Jewelry designers to visit Congress Jewelers

Congress Jewelers will host representatives of several of the nation’s leading jewelry designers and manufacturers during December.

Isaac Levy, designer and president of Yvel Jewelry, will visit Congress Jewelers’ Sanibel Island location in Periwinkle Place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; the Fifth Avenue South store in downtown Naples from noon until 9 p.m. Friday; and the Bonita Springs store on U.S. 41 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Levy will have his entire collection, including some new, one-of-a-kind pieces, to share with visitors to Congress Jewelers, which has carried the Yvel line of handcrafted jewelry for more than 10 years. Yvel is the mirror image of Levy, a leading designer of pearl jewelry.

“I enjoy designing with pearls, because they represent one of nature’s loveliest creations and are very much in fashion,” Levy said. “People demand jewelry of the utmost quality and that is truly different. They literally want their jewelry to be wearable art.”

Yvel specializes in pearl jewelry with 18-karat yellow and white gold combined with white, black and golden South Seas pearls and set with diamonds, precious and semiprecious, colored stones. Isaac and Orna Levy founded the company in Israel in 1986, continuing a family tradition that spans 100 years in the creation of high-end designer jewelry.

“The exquisite nature of the designs and the use of interesting gemstones keep this line consistently popular,” said Scot Congress, president of Congress Jewelers.

“Sometimes designers become stagnant, but Isaac’s enthusiasm for creating new pieces using the highest quality always makes us look forward to providing his pieces to our customers.”

Representatives of award-winning jewelry designer Leslie Greene will visit Congress Jewelers’ Bonita Springs store on U.S. 41 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday and the Sanibel Island store in Periwinkle Place from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Greene’s collections include diamonds and vivid colored stones set in 18-karat white and yellow gold and platinum. Her designs combine luxury and classic style with modern trends. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Greene was named 2006 designer of the year by International Jewelry Quorum magazine, published for the most exclusive jewelry retailers, designers and manufacturers worldwide.

Representatives of JB Star will have an extensive selection of fine-diamond and colored-gemstone jewelry at Congress Jewelers’ Sanibel Island store from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17; at the Bonita Springs store from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m Tuesday, Dec. 18; and at the Fifth Avenue South store in downtown Naples from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 19 and 20.

Each JB Star piece is handmade using only platinum and 18-karat yellow, white and pink gold. Artisans use the latest finishing technology, including lasers, to ensure the highest standards of quality.

Martin Flyer, a national leader in fine platinum jewelry, will bring its collection of handcrafted designs to Congress Jewelers’ Bonita Springs store Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21 and 22.

Martin Flyer specializes in bridal jewelry and also offers a range of eternity bands, four-prong and semi-bezel diamond line bracelets and three-stone semi-mount rings in all shapes, as well as earrings and necklaces.

For more information, call 866-732-5433 or visit CongressJewelers.com.

Congress Jewelers, founded on Sanibel Island in 1983, also has a store on Duval Street in Key West. In addition to the visiting designers', its locations offer designer jewelry by Louis Glick, Roberto Coin, John Hardy and Marco Bicego, timepieces from Rolex and Breitling, and extraordinary gifts. Congress Jewelers is Southwest Florida’s exclusive retailer of Bez Ambar and the Sealife by Congress line, which is manufactured in house.
Source: news-press

Colored stone sales up despite 'blood rubies'

Jewelry sales were a mixed bag over the third weekend of the holiday season, with shoppers showing interest in colored stones despite the recent controversy over "blood rubies," reported several retailers who spoke with National Jeweler today.

At Newton's Jewelers in Fort Smith, Ark., owner Kelly Newton said sales continue to be strong, citing Rolex watches and Journey diamond jewelry as two of the store's top sellers.

Newton said his sales are "way better" than they were at the same time last year with twice as much foot traffic, and that the average sale price is double what it was last year.

"We're busy every minute of the day," Newton said.

Georgia Burke of B.C. Burke Fine Jewelry in Orland, Maine, said her freestanding store is getting busy now, especially since people in her area hit the malls the first week of December.

"It's picking up," she said. "Every day is better than yesterday."

As for top sales, Burke said engagement rings and Journey pendants are doing well.

At Allen's Jewelers in Albany, Ga., owner Steve Allen said sales this last week have been fine and are in line with 2006 results.

"We've had some good sales," he said.

Sales at Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches, with two locations in El Paso, Texas, were also good over the weekend, but owner Susan Eisen expects the rush to occur right before Christmas and is trying to be three steps ahead to stay prepared.

At Anshus Jewelers in Menomonie, Wis., owner John Anshus said business is up slightly from the same time last year.

"It really opened up this past week," he said.

Top sellers at his store include gold chains and pendants as well as tanzanite, which he credits to television-shopping networks such as QVC that educate consumers about the stones. Rubies, emeralds and sapphires are also selling well.

Other jewelry retailers National Jeweler spoke with did not fare as well over the weekend.

At Evan James Ltd. in Brattleboro, Vt., owner Evan James Deutsch said sales this past weekend were dead on compared with last year.

As for top sellers, he said diamonds are always a strong category.

He also said an interesting trend is customers coming in requesting major restorations on jewelry pieces for Christmas.

At Leonard's Jewelers in Mount Airy, N.C., owner Walter Leonard Jr. said his sales have been poor considering it's the holiday season: They are happening but not in bulk.

"People are counting their pennies," he said, citing the closing of several factories in the area and the Internet as reasons for struggling sales.

Of the sales that are occurring, Leonard Jr. said diamonds are doing well.

"I have my fingers crossed about the rest of the season," he said.

At R.H. Bockstruck, a small private jeweler in Edina, Minn., owner Rob Bockstruck said it was a "fairly slow weekend" for him, but he's expecting the month to finish strong as he always has a rush in the last 10 days before Christmas.

At Alvin Goldfarb Jewelers in Bellevue, Wash., owner Steve Goldfarb had a split weekend: Saturday was robust while Sunday slowed.

He said moderately priced items—those in the $2,500 to $6,000 range—continue to be his top sellers. But he's surprised he's not doing more business with gift items, such as crystal pieces in the $100-$300 range.

Of the retailers National Jeweler spoke with, none had customers inquire about "blood rubies," considered to be among the most coveted rubies because of their rich red colors, but labeled as such by major news sources for their role in financing human-rights abuses occurring in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Anshus of Anshus Jewelers said that even with robust ruby sales, customers haven't asked about the stones.

Both Bockstruck of R.H. Bockstruck and Newton of Newton's Jewelers agree, saying that no one has asked about blood rubies, just as no one asked about "blood diamonds" when they were at the height of media attention.

Goldfarb of Alvin Goldfarb Jewelers said he hasn't received any inquires about blood rubies either, although he acknowledges that he doesn't normally sell a lot of rubies.

"I've heard nothing about it," he said.

Similarly, Jim Jessop of Jessop Jeweler in San Diego, Calif., said he hasn't had any inquires about blood rubies, despite the fact that colored gemstones are a strong seller for him this holiday season.

Overall, he reported that he's had some larger purchases as well as "basic" Christmas gift buys, making for a good holiday season so far.

"We've had a really strong start to the month of December," Jessop said.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

WJA to Honor Sybil Yurman, Steven Kaiser

The Women’s Jewelry Association Board of Directors announced Wednesday their selection of Sybil Yurman, president and chief marketing officer of David Yurman, as the 2008 “Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement” honoree and Steven Kaiser, president and chief executive officer of Kaiser Time, as the recipient of the “Ben Kaiser Award.” They will be honored at the WJA 25th Annual Awards for Excellence gala, to be held in New York City on July 28 at 6 p.m.

The awards will be one of the many tributes WJA will celebrate for its 25th anniversary in 2008 on the national and chapter levels. It plans to honor the organization’s founders as well as those who have shown extraordinary support for women in the industry.

In addition, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company has signed on for the second year in a row as a WJA “Pillar of Distinction” sponsor, said WJA president Ann Arnold.

“We are so grateful for Jewelers Mutual’s generous support and that of our other sponsors. And we are thrilled to honor these two exceptional individuals on this milestone anniversary," Arnold said.

“Sybil Yurman is an extraordinary business woman—a visionary and risk taker, who by her example has been an inspiration to so many women in our industry,” Arnold added. “And as we celebrate our past, it is fitting to honor the son of Ben Kaiser, after whom the award was first named in 1996. Steven’s generosity to WJA and the industry, like his father’s, has been exemplary."

Sybil Yurman, wife and partner of jewelry designer David Yurman, has been instrumental in the success of the renowned design house since its inception in 1979.

“Sybil Yurman is a true muse, partner and businesswoman, said Daid Yurman, who met his wife in 1969 while he was working in a sculptor's studio and she was a young artist writing grant proposals. “Sculptors tend to focus on form. She opened my eyes to a wider creative process.”

His sense of design, coupled with her keen business sense, marketing instincts, and aesthetic values—along with a mutual interest in the arts—provided a solid foundation for the relationship and the visionary company that today is a leader in the international jewelry industry.

In 2001, Sybil Yurman’s direction was a key factor in the development of the company's first lifestyle advertising campaign, which has since become iconic. The simple yet striking black and white print images feature David Yurman designs on notable faces in fashion, including Kate Moss, Amber Valetta, Naomi Watts, and Natalia Vodianova.

In 2001 David and Sybil Yurman established their namesake Humanitarian and Arts Foundation as a means to provide significant support to a variety of organizations, including ALS, YouthAIDS, Whitney Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, Project Angel Food, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

“I absolutely love what I do and that we have been able to capitalize on our artistic abilities to use this success to aid the causes of others,” Sybil Yurman said. “WJA has nurtured the careers of hundreds of women through its many activities, educational conferences, scholarship programs, and networking opportunities. I’m thrilled to accept this prestigious award from my WJA sisters on its 25th anniversary. The jewelry industry would not be the same without this important organization.”

Steven Kaiser has been an owner and executive in the watch and jewelry industry for over 25 years. He began his career in 1982 with Baume & Mercier, USA, and rose to president and chief executive officer. Under his tenure, from 1993 until 1998, Baume & Mercier grew into a leader of the luxury watch industry and increased sales 80 percent, with 25 percent fewer open doors.

In 1999 he assumed the position of executive shareholder of Benedom, Inc., a subsidiary of luxury brand mega-giant, the Louis Vuitton, Moet, Hennessey Group. Kaiser directed the successful introduction of the Christian Dior and Fred Joaillier brands to the U.S. market. He sold his Benedom interest to LVMH and in 2000 founded Kaiser Time, Inc., a full service consulting/business development, executive recruiting, and mergers and acquisitions firm. The company works with more than 100 leading manufacturers and retailers in the watch and jewelry industry, including GE MONEY, Patek Philippe, JCK/Reed Exhibitions, Tiffany & Co., and the Swatch Group.

“I’m honored to receive this special WJA award that recognized my father," Kaiser said. "He saw the potential of WJA from its infancy and encouraged me to join in 1983. I’ve watched it evolve into one of the most dynamic and important organizations, and I’m proud to be part of it,”

Kaiser is an active member of many industry organizations, where he has held important positions, including the Jewelry Information Center, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, American Watch Association, and Jewelers for Children. He is the fifth recipient of the Ben Kaiser Award.

The 2008 Awards for Excellence is being totally redesigned for WJA’s Silver Anniversary, according to dinner co-chairs Mindy Fielman of Hearts On Fire and Lisa Cochin of the Diamond Promotion Service.

“Only two awards will be given this year,” said Cochin. “We will honor all of our past presidents and recipients of the Hall of Fame and Ben Kaiser Awards in a gala event that will celebrate the extraordinary leadership that has made WJA such a vibrant organization as well as the new initiatives that will shape it for tomorrow.”

WJA’s 25th anniversary will officially be kicked off on January 22 by its Metropolitan Chapter, representing the New York City tri-state area. It will host a member event at Gracie Mansion in New York City, the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York. Peggy Kirby, one of the original founders of the national organization and the first recipient of the Hall of Fame Award, will be recognized. And members will have the opportunity to tour the historic mansion, said incoming Metro Chapter president, Michelle Kwiat Siegel.

Other chapter and national events planned for the anniversary year will be announced soon.

WJA, founded in 1983, is the preeminent association of professional women in the jewelry, watch and related businesses. Through the national organization, headquartered in Mt. Royal, NJ, and a network of 12 regional chapters, members benefit from educational and networking opportunities, mentoring, scholarships, design competitions and recognition programs. For member or sponsorship information visit its Web site at www.womensjewelry.org .
Source: jckonline

Chinese gold jewelry demand jumps

Chinese demand for gold jewelry may increase by about 20 percent this year as rising personal incomes help the nation race ahead of the United States as the second-biggest market in the world, GFMS, a researcher, said.

Gold use in jewelry in China jumped 24 percent from a year earlier to 221 metric tons in the first nine months, a GFMS analyst, Veronica Han, said from Beijing on Monday, citing data compiled for the World Gold Council. That compares with 515 tons in India, the biggest consumer, and 165 tons in the United States.

Increased jewelry purchases by consumers in China and India may help to support the price of gold, which reached a 27-year high of $845.84 an ounce on Nov. 7 and is headed for its seventh annual gain.

"More economic development in China and a relatively higher savings ratio than that of India should in the long-term drive gold demand in China," Stephan Schlatter, the executive director for metals markets in Asia at UBS, said.

A stock market and property boom helped to raise disposable incomes among urban households in China by 13.2 percent in the first nine months of this year when adjusted for inflation. Retail sales rose by 18.1 percent in October from a year earlier, the fastest in eight years, the statistics bureau said Nov. 14.

"China is poised to become the world's second largest jewelry market for gold this year, overtaking the United States and coming in No. 2 behind India," Philip Klapwijk, the executive chairman of GFMS, said by phone from Parati, Brazil. "I would expect it to grow further" in 2008, he added.

"We expect gold use in China this year to greatly exceed last year's level, with rising standards of living and some policy changes to encourage gold holdings by the public," Hou Huimin, a vice president of the China Gold Association, said in early November. Hou did not give details.

Even "with less aggressive growth in the fourth quarter," Chinese sales of gold are expected to increase by about 20 percent in 2007, GFMS's Han said. The GFMS estimate of gold use in jewelry excludes supply from scrap.

China has increased minimum wages, expanded welfare payments and reduced interest-income tax to fatten the wallets of its 1.3 billion consumers, who have a growing taste for luxury items like cars and jewelry.

"Upgrading of the retail environment and greater product varieties" helped gold demand, Klapwijk said. "The Year of the Pig also helped." This year's lunar New Year, the Year of the Golden Pig, is deemed auspicious for gold purchases.

"Almost everything has gone right for gold jewelry demand to pick up," said Klapwijk. "You had a perfect environment."

Chinese buyers have not been deterred by a 24 percent gain in gold prices this year as a slumping dollar and surging oil prices fueled demand for an alternative investment and hedge against inflation. Bullion for immediate delivery traded at $791.04 an ounce in Singapore on Tuesday.

Higher prices have lifted shares of producers like Barrick Gold, Newmont Mining and Newcrest Mining.

"Our long-term view is positive on Chinese demand," Klapwijk said. Still, growth of gold use in jewelry in the fourth quarter may slow, and the pace may also slacken next year if monetary policies aimed at curbing inflation reduce the rate of economic expansion, he said.

Chinese economic growth may cool to 10.8 percent in 2008 from an estimated 11.4 percent this year as investment and export growth slows, economists from the State Information Center said.

China may continue to face inflationary pressure next year, and the central bank should raise key interest rates, according to a report published Monday, which forecast inflation at 4.5 percent for 2008 from 4.7 percent this year.
Source: iht

Sotheby's holds record-setting sale

Sotheby's raked in a record $49.8 million at its December Magnificent Jewels sale held Monday in New York City, the highest total ever for a jewelry sale at the auction house.

A collection of natural pearls from Kelly and Calvin Klein sold for $4.8 million, a sale that soared above the estimated $3.1 million.

A single-strand natural pearl and diamond necklace from the collection alone fetched $3.6 million.

Other notable sales included a pair of Harry Winston diamond pendant earrings for about $4 million, nearly double the estimated sale price of $2 million, and a historic Cartier FDR Victory Clock, which sold for $1.6 million, setting a record for a Cartier clock at auction.

A 32.16-carat pear-shaped diamond ring, which was the property of a "distinguished lady," sold for $3.3 million, while a 50.4-carat fancy-intense yellow-diamond pendant sold for $2 million.

Nearly 80 percent of the lots sold above their high estimate at Monday's auction. Sotheby's recorded eight lots selling for more than $1 million and three lots selling for more than $3 million.

The previous record for a Sotheby's auction was $33.5 million set in October 1994.
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Jewelry World to close doors

Just in time for the holidays, the savings are huge at Jewelry World. The sad part is, the days are numbered for this home-owned store.

Ronnie West and his partner founded Quality Jewelers in 1980 and changed the name to Jewelry World in 1996.

The small store that thrived on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard was displaced when Old Trenton Road was extended across Wilma Rudolph into East Old Trenton Road.

Jewelry World then moved to its current location on East Old Trenton, but before long, it fell into the shadows of other developments, the owners said.

Jewelry World has always been a place where patrons could expect experienced service and were treated as friends, not just customers, West said.

Ironically, that factors into the reason it's closing.

"It's just time to close," West said. "I'm getting tired. I've been in this business for 30 years, and it's just not like it used to be. Back in the early years, you didn't have every Tom, Dick and Harry in town selling jewelry. Now you do.

"Part of it is that we do give jewelry service, too, and at one time, I was handling the service work for jewelry bought at other stores throughout Clarksville.

"But I do appreciate the business of all of our loyal customers," he said.

West said his final day will probably be around Jan. 6.

Jewelry World has specialized in all types of jewelry, along with the jewelry repair.

Tammy James, who has been with the company for several years, started out as a saleswoman before becoming a certified jewelry repair technician.

West has been a master jewelry technician for decades.

"Closing our doors will be a sad occasion, since I've spent so much of my life here and learned so much about the jewelry business," James said in a news release.

The going-out-of-business sale under way at Jewelry World continues until all inventory is liquidated.

Most of the merchandise, including diamonds, precious gems, rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches, has been marked down by as much as 70 percent.
Source: theleafchronicle

Jewelry Channel revamps Web site

Television jewelry retailer The Jewelry Channel has announced the launch of a major redesign of its Web site, Tjc.tv.

The site now offers not only online "Web Drop" jewelry auctions but also an array of information and retail options for consumers.

One such offering includes a jewelry store for browsing and purchasing available items at a set sale price, rather than in a drop-auction format. Customers can search and sort items by type of apparel, metal, gemstone, shape, price or name.

The site also boasts interactive and social-media content including user forums and a blog by The Jewelry Channel hosts, as well as a live broadcast of The Jewelry Channel 24 hours a day.

In addition, the site showcases a "Spotlight Item" at a reduced price on its home page, as well as video brochures featuring the high-end Illiana Collection and the new Rhapsody line of platinum jewelry.

"The site enhancement represents not only an improvement in function and usability but also atmosphere and options," The Jewelry Channel President Sri Burugapalli said in a media release. "We sought to provide a complete shopping experience, whether the customer is purchasing via TV broadcast, online retail or an interactive auction."
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

De Beers opens fifth U.S. store

The De Beers store at Tysons Galleria in Washington, D.C.

De Beers marked the opening of its fifth U.S. retail location on Nov. 23 at Tysons Galleria in Washington, D.C.

The opening of the 2,082-square-foot store is the latest development in De Beers' entrance into the North American retail market, and its third U.S. store to open this year. In 2005, De Beers stores opened in New York and Beverly Hills, Calif., and two more stores opened this year in Las Vegas and Houston, Texas.

The store includes new collections designed by De Beers Creative Director Raphaele Canot, including Ice on Fire, Secrets of a Rose, Talisman and Radiance.

Bridal, high-end jewelry and signature collections such as Wildflowers will also be available at the Washington, D.C., store.

In addition to a variety of merchandise, the store includes De Beers Beauty Scan imaging, which offers customers an up-close look at how diamonds reflect light; engraving of a serial number on each diamond more than 0.3-carats, known as the De Beers Marque, and the De Beers Passport, a document that verifies that each diamond is "natural, conflict and child-labor free, enhancement and treatment free."
Source: nationaljewelernetwork

Manteca jewelry store to close after 62 years

MANTECA — Jan Brown promised herself she wasn't going to cry.

When asked about her favorite memories of her downtown jewelry store, she remained strong. When questioned about the 62-year legacy of Allen's Jewelry and the independently owned store's founder, Evelyn Allen, she didn't flinch.

However, as she was reminded by patrons of the store — many of whom were friends — just how much her service was treasured, she started shedding tears.

"I promised myself I wasn't going to cry," said the 67-year-old while blotting her eyes. "It's been a wonderful business, I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm going to miss it so much."

Earlier this month, Brown decided it was time to retire. Her husband, Jim, had retired about nine years earlier from a 30-year teaching career in the Manteca Unified School District. The Browns moved to Manteca from their hometown of Owasso, Okla., and have been married 46 years.

"We have grandchildren we need to play with and places to see. The time is right," Allen said, adding they would be staying in Manteca.

The news has not been easy for some to swallow. Just ask longtime customer and friend Dennis Olmstead.

"This place is going to be greatly missed, Jan is just such an honest and trustworthy person," he said, telling a story of how he had placed an order toreplace his engagement ring. Olmstead said he found his lost ring — prompting Brown to cancel his order and make sure the ring he had was properly fitted.

"It's little things like that. Her heart always is in the right place," he said. "I wish it wouldn't close."

Olmstead said that his parents, aunts, and eight sisters and five brothers still come back to Manteca and Allen's Jewelry when they need something — or to simply visit.

"What I loved about this place is that we normally dealt with special occasions," Brown said. "It's not a 'down' business, but an 'up' business. It felt good to hear the stories from people coming in — the weddings, engagements and other celebrations."

The store was also a gathering place. For example, Francene Escobar, owner of the Quicki-Kleen Car Wash down the street, happened to pop in Wednesday to expressed her feelings about Brown and Allen's Jewelry.

"Oh, I'm so mad at you, but I understand why you're leaving," Escobar said. "It feels like somebody's dying almost. This is like an historical monument."

Her co-workers also expressed sadness at the closure.

"I'm going to miss the people," said Phyllis Jamison. "It's like my home away from home."

Allen's Jewelry is the oldest retail business in Manteca, as Allen opened the doors to the business of sparkling items just after the end of World War II. During that time, Manteca's downtown was an eclectic collection of men and women's clothing stores, shoe stores and markets.

"It's changed a lot since then," Brown said, adding that she started working at the store for Allen in 1978.

"I learned so much from Evelyn, she was a great lady. She was strong, yet soft and cared about being a part of Manteca."

When Brown took over in 1988, she decided to keep the store's namesake — adding there would have been no advantage in such a name.

The Browns are in the midst of an inventory clearance and plan to close sometime in January.
Source: insidebayarea

Ganz Describes 'New World Order' in Diamond Industry

Moti Ganz, chairman of the Israel Diamond Institute and vice president of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association described ‘the new world order’ prevailing today within the global diamond industry, in which diamond centers vary in the relative advantages they offer to manufacturers, while speaking at the 2007 China International Diamond Conference in Shanghai.

“We, the manufacturers, have no choice but to spread out our businesses and claim as many stops along the diamond pipeline as possible, from mine to retail shop,” Ganz said.

According to Ganz, no major changes are expected in the manufacturing map for the next over the next seven or eight years, and the list of active mines will remain unchanged

Ganz called on manufacturers to form cooperation with jewelry retailers in building brands that will ensure the sale of manufactured goods.

“The diamond industry has a future to look forward to, and through proper reorganization, seeking out direct ties with the final link in the chain and forging long-term relationships with jewelry retailers, we can prevail and be equipped to face less fortunate times,” he said.

As the owner of diamond polishing plants and retail stores Ganz had praise for the Chinese industry. “The Chinese polisher is renowned for meticulous work and close attention to detail. The Chinese industry specializes in special cuts which require outstanding skill.”

Ganz added that the greatest advantage in manufacturing in China is its consumer market. “China offers a special winning combination. This is the only country where the manufacturing is close to the consumer market. If the leaders of the diamond industry in China, together with the government, find a way to prioritize polished diamonds for the local market. This will trigger meteoric development of the diamond and diamond jewelry retail market in China."
Source: jckonline