Aamana Shaiff at the India Gem & Jewelry Showroom

TV Actress Aamana Shaiff smiles at the inauguration of the India Gem & Jewelry Showroom at South City Mall in Kolkata, India.
Source: yahoo

Jeweler and philanthropist I. W. Marks dies

I.W. Marks, founder, president and namesake of Houston's largest independent jewelry store, died yesterday.

Jewelry business and philanthropic leader I.W. Marks died yesterday of Aden carcinoma and multi-organ failure.

Founder, president and namesake of Houston's largest independent jewelry store, Marks also served on the boards of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Crime Stoppers and the Society for the Performing Arts, as well as several business and bank boards.

His store was elected into the Leading Jewelers of the World, representing the entire Southwestern United States.

Marks received many awards during his life, including the Better Business Bureau Award for Distinction and Award for Excellence, the Business Committee for the Arts Inc. and Forbes magazine's national Business in the Arts Award, including The BCA TEN Award for top 10 companies supporting the arts in the United States, and the Jefferson Award for community service.

"He was an incredible role model to my brother Daniel and me, and to so many people throughout the community through his business and charitable works," Marks' son Brad said in a media release. "We will do our best to live up to his great reputation for serving and supporting our community, our customers and our industry with the greatest vision, caring and utmost respect."

Marks had been in intensive care for five consecutive months last year at The Methodist Hospital where he was treated for a very resistant staph infection. In December, he was moved to TIRR for rehabilitation. He was diagnosed with cancer this month.

The Marks family would like to publicly thank all the physicians and nurses at The Methodist Hospital and TIRR for their outstanding medical care and compassion. They would also like to thank their extended Houston family, including friends and employees, business associates, members of the philanthropic community and their customers.

Marks' wife, Shelly Ann, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Susan, and their sons William and Andrew, son Bradley and daughter-in-law Melissa, Marks' sister Ruth Silver and numerous nieces and nephews survive him.

Funeral services are pending.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Statement necklaces steal show at Oscars

Actress Keri Russell in H. Stern's vintage diamond floral necklace and diamond floral earrings at the 80th annual Academy Awards.

Crimson gowns and showy jewelry ruled the red carpet at the 80th annual Academy Awards last night, firing up an otherwise lackluster fashion parade.

The diamond statement necklace showed a tremendous resurgence, with many of Hollywood's leading ladies draping their necks in diamonds and colored stones.

Most notable was Nicole Kidman, who absolutely glittered from neck to waist in a rough- and polished-diamond Sautoir necklace by L'Wren Scott showcasing 7,645 diamonds totaling nearly 1,400 carats.

Marion Cotillard, Best Actress winner for La Vie En Rose, chose Chopard's 64-carat champagne-diamond necklace and 106-carat brown-diamond necklace to accentuate one of the most original gowns of the evening: a white-and-gold mermaid-style gown from Jean Paul Gaultier. She also wore Chopard's 15-carat brilliant-cut diamond ring.

Keri Russell, also in a light-colored gown, played up its strapless neckline with H. Stern's vintage diamond floral necklace (taken from the private vault of Hans Stern) and dainty diamond floral earrings.

And Best Actress nominee Julie Christie sported a custom pink scarab necklace to highlight her knee-length ruched coral-red dress. Crafted by Neil Lane, the necklace is a symbol of long life and has 31 iridescent scarab gems.

Jennifer Garner, dressed in Oscar de la Renta, chose multiple jewelry looks: a Van Cleef and Arpels 1928 Art Deco diamond necklace, "Swan Lake" diamond drop earrings, a 1925 Art Deco diamond bracelet and "Clea" diamond ring.

Penelope Cruz followed suit, accentuating her dark blue Chanel Haute Couture gown with Chopard's ruby and diamond drop earrings, fancy-shaped diamond bracelet and marquise-cut diamond ring.

Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard in long, layered diamond necklaces by Chopard.

Helen Mirren enhanced her red George Chakra gown with sleeves studded in Swarovski crystals with H. Stern's diamond "Hebe" earrings and diamond floral ring, while Jennifer Hudson sparkled in diamond chandelier earrings, diamond bangles and cuff, diamond "Ball" ring and diamond floral hairpins all by Neil Lane.

Jessica Alba took the yellow route, choosing to wear yellow gold and diamond "Creole" hoop earrings by Cartier. She also wore Cartier's diamond shell-motif bracelet and diamond feather-motif bracelet.

When it came to Hollywood's leading men, cuff links and watches were the accessories du jour. Johnny Depp opted to wear Neil Lane's gentleman cuff links in rough diamonds and platinum, while Steve Carrell sported both trends in Chopard's L.U.C. watch set in white gold with black alligator strap and white gold "Happy Diamond" cuff links.

Patrick Dempsey wore rock crystal, onyx and diamond cuff links by Fred Leighton.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Top Tahitian pearl designs awarded

The "Ethereal Rhapsody" necklace by Reena Ahluwalia took first place in the necklace category of the Tahitian Pearl Trophy-North American division.

The Cultured Pearl Association of America, which represents Perles de Tahiti in the United States, has announced the winners of the 2007-2008 "The Song of the Stars" Tahitian Pearl Trophy-North American division.

Winners included:

Necklace: Reena Ahluwalia, first place; Maggie Davidson, second place; Jeong-Seon Han, third place

Pendant: Erica Courtney, first place; Adam Neeley, second place; Nina Basharova, third place

Earrings: Celine Boure, first place; Hugh Power, second place

Ring: Avi Raz, first place; Adam Neeley, second place

Bracelet: Evelyn Huang, first place; Reena Ahluwalia, second place; Tara and Sons, third place

Parure: Lisa Krikawa, first place; Margarette Elie, second place

Brooch: Nina Basharova, first place; Reena Ahluwalia, second place; Margarette Elie, third place

Male Jewelry: Larry C. Y. Ho, first place; Yutao Liu, second place; Nina Basharova, third place

Accessory: Yutao Liu, first place; Larry C. Y. Ho, second place; Margarette Elie, third place

Special: Larry C. Y. Ho, first place

Judging for the event was held at the Terrace Club in New York City. The jury included Laurie Schechter of Stylists and Co., Elena Mauer of Bridal Guide, Jean Francois Bibet of Van Cleef and Arpels, Amanda Gizzi of the Jewelry Information Center, Kathleen Fritzpatrick, freelance editor, Hedda T. Schupak of JCK and Fran Mastoloni of Frank Mastoloni and Sons.

Winning entries will now enter the Tahitian Pearl Trophy International Awards phase, to be judged by an international jury in May.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Asia to get its first major diamond for auction

A 101-carat, near-flawless diamond may fetch more than $8 million at a Christie's International sale in Hong Kong, the first time a gem of this quality and weight is auctioned in Asia, according to the London-based company.

The squash-ball sized stone, the highlight of Christie's jewelry sale on May 28, has the third-highest clarity rating of VVS1 and the third-best ranking on a scale used to measure colorlessness. Colored diamonds are graded on a different scale.

Christie's only identifies the seller as a Europe-based diamond trading company run by three brothers. Hong Kong is Christie's third-biggest auction market after New York and London. Growth in Asia outside Japan is accelerating, fueled by China's 10 percent-a-year expansion, as the U.S. economy stalls.

"The seller called us up in Asia and specifically said they want the gem sold in this region," said Vicki Sek, a Hong Kong-based director of jewelry at Christie's. The buyer gets the right to name the stone, Christie's said.

The colorless diamond is the fourth of more than 100 carats offered at auction, according to Francois Curiel, the company's global head of jewelry. The last three were in Geneva, he said.

Cut from a 460-carat South African rough stone, the gem is now on exhibition in London and is also the biggest white diamond at auction in nearly two decades, Christie's said. In 2005, the auction house sold a 120-carat brown diamond of lower clarity in Hong Kong. A carat is one-fifth of a gram.

In October, Christie's largest rival Sotheby's sold a flawless, 6.04-carat blue diamond in Hong Kong for 61.9 million Hong Kong dollars, or $7.9 million, a per-carat record for a gem.
Source: iht

Yehuda to fight Blue Nile unfair-competition lawsuit

The Yehuda Diamond Co. said it plans to fight a federal lawsuit filed by Blue Nile that claims ads on Yehuda's Web site make "false and misleading statements" in comparing its clarity-enhanced diamonds to natural diamonds sold by Blue Nile.

The lawsuit, filed on Dec. 18 in the U.S. District Court in Seattle against Yehuda parent company Diascience Corp. of New York, stems from ads on Yehuda.com in which Yehuda compares its diamond prices to those of diamonds sold by Blue Nile. The ads point out individual Yehuda diamonds that are priced significantly below diamonds of the same weight, cut, color and clarity sold on Blue Nile's Web site.

But, the Seattle-based online jeweler says the comparisons do not tell the full story, and accuses the New York diamond company of unfair competition, copyright infringement and violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

"These diamonds are not equivalent, and Yehuda's Web site falsely represents that they are," the lawsuit says. "Moreover, to emphasize a false equivalence between Yehuda's artificially enhanced diamonds and Blue Nile's natural diamonds, Yehuda wholesale copied portions of Blue Nile's copyright-protected Web site and displayed the Blue Nile Web pages on the Yehuda.com homepage."

Yehuda, which does not sell to consumers directly but instead uses its site to send consumers to retail jewelers that sell its clarity-enhanced stones, insists that the comparisons are fair game.

"What would be misleading would be to prevent consumers from being able to make the choice between our clarity-enhanced diamonds and those Blue Nile sells without clarity enhancement," Yehuda Diamond Co. President Dror Yehuda said in a statement issued on Friday. "The public needs to know that our prices, which come with unsurpassed expert service, are—plain and simple—lower than Blue Nile's prices."

Yehuda also points out that the Web site contains full details on its quality-enhanced diamonds, and consumers are also encouraged to visit a local jeweler to check out the stones for themselves.

He told National Jeweler that the company has taken down the copyrighted material from Blue Nile's Web site, and that the material had only been posted for one day.

In the suit, Blue Nile seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction that would bar Yehuda "from making false or misleading comparisons, orally or in writing, between Yehuda's artificially clarity-enhanced and Blue Nile's natural diamonds," court papers said.

It also asks that Yehuda be made to notify its customers and the diamond industry of the difference in quality between the two products.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

'Made in China' label may damage brand

More than two-thirds of luxury consumers say where goods are manufactured is important, a Unity Marketing survey shows, meaning that moving operations to another country to cut costs may damage a brand in the long run.

Luxury consumers, classified with an average age of 46.6 and an average income of $155,700, think quality goods are made in America, as well as in Italy, France and Germany.

China, however, is a country they associate with lower-quality goods, the survey shows.

"This is important because our survey shows that 80 percent of luxury consumers feel the association a luxury goods brand has with a particular country, like Chanel has with France or Gucci has with Italy, are integral to the perception of the brand," Unity Marketing President Pam Danziger said in a statement. "Nearly as many say they will pay more for luxury goods manufactured to exacting standards and in countries where manufacturing practices are high."

The survey, which polled 1,281 luxury consumers, also shows that the desire for products manufactured in certain countries increases with age.

Consumers ages 45 to 70 were most likely to hold definite opinions on countries having higher- or lower-quality merchandise.

"Younger consumers may have not had as much time to travel, study and form opinions on the countries of manufacture for their luxury goods," Danziger said. "This is a real opportunity for luxury marketers to educate their younger consumers about the company's insistence on holding the quality-bar high, regardless of the country they use to source their goods."
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Webster taps pop princess for silver campaign

"Shattered Rings" from Stephen Webster's new silver line for women, inspired by Christina Aguilera.

Jewelry designer Stephen Webster will mark his foray into the women's silver jewelry market with Christina Aguilera at the helm.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will appear in Webster's spring 2008 ad campaign wearing silver earrings, necklaces, cuffs and rings that she inspired.

The campaign, which will break in the April issue of W magazine, is based on legendary Alfred Hitchcock films with Aguilera looking like a classic Hitchcock heroine.

Webster said he is excited to launch the new advertising campaign since Aguilera is a close friend of his as well as the main source of inspiration behind the collection.

"I have always loved Hitchcock's films and to be able to transport Christina and my jewelry into that classic setting was an amazing experience for me," Webster said in a media release.

The campaign was photographed by Vincent Peters and styled by Victoria Adcock, with hair and make-up by Peter Savic and Kristofer Buckle.

Stephen Webster entered the fine-jewelry market in 1976, and has won many awards including "Luxury Jeweler of the Year" in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005, as well as "Jewelry Designer of the Year" in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2006.

Stephen Webster operates worldwide with independent boutiques in Kiev, Ukraine; Moscow; Seoul, South Korea; and St. Petersburg, Russia; and in more than 50 concessions in the United States as well as in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Fisher Joins Sterling as Merchandise Director

Sterling Jewelers Inc. has named Judy Fisher as its new director of Merchandising, Mall Divisions, Diamond Fashion and Ring.

In her new role, Fisher is responsible for diamond fashion jewelry for the Mall Division, which includes ladies diamond right-hand rings, diamond wedding and anniversary bands, pendants, earrings, and bracelets.

Fisher has more than 28 years of industry-related merchandising experience. Prior to joining Sterling, Fisher held numerous merchandising positions, most recently as the vice president, Merchandising with Whitehall Jewelers in Chicago, Service Merchandise in Nashville, Tenn., and with an independent jeweler, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

She holds an associate’s degree from University of Cincinnati and is a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist. She will be relocating to the Akron area from Chicago.

Akron, Ohio-based Sterling Jewelers Inc. is the largest specialty retail jeweler in the country. It operates 1,402 stores in 50 states and employs more than 21,000 associates. Sterling trades under national brands including, “Kay Jewelers” and “Jared The Galleria of Jewelry,” as well as a variety of regional names. Sterling is the U.S. division of London-based Signet Group plc, making it part of the largest specialty jewelry retailer in the world.
Source: jckonline

Veteran Jewelry Writer Ginger Dick Dies at 62

Longtime gem and jewelry writer Ginger Dick died Feb. 10 at the age of 62, from heart-related issues.

Born Beverly Barnes, she is best known in the industry by her pen name, Ginger Dick. Her byline regularly appeared in American Jewelry Manufacturer (now MJSA Journal), Jewellery International, Diamonds International, JewelSiam, Accent, Diamontaire, New York Diamonds, National Jeweler, The Goldsmith, Colored Stone, Jewelers’ Quarterly (JQ), and Southern Jewelry News.

Her involvement in the gem and jewelry industry began with freelance articles written for Canadian Jeweller magazine, while she was still pursuing a career in advertising and marketing. Her love for the gem and jewelry industry blossomed, and, following a move to New York City in 1982 she began freelancing for the other publications and working as a marketing consultant for a variety of businesses in the trade, as well as covering U.S. jewelry trends for Canadian Jeweller. In 1990, she received an A.A.S. degree in jewelry design, summa cum laude, from the Fashion Institute of Technology. While at FIT, she conducted a one-woman show of historic jewelry renderings, a rare endeavor for a student, and, during the 1990s, focused her writing and marketing skills solely on gems and jewelry, with a particular passion for the lapidary artists of North America.

Dick was a recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence in Editorial in 1993, and wrote a 10-part training series for Jewelers of America, titled, "The Professional Jeweler: Entry-Level Training for the New Hire," released in 1995. She also was a frequent seminar speaker and lecturer, although in recent years, her focus shifted to art and the study of apparel design, quilting, and embellishment. At the time of her death, she was working on a series of undersea landscapes with extravagantly beaded and embellished fish and coral reefs.

Dick is survived by her children, Serena Dick and Brendan Christopher, and her sister, Jane Holcombe. For friends and colleagues, the family is hosting a celebration-of-life gathering at the home of Jane Holcombe in Lower Manhattan on March 9 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and March 10 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For details email janeholcom@aol.com or call 212-385-4016. Friends are asked to share their favorite Ginger stories over refreshments while viewing some of her artwork. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in Ginger’s memory to the Center Against Domestic Violence, 25 Chapel Street, Suite 904, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 (www.centeragainstdv.org).
Source: jckonline

Some swimsuit with your jewelry?

The 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, on newsstands now, features a bounty of babes, beach and bling.

Jewelry hits the beach big-time in the 2008 edition of Sports Illustrated's famous "Swimsuit" issue, with Lana Jewelry and Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist as two of the featured designers.

Sporting everything from layered necklaces and cocktail rings to stacked bangles and drippy earrings, the beautiful models in their barely-there bikinis often take a backseat to bling.

The is the first year for Spirito's designs to be featured in the magazine and the second year for Lana Jewelry, whose "Petite Boheme Necklace" and "Affinity Ring" have their day in the sun.

A Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in necklaces by Michael Spirito for Exhibitionist and Luis Morais.

With more than 70 million readers worldwide, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is one of the most eagerly awaited publications each year and sets the trends for summer beach fashion and accessories.
Source: nationaljewelrynetwork

Government ready to support gem and jewelry business

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan on Tuesday revealed the government is ready to support the gems and jewelry business, and that a forecast of exports of the products would exceed Bt220 billion this year.

Speaking at a press conference for the 41st Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair which will be held February 27-March 2, he said the government is willing to promote the gem and jewelry business since the Thai products are ranked in the top five for international recognition.

He said this year's gem and jewelry fair serves as a venue to show the potential of a range of Thai products.
 
It is expected that more than 30,000 traders from the world over will participate in the exhibition and that over Bt25 billion would be circulated since the fair had won international recognition.

Last year, he said, Thailand's gem and jewelry exports totaled Bt185 billion in value, which is considered a good response.

This year, the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders' Association pledged to increase the export value of the products to at least Bt220 billion.
 
Mr. Mingkwan predicted that the value of Thailand's exports in the sector would rise to no less than Bt250 billion baht if the government successfully deregulates official procedures, finds source of raw materials, and conduct public relations for product awareness through local and foreign media.
Source: mcot

Christina Aguilera To Front New Jewelry Collection

Christina Aguilera scores a jewelry deal. The pop singer has been tapped to front jewelry designer Stephen Webster's new collection of sterling silver styles, which is inspired by the singer herself.

"She was a real coup for us," Webster says of the 27-year-old new mom.

"She's our longest-term regular client and the right age for the brand. We think she's in the most glamorous period of her life right now, and she is the main source of inspiration behind the collection."

Aguilera, who has been one of the jewelries' biggest fans, is also happy about her new endorsement deal.

"Working together on this campaign and collection has been an incredible experience," the singer tells WWD. "I am honored to be a part of it all."

The collection named Stephen Webster Silver Collection will feature two 50-piece ranges named Shattered, which is inspired by Gothic church windows, and Superstud, which has a punkier edge. The sets will be launched at Baselworld in Basel, Switzerland next month. After the premiere of the jewelries, they will then be marketed internationally.
Source: allheadlinenews

China gold jewelry demand surges 23%, over U.S.

China's demand for gold jumped 23 percent in 2007 as rising personal incomes helped it to race ahead of the U.S. to become the world's second-biggest market, the World Gold Council said.

Gold use in jewelry in China mainland rose to 302.2 metric tons last year, from 244.7 tons in 2006, Roland Wang, general manager of Greater China at the council, told reporters Tuesday in Shanghai. That compares with 558.2 tons in India, the biggest consumer, and 262.9 tons in the U.S.

Increased jewelry purchases by consumers in China and India, the world's fastest-growing major economies, may help to support the price of gold, which reached a record high of US$936.92 an ounce on Feb. 1. Bullion has risen for seven straight years.

The Shanghai Gold Exchange settled the contract details with HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc, exchange Chairman Shen Xiangrong said at Tuesday's conference.

The People's Bank of China approved five foreign banks that have incorporated in China to become members of the exchange to act as market makers, Shen said in June last year.sk
Source: chinapost

Women’s Jewelry Association Celebrates 25 Years

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) recently held its 25th anniversary celebration at Gracie Mansion in New York City. The event was attended by new and current WJA members, who shared stories and toasted to achievements made by women in the jewelry industry.

The new president of WJA Metropolitan Chapter, Michele Kwiat Siegel, in her welcoming speech called it a “magical evening [bringing] together the rich history of WJA’s members within one of New York’s most prized historical venues.” The honorary guest of the evening was Peggy Kirby, one the founding members of WJA in 1983.
Source: idexonline

World's 3rd largest jewelry fair to attract 2,300 exhibitors to Hong Kong

The Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, the third largest of its kind, will attract over 2, 300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions from March 4 to 8 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibitions Center, the organizer said Tuesday.

Chairman of Fair Organizing Committee Lawrence Ma said, a wide range of activities, including seminars, jewelry parades and networking cocktails will be launched to expand the fair's portfolio and strengthen Hong Kong's status as the world's major jewelry sourcing center.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), organizer of Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, will set up seven special zones at the fair as well as 14 group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, India, Italy, Thailand, the United States and other countries and regions.

Hong Kong is the fourth largest fine jewelry exporter in the world. Charles Chan, Chairman of HKTDC's Jewelry Advisory Committee, said Hong Kong's jewelry exports grew by 17 percent to 33.8 billion HK dollars (4.3 billion U.S. dollars) in 2007, with the United States, the United Kingdom and Switzerland topping the major markets list. Significant growth were seen in emerging market, with Russia rising by 177 percent, South Africa by 61 percent, India by 45 percent, Greece by 40 percent and the United Arab Emirates by 39 percent.
Source: xinhuanet

Parties provide golden opportunity to unload old jewelry

Move over, Tupperware. The suburban house party is turning to gold.

As gold hits record prices above $900 an ounce, hordes of Detroit residents, mostly women, are flocking to private house parties to sell their broken gold chains, mismatched earrings, class rings and other gold jewelry they no longer wear.

"It is found money," said house-party proprietor Gail Kenny of Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. "It's a bad economy ... People are looking for a way to get cash."

Two months ago, Kenny, a veteran jewelry manufacturer's representative, launched Michael David, a company that buys gold from guests of private house parties. To date, Michael David has sponsored four parties and booked more.

Kenny's partygoers come from "every walk of life," including stockbrokers, corporate executives, salespeople and opticians. Other proprietors have joined in this seemingly trendy, low-profile business model and have held parties in Detroit suburbs.

The business concept came to Kenny while she was trying to unload a gold Tag Heuer watch she never wore on eBay.

As the price of gold soared, she decided to scrap the watch instead. Kenny invited friends to bring their gold to her house, where she weighed it on a troy-ounce scale and sent a package directly to a precious-metal refiner she knew in New York. To her amazement, the watch drew $3,000.

"I knew this was an opportunity," Kenny said.

Here's how it works: A private house-party proprietor like Kenny books a party with a hostess, who invites people to her home for the party.

At a party, the proprietor inspects the gold and weighs it. If the gold is 10, 14 or 18 karat, the guest gets cash on the spot.

The proprietor resells the gold to a jewelry store, precious-metal dealer or refinery. Kenny says she has averaged $2,000 per party, and her hostesses have earned up to $500 each.

Registered nurse Liz Cheek pocketed $550 from hosting a recent party at her home in Keego Harbor, Mich., and selling old chains and class rings. She said her guests each left with at least $240 from gold sales.

"If it has no sentimental value and you are not wearing it, this is the time to turn it in," she said.

The amount a seller gets depends on the quality of the gold: 24-karat gold is almost 100 percent pure and commands the highest price, though it is rarely marketed in the U.S. The next, 18-karat gold, is about 75 percent pure; 14-karat, 58.50 percent pure; and 10-karat, 41.7 percent pure.

For the past month, businesses have been paying between $9 and $10 a gram for 14-karat gold - the most common purity level in the United States, according to John Abbott of Abbott Corp., a rare-coin and precious-metal dealer in Birmingham, Mich.

Gold has more than tripled in price in the past seven years. It hasn't been this strong since 1980, when it peaked at $850 an ounce before descending for 20 years. Futures trading this month on the New York Mercantile Exchange indicate that prices for gold will continue to rise through December 2009.
Source: azcentral

Stars rock Grammys in cuffs, drop earrings

Grammy-winner Rihanna wears diamond studs, a right-hand ring and Chopard's 27-carat "Barrel" cuff.

The music industry was singing the blues when it came to fashion at last night's 50th Annual Grammy Awards, with crooners such as Rihanna, Beyoncé and Nelly Furtado donning blue-tinted gowns.

In terms of jewelry, however, the stars hit a high note, with bold cuffs and drop earrings studded with diamonds taking first place as the top picks of the night.

Though cuffs have played a major role in red-carpet jewelry-wardrobing for some time now, the latest incarnations of the trend reveal sculptural forms that diverge from the ubiquitous smooth, circular, wrist-hugging style.

Natasha Bedingfield wears diamond earrings with 22-karat gold drops by Amrapali of Jaipur.

Grammy-winner Rihanna donned Chopard's aptly named "Barrel" cuff, a 27-carat diamond stunner that clung to her wrist at both ends but ballooned out in the center; American Idol alum Fantasia wore H. Stern's textured, snaking "Celtic Dunes" cuff in 18-karat Noble gold and diamonds; and Beyoncé, who shimmied onstage alongside Tina Turner, chose jagged-edged diamond cuffs by Lorraine Schwartz to anchor her tulle, sequined confection of a dress by Elie Saab.

When it came to earrings, music's leading ladies chose to keep the baubles short, framing their faces at chin-length or even higher.

Miley Cyrus dons diamond and shell earrings by Bochic.

Beyoncé dazzled in chandelier earrings featuring pear-shaped diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz; Alicia Keys sparkled in 36.33-carat "Sodwana" hoop earrings by Diamond in the Rough, which featured a wavy 18-karat gold design studded with 30 rough diamonds in varying shades of cognac, azure, canary and rose; "Unwritten" singer Natasha Bedingfield matched a purple Reem Acra gown with diamond earrings featuring 22-karat gold drops from Amrapali of Jaipur; and teen queen Miley Cyrus went full-on with organic jewelry, donning shell earrings with diamonds by Bochic to go with her mermaid-like locks.

While necks (minus a conspicuous gold coil number worn by Nelly Furtado) were for the most part ignored in favor of accents for the wrists and ears, right hands got a lot of love at last night's show.

Jay-Z chose diamond pins and diamond dress buttons by Neil Lane.

Fergie donned a diamond "Dome" right-hand ring by Cartier; Lisa Rinna wore H. Stern's pavé diamond "Golden Stones" right-hand ring; Natalie Cole wore Chopard's ashoka-cut fancy-yellow-diamond right-hand ring with pavé diamond band; and Rihanna went with Chopard as well, donning the brand's "So Happy" diamond right-hand ring.

Men weren't immune to the call of diamonds either, with Chris Brown, Akon, Ludacris and Ne-Yo all choosing to accessorize with diamond studs. Jay-Z took the bling one step further, wearing diamond pins and diamond dress buttons by Neil Lane.

Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Analysts: Zale prime target for foreign investors

Zale Corp., which includes Zales retail stores, saw a 9 percent decrease in same-store sales in November and December.

Analysts see a different future—and likely a new owner—on the horizon for Zale Corp., an 84-year-old fixture in the U.S. jewelry industry that has struggled to reinvent itself in recent years.

Jeff Taraschi, president of Interactive Group Ltd., and industry analyst Ken Gassman both say a merger or acquisition with a non-U.S. company appears to be the most likely lifeboat for struggling Zale Corp., whose sales took another battering over the holidays.

Taraschi points out that large international companies have been buying "incredibly" over the past few years in the United States, where the weak dollar has attracted foreign investors.

Last year's $20 million purchase of Middletown, Ohio-based Rogers Ltd. by the Mumbai, India-based Diamond Trading Co. sightholder Gitanjali Gems—which also bought Samuels Jewelers in 2006—is just one example. Taraschi speculates that Zale, with $2.4 billion in sales in its fiscal year 2007, might be next.

"They've been trying for a few years to reorient that business model," Taraschi says of Zale. "They've not found the formula to bring the business back."

Gassman says that three scenarios are likely for Zale: continuing on as is; having discontented shareholders force a leveraged buy-out that takes the company private; or, being purchased by an "upstream diamond supplier" from another country, most likely India, which could give Zale direct access to the jewelry-manufacturing powerhouse.

Gassman says the third scenario is the most probable, and he says the first is the most unlikely.

The problem with Zale continuing on as is, Gassman says, is Zale's board of directors, which has ousted top management before they have even had time to address the problems of the 2,000-plus store chain.

"It's like trying to turn an aircraft carrier around in the bathtub," Gassman says. "You just can't do it."

When asked about the likelihood of Zale being acquired by a foreign company, Zale Corp. Vice President and Treasurer David Sternblitz says the company's main goal now is improving its business.

"At the end of the day, any option looks better when our performance is stronger," he says.

Zale saw same-store sales slip 9 percent and total revenues decline 10.1 percent in November and December.

Amid the holiday rush (or lack thereof), another leadership reshuffling took place: Zale Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Betsy Burton stepped down and was replaced by Neal Goldberg, an industry outsider who most recently served as president of The Children's Place retail chain and is a veteran of Macy's, Victoria's Secret and Gap Inc.

Goldberg was not immediately available for an interview, but at the time of his hire, Zale Board Chairman John Lowe Jr. lauded the chain's new chief as a strong addition to the Zale team.

"We are delighted that he has agreed to join Zale to continue the focus on driving shareholder value," Lowe said in a statement.

One shareholder with a keen interest in the company's value going forward is investor Richard Breeden, who was invited, along with his business partner, James Cotter, to join the Zale board in mid January.

The former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Breeden began buying Zale stock in September through his company, the Greenwich, Conn.-based Breeden Capital Management LLC.

At press time, Breeden's stake in the company stood at 18.1 percent. When asked about his interest in Zale, Breeden deferred all questions to SEC filings.

The original filing announcing Breeden's investment in Zale, dated Sept. 7 under the section entitled "Purpose of Transaction," states: "Representatives of the reporting persons (Breeden Capital Management LLC), have had conversations with the company's management. The reporting persons intend to continue to pursue ongoing discussions with the company's management and potentially with members of the company's board of directors."

The filing says the discussions focused on the company's financial performance, operations and a strategic plan.

Depending on Zale's financial performance and direction, Breeden "may in the future acquire additional securities...dispose of some or all securities...or take any other actions with respect to their investment in the company permitted by law."

Sternblitz says Zale has a good relationship with Breeden, who shares the company's goal of boosting shareholder value.

"We've had a very positive, productive dialogue with him," Sternblitz says.

Zale Corp. is targeting a total of 60 retail units for closure by mid April, including 30 Piercing Pagoda kiosks.

In addition to the leadership shift and shareholder activity, the chain announced in mid January it would be closing a total of 60 locations by mid April, including 30 stores from the Zales Jewelers and Gordon's Jewelers brands and 30 Piercing Pagoda kiosks. The stores tapped for closing are at the end of their leases.

Though the company was not specific about which stores were closing and where, Sternblitz stated, "we are not exiting any geographic markets."

Taraschi says that the trend of consolidation, which is happening in a number of U.S. industries, will continue among retail jewelers.

He predicts more manufacturing companies from countries such as China, India and Thailand will be entering the U.S. market and will seek to buy retail chains to sell directly to consumers.

"These international manufacturers have money to buy companies," he says.

Chain of command

Over the past 14 years, Zale Corp. has changed chief executive officers five times.

Bob DiNicola: April 1994-August 1999
Beryl Raff: September 1999-March 2001
Bob DiNicola: March 2001-July 2002
Mary Forte: August 2002-January 2006
Betsy Burton: February 2006-December 2007
Neal Goldberg: December 2007-present
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Jewelry retailers report stable V-Day sales

Jewelers seemed to weather the economic storm this Valentine's Day, with reports of stable sales. Pink and white diamond ring in platinum and rose gold by Leviev.

Despite the nation's sluggish economy, Valentine's Day jewelry sales were stable for the retailers who spoke with National Jeweler today.

At Westerly Jewelry in Westerly, R.I., owner Kevin Algiere said sales for the holiday were pretty decent considering the economy.

"Sales were bleak in December, and we didn't know what to expect for Valentine's Day, but it turned out OK," he said, citing Journey diamond jewelry and sterling silver as some of his top sellers.

Although sales were down at the retailer compared with last year, Algiere said he has no complaints because they exceeded his expectations.

At Indianapolis-based Reis-Nichols Jewelers, sterling silver jewelry was a hit for the holiday, especially in designs by Scott Kay and David Yurman.

Merchandise Manager Jennifer Demmary said sales were pretty normal compared with past years.

"It was pretty good," she said. "Price points were a little lower than years past."

Rebecca Garnick, marketing director at Long's Jewelers, with five locations in Massachusetts, said Valentine's Day sales were good.

"The consumer that shopped with us was somewhat budget-conscious but also very interested in jewelry," she said, adding that top sellers included brand names in jewelry and watches, as well as items priced $1,000 and under.

At C. Aaron Penaloza Jewelers in San Antonio, Texas, owner Aaron Penaloza said his sales for February have been fabulous, and that it might have been the best Valentine's Day the store has ever had.

Even with gloomy economic forecast, Penaloza said San Antonio's economy is strong and stable.

"I don't know if San Antonio is some oasis of prosperity, but it seems to be weathering this particular [economic] storm pretty well," he said.

The usual heart and circle designs sold well at C. Aaron Penaloza Jewelers for the holiday, but Penaloza said it's hard to name specific trends since a little bit of everything sold.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Study: Jewelers top draw in Yellow Pages

Consumers seeking jewelry let their fingers do the walking quite a bit, according to a new study from the Yellow Pages Association (YPA).

According to the YPA, the "Jewelers" heading generates more than 25 million references annually and ranks 88th out of more than 4,000 headings listed in both the print and online versions of the Yellow Pages.

With 87 percent of Yellow Pages searches for jewelers resulting in a purchase, the Yellow Pages advertising medium is a strong ally for jewelers, the study finds. On average, 61 percent of Yellow Pages users are new customers to the jewelry store discovered in the directory.

"Print and Internet Yellow Pages have proven to be a valuable investment for the retail jewelry industry, as jewelers typically receive more than $15 in sales revenue for every $1 spent on print Yellow Pages display advertising," YPA Director of Research Larry Small said in a press release. "With nearly 30,000 jewelry stores nationwide, jewelers are finding that Yellow Pages are still an important and relevant resource when it comes to consumers and their buying habits."

Released by the YPA, data for the study was gleaned from 2007 Knowledge Networks/SRI, 2006 CRM Associates and U.S. Census Bureau data.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Rembrandt Charms contest promotes jewelers

Rembrandt Charms awards charm bracelets such as this one to winners of its "Story of Your Life" contest.

Rembrandt Charms' "Story of Your Life" contest is now celebrating local jewelers as well as winning contestants.

Each month, Rembrandt Charms invites consumers to tell their life stories through charms. The winner receives a free sterling silver bracelet and all 10 charms from her story, and each runner-up receives a free sterling silver bracelet and one charm selected from the story.

As a bonus to retailers, Rembrandt Charms has the winners find their local jeweler through the "Locate a Jeweler" feature on its Web site, Rembrandtcharms.com.

According to the company, this creates a win-win solution for jewelers and consumers, and brings a national contest into hometowns across America.

"Winners become charm ambassadors," Rembrandt Charms Contest Coordinator Susan Wojcik said in a media release. "By showing their prize bracelet to family and friends, they endorse their favorite jeweler and Rembrandt Charms."
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Local jewelry artists demonstrate craft, exhibit work

A shiny array of glass pendants, earrings and pins were on display inside the Downtown Depot on Saturday.

Local jewelry artists Mary Ellen Shank and Leona Mackey explained how they create their dichroic, or fused, glass during a special event at the depot on the 9th Street Plaza. The store is known for its West Virginia handcrafts.

Shank and Mackey shared their artistic process with visitors from noon to 3 p.m.

Shank began making jewelry about two-and-a-half years ago. While she previously focused on painting, she now enjoys making designs in glass. She said the pieces can be layered for a three-dimensional look or engraved, like one pendant of colorful cattails she displayed.

Shank also likes the suspense of pulling the glass from the kiln, as each batch turns out differently.

Mackey, who previously worked in ceramics and stained glass, said she also loves opening the kiln and seeing the product.

Mackey is the retired head of the art department at Huntington High School, and has also been making dichroic jewelry for a couple of years. She spent 35 years teaching and giving her full attention to students, many of whom have gone on to be quite successful.

"When I retired, I said 'It's my turn,' " she said.

Mackey strives for one-of-a-kind pieces that are ready to wear. She uses magnetic catches on many of her necklaces, making it easier for arthritis sufferers like herself to wear jewelry. She also incorporates beads and many sterling silver pieces into her work.

Both Shank and Mackey's jewelry can be purchased at the Downtown Depot and Tamarack. Mackey also has galleries in Hilton Head and Lake Tahoe, and Shank has pieces at Blenko and in a store at Nag's Head in North Carolina.

Saturday's event was part of a series in which West Virginia artisans educate the public and promote their work, according to Carter Seaton, marketing director for Goodwill, which owns the Downtown Depot.

"People are so used to buying a product in a store. They have no idea how it's created," Seaton said.

Marcy Frost came out on Saturday to visit the store for the first time. After just a few minutes inside, she said the place was beautiful and admired the jewelry.

"It's a place to be proud of in Huntington," she said.
Source: herald-dispatch

Tiffany Expects 10% Sales Growth in 2008

Tiffany & Co. said Friday it is expecting double-digit international growth and single-digit domestic growth for 2008.

"Our U.S. sales results for the month of January were modestly improved from December and we are seeing ongoing strength in Asia-Pacific outside Japan and in Europe," said Michael J. Kowalski, Tiffany chairman and chief executive officer. "Generally speaking, we are planning our U.S. businesses cautiously for the first half of 2008 while planning for continued healthy international sales growth throughout the year."

For fiscal 2008, Tiffany said it is planning for at least a 10 percent increase in worldwide net sales. This includes:

* High-single-digit percentage increase in U.S. retail sales, reflecting a low-single-digit increase in comparable store sales and the planned opening of six stores;

* A mid-teens percentage increase in international retail sales, which reflects a mid-single-digit increase in same-store sales (on a constant-exchange-rate basis that excludes the effect of translating foreign-currency-denominated sales into U.S. dollars) and the opening of 15-20 stores and boutiques (net of closings);

* A mid-single-digit percentage increase in Direct Marketing sales; and

* A low-single-digit percentage increase in other sales.

Based on these sales assumptions, the company said it is planning for a mid-single-digit percentage increase in net earnings and a low-double-digit increase in diluted earnings per share (reflecting fewer shares outstanding).

"We enter the new fiscal year with confidence in our store expansion opportunities, our line-up of new product designs, and our ability to enhance customer awareness through our marketing program," Kowalski said. "We believe our 2008 financial expectations appropriately reflect current macro-related challenges in the U.S. as well as the benefit of our global, geographical diversification which, combined with planned margin and expense levels, can generate low-double-digit net earnings per share growth for the year."

The company expects to report its fourth quarter and full year results on March 24.
Source: jckonline

De Beers Diamond Sales Down 3% in 2007

De Beers Group reported Friday that diamond sales declined 3 percent in 2007 to $6.42 billion. Total sales for the company also fell 3 percent for the year to $6.86, which includes a 2.5 percent increase in non-diamond sales to $414 million.

The South African-based company, which is majority owned by London-based Anglo American PLC, said it recorded a net loss of $521 million for 2007 against a profit of $730 million the year before. The figure includes a $965 million charge against its Canadian operations to reflect the rise in value of the Canadian dollar; and higher fuel, labor, and capital costs.

The company, which claims 40 percent of the world diamond market, said underlying earnings rose 14 percent to $483 million. EBITDA fell slightly (1 percent) to $1.21 billion "as effective cost management at the Group’s African mining operations offset the impact of slightly lower sales which were constrained by supply to the Diamond Trading Company," De Beers said.

The company said capital expenditures rose 18 percent to $1.12 billion in 2007, primarily for the construction at the Snap Lake and Victor mines in Canada, the Voorspoed mine in South Africa, and an offshore mining vessel in South Africa.

Demand for rough diamonds from the Diamond Trading Company remained healthy throughout the year, De Beers said. Following the weakening in the rough diamond market towards the end of 2006, which led to downward price adjustments, improving market conditions allowed prices to be increased beginning in the second quarter of 2007.

De Beers noted it expects consumer sales of diamond jewelry worldwide to increase by about three percent in 2007, based on strong sales growth in China, India, and the Middle East, which, in part, offset a disappointing Christmas season in the U.S.

De Beers said its independently managed retail joint venture with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy, De Beers Diamond Jewellers, increased sales by 44 percent over the previous year. Eight new stores were opened in 2007 in the U.S., Japan, Dubai, and Korea, bringing the total to 23 stores worldwide. There will be more expansion in 2008 in the U.S., Hong Kong, Russia, the Middle East, and Tokyo markets.

De Beers tempered its outlook for 2008 based on "a high level of uncertainty over world market conditions. The economic conditions in the U.S. could continue to impact consumer diamond jewelry sales through the first half particularly at the lower end."

The company expects continued strong demand from China, India and the Middle East for larger and better quality diamonds.

On the production front, De Beers said energy issues in southern Africa could present operational challenges. The company recently had to stop its mining operations in South Africa due do nationwide power shortages.

It said that its De Beers Consolidated Mine operation has been making good progress toward a target of a 15 percent energy reduction by 2012. In addition, it is putting in place contingency plans that will make the most effective use of the available energy between the different operations. Early indications are that even if the power supply is maintained at 90 percent levels there will be an impact on the overall group. However below this level the impact on production will be significant.

The company said its De Beers Canada management team is focused on bringing the two new mines into full production in 2008. It added that it has continued to monitor the impact of the increase in the Canadian dollar.

De Beers said the current mining environment requires "a continued focus on cost containment on the mines and cost reduction, in general."

Looking beyond 2008, De Beers said "it is confident about diamond market fundamentals. With strong growth in the emerging markets of China, India and Russia, demand growth should exceed growth in new supply with the opportunity for future price growth."

De Beers said it will focus on "finding and developing the new mines of the future, assisting our government partners in achieving their aspirations for local value addition, finding new efficient ways to operate the global Group and developing innovative marketing initiatives such as De Beers Diamond Jewellers and the FOREVERMARK, to drive demand and create new revenue streams."
Source: jckonline

Buy her jewelry she'll love for Valentine's Day

Nearly every woman has opened a pretty box on Valentine's Day to find a lovely piece of jewelry -- that didn't suit her at all. And while we recognize that it is the thought that counts, we also know that you really want to get something that will please the recipient.

But finding just the right thing is tricky business, especially if you're picking something out for the first time.

Use these tips from local jewelers to make sure she loves her Valentine's Day bauble. And not just because it came from you.

1. Sneak a look at what she already has: Is it mostly silver or white gold or yellow gold? Does she prefer colored gemstones or neutral stones, like diamonds? Does she have fashion or costume jewelry or does she stick with classic, more expensive bracelets, necklaces and rings?

2. Look for holes in her collection. For example, if she already has two bracelets she wears regularly, buy earrings or a pendant instead. Or maybe she has a gold necklace but no pearls.

3. Think about her lifestyle. What type of clothing does she wear most days? Business suits? Jeans and T-shirts? Trendy outfits?

Is she active? Does she need something that will stand up to gardening/tennis/yoga?

4. Pay attention to whether she changes jewelry often or sticks with the same pieces. This will help the jeweler guide your selection.

5. Consider her size. You don't, for example, want to overwhelm a petite woman with a huge piece, or buy your 5-foot-11-inch girlfriend a tiny charm.
Source: star-telegram

Burlingame robbers steal suitcases with $300,000 to $400,000 in jewelry

Burlingame police are investigating a heist in which an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from two jewelers in a hotel parking lot this afternoon.

The robbery was reported at about noon in the Embassy Suites parking lot, 150 Anza Blvd., when two New York-based jewelry dealers were held up by four people, Burlingame police Cmdr. Mike Matteucci said.

One of the robbers was described as a 6 feet 2 inch tall man who weighed at least 200 pounds and was armed with a knife.

There were no descriptions of the other three suspects, other than they were all wearing masks, Matteucci said.

It appears that two of the suspects got out of the car during the robbery.

"Based on past experiences, these guys are actually jewelry thieves. They are professionals," Matteucci said.

Police said they believe the robbers followed the two jewelers back to the hotel after they left a jewelry wholesaler in San Francisco. The suspects took a blue suitcase and a red suitcase that were filled with about 2,000 pieces of jewelry.

Nobody was hurt in the robbery, and it is unclear why the suspects smashed out some of the windows on the sport utility vehicle that the victims were driving, Matteucci added.

Witnesses did not indicate which way the suspects fled, but they were seen fleeing in a white Infiniti four-door I series sedan that did not have any license plates, Matteucci said.

A countywide bulletin for police to be on the lookout was issued.

Matteucci said police would most likely contact San Francisco police because the jewelers were most likely followed from there. San Francisco police reported that there have been three similar jewelry heists around that city in the past six months.

"We have robbery inspectors working (robberies) with similar MOs," San Francisco police Sgt. Steve Mannina said. "It is the same type of thing with jewelers who had jewelry in a suitcase."

Mannina said Burlingame authorities as of Friday afternoon have not contacted his department, and it is impossible to tell at this point if the crimes are connected. But the suspects in all of the San Francisco robberies wore masks, and in at least one of those crimes were armed with guns.

San Francisco police would not release a description of any of the vehicles involved in the jewelry robberies there.
Source: mercurynews