Carat
Carat weight remains a defining factor in the value and appeal of diamonds and other gemstones, making it a key consideration for professionals across the jewellery trade. For UK jewellers, designers, and wholesalers, staying informed on how carat trends influence pricing, consumer demand, and supply chain decisions is essential. Jewellery Focus offers in-depth coverage on carat-related topics, including market analysis, consumer education, pricing strategies, and insights into the ethical sourcing of larger stones. Our reporting helps trade professionals navigate this critical aspect of the gemstone and diamond market.
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Jan- 2017 -13 JanuaryEconomy
Hallmarking falls sharply in December amid weak full-year results
The total number of hallmarked items nose-dived in December by 15.7%, a decrease of 145,007 pieces when compared with December 2015. Figures released by the four UK assay offices – compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office – found there was a total of 781,200 articles hallmarked during the month, down…
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3 JanuaryEconomy
Diamond prices decline in December amid ‘India liquidity crisis’
Polished diamond prices softened in December as Indian liquidity dried up due to the government’s demonetisation policy, which eliminated 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI), from the Rapaport Group, found the price of 1-carat, GIA-graded, polished diamonds fell 1.3% during the month, while 3-carat diamonds and…
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Dec- 2016 -14 DecemberRetailers
Harrods to present one of world’s ‘rarest diamonds’
Luxury department store Harrods has unveiled what it claims is one of the world’s rarest diamonds. The 228.31-carat gem is referred by its owner – who chose to remain anonymous – as the ‘Harrods Diamond’ and has been kept secret in the Knightsbridge store’s safe deposit until now. The pear-shaped…
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9 DecemberEconomy
Hallmarking falls 4.6% in November
The total number of hallmarked items fell 4.6% in November, a decrease of 57,075 pieces when compared with the same month last year. The latest figures from the four UK assay offices – compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office – found there was a total of 1,196,702 articles hallmarked during…
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7 DecemberCrime
Raid at Edinburgh jewellers after thieves smash through neighbouring barbers
Jewellery has been stolen from an Edinburgh jewellers after a gang of raiders smashed their way through the wall of a neighbouring barbers to gain entry. Thousands of pounds worth of 18-carat diamond pendants and bracelets were stolen from Theodore David Jewellers in Inverleith, Edinburgh, on Sunday 4 December after…
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6 DecemberEconomy
Polished diamond prices increase in November
Polished diamond prices increased in November, despite a slowdown in trading as Indian liquidity dried up and manufacturing shut down for Diwali. The latest RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) from the Rapaport Group sentiment improved as the month began, with stock markets rallying to record highs on Thanksgiving weekend (28 Nov)…
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5 DecemberAuctions
14-carat Kashmir sapphire fetches £1.38m at auction
An “extremely rare” Kashmir sapphire single-stone ring has gone under the hammer for £1.38m. The 14.13-carat stone was the subject to “fierce bidding” at the Bonhams Fine Jewellery sale in London on Sunday 4 December, selling for more than its pre-sale estimate of £600,000 to £800,000. Jean Ghika, head of…
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Nov- 2016 -17 NovemberAuctions
Coloured diamonds steal show at Geneva auction
Coloured diamonds remain “highly desirable”, according to auction house Sotheby’s following its recent jewellery sale in Geneva. Leading the show was a 17.07-carat emerald-cut Fancy Intense Pink diamond that soared over its pre-sale estimate of 11.81m to 14.76m Swiss Francs (£9.5m-£11.8m) to sell for 20.8m Swiss francs (£16.7m). An Internally…
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10 NovemberEconomy
Gold pieces slump 20.6% in bleak October hallmarking results
The number of gold items hallmarked fell 20.6% to 489,924 articles – from 617,421 in the same month last year – as hallmarking recorded a gloomy month in October. Latest figures released from the four UK assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, found overall hallmarking during the…
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9 NovemberAuctions
‘Extremely rare’ Kashmir sapphire to headline Bonhams’ auction
A collection of diamonds and gemstones – including a 14-carat Kashmir sapphire – will headline the final Bonhams London Fine Jewellery sale of the year on Sunday 4 December. The “extremely rare” Kashmir sapphire single-stone ring, weighing 14.3-carats, is cushion-shaped with no indications of heating and has been estimated to…
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