Here at the British Academy of Jewellery we like to stay up to date with what is happening in the jewellery and design world. Welcome to the next instalment of our BAJ Digest – a weekly series dedicated to keeping you up to date with the latest news.
Graff breaks Letšeng record with pink diamond
The Letšeng mine in Lesotho, Africa, is famous for producing the world’s most expensive diamonds. While it certainly isn’t the largest rough diamond to emerge from the mine, the newly named Graff Lesotho Pink has swiped the title of the priciest gem per carat after the 13.3ct pink diamond fetched $8.75 million. The gem was bought by London diamond jeweller Graff, and founder Laurence Graff has described the stone as “the most vivid pink rough diamond” he has ever seen.
View the full article at The Jewellery Cut
Gucci captures Florence Welch’s bohemian spirit for latest jewellery campaign
Florence + The Machine frontwoman Florence Welch is back to star in another campaign for Gucci. The latest fine jewellery shoot, captured by Colin Dodgson, shows the singer lounging in a traditional painted gypsy caravan, dressed in heavily beaded fabrics and velvet, wearing layers of jewels from Gucci’s Le Marché des Merveilles collection.
View the full article at Vogue
Baselworld: luxury watch and jewellery fair dazzles in Switzerland
Over the past week, what was once the world’s leading watch and jewellery fair opened in Basel, Switzerland. The Baselworld show has rapidly shrunk in recent years, with the number of exhibitors drastically reduced and visitor numbers sliding. Despite this, there were still plenty of new jewels and watches to be seen and business being done.
View the full article at Euronews
Influencers future-proof businesses as scepticism grows
As we start to question whether followings and likes are real or bought, the jewellery bloggers who have carved out strong reputations for themselves are using their influence to launch multi-faceted businesses. From creative agencies to books and jewellery brands, discover what your favourite Insta-stars are doing and why.
View the full article at The Financial Times
Moussaieff’s low-key doyenne of jewels steps into limelight
Some of the most famous gems in the world have passed through the hands of Alisa Moussaieff, who – now nearing her 90th birthday – remains very much at the helm of luxury jeweller Mousaieff. Learn more about her fascinating life story and discover why Instagram has changed her entire business strategy and forced her into the spotlight.
View the full article at The Financial Times
Rare Snow White charm bracelet to fetch thousands at auction
While H Samuel, Alex Monroe and Pandora are busy making deals with Disney for princess-themed jewels, Cartier was way ahead of the curve in 1939. Back then, it created a gold and enamel charm bracelet to celebrate the premier of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, which was the first ever feature-length animated film. This rare example of childish whimsy from a stalwart brand will come up for sale at Christie’s New York next month.
View the full article at The Jewellery Cut