Sotheby’s to auction Cromwell-era ring unearthed by metal detector

An English, late 15th Century ring that was found using a metal detector is to be offered for auction.  The ring was discovered in 2013 near Launde Abbey, an Elizabethan manor house once home to Thomas Cromwell’s son, and will be offered for auction by Sotheby’s in London on Thursday,…

Read More »

Breitling to open Bluewater boutique

Land Securities has announced that watch brand Breitling is set to open a 1,583 sq ft boutique in the Bluewater shopping centre in Dartford.  The boutique, which will open this autumn on the shopping centre’s upper Rose Gallery, will be the first of its kind to be managed by Aurum…

Read More »

Bolton jewellers hit by armed robbers, passerby knocked over

A gang armed with axes and crowbars have stolen a “large amount” of jewellery from a jewellers in Bolton.    Four offenders travelling on two stolen motorbikes parked up outside the store on Newport Street, Bolton, at 4:45pm on Friday 4 July. Police said that one of the robbers waited…

Read More »

Shoppers attempt to apprehend burglars in Manchester raid

Two men have been caught on camera just minutes after carrying out a raid on a jewellery store in Manchester city centre.  The two men were riding a lime green motorcycle and approached Arthur Kay and Brothers Jewellers on Market Street at around 2:50pm on Thursday, July 2, where one…

Read More »

Laing Edinburgh secures £1.3m relocation

Independent jeweller Laing Edinburgh is set for a £1.3m relocation to Edinburgh’s exclusive George Street – fulfilling a lifelong dream for chairman Michael Laing.  The jewellers, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, has agreed terms to move into 72 George Street, formerly occupied by Barclays Bank, and is…

Read More »

Chapelle Jewellery acquired by Hilco Capital

Independent jewellery chain Chapelle has been purchased for an undisclosed sum by restructuring and investment firm, Hilco Capital.  Hilco Capital, the owner of the HMV entertainment retail group, completed the acquisition from the company’s founders Paul and Margaret Mortimer, who will remain in operational control of the company. Speaking to…

Read More »

Thieves steal £570k worth of diamonds from Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair

Some £570,000 (HK $6.9m) worth of jewellery – mostly diamonds – has been stolen in a string of thefts at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, according to reports from a Chinese newspaper.  The South China Morning Post reported that 17 thefts took place over the four-day show –…

Read More »

Accurist launches new website

British watch brand Accurist has launched a new mobile and tablet-friendly website, which will allow ease of use across all devices.  Clear categories for men and women will be a key feature, enabling customers to easily find specific products at their nearest Accurist retailer. To enhance the customer experience, the…

Read More »

BJA Fairtrade ‘I Do’ competition winner announced

Jessica Mead, design assistant at Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery has won the BJA Fairtrade ‘I Do’ competition. UK designers were asked to draw up a matching wedding and engagement ring set in Fairtrade gold featuring a 50pt round brilliant-cut lab certified diamond and up to ½ a carat of small…

Read More »

Record Oxford Street rent for first Longines UK store

Swatch Group is set to open its first standalone store in the UK for its Longines watch brand, which will include record retail rent for premises on London’s Oxford Street.  The 1,000 sq ft store will be located opposite department store Selfridges, after the Swiss watch brand secured a lease…

Read More »