Author: Jessica Mabuza

A significant breakthrough has been achieved with the recent arrest of a 25-year-old suspect, believed to be connected to a series of high-profile jewellery store robberies that transpired across South Africa. The apprehension occurred in Gauteng, and might pave the way for disentangling the organised crime networks believed to be behind these robberies=. The arrest of this individual seems to be the culmination of ongoing investigations following a notable heist incident in Gqeberha.Previous Heists and ArrestsLast month witnessed a brazen R1 million jewellery heist at a mall in Sherwood, Gqeberha, which led to the arrest of 10 individuals. These suspects…

JCK has been honored with the title of the “Greatest Show of 2022” by Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 at an event held in San Diego in September.The award is a recognition of JCK’s outstanding contributions to the trade show industry and its excellence in providing a platform to connect, engage and explore the latest trends and innovations in the jewellery sector. Organized by RX, JCK 2022 was a return to form – showcasing outstanding attendance, effective marketing strategies and robust sales – driving the event to beat budgets and exceed the attendance figures of 2019 pre-Covid. This remarkable achievement…

Parisian jeweler FRED, a unit of luxury group LVMH, has introduced its first synthetic blue diamonds, named FRED Audacious Blue. Known for its elegant and exquisite creations, the brand has ventured into the realm of lab-grown diamonds, marking a significant shift in its product offerings.Limited-Edition CollectionThe brand has released a limited-edition collection consisting of just four jewelry pieces, each containing a 0.50-carat blue lab-grown diamond in the brand’s proprietary Fred Hero Cut. Additionally, a loose 8.88-carat synthetic diamond of the same colour and cut has been unveiled. All five stones are fancy-vivid greenish-blue, have VS clarity or higher, and carry…

Antwerp-based International Gemological Institute (IGI), part of the Blackstone portfolio, has announced a significant leadership change that will mark the beginning of a new era for the organisation. Roland Lorie, who served as the CEO for nearly five decades, will step down and be succeeded by Tehmasp Printer as the Global CEO, effective October 1, 2023.Lorie’s tenure has been marked by the creation of the largest network of gemological laboratories and schools across the globe, cementing IGI’s position as a leading certification authority for natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, coloured stones, and finished jewellery.Tehmasp Printer: A Seasoned LeaderPrinter brings a wealth…

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has recently evaluated a 4.04-carat ring made entirely from a single lab-grown diamond. This significant milestone in the world of carved single-crystal diamond rings has implications for the UK jewellery industry, reflecting advancements in lab-grown diamond technology and potential shifts in consumer preferences.A Significant MilestoneThe Ring’s CharacteristicsThe ring, fashioned from a single-crystal CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) laboratory-grown diamond, represents a significant development in the field of lab-grown diamonds. While not the first of its kind, it is the first time GIA has evaluated a ring carved from a single laboratory-grown diamond.GIA’s EvaluationTom Moses, GIA’s…

De Beers Group has released its interim financial results for the first half of 2023. The report highlights key developments in production, sales, and market trends, providing insights into the current state of the diamond industry. Key Financial HighlightsProduction and SalesRegional PerformanceMarket InsightsThe report highlights the high levels of polished diamond inventory coming into 2023 and the impact of macro-economic headwinds on rough diamond demand. The anticipated rebound in Chinese demand was affected by a large wave of COVID-19 infections, dampening consumer confidence. The softening in demand and higher financing costs have put profitability under strain.Strategic DevelopmentsImplications for the UK…

In a remarkable testament to South African talent and tenacity, Johannesburg jeweller Nqobile Nkosi has been spotlighted on the Brand South Africa website, an initiative dedicated to showcasing and uplifting the country’s standing in the global arena. Born and raised in Soweto, Nkosi’s post-matric ambitions to study electrical engineering were thwarted by financial constraints, a reality all too familiar for many of our young people. However, an opportunity in jewellery studies, backed by a bursary, set him on an unexpected path. Nkosi embraced the craft, further honing his skills with an internship in the UK before establishing NQ Jewellery in…

Gemological Science International (GSI) has announced the completion of its first advanced gemology program, the Colored Stone Professional Program. This 14-week diploma program, run at GSI’s Jaipur, India campus, welcomed students from across India.”It feels nostalgic to see students graduating from an institution like GSI, which provides a recent and detailed curriculum in an internationally made facility,” says Ms. Sunita Shekhawat, an accomplished Indian jewellery designer known for her intricate craftsmanship and revival of traditional meenakari techniques. Shekhawat adds, “The students using gemology as their base should showcase Indian culture and art when they design gemstone jewellery”.Dr K.L Jain, President,…

In the world of jewellery sales, understanding your customers is paramount to success. But who are your customers, really? As diverse as they are, most customers can be grouped into four basic types:This categorisation can offer invaluable insights into their buying behaviour and help you tailor your sales approach. This article delves into these customer types and provides tips for effectively selling to each.The Price Buyer: Competitive Cost is KeyPrice Buyers are customers driven primarily by cost. Their quest for the best deal often makes them less brand loyal; they’ll compare prices across different retailers to ensure they’re getting the…

Jewellery, especially high-value items, is rarely an impulse purchase. Customers often take time to consider their options, explore various designs, styles, and price points before making a decision. So, when a visitor comes to your website for the first time, it’s unlikely they will make a purchase straight away. This is where a digital sales funnel can come into play.What is a sales funnel?A sales funnel, in essence, represents the journey a potential customer takes from their first interaction with your brand to the final purchase. It’s called a ‘funnel’ because, much like a real-world funnel, the number of people…

Trade show season is coming up and, when done correctly, can play a crucial role in the success of businesses, providing a unique opportunity to interact with potential clients and industry peers. With shows like Pure, the Jewellery Show being one of the most highly anticipated events, standing out amidst a sea of competitors can be a challenging task. Participating in these events can significantly enhance brand visibility, generate sales, and forge strong customer relationships. However, to reap these benefits, it’s vital to set clear, realistic objectives. Whether it’s lead generation, enhancing brand awareness, or driving sales, defining your goals…

The nearing coronation of King Charles III has reignited discussions concerning the Cullinan diamonds, particularly the “Star of Africa” housed in the British crown jewels. These diamonds were excavated in South Africa in 1905 and subsequently gifted to King Edward VII. The largest cut, known as the “Star of Africa” or “First Star of Africa,” is housed in the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross, while other cuts are placed in the Imperial State Crown and other royal items.Call for ReturnA petition spearheaded by Johannesburg lawyer and activist, Mothusi Kamanga, has amassed over 8,000 signatures. The petition urges King Charles III to…

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 unique…

The Met Gala 2023 was not just about the clothes – the jewelry worn by the attendees was equally as stunning. The event, which was dedicated to the late Karl Lagerfeld, saw celebrities and fashionistas adorned with pieces that reflected Lagerfeld’s love for pearls and fine jewelry, and served as testament to the transformative power of accessories in creating unforgettable looks. We take you through our top 5 looks below. Dua Lipa’s Legendary Tiffany & Co Diamond NecklaceAs one of the event chairs, Dua Lipa was expected to shine, and she did just that. The singer wore an eggshell-colored vintage…

Launching your new online jewellery store in todays internet driven society is the relatively easy bit. The real work begins when you aim to attract traffic, engage your customers, and clinch those crucial sales.It’s a dynamic world out there – the ebb and flow of consumer behaviour and social media trends make it quite the challenge. This is our first steps SEO guide, the must haves to get your company getting traffic and being found online.First up: What is SEO?SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is a set of strategies and techniques aimed at improving your jewellery store’s visibility on search…