Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a rich heritage in the UK jewellery trade, with its thriving independent retailers, designers, and manufacturers contributing to Scotland’s vibrant industry. The city is also home to the Edinburgh Assay Office, playing a critical role in hallmarking and quality assurance. Jewellery Focus covers Edinburgh’s jewellery sector extensively, including business updates, store developments, local market insights, and the city’s ongoing influence within the wider UK trade.
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Nov- 2020 -3 NovemberCoronavirus
Assay offices to remain open in England
The three assay offices based in England are set to remain open during the upcoming nationwide lockdown, they have confirmed. It comes after prime minister Boris Johnson announced that the country would enter a nationwide lockdown from 5 November to 2 December. The Edinburgh Assay Office in Scotland is exempt…
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Jun- 2020 -23 JuneFeatures
Coronavirus: The jewellery industry’s story
At the time of writing, the UK’s embattled high street has been given a glimmer of hope, after prime minister Boris Johnson announced plans on 25 May to allow non-essential retailers to open by mid-June. The announcement will be welcome news for many jewellers who have struggled over the past…
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23 JuneNews
Laings to operate on appointment-only system
Laings has announced that it will be operating on an appointment-only basis, ahead of the reopening of its sites in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff on 30 June. The luxury jeweller has been working to ensure it can safely open when government guidelines permit, with customers invited to book appointments held…
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10 JuneNews
Laings introduces appointment-only system in Southampton
Laings has announced it will announce that it will reopen its Southampton store on 16 June, following the latest government guidelines for retailers. The site will now operate on an appointment-only basis in order to ensure the health and safety of its staff and customers. Laings stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh…
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May- 2020 -20 MayDesigners
Astrid & Miyu founder launches business accelerator programme
The owner of Astrid and Miyu has announced the launch of a new mentoring programme for small businesses looking to establish retail start-ups in the UK. Three independent businesses, including alcohol brand Collagin, accessory brand Sun and Day and handbag brand AMZA have now been chosen for a three-month Business…
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18 MayCoronavirus
Assay offices reopen following temporary closures
All four assay offices across the UK have now resumed assay services following their temporary closure in light of the ongoing pandemic. The British Hallmarking Council confirmed that opening hours and arrangements are now being “managed carefully in line with government advice to ensure the welfare of staff and the…
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14 MayCoronavirus
Usdaw welcomes scrutiny of the Protection of Workers as it calls for the bill to progress
Shop workers trade union Usdaw has welcomed further scrutiny of the Protection of Workers (retail and age-restricted goods and services) (Scotland) Bill (Scotland) at the economy, energy and fair work committee meeting. Usdaw calls for the bill to complete stage one and progress to stage two of the legislative process,…
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Apr- 2020 -27 AprilCoronavirus
Edinburgh Assay Office to resume services
The Edinburgh Assay Offices announced it will resume its hallmarking service after initially closing its doors on 24 March. The office will now re-open on 28 April following a “successful” week-long closed door trial with volunteer staff. Over the past two weeks, the assay office has also been working internally…
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Mar- 2020 -25 MarchCoronavirus
Assay offices close their doors
All four assay offices across the UK have closed their doors amid the coronavirus crisis. The assay offices, in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield, will now be closed for business for “at least” three weeks. In a statement, the British Hallmarking Council said: “The pandemic has caused many disruptions to…
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9 MarchNews
Laings appoints new retail consultant
Luxury jewellers Laings has announced it has appointed retail consultant Stephen Paterson to its team. Paterson will now offer advice to Laings customers to ensure they have the “very best experience” when they visit a Laings store. He will work alongside the jeweller’s teams across its showrooms in Glasgow, Edinburgh,…
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