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- 2016 -1 AprilCurrent Affairs
Bizarre ‘talking diamond’ alarms miners
A rough diamond with bizarre auditory qualities has been uncovered in a mine in Botswana. The 4.23-carat gemstone, which was found by miners working in Jwaneng diamond mine last night, reportedly began issuing a ‘gargling’ sound shortly after it was dusted off. It is thought the type IIa D-colour stone…
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Mar- 2016 -24 MarchCurrent Affairs
Petra Diamonds sells ‘exceptional pink’ diamond for £10.7m
Petra Diamonds has announced the sale of an ‘exceptional pink’ diamond for $15m (£10.7m). The diamond, which was recovered from the firm’s Williamson mine in Tanzania and weighs 32.33-carats, was purchased by Golden Yellow Diamonds on behalf of M.A. Anavi Diamond Group, a leading diamond manufacturer and specialist in large…
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18 MarchAuctions
Shirley Temple’s rare blue diamond ‘could fetch £24.2m’ at auction
A rare blue diamond that belonged to former child star Shirley Temple is set to be auctioned next month for an estimated price of $25m (£17.3m) to $35m (£24.2m), says Sotheby’s. The 9.54-carat ‘Fancy Deep Blue potentially internally Flawless’, VVS2 clarity diamond ring was purchased by Temple’s father for $7,210…
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17 MarchAuctions
Rising demand for coloured gemstones sees auction prices soar
There has been a surge in demand for coloured gemstones prompting rapidly rising prices, according to Bonhams. The auction house said sapphires have seen a particular rise in popularity, with consumers purchasing sapphire engagement and wedding rings. Bonhams said its clients are looking for something “a little bit different” from…
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15 MarchEconomy
Hallmarking edges up in February as number of gold articles jump
The total number of hallmarked items rose by 0.8% in February, an increase of 5,970 articles compared with February 2015. That’s according to the latest figures released today by the four UK assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, which found there was a total of 766,310 articles…
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1 MarchEconomy
Polished diamond prices remain firm in February
The price of polished diamonds continued to rise in February continuing the uptrend since November, according to new figures. The latest RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) from the Rapaport Group said the market was supported by continued shortages, while trading slowed during the month as dealers in China and Hong Kong…
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Feb- 2016 -29 FebruaryCurrent Affairs
Angola’s largest diamond sold for £11.5m
Lucapa Diamond Company has sold the record-breaking 404.2-carat diamond, which it recovered earlier this month in Angola, for $16m (£11.5m). The selling price of $39,580 (£28,574) per carat is a record price for a white diamond recovered at the Lulo mine, with the company saying it is “further evidence of…
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19 FebruaryCurrent Affairs
WFDB warns of synthetic diamonds fraudulently marked as natural
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has announced it has been informed that a vendor on online wholesale trading platform, Alibaba, is offering fraudulent diamonds. WFDB said the vendor is offering CVD lab-grown synthetic diamonds inscribed with the numbers of genuine GIA-graded natural diamonds reports. The seller on Alibaba,…
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18 FebruaryEconomy
Hallmarking down 9.1% in January
The total number of hallmarked items fell 9.1% in January, a decrease of 67,252 articles when compared with January 2015. That is according to latest figures released today by the four UK assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, which found during the month there was a total…
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17 FebruaryCurrent Affairs
Massive 404-carat diamond discovered in Angola
Lucapa Diamond Company has announced the discovery of a massive 404.2-carat, which it claims is the 27th largest diamond ever discovered. The type IIa D-colour diamond, which was discovered at the firm’s Lulo Diamond Project in Angola’s Lunda Norte Province, is the biggest recorded diamond ever found in Angola –…
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