Jewellery Focus April 2019 | Page 13

MONTH IN REVIEW GO ONLINE www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk DIAMONDS Worldwide jewellery sales rise by 4% in 2018 Global sales of diamond jewellery grew by 4% in 2018 compared with last year and amounted to $85.9bn (£65.2bn). According to Alrosa, the growth rate of the global jewellery market was lower than in 2017 (+5%), mainly as a result of a slowdown in key consumption markets in the second half of 2018. In the first half of the year, there was persistently high demand from the local population and tourists in the key consumption markets, which ensured the growth of the global jewelry market by 6%. In the second half of the year, consumer demand in non-dollar countries began to show less steady growth rates, and in individual countries - a decline, under the influence of national currencies against the US dollar weakening. At the same time, the growth rate of the global diamond jewelry market slowed down to +2% in the second half of the year. A statement by the group read: “Diamond jewellery sales in North America, which accounts for more than half of overall sales, showed consistently high growth rates for most of the year, providing a 4% increase in 2018 compared with last year. “Sales in Asia in the first half showed higher growth rates than in North America. In the second half, given the deterioration of the overall foreign economic situation in the region, the growth rate of diamond jewellery sales slowed down to +1%, providing a growth of 5% comparable to the North American market by the end of 2018.” April 2019 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk 1 EVENTS Hatton Garden BID announces ‘first ever’ job fair Hatton Garden BID has announced its first ever job fair, aimed at those looking to kickstart a jewellery career or want to find out more about opportunities in the creative industries. From 10am to 3pm on Friday 5 April, local businesses will gather in The Hatton to share information and advice on careers in leisure and hospitality, marketing, PR, branding, design, architecture, transport, sports nutrition and of course, jewellery – both retail and design. The event, hosted by the Hatton Garden BID, is open to students, recent graduates and anyone “looking for their next opportunity”. Businesses already signed up to participate in the fair include the British Academy of Jewellery, the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), Conversion and the Bleeding Heart Group. BID chairman Gary Williams said: “Home to some of the world’s finest independent jewellers, artisans, architects, digital start-ups, design studios, restaurants and bars, Hatton Garden is perfectly placed to host London’s latest careers event. We look forward to helping the next wave of artists, creatives, makers and entrepreneurs find pathways into their chosen fields.” Diamond jewellery sales in North America , which accounts for more than half of overall sales , showed consistently high growth rates for most of the year Alrosa 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hallmarking in February decreased by 10.1% to 651,259 items (compared with the previous February) RETAILERS Domino signet ring sales ‘surpass expectations’ Domino Jewellery has seen an increase in demand for its extended signet ring range, released as part of the Wedding Ring collection in January. The Birmingham manufacturer said it made a “conscious decision” to increase the number of signet rings available, driven by “acknowledged increased consumer demand” from both men and women. Sales director Andrew Sollitt said they have been “pleasantly surprised with the appetite from retailers for the new signet ring range”. Sollitt added: “Signet rings have always been a popular, classic, piece of jewellery but we have seen an increase in consumer interest as the trend has grown over recent years. It’s particularly encouraging to see retailers and consumers embrace both a variety of styles, as well as appetite from both male and female consumers. “We have seen an uplift of more than 40% in the first two months since launching our new, improved range. Another area that has been very positively received by our retailers is our engraving service; with a choice of laser, hand and seal engraving available to further personalise our pieces.” END: THAT’S ALL. YOU ARE NOW UP TO DATE JEWELLERY FOCUS 13