Upward hallmarking trajectory continues in August

The positive trend for UK hallmarking figures continued in August, according to the latest figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The total number of articles marked rose by 12.5% compared with August last year. Particularly strong performers were 9ct gold (which rose 10.2%) and silver (which rose 18.2%), which…

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Endless Jewelry signs 40 new UK accounts at IJL

Rapidly-growing brand Endless Jewelry has enjoyed a successful show at this year’s International Jewellery London, signing 40 new accounts. This is the first year the brand, owned by former Pandora boss Jesper Nielsen, has exhibited at the show. New stockists include Flitwick Jewellers, Inspired by Brufords, John Moore Jewellers Cork, Bonds…

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Mococo launches seventh store in Birkenhead

Jewellery retailer Mococo has launched its seventh store in the Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead.  The new store has been officially opened today and a special weekend will be held until Sunday September 7, showcasing the latest designer brands including Chlobo, Thomas Sabo, Diamonfire and Nomination. Those shopping on the opening…

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Britain’s shop vacancy rate falls to its lowest level since June 2010

Britain’s shop vacancy rate fell to 13.3% in August, down from 13.4% in July, its lowest level since June 2010.  New research from the Local Data Company shows that the overall retail and leisure vacancy rate also decreased from 11.9% to 11.8%. Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company,…

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Grace & Co to open sixth store in Grantham

Leicestershire-based jewellers Grace & Co is set to open a brand new store in autumn this year, bringing its number of stores to a total of six.  Opening its doors in late September, the new store will feature a range of jewellery brands from Thomas Sabo, Swarovski, and Vivienne Westwood.…

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Economic recovery solid, but growth ‘will even out’: CBI

The UK economic recovery is on solid ground but growth will even out in the second half of 2014 and into next year, the CBI said in its latest economic forecast. The UK’s leading business group forecasts 3.0% growth in 2014 and 2.7% in 2015, unchanged from May. Between the…

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Demand for Fairtrade gold increases

Cred Jewellery, a Fairtrade gold supplier, has received its largest shipment yet as demand soars in the UK.  The shipment, including bullion bars of unrefined 9kg of gold and 11kg of silver, comes from the Sotrami mine in Peru. It is the biggest shipment of Fairtrade metals ever received in…

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Charity auction at IJL raises over £3,000 for Breast Cancer Care

A charity auction at International Jewellery London (IJL) has raised more than £3,000 for Breast Cancer Care.  Hosted on the opening night of the show, at the late-night shopping evening, the auction featured 12 lots from designers and brands, including Ingenious Jewellery, Deakin & Francis, Marcia Lanyon and Sarah Ho.…

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Smiles at a trade show? Must be something in the water

Genuinely upbeat. That is how I would describe the atmosphere at International Jewellery London, which finishes its first re-launched iteration at London’s Olympia today.  It was clear to see that business was being done – whenever I dropped by any of the stands to ask how people’s show had been…

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Retail optimism level at its highest since 2002, says CBI

Retailers are at their most optimistic since 2002, with 51% of respondents reporting an increase in sales volumes, according to new research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).  According to CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey, retail sales grew strongly in the year to August with the pace of…

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