MONTH IN REVIEW
www.jewelleryfocus.co.uk
BLOCKCHAIN
Everledger’s
Provenance Proof
Blockchain to be
open to entire
industry by
February 2019
The first coloured gemstone blockchain,
initiated by the Gübelin Gem Lab in
cooperation with Everledger, is to be
open to the entire jewellery industry by
February 2019.
The primary purpose of the
Provenance Proof Blockchain is to
record all steps of a specific gem along
the supply chain. Currently in its pilot
phase which will coincide with the end
of 2018, Everledger has announced the
global rollout will begin at the Tucson
gem show in February 2019.
In January 2018, the Gübelin Gem
Lab announced the Provenance Proof
Blockchain, a solution to enable the
tracking of individual gemstones along the
value chain; from mine to end consumer.
The project is part of the Provenance
Proof initiative, a long-term programme
dedicated to providing the gemstone
industry with solutions and services
enabling transparency along global
supply chains.
In order to test the system, a
simplified supply chain consisting
of high profile pilot partners was
established, including a major emerald
mining company, a cutting factory, and
global jewellery brands.
Everledger said the full functionality of
the solution is now undergoing testing
where it is being scrutinised for its ease-
of-use, intuitive handling and scalability.
Security, robustness and governance
rulings are other factors that will be
assessed during the pilot phase.
Leanne Kemp, Everledger founder
and CEO, said: “We are proud to
have been entrusted with building the
Provenance Proof Blockchain, and we are
excited by the network of participants’
involvement and encouraged with
the effort of our joint teams and the
performance of the technology. “
10 JEWELLERY FOCUS
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ACQUISITION
Epiris acquires
Bonhams auction
house
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EVENTS
Strange the
Jewellers
celebrates 100th
anniversary with
‘100 for 100’ event
Independent jewellery retailer Strange
the Jewellers is celebrating its 100th
anniversary with the launch of a ‘100
days for 100 years’ event.
Epiris has announced it has agreed
the acquisition of Bonhams, the
global auction house, from private
shareholders for an undisclosed fee.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of
the world’s largest and most renowned
auctioneers of fine art and antiques,
motor cars and jewellery. The business
holds more than 250 sales a year at
its flagship salerooms, which include
London, New York, Los Angeles and
Hong Kong. In 2017, Bonhams sold
more than 50,000 lots, generating over
£450m of hammer sales.
The company is to be led by CEO
Matthew Girling and CFO Jonathan
Fairhurst who will be joined by Bruno
Vinciguerra as executive chairman.
Vinciguerra served for eight years as
COO at Sotheby’s, and before that held
senior roles at Bain, Dell and Disney.
Girling, said: “We are delighted to
have found a buyer that recognises the
potential offered by this business and
its employees. Bonhams is one of the
world’s oldest auctioneers – and one
of the most ambitious. During the past
20 years we have pursued a growth
strategy that has turned the company
into a truly global organisation.
“The value of Bonhams rests with its
people, their skills, their extraordinary
expertise and their strong networks
across the world. Epiris has a
demonstrable and successful track
record in investment in growing brands
and we believe that together we can
continue to expand the business whilst
still offering the highest possible level
of service wherever we operate.”
To celebrate the anniversary and
the support of all its customers since
it opened in 1918. The 100 days for 100
years event is a free to enter prize draw
with a prize given every day for 100
days.
The prizes have been donated by
Strange the Jeweller’s suppliers and
includes watches and jewellery, the
star prize is a bespoke 1.ct bubbles ring
make in any colour of gold the winner
would like - valued at £4,350.00.
The jewellers said of the promotion:
“We have made the event an in store
only promotion as we really want to
give our loyal followers the best chance
of winning one of the fabulous prizes
on offer and encourage footfall into the
new shop and back to the town.
“We will also be holding other events
on the run into Christmas including a
Clogau event and late night shopping.”
We have always had the
intention one day to
pass on the business to a
new owner who shares
our long-term vision
for Bonhams
Robert Brooks, shareholder and chairman
of Bonhams
October 2018 | jewelleryfocus.co.uk