British Hallmarking Council unveils new website

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

UK jewellers have received a boost this week with the launch of a new website detailing key hallmarking information.

The site is designed to outline the role of the British Hallmarking Council (BHC), while also linking to the four independent assay offices which carry out hallmarking in the country.

David Gwyther, secretary of the BHC, explained that the new addition will provide a valuable resource for both businesses and customers in the UK jewellery industry.

"The UK hallmarking regime is one of the most rigorous in the world and provides excellent protection for both consumers and the trade," he told Retail Jeweller.

"This new website will be a useful source of information for many who want to understand its workings in more detail."

The BHC decided to unveil its latest offering as part of a wider plan by the coalition government to make websites more accessible, relevant and easy to use.

Palladium joined gold, silver and platinum under the remit of the Hallmarking Act 1973 when it was officially granted precious metal status in the UK in July 2009.

The four assay offices, which are overseen by the BHC, are located in Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield.

Source:

British Hallmarking Council launches website (21/07/10)

British Hallmarking Council Website

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Jewellery Roundup July 2010

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Who won the Couture Design Awards? (07/06/10)

Isabella Fa took the top prize in the platinum category at the recent Couture Design Awards, beating off competition from Heinrich and Denzel.

The event, which saw retailers and exhibitors vote for their favourite designs across ten categories, took place at the Encore Ballroom at the Wynn in Las Vegas on 5th June.

Couture Design Awards 2010: Creme de la Couture (01/07/10)

In the bridal category at the Couture Design Awards, Katharine James came second for her 'Bella's Love Engagement' ring set in platinum and diamonds.

Mark Patterson finished in third place for his platinum mounting with 284 round brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing 0.67 carats.

Commemorative design is first item hallmarked at The WB Group's Sub-Assay Office (10/06/10)

A diamond and platinum pendant has become the first item to be hallmarked at the new Sub-Assay Office.

The commemorative piece was designed by Manoj Parmar, who triumphed in an in-house competition for WB Group staff.

"We wanted all our staff to be involved in this exciting new initiative so we threw a competition open to the entire workforce asking them to come up with a commemorative piece, and were absolutely delighted with the results," said Andrew Sollitt, Sales Director at Domino, one of the companies which make up WB Group.

IJL unveils KickStarters for 2010 (10/06/10)

Two emerging designers who produce platinum jewellery are among the particpants in the upcoming 2010 KickStarters event, it has been confirmed.

Daisy Knights, a 22-year-old from the Cotswolds, has built a solid reputation for her commissions in platinum, diamonds and gold.

Saretta, which is the brainchild of Creative Director Sarah Bond, sells handmade platinum, silver and gold jewellery from its studios in London.

The other designers to feature at the event are Nicole Akong, Jessica de Lotz, Christopher Anderson, Daisy Choi, Momoko Tamura, Poly Philippou, Sian Bostwick and Hannah Bedford.

Organised by the British Jewellers' Association, 2010 KickStarts will feature at the International Jewellery London event, which takes place between 5th and 8th September.

Verragio Debuts New Engagement Ring Collections at JCK and Luxury by JCK Shows (14/06/10)
Verragio's new Venetian Collection of platinum, gold and palladium engagement rings proved to be an "overwhelming success" on its debut at the recent JCK and Luxury by JCK show.

"The Venetian Collection is very unique, even for Verragio," said Barry Verragio. "This is the first time we have designed a collection that will offer a choice of immediate customisation."

America Ferrera Flashes Engagement Ring (17/06/10)

America Ferrera showed off a two-carat engagement ring with a vintage-inspired platinum setting and a round centre diamond at a recent red-carpet appearance.

The 'Ugly Betty' star, who is set to tie the knot with long-term partner Ryan Piers Williams, was seen wearing the $50,000 ring at the Edinburgh Film Festival.

"This is a classic style that will look just as elegant 50 years from now," style expert Michael O'Connor told StyleList.

"Since the diamond is set in platinum, America doesn't need to worry about losing the gorgeous stone."

Meanwhile, celebrities have been out in force in recent weeks sporting a wide range of platinum jewellery.

Ashley Olsen wore platinum and diamond bracelets at the 2010 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York on 7th June.

Maggie Grace - PLATINUM Jewelry at 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards (08/06/10)

At the same event, Maggie Grace selected a pair of platinum and diamond chandelier earrings, and a platinum and diamond ring.

She also chose a similar combination for her appearance at the 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards: A New Era in Los Angeles a week earlier.

Maggie Grace - PLATINUM Jewelry at Whitney Art Party (11/06/10)

The 'Malice in Wonderland' star also attended the Whitney Museum Art Party in a pair of platinum and diamond drop earrings, and a platinum and diamond ring.

Jessica Stroup - PLATINUM Jewelry at Chrysalis Butterfly Ball (08/06/10)

Jessica Stroup sported a pair of platinum and diamond cluster earrings, and a platinum and diamond ring at the recent 9th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles.

Brit Morgan - PLATINUM Jewelry at True Blood Premiere (08/06/10)

Brit Morgan wore a platinum and diamond necklace, earrings and a ring for her appearance at the season three premiere of True Blood on 8th June.

Jessica Biel, Lea Michele - PLATINUM Jewelry at MarkTBeauty.com Event (09/06/10)

Jessica Biel and Lea Michele both sparkled in platinum jewellery at the MarkTBeauty.com Launch Party in New York, which also took place on 8th June.

Biel chose a pair of chrysoberyl and diamond sunburst earrings set in platinum, while Michele opted for a diamond bracelet set in platinum, and a diamond ring set in platinum.

Cate Blanchett, Idina Menzel, Helen Mirren, and Katie Finneran - PLATINUM jewelry at Tony Awards (13/06/10)

Four stars chose platinum pieces for the 64th Annual Tony Awards in New York on 13th June.

Cate Blanchett picked a platinum and diamond ring, while Helen Mirren selected a platinum and diamond bracelet, and a platinum and sapphire ring.

Idina Menzel wore platinum and diamond earrings, with Katie Finneran going for platinum and diamond cluster earrings, platinum and diamond bracelets, and a platinum and diamond ring.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Beyonce, Michelle Williams - PLATINUM jewelry at Tony Awards (14/06/10)

At the same event, Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones wore a pair of platinum earrings and a ring with rock crystal and diamonds, plus a platinum and diamond cuff.

Beyonce Knowles dazzled in platinum earrings with emeralds and diamonds (total of 90 carats), while Michelle Williams chose platinum earrings with diamonds and jade, a platinum and diamond bangle, and a platinum ring with black onyx and diamonds.

Details on Megan Fox's PLATINUM Engagement Ring (17/06/10)

And finally, it has been confirmed that Megan Fox has lost her platinum engagement ring on a beach in Hawaii.

The ring has a 1930s style and features and old mine-cut centre diamond with filigree on the sides and pave diamonds on the band.

Megan Fox - Details on Rings at Jonah Hex Premiere (21/06/10)

However, the 'Transformers' star wore three other platinum rings for her appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Jonah Hex on 17th June.

Fox sparkled in a platinum 'Bow Ring' with 194 hand-set black diamonds, a platinum 'H Ring' with 86 hand-set black diamonds and an 'Honour Ring' with 241 hand-set black diamonds.

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Platinum today: News/Jewellery

British Hallmarking Council unveils new website

Jewellery Roundup July 2010