Author: Ruchi Singla

Sydney-based jewellery designer Nadia Neuman, owner of Mondial by Nadia, has won the Champion of Champions award at the 7th International Jewellery Design Excellence (IJDE) Awards. The competition, held as part of the HKTDC International Jewellery Show in Hong Kong, featured entries from award-winning jewellers worldwide.Neuman’s winning piece, Kaleidoscope, stood out among 80 entries from nine countries and regions, including seven from Australia. The awards brought together competition winners from countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, China, Iran, Australia, and the UK, with designers competing for the prestigious Champion of Champions title.An Award-Winning Design: KaleidoscopeNeuman’s piece, Kaleidoscope, is an…

Michael Hill International has appointed Andrew Lowe as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the passing of former CEO Daniel Bracken last week.Lowe, previously Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer, has assumed the role with immediate effect while the company undertakes a global search for a permanent replacement.Leadership TransitionLowe joined Michael Hill’s executive team in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer and later took on the role of Company Secretary. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer.Board chair Rob Fyfe said Lowe would provide stability during the transition, drawing on his financial and operational experience. “Following [Bracken’s]…

Argyle Pink Diamond has announced a new partnership with West Australian Ballet (WAB), establishing the Rare Gem collaboration. As part of this initiative, Argyle Pink Diamonds will fund a 12-month scholarship within WAB’s Young Artists Program, aimed at nurturing emerging ballet talent.The scholarship is designed to provide a promising young dancer with mentorship and performance opportunities, supporting their transition into a professional career. Samantha Green Named First Rare Gem ScholarFor 2025, the recipient of the inaugural Rare Gem scholarship is Samantha Green. Green has trained extensively, earning recognition from Youth Ballet WA and graduating with First Class Honours in Dance from the…

Shiels Jewellers is marking its 80th anniversary with a 35-day promotional campaign running from 24 February to 30 March 2025. The campaign includes a special anniversary catalogue, weekly jewellery giveaways, and a commemorative video reflecting on the company’s history.Founded in 1945 by Jack and Jeanne Shiels as a small jewellery store in Adelaide’s Central Market Arcade, today, Shiels employs 600 people and serves more than 10,000 customers each month.Expansion and Market PositionShiels was among the first jewellers in Australia to introduce discounting on diamonds and gold and was the first to sell gold by the gram. The company stocks over…

Michael Hill International has sadly announced the sudden passing of its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Daniel Bracken, following an adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying condition. He was 57 years old.A Significant Loss for Michael Hill and the Retail IndustryBracken’s passing has deeply affected the Michael Hill team and the wider retail community. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences to his family and friends.”On behalf of the board, we thank Daniel for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Michael Hill Group and our people over the past seven years,” the company said.Bracken was…

Australian Jewellers Supplies (AJS) has announced a nationwide roadshow in partnership with Swiss solder paste manufacturer Hilderbrand SA. The event, set to take place across five cities in late February and early March 2025, will introduce jewellers to Hilderbrand’s range of solder pastes and provide direct engagement with the manufacturer.Showcasing Hilderbrand’s Solder Paste SolutionsHilderbrand SA has been producing solder pastes for over 50 years, supplying industries including jewellery and watchmaking worldwide. The roadshow will feature demonstrations of soldering techniques, highlighting the characteristics of solder paste, including:The event will provide information on solder paste applications relevant to jewellery manufacturing and repair.Technical…

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has identified potentially misleading terms and conditions in the return policies of numerous online retailers. Following a review of more than 2,000 retail websites, the consumer watchdog found statements that may misrepresent customers’ rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).Key Findings from the ACCC ReviewAs part of its investigation, the ACCC examined return policies and website terms and conditions to determine compliance with the ACL. Several concerning practices were identified, including:Some of the problematic statements found on retailer websites included:Enforcement and Industry ComplianceIn response to these findings, the ACCC issued warning letters to several…

A 25-year-old man has been charged with dishonestly obtaining property by deception following an alleged jewellery blessing scam in Sydney. The arrest follows a report that a woman had jewellery worth approximately $150,000 taken from her.Incident DetailsThe alleged scam began on 9 January 2025 when a 47-year-old woman was approached by a man in Darling Harbour during her lunch break. Introducing himself as a spiritual guide, the man engaged the woman in conversation and offered to perform a blessing ritual to alleviate her life concerns.In the following weeks, the pair met again, during which the man allegedly requested that the…

Michael Hill International has announced its financial results for the first half of FY24, revealing that its Australian operations performed strongly despite a challenging retail environment across the Group.Australian Market Leads GrowthSales in Australia rose by 10.2% year-on-year to AUD 202.4 million, making it the strongest-performing market for the Group. While other regions faced varying levels of difficulty, Australian consumers contributed significantly to the overall sales growth of 4.1%, which brought total Group revenue to AUD 362.8 million.Daniel Bracken, Managing Director and CEO of Michael Hill International, acknowledged the challenging retail conditions globally but expressed optimism about the company’s position:“Whilst…

Police in Melbourne are appealing for help as part of their investigation of a jewellery theft that resulted in the loss of approximately $100,000 worth of stock. The incident, which occurred on 27 January 2023, involved three suspects whose actions were captured on CCTV footage.Timeline of the IncidentThe burglary began around 4am when a man reportedly used a jemmy bar to force entry into a jewellery store on Manchester Lane. He was accompanied by a woman, while another man acted as a lookout. Once inside, the pair took items from the store before leaving the area at approximately 6.30am.The man…

A jewellery store in Adelaide faced an attempted robbery in the early hours of Thursday morning, where a group of three masked offenders failed to penetrate the store’s reinforced defences. The incident occurred at a shop on North East Road, where the perpetrators attempted to breach a 400-kilogram, bulletproof glass door but were unsuccessful.Intruders Foiled by Security MeasuresThe incident unfolded at approximately 2:30am when the group resorted to crawling under the store’s gates. After failing to smash through the main entrance, they turned to a side window but were still unable to gain entry. The shop’s security measures, including reinforced glass…

A new study has revealed a significant increase in retail crime across Australia, posing challenges for jewellers and the wider retail industry. The 2024 ANZ Retail Crime Study, conducted by Griffith University’s Professor Michael Townsley, found that almost 2% of retail turnover—equivalent to $7.79 billion—was lost to various forms of retail crime in the 2024 financial year.Escalating Trends in Retail CrimeThe study identifies several key contributors to these losses, including customer theft, employee theft, fraud, and rising instances of customer aggression. Customer theft, often involving opportunistic concealment tactics, remains the most significant source of external losses. Employee theft, while less common,…

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has raised concerns over misleading advertising practices during the recent Black Friday sales period. Retailers were found to have employed tactics that may mislead consumers, prompting the ACCC to flag possible breaches of Australian Consumer Law.Key Concerns Highlighted by the ACCCThe ACCC identified several problematic advertising practices during its investigation, including:ACCC Actions and Next StepsThe ACCC is reviewing data collected before, during, and after the Black Friday sales to determine if businesses artificially increased prices to create the perception of larger discounts. According to Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe, the regulator has already requested explanations…

Rio Tinto has reported strong results from its second Beyond Rare Tender, The Art Series 02: Colour Awakened. The event featured a curated collection of 76 diamonds across 48 lots, drawing bids from across Australia, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Singapore, and North America. The tender highlighted the continued demand for natural fancy coloured diamonds, driven by their rarity and traceable origins.The collection included legacy pink, red, and violet diamonds from the now-closed Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia, alongside white and yellow diamonds from the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada. Notably, the tender introduced seven “Old Masters” –…

The Jewellery Industry Network (JIN) has announced the launch of a new series of training courses at The Centre, its dedicated education and collaboration hub.Located in a purpose-built facility, The Centre has already been supporting the industry with resources and workspace, but the introduction of its first formal training programme in 2025 marks a major development in its offerings.Laura Moore, Managing Director of JIN, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “The Centre has been built to be a hub for the entire industry, regardless of location. We’re excited to launch a full calendar of events and training in 2025 to…

Lucapa Diamond Company has unveiled plans to restart production at its Merlin diamond mine in teh Northern Territory, targeting a phased investment totalling $25 million. The project aims to deliver 314,000 carats over the next five years and includes a new exploration programme to uncover additional deposits.Phased Approach to Merlin Mine RestartThe Merlin mine restart will proceed in two phases. The first phase, scheduled to last 18 months, will target ore extraction from five shallow open pits. This phase requires an investment of $15 million and is expected to produce 67,000 carats valued at $415 per carat. The estimated total revenue…

Nick Selby has announced his resignation as Managing Director and CEO of Lucapa Diamond Company, effective immediately, The West Perth-based diamond miner cited grounds of ill health as the reason for Selby’s departure. His successor, Alex Kidman, formerly Lucapa’s Group Operations Manager, has assumed the role of Managing Director and CEO.Selby’s resignation marks the end of his decade-long association with the company, where he held various roles before being promoted to CEO in July 2023. Selby will remain involved in a technical capacity during the transition period to assist Kidman and the management team.Leadership Transition at LucapaThe Board of Lucapa extended…

Australian jewellery box brand Trove has entered the United States market with the launch of its first flagship store in New York City’s West Village. The Melbourne-based company, known for its vintage-inspired jewellery storage solutions, unveiled the new location at 301 West 4th Street last week.Store Design HighlightsThe flagship store features an interior designed to combine elements of nostalgia with modern aesthetics. The space transitions from a bright entryway with high-gloss, custom-coloured ceilings and tailored wooden furniture to a more subdued atmosphere. Olive velvet wallpaper and floor-to-ceiling glass cabinetry house an array of jewellery collections.Central to the flagship’s offering is…

A Queensland resident’s swift actions following a jewellery theft at a Prouds store in Tweed Heads led to the apprehension of an alleged thief by undercover police officers. The incident began on Friday morning when Jordan Gelbart witnessed an individual enter the Prouds store and allegedly douse the counters with petrol. The suspect reportedly gathered jewellery items and placed them in a bag. Gelbart quickly contacted the police while recording the events on his phone, capturing crucial footage.As the suspect left the store holding a petrol container, Gelbart decided to intervene. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he told 9News. Gelbart…

At the CIBJO Congress held from 2-4 November 2024 in Shanghai, China, a delegation of Australian gemstone, mining, and jewellery representatives called for international collaboration on a new Opal Guide. Meeting with the Coloured Gemstone Commission, the Australian delegates outlined their efforts to create a standardised system for classifying and describing opals worldwide. They urged traders in major opal-producing regions around the globe to contribute to the development of this document, which aims to establish a unified reference for opal categorisation.Invitation for Submissions from Global TradersRuth Benjamin-Thomas, President of the Australian Opal Association, addressed the Congress, stating the need for…

Griffith Regional Art Gallery has announced the upcoming launch of “Alchemy: A National Contemporary Jewellery Initiative”, a series of exhibitions running from November to December, dedicated to Australian contemporary jewellery. The exhibitions will focus on various aspects of Australian jewellery design, presenting three showcases that reflect both traditional and evolving styles.National Contemporary Jewellery AwardCentral to Alchemy is the National Contemporary Jewellery Award, Griffith’s biennial competition, now in its 32nd year. This award exhibition highlights emerging and established jewellers from across Australia, with 25 artists competing for a $5,000 prize and a place in Griffith’s National Contemporary Jewellery Collection. The award recognises…

Shane Fallscheer, former CEO of Lovisa, is set to introduce a new jewellery brand, Harli + Harpa, aimed at the affordable accessories market. Harli + Harpa, supported by Fallscheer Retail Pty Ltd, reportedly plans to open several stores by Christmas, including a location at Sunshine Plaza on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.Fallscheer, who spent over a decade expanding Lovisa to over 550 stores in 20 countries, brings significant experience to his new venture. Harli + Harpa is already actively recruiting staff via social media and is positioned to challenge Lovisa and other players in the affordable fashion jewellery space.Harli + Harpa’s Market ApproachHarli…

Sydney-based jewellery designer Cindy Xu was awarded the “Best Gemstone” title at the 2024 Milano Jewelry Week for her opal brooch, Whirlpool Stingray. Known for her focus on wildlife themes, Xu’s work was prominently featured at the Artistar Jewelry Exhibition held during Milano Jewelry Week.Recognition for Craftsmanship in Opal JewelleryMade with Australian black opal, mother of pearl, and titanium, the Whirlpool Stingray brooch brooch’s design centres on a stingray within a wave motif, emphasising movement and natural elements. Following her win, Cindy commented, “I’m surprised and excited to be recognized on such an international stage, it is an honour… Each stone’s vibrant…

Patons Place Jewellers, located inside Craigieburn Central shopping centre, was targeted by a violent raid on Sunday morning, as thieves armed with metal poles shattered display cabinets and stole thousands of dollars’ worth of jewellery. Store staff responded quickly, with one employee chasing the thieves out with a ring-sizing stick, though the robbers managed to flee in a waiting getaway vehicle.The Incident and Police ResponseVictoria Police were called to the scene shortly after the robbery, which occurred around 11 a.m. in the busy shopping centre. The raid caused widespread panic, with shoppers seeking refuge in nearby stores and other businesses closing…

Shanel Tofaeono, one of the key figures in an alleged staged robbery scheme at a luxury jewellery store in Sydney, has been sentenced to prison. The plot, allegedly orchestrated by jeweller Michel Germani, involved faking a $2.8 million heist at Germani’s Hilton Hotel store in January 2022. Tofaeono, who pleaded guilty, received a sentence of four years and seven months for his role in the incident, which involved terrorising a store employee to make the staged robbery appear authentic.The Staged RobberyAccording to court findings, Tofaeono, along with co-accused Mounir Helou, executed the mock burglary by threatening and restraining a store employee. The…

Linneys has unveiled what it is fair to say is a unique creation: the Argyle Pink Quokka. This limited-edition piece combines the rarity of Argyle pink diamonds with the iconic quokka, a marsupial native to Western Australia. Limited to just three pieces and priced at an eye-watering $500,000 each, the Argyle Pink Quokka is part of the Icon Partner Program initiated by Rio Tinto, the former operator of the Argyle diamond mine.Design and FeaturesThe Argyle Pink Quokka consists of two parts: a quokka statue and a detachable leaf pendant. Crafted from 18-karat yellow and rose gold, the quokka is adorned with 3.39…

Nashwa Ahmed, owner of Blackbox Jewellers, is offering a six-carat diamond ring valued at AUD $30,000 to the buyer of her luxury home in Canning Vale, Perth. This incentive comes at a time when the property market remains competitive, making it an unusual addition to the sale.Ahmed’s Blackbox Jewellers operates five stores across Australia, with a notable clientele including sports stars such as rugby players, AFL athletes, and UFC fighter Israel Adesanya, who recently made a purchase. The six-carat ring comes from her jewellery chain, including it as part of the property sale.A Gesture of Gratitude to PerthSpeaking about the…

Arms of Eve, known for its handmade, tarnish-free gold and semi-precious stone jewellery, is expanding with the opening of a new store in Noosa, Queensland.The new store at 32 Hastings Street will open on 19 September, ahead of the summer season, and will join other locations including Bondi Beach, Bondi Junction, and Mosman. “We’re excited to introduce Arms of Eve to the Noosa community,” said Kerryn, founder of Arms of Eve. The new store will allow Queensland-based customers to experience the brand in person for the first time, extending its reach beyond its online and Sydney-based locations.Diversifying Product OfferingsAlongside its established…

Adelaide-based jeweller, Roberts Jewellers, has taken over the former Archer & Holland premises in Adelaide’s City Cross, following the latter’s closure in July. The family-owned business, led by second-generation jeweller Craig Roberts, will continue to offer the services previously provided by Archer & Holland, including a free ring cleaning service for former customers of the now-closed jeweller.Preserving a Family LegacyCraig, who runs the business alongside his wife Kirsty, brings nearly 20 years of experience in jewellery making, having learned the craft from his father, John M Roberts, a master jeweller in Adelaide since 1968. After working with his father for over…

Michael Hill International has reported a substantial decline in its financial performance for FY24 across its global footprint. The company experienced a 101.4 per cent drop in net profit after tax (NPAT), resulting in a loss of $479,000. This significant downturn was accompanied by a 75.8 percent decrease in operating profit (EBIT), which stood at $14.2 million. These results come in the wake of challenging economic conditions, with inflationary pressures and rising input costs cited as the primary factors impacting the group’s profitability.Revenue Growth Offset by Market ChallengesDespite these setbacks, the group reported a 2.4 per cent increase in overall revenue,…