Author: Ruchi Singla

Signet Rings Australia, comprising the brands Signet Circle and The Signet Ring Company, has been listed for sale. The business operates online and specialises in both custom and stock signet rings. It reportedly generates annual sales exceeding $170,000 and is structured to operate remotely from any location within Australia. Two Brands Serving Distinct Market Segments Signet Circle focuses on custom-made signet rings, offering a range of styles and materials with personalisation options including monograms and heraldic designs. The brand has fulfilled over 900 orders, including repeat purchases for family members. The Signet Ring Company offers stock signet rings in standard…

Michael Hill Jeweller has been issued an infringement notice and fined AUD $19,800 by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) following a review of its 2023 Black Friday sales promotion. The consumer watchdog determined that the company’s advertising misrepresented the extent of its advertised discounts. Promotion Found to Contravene Consumer Law The ACCC’s investigation related to an online advertisement for a member event, which stated ‘25% off sitewide’. However, the ACCC found that not all items listed on Michael Hill’s online store were included in the promotion. “Michael Hill’s statement may have misled consumers, and contravened the Australian Consumer…

Nina’s Jewellery has announced that it will close its wholesale division by the end of June 2025, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The move comes one year after the Western Australian company re-entered the wholesale market, having last operated in this space more than five decades ago. Wholesale Operations to Cease Founded in 1965 near the Argyle mine and now based in Dunsborough, Nina’s launched its wholesale offering in June 2024. The initiative aimed to expand its reach through partnerships with stockists, buying groups and industry stakeholders. “It is with a great deal of sadness that we wish to advise that the…

Harli + Harpa, the value-oriented jewellery retailer established by former Lovisa CEO Shane Fallscheer, has named retail executive Armando Pedruco as its new chief executive officer. P edruco will begin the role on 16 June 2025, joining Accent Group, where he most recently served as executive general manager overseeing Platypus Shoes, Hype DC, and Subtype. The appointment follows the departure of Harli + Harpa’s first CEO, Cass Fuller, who has initiated legal proceedings against the company. The case is currently before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Retail Experience and Previous Collaboration Pedruco brings almost 30 years of…

Lucapa Diamond Company has entered voluntary administration, with KordaMentha Restructuring appointed to manage the process. The appointment covers Lucapa and its subsidiaries, including Brooking Diamonds, Heartland Diamonds, and Australian Natural Diamonds. Financial Position and Trading Suspension The company cited soft diamond prices and operational disruptions as key factors behind its financial difficulties. For the 2024 financial year, Lucapa reported a net loss of $1.5 million and a 31% decline in revenue to $54.5 million. While average per-carat prices rose briefly in the first quarter, this did not offset wider financial pressures. Lucapa raised A$2.67 million through share placements and reduced…

Fashion accessories retailer Colette by Colette Hayman will shut down all remaining stores across Australia, following a renewed entry into voluntary administration. The decision ends several years of financial instability and restructuring attempts. Operations Winding Down Store staff were advised on Thursday that the business would cease trading, with remaining outlets expected to continue operating only until stock is cleared. Clearance sales have commenced nationwide, with signage indicating discounts of up to 80 per cent. Although a formal statement from administrators has not yet been issued, employees have confirmed the company has again entered voluntary administration. Background and Ownership History…

The incoming chief executive of the soon-to-be-formed Australian Retail Council (ARC), Chris Rodwell, has outlined key areas requiring urgent attention from the re-elected Labor government. Among the priorities identified are increasing productivity, addressing rising operational costs, and tackling the escalation in retail crime. These issues are placing considerable pressure on Australia’s retail sector, which includes many jewellery retailers nationwide. Retail’s Economic Significance and Cost Pressures The Australian retail industry is valued at AU$430 billion and employs around one in ten workers, according to Rodwell. This makes the sector a substantial contributor to the national economy, accounting for nearly 20 percent…

Michael Hill International has announced that its founder, Sir Michael Hill, will temporarily step away from the board to undergo treatment for cancer. In his absence, the company has appointed Andrea Slingsby as alternate director. Slingsby, who was chief operating officer from 2019 to 2021, has experience in board governance and retail consulting. The announcement comes during a period of strategic repositioning and operational challenges for the retailer, which operates across Australia, New Zealand and Canada with a network of 291 stores. Leadership Adjustment The company confirmed Slingsby’s appointment in a shareholder announcement on 14 April. She will act as…

Mazzucchelli’s Jewellers has officially opened its new flagship boutique on Murray Street in Perth, marking a key development in the national retailer’s expansion. The brand, owned by The Jewellery Group, now operates 28 stores across Australia, including 12 in Western Australia. The opening introduced a revised store format with updated interior design and a focus on higher-end product ranges. Store Design and Fit-Out Designed by Melbourne-based studio Kaleidoscope, the Murray Street store presents a revised layout and fit-out. Interior elements include copper rose gold mesh curtains and marble countertops, with shopfitting by Perth-based West Coast Shopfitting. The store also features…

Shiels Jewellers is commemorating its 80th anniversary with a 35-day promotional event. Founded in Adelaide in 1945, the business has expanded from a single store to a national operation with more than 50 retail outlets and a growing online platform. The anniversary campaign, running until 30 March 2025, includes customer offers, weekly jewellery giveaways, and a video detailing the company’s history. From Local Business to National Chain The company began as a small store in Adelaide’s Central Market Arcade, established by Jack and Jeanne Shiels. In 1977, Albert and Nyra Bensimon acquired the business and led its expansion beyond South…

Jewellers Loop, the Australian parent company of Q Report and JewelCover, has been acquired by U.S.-based Jewelers Mutual Group, marking the company’s entry into the Australian jewellery insurance market. Finalised in April 2025, the acquisition brings together two specialist insurance providers. Q Report and JewelCover will continue to operate as normal, underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Operations to Remain Unchanged The leadership and structure of Q Report will remain in place following the acquisition. CEO and founder Rami Baron, COO Liran Lahav, and the existing Australian team will continue to manage day-to-day…

Natural Diamond Council Launches Diamond Learning Centre The Natural Diamond Council (NDC) has launched the Diamond Learning Centre, a new free digital platform designed to provide accessible education on diamonds for jewellery professionals and enthusiasts. The platform launched in April, aligning with the Natural Diamond Council’s broader seasonal marketing efforts. Accessible at diamondlearningcenter.org, the site aims to improve knowledge of the differences between natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, and simulants. The platform is mobile-compatible and designed for independent use. Content and Learning Structure The Diamond Learning Centre includes more than 25 short videos addressing frequently asked questions, as well as four…

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: Kaleidoscope Neuman’s piece,…

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 Transition Lowe 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…

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 Scholar For 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…

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 Position Shiels 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…

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 Industry Bracken’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…

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 Solutions Hilderbrand 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…

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 Review As 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 Compliance In response to these findings, the…

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 Details The 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…

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 Growth Sales 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…

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 Incident The 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…

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 Measures The 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,…

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 Crime The 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,…

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 ACCC The ACCC identified several problematic advertising practices during its investigation, including: ACCC Actions and Next Steps The 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…

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…

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…

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 Restart The 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…

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 Lucapa The…

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 Highlights The 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…