Coronavirus

Goldsmiths’ Company Charity awards over £700,000 in grants through the Covid-19 fund

The Goldsmiths’ Company and Charity have awarded over £700,000 in grants to people working in the craft, trade and allied industries who face financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic, following the launch of the £1m Goldsmiths’ Covid-19 Fund on 22 April.  The emergency fund was set up to provide…

Read More »

The Cut notes ‘marked increase’ in engagement ring enquiries

The Cut London has revealed a marked increase in enquiries for engagement rings in the past eight weeks, noting an “interesting wave of sentimentality created by the pandemic”. The engagement ring concierge service is known for “match-making” customers looking for an engagement ring with independent fine jewellers throughout London.  Founder…

Read More »

Non-essential retailers set to open in June

Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres across England are set to reopen next month once they are “Covid-19 secure” and can show customers will be kept safe, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. All non-essential retailers including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics,…

Read More »

‘Many independent retailers are ready to reopen now’, says Bira CEO

The CEO of The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) Andrew Goodacre has said many independent retailers are ready to reopen now, having already worked hard to put measures in place to keep both customers and staff safe. The news comes as non-essential retailers will be allowed to reopen from Monday,…

Read More »

BAJ opens applications for September 2020

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that applications are now open for courses due to start in September 2020.  BAJ offers a variety of exciting programmes providing world-class training in all aspects of jewellery design and manufacturing.  The Jewellery Fundamentals SQA Level 3 Diploma allows students to build…

Read More »

Consumer confidence drops further in May

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index has decreased by one point to -34 for May, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months has dropped seven points to -55, 25 points lower than in May 2019. Additionally, expectations for…

Read More »

Retail sees record slump in April

Retail sales slumped by a record 18.1% in April, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).  This marked the worst decline since ONS records began in 1988, and closely follows the “strong” monthly decline of 5.2% that was recorded in March. All sectors across retail…

Read More »

HS Walsh provides NAJ Members with cleaning supply offer

Equipment supplier HS Walsh is providing members of the National Association of Jeweller’s (NAJ) with discounted cleaning solutions in light of the ongoing pandemic. The offer includes a discount on chemicals and machinery needed to allow for a safe reopening of the jewellery retail sector after lockdown has eased. The…

Read More »

Bulgari reopens jewellery factory amid Covid-19 pandemic

International luxury jeweller Bulgari has announced the reopening of its factory amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement posted on Linkedin, the company said its factory had opened on 18 May in accordance with the Italian Presidential Decree. The statement read: “Above all else, we are ensuring the wellbeing of…

Read More »

Assay offices reopen following temporary closures

All four assay offices across the UK have now resumed assay services following their temporary closure in light of the ongoing pandemic.  The British Hallmarking Council confirmed that opening hours and arrangements are now being “managed carefully in line with government advice to ensure the welfare of staff and the…

Read More »