Kent
Kent is a dynamic region for the UK jewellery trade, offering a mix of local artisan makers, independent jewellers and retail outlets supported by strong commuter and tourist traffic. Its proximity to London and continental Europe gives it strategic value for sourcing, training events, and sustainable supply-chain links, including access to regional gemstone fairs and manufacturer networks. Jewellery Focus delivers trade-led coverage of Kent’s jewellery sector, spotlighting store openings and refurbishments, market performance in town centres, local trade shows, and collaboration opportunities with hospitality and cultural venues. Our reporting equips jewellers, designers, suppliers, and wholesalers operating in Kent—and those targeting its consumer base—with practical insights on recruitment, retail strategy, sourcing partnerships, and regional growth.
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Mar- 2016 -21 MarchCrime
Hatton Garden raid ringleader jailed for six years
The man believed to be the ringleader of the Hatton Garden heist has been jailed for six years and three months for his part in the £14m raid. Brian Reader, 77, of Dartford, Kent, appeared by videolink at Woolwich Crown Court today and was sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy…
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Feb- 2016 -26 FebruaryRetailers
Tunbridge Wells historic jewellers to close its doors
Historic jewellery store in Tunbridge Wells, Payne & Son, is set to close after becoming a ‘victim to the rise in online shopping’. The store, which originally started as Payne & Son (Silversmiths) in Kent in 1790 and then opened an outlet in the town 146 years ago, is being…
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Jan- 2016 -7 JanuaryWatch Focus
Watchfinder named in Sunday Times’ list of ‘fastest growing companies’
Pre-owned luxury watch retailer Watchfinder has been ranked 99th in the annual The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table. The league table, now in its 19th year, ranks Britain’s 100 private companies with the fastest growing sales across the last three years. Watchfinder announced that its annual turnover…
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Oct- 2015 -28 OctoberWatch Focus
Breitling opens Bluewater store
Swiss watch brand Breitling has opened a 1,500 sq ft boutique in Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre. The store, which officially opened on October 27, is situated on the upper Rose Gallery and will be managed by Aurum Holdings, the owners of Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths. The…
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Jul- 2015 -22 JulyRetailers
Watchfinder & Co to open flagship store in Leeds
Watchfinder is to open a two-storey retail premises in Leeds, its third bricks and mortar boutique in the UK. The boutique will be situated in the historic Grade II* listed Victoria Quarter arcade and is due to open in late September 2015. With two stores in the South East already, Watchfinder’s…
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May- 2015 -19 MayCrime
Seven arrested over Hatton Garden heist
Detectives from the Flying Squad investigating the burglary at Hatton Garden have this morning, Tuesday 19 May, arrested seven men for conspiracy to burgle and recovered a large amount of property. At approximately 10:30hrs more than 200 officers raided 12 addresses in north London and Kent and arrested the suspects.…
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Mar- 2015 -12 MarchRetailers
Watchfinder posts record £36m turnover
Watchfinder has announced a record-breaking year in 2014, chalking up annual turnover of £36m. The company has been profitable since founding in 2002, however growth over the past year has been more rapid thanks to a round of external investment, a new store opening, growing trust in the brand, and…
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Jun- 2014 -20 JuneUncategorized
Chow Tai Fook acquires Hearts on Fire in conditional agreement
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery group has entered into a conditional acquisition agreement which will see it take over the entire stake of the Hearts on Fire jewellery brand. The deal values Hearts on Fire at $150m (£88.18m) on a cash-free and debt-free basis. The acquisition is a strategic move to…
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Mar- 2013 -22 MarchEvents
UCA continues ‘Jewellery Oscars’ domination
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) received the College Trophy for the 20th time in 21 years at the recent Craftsmanship and Design Awards.
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Dec- 2012 -7 DecemberRetailers
Wakefields unveils Rolex boutique
Wakefields in Horsham has recently unveiled its in-store Rolex boutique at a glitzy launch event.
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