Year: 2017

More support needed for SMEs due to bank closures, says FSB

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling for more support for small businesses following a slew of bank branch closures. The comments come after the Royal Bank of Scotland announced it will close 259 high street branches as “more people choose to bank online or via mobile”. Mike Cherry,…

Read More »

Parify wins Service Provider of the Year at NAJ Awards 2017

Leicester-based LED lighting specialists, Parify, have won ‘Service Provider of the Year’ at the National Association of Jewellers Awards 2017. On Thursday 7 December Parify attended the NAJ awards ceremony at the Benevolent Society Ball at St John’s Hotel in Solihull, Birmingham which was attended by almost 400 jewellers. Parify…

Read More »

Former Dior CEO joins Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s has announced the appointment of Laurence Nicolas as executive vice president and global managing director of jewellery and watches. Reporting to the company’s CEO, Tad Smith, Nicolas will lead the various channels of Sotheby’s jewellery and watch businesses including auction, private, e-commerce and retail sales, as well as the…

Read More »

Tessa Packard launches London showroom

Contemporary fine jewellery designer Tessa Packard held on party on 6 December to launch her first London showroom. Located in Chelsea, the by-appointment-only showroom on Ives Street will offer clients a space to see Packard’s contemporary fine jewellery collections, and meet with the designer one-on-one to discuss bespoke commissions. The…

Read More »

Diamond ring sells for over £1m in record-breaking auction sale

Jewellery store Fellows has sold a diamond ring for £1,307,600, making it the most expensive sale in the company’s 141 year history. Bidding took place between two phone lines and the final agreed price was £1.1m, raised to £1,307,600 with the inclusion of buyer’s premium plus VAT. The item was…

Read More »

Kit Heath reports strong sales growth over AW season

Jewellery and accessories brand Kit Heath has reported that its sales are up 48% for the AW period. The company has said that it has seen year-on-year growth, with strong sales of branded women’s jewellery across independent and multiple retailers. Katie Nickell, Kit Heath’s creative director, said: “We are delighted…

Read More »

Chrysalis to launch new brand at 2018 Jewellery and Watch show

Chrysalis will be launching its new jewellery brand, Ania Haie, at next year’s Jewellery and Watch show at the NEC Birmingham. The Ania Haie range focuses on trends and affordability and will debut with nine collections priced between for £15 and £89. The collections include Out of this World, Modern…

Read More »

Brexit and British watches

The diversity of British watch brands in price points and positioning as well as manufacturing processes leads to a range of different concerns about Brexit across the resurgent industry, but even those most concerned feel Brexit has been good for them so far. Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward, could…

Read More »

Vashi expands to third retail outlet with Westfield opening

Jewellery brand Vashi has expanded to its third retail outlet in London’s Westfield London. Located in the Luxury Village, the store aims to reflect the brand’s ethos of transparency. It is set across 1,000 square feet and has stainless-steel edged kimberlite surfaces. There are two private consultation rooms in the…

Read More »

Esprit joins the Bezel Watches portfolio

Bezel Watches, a Kenneth Green Associates company, is extending its portfolio with the addition of Esprit watches and jewellery, which will be distributed in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The Esprit watch and jewellery collection offers redesigned classic styles with a modern twist. The creative designers aimed to capture…

Read More »