As a homeowner, it is natural to want to build and develop your property – whether that’s by building an extension, converting unused space, or putting up a fence. While many works fall under ‘permitted development’ there are rules and exceptions. Underwriter, Tim Slattery, answers some of the commonly asked questions about planning permission.
In 2013, the counterfeit goods trade was valued at a staggering USD $461 billion with watches among the most commonly forged goods. With the advent of ‘super-fake’ watches making it harder than ever to identify phony timepieces – we speak to award-winning watchmaker, Robert Loomes, for his advice on how to spot a real from a fake.
Once upon a time, diamonds were a girl’s best friend. Nowadays, it’s coloured stones like rubies, sapphires and emeralds that compete for her affections. As more diverse jewels and jewellery become popular, the opportunities for fakes and frauds to pass unnoticed into the market grows. We speak to John C Benjamin, independent jewellery valuer, lecturer and jewellery historian, for his advice on how to make sure you’re buying the real deal.