Diamond

Diamonds remain the cornerstone of the global jewellery trade, shaping trends and driving consumer demand across all market segments. For UK jewellers, designers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, staying informed about developments in the diamond sector is critical to navigating supply chain dynamics, pricing fluctuations, and shifting consumer preferences. Jewellery Focus provides comprehensive coverage of the diamond industry, including market analysis, ethical and lab-grown alternatives, regulatory changes, and insights into sourcing and sustainability. From the latest trends in diamond jewellery to updates from major producers and distributors, our reporting equips trade professionals with the knowledge to make informed commercial decisions.

Apr- 2016 -

1 April

Current Affairs

Michael Northcott

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 -

31 March

Current Affairs

Tom Davis

GIA predicts more synthetic diamonds to be introduced to the industry

Research published by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has predicted a “significant” rise in the number of high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthetic diamonds to enter the market. The announcement follows a visit in early March 2016, where researchers visited a diamond factory in China and obtained 50 crystals ranging from…
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31 March

Auctions

Tom Davis

Largest ever fancy vivid blue diamond could fetch £31.4m

Christie’s has announced the ‘Oppenheimer Blue’ is to go under the hammer, the largest fancy vivid blue diamond ever offered at auction. Weighing 14.62 carats, the stone will lead Christie’s auction of ‘Magnificent Jewels’ held at held at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva, on 18 May. The…
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30 March

Crime

Tom Davis

Diamond firm ordered into liquidation after £1.2m scam

A london diamond broker targeting “vulnerable” investors and mis-selling them fancy coloured diamonds has been ordered into liquidation by the High Court. The company, which the High Court said was mis-selling investors fancy coloured diamonds at inflated prices, was ordered into liquidation following a petition presented by the Secretary of…
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24 March

Retailers

Tom Davis

Signet reports “excellent” full-year results

Jewellery giant Signet Jewelers has reported an “excellent” full year in its latest results for the 52 weeks ending 30 January, 2016. Same-store sales across the year were up 4.1% with annual total sales of $6.55bn (£4.63bn) – an increase on the previous year of 14.2%. The results were boosted…
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24 March

Current Affairs

Tom Davis

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 March

Auctions

Tom Davis

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 March

Auctions

Tom Davis

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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17 March

Retailers

Tom Davis

F Hinds opens Doncaster store

Jewellery chain F Hinds has opened a new store in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre – its 118th shop in the UK. The store opened on Thursday, 10 March, with Emily Simpkins, full-time professional midfielder for Doncaster Rovers’ Belles Ladies Football Club, cutting the ribbon to its doors. The new shop…
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15 March

Auctions

Tom Davis

Rare blue diamond could fetch £24.7m at auction

Sotheby’s is set to auction the world’s largest oval fancy vivid blue diamond ever to go under the hammer. The De Beers ‘Millennium Jewel 4’ – set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Spring Sale on 5 April, 2016 – is expected to sell for between $30m…
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