London
As a global hub for the jewellery trade, London plays a pivotal role in shaping trends, hosting events, and driving commercial activity across the sector. From luxury jewellers on Bond Street to emerging designers in Hatton Garden, the capital is home to a diverse array of businesses influencing the UK and international markets. Jewellery Focus provides in-depth coverage of London’s jewellery scene, including news from leading retailers and workshops, industry events and exhibitions, policy and regulatory updates affecting trade in the city, and insights into consumer behaviour and market opportunities.
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Dec- 2015 -14 DecemberEconomy
Black Friday hits high street footfall
Footfall in November was 2.1% lower than a year ago, as Black Friday shoppers turned to online shopping instead of the high street. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor found the fall was significantly below the 0.2% decline in October and underperformed the three-month average…
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11 DecemberAuctions
Rare Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring sets new world auction record
A rare sapphire and diamond ring acheived $1.35m (£892,000) at Bonham’s New York fine jewellery auction on 8 December, setting a new world record. The Tiffany & Co ring – centred by an oval-cut sapphire, and flanked by European-cut diamonds weighing 7.84-carats – set the world record for the most…
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7 DecemberAuctions
Bonhams jewellery sale sets three world records
Bonhams’ last London Fine Jewellery sale of the year, which took place on Saturday 5 December, set three new auction world records. Jewellery from renowned designers including Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, along with a pair of Kashmir sapphires belonging to a European princess, went under the hammer. The…
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7 DecemberCrime
Gang jailed for 51 years over £1m of watch thefts
An organised gang of criminals from Estonia who flew into the UK in order to steal more than £1 million pounds worth of watches have been jailed for 51 years. Taimar Uibopuu, 30, from Estonia was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment; Alar Kalyurand, 43, from…
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3 DecemberEvents
Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office opens first retail hallmarking facility
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has announced the opening of its first hallmarking facility within a retail jeweller. The in-house assay office, which opened in November, is located within a purpose-built facility at Graff Diamonds’ London workshop in Mayfair. The facility, which has its own dedicated member of the assay…
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2 DecemberCrime
VIDEO: Have-a-go-heroes tackle jewellery robber in Leeds
Armed robbers who targets a Leeds jewellers in a million pounds raid were tracked down after ‘have-a-go-heroes’ intervened and detained one of the gang. The Estonian gang, who flew into the country just days before the raid, stole more than 150 watches worth more than £935,000 when they struck at…
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Nov- 2015 -30 NovemberCrime
Watches of Switzerland hit by Black Friday smash-and-grab
Some £80,000 worth of watches have been stolen in a smash-and-grab raid at the Watches of Switzerland store in London’s Knightsbridge. The incident, which took place at 9:30am on Friday, 27 November, saw two raiders riding one motorcycle break into the luxury watch store on Brompton Road, smashing the front…
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30 NovemberEvents
IJL opens annual KickStart programme for entries
International Jewellery London (IJL) has announced that its annual KickStart mentoring programme is opens for entries. The initiative, which welcomes entries from young jewellers and emerging talents, will see 10 winning designers offered the chance to exhibit their products in a designated area at IJL 2016 for free. Supported by…
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27 NovemberWatch Focus
Kate Winslet opens Longines first UK store
Swiss watchmaker longines has opened its first UK store with brand ambassador and oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet in attendance. The company, which opened the 124 meter square boutique at London’s Oxford Street on Tuesday, 24 November, also presented its ‘Longines Symphonette’ collection. The store features a ground floor area which…
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27 NovemberEconomy
Record auction sales boost jewellery investment performance
Record auction sales and strong demand for coloured diamonds and pearls have helped boost the investment performance of jewellery, according to estate agent Knight Frank. Launched at an event held at the Mayfair headquarters of auction house Bonhams, the latest edition of the firm’s Luxury Investment Index (KFLII) focused on…
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