International News
PureJewels Leads UK Jewellery Industry with Launch of Hallmarking 2.0 and Digital Product Passports
The innovation, powered by blockchain technology from Everledger and implemented by the Edinburgh Assay Office, was unveiled alongside the launch of PureJewels’ latest fine jewellery line, the Lotus Collection.
For the first time in the UK, every piece in a jewellery collection will carry a secure digital record created at the hallmarking stage. These Digital Product Passports provide verified details about hallmarking, material provenance, supply chain journey, and ethical sourcing—enhancing consumer confidence and elevating the standard of responsible jewellery retail.
The Lotus Collection, symbolising love’s journey from bud to bloom, features handcrafted pieces in 18ct yellow gold, platinum, and PureJewels’ exclusive 22ct Sunrise Gold. It embodies the brand’s ethos of “Celebrating Journeys”, merging heritage artistry with cutting-edge innovation.
“Hallmarking has always been the cornerstone of trust in fine jewellery. By launching Hallmarking 2.0 with the Lotus Collection, we are showing how tradition and technology can coexist for the modern luxury consumer,” said Jayant Raniga, CEO of PureJewels. “This is the beginning of a more responsible, transparent, and digitally connected future for our industry.”
The Lotus Collection is now available at PureJewels’ London showroom, online at purejewels.com, and will be rolled out to retail partners nationwide. Ainsworth Jewellers in Blackburn—a heritage retailer with 155 years of history—will be the first UK stockist.
“Our customers value tradition, innovation, and transparency. With Digital Product Passports, they gain deeper insight and assurance—connecting them more meaningfully to each piece they choose,” said Phil Ainsworth, Managing Director of Ainsworth Jewellers.
The Edinburgh Assay Office, one of the UK’s oldest hallmarking institutions, has welcomed the move as a vital step forward.
“Hallmarking has safeguarded consumer trust for over 700 years. Hallmarking 2.0 is a natural evolution, and we are proud to bring that trust into the digital age,” said Scott Walter, Chief Executive and Assay Master.
Backed by tech partner Everledger, the initiative is also a testament to the growing demand for traceable luxury.
“Jewellery has a story to tell. Hallmarking 2.0 makes that story visible and verifiable,” said Leanne Kemp, Founder of Everledger.
International News
AGTA appeals US Government to Scrap 10% Import Tariff on Gemstones
Trade body seeks exemption for coloured gemstones under new temporary tariff regime, with potential implications for diamonds.
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has formally appealed to the US government to remove the newly imposed 10% global import tariff on gemstones, and potentially diamonds, warning of its impact on the trade.
The tariff was announced on February 20 after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response, the administration introduced a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure will remain in effect for 150 days unless Congress votes to extend it, though further tariff mechanisms have not been ruled out.
AGTA has submitted a formal request to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging that precious and semiprecious coloured gemstones be added to the exception list under Annex I or Annex II. The association argued that these stones are not mined domestically in the US and therefore should qualify for exemption.
Previously, AGTA’s lobbying efforts contributed to diamonds and gemstones being included in Annex III — a list of products eligible for potential exemption from duties for “aligned” countries. This had placed Indian diamonds and gemstones on track for relief following a prospective US-India trade agreement. However, it remains unclear whether Annex III provisions apply under the new tariff framework that recently took effect.
If the across-the-board exemption request is denied, AGTA has asked the USTR to confirm whether Annex III remains a viable pathway for country-specific tariff relief on coloured gemstones.
While the current petition focuses on coloured gemstones, AGTA noted that trade experts believe any exemption granted in this category could effectively extend to diamonds, as seen in past trade agreements such as the US–European Union deal.
“We will continue to work tirelessly toward eliminating tariffs on gemstone imports into the US. We remain fully committed to this effort — giving up is not an option,” said AGTA President Bruce Bridges and CEO John Ford.
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