How criminals are leveraging load shedding
BusinessTech reports that security companies have noted a shift in the modus operandi of criminals in some areas as a result of the on-going load shedding in the country. Home and business owners are urged to be aware of the effects of the blackouts on alarm and other security systems, and to be cognisant of the new ways in which criminals are taking advantage of the current state of affairs.
When and how to say no to jewellery commissions
As all passionate jewellery designers know, most job requests come with the tantalising possibility of stretching your artistic and technical talents to create cherished and beautiful items that are highly personal and significant. It can be tricky to discern when a commission is not a great fit if you’re excited by the idea of the work itself, as well as if you simply enjoy the creative process.
Master the skill of plating your jewellery with platinum
Platinum-plated jewellery offers the elegance of platinum at an affordable price. For coating high-value, high-carat but soft metals like 18ct white gold, platinum plating adds a classic silvery whiteness, as well as hardness and durability. It creates a uniform colour and protects the wearer from potentially problematic metals found in some white gold, such as nickel. One of the most attractive features of platinum is how well it holds up against scratches and wear, and it also polishes up easily.
Online jewellery retailers: protect your business by complying with the Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) has certainly placed a great deal more responsibility onto suppliers of goods and services, arguably unreasonably so.
Gold scam robs us all. Support legitimate refineries!
An immense, multibillion-rand tax fraud scheme has been uncovered in an investigation into the second-hand gold industry. Billions are alleged to have been siphoned off to line the pockets of a select few, robbing ordinary South Africans of funds that could have been used towards infrastructure and development. Crucial to the workings of this scheme are dodgy refineries.
Jewellery Plating: don’t overlook these steps
Plating is an affordable alternative to crafting your jewellery entirely of expensive metals, but get any of the steps wrong and you risk wasting precious money and time. Here are a few crucial pointers that should not be overlooked:
Jewellery Trends predicted for 2022
Oversized, colourful and a bit quirky, the spring/summer 2022 runways have been full of striking accessories, inviting fashionistas to have a bit of fun. It’s rather a mixed bag as far as trends go, with fine jewellery featuring alongside plasticky, playful pieces and natural elements. This is good news for jewellers as there’s sure to at least one emerging theme that suits your signature style:
CPM supports Compass
Cape Precious Metals has been a supporter of Compass since 2017. This organisation does fantastic work providing shelter and services through their own registered social workers, as well as trained, qualified teachers and caregivers for the abused or abandoned babies and children in their care.
CPM proudly sponsors the University of Stellenbosch’s 2021 Jewellery Competition Project
In November 2021 as part of CPM’s on-going relationship with the University of Stellenbosch, we sponsored prizes of silver and findings for “Liquorice Allsorts: an internal student competition exhibition” by the Creative Jewellery and Metal Design Division of Visual Arts Department.
Security recommendations for retail jewellers over the Festive Season and beyond
The Jewellery Council of South Africa has republished their recommendations with regards to crime prevention. A tragic trend is noted in which stores that were recently victims of robberies did not have the following protocols in place: