The company has also joined the NAJ’s Created in the UK scheme, which recognises jewellers committed to British design and craftsmanship.

Founder and designer Lily Gabriella Elia launched the brand in 2015 after working in the jewellery department at Christie’s in Geneva. 

A graduate in fine arts from Brandeis University in Boston, she later qualified as a gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York.

Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Monaco, Gabriella draws on a multicultural background and a family history steeped in art and jewellery collecting. She cites her grandmother’s jewellery collection as a formative influence.

Her designs are noted for their “sculptural forms and bold use” of colour. The Spira ring, a coiled gold piece, has become her signature.

In 2019, Gabriella collaborated with Sotheby’s Diamonds on a collection that reinterpreted high jewellery in her “graphic, modernist style”.

Lily Gabriella said: “These accreditations are more than just symbols: they reaffirm our unwavering promise to craft jewellery that is as meaningful as it is beautifully made, pieces designed to be cherished for generations.”

The collection is the centrepiece of the Yoko Icons campaign, which highlights the angular “Y” and circular “O” symbols as key elements in sculptural, architectural pieces. 

According to Yoko, each item is intended to “evoke strength and individuality while maintaining the classic identity of the brand”.

The campaign features “high-contrast” imagery, “dynamic” movement and a life-size sculptural “O” that appears in interaction with models. 

Yoko stated that the installation is both a “visual centrepiece and a reflection of the collection’s design ethos”.

Additionally, the new campaign marks a step forward for the brand, focusing on “strong silhouettes and identifiable visual signatures to shape the future of its pearl jewellery line”.

Michael Hakimian, chief executive of Yoko London, said: “With O by Yoko, we distilled the very essence of our identity into powerful forms that speak for themselves. The O. The Y. Every angle tells a story.”

According to the London-based jewellery brand, founded in 2013 by environmentalist and columnist Sheherazade Goldsmith, each piece is crafted in 18-carat gold and designed to hold personal meaning.

New additions include the Cosmopolitan Charm, set with pink tourmaline, representing “laughter, loyalty, and lasting connections”.

The Cherry Charm is made with garnets and a diamond-studded leaf, while the Family Tree Charm features leaf motifs symbolising “roots, growth, connection, and love”. 

Another launch, the Diamond Baguette, is crafted in yellow gold and framed in pavé-set diamonds.

The new pieces are intended to be personalised and combined, with lockets designed to hold a variety of charms. 

All diamonds are conflict-free, and gemstones are responsibly sourced, with chains handcrafted in Italy. The brand works with an atelier certified by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

The brand’s ranges will be launched online at Goldsmiths and Mappin and Webb this July, marking the first time Annoushka will be available through a national specialist watch and jewellery retailer.

The brand will also debut in a selection of showrooms through a phased rollout: beginning with Northern Goldsmiths in Newcastle from 21 July, Goldsmiths Birmingham Bullring and Goldsmiths Stratford from 18 August, culminating at Manchester’s new Mappin and Webb flagship jewellery showroom from 5 September.

Annoushka Ducas MBE, founder and creative director of Annoushka, said: “Jewellery is so much more than adornment. It is identity, memory and emotion. After founding Links of London, I wanted to return to the heart of design: storytelling through craftsmanship and creating pieces that are as versatile and playful as the wonderful women who wear them.

“I’m thrilled that our pieces will now be part of the Goldsmiths and Mappin and Webb experience, where they can be discovered in beautiful surroundings by clients who value creativity, quality and connection.”

Craig Bolton, president of The Watches of Switzerland Group, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Annoushka to our showrooms across the UK. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing our clients with pieces that hold exceptional craftmanship, timeless design, and individuality.

“By being the only watch and jewellery specialist to offer Annoushka in the UK, this new partnership brings with it a new era of jewellery retail within our showroom portfolio.”

Annoushka was founded by Ducas in 2009 and focuses on 18ct gold designs adorned with diamonds and precious gemstones.

This latest insight direct from Gold Bank London takes into account the retailer’s sales from across the country, which includes both online and in-store transactions.

Consumers continue to invest in gold bars more, with gold prices continuing to remain high while impacted globally by ongoing conflicts and political unrest.

The Israel-Iran crisis boosted safe-haven demand in the month of June, as investors always typically respond to times of uncertainty, with the ceasefire causing short-term shifts in the global marketplace.

Faisel Ali, founder and managing director, said: “If Israel-Iran tensions had not been de-escalated swiftly it could have escalated to an all-out nuclear war, which would have seen gold prices reaching astronomical heights. History tells us that the yellow metal has always held itself up even when faced with the most disastrous global wars and economic downturns.

“The global economy is now changing faster than people can possibly predict. People that stand any realistic chance of protecting their future must be willing to make decisions quickly. We have seen, during the last 12 months, a significant increase in gold purchasing and investment, which can be attributed to market conditions – which can shift very quickly as a knee-jerk reaction to what is happening in politically unstable parts of the world.”

He added: “As troubles in Gaza are now headlining the news, gold prices stand firm, near to the record highs we have seen so far this year, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East of course constantly having a heavy influence on fluctuations.”

Chapter 2 introduces four sets, each inspired by a tree emblematic of one of De Beers’ four diamond-producing countries. The new designs expand on Chapter 1, which launched in January.

The Camelthorn Resilience set draws on the silhouette of the Camelthorn tree, a feature of Namibia’s desert landscapes. Polished and hand-textured gold mimics the tree’s bark, while white and brown rough diamonds are set in basket settings to echo its organic form. The necklace in the set can be worn in seven different ways.

Meanwhile, the Baobab Magnitude set references Botswana’s ancient baobab tree, known as the ‘tree of life’. The designs combine jet with white and Fancy coloured diamonds, both rough and polished. New techniques for the house include hand-carved jet and the intricate setting of rough diamonds with diamond melee.

Additionally, inspired by South Africa’s jacaranda tree, the Jacaranda Bloom set features floral designs articulated to move with the wearer. 

Pieces include pear-shaped, marquise and round brilliant-cut diamonds. Grand Feu enamel is used to capture the purple gradient of the tree’s blossoms. 

Two standout stones feature: a 20.10 carat D-Flawless pear-shaped diamond and a 1.01 carat Fancy Intense Pink diamond.

Lastly, the Maple Colours set pays tribute to Canada’s national tree. The pieces feature geometric leaves crafted in white, yellow and rose gold with fancy orange-hued diamonds. White diamonds and polished metal are used to reflect the textures of fallen leaves.

The remaining 17 pieces from the collection will be revealed at an event in China this autumn.

Emmanuelle Nodale, De Beers London chief executive, said: “We are proud to present ‘Essence of Nature: Chapter 2’, continuing our celebration of the majesty of trees while paying tribute to four important sources of our diamonds.

“The collection deepens our connection with the lands, drawing on over 135 years of expertise in rough and polished diamonds. We are a house born from contrasts, and Essence of Nature showcases our bold artistry and pioneering craft techniques, with an unexpected duality between modernity and timelessness.”

The new shop marks a milestone for the family-run business, which has built a following for its bespoke, mid-priced pieces. It joins the company’s existing showroom and online operation.

The shop will offer design consultations, a range of ready-to-wear items, and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones.

The store has been designed in keeping with the brand’s “minimalist” aesthetic, using muted tones and modern display elements.

Abelini’s expansion comes amid growing demand for independent jewellery labels focused on “transparency and personalised service”.

Nilesh Rakholia, founder and creative director, said: “Opening a second location in Hatton Garden is a natural step for us. We’ve built a reputation online and in our original showroom for helping customers mark life’s most important moments with jewellery that reflects their story. This new store allows us to bring that experience to even more people, whether they’re looking for an engagement ring, a bespoke piece, or a meaningful gift.”

The group has created its own collection featuring floral designs from its archive, each piece set with 25 diamonds to represent 25 decades. Another range is crafted in 18ct yellow gold sourced from The Royal Mint.

To mark the anniversary, partner brands have also released limited-edition pieces: Roberto Coin has added to its Venetian Princess collection; Fope has introduced a sapphire version of its Prima bracelet; Marco Bicego has unveiled London blue topaz designs for its Lunaria line; and Fabergé will launch a one-of-a-kind egg object later in the year.

The brand, which holds Royal Warrants and serves as jewellers, goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty The King, received a new Royal Warrant in May 2024. 

Since 2012, two of the company’s master craftsmen, Martin Swift and Mark Appleby LVO, have served as crown jeweller, responsible for maintaining the crown jewels. 

Mappin and Webb’s recent collections have also included pieces developed under the Crown Jeweller’s oversight.

The brand operates a London Jewellery Workshop and a Silver Workshop in Greater London, providing repair, restoration and bespoke services. The teams are involved in diverse projects, from mayoral regalia to Ascot trophies.

Additionally, Mappin and Webb supports charitable initiatives including the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and The King’s Trust. 

It contributes a portion of sales from anniversary collections to support The King’s Trust’s Change A Girl’s Life campaign.

A new flagship showroom in Manchester is set to open in 2025, featuring a De Beers boutique and becoming the only David Yurman stockist in the UK outside of London.

Karl Bailey, senior manager of Mappin and Webb Regent Street, said: “It is our great pleasure that in May 2024 we received the Royal Warrant to His Majesty The King as Jewellers, Goldsmiths, and Silversmiths.

“As a grantee of a Royal Warrant, it signifies and reinforces our exemplary service, quality, and excellence of the highest calibre.”

Craig Bolton, president of the Watches of Switzerland Group, added: “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Mappin and Webb, and to be working with such esteemed jewellery partners to do so is a reflection of the incredible heritage of this renowned British brand.”

The company will present a selection of its latest stock, including an exquisite range of large, lustrous nucleated cultured pearl strands that promise to captivate.

Large nucleated cultured pearls are carefully cultivated over several years, resulting in pieces with not only impressive size but also a rich, lustrous quality. They offer a rare combination of size, surface quality and natural colour.

In addition to launching new collections, Raw Pearls will be celebrating the continued popularity of baroque pearls with an exclusive show-only promotion.

Attendees will also have access to Raw Pearls’ brochure, where the full range can be explored in detail. The brochure features to-scale images of many products, allowing customers to get a real feel for the pieces.

It also showcases carefully matched items, helping clients to build cohesive, elegant pearl collections with ease.

Raw Pearls continues to build on its success, following recognition as ‘Supplier of the Year’ at the 2023 UK Jewellery Awards.

The collaboration will fund 10 places on the MBA30 programme, a four-week executive education course tailored for Black entrepreneurs. The initiative is part of both organisations’ wider efforts to tackle structural inequality in the craft and design industries.

Accredited by SOAS University of London, MBA30 combines academic content with business insights from more than 16 industry leaders. 

The course includes three in-person days and six online sessions, covering subjects such as finance, branding, AI, legal compliance and sustainable operations.

Chris Oliver, head of professional training at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said: “Equity and access are central to the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s mission. This collaboration with the Black British Initiative enables us to invest in the next generation of Black makers, providing not just funding, but meaningful pathways to leadership and entrepreneurship.”

Darren Miller, chief executive and co-founder of the Black British Initiative, added: “We are ecstatic, this support from Goldsmiths’ demonstrates their tangible commitment to creating a fair. 

“Statistically, the delta between the average turnover of a Black owned business and the national average is 3,124% and is directly related to the UK’s high levels of wealth disparity. Executive education is part of the solution and the practical support from the Goldsmiths’ Centre makes it possible to extend the reach of MBA30’s impact.”