Birmingham
Birmingham has a rich heritage as a centre for jewellery manufacturing and trade, with its historic Jewellery Quarter still home to hundreds of workshops and businesses. For UK jewellers, wholesalers, and suppliers, the city remains a vital hub for production, design, and distribution. Jewellery Focus covers Birmingham’s role in the industry, from updates on local businesses and manufacturing trends to insights into policy developments and events shaping the trade. Our reporting helps professionals understand the city’s continuing influence on the UK jewellery sector.
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Sep- 2021 -22 SeptemberRetailers
Jon Richard jewellery to be sold in selected Next stores
Jon Richard has announced that it has expanded its partnership with Next which will see its jewellery sold in stores across the UK. Following its online partnership, the jewellery specialist will be offering bridal, occasion and sterling silver collections in 10 Next stores. These stores include Birmingham Bullring, Merry Hill…
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17 SeptemberTrade Organisations
NAJ expands its team ahead of new strategy launch
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced that it will welcome two new members to its marketing team. Adam Cook and Rushana Miller will join the association next week to help deliver the group’s new strategy, which is in its final stages of development. Cook joins the NAJ as…
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15 SeptemberEconomy
Hallmarking climbs 84.5% in August
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 84.5% to 784,078 in August 2021, up from 424,994 in August 2020. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, silver saw the largest increase in hallmarket pieces, jumping 87% year-on-year. While the 380,797 hallmarked silver pieces in August 2021 represented the largest volume of…
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Aug- 2021 -4 AugustTrade Organisations
Birmingham Assay Office to launch LGD screening service
The Birmingham Assay Office has announced that it will now screen laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) as a part of its jewellery valuation service. SafeGuard Valuations will automatically screen all diamond-set items to determine whether they are natural or potential lab grown. It comes in a bid from the organisation to support…
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Jul- 2021 -22 JulyEvents
NAJ Summit 2021 to discuss LGDs
The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has announced that its upcoming 2021 summit will feature conversations on laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs). Three speakers will focus on LGDs, providing masterclasses and hands-on workshops as part of the valuers’ conference, taking place from 11-13 September 2021. Julia Griffith, founder of The Gem Academy,…
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21 JulyEconomy
Hallmarking up 107.4% in June
The total number of pieces hallmarked in June 2021 soared 107.4% when compared with June 2020, according to the latest figures from the Birmingham Assay Office. Some 672,021 pieces were hallmarked in June 2021, compared with 323,967 pieces in June last year. Gold hallmarked pieces for June sat at 321,318…
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19 JulyProduct Launches
Birmingham City students to design trophy for JVA
Birmingham City University has announced that its students have designed and produced an accolade for the Jewellery Valuers Association (JVA). The trophy, created by the team at the university’s School of Jewellery, will be awarded annually to a student valuer who has demonstrated “outstanding” potential or achievement. As part of…
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Jun- 2021 -30 JuneRetailers
Demand for male engagement rings up 69%, report finds
A new study by bespoke jewellery brand Taylor and Hart has revealed a 69% increase in year-on-year interest for male engagement ring designs. The rising popularity and legalisation of marriage amongst LGBTQ+ relationships, coupled with the growing trend of women proposing, have reportedly both contributed to the increase in demand.…
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28 JuneRetailers
Ernest Jones to launch ‘Thank You’ NHS support pin
Ernest Jones has announced the launch of the ‘Thank You’ Pin in support of the NHS front-line workers on Friday 2 July 2021. Created by TMB Art Metal, £10 from every sale will be donated to NHS Charities Together with the hope that the pin will raise a minimum of…
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28 JuneTrade Organisations
Birmingham Assay Office elects eight new guardians
The Birmingham Assay Office has announced the election of eight new guardians of the Standard Wrought Plate. Created in 1773 by an act of parliament, the role was formed to control and protect the office. The elected members are Peter Crump, Kate Canty, Dr Tracy Carlton, Lauren Hartigan-Pritchard, Nicola McGowan,…
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