Author: Faith Smith

Groundbreaking Collaboration Queensmith Jewellers, a Hatton Gardens jeweller, specialising in custom engagement and wedding rings, has announced a landmark collaboration with the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ). The partnership was unveiled during a talent showcase event hosted at Queensmith’s showroom and workshop, underscoring Queensmith’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the jewellery industry. The event served as a platform for students from BAJ’s Jewellery Design and Manufacturing course to demonstrate their skills in a professional environment. As part of their coursework, students were tasked with creating mandalas that were later exhibited in Queensmith’s London showroom. Encouraging Fresh Talent Monique Daniels…

Launching Dopamine Collection for Pride Month In celebration of Pride Month, Jessica Flinn Fine Jewellery, the award-winning British brand, has launched its novel ring collection named Dopamine. The collection offers a blend of innovative new designs as well as refreshed original Jessica Flinn designs, each inspired and modelled on individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. Jessica Flinn-Allen, CEO of the brand, expressed her excitement for the Dopamine collection, stating, “We’re delighted to introduce our brand new, extremely exciting collection; ‘Dopamine.’ Just like the feel-good chemical released by your brain, this collection has been designed to bring pure happiness into your life.”…

Deadline Extension The submission deadline for the 18th annual Bright New Gems 2023 has been extended to Wednesday June 21, in response to requests from numerous colleges. The contest, which is backed by industry organisations such as the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), Retail Jeweller, The Benevolent Society, and a new judging panel, offers six winners a unique opportunity for their first commercial platform. Opportunity for Winners The winning six get an unparalleled chance not only to receive essential mentoring but also to exhibit at the UK Jewellery Show. They will be featured on the successful online website, Pearls &…

Mejuri’s Sustainability Report Nicely timed with World Environment day in on June 5, Jewellery brand Mejuri has announced the release of their first sustainability report, marking a significant step towards greater transparency around their environmental practices. This report, centred on the pillars of people, planet and product, underlines the company’s dedication to these principles which have defined their approach since inception. The report showcases Mejuri’s ethos of inclusivity, democratisation, and community, features which were novel within the jewellery industry at the time of their founding. Founding Partnership with Regeneration Alongside the launch of the sustainability report, Mejuri has committed a…

IGI Certifies World’s Largest Lab-Grown Diamond at JCK The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has certified a record breaking 50.25 carat lab-grown diamond, marking a noteworthy development in the lab-grown diamond industry. This unique gemstone, is the first one to surpass the symbolic 50 carat mark, and is the product of Ethereal Green Diamond LLP. The diamond is called “Shiphra”, and is a Type IIa emerald cut, with the dimensions of 22.95 x 18.45 x 11.57 millimeters. The stone exhibits a G colour grade, a VS2 clarity grade, and is noted for its Excellent cut, polish, and symmetry. The diamond was…

April Retail Sales See Uptick A first estimate of retail sales for April 2023 suggests a promising 0.5% increase in sales volumes. This modest growth follows a 1.2% decrease recorded in March 2023. Compared to the preceding three months, sales volumes have risen by 0.8%, marking the highest growth rate since August 2021. This trend offers a glimmer of optimism to UK retailers, who have been grappling with the economic fallout of the pandemic and challenging weather conditions. Non-Food and Online Retailers Rebound April’s increase in sales volumes is primarily driven by non-food stores and online retailers. Non-food stores, which…

Expert Advisory Initiative The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London has announced the introduction of a new industry expert panel aimed at providing advice and support to emerging jewellery and silversmithing businesses. Commencing on 27th June 2023, these monthly ‘Business Diagnostic and Advice’ sessions will be hosted online and are currently open for bookings. Featuring notable industry figures such as jewellery consultant Liz Olver, Lisa Levinson, Head of UK for the Natural Diamond Council, and fine jeweller Ellis Mhairi Cameron, the sessions are designed to help business owners improve their product offerings, brands, and creative ideas through a personalised action plan. Analyse…

Jewellers Anastasia Young and Paul Wells have released a reference guide on curved scoring and folding for sheet metal. The techniques explored enable the creation of three-dimensional forms and have potential applications in jewellery and metalsmithing. Features of the Book The book uses a practical approach with clear photographs explaining each step of the process. It’s intended to help established jewellers, jewellery students, home crafters and advanced amateurs understand how to score and fold metal. In addition to the techniques, the book includes a section with resources such as an analysis of score depth according to the gauge of the…

The Story of the Swan Lake Suite The Swan Lake Suite is a diamond and South Sea pearl necklace with matching earrings. It was made by Garrard, the British Crown Jeweller, for Princess Diana, and Diana reportedly had input into the design process. She wore it at the British National Ballet’s Swan Lake performance on June 3, 1997. The necklace was a gift from Dodi Fayed, an Egyptian film producer and her partner at the time. A pair of matching earrings were also being made for her, and after the event the necklace was given back to Garrad to make…

New York, NY – In an effort to harness increasing consumer demand and sustain the prosperity of the natural diamond industry, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has announced a new partnership with the Natural Diamond Council (NDC). This collaboration represents a proactive move in response to shifting market dynamics and a growing need for industry cohesion. Alongside an initial financial investment, the partnership will focus on strategic initiatives to expand the reach and influence of natural diamond values. The WFDB, with its member bourses and individual members, aims to provide wider exposure for natural diamonds and leverage their…

Programme Overview Pandora, one of the largest mass-market jewellery brands in the world, has rolled out its new rewards scheme, My Pandora, in the UK​. The loyalty programme, is available online and across all of Pandora’s 216 UK stores, and allows members to earn points for every pound spent. My Pandora is free to join, and members instantly start receiving rewards. There are many perks of the scheme and they include early access to sales, the option to pay for products with accrued points, special birthday treats, and access to exclusive product launches. Additionally, the programme is designed to offer…