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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Retail sales jump 4.2%

Retail sales grew for the 28th consecutive month in July, increasing by 4.2% compared with the same month last year, according to official data released today. This was the longest period of sustained year-on-year growth since May 2008, when there were 31 periods of growth, the Office for National Statistics…

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Seiko named timekeeper of World Championships athletics

Watch brand Seiko has announced that it will once again be the official timekeeper of the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Championships. It is the 14th consecutive World Championships that Seiko has been appointed as the official timer since the event was held in Rome in 1987. Seiko…

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Laing Edinburgh celebrates 175th anniversary with £175,000 diamond necklace

Independent jeweller Laing Edinburgh has marked its 175th anniversary with the creation of a one-off diamond necklace valued at £175,000.  The necklace, named ‘175’, features 447 brilliant-cut and pave diamonds set in platinum with a double diamond drop. The piece is described as “timelessly elegant with a contemporary twist”. Taking…

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London Jewelers first jewellery store to stock Apple Watch

US-based London Jewelers is set to become the first jewellery retailer to stock the Apple Watch. The luxury New York-based jewellers is set to stock the Apple Watch Edition, an 18ct gold model which currently retails in the range of $10,000 (£6,380) to $17,000 (£10,850). The smartwatch, which had previously…

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Gucci launches ‘Gucci Sync’ in the UK

Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry has announced the UK launch of Gucci Sync, a unisex timepiece aimed at a “connected, upbeat and music-orientated” audience. The watch, which is available in two sizes, XXL (46mm) or large (36mm), features a sun-brushed dial, a stainless steel and transparent nylon case and a stadium-shaped…

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