Latest news with #affordableluxury
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Golden Bird Jewels Expands to UK After Strong Success in U.S. Market
Renowned moissanite jewelry brand enters UK market after strong growth and customer trust established in the U.S. jewellry industry. 'The positive response in the U.S. has inspired us to bring our unique jewellery offerings to the UK market.'— Vijay Sarkheliya Founder & CEO of Golden Bird Jewels LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 2, 2025 / / -- Golden Bird Jewels Expands to UK After Strong Success in U.S. Market The globally loved brand in affordable luxury and moissanite craftsmanship, Golden Bird Jewels, announces its arrival into the UK market following an impressive performance in the U.S. fine jewellery market. Well-known for offering its customers luxury handmade Moissanite and lab diamond jewellry at reasonable costs, the brand changes the target of attention to British customers with the guarantee of honesty in regards to sourcing, quality, and personalization. Golden Bird Jewels (GBJ) has been turned into a household name in the United States due to its mission to make fine jewellery an eternal affection and individuality statement. Due to its growing popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z buyers, it has spread into other countries, and this is a major milestone in the brand's international growth. 'The affection and trust we have received from our U.S. clientele has been more than what we expected', says, a representative of Golden Bird Jewels. 'The UK was the logical extension of our journey. British customers care about quality, sustainability, and artistry – basically what we are all about.' Empowering Jewellery Lovers with Affordable Luxury By offering a wide range of ethically sourced crafts made of Moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, and quality metals including 925 sterling silver, 18K gold, and platinum, Golden Bird Jewels differentiates out in a competitive market. GBJ is the ideal fusion of classic craftsmanship with minimalist themes, with its design studios and manufacture based in India, a nation renowned for its exquisite jewellery traditions. Ranging from engagement rings to wedding bands, to bracelets, earrings, and customized heirloom designs, all Golden Bird pieces are born with an unrelenting eye for detail and top-grade cut quality with an eye toward responsible luxury. This expansion means UK customers can now access Golden Bird's most celebrated collections, including: Ready to Ship Collection – Pre-made favorites ready for fast delivery. Custom Moissanite Jewellery – Personalized pieces designed to reflect individual stories. Lab Diamond Creations – Conflict-free and environmentally conscious designs. Gemstone Fine Jewellery – A touch of color and symbolism crafted with precision. UK Launch Highlights To commemorate its UK debut, Golden Bird Jewels is introducing a curated collection designed exclusively for British customers. In addition, GBJ's UK-focused website will feature local currency pricing, responsive customer service, and access to a growing gallery of client diaries and testimonials. UK customers can explore the collection and place orders via the official website: What Sets Golden Bird Jewels Apart? Golden Bird Jewels is not an ordinary jeweler. It's a purpose-driven brand guided by customer-first principles, high performance standards, and strong ethical values. The company works with an integrated approach, where there is a focus on: Handcrafted Excellence: Every stone is chosen individually and carefully mounted by master artisans. Creative Innovation: GBJ is always on top of trends, yet respects tradition, as the design studios release new collections regularly. Affordable Transparency: Working straight with artisans and cutting away the middlemen, GBJ incurs massive savings that it passes down to the client. Sustainability: The company encourages ethical manufacturing without sacrificing beauty or brilliance by using lab-created diamonds and metals that are sourced sustainably. The foundation of Golden Bird Jewels is built on a clear and meaningful goal: to create jewellery that is a reasonably priced representation of honesty and love. Every piece, from personalized charms for life's special occasions to engagement rings for eternity, is made to empower the user. 'That's our goal – to deliver handcrafted beauty without overpriced tags,' CEO says. 'Jewellery is deeply personal. Be it a token of love, a tribute to self, or a heritage for generations, our pieces are designed to make a difference.' The company's ideology – customer-first service, honesty, innovation, teamwork – is woven into all steps of its procedure. Golden Bird Jewels believes in carrying out business with integrity and creating an everlasting relationship with customers, suppliers, and other collaborators. Customer - Focused Jewellry Made with Global Expertise One of the ways that GBJ differs from other companies is the vertically integrated business model. Every piece of jewellery is designed, produced, and tested in-house. The company has manufacturing plants in India, which have a centuries-old legacy in jewellery making. This helps GBJ regulate the quality at each point while enabling the locals and sustainable practices. From silicon carbide-made Moissanite to ethically sourced lab diamonds, the brand is choosy about its materials for strength, brightness, and ethics. The outcome is breathtaking, conflict-free gemstones matching mined diamonds in aesthetics, but not in price and impact on the earth. Golden Bird Jewels has been given excellent reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google, with thousands of delighted customers who confirm the brand's dedication to quality, customization, and speedy services. The responsive support team and transparent policies are also the reasons why the company is celebrated, qualities that form its identity in an industry where confusion and distrust prevail. So far, GBJ has served over 100K customers and created more than 250K jewellery pieces. From New York to Los Angeles – and now, even London – its global family keeps on expanding. Future Outlook With its UK launch in full swing, Golden Bird Jewels has aggressive international expansion plans for 2025 and further. The next destinations are to be Australia, the UAE, and certain European countries, where there is increasing interest for ethically made, affordable luxury. Furthermore, the brand is also spending to provide augmented reality (AR) shopping, AI-driven customization, and sustainable packaging to boost its digital-first strategy. Vijay Sarkheliya Golden Bird Jewels +1 646-574-4032 [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Hotel review: The Alfriston, South Downs
Looking for a chic boutique hotel that's also affordable? Well, you can stop that search right now, because I've found one, and it's called The Alfriston. The latest addition to the Signet hotels group, it joins The Mitre, The Barnsdale and The Retreat at Elcot Park, in offering inspirational design, friendly service and a luxe-y vibe without breaking the bank. The Alfriston is in the picturesque South Downs village of the same name. Originally built as a grand merchant's manor house, it now offers buzzy restaurants, a serene and spacious spa and beautifully decorated, well-appointed bedrooms. Rooms & facilities The bedrooms have a modern country house vibe with wood panelling and furniture painted in sorbet shades. Furnished with plush velvet cushions and headboards in patterned fabrics, they deliver an instant dopamine hit. Bathrooms are similarly cheery with vibrant tiles and Bramley products. Sheets are crisp and white and fluffy towels plentiful. Our room had a free-standing bath with views over the countryside. Some rooms are dog friendly. There is also complimentary biscuits and sherry. Spa & wellness The Alfriston has a stylish outdoor heated swimming pool and newly revamped relaxation room which overlooks it. Sunny and airy, it has comfortable loungers and jugs filled with cucumber and lemon and is a calm space complete with new steam, sauna and treatment rooms. Therapists use British brand GAIA products (USP natural and sustainable) and I had an excellent sixty-minute massage for £80. Food & drink Staff are welcoming, attentive, and happy to accommodate guest quirks. The bar is buzzy with a lively mix of locals, families gathering for a special occasion meal and hotel guests. The restaurant serves food in two rooms, the 1554 brasserie (adjacent to the bar with gastro pub vibes) and the light and airy orangery (you can't take a dog into the latter). The menu majors on British classics, (think gourmet burgers, fish and chips and fresh fish options) using quality meat and locally sourced vegetables. Breakfast is busy and mainly consists of a help-yourself-buffet but if you want eggs done a different way from the options offered, the chef will whip them up for you. Coffees come from a self-serve machine (but taste good) and staff are constantly tidying up and replenishing supplies to ensure a pleasant experience. What to do nearby The village has many pubs, shops, cafes, and restaurants (we liked the bijoux Italian Poco) although they can be expensive. Use the hotel as a base to explore the town of Lewes or Brighton which is 40 minutes away. Consider wine tasting at the local Rathfinny Wine Estate. Hotel highlights Croquet on the lawn. The jars of sweets and bags of crisps that are free for guests in the 'larders' dotted on the landings. Drawbacks Gripes are few and minor. Could be more vegetarian options on the menu and some building works are on going. Best for? Families, groups of friends, couples wanting a getaway or walkers/cyclists keen to explore the South Downs. Rates are from £150 for bed & breakfast. For more information, visit the website here. To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), Facebook (YOU Magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
David's Bridal launches luxury store, expanding its offerings from DoorDash deliveries to couture
David's Bridal, the 75-year-old company serving budget-conscious brides and wedding parties, is courting the "affordable luxury" market. The go-to store for brides on a budget has launched a higher-end, bricks-and-mortar chain called Diamonds & Pearls that offers dresses ranging from $700 to more than $5,000. David's expansion into the luxury segment comes two years after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2023, citing inflation and pressures. David's operates 193 traditional stores across the U.S. selling gowns that typically cost between $500 and $3,000. The first Diamonds & Pearls store opened Thursday in Delray Beach, Florida. While the company has long held a grip on the value-end of the bridal market, it was missing the luxury piece and wanted to serve customers looking for premium offerings, David's CEO Kelly Cook told CBS MoneyWatch. "We found that 90% of all brides were in David's funnel, but we didn't have products to serve the couture bride, or the budget bride. We only had products to serve the middle," Cook said. "Affordable luxury is the fastest-growing segment we have." Cook explained that brides are under pressure as tariffs weigh on the cost of weddings, which stands at $37,500 on average, she said. An estimate from Fidelity pegs the average cost of a wedding in 2024 at $33,000. David's solved the budget consumer's end of the equation first. In March, it began selling wedding dresses for as little as $99, under the DB Studio label. And in December 2024, David's partnered with delivery service DoorDash to let customers order dresses on the app and have them delivered in minutes — along with dessert. Roughly 17% of David's brides are shopping for dresses for weddings that are within three weeks, "So we have to serve the last-minute brides," Cook said. Now, it's moving up the luxury scale, offering made-to-order dresses, including gowns from designers like Marchesa and Viola Chan, and serving champagne to brides-to-be at its Diamonds & Pearls store. The company has plans to open at least one more Diamonds & Pearls store this year, Cook said. Cook's ultimate goal for the company is to serve every type of consumer — including grooms — along every step of the wedding planning process. That includes launching its own AI-powered wedding planning tools, video content and more. The company is now in a growth spurt, undeterred by President Trump's evolving tariff program that is dissuading some companies from investing in growth. Mr. Trump had imposed tariffs of as high as 145% on Chinese imports, which now stand at 30% for a period of 90 days. Although it previously produced 67% of its own line of dresses in China, David's plans to move all of its production out of China by the end of June, according to Cook, adding that its factories in Myanmar, India and Vietnam will pick up the slack. Despite the range in prices, DB Studio, dresses on DoorDash and Diamonds & Pearls all share a common denominator, which is "absolute quality," according to Cook.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Dragon Diffusion and Rixo have created my favourite mid-range bag
Dragon Diffusion dominated the summer wardrobes of the fashion crowd last year and it'll likely be the same this season. Its popularity is part of a wider growing demand for affordable luxury. In a climate of spiraling costs, it's no surprise that interest in labels such as Longchamp (see the le pilage) and Coach is up. Founded in 1985, Dragon Diffusion uses traditional basket weaving techniques to create its designs, which are handwoven in India. From the Instagram-viral nantucket style (£390, to the egola bag (£410, all designs cost less than £500. In an exciting move, Dragon Diffusion announced a collaboration with one of Britain's most beloved fashion labels, Rixo. Talking about the launch, Orlagh McCloskey, CEO and co-founder of Rixo said: 'I've long admired the brand's dedication to artisanal craft, authenticity, and modern sophistication. The vintage-inspired bags and belts are perfect for warm-weather days and designed to be loved season after season.' The seven-strong capsule includes two handwoven leather bag styles in various colourways and a statement belt, with pieces ranging from £145 to £385. Celebrating the artistry of traditional weaving, the amoria bag draws inspiration from Japanese bamboo basketry while nodding to Sixties-style French basket bags. It looks like the perfect everyday size – it's sold out in the green and tan colourway, but it's still available in black. This might be my favourite affordable designer bag I've seen this season. The lucine bag is generously sized, making it an ideal companion for beach days, long weekends or travelling. The same handwoven leather techniques as Dragon Diffusion's recognisable bags have been employed here, and it's available in two neutral colourways – classic tan and deep dark brown – to slot seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. This statement belt has been inspired by a vintage piece discovered by Orlagh McCloskey and has been designed to be mixed and matched with your favourite Rixo dresses. Available in brown and black, I've added it straight to my basket.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Next's chic new homeware drop looks way more expensive than it is - and shoppers are loving the earthy tones and tropical resort vibes
Summer is just around the corner, and if you've been looking to add some fresh, neutral and earthy accents to your home then there's really no better place to shop than Next. An excellent place to shop quality and stylish homewares without breaking the bank, Next really has it all when it comes to creating a space that looks and feels cosy and sleek. From outdoor furniture to striking décor, their selection of got-to-have homeware looks far more expensive than its affordable price tag suggests, ideal if you're looking to kit out your spaces in Scandi styles for less. The brand's curren t trending selection transports us straight to tropical resorts, emanating earthier textures and warmer hues ideal for the incoming heat, while additions from the Rockett St George collection bring a retro spin. One stunning item we've got our eye on is the Rockett St George Green/Gold Palm Desert Island Table Lamp, yours for an affordable £110. And if you've been on the hunt for some low-price tableware, Next's 12 Piece Green Dalton Reactive Glaze Dinner Set at £60 and Set of 4 Natural Reactive Glaze Espresso Mugs at £12 are perfect for sprucing up breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ready to find your new homeware heroes? Explore our top picks from Next's trending selection below. Next homeware top picks Rockett St George Green/Gold Palm Desert Island Table Lamp If you're looking to bring some light into your home, you're going to want to snap up this stunning Rockett St George Green/Gold Palm Desert Island Table Lamp. Crafted with a beautiful green glass shade in a striking palm tree inspired design with a tree textured stem, this gorgeous lamp will easily help you create a little corner of paradise at home. £110 Shop Black/Natural Stripe Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set in Double Upgrade your bedding with the help of this gorgeous duvet cover and pillowcase set, yours for just £20 for a double. Soft and cosy with a sleek black and white stripe design, this affordable set will quickly become a favourite in your rotation. £20 Shop 12 Piece Green Dalton Reactive Glaze Dinner Set Designed with contemporary high side profiles each with a dark natural rim, this 12 Piece Green Dalton Reactive Glaze Dinner Set is the perfect way to update your dinnerware collection. It features four dinner plates, four side plates and four bowls, each finished with a beautiful, reactive grey/green glaze that covers each plate and bowl in a gloss finish to create a premium, artisan feel. £60 Shop Set of 2 Relaxed Chenille Olive Green Aire Light Wood Leg Dining Chairs Spruce up your dining setup with the help of these stunning Relaxed Chenille Olive Green Aire Light Wood Leg Dining Chairs. Featuring relaxed chenille olive green upholstery and oak-effect legs, not forgetting the cushioned arms, these gorgeous chairs perfectly blend comfort and style, making them a chic addition to any dining space. £360 Shop Set of 2 Natural Jute Woven Placemats After the perfect summer table accessories? We've found them in these stunning placemats. This set of two round jute placemats are hand hand-woven and perfect for adding some texture to your dining space. £14 Shop Natural Adelaide 4 Seater Dining Table and Bench Set Summer days are upon us, and this Natural Adelaide 4 Seater Dining Table and Bench Set is sure to upgrade your alfresco dining. Perfect for entertaining outside, this stylish table and bench set provides ample seating for family and friends, adding sleek and minimalist style to your summer gatherings. £475 Shop Natural Wiggle Arm Vase Opt for sleek, Scandi styling with this Natural Wiggle Arm Vase, a statement piece for any home. This natural wiggle arm vase has a sculptural silhouette that stands out with or without blooms. £22 Shop Dark Bronx Chevron Set of 3 Nest of Tables If you're after a space-saving solution to living room tables then this Dark Bronx Chevron Set of 3 Nest of Tables will be for you. The trio features a larger table with a semi-circle top and two smaller tables that can be stored underneath, finished with a dark wash and black metal features. £199 Shop Natural Ceramic Cowboy Boot Ornament Bring a bit of the Wild West into your home with this charming mini ceramic cowboy boot. Featuring intricate details and a rustic finish, this boot can be used as a delightful ornament or a unique bud vase, while its small size makes it perfect for brings a fun touch to any space. £10 Shop Rockett St George Cream Retro Curve Rug An editor favourite, this Rockett St George Cream Retro Curve Rug blends earthy and gaudy in the best way. Showcasing a nostalgic retro curve design, its fun design is an effortlessly stylish way to bring texture and trend to your living space. From £120 Shop Green Ceramic Reactive Glaze Vase This gorgeous vase is set to become your new go-to for presenting your summer blooms. The reactive glaze creates a unique, textured finish, ensuring each piece is one-of-a-kind. Its subtle, earthy tones complement any décor, making it a perfect accent for your living space. £20 Shop Brass Lexington 5 Light Flush Fitting Ceiling Light Bring some vintage glow to your home with this stunning Brass Lexington 5 Light Flush Fitting Ceiling Light. This standout piece features ribbed glass shades and is finished with co-ordinated metal accents - truly an elegant addition to your home lighting collection. £150 Shop Light Natural Geometric Border Rug Bring an earthy look and feel to your living spaces with this Light Natural Geometric Border Rug. This rug has a beautiful, on trend flat weave construction that has been handmade, featuring a versatile geometric design using natural dyed yarns. From £50 Shop Set of 4 Natural Reactive Glaze Espresso Mugs Upgrade your morning coffee with this set of four gorgeous espresso mugs. Featuring two grey reactive glaze espresso mugs and two natural reactive glaze espresso mugs, this set will look just as good on display as it will in use. £12 Shop
