Gem-A reveals new board following election results

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has unveiled its new board members following a vote held at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, August 26. The AGM, which had previously been postponed earlier this year, saw the appointment of seven new board members from the UK along with…

Read More »

Signet reports same-store sales growth of 4.2% in Q2

Jewellery retail conglomerate Signet Jewelers reported an increase in sales in its second quarter financial results, beating its expectations for the period. In the 13 weeks ending August 1, Signet reported an increase in same-store sales of 4.2%, while total sales were up 15.1% to $1.4bn (£908m) compared with the…

Read More »

UK awarded jewellery medal at WorldSkills competition

The UK has been awarded a jewellery medal at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paolo, Brazil. Ben Pritchard, an apprentice on the Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Programme, was awarded a medal of excellence after he created a specific piece of jewellery in a set time at the competition. Pritchard, who…

Read More »

Folli Follie and Links of London launch in Boutique Goldsmiths

Boutique Goldsmiths, a concept store for fashion jewellery and watches from jewellery chain Goldsmiths, has announced it is to stock Links of London and Folli Follie. The launch of the two brands today (Wednesday, August 26) comes on the first day of the opening of the retailer’s first stand alone…

Read More »

Fairtrade Gold launches in the US

Reflective Images Jewelry has been named as the first Certified Fairtrade Gold American jeweller by Fairtrade International, following the foundation’s launch in the US. The company worked as the US commercial liaison with Fairtrade International to launch the certification programme while also introducing its own traceable and transparent sourcing practices…

Read More »

Masked robber jailed for attempted jewellery raid

An 18-year-old has been sentenced to 3 years and 8 months at a youth offenders institution for an attempted armed robbery in Barnstaple. Benjamin Barton pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to the attempted armed robbery and possession and an imitation firearm at Coopers Jewellery in Barnstaple Thursday, May 28.…

Read More »

Gem Diamonds cites challenging diamond market as profits fall

UK-based diamond production firm Gem Diamonds has been affected by the challenging diamond market as profits fell in the first half of the year. In its first-half financial report for the six months ending June 30, 2015, Gem Diamonds reported that its pre-tax profits fell from $56.2m (£35.7m) in the…

Read More »

Sam Hines named international head of watches at Phillips

Auction house Phillips has announced the appointment of watch specialist Sam Hines as the company’s new head of international watches. Hines, who has over 20 years experience in the auction world, will be heading the company’s global team of watch specialists from its recently opened Asian headquarters in the Landmark…

Read More »

Swiss watch exports down 9.3% in July

Swiss watch exports decreased by 9.3% in July compared with the same month a year earlier, according to new figures from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH). Watch exports in Switzerland were valued at 1.9bn Francs (£1.26bn) during the month, with the federation citing the Asian markets, which…

Read More »

Lucara recovers 336-carat diamond in Botswana

Diamond production company Lucara has recovered a type IIa, 336-carat diamond from its Karowe Mine in Botswana. In addition the company also reported a number of “exceptional” diamonds, including a 184-carat, a 94-carat and an 86-carat stone. A 12-carat pink stone was also recovered, however the company said that it…

Read More »