Certification
Certification in the jewellery trade refers to the formal validation of materials, processes, and expertise—from gemstone grading reports and precious metal fineness marks to professional qualifications and ethical supply-chain endorsements. These credentials matter to UK jewellery professionals for establishing trust, ensuring compliance, and supporting premium pricing. Jewellery Focus delivers in-depth coverage of certification in all its forms, including lab reports (GIA, IGI), UK hallmarking, Fairtrade/Fairmined and sustainability seals, accreditations from Gem‑A and other bodies, plus courier and security compliance standards. We explore how certification shapes sourcing decisions, retail disclosure obligations, consumer confidence, and regulatory audits—helping retailers, designers, gem dealers, manufacturers, and valuers understand pathways to accreditation and leverage trust-enhancing credentials in the UK market.
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Jul- 2021 -21 JulyManufacturers
Deakin & Francis announces SMO gold partnership
Deakin and Francis, the family-owned jewellery firm, has announced a partnership with Single Mine Origin (SMO) to provide its customers with responsibly sourced gold. Through the partnership, all Deakin and Francis’ manufactured signet rings will be crafted with SMO certified gold. SMO gold was launched in 2018 through a joint…
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Jun- 2021 -8 JuneTrade Organisations
IGI commits to carbon neutrality
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has committed to carbon neutrality, with its New York offices the first to undergo the process. In partnership with SCS Global Services, a sustainability and third-party certification organisation, the IGI has commenced a six month period of engagement and assessment. During the half-year period, SCS…
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May- 2021 -21 MayManufacturers
Aether Diamonds receives world’s first vegan certification
Aether Diamonds has announced that it is the first company in the world to receive a vegan certification for its diamonds. The certification was granted in April 2021 by Vegan Action (vegan.org) which has over 20 years of operational experience. The jewellers is one of the first companies to create…
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7 MayAppointments
Birmingham Assay Office appoints new wardens
Birmingham Assay Office has announced the appointment of two new wardens, Russell Jeans, founder and CEO of Sefton and Associates, and Andrew Lee, senior board executive, following the retirement of long-standing wardens, Tim Clay and John Wood. Jeans is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a…
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Mar- 2021 -23 MarchRetailers
Fenton achieves B corp status
Fenton, the direct-to-consumer jewellery brand, has become the third UK jewellery brand to achieve certified B corporation status. To reach the level of recognition, a firm must meet specific high standards regarding verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Launched in 2015, the aim of the B…
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Jul- 2020 -16 JulyDesigners
Lark and Berry introduces carbon neutral shipping
Lark and Berry has introduced carbon neutral shipping across its brand, in a move to further offset its carbon emissions. The group currently plants trees for every purchase made, but now aims to become “one of the few” e-commerce brands to offset 100% of carbon emissions from shipping. For every…
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Apr- 2020 -28 AprilCoronavirus
Bira welcomes 100% government-backed loans for small businesses
The British Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed a new government scheme to offer 100% taxpayer-backed loans for the UK’s small businesses. Yesterday (27 April), Rishi Sunak announced the scheme would start next week offering firms loans of up to £50,000 within days of applying. To access the loans, which are…
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Jan- 2020 -29 JanuaryTips
Important factors to consider when buying gold jewellery – What to know
Considered as the ultimate when it comes to luxury, gold will never run out of fashion. The mere mention of this elegant metal is already enough to catch anyone’s attention. After all, who doesn’t adore or love shining pieces of gold jewellery? They make an elegant fashion accessory for people…
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Sep- 2019 -20 SeptemberProduct Launches
Everledger launches new version of its blockchain platform
Everledger, the digital transparency company, has launched version 2.0 of its blockchain platform. The Everledger platform provides increasing levels of transparency across complex and regulated supply chains. Founded in 2015, Everledger creates solutions that harness the benefits of blockchain in tandem with other cutting edge technologies, such as AI and…
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Jul- 2019 -30 JulyAdvice
Targeting millennial jewellery shoppers
Millennials have been called a generation of industry-killers. The buying trends of this iconoclastic age group have severely dented several industries, including beer, napkins and mayonnaise. The spending power (or, more importantly, non-spending power) of millennials shouldn’t be underestimated. Forbes declared them the generation with the highest buying potential. So,…
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