Jewellers thriving when the heat is on

Another year has nearly come and gone, and once again, Australia’s jewellery retailers find themselves bracing for impact ahead of the holiday sales rush. It’s the most critical time of year for all retailers and can be a ‘make or break’ scenario for many jewellery business owners. If you think about the traditional ‘cycle’, sales peaked in December leading up to Christmas and other gift-giving traditions...Read More

Argyle Pink Quokka: Uniquely Australian creation revealed

The Argyle Pink Quokka is described as a celebration of two unique West Australian treasures – pink diamonds from the Argyle Diamond Mine and quokkas, native to Rottnest Island. Quokkas are often described as the world’s ‘happiest’ animals, and creative director Justin Linney said it was an honour to create a piece honouring something unique to the region. "Linneys is thrilled to unveil the Argyle Pink Quokka...Read More

Designing your dream jewellery store: Who are you targeting?

When designing the layout of your jewellery store, it’s always crucial to ask yourself who you’re hoping to attract. In modern retail, consumers come in all shapes and sizes. Preferences and tastes vary, and you must clearly understand who you’re hoping to have in your store when assessing the layout.Does The Sentimentalist visit your store often? These customers are interested in high-quality jewellery...Read More

Fireworks: Nationwide Jewellers lights up Sydney with annual awards

Against the backdrop of the 2024 International Jewellery Fair – and a fireworks display following the dinner – the evening was a relaxed opportunity for members and suppliers to network. The coveted Nathan Cameron Perpetual Trophy winner was secured by Pamela Brown from Desma Designs. As the Apprentice of the Year Award winner, she received $5,000 in prize money to spend on tools and equipment to further her career....Read More

Mythbusters: Aussie diamond expert publishes new book

Australian diamond expert Garry Holloway has published a new book to debunk the industry's many myths and misconceptions. Based in Melbourne, Holloway is a geologist turned jeweller and is one of the world’s leading authorities on diamond cut quality. He is the inventor of the Ideal-Scope and the Holloway Cut Adviser and owns two jewellery stores in Victoria....Read More

New money laundering laws: Pallion Group, the ATO, and the voidable transaction

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is chasing more than $200 million from a Pallion-related company in connection to an alleged industry-wide GST scam. After a decade or more of legal wrangling, the case effectively rests on one word - voidable - and for the six Pallion directors, there are significant stakes riding on the outcome. As previously reported, Federal Court documents show that...Read More

Diamond Industry Leader Advocates for Reform in Russian Sanctions Policy

The announcement follows widespread disapproval of the EU’s plan to make Antwerp a single inspection point. Under this structure, all diamonds would undergo verification in Belgium before entering G7 markets. Leaders of African mining countries have criticised the plan due to its impact on the supply chain. Other industry associations have expressed their disapproval over this structure's impact on trade efficiency...Read More

Australian Jewellery Sales Insights: Trends and Analysis

Analysis of data collected from more than 400 independent retailers revealed that sales in March declined by 5 per cent on a year-on-year comparison and 7 per cent on a two-year comparison. Retail Edge general manager Leon Van Megen said that measuring against any month in 2022 and early 2023 is a comparison with what’s known as the ‘COVID-19 bubble’...Read More

Ongoing Developments Unfold in Wake of Sydney Jewellery Store Robbery

A Sydney jeweller who is accused of orchestrating the robbery of his own store will remain in custody after a judge stated that he had a ‘strong’ motive to commit the crime. Michel Germani is accused of staging a robbery at his Sydney CBD store in January 2022, when an employee was allegedly tied to a chair and threatened...Read More

Sparkling Resilience: Russian Diamond Sales Surge Despite Economic Sanctions

The company achieved sales of RUB322.57 billion ($AUD5.39 billion) for the past year. Profit decreased by 15 per cent. The increase in revenue comes despite the implementation of European Union and G7 sanctions on the import of Russian diamonds. The second stage of the ban came into effect on 1 March. The prohibition of direct import of Russian diamonds began on 1 January...Read More

Conflict in Ukraine: Russian diamond sanctions saga continues

In a determination dated 8 February, OFAC deputy director Lisa Palluconi states that diamonds extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation are prohibited from importation into the US. The prohibitions apply to non-industrial diamonds weighing one carat or greater from 1 March and non-industrial diamonds weighing 0.5 carat or greater from 1 September.....Read More

Weakened demand impacts De Beers sales

De Beers, the world’s largest diamond mining company, finalised $US410 million in provisional sales for the period ending 20 December. That figure was an improvement on a year-on-year comparison after achieving just $US336 million in sales 2021, however, it was a decline from the previous cycle ($US454 million)......Read More

Diamond Foundry purchases Germany's Audiatec

Audiatec was established in 2015 and is based in Germany, creating diamond wafers which are used in jewellery and manufacturing. Audiatec uses CVD (chemical vapor deposition) to create diamonds in monocrystalline form on disks. "We had a good feeling about a possible cooperation with Diamond Foundry right from the first talks," said Audiatec CEO Stefan Gsell.......Read More

Luxury watch prices slump, US sales down

The price of used luxury watches has declined for the first time in two years. According to the latest report from Idex, the state of the stock market, widespread decline in cryptocurrency value, as well as rises in interest rates and inflation, has led to the drop in price. The report identifies a decrease in the resale value of the Rolex... Read More

See Pop Star Ariana Grande’s Unusual Engagement Ring

Last year, the actress announced her engagement, as one does, on Instagram, showcasing a Kataoka pearl ring on that finger.
Now, a year later, pop juggernaut Ariana Grande has done the same, albeit more coyly sandwiching the ring pics in an Instagram carousel of photos showing her alongside her boyfriend of about a year, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez.........Read More

The Future of Gems and Jewelry industry after the pandemic where are we heading next?

Despite the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, life goes on. As the restrictions have started to ease, many business sectors, including the gems and jewelry industry, have adjusted themselves to the new normal. But what will the industry look like in the future?......Read More

The World in a Jewelry Box

In a time when we are all stuck at home day dreaming of far-flung adventures, one writer finds solace in the accessories she collected as travel souvenirs. Some people bring home magnets, key chains and maps from their travels; I bring home accessories. Floral scarves, beaded headbands, colorful hats, kitschy coin purses. But more than anything else, I bring home jewelry......Read More