Opinion

The Gen Z and millennial luxury shoppers demanding exceptional service

Consumer shopping preferences often mirror bigger themes at play, whether that’s conversations around the environment and sustainability or budget concerns and cost-of-living constraints. Often, these preferences and non-negotiables change from generation to generation and depend on the product category. For Gen Z and millennial shoppers, quality, sustainability and security are…

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Augmented reality – What can it do for jewellery?

“Other retail industries are thinking about technological innovation in completely different ways,” says Jonathan Chippindale, CEO and co-founder of Holition, an augmented reality solutions and software provider, with concern, “and I worry that the jewellery industry isn’t waking up to this.” A recent survey of 1,000 shoppers, conducted by e-commerce…

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Demi-fine jewellery – The best of both worlds?

“Lots of people want to invest in something that is going to last a lifetime but not break the bank, and that is where we fall in,” says Christie Wollenberg, co-founder of demi-fine jewellery brand Otiumberg. Fine jewellery, costume jewellery and fashion jewellery are all widely accepted categories of the…

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Janet Fitch- Earrings jump through hoops

The popularity of earrings has swung throughout history, from being important in antiquity to times when they were not worn at all, but last year saw a resurgence of earrings of every variety, matched or mismatched, and the momentum continues now, with statement chandelier and hoop earrings as well. Demand…

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Pearl Corner – Four Pearl Trends

Pearls have been around virtually forever and what is so unique about them is that they are still relevant for the discerning woman today – the pearl boom shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. By LOUISE TIPPEY Whilst you read this you will be looking for some…

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Rapaport: Trump victory will improve economy

Trump’s election victory coupled with Republican control of Congress will set the stage for improved economic conditions that will support increased demand for diamonds and jewellery, according to the Rapaport Group. In a statement on the US election result, the firm said lower taxes, higher domestic employment and the end of…

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SOAPBOX: The wisdom that comes with age versus the enthusiasm of youth

It’s funny how grandparents often have a better relationship with their teenage grandchildren than the parents, I think it’s mutual respect of the differences between generations, whereas we expect our parents to be as cool as us. We wish dad would dance and listen to Radio 1 not 2. So…

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Another step forward in an ongoing challenge

Diamond grading issues have been a hot topic in recent months, but a new ISO Standard could benefit the consumer and retailer. STELLA LAYTON, chief assay master at the Birmingham Assay Office, explains.[divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″] The industry has come a long way since we staged our first Great Debate…

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SOAPBOX: Over-grading must be stamped out

The global diamond industry is currently facing a range of tough challenges. But, says ERNIE BLOM, the issue of apparent over-grading of diamonds by some labs must be treated as a priority. As you would expect from an organisation such as the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), which represents…

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Do auctions reflect trends, or do they set them?

Auctions certainly re-invent trends, resurrecting past styles to the forefront of current taste, with a new inventive take on the past. Collectors have been fascinated with great auction sales since the disposal of the great art collection of Charles I by the Parliamentarians. The 18th Century saw a wave of…

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