Jewelry Exhibits Sparkle

World-renowned jewelry houses Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany & Co. are adding sparkle to Seoul this month, as their dazzling jewels are on display in two separate exhibitions.

Visitors will have the chance to learn about the two companies' long history and appreciate their creative jewelry designs. Among the beautiful jewelry pieces that will fascinate visitors are an exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels tiara worn by Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, and the huge yellow diamond in Tiffany's stunning ``Bird on a Rock.''

Van Cleef & Arpels

French jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels opened its ``Jewels of Eternal Glamour and Excellence'' exhibit Thursday, at Shinsegae Main Store, Myeong-dong. It runs through Friday, April 4.

The exhibit features 130 pieces illustrating Van Cleef & Arpels creativity and high-quality craftsmanship throughout its 102-year history. The brand's story begins with the marriage between Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels. The first shop was opened at no. 22 Place Vendome in Paris in 1906, where it remains as its flagship store until today.

Van Cleef & Arpels has carefully cultivated its image of luxury and style throughout the decades. It is easy to see why, with the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Maria Callas, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johanssen wearing the jewels.

When Princess Grace married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956, she received wedding jewelry composed of a set of diamond and pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings specially made by Van Cleef & Arpels. The exhibit features an elegant diamond tiara worn by Princess Grace during the wedding day of her daughter Princess Caroline in 1978.

Visitors will also be able to uncover the secret behind Van Cleef & Arpels' legendary ``mystery setting,'' a technique that holds the gems in place without showing the gemstone settings. One example is the ``peony clip,'' (1937) made of 700 square-cut rubies, 6 oval-shaped rubies, 43 baguette-cut diamonds in a platinum setting.

There are numerous pieces that will catch visitors' attention, such as delicate ballerina and fairy brooches, a Picasso clock, diamond-encrusted ribbon clips and exotic Indian and Chinese-inspired necklaces.

The latest Van Cleef collection ``Atlantide,'' inspired by the lost city of Atlantis, is shown in Seoul for the first time.

The value of all the jewels on display to estimated to be more than 20 million euros (approximately US$32 million). The Van Cleef & Arpels exhibit runs through April 4 at the Culture Hall, located on the 10th floor of Shinsegae Main Store (Hoehyeon station Line 4).

Tiffany & Co.

``The Jewels of Tiffany (1837-2007)'' at the Hangaram Design Museum showcases almost 200 pieces of jewelry made by Tiffany & Co. in the last 170 years.

Charles Lewis Tiffany founded the company in 1837, starting out as a stationary store in New York. Its international reputation grew, as it won various prizes at expositions around the world.

In pop culture, the brand is forever linked with Audrey Hepburn, thanks to the classic 1961 film ``Breakfast at Tiffany's,'' which was based on Truman Capote's novel. Today, young women adore the ``Return to Tiffany's'' bracelet, and hope to receive a Tiffany's diamond engagement ring.

The Tiffany exhibit is divided into 10 sections, starting with the company's history and shows its opulent designs throughout the years. There are sections devoted to nature-inspired designs, Art Deco and designs by G. Paulding Farnham and Louis Comfort Tiffany, son of the founder.

Tiffany's has created unique jewelry and accessories such as orchid brooches, crystal scent bottles, sterling silver spurs, cigar cases and watches using silver, gold, pearls, diamonds and other precious gems.

Many of the pieces were owned by famous people such as a pearl necklace and brooch worn by American First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, and a diamond brooch worn as a belt decoration by Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Empress Eugenie.

However, the highlight is the ``Bird on a Rock,'' featuring one of the largest yellow diamonds in the world and designed by Jean Schlumberger.

The works of designers Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso (daughter of Pablo Picasso) and architect Frank Gehry are also on display.

``The Jewels of Tiffany'' runs through June 6 at Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center (Nambu Bus Terminal Line 3, exit 5). Admission is 12,000 won, but discounts available for students and senior citizens.
Source: koreatimes

Palladium finds niche amid record-high metal price

"Rainbow Bird" ring in palladium with aquamarine and 18-karat yellow gold bird inside cage by Tenthio Fine Jewelry; suggested retail price is $4,500.

As precious metal prices continue to break records, and consumers cut down on luxury spending, designers and manufacturers are moving toward lower-cost options such as lighter-weight designs and less expensive metals—including palladium and silver.

Seizing on the price-conscious trend is Palladium Alliance International (PAI), which recently hired DJS Marketing to design a new multiyear, global palladium campaign. The advertising, marketing, branding and public relations firm will launch a comprehensive program to educate trade professionals worldwide about palladium in tandem with a major consumer campaign.

Dollar figures for the new marketing crusade were not yet released at press time, but PAI says there will be a significant spend for marketing the metal in 2008 and beyond. Meanwhile, the metal's best ally just might be the prices on other precious metals: Gold prices had reached $945 an ounce, and platinum, $1,909 an ounce, as of March 19, compared with $459 an ounce for palladium.

Dawn McCurtain, marketing director for PAI, says one of the reasons the group hired DJS Marketing is because it wants to send a consistent message to both trade and consumers that palladium is a luxurious, natural, precious white metal. Although PAI has tried to convey this information previously, the push hasn't always been consistent, and this team-up will keep the drive strong, she says.

Deborah Scarpa, president of DJS Marketing Group, says once the trade is infiltrated with palladium knowledge, the campaign will immediately begin to create imagery to coax consumers to try the white metal. In a time of rising gold and platinum prices, she says, this is an optimal time to reintroduce the metal, which is already being offered as an option by manufacturers such as Christian Bauer, Michael Beaudry, Tenthio Fine Jewelry and Scott Kay.

Designer Scott Kay says he doesn't promote palladium, just his own brand, but he thinks the metal is making great headway.

"Palladium is taking staggering steps into the jewelry industry," Kay says, adding that he expects it will become mainstream in only a few years' time.

Bridal buyer Sara Kravetsky of the Diamond Cellar, with two locations in Ohio, says the jeweler first brought palladium into its stock with Scott Kay bridal designs. After finding success there, the store added other designers working with palladium.

Touting it as a precious white metal, Kravetsky says it also has a strong appeal among those watching their wallets and seeking quality.

Marquise-shaped gemstone enhancer in 18-karat yellow gold by Elyssa Bass, shown with, clockwise from top, smoky topaz, amethyst and lemon citrine; suggested retail price with one stone is $4,389.

Marina Elliot, president of Tenthio Fine Jewelry, has observed retailers' increasing knowledge of the metal, and says the company's palladium pieces are doing well, but she believes there is still more promotion to be done.

Elliot says her company maintains a variety of price points at all times, but stresses that the price tag isn't always the biggest issue, and that exclusivity and rarity play roles in jewelry sales too.

Tenthio Fine Jewelry also sells in several markets outside the United States, which helps to offset the current challenges in the domestic market, she says.

Switching it up at the bench Palladium isn't the only sign of budget-consciousness in the industry. Jewelry designer Jane Basch purposely uses 14-karat gold to keep price points reasonable for her "Indulge by Basch" pieces. Since she, herself, is the type of person who might save money by shopping for jeans at Target and then splurge on the occasional $1,000 purse, Basch strives to offer a range of price options to her customers.

"Many women want to look good but have a lot of financial obligations," she says.

Besides using 14-karat gold to cut down on prices, Basch uses open space in many of her designs to offer a big look at a smaller price tag.

One way designer Elyssa Bass is tackling rising metals prices is by offering jewelry with enhancers that allow the wearer to switch gemstones in and out to create various looks.

"The gold market is going so high, how to cut costs is on everyone's minds," she says, adding that her pieces walk the line between art and fashion, and because of this, she doesn't get too bogged down by metal prices and will keep on designing in 18-karat gold.

Other designers choose to use silver as a way to offer a variety of price points. One is Leslie Greene, who recently introduced a new sterling silver line in addition to her 18-karat line, so that women can continue to purchase more than one high-end jewelry piece for themselves at a time.

Still, worrying about costs is not an issue for some retailers such as Virginia Paterson of James Locke Jewelers in East Liverpool, Ohio, who says her customers show no resistance to higher prices.

"If they wanted it, they just wanted it," Paterson says. She sees the rising price of metals as more of a problem for jewelers, particularly if they are price-point driven or are operating chain stores.

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of stories in which National Jeweler will examine ways to combat various retailing challenges this year. This story first appeared in the March 2008 edition of National Jeweler. Metal prices cited were updated as of March 19 for the online version of this story.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

East Coast Jewelry Hosts South Florida Benefit

The East Coast Gems of Time Invitational, sponsored by East Coast Jewelry, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation event in South Florida began March 16 with a cocktail reception at the Setai Hotel in South Beach.

The following day, at La Gorce Country Club, more than 300 guests enjoyed a day of golf, beauty, fashion and East Coast Jewelry's collections of gems and timepieces. Some of the collections that participated were Jacob & Co., Ulysse Nardin, Corum, Krieger, Dewitt, Hermes, Perrelet, Glashutte, Maurice LaCroix, Ebel, Leo Pizzo, Vertu, Hysek, Christian Dior, Zenith, Girard Perregaux, Vacheron Constantin, U-Boat, Daniel Roth, and de Grisogono.

East Coast Jewelry’s Gems of Time Invitational event was hosted and underwritten by Michael and Bobby Yampolsky (pictured), the father and son founders and owners of the retail Boca Raton-based jewelry operation with stores in Palm Beach and Sunny Isles Beach. Former Miami Dolphins football player, Louis Oliver, served as Master of Ceremonies. The all day affair began with a golf tournament with celebrity golfer's, including Brett Quickley, Nicholas Thompson, and Alexis Thompson.

A mid-day luncheon featured the designs of Teso Furs, making its debut in South Florida. The collection was complemented by the jewels of de Grisogono. Medici Spa sponsored seminars and complimentary beauty and skin treatments.

Next was an afternoon "Bubble Hour" reception with Veuve Cliquot champagne. Showcased were the diamonds of Leo Pizzo on models premiering the Vicky Moreinis swimwear collection. Meanwhile, male models paraded in the Nautica Spring Collection accessorized with U-Boat Timepieces. Miami's DJ Irie did the spinning.

Artist and sculptor Romero Britto was a special guest for the event in which he showcased artwork and sculptures.

The evening culminated with a "19th Hole" award dinner reception. Guests were entertained by Cirque performers, a silent auction presentation and dancing to the music of DJ Irie. The Grand Winners of the golf tournament were awarded a trip to The Cliffs Communities on a private Jet.
Source: jckonline

Jewelers mixed on pursuing De Beers settlement

Cooper and Binkley Jewelers in Brighton, Mich., generated interest in the De Beers settlement among its customers by alerting a local newspaper to the story.

Though jewelry storeowners nationwide are eligible, it is unclear how many will step forward to claim their slice of the De Beers class-action settlement.

Some say it involves too much paperwork for too little money, while others take the attitude that it's worth a shot.

Of the 10 retailers interviewed by National Jeweler, four planned on filing claims, two did not, and four were undecided.

"I frankly think it's a waste of everybody's time," says Fred Nasser of the Antiques Gallery Midwest in Sioux Falls, S.D. "If you [think you're] getting $5 a diamond, you're probably overly optimistic."

He adds that the attorneys are probably the only ones who will profit.

Meanwhile, jeweler Richard Huntington of Huntington Jewelers in Las Vegas, says he already has his office manager gathering up the paperwork necessary to file a claim.

"I have no clue if we're going to get anything at all," he says. "If it's worthwhile doing, you don't know until [after] you do it."

The notice and claims process to divide up the $295 million De Beers settlement fund began Jan. 9, with a hearing set for mid April to determine if the settlement gets final approval. May 19 is the deadline to file a claim.

The fund is the result of a series of class-action lawsuits alleging De Beers charged anti-competitive prices for rough diamonds, monopolized the market and disseminated false and misleading advertising.

The settlement fund will be divided between two classes, direct and indirect purchasers, with the majority of retail jewelers and consumers falling into the latter class.

Indirect purchasers are those who bought diamonds from someone other than De Beers or one of its mining competitors. The settlement applies to diamonds purchased between Jan. 1, 1994, and March 31, 2006.

How much retailers and consumers will receive depends on the number of claims.

Industry analyst Ken Gassman says research shows that more than 130,000 retailers are eligible for a refund.

As for consumers, the exact number is unknown, but statistics show about 1.8 million diamond engagement rings are sold annually in the United States, and in 2006, about 47 million pieces of diamond jewelry were sold.

Gassman says he expects very few people to file claims.

"There is too much required to get a rebate, and too little money, probably," he says, estimating that payouts could be as low as $1 for every $1,000 spent, in the unlikely event that every eligible person claimed a rebate.

While retailers' opinions on applying for the settlement vary, most jewelers who were interviewed by National Jeweler report few if any customer inquiries.

One exception is Barb Binkley of Cooper and Binkley Jewelers in Brighton, Mich. As a service to the customers of her 60-year-old family-owned jewelry store, Binkley says she sent a press release to the local newspaper, the Livingston County Press and Argus, which ran a story on Jan. 25 alerting readers that De Beers could owe them money.

The article set off a tidal wave of consumer inquires, with Binkley estimating, at press time, that she had given out claim forms to 110 customers who were interested.

She keeps extra copies of the forms on hand in her store, and is offering to print the buying history for any of the 35,000 customers in the company's database who are interested in filing a claim.

Binkley says she considers herself and her husband to be "ambassadors" for the jewelry industry in this bedroom community located about 60 miles from Detroit.

"We feel like we should be the answer person for jewelry in this area," Binkley says.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Dalumi Launches Jewelry Design Competition

The Dalumi Group is hosting its first “When The Source Turns Into Inspiration” jewelry design competition, setting the stage for new talent to shine. Entrants are invited to create either a themed collection or a single piece expressing feminine allure, using Dalumi's flagship "Yellow-Shade Diamonds" as inspiration.

Designs must be received by May 20 and sent to liorab@dalumi.com. The winner will be announced at the JCK Las Vegas 2008 show—one of the world’s premier jewelry events, held from May 30 to June 3. The designer will have the pleasure of seeing the winning entry transformed into a new Dalumi collection and displayed worldwide.

Dalumi's “When The Source Turns into Inspiration” competition reflects its dual commitment to supporting new talent and discovering fresh ways to express femininity.
Source: jckonline

Jewelry business opens in Old Town

Brothers Tyson and Colby Homec grew up in the Coachella Valley and have returned to open a fine jewelry store in Old Town La Quinta.

Homec Jewelers opened opened Friday at 78-075 Main St. in Old Town.

The two gemologists said they want to bring back the personalized customer service of a family-owned neighborhood jeweler.

"You used to have the same family jeweler for 30 years," said Colby, 27. "We want to return to that type of personal relationship where they help you choose that special piece for an engagement or anniversary."

The store offers a range of products from custom-made pieces to designer jewelry.

Private viewings

The more high-end pieces won't be seen only in the shop's cases, Tyson said. They will be at country clubs and homes for private showings.

"This is a new, young generation of jewelers," said Tyson Homec, 30. "The majority of jewelers around here are corporate. We want to bring a different vibe to buying jewelry."

Tyson called the Old Town setting quaint and low-profile for buyers who seek privacy. An office in the back of the shop will be used for appointments.

He described the setting as a casual atmosphere where shoppers can browse in peace without being hounded by commission-only employees.

The shop will have two employees besides the brothers, one of whom will do repairs on-site.

Not stuffy at all

"We're not a stuffy type of place," Tyson said. "We didn't want to be a mall jeweler or in a strip mall next to a Subway restaurant. We have the best location here we could ask for."

The brothers, two of nine children, grew up in Palm Desert, and said they wanted to return to their roots to open their first business.

"We love our jobs," Tyson said.

"It's always fun and exciting. We both have different qualities to offer."

Five percent of the proceeds from Friday's opening will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley, they said.
Source: mydesert

'Flame Queen' Opal to be Sold at Auction

International fine arts auctioneers Bonhams & Butterfields will offer in its June 22 sale of Natural History perhaps the most famous and recognizable opal in the world.

Dubbed the "Flame Queen," the legendary stone highlights the core of an opal collection on offer this summer in the auctioneer's first simulcast Natural History sale in seven years. The auction house said bidding from the San Francisco and Los Angeles salesrooms is expected to be competitive. 

Extraordinary not only for its large size (263.18-cts.), but also for its unusual shape and color pattern, the "Flame Queen" is one of only a handful of large museum-quality opals known to man, even fewer have ever been offered at public auction. The "Flame Queen" is oval in shape with a flat central dome surrounded by a blue-green band - lending it the appearance of a fried egg. 

Known to aficionados around the globe, The "Flame Queen" could bring as much as $250,000, the auction house said. It is one of the most prominent examples of the eye-of-opal effect, which is created when an opal in-fills a cavity. It possesses the ability to change color when viewed from different angles. 

The "Flame Queen" opal was discovered in 1914 at the Bald Hill Workings in Lightning Ridge, Australia by three partners: Jack Phillips, Walter Bradley, and Joe Hegarty.
Source: jckonline

IDL to open Turkey's first diamond lab

International Diamond Laboratories (IDL) has announced that it will open Turkey's first diamond lab at the headquarters of the Istanbul Chamber of Jewelry (IKO).

IDL made the announcement during the Istanbul Jewelry Show, being held from March 26-30.

According to a release from IDL, a team of "international experts" will run the Turkish operation, and they expect to issue the first diamond certificate in June.

The lab will offer both diamond and jewelry certification services.

The opening of the lab is in reaction to the growing consumer demand for diamonds in Turkey.

"Turkey has become a leading jewelry manufacturing center and a rapidly growing diamond jewelry consumer market," IDL Chief Executive Officer Peter Meeus said in a statement. "A presence in Istanbul is a logical next step for IDL. We are delighted to have the support of a trade organization like IKO."

IKO President Allaattin Kameroclu said they are happy to welcome the IDL lab to Istanbul.

"High-quality certificates, offered locally to the business community, are essential for the further development of the Turkish diamond and jewelry business," he said. "IDL has the right products and services to respond to that need."

The IKO represents 6,000 wholesalers and retailers from the Istanbul region.

IDL, which provides certification for diamonds and jewelry, has offices in Antwerp, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Mumbai, India.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

RICHIE LAUNCHES JEWELRY LINE

Nicole Richie is set to extend her portfolio of moneymaking ventures: She is launching her own jewelry line.

The reality TV socialite is designing pieces, which will be produced by Mouawad, the exclusive jewelers behind supermodel Heidi Klum's fine jewelry collection, according to People.

And the new mum is ecstatic with the way the production process is going, because she can fit in time for designing as she looks after her newborn daughter, Harlow Winter.

She says, "It's all costume jewelry. I like to play with jewelry and mix and match. (I'm working with) this really talented woman named Shelley Gibbs. She's an artist and she sketches everything.

"Everyone's been really mellow and able to work around my schedule. If I need to go feed the baby, I do it."

As well as the jewelry project, Richie, who already has author, actress and singer on her resume, is launching a children's clothes range in addition to rumors of plans for her own fragrance, reports People.com.
Source: sfgate

Life's little lessons, applied to the jewelry store

Ellen Fruchtman, founder and president of Fruchtman Marketing.

This is an article about life's little lessons, drawn from those familiar adages many of you have no doubt heard on your path to maturity.

My parents had three favorites, and I've been thinking about how important they really are in the retail jewelry world. I'm sure you've either heard or said most of these yourself at some point.

Lesson No. 1: You reap what you sow. This lesson simply means one will experience the results of his or her own actions. I thought about this lesson after I spoke to a jeweler in Chattanooga, Tenn., a few months ago, after Mr. Chattanooga requested information about our company. He took the time to go online, fill out data—you know, actually showed an interest.

Understanding the importance of good service and follow-up, we proceeded to send out our new business materials via priority mail—which, by the way, cost a pretty penny. I informed Mr. Chattanooga that I would call him during a specific week to see if he had any questions. And, like a good salesperson, I picked up the phone.

Then, for some reason, Mr. Chattanooga decided to be rude and extremely unreceptive to my call.

For the life of me, I'm not sure why. After all, he asked me to send the information. If the situation was reversed and I sent an inquiry to his store, would he not hope that someone would contact me? Then I got to thinking. Would Mr. Chattanooga want to be treated this way? He's in a high-end service business.

Think about it. How do you talk to and treat your own service people—from the postman, to the media rep, to some of your manufacturers? If you are rude, is that the message you're sending your own salespeople, or worse yet, your customers? People talk, both in the business and in your community. And you reap what you sow. Personally, I think he must have found out I was a Florida Gators fan.

Lesson No. 2: You get what you pay for. I'm feeling like this lesson has been lost on many jewelers lately. And yet, you spend a big part of your selling day trying to explain to customers why your diamond is worth more than that other one on Bluenile.com. (Also consider the adage, "Walk the walk; Talk the talk.")

Truth is, many of you simply forget to practice what you preach. Did your Web guy quote you $1,000 for a Web site? Are you buying your own media just to save 15 percent commission? Was the manufacturer really a better price for exactly the same quality and service? Did you cheap out on your cases, your decorating or maybe even your location only to be disappointed with the results?

In some way, shape or form, you'll pay for cutting corners. An inferior product will lead you to dissatisfied customers. And do I have to tell you where that leads you?

Lesson No. 3: If you don't speculate, you don't accumulate. When was the last time you tried to do something really innovative in your business? When was the last time you took a chance and stepped out of the box? (Heed the adage, "Don't let the world pass you by.")

If you really care about your business, take a full day (or two) and list all the things that have changed not only in your business, but in the business. Give some thought to future scenarios. What do you see happening in three years, in five years or more? What are the things you can change—really change—that will make a difference?

There's a solution to every business problem. (Remember: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going.") The reality is, doing business the very same way you have always done business may not work anymore.

If you've reached a point where it's no longer worth investing in your business, then you've reached a point for a good going-out-of-business sale.

There are lessons to be learned every day of the week. Some we know all too well. Smart people, those parents of mine.

Ellen Fruchtman (ellen@fruchtman.com) is the founder and president of Fruchtman Marketing, a full-service agency headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, and a member of the American Gem Society, representing U.S. independent jewelers, jewelry manufacturers and trade organizations.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Tiffany Says Profit Exceeded Analysts' Estimates

Tiffany & Co., the world's second- largest luxury-jewelry retailer, said fourth-quarter profit fell, beating some analysts' estimates after international revenue surged and the company boosted sales of more-profitable pieces.

Tiffany climbed the most in more than seven years in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.

Net income declined to $118.3 million, or 89 cents a share, for the three months through Jan. 31, from $140.5 million, or $1.02, a year earlier, New York-based Tiffany said today. Profit before one-time items including the cost of discontinuing some watch styles beat analysts' estimates, and the company increased its annual profit forecast after an inventory-valuation change.

The jeweler's revenue advanced 9.8 percent to $1.05 billion, with international sales jumping by a fifth. Growing sales in Asia and Europe are helping the jeweler overcome a slowdown in U.S. spending. American consumers have been discouraged by the worst housing slump in a quarter century and job cuts.

``With about 40 percent of sales from international markets, it offers some downside protection from the weak economic trends,'' Kristine Koerber, an analyst with JMP Securities LLC in San Francisco, wrote in a March 19 report. She rates the shares ``market outperform.''

Before one-time items including the 9 cent per-share cost of discontinuing some watch styles, Tiffany earned $1.27 cents a share. Twelve analysts surveyed by Bloomberg estimated average profit of $1.21, before one-time items.

Excluding the cost of the move to stop selling some watches, gross margin widened for the quarter, the company said.

Net earnings for the year that began Feb. 1 will be $2.75 to $2.85 a share, after a change in the method the company uses for valuing inventories. The company forecast $2.50 to $2.55 on Feb. 8. Seven analysts surveyed by Bloomberg estimate net income of $2.54, on average.

Tiffany jumped $5.28, or 14 percent, to $43.88 at 10:01 a.m., the biggest gain since January 2001. The stock rose 17 percent last year.

The company had 184 stores and boutiques, including 70 in the U.S. on Jan. 31.
Source: bloomberg

Israel Diamond Industry at Basel

The Israel Diamond Institute said that its annual high profile breakfast press conference at BaselWorld 2008 will focus on diamonds as a symbol of luxury.

The press conference will be held on April 4, at 8:45 am in the Osaka - Samarkand Congress Room of the Basel Convention Center. Eli Avidar, managing director of the IDI Group of Companies will present an update on the Israeli Diamond Industry “2007 – 2008: Challenges, Responses and New Directions.”

A panel discussion will feature Israeli companies who are leading the way in the luxury product market, by linking up with high-end jewelry and watch brands, or by providing one of a kind, large stones for special pieces. The companies are: Korn Diamonds, Gemstar-Eshed and YEI-Yahlomei Espeka.

At the exhibition IDI will once again represent The Israeli Diamond Industry at its booth in Hall 3.1, NO1. There will be a strong presence of Israeli diamond companies, exhibiting for the most part in Hall 3, where the loose diamond category is concentrated.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that the Israeli Diamond Industry is keen on expanding its presence in European markets.

“Europe is a key market for the Israeli Diamond Industry. We believe that there is significant potential for future growth here. Our participation in BASELWORLD underscores our commitment to meeting the needs of the European market while furthering our growth internationally,” Ganz said.
Source: jckonline

Israel Diamond Industry at Basel

The Israel Diamond Institute said that its annual high profile breakfast press conference at BaselWorld 2008 will focus on diamonds as a symbol of luxury.

The press conference will be held on April 4, at 8:45 am in the Osaka - Samarkand Congress Room of the Basel Convention Center. Eli Avidar, managing director of the IDI Group of Companies will present an update on the Israeli Diamond Industry “2007 – 2008: Challenges, Responses and New Directions.”

A panel discussion will feature Israeli companies who are leading the way in the luxury product market, by linking up with high-end jewelry and watch brands, or by providing one of a kind, large stones for special pieces. The companies are: Korn Diamonds, Gemstar-Eshed and YEI-Yahlomei Espeka.

At the exhibition IDI will once again represent The Israeli Diamond Industry at its booth in Hall 3.1, NO1. There will be a strong presence of Israeli diamond companies, exhibiting for the most part in Hall 3, where the loose diamond category is concentrated.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that the Israeli Diamond Industry is keen on expanding its presence in European markets.

“Europe is a key market for the Israeli Diamond Industry. We believe that there is significant potential for future growth here. Our participation in BASELWORLD underscores our commitment to meeting the needs of the European market while furthering our growth internationally,” Ganz said.
Source: jckonline

MPI Launches GEMINI Windows

MPI Systems Inc. has launched GEMINI Windows software for jewelry retail and wholesale management.

Built on the latest Microsoft SQL Server technology for maximum security and stability, GEMINI Retail incorporates all store management functionality such as; jewelry optimized product database, inventory control, POS with integrated credit card feature, repair/special order creation for job bags & tracking, customer management, appraisals, advanced reporting, gift cards/registry, advanced imaging, and barcoding.

The software scales from a single location to hundreds of stores with SQL Server replication, and it integrates with accounting choices, such as QuickBooks or Great Plains.

MPI Systems, Inc. Wilton, Conn., is a Microsoft Certified Partner that develops software systems specifically for jewelry retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, since 1986.
Source: jckonline

More Fake Rough Diamond Crystals Reported

The Gemlab Research Newsletter dated March 23, reports that more fake diamond crystals, “ingeniously designed rough diamond imitations,” have appeared in the trade.

Noting the beautiful craftsmanship of the crystals to appear like diamond, Thomas Hainschwang of GEMLAB, Laboratory for Gemstone Analysis and Reports in Balzers, Liechtenstein, who sent the report, observed that the crystals were noticeably void of trigons, the triangular etch marks commonly found on octahedral diamond crystals.

That led to some basic testing with Polaroid plates which determined that the crystals could not be diamond. Hainschwang says that phenakite as the likely substitute.

JCK reported on such imitation diamond rough in March of 2007.

For more information and images on this latest report, log onto the Gemlab Web site.
Source: jckonline

"The Art of Jewelry" Designer Launches New Line of Bridal Bijoux

Like the final brush strokes on a masterpiece, it's the details that complete the portrait of a bride's wedding day. The satin ribbon that gathers together the bridal bouquet, the proper veil to frame the bride's face, and of course, the right jewels to add extra dazzle to her I do's. Marrying the fire of Swarovski crystals and the refined romance of pearls with silver and gold, "The Art of Jewelry" creator Kellie Sutton has designed a new collection of adornments for a picture perfect walk down the aisle.

Indicative of the artist's style, the earrings created for wedding planner Angelique Sobschak of WE TV's Rich Bride, Poor Bride, which were christened "Angelique" in her honor, showcase the sense of sophistication which runs throughout the collection, whether it's a bracelet dripping with freshwater and coin pearls or a necklace accented with a single Swarovski crystal teardrop, glistening beneath a solitary pearl.

Sold in boutiques across British Columbia, Kellie Sutton's Bridal collection can also be purchased online.
Source: lovetripper

Jewelry store owner's business is her passion

Beading has become more than a creative pastime for Renee Flores -- it's her life.

"I put my heart into it," she said. "This is one of my passions."

Now she hopes to share that passion with others with her new store, Native Wayz Beads Galore.

Flores previously ran a courier service called Red Pony Transportation, which she started in 2005 after a traffic accident forced her to leave her job with Cessna.

Meanwhile, she began to sell her items, which she has been making for about 20 years, at area festivals and craft shows.

"People kept asking me, "Where's your store?' " she said.

With the long hours driving taking a toll on her back, which was injured in the accident, she decided to close the courier business and opened the store.

Specializing in Native American and contemporary jewelry, sterling silver jewelry and a variety of hand-crafted and beaded items, Flores said she has one criteria for her inventory.

"I look for unique things," she said. "Unique is so much more fun."

Part of her eclectic collection comes from the pride she takes in her American Indian and Hispanic heritage.

It is a pride that Flores, who is of Apache descent, has passed along to her family.

Her daughters, 16-year-old Casara and 15 year-old Nicolette, have been named Indian Princesses by local American Indian organizations.

The girls also help out in the store, along with Flores' 9-year-old son, Joshua, and her nephew, 14-year-old Marques Flores.

Flores said she wants to expand to offer beading classes, but for now she is concentrating on showing her customers and family that a passion for what you do can make all the difference.

"This is a business, but it's also a life," she said. "It's my life."
Source: kansas

Gold prices have people cleaning out jewelry cases

A necklace with a broken clasp. Gold earrings missing their match. An old dental bridge needing a patch.

Frances McLemore of Olive Branch put them all in a batch and to the jewelry store she went, to sell them for cash.

McLemore is one of many people around the country cashing in on the rise in gold prices, to a height that hasn't been seen in 28 years.

As McLemore was getting her gold jewelry appraised, gold was sitting at $922 an ounce, down from more than $1,000, but considerably higher than the typical $500 or $600 an ounce price.

Terry W. McMullin is an Olive Branch resident who has been in the jewelry business 34 years. He and his wife, Jackie, put a banner outside Master Jewelers: "We Buy Gold."

He said people started bringing in bags of gold jewelry when the price hit $900 an ounce. Even more prospectors came after it reached $1,000.

One woman brought in "a whole collection of jewelry," McMullin said, worth $50,000 if purchased new. She planned to give the money to her two grown children, both behind on their mortgages.

Some people are having trouble assessing if their jewelry is worth trying to sell.

"A lot of people, believe it or not, don't believe it's worth anything. It's broken," McMullin said. "We're telling people, if you're not sure it's gold, bring it in, we'll test it."

Scratching the jewelry against a stone and testing the mark with sulfuric acid reveals to a trained eye like McMullin whether the piece is gold.

Twenty-four carat is pure gold and pays more. Ten carat is only 41.7 percent gold. The rest is an alloy.

McMullin pays for the gold in the piece, but a piece may be worth more for its antiquity, as in the case of gold coins, which people also have been selling to him.

As for the future of gold prices in the volatile market, McMullin said, "I tell everybody that my crystal ball is no clearer than theirs."

He is not keeping all that gold around very long, however. He is selling while the price is as high as it is.
Source: djournal

2009 ICA Congress to be held in Panyu, China

The International Colored Gemstone Association signed a memorandum of understanding on March 10 in Beijing with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch, to hold the 2009 ICA Congress in Panyu, located in Guangzhou. The dates have not been set.

Li Zhi-Wei, president of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch and Prida Tiasuwan, ICA vice-president, signed the MOU in the presence of Sun Feng Min, secretary-general of the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, and Ke Jie, vice-director of the National Gemstone Testing Centre, who will chair the congress.

Johnny Chan, chairman of Worldmart and Mickey Weinstock, special jewelry advisor to the Panyu Government were appointed to organize the event. More than 1,000 delegates, of which 600 will be international participants and 400 from Hong Kong and China, are expected to attend.

In recent years the jewelry industry in the Panyu area has grown to include nearly 400 enterprises employing more than 70,000 workers. In 2007 the total value of domestic export was $1.32 billion dollars.

Following the ICA’s 2007 Congress in Dubai, Panyu won the bid over several candidate cities to host the next congress in China. This will be the largest jewelry industry conference to ever be held in China. To prepare for this event the Panyu government has decided to name 2008 “The year of the Panyu colored gemstone industry."
Source: jckonline

Helzberg Diamonds eliminates 21 positions

National jewelry retailer Helzberg Diamonds eliminated 21 filled and open positions at its Kansas City, Mo., headquarters, the company has announced.

The cuts amount to a 10 percent reduction in headquarters staff for the company, which is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

Helzberg Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marvin Beasley said in a statement that the reduction in the workforce is a measure to cut costs in trying economic times.

"Soft economic conditions have impacted retail sales in general and the jewelry industry in particular. The jewelry industry is cyclical and very sensitive to fluctuations in the economy," he said. "As economic conditions change, we must periodically reassess our productivity and performance and make decisions to ensure Helzberg Diamonds' continued strength and profitability."

The cuts impacted managers, salaried professionals and hourly employees. Those affected will receive severance packages and help in finding new employment.

"The employees affected by this change are co-workers and friends and they will be missed," Beasley said.

Helzberg employs about 2,500 nationwide and operates more than 260 retail jewelry stores.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Gary Gordon offers retailers 'Employee Tool Box'

Gary Gordon of Oklahoma City-based Samuel Gordon Jewelers discusses his "Employee Tool Box" at the Centurion show in Tucson, Ariz.

Retail jeweler Gary Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City made a splash at this year's Centurion show, making his first appearance on the trade show seminar circuit after a five-year absence.

In a seminar titled "Secrets to Keeping Employees Happy and Productive," Gordon discussed his new self-published "Employee Tool Box," which includes a variety of employee documents, ranging from Gordon's employee manual to various job descriptions, performance review forms, a hiring checklist and other relevant information and forms.

Gordon's documents have been gleaned from his company's more than 40 years in business, which has been marked by low turnover and productive employees.

In addition to helping out other retail jewelers, Gordon is also seeking to benefit children. Centurion is offering Gordon's handbook, at his request, to jewelers for $35, with the entire purchase price going to Jewelers for Children.

"We're delighted to help Gary in his efforts to support both the industry and JFC," Centurion President Howard Hauben said in a statement. "This is a wonderful tool for jewelers."

To request a copy, send a check for $35 made payable to "Jewelers for Children" to Centurion, 1745 Merrick Ave., Ste. 5, Merrick NY 11566. On the memo portion of the check, write "Samuel Gordon Tool Box." Please also provide a flat 8.5-inch-by-11-inch self-addressed envelope, which will be used to mail your Tool Box.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

New state law targets lead in jewelry

Hipsters beware: That naval piercing or nose ring may be hazardous to your health.

In rare cases, seizures, organ failure and even death can occur.

That is the message from the California Department of Toxic Substance Control, which is enforcing a new state law that regulates lead in jewelry, especially piercing jewelry.

That law went into effect March 1.

"Body piercings may be particularly vulnerable to poisoning since lead can enter the bloodstream through the pierced areas," Maureen Gorsen, director of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control, said in a written statement.

To get the point across, officials from the department were at Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing Shop on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley last week to spread the word that jewelry must have less than 10 percent lead as of March 1 and less than 6 percent by Aug. 30, 2009.

If piercing shops violate the new law, they can face fines of up to $2,500 a day for each piece in their possession.

Kerrie Naslund, 34, a senior piercer at Zebra for 16 years, said she is confident that her shop is lead-free because it gets most of its jewelry from American manufacturers who provide certificates showing the metals in piercing jewelry they buy.

California piercing shops that buy from oversees, where there is little or no lead regulation, might be in trouble, though.

"Once this story breaks, I'm sure some of the piercing studios are going to reconsider the good deals they have gotten on jewelry from oversees," Naslund said. "They're going to be a little nervous."

At Zebra, state employees showed off one of four new $40,000 X-ray machines that can detect lead in jewelry, and staff members at the shop gave a piercing demonstration. About 20 pieces of body-piercing jewelry from Zebra were tested, and none was found to contain detectable levels of lead.

The state is going after jewelry manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

The new law is an expansion of another law that went into effect Sept. 1 barring lead in children's jewelry. Children's jewelry must have less than 1.5 percent lead, because those 6 and younger are more susceptible to lead poisoning.

While regulators such as Michael Berriesford, the supervising investigator with the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, said he knows of no adults who have been poisoned, the Environmental Protection Agency reports some tragedies in children.

A 4-year-old Minnesota child died in 2006 after swallowing a lead-laden jewelry charm, which prompted a recall of 300,000 charm bracelets. And in 2004, 150 million pieces of toy jewelry sold in vending machines were recalled because of lead.

Berriesford said that state testing of children's jewelry since Sept. 1 found 18 percent to 20 percent was contaminated with high levels of lead. Given those numbers, he is assuming that adult jewelry is being sold with lead in it, too.

"Body-piercing jewelry may have lead in it; that's why we're here," Berriesford said. "A lot of the industry has been aware of it for years (and not sold it), but there may be some outliers."

Wickert Beasley of Intrinsic Precision Body Jewelry in San Francisco said that as long as consumers buy made-in-America body-piercing accessories, they should be safe.

"Domestically made jewelry is almost in every case made out of the best material, but there's been a flood of jewelry from oversees where labor costs are just a fraction of what they are here," and where standards are lower, he said.
Source: contracostatimes

Many People Selling Gold Jewelry

Watch The Video

More people are selling their gold as its value continues to rise. That's creating what local pawn shop owners are calling a gold rush.

Bing Miller owns City Jewelry and Loan, a local pawn shop. He says over the past four months he's noticed an increase in customers looking to sell their gold. As the value of the dollar decreases, gold prices are higher than ever sitting at around  $1,000 an ounce and consumers are taking advantage.

But some are trying to sell fake or damaged gold and they don't always know it. Miller says some customers buy from a seller on the street thinking they're getting a good bargain. "You know if a good deal is too good to be true, it probably is cause there are most people, 99% people can't tell if a piece of jewelry's gold or not, so just be careful if you're buying gold from strangers," said Miller

But while people are rushing to sell their gold.Stores can't seem to get rid of it and Miller says he knows why.

"People can't pay the price of it. When they come in wanting something reasonable, it's hard to find anything reasonable in gold, but you know, anything in a... Gold ring under a hundred dollars now is very, very rare. Like I said, cause the meltdown values on most rings are now 50, 75, to a hundred dollars any ring," says Miller.

Even with gold prices rising and less being bought people are still buying jewelry. So what could be taking the place of gold? Shop owners say this cloud has a *silver* lining.

"...you can buy silver jewelry so much cheaper, so people are starting to wear silver jewelry more than they are gold jewelry," said Miller.
Source: kauz

N.Y. jewelry stores accused of discrimination

All that glitters is not gold in 1,300 jewelry stores nationwide where sexual discrimination awaits female employees, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday against the operator of the stores.

The lawsuit by current and former employees claimed that Sterling Jewelers Inc. practices a pattern of sex discrimination in the promotion and compensation of women and permits a work environment contaminated by unwanted sexual advances toward some employees.

The lawsuit said the company operates under at least 12 retail names including Kay Jewelers, Goodman Jewelers and Osterman Jewelers.

Sterling, the parent company, said it investigated the claims and found them to be without merit.

"We take the allegations raised in this lawsuit very seriously," it said. "We are confident that these charges do not reflect the culture of this company. Fairness, opportunity, integrity and respect are core values at Sterling."

The company said it did not believe the charges were valid and promised to defend "vigorously against whatever legal action arises."

The women said the company refused to publicize job openings and instead let managers select preferred employees in a "tap on the shoulder" system.

The lawsuit said Sterling has intentionally discriminated against women by maintaining a system for making promotion and compensation decisions that is excessively subjective and favored men over women.

The lawsuit alleged specific examples of discrimination faced by female employees, including Lisa McConnell, who worked at a Kay Jewelers store from July 2001 until August 2006.

The lawsuit said McConnell was told in October 2002 that her salary of $12 per hour as an assistant manager was $2 to $3 less per hour than similarly situated male assistant managers.

The lawsuit said she endured sexual harassment at the hands of a manager-in-training who commented on the anatomy of women who walked by the store and asked McConnell if she would find out if a woman who passed the store in a short skirt was wearing underwear.

The lawsuit, which asked to be designated to represent a class of all women who have faced discrimination at the stores, seeks policy changes and unspecified damages.
Source: usatoday

JA Receives $7,500 Scholarship Donation

Southeastern Findings Inc., will sponsor ten Jewelers of America Bench Jeweler Certification scholarships, totaling $7,500, in 2008.

JA, in a statement Wednesday, said the scholarships demonstrate Southeastern Findings’ commitment to serving the manufacturing jeweler, by supporting a program that promotes the talent and career development of bench jewelers.

“Southeastern Findings is excited to be able to help bench jewelers achieve JA Bench Jeweler Certification, which is an instantly recognized description of value,” says Gene Callaway, Southeastern Findings president. “After 30 years of working closely with manufacturing jewelers, we realize it is important to distinguish the quality and talent of professional bench jewelers.”

The JA Bench Jeweler Certification program—open to all bench jewelers—sets industry-wide standards for evaluating a bench jeweler’s talent, which has resulted in a system to clearly communicate skill level to an employer, colleague, or customer. Certified bench jewelers are acknowledged as professional leaders in their field and can use their certified skills to differentiate their stores’ services from competitors.

The ten scholarships will be available for three of the four levels of JA Bench Jeweler Certification: JA Certified Bench Jeweler, JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler, and JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler.

Southeastern Findings, based in Atlanta, Ga., will grant scholarships to an individual from each of the following eight Southern states: Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia and Kentucky. Two additional scholarships will be granted “at-large” to individuals from two other states. All scholarship applicants must meet JA Bench Jeweler Certification guidelines.

To apply for the scholarships, bench jewelers should visit the JA Web site, beginning April 20, to download the Southeastern Findings scholarship application.
Source: jckonline

Weston Jewelers brings John Hardy to Pridefest

Weston Jewelers in collaboration with John Hardy New York will present the John Hardy Men's Collection at Pridefest South Florida.

According to Weston Jewelers, this is the first time a luxury brand of John Hardy's caliber is being made available to the gay community in this type of venue.

The event will be held from April 12-13 at Holiday Park from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and is expected to attract between 20,000-25,000 attendees.

"We have always supported [the gay] community, and I saw this as a perfect opportunity to bring such a desired brand to [an] event and target a strong demographic audience," Weston Jewelers Vice President of Marketing Paul Slutsky said in a media release.

John Hardy's handcrafted collection will feature silver, 18-karat gold and semi-precious gemstones, all brought directly from the Bali-based headquarters of John Hardy. The collection will be available for the entire two-day event.

Attending the event along with Weston Jewelers will be Debbie Zimmerman of John Hardy New York.

Weston Jewelers is home to such luxury brands as John Hardy, Cartier, Breitling, Audemars Piguet, Baume and Mercier, Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Chopard, Piaget, Bedat, Roberto Coin, Sauro, Raymond Weil, Philip Stein, Bulgari, Marco Bicego, Damiani, Kwiat, Charriol and Corum.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Romance novelist's jewels up for grabs at Christie's

A number of large diamond rings and jewelry from the collection of romance novelist Danielle Steele are among the pieces slated for the next Christie's auction.

The New York Sale at Christie's is scheduled for April 16 and will include a selection of rare colored gemstones and diamonds.

Leading the lots is a 39.34-carat cushion-cut diamond that is D color with internally flawless clarity, estimated at $6 million-$8 million, which is earning praise from the auction house.

"The old-world charm of this beautiful gem, along with a softness to its cut and its superb brilliance, ranks it amongst some of the most sensational diamonds to have appeared for sale at Christie's, such as the historical Polar Star [diamond] to which it bears a striking resemblance," Christie's Head of Jewelry, Americas Rahul Kadakia said in a statement.

Another featured piece is a rectangular-cut, D-color, potentially flawless 27.91-carat diamond ring by Harry Winston. The ring is valued at $2 million-$3 million.

Also slated for the auction block is a pear-shaped, D-color, 21.90-carat potentially flawless diamond ring mounted by Harry Winston and valued at $2 million-$3 million.

Jewelry from Steele's collection will be offered, including a diamond and black coral "Owl" brooch by Van Cleef and Arpels valued at $15,000-$25,000, and a pair of sapphire and diamond "Trumpet Flower" ear clips by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany and Co. valued at $18,000-$22,000.

Other items scheduled to be up for auction include:

* A 40.39-carat rectangular-cut fancy-intense-yellow diamond mounted by Bulgari and estimated at $500,000-$700,000.
* A yellow diamond leopard brooch by Verdura with emerald eyes and black onyx spots and wearing a ruby and diamond crown and an emerald and ruby necklace valued at $15,000-$20,000.
* A ruby and cultured pearl necklace commissioned by heiress Doris Duke and crafted of 14 cultured pearls and 1,136 rubies by American jeweler David Webb. The necklace is valued at $80,000-$120,000.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

JFC Planning a National Campaign

Jewelers for Children, the jewelry industry's charity, is looking to expand its mission and its brand image, according to a speaker at http://www.plumbclub.com/forum.htm.

Phil McCarty, chief executive officer of McCarty Partners, a firm that specializes in strategic charity campaigns, said that JFC is planning a national event that would get children involved with helping children in need. He was short on specifics, however, saying that more research is being done this year, but he told the audience at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology on March 2 to be on the lookout for an announcement.

"The industry's passion for children is well known and well documented," he said. "(JFC) is now looking at the possibility of building a national campaign which promotes the cause. … A one-day or limited-time-frame event for the children by the children … It will cultivate loyalty in employees and customers."

McCarty, whose clients include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a large recipient of JFC funding, made his remarks about the charity initiative during a seminar on "Cause Marketing," which links for profit organizations with non profits charities to increase company sales while raising money and visibility for a cause.

Quoting survey results, he said that among consumers, health is the top concern followed closely by education, environment, and economic development. Currently, troop support also is very popular.

In addition, according to findings, that with all things being equal, 87 percent of respondents said they would switch to a product or service that supports a cause and 88 percent of respondents said that they expect companies to talk the causes they support.

A total of 72 percent said they would change jobs to work for a company that supports charitable causes.

He added that social issues and causes are critical to younger audiences (87 percent of respondents) and that 73 of respondents values a company that has workplace volunteer programs and provides time off from work to participate.

McCarty said that developing a cause marketing program builds customer loyalty and increases sales. However, these programs must be authentic and have measurable results to be successful.

The Plumb Club Forum @FIT was created to define and spearhead an educational agenda for the jewelry industry, benefiting Plumb Club members and the industry at large. It was held March 2 and 3.
Source: jckonline

Oppenheimer calls U.S. subprime woes 'worry'

The U.S. subprime mortgage crisis is causing concern in the diamond industry due to the high volume of "lower-quality, cheaper diamonds" sold here, De Beers Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer said in a recent interview with Mining Weekly.

But, demand for higher-quality stones continues in the United States, unaffected by the turbulence in the housing market.

"America remains 50 percent of the diamond jewelry worldwide offtake and, in that 50 percent, America has a disproportionate element of the somewhat lower-quality, cheaper diamonds, so that's a real worry there," he told the South Africa-based publication. "The balance is the better-quality diamonds, which seem to be remaining in demand, and that's obviously helped by the very strong growing demand in Asia."

Overall, Oppenheimer said, the economic volatility worldwide "is not good for us."

He said the dramatic strengthening of the Canadian dollar has negatively impacted DeBeers' business in that country while, conversely, the weakening of the rand in South Africa has helped De Beers, which sells its diamonds in U.S. dollars.

In the same interview, De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) Managing Director David Noko said the company is working to negate the impact the power crisis in South Africa is having on De Beers' output.

A 10 percent impact on production is forecast, with DBCM budgeting production of 12.7 million carats in 2008, compared with 15 million in 2007. This lower estimate, Noko said, is due to the sale of some of DBCM's assets, not the power crisis.

Also, De Beers Group Managing Director Gareth Penny said the Diamond Trading Co. (DTC) continues forming local DTCs in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

A total of eight De Beers retail stores launched in 2007, pushing the total to 23 globally, and De Beers plans to double the number of stores in 2008.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

India’s Largest Jewelry Mall Inaugurated in Chennai

The

Prashanth

Real

Gold

Tower

has been inaugurated in the hub of the T. Nagar shopping center in Chennai. The tower, which is to constitute the largest exclusive jewelry destination in , will serve both the retail and wholesale jewelry trade.

Leading companies involved in the jewelry business have announced plans to open offices and stores there including Bank of India, G.S. Laboratories, Sanghi Jewelers, Royal India Gems, and more.

The building will feature renowned jewelry brand stores, bullion trading desks from leading banks, trading lounges and an exhibition hall. It aims to serve as a one-stop destination for all matters related to gold, diamonds and jewelry.

The building will also features advanced security systems equipped with CCTV, RCC Wall and more.
Source: israelidiamond

With exports up, Bangkok show ends strong

The 41st Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair closed on a successful note this year, capping off a strong year that saw 2007 jewelry and gemstone exports rise substantially, show organizers said.

Various government officials, industry leaders and guests saluted the industry during an opening ceremony Feb. 27 at Royal Jubilee Hall at the Impact Challenger in Bangkok, Thailand.

"The contribution of the gems and jewelry to the Thai economy is significant," Thailand Deputy Minister of Commerce Viroon Tejapaibol told the audience, according to a press release from the show. "Gems and jewelry exports last year exceeded U.S. $5.3 billion, up 46.72 percent from the previous year, ranking fifth on Thailand's export lists."

Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) President Vichai Assarasakorn also noted that the TGJTA board's immediate mission is to carry out a three-pronged priority plan to stimulate the industry further, specifically addressing issues involving tax and industry funding, and finding new overseas markets.

"We are seeking an endorsement from the government to remove the 7 percent VAT [value-added tax] imposed on imported raw materials, which has proved to be a heavy financial burden for Thai local small and medium enterprises [SMEs]," he said.

TGJTA is lobbying for government support to establish a "Gems Bank" to support lending to local SMEs, which make up 90 percent of the Thai jewel industry, he said.

The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will hold its 42nd edition this fall, Sept. 11-15, at the Impact Challenger.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Seeing a void in jewelry market, former Mr. Z store manager opens own business

When Mr. Z and Co. Jewelers went out of business in December, Fred Westervelt realized there would be many loyal customers looking for a new place to shop for jewelry.

The store manager at Mr. Z for 11 years, Westervelt decided to help those people find a new place.

The original Mr. Z closed on Dec. 29. Little more than a month later, Westervelt opened a new store also called Mr. Z, on Feb. 1.

The store is located in one of Mr. Z's old locations at 3423 Miller Road.

"I opened this store primarily because so many of Mr. Z's customers asked for that," Westervelt said.

The store sells bridal jewelry and colored gems, Westervelt said. He also sells the Chamilia bracelet line, which features several different types of charms.

The store also does repairs -- nearly all of them on location, Westervelt said.
Source: mlive

U.S. Jewelry Sales Creep Upward in January

Specialty jewelers in the U.S. market posted a very modest sales gain in January – +1.9 percent over the same month a year ago – according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Total jewelry sales – sales of jewelry in all retail outlets which sell this merchandise category – were up 1.6 percent in January. Thus, while jewelry demand was weak during the month, specialty jewelers gained market share from non-traditional jewelry outlets such as discounters and others.

Further, as expected, the Department of Commerce revised December 2007 jewelry sales levels downward, though not by as much as we would have expected. Based on the newly revised data, December 2007 specialty jewelers’ sales in the U.S. market fell by 2.8 percent; preliminary data had indicated a decline of 2.6 percent.

Total U.S. jewelry sales data was modestly revised for 2007; it now appears that jewelry sales in America were up 4.2 percent in 2007, down slightly from the previously reported gain of 4.3 percent. The Commerce Department will continue to recalculate this number each month until about mid-year; we do not expect any significant change from current levels.

The Commerce Department also scaled back the previously reported preliminary retail sales gains (all categories) for the final quarter of the year (see Scoreboard below).

For the three months ended January 2008, the scoreboard for specialty jewelers’ sales, total jewelry industry sales, and total retail sales is summarized on the following table. The figures show that specialty jewelers gained market share in November and January from non-traditional jewelry retail outlets (discounters, mass market retailers, department stores, etc.), but lost market share in December. Further, jewelers lost market share to other retail categories which offered more enticing merchandise and more compelling values – particularly consumer electronics – at prices that are directly targeted to jewelers’ “sweet spot” pricing at the mass market level – $300-500.
Source: idexonline

Hong Kong Gem Fair Shows Glamour, Trends in Global Jewelry Industry

Hong Kong is one of the world's leading markets for jewelry. Claudia Blume went to the city's international jewelry fair to find out about the latest trends in the industry - such as the effect of rising gold prices, the growing popularity of diamonds in the region and China's rise as the world's pearl center.

Gem dealer inspects strings of pearls (file photo)

In Hall Seven of Hong Kong's Convention and Exhibition Center, table after table is stacked with strings of pearls, looking more like a rummage sale than a display of luxury and elegance. Most of the pearls are from one country: China.

Didier Brodbeck, a French pearl expert, says Chinese fresh water pearls now account for about 95 percent of the world's total pearl production.

"The boom is very recent, maybe 10 years ago, but the pearls are getting better and better, bigger and bigger, and more attractive, you know," said Brodbeck. "In the early days, they were not very good quality pearls. They are still very, very cheap, because the production is so big."

While mass cultivation has caused the price of pearls to drop dramatically in the past few years, South Sea pearls from countries such as Polynesia and Australia remain expensive. This is because they are more rare, because they develop naturally in oysters in the sea.

Brodbeck says Hong Kong has become the center of the pearl business in the past decade, after taking over from the previous pearl capital, Kobe, Japan. But Brodbeck says Hong Kong may lose its position to a newly created city in mainland China. Pearl City, in Zhuji, on the Yangtze River is set to open later this year. It aims at becoming the world's leading center for the cultivation and trade of pearls.

"They want to take the business away from Kobe and Hong Kong and have a world pearl market open every day of the week, all year round, so people can buy any kind of pearls, and they want the Chinese, the Japanese, Polynesians - everybody to come who has interest in dealing with pearls," he said. "And, when the project will be done they expect to have like 4500 firms established there that will be open seven days a week."

Vendor holds handful of fancy colored sapphires including a huge 26.83 carat blue sapphire

Hong Kong's International Jewelry Show is the world's third largest fair of its kind. More than 2300 exhibitors participated in the latest fair, setting a record.

Hong Kong is the world's fourth-largest exporter of precious jewelry. The city is also the world's biggest exporter of imitation jewelry and a leading producer of gold items.

Many producers have been affected by rising gold prices. The price surged more than 30 percent in the past year, reaching a historic high of almost $1,000 an ounce this month.

This Hong Kong producer of gold jewelry, who mainly sells to the United States, says his profit has shrunk because now customers buy cheaper items.

"Looking at Valentine's Day sales' turnover, for example, was the units haven't really gone down in America - the sales value has definitely gone down," he said. "Also, the buyers ask for a lot more silver products which we don't specialize in, and silver and gold."

Some parts of the world have remained relatively unaffected by higher gold prices. Simon Yau, with the World Gold Council, says in China, demand remains high.

"For example the last year, in 2007, the gold demand in China is already (up) over something 20 percent," Yau noted. "Also in the first two months of this year - that means January and February - demand is still growing up comparing to last year. It is about 20-something percent growth compared to last year. We believe that retail and the consumer demand is still there. They have money."

China became the world's second biggest gold buyer, last year, overtaking the United States. The world's biggest buyer remains India, where gifts of gold jewelry play an important part in weddings and other celebrations.

In both India and China, there is a growing interest in diamonds, as a symbol of newly acquired wealth. This employee of an Israeli diamond firm says that as sales in the United States have fallen, because of the economic downturn there. Her company increasingly focuses on India and China.

"At one time, it was just China was buying for production and exporting. Now, they are buying for their own consumption," she said. "And, the same with India. India used to buy and export - just for manufacturing and then export it and now the Indian population, 10 percent of the Indian population is very, very wealthy and that 10 percent people have now become very interested in diamonds and the money they have is phenomenal."

It is India's fashionable youth who are driving diamond sales. They see diamonds as more trendy than traditional gold. With a large population of educated young adults entering the job market in India, traders at the Hong Kong fair expect to see a strong market there for years.
Source: voanews

Pearls That Start, and End, With Grit

Jamel Toppin for The New York Times

PUNK PEARLS Clockwise from top left: M.C.L Design necklace of Black Sea pearls and multicolor sapphires, $5,445 at Bergdorf Goodman. Janis by Janis Savitt pearl, crystal and brass necklace, $1,450; for store information, call (212) 245-7396. Butterfly wreath necklace, made from vintage pearls, butterfly brooches and chain, from Subversive Jewelry by Justin Giunta, $2,200; for information, call (212) 679-0453. David Yurman South Sea pearl and blue topaz necklace, with a topaz clasp set in 18-karat gold, $25,000 at David Yurman. Tom Binns Pearls in Peril necklace of Japanese pearls and Swarovski crystals, $1,230 at Henri Bendel. Louis Vuitton necklace of resin pearls, braided silk cord with brass beads and a costume jewel bow, about $7,600 at Louis Vuitton.

DON’T pearls deserve something better? Despite numerous attempts over the years to disentangle them from their good-girl image, they have resisted. Even Audrey Hepburn, recklessly tossing about that magnificent rope of pearls in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” could not dislodge them from the altar of good taste.

But now a new crop of pearl necklaces undercuts all that refinement — and that’s all to the good. These are pearls with an edge, acquired through a juxtaposition with quirkier stuff. Punk meets Park Avenue.

An array of designers have embraced this marriage of luster and grit, the brazen and the demure. At Subversive Jewelry, Justin Giunta constructs tangles of pearls, chains and vintage finds. Tom Binns designs arresting pieces that drip with pearls and crystals. And more is decidedly more at Louis Vuitton, where the necklaces are baroque assemblages of resin pearls, rope and paste jewels.

Wear them to add a touch of haute to a T-shirt or a smack of insolence to an evening dress.
Source: nytimes

Edward Levin, Jewelry Designer, 87

Edward Levin, of Cambridge, N.Y., and Cedar Key, Fla., died Feb. 23 at his home in Cedar Key. He was 87. He was an artist, craftsperson, jeweler, painter, sculptor, ceramist, and inventor of machines, tools and processes to enhance creativity in jewelry-making.

Levin was born Feb. 4, 1921, in New York City and grew up in Long Beach on Long Island. He studied fine arts at Columbia University, and later at Alfred University, the New School, and the Barnes Foundation.

He successfully obtained conscientious objector status during World War II. In 1948, Levin lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and studied with a Florentine master jeweler. In 1949, Levin married Ruth Perlmutter, and lived on the Upper West Side in New York City.

In 1950 with his wife, he founded Ed Levin Jewelry and made jewelry on the stove top in their New York apartment. He traveled by bus throughout New England to sell his jewelry to college students. In 1953 the couple moved to Shaftsbury, Vt., where Levin sold his artwork and jewelry from Ed Levin Arts Workshop, established in a building on their property. In 1964, he moved his workshop to Bennington where he opened a retail shop.

In 1968, Levin married Ruth Pearl Bluestone Dale, bought a house in Cambridge, N.Y., and moved his wholesale business to Cambridge. While Levin continued to design jewelry, he also spent time in his studio at home painting, sculpting, throwing pots, and inventing tools.

Ed Levin Jewelry, Inc., considered the oldest and largest hand-crafted jewelry manufacturer in the United States, is owned by the family and currently sells to hundreds of retail shops throughout the country.

Levin was adamant in his beliefs and followed his own path. Life, for him, was a continuing exploration of ideas, the senses, and challenging the status quo. He actively supported peace, human rights, civil liberties, and environmental protection. Levin said, "The diversity and richness of the natural world and all of the peoples who have inhabited it will always inspire both art and jewelry. The connections are not necessarily direct or obvious...Nevertheless, our present is still connected to the earth forms and ancestor creations that abound and still touch us."

Ed was predeceased by his second wife, Ruth Dale Levin, and his brother, Ernest Levin. He leaves his first wife, Ruth Perlmutter Levin, his three children, Rachel Levin, Flo Levin, and Alexander Levin; and two stepsons, Paul Bluestone and Donald Bluestone.

Levin will be buried in Cambridge, N.Y., in the spring. Contributions in Levin's memory may be sent to: Allen Gilbert, ACLU Vermont, 137 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.
Source: jckonline

Stillwater Mining Up on Jewelry Venture

Shares of Stillwater Mining Co., the top U.S. palladium producer, rose Tuesday as a global coalition of the commodity's producers launched a marketing initiative to promote the precious metal in jewelry use.

Palladium, which is part of the platinum group of precious metals, is used in automotive catalytic converters, electronic devices and jewelry.

Moscow-based MMC Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest palladium producer, said Tuesday that the marketing project aims to create a "clear and specific brand position" for palladium in jewelry.

Tuesday's announcement follows completion of study by independent consultants and the Palladium Alliance International under the auspices of the International Platinum Group Metals Association.

Norilsk Nickel will lead the venture, which will be supported by Anglo Platinum, Impala Platinum and Lonmin, the major palladium producers in South Africa, and initially target the U.S. and China.

Billings, Mont.-based Stillwater Mining Co., which is majority-owned by Norilsk Nickel, also will support the marketing initiative.

Shares of Stillwater, which also produces platinum, rose 88 cents, or 5.3 percent, to $17.43 in midday trading. In the past 52 weeks shares have gained 31 percent.
Source: cnn

Leaded Kids' Jewelry Sales Banned In Mass.

After random tests revealed that one in 10 pieces of children's jewelry sold in Massachusetts contain dangerously high levels of lead, Massachusetts health officials said Wednesday that the manufacture, transport or sale of children's leaded jewelry will be banned in the state.

"Because high levels of lead in toy jewelry can present long-term health consequences for children, we think this new regulation will go a long to way to protect the health of children in the Commonwealth," Department of Public Health Commissioner John Auerbach said.

By collecting and testing jewelry samples from vending machines, children's toy sections of retail stores and jewelry counters in Massachusetts in 2007, the DPH found one in 10 samples had high levels of lead. Although the number has decreased from a test conducted in 2004, the results are still unacceptable, the DPH said.

The new regulations apply to children's leaded jewelry manufactured, shipped or sold at retail or wholesale, indoor or outdoor, over-the-Internet or through catalogs. This includes jewelry sold in vending machines, toy stores or toy displays, toy departments or toy sections and jewelry that may use images or otherwise be designed or packaged to be especially attractive to children, the DPH said.

"The larger retail outlets, those stores tend to say if we can't sell it in this state, then we can't sell it in any state. So they tend to change their behaviors nationwide. That is really what we are hoping for in Massachusetts," said Suzanne Condon, of the DPH.

The current Massachusetts Lead Law bans toys, eating or drinking utensils with a coating of paint, enamel or glaze with a lead content of 600 parts per million or greater, but the law does not apply to lead in metallic form, the DPH said.

The new regulations will define children's leaded jewelry as any jewelry marketed to or intended for use by children under 14 years of age; jewelry that contains a concentration of lead that either is more than 600 ppm total lead content as determined by the U.S. screening test for total lead analysis or similar methods subject to the approval of DPH; or jewelry that would expose a child to greater than 15 micrograms of lead per day over a chronic exposure period.

The regulations will go into effect in June 2008. When the regulations go into effect, they will be the toughest lead restrictions in the country.

"Many of the states have moved toward trying to address these issues on a more local level. What we did in Massachusetts was to really try to look at this comprehensively and design a standard that we believe should be met by everyone," Condon said.

Vendors caught violating the law face up to a $5,000 fine or imprisonment. Spot checks will be conducted across the state to ensure compliance, the DPH said.
Source: thebostonchannel