Current Affairs

Historic Devon jeweller Ham & Huddy up for sale

An historic jewellery shop in Newton Abbot, Devon, has been put on the market by its owner after 10 years’ ownership. 250-year-old Ham & Huddy has become a “permanent feature” in the market town of Newton Abbot but Downey is looking to retire. The store’s collection includes custom made jewellery,…

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Moped gang targets Dorchester Hotel in jewellery smash-and-grab

A gang of armed robbers riding mopeds and wielding sledge-hammers has conducted a ‘smash-and-grab’ of jewellery from London’s luxury Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane.  Police said that of a group of six, three men went into the hotel’s boutique (where high-end jewellery is on display), at about 0130 this morning.…

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Police appeal after £1m Hamilton and Inches raid

Police in Edinburgh are appealing for further information following a high-value armed robbery at city centre jewellery store, Hamilton & Inches. According to a police statement the store was targeted by three men dressed in dark clothing who threatened staff with various “bladed weapons” at around 11:30am on June 6.…

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London Diamond Bourse launches Young Persons Committee

The London Diamond Bourse has announced the launch of a Young Persons Committee tasked with championing new ideas within the industry. Seven young members from the existing membership will make up the new committee with the intention of “creating and nurturing a collaborative forum for young people to be heard,…

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March retail sales jump 4.2%, says ONS

Overage retail sales across the UK rose by 4.2 per cent in March compared with the same period in 2013, and by a more modest 0.1 per cent compared with February 2014, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Highlights from ONS report: In March…

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Holts Academy to expand offering with new course

The Holts Academy of Jewellery is set to expand its educational offering to include ‘Higher Education for Industry’. The higher national certificate and diploma courses come as the academy is developing a ‘Jewellery Degree for Industry’, set to launch in September 2015. Students will be able to enrol on its…

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BJA to select new chairman as Jason Holt expands apprenticeships role

The British Jewellers’ Association (BJA) national committee is having to nominate and select a new chairman after Jason Holt, who was set to succeed Gary Williams in April, decided to turn down the position in favour of extending his work with the government’s apprenticeships initiative. Holt, who has been named…

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Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office named ‘apprenticeship trailblazer’

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has been named by the government’s apprenticeships scheme as an ‘Apprenticeship Trailblazer’ for the craft sector. The announcement was made during the start of National Apprenticeship Week which began on March 3. The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Programme currently enables individuals to train as hallmarkers in…

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Mastered to launch online jewellery academy

Jewellery education provider, Mastered, is set to launch a new online-only jewellery master-course in partnership with Holts Academy, that will focus on building a metal jewellery business. The firm, which provides online creative education in jewellery and fashion, aims to give jewellers both creative skills and business acumen to make…

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Birmingham Jewellery Quarter reaches another milestone in quest for £2m investment

Birmingham’s largest business improvement district (BID) has this week been successful in the first round of seeking a potential award of £2 million Townscape Heritage Grant, to be invested in the Jewellery Quarter. The grant, which assists communities in the regeneration of conservation areas and is awarded by the Heritage Lottery…

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