Manufacturers
Manufacturers are the backbone of the UK jewellery trade, transforming raw materials into finished pieces that drive the retail and wholesale markets. For jewellers, suppliers, and designers, understanding the manufacturing landscape is key to sourcing quality products and staying ahead of trends in production techniques and materials. Jewellery Focus delivers specialist coverage on manufacturers, including business updates, innovations in technology and craftsmanship, supply chain developments, and insights into sustainability and ethical practices shaping the sector.
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Jun- 2017 -27 JuneCurrent Affairs
Cheap necklaces found to contain toxic metals
Some low cost necklace jewellery was found to have excessive levels of lead, cadmium or nickel release, according to a new survey. The study, carried out by London Trading Standards on low cost necklace jewellery found that in the worst cases parts containing 82% lead and 56% cadmium were found.…
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6 JuneInternational
IIDGR unveils first synthetic tester for multiple mounted stones
The International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research (IIDGR) has unveiled its new screening device to test multiple synthetic gems, SYNTHdetect. The device, created by the De Beers Group company, is the “first in the industry” with the ability to test multiple mounted stones at once without the need for…
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May- 2017 -2 MayCurrent Affairs
London investors buy Breitling
London-based private equity group CVC Capital Partners has bought a controlling stake in Breitling for a reported €800m (£677m). Breitling’s CEO Théodore Schneider said the deal will leave CVC with an 80% stake, and Breitling will retain the remaining 20% of the group. “I am convinced CVC is the right…
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Apr- 2017 -19 AprilDesigners
Q Branch opens new casting studio
A new casting studio, ‘Q Branch Bespoke Casting’ has opened in Chichester, West Sussex. Serving manufacturers, designers and workshops across the UK, Q Branch use 3D printing, scanning and wax methods to cast their models and precious metal alloys. Dan Roe has opened the studio which places emphasis on platinum…
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Feb- 2017 -6 FebruaryEconomy
Polished diamond prices slide in January
The price of polished diamonds fell in January despite a buoyant rough market, according to the latest RapNet Diamond Index from the Rapaport Group. Rapaport said polished trading was cautious after a disappointed holiday sales period for jewellery in the US, while the rough market was driven by expectations that…
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Jan- 2017 -3 JanuaryEconomy
Diamond prices decline in December amid ‘India liquidity crisis’
Polished diamond prices softened in December as Indian liquidity dried up due to the government’s demonetisation policy, which eliminated 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI), from the Rapaport Group, found the price of 1-carat, GIA-graded, polished diamonds fell 1.3% during the month, while 3-carat diamonds and…
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Nov- 2016 -2 NovemberCurrent Affairs
Diamond prices decline in October
Diamond markets were quiet in October with wholesale businesses closing for the respective Chinese, Jewish and Indian holidays. The latest RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) from the Rapaport Group also found trading slowed as larger US holiday orders were already filled and dealers shifted to accommodate specific requirements from their retail…
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Oct- 2016 -10 OctoberEditor's Blog
Something in the water
I’ve been at this magazine for three years, and, if I am being honest, after joining I quickly became accustomed to a downbeat atmosphere at the major trade shows in the industry. Long after the ONS told us that the technical definition of ‘recession’ was no longer applicable to the…
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6 OctoberEconomy
Diamond prices stable in September
The diamond market was steady in September with better-than-expected sentiment at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. The latest RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) from the Rapaport Group found the polished market was supported by “relatively high” rough prices as suppliers held polished prices firm, preferring to delay sales rather…
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5 OctoberCurrent Affairs
UK jewellers consider legal challenge to BAO over Indian hallmarking
A group of jewellers and silversmiths in the UK are considering a legal challenge to the Birmingham Assay Office over its practice of using UK hallmarking overseas. The news comes after the Birmingham and Sheffield Assay Offices’ marks have been approved by the British Hallmarking Council for use in their…
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