SINGAPORE, Feb 21 (Reuters) – The yen shot to a 2-1/2 month high on Friday on the back of a jump in Japanese inflation, while the dollar was set for a third weekly drop in a row as traders calculated the start of Donald Trump’s second term has been mostly bluster on the tariff front. Sterling touched its highest since mid-December at $1.2674. Comments from his Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, that the administration had no plans to increase long-dated debt sales put downward pressure on yields and the dollar. Trump has slapped an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods and announced plans to reimpose steel and aluminium levies from his first term, but suspended threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico while numerous others remain – as of yet – only threats. In offshore trade it was steady at 7.2419 per dollar on Friday. The yen is up 3.6% on the dollar through February so far. Japanese bonds were sold off on Friday and interest rate markets have priced in a 25 basis point rate hike in Japan by September . Australia is in a position where there could be some more decreases in interest rates but policymakers have to be cautious, the country’s top central banker said on Friday. The euro was up 0.8% overnight and was steady in Asia at $1.0498 with traders awaiting an election in Germany on the weekend where polls point to a conservative coalition win. The yen broke through chart resistance at 150 per dollar overnight and it strengthened as far as 149.285 per dollar in the Asia morning after Japan recorded core inflation running at its fastest pace for 19 months in January. Later on Friday purchasing managers’ index indicators are released worldwide. Jason Wong, strategist at BNZ in Wellington. The Aussie and kiwi are trading at their highest levels this year despite rate cuts on both sides of the Tasman this week, and New Zealand’s central bank flagging more to come. Wong said evidence that Japan’s inflation was tipping higher – the core consumer price index rose to an annual 3.2% against expectations for 3.1% – also bolstered the case for higher Japanese rates at a time when the rest of the world might be cutting, and so a higher yen. A remark from Trump that a trade deal with China was possible lifted the trade-sensitive Australian and New Zealand dollars. The dollar nursed broad losses as bulls who had built up big long positions in anticipation of a trade war have backed off while Trump equivocates about tariffs. Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping would visit the U.S., without giving a timeline, which sent up the yuan to a one-month high in onshore trade on Thursday.
Sterling Silver Jewelery
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director.
Wallace Sterling Silver
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. So she decided to make her own. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SimilarSiteSearch/) or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller.