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.

Fleet Street heist: Thieves steal £500k of jewellery
Another daring jewellery heist has taken place in central London. George Attenborough and Son Jewellers on the city’s Fleet Street was robbed of half a million pounds-worth of jewels after burglars smashed through a wall in the betting shop next door. Police have said that the crime was probably carried out by an organised gang.
View the full article at BBC News

It’s pearl earrings and diamond headbands for 2019 brides
Global fashion search platform Lyst has unveiled the results of its 2019 Wedding Report, which monitors searches made by its users as well as social media posts. When it comes to jewels for the wedding day, brides-to-be are seeking out pearl earrings – searches for which have rocketed 109% since January – and diamond-set headbands.
View the full article at The Jewellery Cut

Alrosa notes rise in global jewellery sales
According to statistics released by Russian state-owned diamond mining company Alrosa, the global diamond jewellery market delivered marginal growth last year. It claims that sales of diamond jewels across the world increased 4% to a total of more than £65 billion. While North America delivered strong growth, it was bested by robust trading in Asia.
View the full article at Rapaport

Hidden Treasures: The jewellery of Saudi Arabia goes on display in Dubai
A new jewellery exhibition in Dubai, organised by Van Cleef & Arpels’ L’Ecole educational institute, shines a light on a fascinating treasure trove of antique jewels from Saudi Arabia. The pieces, including bejewelled Bedouin belts and a brooch that once belonged to an Arabian princess, tell the story of the region as a crossroad of civilizations and influences.
View the full article at Arab News

F Hinds takes over Chapelle outlet stores
The Chapelle network of discount jewellery stores was looking shaky earlier this year when the chain went into administration. However, British jewellery retailer F Hinds has stepped in to save jobs and shops, buying some of the beleaguered business’s assets. While the deal doesn’t save the whole chain, F Hinds has taken on 12 stores, securing 80 jobs.
View the full article at Kent Online

Contraceptive jewellery could be the next method of birth control
Pills, coils, injections, and now earrings. Jewellery could be the latest method of delivery for contraceptive drugs as scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology test out new ideas. The trials include administering contraceptive hormones through backings placed on earrings, watches and rings where the items touch the skin.
View the full article at Independent