Month: October 2011

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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Slight sales increase predicted next month following retail slump

The latest CBI Monthly Distributive Trades Survey revealed that retail sales fell in the month leading to October, however it foresees a slight increase in the coming month.   The organisation reported that 24 per cent of companies saw sales volumes rise compared to a year ago, while 36 per…

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Joely Richardson wears Annoushka earrings at Anonymous premier

Actress Joely Richardson attended the London premiere of Anonymous this week, wearing Bochic for Annoushka earrings. The shanghai 18 carat white gold, diamond and jade earrings by guest designer Bochic make up part of a range that “strive[s] to capture the essence of the Bochic woman… fresh, chic, distinctive and…

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Largest matching pair of diamonds due for auction

The world’s largest matching pair of Forevermark diamonds will be auctioned at the forthcoming Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn sale of Magnificent Jewels on 29 November 2011. The diamonds weigh 35.61 and 35.77 carats respectively and were crafted from two individual rough diamonds each initially weighing over 100 carats.   Unveiled…

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New website launch for Boutique @ Royal London Watches

Condor Group has announced the launch of its new consumer-facing website, Boutique @ Royal London Watches, where new watch designs will be available for consumers searching for timepieces online.   Featuring the latest Royal London models, the fashion-focused Boutique will “showcase up-to-the-minute watch trends and simplify the online shopping process…

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Creative talent at the Goldsmiths’ Fair 2011

From 26 September to 9 October 2011, Goldsmiths’ Hall was occupied by 180 jewellers and silversmiths from all over the country, showcasing a range of innovative designs and craftsmanship. More than 11,000 visitors attended the Fair. The Best New Design awards in both weeks went to two recent graduates: week…

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