Pandemic
The pandemic has had a lasting impact on the UK jewellery trade, reshaping consumer habits, supply chains, and retail strategies. For jewellers, manufacturers, and suppliers, understanding these changes is essential to adapting and building resilience. Jewellery Focus provides in-depth coverage of the pandemic’s effects on the industry, including market analysis, business recovery strategies, e-commerce growth, and insights into shifting demand patterns. Our reporting helps trade professionals navigate the ongoing challenges and opportunities in a post-pandemic landscape.
-
May- 2020 -28 MayCoronavirus
Goldsmiths’ Company Charity awards over £700,000 in grants through the Covid-19 fund
The Goldsmiths’ Company and Charity have awarded over £700,000 in grants to people working in the craft, trade and allied industries who face financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic, following the launch of the £1m Goldsmiths’ Covid-19 Fund on 22 April. The emergency fund was set up to provide…
Read More » -
28 MayRetailers
Hirsh London announces launch of its by-appointment taxi service
Luxury jewellery retailer Hirsh London has announced the launch of its new electric Hirsh Taxi. In an innovative move to “redefine a luxury customer experience”, the Hirsh Taxi will be a complimentary service, available by appointment, that personally delivers purchases to Hirsh customers. As the government has just given the…
Read More » -
27 MayManufacturers
ISparkle sees increased demand for investment diamonds
Diamond specialist iSparkle, a group that specialises in large, rare and coloured diamonds, has noted a “significantly increased” demand for investment diamonds during the ongoing crisis. The increased demand has come from a range of high net worth clients and family wealth managers across Europe, as well as the US…
Read More » -
27 MayAdvice
From dark store to hybrid store – adapting to a new world order
It’s safe to say the embattled UK high street had a rocky start to the year, with a reported 18,248 retail jobs lost and 1,211 shops closed in the first two months of the year alone. In fact, in February, the high street saw a 7.8% drop in footfall, as…
Read More » -
27 MayDesigners
Crafts Council publishes first industry report
The Crafts Council, alongside support from the Goldsmiths’ Company, has published the first major report that identifies the strength and popularity of the craft industry in Britain. Its findings will work to help drive market demand and “inform an action plan for the economic recovery of the craft sector, post…
Read More » -
26 MayCoronavirus
The Cut notes ‘marked increase’ in engagement ring enquiries
The Cut London has revealed a marked increase in enquiries for engagement rings in the past eight weeks, noting an “interesting wave of sentimentality created by the pandemic”. The engagement ring concierge service is known for “match-making” customers looking for an engagement ring with independent fine jewellers throughout London. Founder…
Read More » -
22 MayCoronavirus
BAJ opens applications for September 2020
The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has announced that applications are now open for courses due to start in September 2020. BAJ offers a variety of exciting programmes providing world-class training in all aspects of jewellery design and manufacturing. The Jewellery Fundamentals SQA Level 3 Diploma allows students to build…
Read More » -
22 MayCoronavirus
Consumer confidence drops further in May
GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index has decreased by one point to -34 for May, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months has dropped seven points to -55, 25 points lower than in May 2019. Additionally, expectations for…
Read More » -
22 MayCoronavirus
Retail sees record slump in April
Retail sales slumped by a record 18.1% in April, according to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). This marked the worst decline since ONS records began in 1988, and closely follows the “strong” monthly decline of 5.2% that was recorded in March. All sectors across retail…
Read More » -
21 MayCoronavirus
HS Walsh provides NAJ Members with cleaning supply offer
Equipment supplier HS Walsh is providing members of the National Association of Jeweller’s (NAJ) with discounted cleaning solutions in light of the ongoing pandemic. The offer includes a discount on chemicals and machinery needed to allow for a safe reopening of the jewellery retail sector after lockdown has eased. The…
Read More »
