MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
Policies & IssuesJul 05, 2016
British Jewelry Designers React to Brexit
Some of the U.K’s top jewelers weigh in on the nation’s decision to leave the European Union.
London--In the wake of the controversial Brexit referendum, National Jeweler asked some of the United Kingdom’s top jewelers to weigh in on the nation’s decision to leave the European Union.
While some were hesitant to comment on a political issue, others were impassioned on the topic.
Below are the designers’ overwhelmingly negative responses to Brexit, mixed with messages of hope, in the words of those whom it will affect the most.
Stephen Webster
“The implications of Brexit for the jewellery industry are really the same for all industries. Brexit is nothing short of extremely bad news.
I can only hope that when we do find new leadership that they will be able to negotiate our way back in because now that we have had a taste of what being on the outside means, I’m sure given the chance of a second referendum it would probably be a landslide victory for staying in.
I wish I could find something positive to say about Brexit but I really can’t.”
Anna Jewsbury of Completedworks
“The financial consequences are still sinking in here in the U.K. but with an internationally diversified client base we hope we are in a good position to deal with any fluctuations and changes. What is most immediate for us right now is wanting to preserve the culture of our company that is currently very European, both in the makeup of our team and also in our outlook. How can you design conceptual jewellery for a global woman if you are not open and if that openness is not reflected in the studio and the design process?”
Solange Azagury-Partridge
“It was a really disappointing outcome for sure. However, I do think one should just move on and deal with the current situation and make the best of things. Adversity is a great boost for creativity. And the U.K. is certainly enterprising. I’m thinking positively.
No one can be sure [what Brexit will mean for the jewelry industry] yet. I’m sure there will be a period of uncertainty all around. The summer months are never the best in the year anyway. However, as the GBP (British pound) is low, it could encourage people to spend, but I’m no expert!”
Fernando Jorge
“Luxury is ultimately a global business, so like any sector we will be paying detailed attention in the coming months as to how any changes may affect our supply and distribution chains, and will act accordingly. The result
was perhaps unexpected, but the British jewellery industry is a vibrant, dynamic and international community that has proven in the past to be well able to navigate difficult or uncertain times.”
Lily Kamper
“I am really disappointed about the Brexit result particularly on a social level and deeply saddened by those ramifications, which affect us all. As a jewellery business I think time will tell how it will affect the industry and small businesses.”
Diane Kordas
“Brexit can potentially complicate and increase the cost of operation. For example, fungibility of VAT across the EU is one of the big benefits of operating in such a big market and this may be lost or reduced.
Also, landing fees or tariffs may be imposed if producing in Europe and/or selling in Europe. In addition it may be difficult to hire European talent in the U.K. as it would incur additional costs, i.e. sponsorships, legal fees, etc.
The jewellery industry is not really different to any other industry that will be affected by Brexit, whether (it affects) movement of goods, movement of labor and accounting issues. In general, the more open the markets, the better. British jewellers are global players. A positive, however: if a British jeweller produces in the U.K. along with having the bulk of their expensive base in the U.K., the devolution of the pound will make them more competitive.”
Sheherazade Goldsmith of Loquet London
“Brexit has caused cost prices to soar as most raw materials are sourced from abroad and paid for in U.S. dollars. This will make things harder for emerging talent and will cause a shrink back in development for those already established. However, fine jewellery differs from the rest of the luxury market, in that for a lot of cultures it holds an intrinsic value.”
Imogen Belfield
“There is an overwhelming feeling of shock and disappointment about the results of the EU referendum. Ninety percent of U.K. businesses stated their preference to remain in the European Union, in a survey conducted by the British Fashion Council. The most immediate impact for the jewellery industry has been the sharp rise in gold prices, marked at over £1,000 per ounce earlier this week. The arts and sciences in general receive huge financial support from the EU. My business, as well as my peers within the jewellery industry, have benefited unequivocally from the European Union and the financial support offered.
In our loyalty and allegiance to the EU and for the Remain campaign I signed, along with 1,200 other U.K. business, the ‘Stronger In’ business letter. (It was) an act that we hoped would work as a significantly important intervention, showing the breadth of support for the U.K. remaining in the EU from businesses big, medium and small. This letter was printed in The Times a few days before the vote, and picked up by other media throughout that same day.
We must now look forward, not back, and look at how we can best work together for the greater good of our nation. One hopes there will be some positives that shine a light through these dark times, and that our historically close working relationships with our European friends will enable proactive negotiations to be made that allow our countries to collaborate and work in harmony with one another. I believe the future should be about tolerance, equality and unity.”
“How can you design conceptual jewellery for a global woman if you are not open and if that openness is not reflected in the studio and the design process?” - Anna Jewsbury of Completedworks
Lily Kamper
“I am really disappointed about the Brexit result particularly on a social level and deeply saddened by those ramifications, which affect us all. As a jewellery business I think time will tell how it will affect the industry and small businesses.”
Diane Kordas
“Brexit can potentially complicate and increase the cost of operation. For example, fungibility of VAT across the EU is one of the big benefits of operating in such a big market and this may be lost or reduced.
Also, landing fees or tariffs may be imposed if producing in Europe and/or selling in Europe. In addition it may be difficult to hire European talent in the U.K. as it would incur additional costs, i.e. sponsorships, legal fees, etc.
The jewellery industry is not really different to any other industry that will be affected by Brexit, whether (it affects) movement of goods, movement of labor and accounting issues. In general, the more open the markets, the better. British jewellers are global players. A positive, however: if a British jeweller produces in the U.K. along with having the bulk of their expensive base in the U.K., the devolution of the pound will make them more competitive.”
Sheherazade Goldsmith of Loquet London
“Brexit has caused cost prices to soar as most raw materials are sourced from abroad and paid for in U.S. dollars. This will make things harder for emerging talent and will cause a shrink back in development for those already established. However, fine jewellery differs from the rest of the luxury market, in that for a lot of cultures it holds an intrinsic value.”
Imogen Belfield
“There is an overwhelming feeling of shock and disappointment about the results of the EU referendum. Ninety percent of U.K. businesses stated their preference to remain in the European Union, in a survey conducted by the British Fashion Council. The most immediate impact for the jewellery industry has been the sharp rise in gold prices, marked at over £1,000 per ounce earlier this week. The arts and sciences in general receive huge financial support from the EU. My business, as well as my peers within the jewellery industry, have benefited unequivocally from the European Union and the financial support offered.
“The most immediate impact for the jewellery industry has been the sharp rise in gold prices, marked at over £1,000 per ounce earlier this week.” - Imogen Belfield
In our loyalty and allegiance to the EU and for the Remain campaign I signed, along with 1,200 other U.K. business, the ‘Stronger In’ business letter. (It was) an act that we hoped would work as a significantly important intervention, showing the breadth of support for the U.K. remaining in the EU from businesses big, medium and small. This letter was printed in The Times a few days before the vote, and picked up by other media throughout that same day.
We must now look forward, not back, and look at how we can best work together for the greater good of our nation. One hopes there will be some positives that shine a light through these dark times, and that our historically close working relationships with our European friends will enable proactive negotiations to be made that allow our countries to collaborate and work in harmony with one another. I believe the future should be about tolerance, equality and unity.”
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
