Jeweller - May 2021

News
News In Brief
GIA recalls fancy
diamonds
4 The Gemological Institute of America
(GIA) has withdrawn the grading reports
for a number of fancy colour diamonds
analysed between January and June
2020, over concerns an as-yet unidentified
treatment could have gone undetected.
The diamonds in question were issued with
a “green or greenish” colour grade. The
GIA removed the diamonds from its Report
Check service and offered free re-testing.
COVID-19 impacts Indian
diamond industry
4 A second wave of the COVID-19
pandemic in India may lead to polished
diamond shortages, as one in four
workers stay home and companies shift
resources towards higher-value stones,
Rapaport News reports. Diamond
manufacturing in India – where more
than 90 per cent of the world’s diamonds
are cut – has reportedly fallen 30–40 per
cent in recent weeks.
Diamond ring breaks
Aussie auction record
4 Auction house Leonard Joel has
sold the largest and most expensive
diamond ring ever auctioned in
Australia, for $1.125 million. The
platinum ring features a square
emerald-cut 25.02-carat centre stone.
Hamish Sharma, head of Leonard Joel’s
Important Jewels division, said, “If you’re
judging it from a point of view of beauty,
it’s unparalleled.”
Management shuffle
at Seiko
4Shinji Hattori – great-grandson of
Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori – has
stepped down as CEO of Seiko Watch
Corporation (SWC) after 17 years.
Meanwhile, SWC president Shuji
Takahashi has been promoted to
another role within the Seiko group.
Akio Naito – a long-term SWC executive
who has held leadership roles in both
Australia and Japan – has been named
as the new president.
Baume & Mercier releases revamped
Riviera watch collection
The Baume & Mercier Riviera Collection retains the
original’s unusual 12-sided bezel.
Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier has
launched the latest version of its historic Riviera
timepiece, which was originally released in 1973.
The Riviera was named for the iconic French
coastline, with the unusual design representing
“freedom and renewal” as well as “offbeat
elegance”.
Unveiled during the recent Watches &
Wonders Geneva virtual event, the new
Riviera collection features self-winding models
for men and women in case sizes from 36mm
to 42mm, as well as a model housing the
brand’s signature Baumatic calibre, which
provides a five-day power reserve.
All the timepieces feature the Riviera’s
Casting, refining and fabricated alloys firm
opens Melbourne office
Chemgold has opened a new location in Melbourne
as it celebrates 35 years in the jewellery industry.
Sydney-based casting, refining, and fabricated
alloys firm Chemgold has opened a new location in
Melbourne’s CBD, in order to serve the Victorian
jewellery retail and manufacturing market.
It will offer casting, refining, fabricated alloys,
findings, bullion, mounts, laser engraving and
the full Chemgold design catalogue.
distinctive 12-sided stainless steel bezel,
updated for modern consumers with black,
blue, silver, and grey dials available, as well as
interchangeable rubber strap or steel bracelet.
A statement from Baume & Mercier read, “The
Riviera is making a comeback that strikes a
balance between its roots in avant-garde ‘70s
design and the sport-minded classicism of
today’s watches.
“More than any other, the Riviera collection
demonstrates the expertise of Baume & Mercier
in the field of unusually shaped watches.
Of the original model, the statement said,
“Known for its twelve-sided bezel reflecting the
twelve hours displayed on its dial, this unique
watch left an impression.
“The icon of a nonchalant generation, it
has always carried the Baume & Mercier
fundamentals in its genes: a love of design, a
regard for form, and a desire for boldness.”
The ‘revamped’ Riviera follows other Baume
& Mercier archival revivals, such as the Art
Deco-inspired Hampton Collection, which was
unveiled at the digital Watches & Wonders
Geneva event in 2020.
Darren Sher, director Chemgold, told Jeweller,
“We opened in Melbourne primarily to make
our products and services more accessible to
jewellers and retailers in Victoria,” adding that
“existing – and potential – customers have
requested we do this for years”.
“We feel there is an opportunity to offer our
quality products as well as our renowned
personalised service. The planning has been in
the pipeline for many years with the set up taking
place over the last few months,” Sher said.
The Melbourne office will also offer several
unique services, including the ability to collect
stockgauge, solder, findings, and selected bullion.
“Casting will still be based in Sydney, however
customers can collect orders and drop off
masters, waxes, or samples in Melbourne,”
Sher explained.
The new office opens as Chemgold celebrates
its 35th year in the jewellery trade, and is located
in the heart of Melbourne’s ‘jewellery district’,
Collins Street.
Spanish jewellery brand UNOde50 enters
Australian market
Timesupply has inked a deal to distribute Spanish jewellery brand UNOde50, which is known for its distinctive
designs and bold aesthetics. Image credit: UNOde50
Spanish jewellery brand UNOde50 is set
to enter the Australian and New Zealand
market, distributed by Timesupply.
As part of the deal, Timesupply will
take control of UNOde50 distribution
within Australia and New Zealand as
well as operating the local version of the
brand’s website.
Javier Gala, CEO UNOde50, said, “UNOde50
is proud to announce its strategic partnership
with Timesupply to service the Australian and
New Zealand markets.
“Until now, UNOde50 has had a limited
presence in the region. However, we are
confident that our brand’s unique jewellery
designs – timelessly fusing tradition with
modernity and handcrafted quality – have
great potential to appeal to a new group
of consumers.”
Ken Abbott, director Timesupply, told
Jeweller, “We first became aware of
UNOde50 in 2017 after seeing the brand
in many UK retailers.
“It was very eye-catching and obviously
hugely popular; we considered it would be
a great addition to our stable of brands.”
He added, “UNOde50 has a very unique
design DNA – it is difficult to mistake for any
other brand. It is bold and artistic and will
appeal not only to those who know the brand
from Europe but also to new customers, who
are always looking for something special.
“UNOde50 fits perfectly with Timesupply’s
mission to distribute unique, distinctively
designed jewellery with outstanding
quality and value.”
Founded in Madrid in the 1990s, UNOde50
jewellery is handcrafted in Spain and has an
existing retailer network spanning more than
45 countries.
While its largest market is Spain, followed
by the US, the brand has been pursuing
an expansion strategy to new territories,
including Ireland in November 2020.
“UNOde50 has a very unique design
DNA – it is difficult to mistake for any
other brand. It is bold and artistic and
will appeal not only to those who know
the brand from Europe, but also to
new customers”
KEN ABBOTT
Timesupply
Its signature pieces are bracelets, which
account for more than 45 per cent of sales,
followed by necklaces. While known for its
plated silver and leather designs, UNOde50’s
range also incorporates gold plating, natural
gemstones, and pearls.
It takes its name from the limited quantities
of its first jewellery collections – just 50 pieces
and its logo is a padlock, which represents the
‘protection of exclusive jewellery designs’.
In addition to its 500-piece core range,
UNOde50 releases two collections each year;
its most recent release for 2021 is the Glam
Collection, featuring animal motifs and ontrend
gold chains.
Timesupply currently distributes a number
of European brands, including Coeur de
Lion, Nomination, DANSK Copenhagen,
QUDO, and RAS.
17 | May 2021