Author: Hugo Jeffryes

In an economy where consumer spending dictates the pulse of retail success, Singapore’s recent Cost-of-Living Support Package comes as a beacon of hope, especially for the jewellery sector that often feels the brunt of tightened purse strings. The initiative, geared towards easing living costs for locals, is poised to indirectly invigorate consumer spending, casting a favourable light on luxury and non-essential purchases, including jewellery. The government’s substantial package, announced as a cushion against the economic strains experienced by various demographics, primarily targets households with lower income. However, the trickledown is anticipated to reach wider consumer behaviour, injecting a renewed sense…

The recent case of a woman sentenced to over three years in jail for engaging in a scam that tricked pawnshops with gold-plated jewellery masquerading as solid gold, brings to the forefront the ongoing challenge of security and authentication in the jewellery trade. The scam, well-orchestrated, caused a loss of $6,400 in total to two pawnshops, serving as a stark reminder to the industry about the significance of robust verification processes. Tumulak Reziana Romy, 34, was part of a group that meticulously executed this scam. The modus operandi was simple yet effective. The accused, along with her accomplices, presented gold-plated…