Author: Ruchi Singla

Signet Jewellers has announced the appointment of Sandra Cochran to its Board of Directors, effective February 27, 2024. This strategic addition temporarily enlarges the Board to 13 members, with 12 serving independently, aligning with the company’s initiative towards Board tenure limitations as outlined in its Director Tenure Policy.Sandra Cochran’s impressive retail and leadership experience positions her as a significant asset to Signet’s Board. H. Todd Stitzer, the Board Chairman, praised Cochran’s appointment, stating, “Sandy’s rich background in retail, coupled with her strong executive leadership skills and deep financial expertise, will make her an incredibly valuable member of the Signet Board…

In light of recent high-profile design theft cases, including the notable lawsuit between Uniqlo and Shein over the “Mary Poppins” shoulder bag, it seems like an appropriate time for us all in the jewellery industry to remind ourselves of the importance of intellectual property protection. The Rise of Design Theft: A Global Concern Hits HomeThe fashion industry’s battle with design theft is well-documented, but the jewellery sector is equally at risk. With thousands of searches for “stolen design” and millions of views on related content online, it’s clear that design theft is a prevalent issue affecting businesses of all sizes. For UK jewellers,…

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has unveiled an exciting partnership with renowned luxury jewellery house Graff, offering an exclusive opportunity for first-year students enrolled in BAJ’s BA (Hons) Jewellery Design & Production degree. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both institutions, combining educational excellence with industry expertise to nurture emerging talent in the field of jewellery design.The Prestigious Players: BAJ and GraffEstablished in 1999, the British Academy of Jewellery has earned a reputation as a leading institution dedicated to fostering talent and delivering top-tier education in jewellery design and craftsmanship. With a focus on blending traditional techniques with…

This week, the 17th annual National Apprenticeships Week is underway, drawing attention to the significant contribution apprenticeships make to the evolution of businesses across various sectors. Among those recognising the importance of apprenticeships is the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), whose Jewellery Apprenticeship offering stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing skill sets.BAJ’s Apprenticeship ProgrammeThe BAJ has developed a comprehensive Jewellery Apprenticeship programme aligned with the new Standard for Jewellery, Silversmithing, and Allied Trades Professionals. This initiative fosters a synergistic relationship between employers and the training provider and addresses the industry’s urgent need for…

The upcoming Retail Jewellers’ Congress, a key component of the NAJ Summit 2024, marks a significant milestone, celebrating 15 years as a pivotal platform for the dissemination and exchange of industry knowledge among independent jewellers. Scheduled for Monday, 24 June, the Congress promises to be a confluence of experience, expertise, and forward-looking strategies, aptly themed ‘Think Different to Be Different’. This theme captures the essence of the event: a call to arms for jewellers to navigate and excel in the rapidly evolving retail landscape.Key Details:The JET Business Network (JBN), under the stewardship of facilitator Michael Donaldson, seeks to address the…

Gemological Science International (GSI) has brought attention to an alarming increase in the presence of undisclosed lab-grown colored diamonds within the natural diamond inventory. Specifically, diamonds in hues of brown, yellow, and pink are being intermingled with natural diamonds and raising concerns across the sector.Observations from GSI LeadershipDebbie Azar, the President and Co-Founder of GSI, has provided detailed insights into the troubling trend observed by their team. This revelation points to a critical challenge within the industry, particularly as the prevalent jewelry screening technology predominantly focuses on white or near-colorless diamonds, thus potentially overlooking colored synthetic counterparts.Advancements in Diamond Screening…

Alan Gard, a fine jeweller with a career spanning over seven decades, is set to showcase his latest creation, the ‘Imperial State Crown’, in the historic town of Woodstock. The crown, commissioned by author Jeffrey Archer and influenced by his work “Traitors Gate”, is a testament to Gard’s extensive experience and dedication to traditional goldsmithing techniques. This unique piece will be displayed at the Woodstock pop-up shop, offering a rare opportunity for aficionados and industry professionals to appreciate the craftsmanship of a jeweller who has honed his skills since he was 15.Exhibition Details and AvailabilityThe exhibition will take place from 20th February…