Assay office announces further training courses for 2012

The Birmingham Assay Office has announced that it has extended its core training and education programme to introduce two new one-day interactive courses in 2012. Understanding Coloured Gemstones will provide “technical information in an accessible way about the most important coloured stones that are used in jewellery,” and Identifying Hallmarks…

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Allumer pendant to be auctioned during National Adoption Week

Luxury jewellery brand Allumer has launched an exclusive design in support of the national children’s charity, Coram. Founder of Allumer Natasha Leith-Smith created the pendant, which makes reference to the old ballot ball process used to determine which children could be accepted into care. Known as the Coram Lariat-White Ball,…

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Harriet Kelsall certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has announced that UK bespoke jeweller Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design Ltd, has achieved certification by “meeting  the ethical, human rights, social and environmental standards as established by the RJC’s Member Certification System.”    “Earlier this year we became one of the first 20 jewellers in…

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All Golds exhibition showcases 40 years of talent

The Birmingham School of Jewellery is hosting the work of 100 designers, artists, makers, gallery owners, academics, retailers and industry leaders at its All Golds exhibition. Celebrating lecturer Terry Hunt’s 40-year tenure at the institution, those taking part have been asked to provide two pieces of work: one current and…

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Israel Diamond Exchange welcomes new managing director

Brigadier general Moti Besser, most recently managing director of the State Comptroller’s Office, has returned to the Israeli diamond industry as managing director of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE). He was appointed by president Yair Sahar to take on the position at IDE and will “play an active role in…

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Jorg Gray to produce customised watch for the London Special Branch

Watch brand Jorg Gray is to produce a customised watch for the London Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch command.   The watch will have the Special Branch’s seal on the front, with the date that the command was founded and a unique serial number on the reverse.   The Special Branch…

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Sophie Harley growth strategy starts with website re-launch

Jewellery designer Sophie Harley has re-launched her website following 12 months of functionality upgrading.   The new site, which “allow[s] for easier navigation and aims to be a continuation of Harley’s studio space,” showcases her collections alongside a bespoke section containing past collections for customers to peruse.   Harley said:…

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The Letšeng Star sold for £10.2 million

Gem Diamonds has announced the sale of the world’s 14th largest white diamond on record. Sold into a profit sharing arrangement, the 550 carat, type lla, D colour rough diamond was recovered at the company’s Letšeng mine on 19 August 2011. Known as the Letšeng Star, it is the fourth…

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Makeover for Warrenders’ Sutton store

Surrey jeweller Warrenders has completed the first refurbishment of its Sutton store in 40 years of business. The shop has been transformed into an up-to-date retail space with a “fresh and visible layout.”   The family-run establishment has specialised in diamond and precious gemstone jewellery for three generations, and the…

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RPI inflation could result in £350 million business rates rise

The new retail prices index (RPI) inflation figure suggests the possibility of a business rate increase of £350 million for retailers next April, which is the equivalent of at least 16,000 jobs in the sector.   As a standard, business rates in England, Scotland and Wales rise every April in…

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