DDI to manage Kimberley Process technical assistance

The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) has begun coordinating the ‘technical assistance’ function of the Kimberley Process with the help of a grant from Signet Jewellers.  The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds, especially those used…

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Bering Time appoints Ian Latham new country manager

Danish brand Bering Time has appointed Ian Latham as its new UK country manager with immediate effect. Ian has been part of Bering’s UK team since the brand first launched into the UK two years ago, during which time the company has built a presence spanning some 400 shops. In a statement, Bering said: “With…

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WFDB mulls future objectives

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has concluded a three-day programme of meetings in Antwerp, revealing a strategy on the future mission of WFDB in the diamond trade.  The strategy meeting, which included facilitator-led discussions, debated and agreed on themes that connect the WFDB and the international diamond trade’s…

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Growing disparity between online and retail stores, says Displaydata

The rise of omni-channel retail has led to greater expectations for the in-store shopping experience amongst UK consumers.  This is according to research from Displaydata, which surveyed over 2,000 consumers and found that 76% shoppers now research online before visiting a store, but it found a growing disparity between online…

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Pawn Stars UK to visit H&T Pawnbrokers stores

Regal Pawn, the stars of History Channel’s Pawn Stars UK, are making a series of appearances at H&T Pawnbrokers stores nationwide.  Throughout October and November, the cast members will visit H&T Pawnbrokers stores to carry out valuations, provide advice, share anecdotes and sign autographs. So far, the cast members have…

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Is your website legal?

Technology lawyer Andrew Brennan, of law firm SGH Martineau, explains the minimum legal requirements for corporate websites. Websites must display the business name, place of registration, registered number, registered office address, details of any regulator if the business undertakes regulated activities and the VAT number. For sole traders and partnerships, the…

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Deakin & Francis expands into Asia with Lane Crawford

Deakin & Francis has expanded into the Asian market with its products now available in Hong Kong and Chinese department store group, Lane Crawford, as well as on the firm’s website.  The move comes after Deakin & Francis visited Hong Kong as part of the UKTI Great Weeks trade mission,…

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Retail confidence for Christmas is high, says Barclays

Over 70% of retailers are feeling more confident about Christmas trading than to last year, with 28% claiming they are “far more confident”, according to new research from Barclays.  According to a new survey of multi-channel retailers, commissioned by Barclays’ retail and wholesale banking team, the festive cheer compares favourably…

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GIA suspends diamond sealing services after receiving mis-labelled packet

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has suspended diamond sealing services and the issuance of duplicate reports at all locations, with immediate effect. In a statement, GIA said: “The Institute is taking this action after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the data label in the…

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Gemporia launches French and German websites in European expansion

Online jewellery retailer Gemporia has expanded into northern Europe by launching French and German versions of its website.  Despite already shipping worldwide, Gemporia, which is owned by the Genuine Gemstone Company, the new venture will be a first for the company which previously handled all customers on its UK website.…

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