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.
-
Sep- 2015 -17 SeptemberEconomy
Hallmarking dips 12.4% in August
Hallmarking figures have dipped for the second consecutive month, down 12.4% in August compared with the same period the previous year. Platinum and palladium enjoyed 3.1% and 14.9% rises respectively, but the much larger categories of gold and silver dropped 8.5% and 17% respectively. In July, the total number of…
Read More » -
15 SeptemberInternational
357-carat white diamond sold for $19.3m
British global diamond mining business, Gem Diamonds Limited, has announced that an exceptional 357-carat white diamond has been sold $19.3 million. The diamond, which was recovered from the Letšeng mine in July this year, went on tender in Antwerp last week. Gem Diamonds CEO, Clifford Elphick, said: “The Letšeng mine has produced…
Read More » -
4 SeptemberEvents
Rare British-owned gemstone to be sold by Bonhams
A rare British-owned gemstone is set to be offered on sale by auction house Bonhams for the first time in 98 years. The Hope Spinel was part of one of the world’s greatest gem collections until its owner, London banker Henry Philip Hope, died in 1839. It has not been…
Read More » -
Aug- 2015 -21 AugustCurrent Affairs
Gem Diamonds cites challenging diamond market as profits fall
UK-based diamond production firm Gem Diamonds has been affected by the challenging diamond market as profits fell in the first half of the year. In its first-half financial report for the six months ending June 30, 2015, Gem Diamonds reported that its pre-tax profits fell from $56.2m (£35.7m) in the…
Read More » -
20 AugustCurrent Affairs
Lucara recovers 336-carat diamond in Botswana
Diamond production company Lucara has recovered a type IIa, 336-carat diamond from its Karowe Mine in Botswana. In addition the company also reported a number of “exceptional” diamonds, including a 184-carat, a 94-carat and an 86-carat stone. A 12-carat pink stone was also recovered, however the company said that it…
Read More » -
19 AugustRetailers
Laing Edinburgh celebrates 175th anniversary with £175,000 diamond necklace
Independent jeweller Laing Edinburgh has marked its 175th anniversary with the creation of a one-off diamond necklace valued at £175,000. The necklace, named ‘175’, features 447 brilliant-cut and pave diamonds set in platinum with a double diamond drop. The piece is described as “timelessly elegant with a contemporary twist”. Taking…
Read More » -
17 AugustQ&A Sessions
INTERVIEW: Scott Thompson, Carat*
Luxury fashion jewellery brand Carat* spent the latter half of 2014 expanding its footprint both in the UK and overseas. MICHAEL NORTHCOTT caught up with founder and CEO, Scott Thompson. Give us a 60-second roundup of what’s been going on in the last 12 months We’ve expanded our footprint in Hong…
Read More » -
14 AugustEconomy
Hallmarking slumps 10.5% in July
The total number of hallmarked items fell 10.5% in July, a decrease of 91,949 articles when compared with July 2014. This is according to data released today by the UK’s four assay offices, and compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office, which found that during the month there was a total…
Read More » -
5 AugustCurrent Affairs
Diamond market mood plummets to 2008 levels
Diamond prices fell again in July as market sentiment slumped to levels not seen since the 2008 downturn, according to the latest report from Rapaport. The report said that manufacturers rejected large quantities of rough supply as trading and manufacturing activity plummeted. It said that rough prices are unsustainable due…
Read More » -
4 AugustProduct Launches
GIA introduces digital Diamond Focus Report’
The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has announced a new digital Diamond Focus Report. The low-cost digital report will be for natural, D-to-Z colour, round brilliant-cut diamonds that weigh between 0.15 and 0.29 carats. The information included in the report – which includes carat weight, color, clarity, cut grades, polish…
Read More »
