Year: 2018

World Gold Council reports 6% increase in jewellery demand for Q3 2018

Jewellery demand in Q3 of 2018 saw price-led year-on-year growth of 6%, as lower gold prices during July and August encouraged bargain hunting among “price-sensitive consumers”. According to the latest report by the World Gold Council, growth in India and China was up 10% in each region, outweighed weakness in…

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Cheffins holds East Anglia’s first dedicated jewellery, silver and watches sale

Cambridge-based Fine Art Auctioneers, Cheffins, hosted the region’s first ever dedicated sale for jewellery, silver and watches on the 25 October 2018 with over 450 items sold. Nearly 85% of the jewellery lots on offer were sold, with many at prices far exceeding presale estimates. The highlight was a sapphire…

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Casting: Are manufacturers matching the retailers into the future?

I am worried that the standard of craftsmanship within our industry is dropping. Of course we still have wonderful craftsmen and women in the UK, and more in training, but unless you are based either in London or Birmingham – how hard is it to find a first class apprenticeship…

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Gemfields uncovers 5,655 carat ‘lion emerald’

Gemfields has uncovered a 5,655 carat Zambian emerald crystal with “remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue”, which has been named ‘Inkalamu’ – the Lion. The gem was discovered at Kagem, Zambia, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% by the Industrial…

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Voice on the High Street – Christopher James Jewellers

Tell us about Christopher James Jewellers We are a family-run business based in the north west, specialising in handmade fine jewellery. We have been established for over 35 years, and currently have a total of three showrooms in Liverpool and Manchester. What helps you stand out from your competitors? Our…

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Shopfitting and window displays

These days independents are having to fight harder than ever to win that all-important footfall. Jewellery and fashion megabrands – with their millions-pounds design budgets – have changed the way consumers expect retail stores to look. Gone are the days of cluttered shop fronts and overstocking: megabrands such as Pandora…

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Selling Advice: Do you put your sales assistants first?

When you looked at your sales for last year did you see… A 10% increase in sales or more over last year A 5% increase No increase If it is A, take a bow. It it’s B, ask yourself why it wasn’t more. It it’s C, find out who is…

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Alrosa partners with De Beers to pilot Tracr programme

Tracr, the end-to-end diamond industry blockchain traceability platform being developed by De Beers Group has announced that Alrosa has joined the platform’s pilot programme. Alrosa will join industry leaders from the diamond manufacturing and retail sectors in creating the blockchain platform. Following the announcement of the Tracr pilot earlier this…

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Autumn Budget 2018: Business rates cut for SMEs and new digital services tax

Chancellor Philip Hammond has confirmed plans to give smaller retailers a 33% cut to business rates and introduced a new digital services tax for companies with at least £500m in global revenue. The reduction in rates will take place over the next two years and is expected to save businesses…

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How to bring in the crowds

My students tell me that when there is downtime in their stores it is difficult to keep themselves motivated. They like the action and want to make more sales, what should they do? I answer them: Take some of the responsibility yourself for slow sales and start bringing in the…

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