Guess who paid $16M for a diamond?

This flawless D-color brilliant-cut diamond, weighing 84.37 carats, was sold to Guess Jeans founder Georges Marciano for approximately $16.2 million at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale in Geneva yesterday. Photo courtesy of Sotheby's.

Geneva—Guess Jeans founder Georges Marciano paid approximately $16.2 million for an 84.37-carat diamond at Sotheby's on Wednesday, the second-highest price ever paid for a diamond at auction.

Named the "Chloe Diamond" by Marciano, the flawless D-color stone set auction records.

It was the largest flawless brilliant-cut white diamond ever offered at auction and, at $191,980 a carat, set the record for the highest price per carat ever paid for a white diamond at auction.

Marciano purchased the diamond at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels auction, held in Geneva.

The auction brought in about $57 million, the highest sales total for Sotheby's in Geneva since 1995.

Other highlights of the auction included a 4.16-carat fancy-vivid-blue pear-shaped diamond ring, which sold for about $4.7 million; a 22.25-carat marquise-shaped diamond ring, signed by Cartier, which sold for about $2.3 million; and a ruby and diamond parure, signed by Asprey, which sold for about $2 million.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Makers get into spirit of Ohio State jewelry

Mary Ann Tabler goes to work every day in a room decorated in scarlet and gray.

The wallpaper border has an Ohio State University theme, and pictures of Brutus Buckeye and coach Jim Tressel hang on the wall. The Buckeye theme continues to her work, as she makes Buckeye necklaces, bracelets, earrings, zipper pulls, key chains and more.

Tabler, 57, who is a client of the Licking County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities at the shelter workshop, called LICCO, loves what she does. As a devoted Buckeye fan, she was excited when a new company, Spirit Line Products, was created to fulfill the demand for Buckeye jewelry and to offer adults a new job opportunity.

Tabler made bracelets Tuesday by stringing the clay beads onto fishing line, one by one. The tedious and time-consuming job is something to which Tabler looks forward. She can produce up to 40 per day.

"I get frustrated with the little ones, but it's neat we can make money out of it," Tabler said. "My favorite thing to make is the necklaces, as they are easier to make. They go quicker."

Spirit Line Products grew out of the need for work for some of the clients in the product-support department at LICCO when the factory floor was reorganized about a year ago, said Kyle Miller, chief executive officer of LICCO.

As a way to fill downtime, the workshop specialists often come up with ideas to keep the workers occupied.

"Everyone in this building is a Buckeye fan," Miller said. "It started as fun project for the workers to do, and then people started coming in and asking for them. So we started a new business. This is something that our clients can relate to because they actually get to see the finished product rather than just one part of it."

Workshop specialist Vicki Wilkey created the idea of making the Buckeye necklaces. She collected the nuts and drilled them at home so the clients could string them the next day. Soon people were giving donations for the brown and red jewelry. Within a month, the workshop had enough money to buy a drill press.

It snowballed from there, and now the workers are producing jewelry for area high schools, such as Heath and Lakewood, and for causes such as breast-cancer awareness.

The finished products are displayed on professional-looking block O boards and are individually priced, while some of the smaller items, like earrings, are packaged. Several local businesses, including State Farm and The Grill on 21st Street, have sold products for LICCO.

They no longer are using just Buckeye nuts but also are making their own small clay beads, rolled to look like mini-Buckeyes, so they can make bracelets, zipper pulls and earrings. The workers get paid by the piece, whether they are making the clay beads, drilling Buckeyes or stringing a complete necklace.

Wilkey said this business is perfect for the LICCO workshop, 600 Industrial Parkway, Heath, because people with varying levels of productivity can participate in the project. Some people who might not be able to string the beads can roll the clay, or others who are not able to spell out the words beaded into the jewelry can package the finished product.

"Any one item we sell means that Mary Ann (and others) can make more," Wilkey said. "This job is a blessing. Our folks love working back here. They just want to work. You will not find more dedicated workers than the people we employ here."
Source: newarkadvocate

Amazon.com launches Love and Pride jewelry collection

Online retailer Amazon.com and jewelry company Love and Pride have announced the launch of Love and Pride, the high-end designer jewelry collection in Amazon.com's jewelry store.

The Love and Pride boutique at Amazon.com/loveandpride features nearly 150 pieces ranging in price from $30 to $5,000 and includes everything from rings and watches to necklaces, bracelets and earrings for women and men. Exclusive Love and Pride collections include "The L Word" collection and the "Queer as Folk" collection. In addition, customers will be able to purchase the popular Fly Naked with Reichen Collection, featuring aviation-inspired titanium jewelry for men and exclusive items from the 1138 collection, fashion and fine jewelry supporting marriage equality for all loving couples.

Peter Lai, director of Amazon.com Jewelry & Watches, said: "The Love and Pride collection is a beautiful addition to the Amazon.com jewelry store."
Source: datamonitor

Necessity is the mother of jewelry business

Fourteen years ago, Jill Smith decided she wanted a banister for her front porch, but the cost to have one installed wasn’t in her budget.

“My husband said if I could find money to buy the raw materials, he’d build it,” Smith recalls.

She combed her basement searching for anything she could sell at yard sale.

“I cleaned out every treasure I could find in the house,” she says.

Then she got an idea. Why not make something to sell from the unsalable junk?

She took apart broken watches, jewelry, silverware and old buttons and crafted them into wearable art.

“I take things nobody wants and restructure them into pins,” Smith says.

She took her jewelry to craft shows and, after about seven or eight shows, she had earned enough money for the porch banister.

Smith, who sells her work at craft shows and through a few shops, says she finds her inspiration just about anywhere.

“I come across something and say, ‘this is a great idea,’” Smith says.

Take, for instance, a wooden poker chip that caught Smith’s eye at a dollar store. She painted it and embellished it with buttons and a broken earring.

She typically finishes her work with gold leaf, but she wanted to try something in silver. The problem was, she didn’t have anything silver in her house other than aluminum foil, which was too thick to use.

Looking around her kitchen she found sweet inspiration in the silver foil wrappers of Hershey kisses. With a little bit of black paint, the wrappers made the poker chip look like pewter.

Of course, she couldn’t let the candy inside go to waste.

“I was forced to eat Hershey kisses,” Smith recalls. “I make sacrifices for my art.”

Once she gets an idea, Smith makes the pins in stages, with like pins done at the same time. To turn 12 or 15 watch parts into pins can take six hours over the course of a week, she says.

“Each one is different so I never get bored,” Smith adds. “It isn’t like a production line. I’m doing what I enjoy doing.”

Everything is done with epoxy, rather than hot glue, so items are sturdy and don’t fall apart.

She also makes wool flower pins with vintage buttons.

Her materials come from dollar and thrift stores and friends who give her bags of unwanted items.

“I have the best friends in the world,” Smith says.

Turning trash into treasure just makes sense, she says. “It’s using something you already have.”

And if something doesn’t work, Smith finds a new idea.

“Not everything sells,” she admits. “I try different ideas.”

Smith, a retired social services worker and grandmother of three, works from her home in North Middleton Township. She sells primarily through craft shows, including one Dec. 17 at Central Dauphin East in Harrisburg and another Nov. 26 at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill.

Her pins are also available at Downtown Antiques on North Hanover Street in Carlisle and the Freehand Gallery in Lemoyne.

Recently, Smith’s work was chosen to be featured for sale at a consignment gallery in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, founded in 1854, is the oldest women’s exchange in the country. The non-profit offers handmade goods for sale.

Smith was invited to apply to have her pins sold there and she had to complete and extensive application process before earning the distinction of consigning her pins.

“I’m so excited about it,” she says.

Pins cost between $5 and $15 and she accepts custom orders.

“I love doing it,” she says.
Source: cumberlink

Opal's Jewelry offers two decades of experience

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to shop for that special someone in your life at Opal's Jewelry.

Opal's Jewelry at 290 S. Archie in Vidor is busy around the clock unpacking their latest shipment of jewelry, gifts and accessories.

"We have some great stuff coming in that customers will enjoy," said owner Opal Gray.

Customers might like specialized wall clocks that are both a beautiful, functional and thoughtful gift.

If you're looking for something new, or something you knew you could find at Opal's, stop by for the same great quality merchandise and the same great service.

"Personal attention is our big thing," Gray said. "And along with personal attention goes trust."

Customers can trust the morethan 20 years experience Opal and her husband, Pete, have in the jewelry business. They can trust that Opal will service everything she sells right there at the Orange store and they can trust that anything she sells, from fine jewelry to moderately priced pieces to accessories like clocks, will be backed by her knowledge and expertise in the jewelry business.

"We strive to please," Opal said.

Opal sells a complete line of fine jewelry, silver jewelry and accessories, including lines by A. Z. Hayward.

Classic crosses, in either gold or silver, are always good sellers.

A continuing customer favorite are mantel and wall clocks made by Rhythm and Small World. These unique timepieces feature movement on their face, and individual parts and are often accompanied by music.

"One of them has cherubs who move toward each other like they're touching," she said.
Source: theorangecountynews

43% of Women in the Gulf Prefer Diamond Jewelry

A De Beers survey of women living in the Gulf States found that 43 percent of them rate diamond jewelry as the preferred gift for the festive season. Following diamond jewelry were luxury watches, designer clothing, fragrances and overseas holidays.

Gulf men also rated diamond jewelry highly, with 71 percent of them placing them on the top of their list of gifts for their loved one. Saudi men stood out, with 75 percent of them preferring to gift diamond jewelry.

The survey also found that the Middle East region has the highest preference for giving diamond jewelry compared to any other region in the world.

According to De Beers Group Marketing, Middle East diamond sales rise during the Adha holiday season, which includes a mini wedding season as well.
Source: idexonline

Mega-bucks collection, bigger boutique for Chanel jewelry

Chanel's essentially up-market jewelry and watch boutique on Paris' home-of-luxury square, the Place Vendome, marks its 10th anniversary with a total makeover almost doubling the floor space, and a new diamond collection for the ultra rich.

Chanel Joaillerie, which has 42 boutiques worldwide, has been refurbished by US architect Peter Marino, maintaining the classical 18th century facade but carving up the interior of Number 18 as a succession of richly-decorated rooms fit for Coco Chanel, director Philippe Mougenot told AFP.

"After 10 years we wanted to modernize," he said, adding that Marino had "wondered what type of interior Miss Chanel would live in today."

The answer was walls covered in hand-made silk, marble fireplaces from the 19th century, a lacquered Chinese screen from the 17th and a profusion of crystal chandeliers.

On the jewelry front, the company will on Wednesday mark the anniversary with the launch of 18 diamond jewels named after the address -- 18 Place Vendome -- and a limited edition diamond watch worth a cool 550,000 euros.

Chanel Joaillerie was growing well above market and planned to set up shop soon in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Russia, Mougenot said.
Source: afp

Report: Platinum jewelry demand dips in '07

One-of-a-kind platinum ring with 134.28-carat blue topaz by Gurhan; suggested retail price is $6,540.

By Mary Wisniewski

New York—Demand for new platinum from jewelry manufacturers will dip slightly in 2007, despite modest growth in platinum jewelry purchases in China and Europe, as will demand for new palladium, according to Johnson Matthey's Platinum 2007 Interim Review, released today.

According to the review, overall global platinum demand is expected to increase by 2.9 percent to a record 6.93 million ounces in 2007, but demand for new platinum by jewelry manufacturers will decrease by 1.5 percent to 1.6 million ounces. Platinum Guild International released a statement explaining that the 1.5 percent figure doesn't account for finished platinum jewelry imported into America from overseas manufacturers, which has trended up over recent years.

The strengthening economy and growing consumer appetite for platinum jewelry in China will increase demand for new metal in the country by 20,000 ounces to 780,000 ounces in 2007; however, Japan's platinum demand for jewelry will fall by 55,000 ounces to 305,000 ounces.

Johnson Matthey also reports that recycling of retail stocks and old jewelry traded in by consumers will be substantial again, satisfying a high proportion of manufacturing requirements in Japan and China.

Platinum supply will also tighten in 2007, dropping 2 percent to 6.66 million ounces. South Africa's supply interruptions are partly to blame, along with a weak U.S. dollar and strong oil and gold prices.

Asia can be expected to support a platinum price of $1,350 per ounce, according to Johnson Matthey, which could rise over the next six months to $1,575 per ounce, depending on platinum's stronger-than-expected fundamentals and support from a buoyant gold price, as well if the U.S. dollar continues to slide.

Johnson Matthey also reports that palladium demand is set to rise in 2007, but the market will remain in surplus.

According to the review, overall global palladium demand is expected to increase by 250,000 ounces to 6.61 million ounces in 2007, but demand for new palladium by jewelry manufacturers will decrease by 250,000 ounces to 745,000 ounces as purchases by Chinese manufacturers have declined, dropping from 760,000 ounces to 500,000 ounces this year.

Furthermore, palladium manufacturing levels have fallen and demand for new metal has once again been offset by the use of recycled jewelry and the purchase of palladium refined from industrial scrap. North American and European demand for new palladium for jewelry manufacturing will slightly rise, however, reflecting the launch of test ranges of palladium jewelry in these regions.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Tiffany accuses eBay of failing to stop counterfeit jewelry sales

A lawyer for Tiffany & Co. accused eBay Inc. on Tuesday of allowing the sale of tens of thousands of pieces of counterfeit Tiffany jewelry on its Web site; an eBay lawyer responded that Tiffany wasn't doing its share to protect customers.

The arguments in U.S. District Court in Manhattan came at the start of a trial to decide whether eBay can be blamed for the sales of silver Tiffany knockoffs on its Internet site since 2003.

James B. Swire, Tiffany's lawyer, said eBay "simply turned a blind eye" to the sales.

Bruce Rich, eBay's lawyer, said the site has suspended hundreds of thousands of sellers who broke its rules.

He blamed Tiffany for failing to protect its own trademarks by notifying eBay when it spots sales that seem suspicious. Rich said that when companies do so, eBay often stops the sales even before it can check whether they are legitimate.

In a 2004 lawsuit, Tiffany said it notified eBay a year earlier that thousands of pieces of fake silver jewelry were being sold as if they were genuine Tiffany products.

Swire said the company randomly bought 325 items being sold as genuine Tiffany jewelry on eBay's Web site from among 280,000 listings related to Tiffany products. Of those, 75 percent turned out to be fake, he said.

He said there was no evidence that eBay did anything to stop the false sales after it reported its findings to the company.

Instead, he said, eBay supports sellers, offering marketing assistance that includes conducting seminars on how to grow the online jewelry business.

Rich said eBay spends more than $10 million annually to clean counterfeit merchandise from its site, which carries 6 million postings a day.

He said the company relies on the expertise of more than 14,000 copyright and trademark owners to find counterfeit merchandise.

"It cannot get it done by itself," Rich said of eBay.

"We never see this merchandise. We don't turn a blind eye to it," he said. "We turn people over to law enforcement all the time."

He said eBay's success relies on creating a safe and friendly business.

"There are a lot of bad guys out there and eBay spends an enormous amount of money trying to keep up with it," Rich said.
Source: contracostatimes

Sparkle of the season: The best jewelry trends

While we’ve been taught that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, costume jewelry has truly come into its own — capturing a place on women’s wrists, necks and ears — and even stealing a piece of our hearts. Just the words alone — "gems" and "jewels" — sound juicy and fill us with glee! And the best part: These covetable accents are often as affordable as they are innovative.

So whether you’re looking to bring on the bling, or want to add some sparkle with a sentimental piece, Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz for “In Touch Weekly,” has just the jewelry for you!

Colorful statements
Cut crystals: A burst of raw beauty! Mother Nature's precious stones add to the kaleidoscope of color this season. Normally these natural wonders are a summer staple, but thick, chunky chains and gilded gold accents give these pieces a decidedly fall presence. (Cuff $25-$180, AvMaxAccessories.com; Necklaces $60-$400, CCSkye.com; and Omnatura rings $130, 877-310-8442)

Eclectic enamels: From ornate, Indian-inspired necklaces to vibrant bangles reminiscent of colorful cultures, painted pieces prevail this season. While we often forgo these weighty accents in warm weather, global jewelry feels just right this fall. So stack on the substance, and liven up your limbs! (Bangles $20-$125, jcrew.com; Rings & Bracelet by Noir $175-$200, 323-852-0520)

Abstract art: The craft fair meets industrial innovation, combining to produce magnificent metalwork for our pleasure! Cleopatra-like collars and asymmetrical elements are just a few characteristics that make these items must-haves. Worthy of being on display at a gallery, these unique designs will demand attention. (Nine West pieces $45-$60, Macys.com; Salviati glass jewelry $85-$700, 212-625-8390)

Jumbo gems: The perfect pieces to pop against a little black dress, these brilliant baubles can be considered quite chic. The key is to keep it simple — let your jewelry be the star, and wear your jumbo gems with a dark or neutral hue. One piece can literally transform an outfit! (Yochi Designs $25-$128, 212-947-7826; Banana Republic $28-$68, bananarepublic.com)

Edgy accents
Mesh and multi chains: Slippery, slinky or coiled, these intertwined and layered accents are seriously sexy. Mesh and braided lariats can mimic a men’s tie or serve as a sleek scarf. And when it comes to chains, multiple strands and larger links look better. Either way — metal is having a moment, and we’re loving it! (Lotta Stensson's Chained Love $22-$200 LottaNYC.com; RJ Graziano $75-$325 (212) 685-3737; Pono by Joan Goodman $60-$400 (866) 366-7666)

Season of studs: There’s no getting around it — studs are the standout trend of the season. When it comes to jewelry, designer Wendy Nichol has managed to make these fashion-forward grommets extremely wearable. Her sophisticated studs are a hit in Hollywood with stylish celebs such as Drew Barrymore, Mandy Moore, and Cameron Diaz ($80-$500 wendynicholnyc.com). Meredith Kahn's Made Her Think collection is also giving Tinseltown a little edge. Her spooky cool collections spin stories of love and life, all inspired by Mexico's Day of the Dead. Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendes and Kate Hudson adore her symbolic use of skulls and hearts ($35-$600 MadeHerThink.com). Pair either of these designers with something soft, such as an oversized sweater, and you’ll have simply struck the perfect combination!

Nighttime noir: Lee Angel's black baubles and pewter pieces are staking a claim on the fashion scene, striking all notions of sweet aside. While gothic chic adornments are evening’s edgiest accent - don't underestimate these dark designs, you won’t be able to slither through the night undetected ($95-$800, LeeAngel.com).

Deco designs
Modern vintage: Art Deco designs were ahead of their time, and these pieces from the past are having a modern moment. Joined together by their geometric nature, the crisp, clean lines can truly take you from day to evening. Whether you want to add bling to your basic jeans and T-shirt, or select a style to pair with your fancy frocks, the classic aesthetic will serve you well.

Lia Sophia’s Rue Royale collection has a regal flair that will instantly make you feel like a queen ($150-$3,600, liasophia.com), while Ben Amun ($150-$350, BenAmun.com) and Givenchy's ($50-$350, Macys.com), and Nola Singer's ($220-$600, JewelrybyNola.com) collections have also brought old Hollywood glamour back to the future. And for the ultimate in versatility Kenneth Jay Lane's pave-like crushed pieces will encrust your lobes, neck or fingers ($75-$500 saks.com).

Powerful words
Meaningful messages: Style is an act of self-expression, so why not say something to the world with your personal pieces? Share the Word jewelry will let you spread your very own positive message, while Marley’s stackable sayings offer inspirational alliterations. Mirror Me affirmation charms are written backwards so that you can read their meaning in the mirror, and Erica Anenberg’s Braille pieces provide a unique design on the outside, with the translation on the inside, for you to keep close by. Sayings such as “Love is Blind” and “Blind Faith” make a powerful personal impact. (Share the Word jewelry $60-$420, stwapparel.com; Erica Anenberg $100-$190, Mirror Me $55, and Marley $20-$85, all available at shopIntuition.com)

Bobbie’s Buzz: While Lotta Stensson has long been known for her fashion designs, the affordable accessories she has stashed in her stores are one of my favorite best-kept secrets. Rather than sifting through street jewelry on your own, if you’re ever in New York or L.A., stop into her shop, where she’s handpicked the hottest items. I promise you one thing – you won't walk away empty-handed!
Source: msn