Highlights include the York Rose Brontë ring, featuring a diamond-set Yorkshire Rose in full bloom in 18ct rose gold, 18ct yellow gold or platinum.

The name was purposefully chosen by Bradley’s Jewellers York owner, Kay Bradley, to celebrate the incredible achievements of Yorkshire’s most famed female writers, Charlotte, Anne and Emily Brontë.

The collection has also been updated with a new gentleman’s signet ring that is custom-engraved with a Yorkshire Rose and crafted in either yellow, white or rose gold.

The collection also includes the York Rose Tiara, set with more than 1,000 fancy-cut diamonds weighing upwards of 10 carats in recycled 9ct white gold.

The York Rose Tiara will soon form part of The Seasons, a unique series of four tiaras that celebrate Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in Yorkshire.

The first to be launched represents the Summer, while a soon-to-be-revealed York Daffodil Tiara will pay homage to the optimism and renewal of the spring months.

A third piece, the Rainbow Hope Tiara, will recognise autumn as a time of harvest, abundance and accomplishment in vibrant coloured gemstones.

The York Rose collection was first unveiled in 2022 as a tribute to Kay Bradley’s personal and professional home.

Bradley said: “As a business, we pride ourselves on always reaching for the next jewellery milestone. Introducing a Yorkshire-inspired tiara seemed like the most sensational and opulent next step. These special items are often found in private collections as treasured heirlooms, so I wanted to create something similar not only for Bradley’s Jewellers York but for the whole of Yorkshire.

“I feel strongly that as an independent jeweller, we should always be surprising our customers with something new, different and inspiring. We’ve updated the York Rose collection with new pieces, but I don’t think any of our loyal collectors anticipated a tiara was in the works.”

In total 4,96,962 pieces of jewellery were hallmarked in April 2025 compared with 5,71,291 in 2024, a decline of 74,392.

Gold hallmarking fell by 8.3% from 2,57,391 pieces hallmarked down to 2,36,066. Gold 999 saw a 49.0% decrease in hallmarking numbers, while gold 585 saw a 33% increase compared with last year.

Meanwhile, the total number of silver pieces hallmarked also saw a decline of 20.2% from 2,84,300 down to 2,26,923.

Despite the overall decrease in the silver category, silver 800 recorded the biggest increase of 175%. 

Additionally, platinum saw an increase in hallmarking of 12.3% from 29,116 to 32,711, while palladium also saw an increase of 127.0% from 556 to 1,262. 

The four UK Assay Offices are based in Birmingham, Sheffield, London and Edinburgh.

The collection reimagines Schlumberger’s iconic 1957 Apollo clip, presenting an array of contemporary jewellery designs that “honour the timeless spirit” of the original.

The Apollo by Tiffany collection continues to be a “lasting symbol” of Schlumberger’s legacy at Tiffany and Co., representing both craftsmanship and artistry. 

Inspired by the “eternal power” of the sun, each piece is a fusion of platinum and 18k yellow gold. 

Sculptural rays curve outward from a “luminous” center, representing the “dynamic motion” of solar flares.

The jewellery pieces follow the launch of Blue Book 2025: Sea of Wonder, a high jewellery collection that celebrates the “allure, motion and mystery of the oceans”. 

Designed by Nathalie Verdeille, chief artistic officer of Jewelley and High Jewellery, the collection is inspired by Jean Schlumberger’s aquatic designs. 

The collection begins with the “lush” world of oceanic plants, captured in “delicate” designs that call to mind an underwater garden. 

The Blue Book 2025 range features six different collections namely Ocean Flora, the Seahorse, the Sea Turtle, the Starfish, the Urchin and the Wave. 

The new Apollo by Tiffany pieces are now available in stores.

In total 5,36,442 pieces of jewellery were hallmarked in March 2025 compared with 5,46,530 in 2024, a decline of 10,088.

Gold hallmarking was up 5.2% from 2,59,802 pieces hallmarked to 2,73,389. Only gold 999 and 990 saw a 47.6% and 75.0% decrease in hallmarking numbers, while gold 585 saw a 15.1% increase compared with last year.

Meanwhile, the total number of silver pieces hallmarked saw a decline of 10.3% from 2,57,861 down to 2,31,273.

Silver 800 recorded the biggest decrease of 50% followed by silver 958 (28.9%), 999 (20.8%) and 925 (10.2%).

Additionally, platinum saw an increase in hallmarking of 9.9% from 28,186 to 30,989, while the total number of palladium pieces hallmarked also increased 16.2% from 681 to 791.

The four UK Assay Offices are based in Birmingham, Sheffield, London and Edinburgh.

Rare launched with the Desert Collection, which includes three designs: Desert Rose, Dune, and Desert Snow. Dune and Desert Rose are made from 18K gold sourced from LBMA-approved refineries and hallmarked by the BIS. Desert Snow is made from Pt950 platinum.

Each ring is produced through manufacturing processes that include the integration of PCBs, 6-axis motion sensors, and medical-grade temperature sensors. Technology is embedded using a resin casting process. The rings are available in sizes 5 to 14 and go through testing and quality control procedures.

Ultrahuman’s firmware is installed on each ring. Firmware updates are applied to support software functionality.

Jewelex integrates sustainability into every facet of its Rare’s manufacturing, operating on 100% renewable energy since January 2023.

Rainwater harvesting at its corporate headquarters further supports resource conservation. By continuously investing in clean energy and eco-friendly practices, it reaffirms its commitment to a “greener future” in fine jewellery.

Each Rare ring is first processed by Jewelex, then sent to Ultrahuman’s manufacturing facilities in Plano, Texas, and Bengaluru, India.

The new Ultrahuman Rare ring is now available at Selfridges in London and Pritemps Paris is Paris.
Bobby Kothari, jewellery CEO at Jewelex India Pvt Ltd, said: “The power of collaboration lies in the ability to bring together diverse strengths. This partnership demonstrates that when traditionally separate industries unite, the potential for growth and innovation is limitless. This is a prime example of how cross-industry synergy can redefine consumer experiences.”

Mohit Kumar, founder and CEO of Ultrahuman, added: “Our collaboration with Jewelex brings together two worlds: their legacy of craftsmanship and our expertise in cutting-edge health technology, redefining fine jewelry in the age of wearables.

“With Rare, we’re catering to individuals who want their health journey to be as elegant and meaningful as the rest of their lives. The possibilities ahead are limitless.”

Alongside this, the company has been hosting a consumer-facing competition to win a laboratory-grown diamond engagement ring.

The Bradley’s Jewellers York team first appeared at The UK Wedding Event at York Racecourse on Sunday 9 March.

The event provided the perfect platform to showcase the retailer’s wide selection of wedding rings, natural diamond engagement rings, pearl jewellery and laboratory-grown diamond jewellery.

Next, the team travelled to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on the weekend of March 22-23 for The Northern Wedding show, which welcomed more than 3,000 prospective buyers.

At this event Bradley’s created a dedicated and fully transactional pop-up store, complete with a pearl jewellery counter, a ‘Something Blue’ display with London blue topaz and aquamarine jewels, and a large selection of wedding rings by a range of British suppliers.

Owner Kay Bradley worked with organisers to host a competition for all attendees to win an Eco Rocks Toi et Moi laboratory-grown diamond ring in platinum, worth £3,000.

The winner, chosen randomly from more than 1,000 entries, was formally unveiled by Geordie television personality and wedding influencer, Vicky Pattison.

Bradley said: “We haven’t participated in large-scale wedding shows for a long time, but 2025 is the year I want to change all that and focus on our incredibly diverse bridal and wedding jewellery collections, which are the strongest they have ever been.

“I have always believed in taking a proactive approach to achieve our strategic objectives, and this includes working with third parties who can help us bolster brand awareness and meet new prospective clients.”

She added: “I am thrilled by the performance of both events, but especially The Northern Wedding Show, which gave us access to Vicky Pattinson – undoubtedly one of the UK’s biggest wedding influencers right now.

“I gifted Vicky a pair of laboratory-grown diamond stud earrings worth £3,000 as a thank-you for announcing the competition winner. She wore them for the whole weekend, which was a wonderful boost!”

Carezza is available in three colour variants: yellow gold and white diamond, yellow gold and ruby, and platinum and white diamond.

The diamonds are laboratory-grown, identical in appearance and physical composition to natural diamonds, while respecting humanity and the planet.

The brand also revealed that the new charm integrates with the L’Essenziale chain, allowing for more customisation.

The 18K yellow gold and lab-grown white diamond variant and the platinum and lab-grown white diamond variant retail for £390 while the 8K yellow gold and Ruby variant retails for £350

The brand stated: “A caress is the first language we learn in life. It is the gesture that welcomes us from our earliest moments, a gentle touch that marks the beginning of a connection, a sign of love expressed through kindness and intimacy.

“The new Atelier VM’s charm ‘Carezza’, moves with grace and softness, gliding effortlessly along the skin. It creates an intimate dialogue with the body, transforming every movement into an expression of radiance and lightness.”

The launch of the charm follows the relaunch of its latest customisable jewellery piece, Tota Pulchra.

First unveiled in 2019, the 9kt gold Tota Pulchra bracelet is returning with Atelier VM’s new customisable approach.

The piece is customised using lamination and laser engraving and includes a Grumetta chain as a brace. Atelier has revealed that the bracelet will retail for £740,000.

Tota Pulchra is Latin referring to the Virgin Mary and means “all beautiful” or “all things beautiful”.

The BHC is an executive, non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.

Will Evans, director of the London Assay Office has welcomed the review stating that he was “looking forward to engaging with the review constructively”.

According to Evans the review should look at options to reinvigorate overseas trading with our customers in EU markets, which has taken a blow in the wake of Brexit, and address the ongoing issues relating to hallmarking enforcement, especially of online marketplaces.

Evans said: “We welcome the Government’s review of the British Hallmarking Council (BHC), which was established in January 1974 under the Hallmarking Act of 1973. The Act, which was last updated in 2000, ensures the integrity of precious metal standards, providing assurance to consumers and businesses and a guarantee of the purity and quality of items purchased made from precious metals (gold, silver, platinum and palladium).

“Hallmarking has played a crucial role in consumer protection and industry confidence for seven centuries. The Goldsmiths’ Company’s London Assay Office was the UK’s first Assay Office, established in 1300. We look forward to engaging constructively with the Review to ensure that the UK’s hallmarking framework continues to uphold trust, protect consumers, and support businesses.”

He added: “It is essential that any future opportunities for the regulation of hallmarking in the UK not only maintain high standards and protect buyers of precious metals, but also support growth, innovation, and the continued success of the UK’s assay offices and the jewellery and silversmithing industries. In the meantime, we remain committed to fulfilling our statutory duties.”

This growth has positioned the UK among Europe’s fastest-recovering countries in terms of marriage rates. In fact, further analysis of European crude marriage rates by 77 Diamonds found that the UK’s annual increase of 18% means it has seen one of Europe’s largest post-pandemic marriage booms, ranking 7th behind Luxembourg (27%), Portugal (25%), the Netherlands (25%), Sweden (24%), Belgium (20%), and Spain (19%). However, despite the overall growth, customer preferences are evolving as more people look for rings that feel as distinctive as their relationships.

Poppy Elder, a third generation jeweller and founder of eponymous jewellery brand, has witnessed firsthand how this surge in engagement ring sales has influenced her clients’ preferences when it comes to bespoke engagement rings. 

She says that while the classic solitaire remains by far the most popular choice, one of the biggest concerns for clients is finding the right balance between quality and size within their budget. “This tends to be the priority for most buyers. When opting for a bespoke engagement ring, getting expert advice on the best combination of colour and clarity is key to ensuring they get the best value for their money. In terms of design, timeless and classic styles continue to dominate,” she explains. 

Elder also points out that while younger generations are redefining marriage on their own terms, she remains committed to creating engagement rings that reflect both uniqueness and tradition. “I specialise in designing unusual engagement rings with different diamonds and sapphires, but I intentionally stick to stones that people are familiar with and feel comfortable choosing,” she explains.

She adds that while clients are eager for something distinctive, they also seek designs that are “timeless and enduring.” As Elder puts it, “An engagement ring is a significant investment, and it’s important that it remains special and loved for years to come.”

For Elder, the key is balance. “The key is striking the right balance—making it personal and unique while ensuring it doesn’t feel too trend-driven,” she shares. She suggests that subtle customisations, such as a distinctive setting style, hidden engravings, or intricate details beneath the stone, offer a way to add individuality without sacrificing the timeless appeal.

Talking more about her specialty of crafting unusual engagement rings, Elder states that everyone wants to represent their relationship in a unique way. “That’s where the classic meets the twist,” she says. “The design is simple and elegant, but with a distinctive touch such as a unique diamond cut or a pop of colour, such as parti sapphires. This blend allows for classic designs with a personal flair.”

Elder’s Signature Collection is a perfect example of her unusual engagement rings. She divided the Signature Collection into two main categories: bridal and jewellery. For the bridal collection, she currently offers two platinum diamond engagement ring and wedding ring sets, designed to complement each other. 

According to Elder, they’re “classic, understated, and all about the diamond”. One set features a rose-cut diamond with a matching rose-cut diamond wedding band, while the other includes a step-cut oval diamond with a matching half-moon diamond wedding band. She says: “The half-moon diamond wedding band tends to get the most inquiries because of its scalloped edge, which fits beautifully against any engagement ring. The scalloped side has a lace-like effect, adding a soft touch to the overall design.”

As for the other pieces that attract attention, the parti sapphires are definitely a standout, Elder highlights. The variety of colours in these stones is unique, and many people are “intrigued by them at first because they’re not familiar with them,” she says. “But once I mention they’re sapphires, clients immediately trust the quality, as they recognise the value and prestige of sapphires.”

This desire for personalisation and distinctive designs aligns with the growing influence of social media on engagement ring trends. While Elder notes that celebrity influence isn’t a major factor in her designs, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest play a significant role in how people research and choose engagement rings. “Often, they’ll find inspiration through posts or pins, which they might then send to their partner as a hint,” she says. Many of Elder’s clients come to her with images or styles they’ve seen on social media, seeking to surprise their partner with a custom ring inspired by what they’ve shared online.

After her clients share their rough idea of what they want and their budget, Elder offers them three or four options. She shows them the biggest stone they could afford, the best quality for their budget, and a few other alternatives. This process usually takes a week or two to narrow down the right stone.

Next, she moves on to hand-drawn sketches, which she often shares via WhatsApp, as many clients prefer the convenience of quick back-and-forth communication through the app. “This allows them to ask questions they might otherwise consider too minor for an email or phone call, making it easier to finalize the design. Once they’re happy with the sketches, we move to the CAD phase, where they can see realistic digital images of the design,” she explains. 

For clients who aren’t completely sure or want to see it in physical form, she creates a wax model, although this is less common since the CAD images are already lifelike. Once everything is confirmed, the final piece typically takes about four to five weeks to be ready.

Jewellery-making is deeply personal for Elder, who oversees every step of the process in her workshop in the Jewellery Quarter. “It’s just me involved in every piece, ensuring every detail is just right,” she says.

As a third-generation jeweller, jewellery has surrounded Elder her entire life, which has undoubtedly influenced my designs. Her grandparents started a metal casting company in the 1950s. It allowed jewellers to use lost wax casting to create their jewellery into repeatable items using wax moulds, which later grew into a jewellery manufacturing business. She then joined the business after her A levels and spent 14 years learning every aspect of jewellery manufacturing and retailing.

Growing up in the industry, Elder witnessed how jewellery fashion has evolved over the years, and that experience makes her less likely to be swayed by passing trends. She says: “I’ve had clients come to me who no longer love their engagement ring because it has gone out of style, or they’ve ended up disliking a wedding band that was once fashionable. Therefore, I want to ensure that the pieces I create are timeless, so my clients can enjoy them for years to come, without worrying about whether they’ll fall out of love with them.”

In recent years, the growing popularity of lab-grown diamonds has sparked a sense of uncertainty in the jewellery market, according to Elder. “As more producers flood the market, prices have dropped significantly,” she explains. This surge in production has created confusion among consumers, who are now bombarded with conflicting messaging from both lab-grown and natural diamond manufacturers. “Each side claims their product is superior,” Elder notes, leaving buyers unsure of where to turn for clarity on the true value of their investment.

“I’m happy to provide clients with the information and answer any questions they have. However, when it comes to engagement rings, most clients choose natural diamonds. Since an engagement ring is such an emotional and sentimental purchase, they tend to lean toward something that feels more authentic,” she states. 

The clients who choose lab-grown diamonds typically do so for reasons other than engagement rings. For instance, Elder had a client who already had an engagement ring but couldn’t afford a larger diamond at the time of their engagement. For Christmas, her partner let her design a second ring. She decided to go with a lab-grown diamond because it fit her budget. “In these cases, there’s less emotional attachment, so clients are more comfortable choosing lab-grown options. But for engagements, people generally prefer the natural diamond,” she explains.

However, Elder also notes that choosing an engagement ring can be overwhelming for couples, especially with the amount of conflicting advice on whether to choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, or what colour and clarity to go for. 

She states that it’s essential for couples to gather as much information as possible, but ultimately, they should focus on what works best for them, not be swayed by others’ opinions on what’s “ideal.” 

She recommends: “A unique, custom-made ring allows them to choose the perfect size, color, and clarity according to their personal preferences. Some may prioritise size, while others may seek perfection and clarity, envisioning the ring as a future heirloom. It’s important for couples to prioritise what feels right for them, rather than being influenced by a salesperson.”

Although Elder isn’t swayed by fleeting trends, she notes that there are two main trends that are emerging in the bespoke engagement rings market. “First, minimalist, classic styles continue to be popular, but people are looking for ways to make them unique. Opting for more unusual diamond cuts, such as a different shape than the typical round, princess, or oval, is a trend that will likely grow, especially with social media showcasing alternative options,” she states. 

Secondly, Elder observes that alongside the ongoing debate between lab-grown and natural diamonds, there will be an increased demand for coloured gemstones, particularly those that are undeniably natural. “These stones may not always be perfectly clear, but their personality and authenticity will appeal to customers who appreciate the uniqueness of a genuine natural stone,” she explains. 

Finally, Elder has observed that younger clients are seeking pieces they can wear daily, avoiding the overload of excessive jewellery. “I think there are several factors at play here,” she explains.

“Cost is obviously a significant consideration when it comes to buying jewellery. However, I also have younger clients who tell me they have a gold-plated necklace they wear every day and love, but it’s starting to wear down. They want to replace it with a solid gold piece, so they don’t have to worry about the plating coming off. It comes back to classic designs—something they’ll be happy to wear at 18 and still love when they’re 70.”

In total 457,144 pieces of jewellery were hallmarked in February 2025 compared with 549,539 in 2024, a decline of 92,395.

Gold hallmarking fell by 7.9% from 260,662 pieces hallmarked down to 240,098. Gold 999 saw a 75.2% decrease in hallmarking numbers, while gold 585 saw a 97.1% increase compared with last year.

Meanwhile, the total number of silver pieces hallmarked also saw a decline of 28.6% from 264,310 down to 188,742.

Despite the overall decrease in the silver category, silver 800 recorded the biggest increase of 500%.

Additionally, platinum saw an increase in hallmarking of 15.9% from 23,949 to 27,573, while palladium saw a decrease of 10.8% from 618 to 551.

The four UK Assay Offices are based in Birmingham, Sheffield, London and Edinburgh.