. The latest Rapnet Diamond Index (RAPI) from Rapaport found the price of 1-carat, GIA-graded diamonds increased 1.5% during the month. RAPI for 0.30-carat diamonds and 0.50-carat diamonds increased by 4.7% and 3% respectively, while…

Read More »

Greg Valerio awarded MBE for work in Fairtrade gold

The founder of Cred Jewellery, Greg Valerio, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Years’ Honours List. Valerio, who established the world’s first traceable gold ‘from mine to wedding ring’ in 2004, was awarded the title for his work in Fairtrade gold and with gold mining communities in…

Read More »

Chisholm Hunter sells rare £500,000 diamond ring

Luxury jeweller and diamond merchant Chisholm Hunter has sold a rare diamond ring for more than £500,000. The 5-carat round brilliant D-colour flawless diamond ring was purchased by one of the store’s customers as a Christmas present for this wife. The diamond ring was crafted by the retailer’s in-house jewellers…

Read More »

10 tips for increasing online sales

We’ve all heard about how important it is to generate engagement and drive traffic to your website. However, while racking up a large amount of visitors to your site is a great start, the number of people that convert into actual sales needs to be as equally impressive before you…

Read More »

Another step forward in an ongoing challenge

Diamond grading issues have been a hot topic in recent months, but a new ISO Standard could benefit the consumer and retailer. STELLA LAYTON, chief assay master at the Birmingham Assay Office, explains.[divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″] The industry has come a long way since we staged our first Great Debate…

Read More »

Olivia Burton launches first stand-alone retail presence in Hong Kong

British watch brand Olivia Burton has launched its first stand-alone retail presence in Hong Kong. The move comes as a partnership with the company’s Hong Kong distributor – Working Unit – and has seen three Olivia Burton-dedicated ‘watch corners’ open across the city in Kapok retail stores. The company said…

Read More »