Author: Ruchi Singla

Bristol jewellery studio Silver & Steel has been named a finalist in the Green Growth Awards, a national competition recognising small businesses that have integrated sustainability into their operations to support business growth.Launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT, the awards will provide two £5,000 sustainability grants to businesses that have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing environmentally responsible initiatives.Sustainable Practices in Jewellery MakingSilver & Steel, founded in 2023 by Bethany Morton, was selected for its approach to sustainability in jewellery production. The studio uses recycled metals, promotes designers working with post-consumer and ethically sourced materials, reduces…

A shipment of earrings containing illegal levels of cadmium and nickel has been seized at London Stansted Airport during a routine inspection. Essex Trading Standards reported that one design exceeded the legal cadmium limit by more than 7,000 times.Health Risks of Cadmium and Nickel in JewelleryCadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can be used in jewellery as a coating, alloying agent, or pigment. Long-term exposure is associated with kidney damage, lung damage, and an increased risk of cancer. Nickel, which was also present in the seized jewellery, is a common cause of allergic reactions, including skin rashes, redness, and…

Sightholders at De Beers’ February sales cycle reported a reduced supply of rough diamonds over five carats, citing production declines and De Beers’ inventory management strategy. Prices remained stable across most categories as the company continued its approach of regulating supply.Market observers noted that this shortage contrasts with De Beers’ reported inventory levels, estimated at around $2 billion—its highest since 2008. However, much of this stock is believed to consist of smaller-sized goods rather than the larger diamonds currently in short supply.Production Declines and Supply ManagementDe Beers’ total rough diamond production fell by 22% in 2024 to 24.7 million carats. The…

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has raised concerns over the potential loss of up to 160,000 part-time jobs in the retail sector over the next three years. The industry body attributes this risk to increasing employment costs stemming from recent Budget measures and proposed regulatory changes.Retail currently employs over 1.5 million part-time workers, more than half of the sector’s total workforce. Many of these roles are filled by students, parents, and seasonal workers. The BRC warns that rising employment costs could lead to a reduction in these jobs over the coming years.Changes to Employer NICs and Their Effect on EmploymentOne…

Platinum Guild International Hong Kong Limited (PGI) has joined the Watch and Jewellery Initiative 2030 (WJI 2030) as an affiliate member. WJI 2030, based in Geneva, was founded in 2022 by luxury groups Kering and Cartier, with delegation from Richemont. The initiative aims to promote sustainability in the watch and jewellery industry through collaboration across the supply chain.PGI’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Schlick, noted that the affiliation aligns with the organisation’s ongoing efforts in sustainability, stating:“WJI 2030 brings together businesses across the watch and jewellery supply chain to navigate evolving regulations. Their objectives align with those of PGI and its retail…

Beaverbrooks has announced the closure of seven stores across the UK, citing commercial viability concerns. The closures will take place between March and April 2025, following a business performance review.Store Closures and TimelineBeaverbrooks, which operates 89 stores across the UK, will reduce its store count to 82. The affected stores include five in England and two in Scotland.The scheduled closure dates are as follows:Scotland:England:Company Performance and Strategic DecisionsBeaverbrooks reported a turnover of £228.6 million for the financial year ending February 2024, with operating profit declining to £10.5 million due to increased costs and ongoing investment.Managing Director Anna Blackburn commented on…

Sarine Technologies Ltd and De Beers Group subsidiary Tracr have signed a collaboration agreement to enhance technology-driven diamond traceability. The partnership will integrate Tracr’s blockchain-based tracking system with Sarine’s scanning and identification technology to provide an unbroken chain of verification from rough diamond registration to polished stone.Blockchain Integration for Verifiable ProvenanceSarine’s Diamond Journey traceability system will now incorporate rough diamond origin data recorded on Tracr, which logs stones at the source. The integration is intended to enhance supply chain transparency by using an automated verification process rather than relying solely on company declarations.A key aspect of this initiative is the availability…

De Beers Group and the Government of Botswana have signed formal agreements solidifying their long-term partnership in diamond mining and sales. The deal includes a 10-year rough diamond sales agreement, with the possibility of a five-year extension, and a 25-year renewal of Debswana’s mining licences, ensuring continued collaboration in one of the world’s most significant diamond-producing regions.Key Terms of the AgreementThe new agreements extend Debswana’s mining licences from August 2029 to July 2054, allowing for long-term resource management and the continuation of key mining projects such as Jwaneng Cut-9, Jwaneng Underground, and Orapa Cut-3.Under the revised sales framework, Botswana’s state-owned Okavango…

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has launched the Laboratory Grown Material Standard (LGMS), a framework setting out requirements for responsible business practices in the lab-grown diamond and coloured gemstone sector. The standard applies to RJC members working with lab-grown materials and covers areas including legal compliance, due diligence, labour rights, health and safety, environmental management, disclosure, and grading.Scope and Requirements of the LGMSThe LGMS outlines 28 key provisions that businesses handling lab-grown diamonds and coloured gemstones must follow. These include legal obligations, human rights protections, hazardous substance management, workplace conditions, and disclosure requirements.Companies will be required to document and implement management…

Australian jeweller Margot McKinney has opened a temporary retail space at Bergdorf Goodman’s Jewellery Salon in New York. Running until 30 April 2025, the “In Residence” pop-up features a selection of McKinney’s designs, including pieces incorporating Australian South Sea pearls, opals, and coloured gemstones.Jewellery and DisplayThe installation presents McKinney’s jewellery, with a focus on Australian-sourced materials. Several designs have been created specifically for the event, highlighting her use of natural gemstones and detailed craftsmanship.The space incorporates decorative elements reflecting McKinney’s Queensland background, including Chinese ginger jars and display materials in velvet and silk. The entrance features doors in a distinct green…

De Beers Group has introduced DiamondProof, a diamond verification device designed to distinguish natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) and simulants. The device has been deployed in select retail stores in the United States, providing jewellers with a tool to verify a diamond’s origin in-store.DiamondProof’s CapabilitiesAccording to De Beers, research indicates that many consumers are unaware that LGDs can be detected. DiamondProof is designed to address this by identifying natural diamonds based on their distinct chemical composition, which differs from that of LGDs. The device delivers results within seconds and can be used for both loose and set diamonds.De Beers states…

A team of researchers from Jilin University and Sun Yat-sen University in China has successfully synthesised a lab-grown version of Lonsdaleite, a rare carbon allotrope. Their findings, published in Nature Materials, indicate that this artificial form of Lonsdaleite is at least 40% harder than natural diamond.What is Lonsdaleite?Lonsdaleite, named after the British crystallographer Professor Dame Kathleen Lonsdale, was first identified in 1967 within the Canyon Diablo meteorite in Arizona, USA. Unlike conventional diamonds, which have a cubic crystal lattice, Lonsdaleite has a hexagonal structure, contributing to its extreme hardness. Scientists believe that natural Lonsdaleite was formed due to the intense…

Wealthy Russian investors are increasingly purchasing investment-grade diamonds, with demand for polished stones rising by 60% in 2023, according to VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank. This follows the Russian government’s decision to abolish VAT on diamond purchases, making gemstones a more accessible investment option for high-net-worth individuals.Rising Demand for Diamonds as Alternative InvestmentsOksana Semenenko, vice president at VTB and head of its private banking division, stated that diamonds are attracting investors due to their rarity and ability to hold value. “The uniqueness and rarity of diamonds make them particularly appealing amid rising financial market volatility and restrictions on traditional investments,” she said.…

Céline Assimon will leave her role as CEO of De Beers Jewellers at the end of the month, the company has confirmed. Assimon joined De Beers Jewellers in 2020 after leaving Swiss luxury jeweller De Grisogono. In 2021, she took on the additional role of CEO of Forevermark, a position she held until March 2024, when De Beers restructured the brand to focus on the Indian market.During her time with De Beers, the company focused on expanding its core collections and high jewellery range while increasing its presence in key markets.Future Direction for De Beers JewellersA De Beers spokesperson acknowledged Assimon’s…

Members association The Jewellery Collective has announced Shine Online, a free event taking place on 3 April in London’s Hatton Garden. The event will focus on practical strategies for jewellers to improve their digital marketing, covering topics such as social media engagement, online visibility, and sales growth.Kassandra Lauren Gordon, founder of The Jewellery Collective, highlighted the importance of digital marketing for jewellers, stating:“In today’s competitive landscape, taking the time to reflect and grow our social media presence is crucial. This event provides a space to do just that – to develop strategies and expand your brand.”Session highlights include:Attendance is free, but…

Pomellato has announced French-Italian actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as its new global ambassador.Best known for her role as Sylvie Grateau in Emily in Paris, Leroy-Beaulieu has portrayed independent and complex female characters throughout her four-decade career. Pomellato stated that her appointment reflects the brand’s emphasis on authenticity, independence, and creativity.Pomellato and Leroy-Beaulieu CollaborationLeroy-Beaulieu’s French-Italian background aligns with Pomellato’s Milanese roots. In a statement, she said, “Joining the Pomellato family feels like a natural extension of my own story. As a French-Italian actress, I’ve always admired how Pomellato combines Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design. Their jewellery speaks to women who aren’t afraid…

A recent study has revealed that Early Iron Age jewellery discovered in southern Poland contains iron sourced from a meteorite. The artefacts, uncovered at the Częstochowa-Raków and Częstochowa-Mirów cemeteries, date back to approximately 750–600 BCE and belong to the Lusatian Culture. The research, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, found that four of the 26 examined artefacts—three bracelets and a pin—were made of meteoric iron.This discovery makes southern Poland one of the most concentrated sites for meteoric iron artefacts, comparable to some sites in Egypt.Meteoric Iron and Its Cultural UseThe analysis, conducted using portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF), Scanning Electron…

A London High Court ruling has dismissed a legal claim by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, the chief executive of Qatar Investment & Projects Development Holding (QIPCO), to enforce the purchase of the 70.21-carat Idol’s Eye diamond.The case was brought against Elanus Holdings, a company representing the heirs of the late Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al Thani, a former Qatari culture minister and art collector.Legal Dispute Over OwnershipThe Idol’s Eye diamond, thought to have come from the Golconda mines in India, was purchased by Sheikh Saud in the early 2000s. Before his death in 2014, he lent it to…

Lucara Diamond Corp has sold two diamonds recovered from its Karowe mine in Botswana for a total of $54 million. The 549-carat Sethunya and the 1,080-carat Eva Star were extracted from the South Lobe of the Karowe kimberlite, an area known for producing large, high-value diamonds.Karowe’s Ongoing Production of Large DiamondsThe sale highlights Karowe’s history of recovering sizeable stones. Lucara’s president and CEO, William Lamb, commented on the mine’s continued production of high-quality diamonds.”The sale of these two extraordinary diamonds further validates our investment in the Karowe underground project. The unique characteristics of Karowe’s kimberlite, particularly in the South Lobe, continue…

A collection of jewellery from Nagaland, a region in Northeast India, will be auctioned by Woolley & Wallis on 19 February 2025. The sale is part of the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas auction and includes handcrafted pieces reflecting the cultural traditions of the Naga people.A Collector’s Lifelong InterestThe collection belongs to art publisher and artist Hansjörg Mayer, who has spent 50 years acquiring jewellery and artefacts from the region. His interest began when friends purchased a Naga artefact at auction, which he later acquired from them. This led to a long-term focus on Naga craftsmanship.“There was little…

The Royal Mint has submitted 6,432 coins for assessment at the Trial of the Pyx, the UK’s oldest judicial ceremony overseeing the quality and fineness of the nation’s coinage. The event, held annually at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, dates back to 1248 and plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of British coin production.A key feature of this year’s submission is a silver sixpence crafted from recycled silver recovered from expired medical and industrial X-ray films. This is the first official UK coin produced using silver recovered from X-ray films to be submitted to the Trial of the Pyx, aligning…

Community interest company PeaceGold has introduced a series of jewellery-making courses at its newly opened PeaceGold Ethical Jewellery House in Bishop Auckland’s historic Fore Bondgate. The workshops, led by resident goldsmith Kate Seow, cover key techniques for beginners and improvers.Course DetailsTwo structured workshops are being offered:Each course is priced at £75 per person, covering tools, materials, and refreshments. Sessions will take place on Sundays (9th February and March) and Tuesdays (18th February and March), with additional dates to be announced. Class sizes are limited to six participants per session.Instructor and PeaceGold’s Work in Ethical JewelleryThe courses will be taught by Kate…

The Watches of Switzerland Group has been announced as the headline sponsor for The King’s Trust 2025 Change a Girl’s Life campaign, as part of its wider charitable initiatives.The campaign, which coincides with International Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, aims to raise funds to provide young women with employment opportunities, training, and business development support. Throughout March, The King’s Trust will collaborate with corporate partners to increase engagement and fundraising efforts.Fundraising Events and Retailer ContributionsOn 6th March 2025, the Watches of Switzerland Group will support the initiative by hosting Brilliant Breakfast fundraising events across its UK and US showrooms,…

A new digital platform, CiviGem, has been launched to facilitate networking, collaboration, and information-sharing among professionals in the diamond and jewellery industry. Originally developed for the London Diamond Bourse (LDB), the platform has been expanded to serve the wider trade. According to David Troostwyk, President of the LDB and founder of CiviGem, the initiative addresses longstanding challenges in industry connectivity.“As someone who has spent years working across different facets of the trade—from mining to manufacturing to retail—I’ve seen firsthand how disconnected the industry can be. CiviGem is about breaking down those barriers, making us all stronger, louder, and more impactful as…

The diamond market saw subdued trading in January, with mixed reports on holiday sales, according to Rapaport. While demand remained weak, there were signs of stability in certain categories, including 0.30- to 0.50-carat, D to F, IF to VVS2 diamonds. Larger fancy-shape diamonds of 3 carats and above also performed relatively better.Market Performance and Price TrendsThe RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat diamonds, covering round, D to H, IF to VS2 stones, fell by 2.3% in January. Smaller diamonds saw more modest declines, with the index for 0.30-carat and 0.50-carat diamonds down 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Prices for 3-carat diamonds…

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has launched a series of reports on the natural diamond industry, covering market trends, origins, and sustainability. Consumer Trends in the U.S. MarketThe first report in the series, Natural Diamond Trends, A 2024 Overview, was developed in partnership with trend analytics firm Tenoris. It examines key trends in U.S. consumer preferences for natural diamonds.Key findings include:Diamond Facts Report Addresses Industry MisconceptionsThe NDC has also released an updated Diamond Facts report, which presents data from external sources to clarify common misconceptions about the diamond industry. It covers:Canada’s Role in the Natural Diamond MarketThe report includes data on…

Hockley Mint has secured a £53,000 grant to support sustainability initiatives as part of a broader £106,000 project. The funding will be used to install eco-friendly boilers and air-conditioning units at its facilities, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy consumption and improve working conditions.Ongoing Sustainability MeasuresThis investment adds to Hockley Mint’s existing environmental initiatives. The company has previously installed 460 solar panels, a 60,000-litre rainwater harvesting system, and upgraded insulation to improve energy efficiency.It has also adopted digital operations, refined manufacturing processes to reduce waste, and transitioned its sales team to fully electric vehicles.Employee Ownership and Ethical SourcingHockley Mint operates…

The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) has launched a new vodcast series, CMJ Presents…, designed to provide industry insights, data, and expert analysis for the jewellery and watch trade. The series is hosted on CMJ’s YouTube channel and aims to support independent jewellers by sharing best practices, trend analysis, and member perspectives.Key Themes and Initial EpisodesEach episode of CMJ Presents… focuses on different aspects of the industry, including market trends, business strategies, and insights from CMJ members. The first two episodes are now available online.The debut episode, CMJ Presents… Christmas Retail Insights, features CMJ’s director of membership development, Patrick Turner,…

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) USA has introduced GemPass, a new bundled certification package for coloured gemstones, at the AGTA GemFair, GJX, and Out of the Jewel Box (OJB Experience) trade shows in Tucson, Arizona. The initiative is designed to offer wholesalers a structured way to obtain gemstone reports in bulk at a reduced cost.Flexible Bundles for Coloured Gem CertificationGemPass allows clients to purchase 50 or 100 coloured gemstone reports at a set price per report, regardless of the stone’s carat weight or type. The pricing model provides savings compared to individual report purchases, and bundles remain valid for 12 months…

India has become the world’s largest consumer of gold jewellery, surpassing China with total consumption of 563.4 tonnes in 2024. In comparison, China recorded 511.4 tonnes during the same period.According to the World Gold Council (WGC), India’s total gold demand, including both jewellery and investment purchases, rose by 5% year-on-year to 802.8 tonnes in 2024, up from 761 tonnes in 2023. The WGC projects that gold consumption in India for 2025 will range between 700 and 800 tonnes.Gold Demand and Price TrendsThe total value of gold demand in India increased by 31% in 2024, reaching ₹5,15,390 crore, compared to ₹3,92,000…