Author: Ruchi Singla

The British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ) has partnered with acclaimed engagement ring specialist, Lewis Malka, on a project that merges educational pursuit with professional insight. This initiative is part of the academy’s Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art & Design 3D Design, specifically focusing on Jewellery Design and Manufacturing. It will teach students to design and create bespoke engagement rings that are inspired by various cultures. A Fusion of Education and Industry Expertise The collaboration provides a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the jewellery design and manufacturing process. Guided by Lewis Malka, known for his expert…

The London Diamond Bourse has recently issued a crucial communication to its members and industry colleagues regarding new governmental guidance on the importation of Russian diamonds into the United Kingdom. This announcement comes in the wake of the UK Government’s latest publication, which outlines the regulations for the import of diamonds processed in third countries but originating from Russia. The letter, signed by David Troostwyk, President of the London Diamond Bourse, delineates the necessary steps and compliance measures for jewellers and traders within the UK, aiming to ensure adherence to the new sanctions’ regime against Russian diamonds. Compliance Measures for…

Nivoda has recently expanded its offerings by introducing both natural and lab-grown melee diamonds. This latest addition to Nivoda’s extensive selection of stones marks a great development, further enhancing the platform’s reputation as a leader in the jewellery marketplace. Melee Diamonds: A New Frontier for Nivoda The introduction of melee diamonds on Nivoda’s platform commenced with a pilot phase targeting a select group of UK customers in August 2023. Following the initial success of this rollout, the company has extended the availability of melee diamonds to customers worldwide, signalling a significant step in its growth trajectory. Nivoda reports a “remarkable”…

IGI has recently introduced a comprehensive set of procedures designed to distinguish between fancy-colored lab-grown diamonds and their natural counterparts. This development comes as a response to the growing challenge in the jewellery industry to identify synthetic stones, which are often treated to emulate the appearance of natural diamonds. IGI’s innovative approach involves the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, supplemented by traditional magnification techniques. These methods aim to overcome the limitations faced by conventional screening devices that rely on photoluminescence for analyzing a diamond’s fluorescence and phosphorescence under ultraviolet light. According to IGI, such traditional…

Antwerp, Belgium – 15 February 2024 – Windiam NV and Trau Bros NV have announced a long-term supply and partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to streamline the supply of high-quality diamonds to the European market. Partnership Overview Under the agreement, Windiam gains access to exceptional quality diamonds from Trau Bros, a long-standing sightholder of De Beers. The focus is on sustainable sourcing, with Trau Bros responsible for the sourcing and polishing of diamonds. This arrangement is designed to enhance Windiam’s distribution capabilities across Europe. Industry Perspective This partnership is reflective of the broader industry’s pivot towards sustainable and ethical diamond…

De Beers has initiated a significant pricing strategy shift for its lab-grown diamonds sold through the Lightbox jewelry brand. This move comes in response to the falling wholesale prices of lab-grown diamonds, which have posed financial challenges for producers within this sector. “These price declines are expected to lead to further substantial reductions in retail prices, with De Beers’ Lightbox brand testing significantly lower prices for its products.” Economic and Market Dynamics The decision to lower prices reflects broader economic pressures and evolving market dynamics. The diamond industry, particularly in the U.S., has been navigating through macro-economic challenges, which have…

The London Diamond Bourse has released an open letter addressing the G7 restrictions, which were originally set to come into effect on 1st March 2024. This development follows an emergency meeting convened by the Council of Management to deliberate on the sanctions aimed at Russian origin diamonds, particularly those polished and loose diamonds above 1 carat. The London Diamond Bourse has been actively engaged with industry and government bodies to align with the sanctions while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of trade. However, the lack of clear guidance from the Revenue on compliance with these restrictions has prompted a cautious stance…

Instappraise has joined the Canadian Jewellery Association (CJA) Member Benefits Program. This collaboration is poised to significantly benefit CJA members, offering substantial discounts on Instappraise’s services and aligning with broader industry efforts to enhance appraisal standards and accessibility of advanced tools for jewellery professionals across Canada. Instappraise: Innovating Jewellery Appraisal Instappraise brings to the market a cloud-based solution designed to meet the comprehensive needs of jewellery appraisers. The platform enables the creation of professional, court-ready appraisal documents efficiently and user-friendly. Its mission extends beyond software development, aiming to bolster the jewellery industry by democratizing access to cutting-edge technology for new…

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…

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 Home The 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…

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 Graff Established 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…

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 Programme The 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…

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…

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 Leadership Debbie 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…

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 Availability The exhibition will take…