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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Apr- 2017 -3 AprilNews
Diamond market improves after a slow first quarter
The diamond market showed improvements in March after Chinese demand at the Hong Kong exhibition was better than expected. The latest RapNet Diamond Index from the Rapaport Group found the price of 1-carat polished diamonds increased by 0.1% in March and was down 1.1% during the first quarter. There was…
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Mar- 2017 -17 MarchCurrent Affairs
Sierra Leone pastor finds huge 709-carat diamond
A Christian pastor in Sierra Leone has discovered one of the world’s largest uncut diamonds. The 709-carat stone was found by Emmanuel Momoh in the Kono district. He handed it to to a local chief who then passed it on to Sierra Leone’s president Ernest Bai Koroma. The diamond is…
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14 MarchEconomy
Hallmarking figures plummet in February
The total number of hallmarked items plummeted 24.8% in February, a decrease of 189,700 pieces when compared with the same month last year. Figures released by the four UK assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, showed there was a total of 576,610 articles hallmarked during the month…
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Feb- 2017 -21 FebruaryEconomy
Gold drags down January hallmarking figures
Gold hallmarking has continued to fall at the start of 2017, dragging down overall hallmarking figures for the month of January. Figures released by the four UK assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, found there was a total of 266,613 gold articles hallmarked during the month –…
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20 FebruaryAuctions
Jewellery from best-selling author Jackie Collins to go under the hammer
Jewellery owned by the late best-selling author Jackie Collins is set to be sold at auction later this year. The collection of jewels will include a 6.04-carat diamond and platinum ring estimated at $100,000 (£80,000)-$150,000 (£120,000); an Art Deco diamond, emerald, stone and platinum necklace at $40,000 (£32,000)-$50,000 (£40,000); and…
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6 FebruaryEconomy
Polished diamond prices slide in January
The price of polished diamonds fell in January despite a buoyant rough market, according to the latest RapNet Diamond Index from the Rapaport Group. Rapaport said polished trading was cautious after a disappointed holiday sales period for jewellery in the US, while the rough market was driven by expectations that…
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Jan- 2017 -17 JanuaryCurrent Affairs
Burlington Arcade up for sale
Burlington Arcade – the luxury shopping gallery in London that is home to 19 jewellers – has been put on the market for a sum believed to be around £400m. Thor Equities and Meyer Bergman, co-owners of the arcade, have announced plans to sell the renowned global luxury retail destination,…
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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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