London DE Solidifies its place as Leading UK Ethical Jewellery Supplier
This morning, London DE, the hybrid online marketplace delivering precious gems and jewellery to businesses and consumers in a smarter, more cost-effective way, announces that it has been Shortlisted for “Ethical Jewellery Business of the Year” at the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards 2019.
Over the past decade, issues surrounding the ethical dimension of where products originate from has come to the fore across all consumer markets, and the gemstone industry is one under particular scrutiny. As a result, London DE is focused on maintaining oversight of the supply side of the stones it uses so that it can confirm they are conflict free and acceptable social and environmental standards have been adhered to.
In order to ensure this, the Company has an exclusive partnership that offers a unique level of vertical integration along the lengthy gemstone supply chain, from mine-to-market. London DE’s sister company Hexa Resources is engaged in the exploration and mining of coloured gemstones; solely focused on the supply side, this supporting and reinforcing London DE’s ongoing efforts to increase transparency and efficiency within the coloured gemstone supply chains.
Covering the whole market, including bespoke jewellery, ready-to-wear jewellery, loose gemstones, coloured gemstones, cufflinks and accessories, London DE trades in ethically sourced finer quality gemstones and creates bespoke items of jewellery from its base in London’s diamond district, Hatton Garden.
With access to over 100,000 stones, London DE takes a “clicks and bricks” approach; operating both online and face to face at their sales office in Hatton Garden. However, unlike its main competitors, it holds little stock and has a small tightly-knit team so they can operate with low overheads.
The UK Jewellery Awards 2019 will bring together over 600 Jewellery and Watch industry experts on Wednesday 3 July to recognise and celebrate the very best of the industry.
The company also today launches its second investment round on a leading European equity crowdfunding platform, Seedrs.
Founder and CEO Philip Spencer said: “As a business that is heavily focused on ethics and integrity, we are particularly proud to have been nominated in this category because it lies at the very heart of what we have been trying to achieve in our industry. We are delighted to be returning to Seedrs, and look forward to welcoming all our existing, and any new investors, to once again join us in a crucial point in our journey.”
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Notes to Editors
Media contacts:
Philip Spencer, London DE Founder and CEO: phil@londonde.com
Louise Harvey, Senior Press Officer: louise.harvey@seedrs.com
About Seedrs:
Seedrs allows all types of investors to invest as little or as much as they like in businesses they believe in and share in their success. And it allows ambitious businesses in all sectors to raise capital and build community through an efficient, online process.
Seedrs has funded 790 deals to date and has had over £580 million invested on the platform. All investments made through Seedrs offer voting shares to investors and use professional grade subscription agreements. This ensures that investors get the same level of protection that angel investors and venture capitalists enjoy.
Seedrs is backed by star fund manager Neil Woodford, Faber Ventures, Augmentum Fintech PLC (listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market and Europe’s largest listed fintech fund) and over 2,000 of its own customers. Seedrs is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.