Author: chrisstoner040575

Two medieval religious rings, recently discovered by a metal detectorist in North Yorkshire, are set to go under the hammer at Noonans Mayfair with an estimated value of £13,000. The rings underscore the shift towards a more personal devotion to Christ’s suffering during the Medieval period, as noted by jewellery expert Laura Smith. This emphasis on Christ’s bodily sacrifice was mirrored in the era’s devotional jewellery, reflecting the significant role of religious guilds, such as the Corpus Christi Guild in York, which at one time boasted 17,000 members. The auction, featuring a range of valuable items, will take place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.

Nico Leonard van der Horst has officially rebranded his pre-owned watch company from Pride & Pinion to Nico Leonard Watches Limited, as documented in Companies House in December 2025. Originally begun as an eBay seller, Leonard’s entrepreneurial journey took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in demand for pre-owned luxury timepieces. With plans to open new stores and leverage his personal brand, the transformation signifies a new chapter for the Northern Ireland-based business, which boasts a diverse inventory and innovative customer engagement options. Leonard’s commitment to authenticity remains at the forefront of his venture, as he looks to the future with optimism.

The Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030 has unveiled a pivotal report revealing the immense potential of precious metals currently held in consumers’ collections. With an estimated 97,000 tonnes of gold and 790,000 tonnes of silver, the report suggests that recycling these metals could slash emissions by 20% to 30% in the coming years. Emphasizing the environmental benefits of circular practices, the document highlights the prevalence of unworn luxury watches and advocates for increased use of recycled materials alongside responsible sourcing. As the industry faces rising metal costs, these findings underscore a timely opportunity for brands to pivot towards sustainability and collaboration across the value chain.

Tiffany & Co has unveiled its fall edition of the Blue Book 2026 collection, aptly named “Hidden Garden.” This nature-inspired collection features exquisite pieces adorned with diamonds and a palette of vibrant colored gemstones, including Mozambique garnets and tsavorites. Highlights include intricate floral motifs that draw on the legacy of famed designer Jean Schlumberger, alongside striking designs inspired by the geometric beauty of pineapples. With its luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship, the collection will debut at a private event in September, inviting connoisseurs into a world where nature’s elegance meets fine jewellery artistry.

Wilson Smith Group London will sponsor the British Watch Brand of the Year award at the upcoming WatchPro UK Awards, highlighting its commitment to celebrating the watch industry’s achievements. This year’s awards, determined by peer voting for authenticity, reflect a dedication to recognising innovation and excellence across various categories. With the 2026 edition approaching, the collaboration aims to enhance relationships within the sector and provide critical networking opportunities for industry leaders.

The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) have joined forces to enhance global watchmaking education. Their collaboration will launch the Watch Advisor certification in 2027, targeting newcomers and those in the gem and jewelry sectors. With FHH Academy having certified over 18,000 individuals globally, this initiative promises to broaden access to practical learning, enriching the skill set of future professionals in both industries.

Menē has announced an exciting collaboration with acclaimed British author and historian Nick Foulkes, resulting in an exclusive luxury jewellery collection crafted from 24ct gold and pure platinum. This unique range, which includes pendants, bracelets, cufflinks, and lighter holders, reflects Foulkes’ deep appreciation for menswear and the cherished rituals surrounding everyday objects. Emphasizing the concept of jewellery as a “store of value,” Foulkes believes these pieces epitomize elegance and timeless craftsmanship, urging consumers to embrace the significance of well-crafted items that grow in meaning over time.

Burglars have stolen three historic timepieces from Ulysse Nardin’s headquarters in Le Locle, including a Genghis Khan tourbillon watch. The luxury watchmaker is collaborating with local police to recover the stolen items and is urging the watch community to remain vigilant. Ulysse Nardin’s managing director, Matthieu Haverlan, has expressed relief that no one was harmed in the burglary while lamenting the loss of significant pieces from the company’s legacy. In a show of solidarity, Bulgari’s chairman emphasized the broader implications of such thefts on cultural heritage. Authorities are soliciting public assistance in the investigation.

Rolex has made a bold move into the high-end collectible watch market with the introduction of its annual calendar complication model, set to retail between £50,000 and £60,000. This strategic release comes in the wake of Patek Philippe’s similar offering priced at £54,500, highlighting an intensifying competition within the luxury watch sector. As demand narrows to a select few brands, collectors are increasingly gravitating towards neo-vintage references, putting pressure on Patek Philippe’s traditional offerings. This evolution raises questions about the future dynamics of the luxury watch market, particularly as Rolex positions itself against established titans like Patek Philippe.

UK retail employment has reached a historic low, with recent figures revealing that only 2.75 million are now employed in the sector—down 62,000 from the previous year. The drop is largely attributed to soaring employment costs, exacerbated by increased National Insurance contributions and a rise in the National Living Wage, which has added £6.5 billion in expenses over two years. The sector’s part-time roles have also hit an all-time low, raising concerns for young people entering the workforce. In response, the industry is pushing forward with initiatives aimed at creating 100,000 job opportunities for youths, highlighting a pressing need for supportive government policies to facilitate sustainable job growth.