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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Jul- 2019 -17 JulyEconomy
Hallmarking figures slump 4.7% in June
Hallmarking figures fell across all major categories in June 2019, compared with the same period the previous year, with overall volumes decreasing by 4.7% according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The number of gold pieces hallmarked decreased from 289,377 in June 2018 to 263,881 in 2019, down…
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2 JulyQ&A Sessions
60 Second Interview: Hiten Shah – director of Diamond Heaven
Q1) Describe yourself in three words. Motivated, hardworking and focused. Q2) How did you get to be where you are today? Through hard work and determination. I started up on eBay in 2004 when I saw a gap in the market to provide high-quality jewellery to people at the right…
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1 JulyEvents
Birmingham School of Jewellery wins double-award at New Designers 2019
Staff and students at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery are celebrating after winning two prizes at the New Designers, an annual two-week exhibition celebrating the work of more than 3,000 new creative designers. The School of Jewellery was awarded the ‘Best Stand’ prize, whilst student Lorna McNaught received an…
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Jun- 2019 -13 JuneEconomy
Gold and platinum up in May hallmarking
Both the number of gold and platinum pieces hallmarked in May 2019 increased by 1.4% and 12.4% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Gold hallmarked pieces increased from 294,530 to 298,654 and platinum items increased from 24,768 to 27,847 during the month. However, this was offset…
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7 JuneAnalysis
The changing face of jewellery retail
The world as we know it for jewellery is one of luxury, enticement and wonder – but the UK customer tends to prefer a very middle ground. With diamonds it’s nice and white, clean to the eye – G/H VS/SI – and for coloured gemstones it’s traditional, not too garish…
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May- 2019 -16 MayMetal Prices
Gold, silver and platinum up in April hallmarking
Both the number of gold and silver pieces hallmarked in April 2019 increased by 6.6% and 3.3% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Gold hallmarked pieces increased from 299,542 to 319,410 and silver items increased from 335,827 to 346,798 during the month. Additionally, the average volume…
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8 MayManufacturer Files
Manufacturer files: W J Sutton
“W J Sutton was founded by William Josiah (W J) Sutton, who was the son of a jeweller”, says Kenneth Sutton, W J Sutton’s great-grandson and director of the Birmingham-based jewellery manufacturer and wholesaler. “He realised his passion for jewellery whilst studying for his metallurgy degree and so he followed…
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Apr- 2019 -26 AprilRetailers
Debenhams to close 22 stores with 1,200 jobs at risk
Department store chain, Debenhams has announced it is to close 22 stores putting 1,200 jobs at risk. The closures come as part of a revival plan for the department store laid out by lenders including Barclays and Bank of Ireland. Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman, said: “Debenhams has a clear…
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16 AprilEconomy
Gold and platinum up in March hallmarking
Both the number of gold and platinum pieces hallmarked in March 2019 increased significantly by 4.5% and 19.1% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The average volume of silver also grew by 1% from 321,910 to 325,093 however palladium decreased by 36.8%% to 3,458 hallmarked items.…
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15 AprilRetailers
Diamond Heaven opens fifth store
Bespoke Jewellers Diamond Heaven has opened its fifth store located at Cardiff’s St. David’s shopping centre. The jewellery brand already has existing showrooms in both Manchester and London’s Hatton Garden, as well as Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and Glasgow. Established in 2004, Diamond Heaven provides high end bespoke diamond jewellery including…
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