Bomberg to target UK market with announcement of first stockist

Bomberg, the Swiss watch brand, has announced its first UK stockist as it gears up plans to target the UK market.  Bomberg watches, which are currently sold in over 15 countries, will be stocked in fashion retailer Wolf and Badger on Dover Street, London from Friday, February 20. Giancarlo Mantuano,…

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Edinburgh Assay Office launches new pay-as-you-go service

The Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO) is hoping to “unlock international markets” for online jewellery retailer’s with a new pay-as-you-go hallmarking and fulfilment service for online retailers.  The new service will combine hallmarking and fulfilment with final mile delivery, opening up UK and EU markets for companies importing precious metal jewellery…

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De Beers profits shine with 36% increase

The De Beers Group of Companies, itself a subsidiary of mining firm Anglo American, has reported a 36% increase in operating profits for 2014, rising to $1.4bn (around £910m) compared with the previous year. Anglo American said in a statement that the increase was due primarily to “solid demand” across key…

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Minister backs pawnbrokers in the fight against crime

The minister for crime prevention, Lynne Featherstone, has backed the work of members of the National Pawnbrokers Associations (NPA) in ensuring crime is tackled across local communities.  The public support came after a series of steps by the NPA – following discussions with the Home Office – to tackle crime…

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BJA and NAG draft questionnaire for diamond graders

Members of the British Jewellers Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) met last week to discuss the apparent anomalies between diamond grades attributed to stones by different diamond grading organisations.  It was agreed that a questionnaire should be drawn up by the two associations which will be sent…

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London Diamond Bourse to host open day

The London Diamond Bourse (LDB) in the capital’s Hatton Garden area, has set a date for its inaugural open day, taking place on Monday, February 23. In a statement, the bourse said: “The open day  will provide a great opportunity for visitors to discover new suppliers, network or simply to…

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One month left for IJL KickStart entries

There is just one month left for designers who want to enter the International Jewellery London (IJL) KickStart initiative in 2015.  Entries for the initiative, which will see 10 winning designers offered the chance to exhibit their products in a designated area at IJL 2015 for free, will close on…

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Jewellery sales set to rocket for Valentine’s Day

Jewellery retailers are set to find themselves inundated with ‘panic-stricken’ shoppers, according to payment processing company Worldpay.  According to Worldpay’s analysis of retail spending in 2014, trading in jewellery stores remains fairly flat right up until the day before Valentine’s Day where sales suddenly rocket by 70% versus the season…

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Ernest Jones set to upsize at WestQuay shopping centre

Ernest Jones is set to upsize to a larger store at Southampton’s WestQuay shopping centre.  Due to open in March, the new 3,200 square foot store will be located on WestQuay’s upper level adjacent to brands such as Jack Wills. Sarah Mander, assistant director for retail leasing at Hammerson, a…

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Sotheby’s unveils 100-carat ‘perfect’ diamond

Today global art business Sotheby’s has unveiled a 100-carat ‘perfect’ diamond, which is set for auction later this year.  The diamond, which is reportedly the largest perfect diamond with a classic emerald cut ever to be offered at auction, is currently being unveiled in Sotheby’s new Bond Street Galleries. The…

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