I thought that to celebrate the NEW store from Reinstein|Ross, Goldsmiths we would spotlight their fabulous Jewels - hand fabricated on-site! I am in LOVE with their Peach and Apricot Gold Alloys - such a soft rich color!!!! ...and SERIOUSLY...
#DailyJewel – Spotlight on Reinstein|Ross, Goldsmiths
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Four key diamond and jewelry industry leaders join Board of Directors of Panama Diamond Exchange
Four key diamond and jewelry industry leaders join Board of Directors of Panama Diamond Exchange |
PANAMA: August 5, 2014 - The Panama Diamond has announced that four key leaders of the international diamond and jewelry industries have joined the Board of Directors of the Panama Diamond Exchange. They are Roberto Coin, the world renowned Italian jewelry designer and manufacturer; Maxim Shkadov, President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association; Shmuel Schnitzer, President of the Israel Diamond Exchange; and Reuven Kaufman, President of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York. "We are delighted to welcome a group of individuals with such stature, experience and business acumen to the PDE Board of Directors, and are confident that they will make an important contribution to the position of Panama as the principle jewelry trading hub in all of Latin America," said Eli Izhakoff, Founding Chairman of the Panama Diamond Exchange. "Not only do they bring a wealth of knowledge about the international diamond and jewelry markets, but the very fact that they are involved in PDE's mission sends a message throughout the world." The four new directors join other principal industry leaders serving on the PDE board, including Ernest Blom, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses; Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation; and Avi Paz, Past President of the World Diamond Council and Hon. Life President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the Israel Diamond Exchange. Four additional directors will be announced shortly, thus completing the composition of the board. Roberto Coin was born in Venice, and began his professional career in the hotel industry, where by the age of 24 was already partner and manager of the Duke Of Richmond Hotel in Guernsey, Great Britain. At age 32 he returned to Italy, turning his focus to jewelry design. In 1996 he launched the jewelry brand that bears his name, which is distributed via more than 1,000 points of sales in 63 countries. He is today President and CEO of a string of companies, including Roberto Coin Spa in Italy, the Fifth Season Manufacturing company in Italy, CKC manufacturing company in Bangkok, Coin Inc. in New York, Roberto Coin Diamond Centre in Dubai and Roberto Coin Hong Kong. Long involved in the public life of the industry, in addition to being a Director of the Panama Diamond Exchange, he is a member of Board of Director of Dubai Diamond Exchange and the World Diamond Council. He also is a winner of an International Palladio Award as the best brand for corporate social responsibility, and is a Grande Ufficiale, or Lord of the Italian Republic, in recognition of his contribution to the state. Maxim Shkadov has served as President of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association since 2012. In 2005, he was elected President of the Russian Diamond Manufacturers Association, and from 2007 to date has served as Chairman of the Association. He also serves as the president of the Smolensk Diamonds Association, the organization consolidating the companies of Russia's Smolensk region involved in the diamond industry. Dr. Shkadov began working in the diamond industry at Kristalldiam diamond cutting and polishing company, first as an apprentice cutter, then cutter, diamond grader, and processing engineer. In 1994, he was appointed Director General of Smolensk-Tachè cutting and polishing joint venture company. From 1999 to 2004, he served as the Director for foreign economic relations of Smolensk Kristall, the largest Russian polished diamonds manufacturer, supervising the company's sales and marketing. In December 2004, the company board appointed him as Director General and chief executive of Kristall Production Corporation. Shmuel Schnitzer is the President of the Israel Diamond Exchange and Honorary Life President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses. He earlier served as president of IDE for six years, from 1998 to 2004, and was again elected president in 2013. He served as president of WFDB from 2002 to 2006. He is a member of the presidium of the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association and a member of the board of the World Diamond Council (WDC). Mr. Schnitzer has been Honorary President of the Israel Precious Stones Exchange since 2005, and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange since its founding. Mr. Schnitzer is an attorney and is chairman and CEO of S. Schnitzer Diamonds Ltd., one of Israel's leading diamond manufacturers and exporters. Reuven Kaufman serves as President of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, the largest organization of diamond dealers in America. He also serves on the Executive Board of World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the Board of CIBJO, the World Jewelry Confederation. Throughout his years in the industry, he has been involved in helping to strengthen the diamond industry in New York and around the world. He has also served as Chairman of the International Delegation Committee of NYC, Director of the Diamond Industry Steering Committee of America, and Chairman of the Board of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York. Over the past 37 years, Mr. Kaufman has developed of one of the leading diamond companies in New York City. He oversees his entire operation, including offices in New York, India and the Far East, and manufacturing facilities in the United States and India. The $200 million Panama Gem & Jewelry Center is the largest and most ambitious development project ever undertaken on behalf of the jewelry and gemstone trades in Latin America. Serving as a trading hub for both regional and international companies, the center will serve a market that today is worth $8 billion, and comprises 11,500 retail jewelry outlets located in 20 countries and 23 islands. The entire complex will be located in the Vaguil Free Zone, which was established by an act of the Panamanian parliament for the benefit of the international gem and jewelry trade, and exempts transactions conducted within its area from payments of customs duties and taxes, and corporations registered in the Free Zone from paying company tax. |
The Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) is the first and only diamond bourse in the entire region of Latin America, including South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It will anchor the Panama Gem & Jewelry Center, which is now under construction and is designed to serve as the primary Latin American trading center and international gateway to and from one of the world jewelry industry's most exciting growth markets. |
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#DailyJewel – Spotlight on Engel & Co.
With over 30 years under the name "engel necklace" Engel & Co celebrates a variety of gems. Known for their glorious necklaces with their ingenious Clasp allows you to change the Clasp to a variety of colors, shapes and material combinations. Style...
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Gem Cutters/Carvers at the Carnegie Museum!
Michael Dyber: Master of Optical Illusion
May 31–August 31, 2014Michael Dyber is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost lapidary artists in the world today. He has won 23 national and international awards for his unique gem carvings. Using his own trademarked cutting techniques, Dyber creates stunning artworks that appear to bend light while interacting with each gemstone’s natural colors. Michael Dyber: Master of Optical Illusion is the artist’s first solo show at a major museum.
May 31–August 31, 2014Michael Dyber is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost lapidary artists in the world today. He has won 23 national and international awards for his unique gem carvings. Using his own trademarked cutting techniques, Dyber creates stunning artworks that appear to bend light while interacting with each gemstone’s natural colors. Michael Dyber: Master of Optical Illusion is the artist’s first solo show at a major museum.
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| Deborah Wilson, Slava Tulupav and Helen Serras-Herman |
Member Show of the Gem Artists of North America
Fall/Winter 2014Founded in 1995, Gem Artists of North America (GANA) is an association of artists and professionals of the gemstone art industry. GANA counts among its members some of the world’s foremost lapidary artists, with works appearing in museums, exhibitions, and private collections worldwide. The juried member show highlights artworks inspired by the beauty of the precious materials themselves.
Wertz Gallery at the Carnegie MuseumWertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry is a 2,000-square-foot addition to Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems dedicated to gems, the crystals from which they come, and jewelry comprised of these precious stones. Wertz Gallery is named in honor of Ronald W. Wertz, longtime president of the Hillman Foundation. Wertz Gallery opened in 2007 as part of a year-long expansion and renovation of Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems, which first opened in 1980. Hillman Hall exhibits minerals in the manner of sculpture, showing them for their beauty as well as discussing their physical properties and industrial uses. Extensive displays include amber, birthstones, and lapidary art, and major exhibitions are also hosted.
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#DailyJewel – Spotlight on Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers at India Couture Week 2014
Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers at India Couture Week 2014 - Traditional Red Bridal Gown and stunning Jewels! photo via Vogue India
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#LJG – LEADING JEWELERS GUILD EMBRACES DIGITAL STRATEGY, FINANCIAL BENCHMARKING, AND NEW VENDORS!
LEADING JEWELERS GUILD EMBRACES DIGITAL STRATEGY
AND FINANCIAL BENCHMARKING!
True Romance Named Vendor‐of‐the‐Year During Annual Meeting & Show
Members of Leading Jewelers Guild, a prestigious member‐owned jewelry organization of independent retailers, assembled at the newly reconfigured Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California for their 56th annual July Meeting and Show from July 12 to 16. “A huge shift has taken place in advertising and how it reaches the customer,” said Leading Jewelers Guild President, Michael Simmons (Simmons & Clark Jewelers, Detroit, MI) “connecting with millennials involves a whole new set of skills and media. Our goal is to bring our members up to speed so they can compete effectively and profitably in an ever‐changing marketplace.”
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| Leading Jewelers Guild members receive hands‐on training during the Digital Strategy Seminar. Attendees created social media campaigns on the first day and evaluated their results on the next. The seminar was designed to bring members current on social media as well as website metrics, search engine optimization, internet marketing and other related subjects. Photo: Kathy Ogier |
“We realized we had a problem,” said Jenny Caro (Jewelry by Design, Woodbridge, VA),
“so we did a nationwide search for the best coaches in social media, website metrics,
search engine optimization and internet marketing.” The hands‐on two‐day seminar in
digital strategy involved social media in the morning and website‐related issues in the
afternoon.
“so we did a nationwide search for the best coaches in social media, website metrics,
search engine optimization and internet marketing.” The hands‐on two‐day seminar in
digital strategy involved social media in the morning and website‐related issues in the
afternoon.
Nearly all Leading Jewelers Guild members brought representatives to the seminar, which ran parallel to the traditional CEO‐oriented program. “We were very careful to select presenters that would be relevant on a beginning‐to‐advanced level,” said Caro. Both trainer/presenters were available for individual consultations during the two‐day vendor show and gave a CEO wrap‐up on the final day.
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| Fourth generation jeweler, Broderick Hicks (Thompson Jewelers, Orlando FL) presents his company’s history as well as results of a successful promotion he conducted despite his father and grandfather’s misgivings. Coincidentally, his 21st birthday was the next day. Leading Jewelers Guild encourages the youngest generation to participate fully in all discussions. Photo: Jimmy West. |
The highlight of the CEO sessions was the culmination of the first group‐wide financial
benchmarking study. “Leading Jewelers Guild members are learning from each other all
the time,” said Chris Coleman (Nelson Coleman Jewelers, Towson MD), “but we wanted
to take that spirit to another level by comparing financial numbers for different type,
size, and volume stores while still maintaining complete confidentiality.” A CPA firm
expert in industry benchmarking was selected to compile members’ information and
prepare the study. Members’ received a confidential analysis of their own numbers in
the areas of productivity, profit, cash flow, and financial strength as well as common‐sized income statements, balance sheets, and detailed sales mix and margin analysis, plus a similar composite report on the entire group. The presenter highlighted how to use the information to improve company bottom lines. “We’re working towards making this an ongoing benefit of membership,” said Coleman.
benchmarking study. “Leading Jewelers Guild members are learning from each other all
the time,” said Chris Coleman (Nelson Coleman Jewelers, Towson MD), “but we wanted
to take that spirit to another level by comparing financial numbers for different type,
size, and volume stores while still maintaining complete confidentiality.” A CPA firm
expert in industry benchmarking was selected to compile members’ information and
prepare the study. Members’ received a confidential analysis of their own numbers in
the areas of productivity, profit, cash flow, and financial strength as well as common‐sized income statements, balance sheets, and detailed sales mix and margin analysis, plus a similar composite report on the entire group. The presenter highlighted how to use the information to improve company bottom lines. “We’re working towards making this an ongoing benefit of membership,” said Coleman.
Other presentations included a re‐launch of the group’s own brand: Love Story® Diamonds, several company introductions, and sharing of promotion and special events ideas. “The more we share our strengths, the better we can help one another develop as individual businesses,” said Leading Jewelers Guild Chairman, Joshua Halpern (Albert’s Jewelers, Shererville, IN), “and our group becomes stronger in the process!”
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| (Left to right) James “Jimmy” West (Leading Jewelers Guild Executive Director), Jesper Nielsen (founder, Endless Jewelry; co‐founder, Pandora; author: Inside Pandora), Matt Carlozzi (CEO, Endless Jewelry). “Endless Jewelry could well be the hottest product debut in years; at JCK you could not get near their booth,” said West, “so we’re especially honored they accepted our invitation to come to Newport Beach.” Photo: Kathy Ogier. |
Embedded in the five day meeting is a two‐day vendor show where 58 select vendors were invited to exhibit their lines and services. These included key Leading Jewelers Guild suppliers for the group’s upcoming fall catalog program, as well as a number of new vendors: AV Diamonds, Box Brokers, CJ Jewels, Endless Jewelry, Exclusif/Luxury Displays, Fana Jewelry, Gabriel & Co., House of Baguettes, Idor Diamonds, Imagine Designs, Paramount Gems, Royal Jewelry, Seiko, Select Jewelry and Varsha Diamonds.
“With great fanfare we’re reintroducing our Preferred Vendor designation,” said Leading Jewelers Guild Executive Director James “Jimmy” West, “this clearly identifies our top‐tier vendors, highlights their discount and stock balancing offers and removes exclusions and fine print.”
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| Leading Jewelers Guild Executive Director, James “Jimmy” West, left and Leading Jewelers Guild President, Michael Simmons (Simmons & Clark Jewelers, Detroit, MI), right, present the 2013 Vendor‐of‐the‐Year Award to Isaac Gad (center) of True Romance for outstanding product selection and customer service, as voted by the membership. Photo: Kathy Ogier. |
Members, vendors, staff and their families relaxed together at the annual Member/Vendor Party, held at Island Hotel’s Cabana Terrace. Included were Leading Jewelers Guild’s annual awards presentation. Isaac Gad of True Romance (NYC) received the 2013 Vendor of the Year award for outstanding product selection and customer service. Nate Morgan (Morgan’s Jewelers, Salt Lake City, UT) received the 2013 Leader of the Year, for outstanding leadership in several terms as President, Chairman of the Board and a member of the Operations Committee.
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| Leading Jewelers Guild Executive Director, James “Jimmy” West, left, and Leading Jewelers Guild President, Michael Simmons (Simmons & Clark Jewelers, Detroit, MI), right, present the 2013 Leader of the Year Award. Chase Morgan (center) accepted on behalf of his father, Nate Morgan (Morgan Jewelers, Salt Lake City, UT) who was traveling abroad. Photo: Kathy Ogier. |
Leading Jewelers Guild, is a strategic alliance of independent, family‐owned jewelers that develops competitive advantages for its members; it is 100% member owned. Leading
Jewelers Guild is an invaluable merchandising, marketing, catalog advertising and production resource dedicated to the overall business needs of their member companies.
Jewelers Guild is an invaluable merchandising, marketing, catalog advertising and production resource dedicated to the overall business needs of their member companies.
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| Leonardo Kashi (center) of Le Vian receives the special “World’s Best DJ” award for providing music at the Member/Vendor Party for the past three years. The award, a custom‐made reproduction of Leonardo’s iconic sunglasses is presented by Leading Jewelers Guild Executive Director, James “Jimmy” West, left, and Leading Jewelers Guild President, Michael Simmons (Simmons & Clark Jewelers, Detroit, MI), right. Photo: Kathy Ogier. |
Leading Jewelers Guild is currently comprised of 40 member companies in the USA and one
jeweler in Scotland, representing approximately 150 retail locations.
jeweler in Scotland, representing approximately 150 retail locations.
For more information contact James “Jimmy” West, Executive Director at (310) 216‐9106.
From release provided by LJG
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MJSA Jeweler’s Bench Conference & Trade Fair
Jeweler’s Bench Conference & Trade Fair
September 13 & 14, 2014
Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel
1850 Post Road, Warwick, RI
If you ever wanted a better, more profitable way to make or repair a piece of jewelry, then this event is for you.
The Jeweler’s Bench Conference & Trade Fair is for anyone engaged in bench work—artisans and designers, manufacturers, retailers who offer repair or re-purposing services—who wants to be a business success. Who wants to learn the latest bench techniques and re-discover the joy of bench work as well as learn ways to run a better bench business. Who wants to discover the latest tools, supplies, and services that will turn their operation into a lean and fit "Super Shop."
Registration is now open!
Jeweler’s Bench Conference Sessions
The Jeweler’s Bench conference offers two distinct educational programs:
The Better Business program on Saturday will feature sessions on how to best price your products and services, stock your bench, and generally run a better bench business.
The Better Bench program on Sunday covers the technical issues faced by bench jewelers every day, from how to think like a welder, to create designs that can be cast more easily, and to transform ordinary, damaged, or chipped stones into extraordinary gems.
Below is the schedule for the Better Businesssessions that have been developed and will be run by the MJSA Education Foundation, and the Better Bench sessions that have been developed and will be run by Metalwerx.
Better Business Sessions
Saturday, September 139 to 10:30 a.m.:
How to Stock a Better Bench
Presented by Ann Cahoon, North Bennet Street School
What are the essential tools needed by the modern bench jeweler? Which tools will make her or his life easier? Which machines and technology are worth the cost in time saved? This informative session will look at the basics, then examine specialized tools for various kinds of jewelers, from general repair operations to stone setting, chain making, and more. A review of necessary safety equipment will also be included.
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.:
Social Media Tips for Bench and Custom Jewelers
Presented by Peggy Jo Donahue, Director of the MJSA Education Foundation, MJSA Social Media Correspondent
Bench and custom jewelers are some of the most followed jewelers on sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Why? Because jewelry-loving consumers love to see photos of works in progress, and "insider" photos of the amazing machines and tools that jewelers use. In addition, custom, restoration, and repair projects almost always come with a story of a well-loved heirloom or a relationship sealed by a talisman. Learn how to make your projects catnip on social media, and build your business!
1 to 2:30 p.m.:
Pricing for Jewelry Repairs and Custom Design: Don’t Sell Yourself Short
Presented by Joel McFadden, Joel McFadden Designs
Many bench jewelers and custom designers admit that they don’t always factor in all of the costs involved when charging for their work. Using David Geller’s famous Blue Book to Jewelry Repair and Design as a guide, this informative session will help you to avoid common mistakes in pricing both repairs and designs, ensuring you cover all material costs and labor charges (including for your CAD work) and establish a price that your target market will bear.
3 to 4:30 p.m.:
The Business of Running a Bench Business: Operations Advice
Presented by Marlene Richey, Business Consultant and Author of Profiting by Design: A Jewelry Maker’s Guide to Business Success
Bench jewelers run businesses with a wide array of tasks, from building one custom piece to fulfilling larger orders to doing repairs and restoration. But what about the basic tasks involved in running a business, from operations and inventory, to pricing and promotion? If your skills are more bench than business oriented, learn from Richey, an award-winning consultant and author, who has also operated a successful design firm and retail jewelry gallery.
Better Bench Sessions
Sunday, September 14
9 to 10:30 a.m.:
Possibilities of Pulse Arc Welding
Presented by Sessin Durgham, Rio Grande
Micro-pulse-arc welding can increase efficiency with basic bench tasks such as ring sizing, re-tipping near heat-sensitive stones, and repairing porous castings. Sessin Durgham, technical support team member at Rio Grande, has been conducting ongoing research on the many other possibilities this technology has to offer the jewelry industry. Using the latest Orion Pulse Arc Welder I series, Sessin will demonstrate and explain new discoveries found in his research, including how to fabricate large jewelry objects and small hollowware using long, consistent, repeatable weld seams, and how to join dissimilar metals—titanium to karat gold, karat gold to iron, and more. Begin to think like a welder and apply this valuable skill to jewelry and metalsmithing.
MJSA and Metalwerx would like to thank Orion Welders for sponsoring this presentation.
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:
Casting for Designers: Production Strategies
Presented by Daniel Grandi, Racecar Jewelry Co.
As a casting expert and founder of Racecar Jewelry Co., with more than forty years of experience in all aspects of the business, Dan Grandi has developed strategies for working in a proficient and cost-effective manner. In this presentation, Dan will help to demystify the lost-wax casting process so that attendees can gain a better understanding of what will work well in a production environment. He will also discuss ways to save time by designing wax models to incorporate findings, simple methods to cut open molds, tips for modifying tools, and other tricks he’s developed over the years.
1:30 to 3 p.m.:
Lapidary: Repairing and Restoring Cabochons
Presented by David Baird, Professional Jeweler and Instructor
This presentation is for jewelers who want some lapidary knowledge to help them at the bench. David Baird will demonstrate ways to alter, refashion, and customize cabochon stones using a flex-shaft and hand tools. Topics will include simple methods and tools available for refreshing or re-polishing, how to deal with scratched or abused cabochons, and solutions for stone replacements in existing settings. Take ordinary, damaged, or chipped stones and turn them into extraordinary gems, without the need for a full lapidary studio.
The Better Business program on Saturday will feature sessions on how to best price your products and services, stock your bench, and generally run a better bench business.
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#JWLV – Private Preview of the latest collection from Kavant and Sharart at the Wynn
Kenny and Shar-Linn are partners in all aspects of life - and while their brand is one voluminous company, they have two very distinct styles.
Shar-Linn is angular and kinetic with a predisposition for the Art Deco, while Kenny's work is organic and infused with rare and fabulous gems in lush colors and significant designs.
Retailers will love that they only have to deal with one company yet choose from a catalog so varied it could represent several design lines!
Kenny is Kavant A third generation jeweler, Kenny grew up at the knee of his jeweler father and goldsmith grandfather in their fine jewelry store. A degree in Chemical engineering later and he did an about face, taking Design and Gemology courses at G.I.A (Gemological Institute of America) while concentrating on bringing his Bench skills up to par.
AWARDS: Centurion Emerging Designer 2009, JCK Jeweler’s Choice Award 2010, Cultured Pearl Assoc. of America 2011
The MO - GEO Collection
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Shar-Linn is SharArt Born and raised in Singapore, by a mother, who used to be a couturier, Shar-Linn has always found her passion in art, fashion and antiquity. But it wasn't until she met a boy that she was exposed her to the world of jewels. It was love - both the jewels and that boy, now her husband, encouraged her to follow her passion and she followed him to G.I.A.
AWARDS: Shar-Linn’s: Centurion Emerging Designer Award 2011
Shar-Linn is SharArt Born and raised in Singapore, by a mother, who used to be a couturier, Shar-Linn has always found her passion in art, fashion and antiquity. But it wasn't until she met a boy that she was exposed her to the world of jewels. It was love - both the jewels and that boy, now her husband, encouraged her to follow her passion and she followed him to G.I.A.
AWARDS: Shar-Linn’s: Centurion Emerging Designer Award 2011
The Pirouette Collection
Website: http://www.kavantandsharart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kavantandsharart
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kavantsharart
Tumblr: http://kavantsharart.tumblr.com/
These earring jackets were their hottest line in Las Vegas - "Phoenix" - their EarTux were getting a lot of attention! ...change the look by using different solitaires - colored gem studs, diamond studs even pearl studs.
Photos featured are from Jewelry Week in Las Vegas and Kavant and SharArt Instagram and Facebook page
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#DailyJewel – Spotlight on the Phoenix Collection by Kavant and SharArt #EarTux
THEME OF THE PHOENIX COLLECTION
The wing-shaped earrings represent the wind / freedom to move while the clawed (single and triple) shaped earrings represent the earth / being grounded and mindful.
Extensions of the original collection were made as suggested by Janet with Fragments NY
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| image via Fragments |
• All pieces are made in-house by their own team of goldsmiths, stone setter, gem cutters and apprentice.
• There is an element of versatility in most pieces. Many of which allows one to convert the design, interchange and stack - enabling a more inimitable and personalized feel.
• This collection takes a brand new approach to the ear jacket or rather some called it the Ear Tux (short form for tuxedo). The design sought to capture both mystery and simplicity in equal depths.
• The design concept allows one to play with its web of possibilities such as converting it from a stud version to a dangling earring. (As illustrated below)
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| Phoenix 2 or 3 claw Black and white diamonds 18K white gold. |
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| Phoenix Movement: Diamond studs and black diamonds, Pink Sapphire and black diamonds, Pave diamond ball and black diamonds all in 18K white gold |
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| White Diamond & Pink Sapphire or Grey Diamond & Emerald in 18K Black Rhodium Plated gold |
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| Convertible: ( Day to night) Blue Sapphire and diamond 18 K White gold converts to Black and white diamond dangling earrings 18K white gold |
TWO FINGER RING AVAILABLE IN BLACK OR WHITE DIAMONDS
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ACE© It Mid Year Conference by NAJA
ACE© It Conferences by NAJA
Appraisers Continuing Education
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces its 42nd Annual Winter ACE© It Education Conference to be held in Rosemont, IL on September 22-23, 2014. New this year will be the opportunity to attend the World of Gems IV Conference preceding NAJA in the same location.
The appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry presents an outstanding program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and an unparalleled networking experience.
The daily programs are:
Monday, September 22, 2014
The Evolution of Fire, Facet & Form: The Evolution of Crown of Light Tammy Cohen
Emeralds of the Atocha: The Value of History Carl A. Schütze
Afternoon Rotating Workshops:
The New Arrival in a Changing Opal Market - A Workshop! Paul B. Downing, PhD
Getting the Secret Identity out of Jewelry Metals with Compassionate Interrogation
AKA
Identifying Common and Alternative Jewelry Metals with Nondestructive Tests...Mostly
A Workshop! Arthur Skuratowicz, GG
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Charitable Contributions of Jewelry: What are the IRS Appraisal Rules? Karin Gross,
Attorney at Law
Conch Pearl: The Queen of Seduction Manuel Marcial de Gomar
50 Amazing Ways To Energize Your Appraisal Business and Maximize Your Time While
Enjoying Life Jeff Averbook, GG
The Price of Rarity—Appraising Natural Gems Cigdem Lule, GG & Stuart Robertson, GG
To retrieve a conference brochure go to http://najaappraisers.com/html/conferences.html or for further information contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, 718.896-1536, f. 718-997-9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com.
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Japan’s First Lady Previews Rio Tinto’s Rare Pinks & Reds
Japan’s First Lady Previews
Rio Tinto’s Rare Pinks & Reds
The inaugural visit of the First Lady of Japan, Mrs Akie Abe, at the invitation of the Western Australian Government was occasion enough for an early showcase of Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle pink diamonds.
In an exclusive preview for Mrs Abe, the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection, comprising around 50 of the rarest and most valuable pink diamonds in the world, were revealed. The diamonds are the finest of a year’s production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia.
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Among the fancy Pinks & Reds, Mrs Abe was the first to view the Argyle Toki™, a 1.59 carat Emerald cut Fancy Intense Purplish Pink. The name, depicting the delicate pink underwings of a rare Japanese bird, symbolizes the importance of Japan as the premier export market for rare pink diamonds.
Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “We were delighted to welcome Mrs Abe and show her at first hand these beautiful gems, the pinnacle of Australia’s mineral wealth and symbolic of our enduring relationship with Japan.”
The importance of the Japanese market to the development of Rio Tinto’s rare pink diamond business over the past 30 years was reason enough to honor the First Lady with a private showing. The pink diamond jewellery phenomenon started in Japan in the late 1980s when Japanese designers boldly embraced Argyle’s pink diamonds and incorporated them in beautiful and innovative designs. Today Rio Tinto sells around 30 per cent of its Argyle pink diamonds into Japan where there is an unerring appetite for the smallest, palest pink diamonds, through to the rarest reds.
Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine produces virtually the entire world’s supply of rare pink diamonds. The 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection will be officially launched in August and will tour the world until October. Around 150 collectors, connoisseurs and luxury jewellers are invited to place sealed bids on the diamonds. Prices for these diamonds can exceed US$1million per carat, hence their stature as “the most concentrated form of wealth on earth."
This year’s collection features a record 4 Red Diamonds and will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.About Argyle Pink Diamonds Pink diamonds, produced at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, are highly coveted as the world's most sought after gems. The Argyle Diamond Mine produces more than 90 per cent of the world's pink diamonds, which are sold in a broad range of colours and sizes to an international customer base.
The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of white diamonds. The best diamonds are reserved for the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Rio Tinto's Argyle Pink Diamonds business is located in Perth, Western Australia, alongside its cutting and polishing factory. Website: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au
About Rio Tinto Diamonds Rio Tinto is one of the world's major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India. Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through its Diamonds Sales and Marketing office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. www.riotinto.com
Follow @RioTinto on Twitter
Photos from the top - Argyle Cardinal Red - Argyle Toki - Argyle Rosette
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#ThrowbackThursday – EMOJI JEWELRY AND A SHOUT OUT TO TAYLOR SWIFT!
EMOTICON via Wikipedia - An emoticon (/ɨˈmoʊtɨkɒn/) is a metacommunicative pictorial representation of a facial expression which in the absence of body languageand prosody serves to draw a receiver's attention to the tenor or temper of a sender's nominal verbal communication, changing and improving its interpretation. It expresses—usually by means of punctuation marks—a person's feelings or mood and can include numbers and letters, as well. These emoticons are usually flipped sideways. As social media has become widespread, emoticons have played a significant role in communication through technology. These emoticons offer another range of "tone" and feeling through texting that portrays specific emotions through facial gestures while in the midst of cyber communication.
Who knew back in the day when "emoticons" became the language of the internet, and later found it's niche in text messages and social media, that Emoji Jewelry would be a real category and is even found in fine jewelry! ....hmmm emoji heirloom jewelry?
Just think you could buy this fabulous Ring Set by Wendy Brandes Jewelry and find yourself explaining to the Grand Kids just how "hip" (?) you were! OK - that just outed my age ;)Of course the minute I start talking Wendy Brandes I have to bring up the piece of jewelry that, for me, put Wendy on my radar. Years ago on Twitter (wow, who ever thought we would be saying THAT!) I saw a jeweler talking about her new necklace...Mud Flap Jill! I couldn't believe that someone gave my FAV traffic distraction, Mud Flap Girl, a name - AND immortalized her in Gold!!! ...this is on my To Buy List - just link Mud Flap Girl heirloom jewelry - that makes me smile!
Before this turns into a Wendy Brandes love fest which would be so easy to do! More recently the designer made my Top 5 Daily Go To Jewelry List for her fabulous mismatched "Heart U" earrings. I may work in Jewelry but I am a Huggies and Studs girl.
How can you see these and not smile?
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Do You Know About the Lab Grown Diamond Option? Pure Grown Diamond’s Record Breaking 3ct Diamond
Pure Grown Diamonds Sets New Record for Grown Diamond
Three Carat White Stone is World’s Largest
Today with a growing awareness of the damage to the earth caused by mining, more women are opting for something other than diamond...all the while longing for the fire and scintillation of a diamond.
If that is you we would like to introduce you to the latest generation of lab grown diamonds! Optically, Chemically and Physically identical to a Natural Diamond but grown in the lab!
Pure Grown Diamonds – the world’s largest distributor of gem-quality grown diamonds has announced a new milestone in the creation of a 3.00 ct., K color, SI1 clarity, round brilliant-cut grown diamond.
“We are ecstatic to once again celebrate technology and innovation in grown diamonds” said Lisa Bissell, new President and CEO, adding, “It is very gratifying to break our own records and reach the three carat milestone”.
Previous records set by the company include a 1.29-carat E color, VVS2 emerald-cut diamond, followed by a 1.78-carat G color, SI1 clarity princess-cut stone announced in November of 2013.
Since April of 2013, Pure Grown Diamonds (formerly Gemesis Inc.) has made steady advancements in the field of grown diamonds, in size, color, and clarity. In the nearly 60 years since the first diamonds were grown, the technology used to create diamonds has seen significant and positive growth. Pure Grown Diamonds is proud to share this newest achievement with their customers and the gemstone industry.
About Pure Grown Diamonds Inc.: Pure Grown Diamonds Inc. is a privately held company based in New York, NY. Founded as Gemesis Inc. in 2013, Pure Grown Diamonds is the principal distributor of Type llA gem-quality grown diamonds and grown diamond jewelry in colorless to fancy colors.
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The latest on #Platinum! facts and figures…from the Platinum Guild
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GIA Alumni Events Add to Field Trip Offerings Following Int’l Mineralogical Association 2014
GIA to Host Workshop, Alumni Events Following IMA 2014
Institute’s booth is 36-1, Sept. 1-5, in South Africa
Following the International Mineralogical Association’s (IMA 2014) 21st general meeting in Gauteng, South Africa, GIA will offer a gemology workshop taught by some of the world’s top researchers. On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, GIA researchers Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow; Dr. Wuyi Wang, director of research and development; Karen Smit, post-doctoral research associate; Christopher (Mike) Breeding, research scientist; and Dr. Ulrika d’Haenens-Johansson, research scientist, will present “Gem Diamonds: Treatment, Synthetics and It's Identification.” Gemological updates on diamonds, ruby and sapphire will also be discussed. Guests may register for this session through the IMA conference.
Show attendees can also visit GIA at its booth 36-1 during the show, Sept. 1-5, in the exhibition area of the Sandton Convention Centre to learn more about GIA research, laboratory services, education and instruments.
In conjunction with the conference, the GIA Alumni Association will sponsor three free networking and education events in South Africa and Botswana:
Saturday, Sept. 6, 3:00 p.m.
Sandton Convention Centre
Maude Street, Sandton
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6:00 p.m.
Southern Sun Hotel – The Cullinan
1 Cullinan Street, Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m.
Gaborone Sun Hotel, Plot 4
727 Chuma Drive
Gaborone, Botswana
These events are free and open to the public, but seating is limited; visit gia2014africa.eventbrite.com to reserve a seat. For more information, email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu.
MORE: An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.
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Congrats to GIA’s New York Campus – Earned ACCSC’s ‘School of Excellence’ Award
Press Release via GIA
GIA’s New York Campus Bestowed ‘School of Excellence’ Award
Institute receives ACCSC’s highest honor
GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) New York campus will be recognized with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School of Excellence Award for 2013-2014, the organization’s highest honor, during a special reception on Sept. 17.
“The ACCSC examines student achievement based on graduation and employment rates, and this honor is truly a testament to the passion and drive of our students and instructors,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “We’re proud that when our graduates enter the workforce, they will help advance GIA’s mission to ensure the public trust.”
The ACCSC School of Excellence Award recognizes schools for their commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSC accreditation, as well as efforts in helping their students maintain high levels of achievement. In order to be eligible for the award, a school must successfully complete the renewal of accreditation process, satisfy all requirements necessary to be in good standing with the Commission and demonstrate that a majority of the graduation and employment rates from all programs offered meet or exceed the average rates of graduation and employment among all ACCSC-accredited institutions.
“ACCSC congratulates GIA’s New York campus on their commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve our best work,” said Christopher Lambert, ACCSC’s associate executive director.
GIA is a nonprofit, private, postsecondary educational institute incorporated for the purpose of promoting education and research in gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts and related subjects. A comprehensive GIA education is regarded as the pinnacle of training and professional development in gems and jewelry. GIA’s New York campus is located at the International Gem Tower in the heart of the Diamond District, where students enjoy access to industry leaders and a world-class learning environment.
GIA will be recognized as a 2014 School of Excellence at the eighth annual ACCSC Professional Development Conference on September 17-19, 2014 at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Colo.
GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, Calif. was awarded the School of Excellence Award in 2012.
For more information about GIA, visit www.gia.edu. For press inquiries, please contact Kristin Mahan atkristin.mahan@gia.edu or 760-603-4184.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.
About ACCSC
Since 1965, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) has been committed to establishing and advancing quality education at postsecondary career schools and colleges. ACCSC scope of recognition includes the accreditation of non-degree granting institutions and degree granting institutions that offer career, technical, and vocational training programs at the postsecondary level. ACCSC is dedicated to ensuring a quality education for more than 200,000 students who annually pursue career education at over 720 accredited institutions across the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad.
ACCSC has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority for the quality education since 1967. In 2011, ACCSC’s recognition was renewed for five years, the maximum timeframe allowed under current federal regulations.
ACCSC’s scope of recognition with the U.S. Department of Education includes the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education. Visit www.accsc.org.
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#JWLV Google Glass at Trade Shows? THOUGHTS?
There was some controversy during the Las Vegas Tradeshows...you may have noticed a gentleman walking around with Google Glass.In their press release Diamond Concierge Service claims to connect Vendor and Consumer at Trade Shows....but isn't the concep...
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Brazil Field Expedition Leads #GIA Researchers to Significant #Gem Mines
Press Release via GIA
The Daily Jewel - I am all about the gems and field collecting, in fact we will be on the the road to Virgin Valley Opal and Sunstone in a couple months!
Brazil Field Expedition Leads GIA Researchers to Significant Gem Mines
Team interviews Heitor Barbosa, first discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline
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| The GIA team prepares to interview Paraíba tourmaline legend, Heitor Dimas Barbosa, in the original Batalha mine entrance. Photo by Duncan Pay; © GIA. |
From March 31 to April 17, a team of field researchers from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) journeyed to the most important gemstone mining areas in Brazil to gather information and document the current state of colored stone mines, particularly emerald and tourmaline. The researchers visited the states of Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, and had the rare opportunity to interview Heitor Dimas Barbosa, the first discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline, in the original mine tunnel in Batalha where he first encountered the now famous gem.
The GIA team of Field Gemologist Andrew Lucas, Director of West Coast Identification Shane McClure, Video Producer Pedro Padua, and Gems & Gemology Editor-in-Chief Duncan Pay spent 18 days traveling to various mines to interview, photograph and film important sources. Brian Cook, geologist and co-owner of Nature’s Geometry, and Sergio Martins, president of the Brazilian gemstone cutting and marketing firm Stone World, also participated in the expedition.
The researchers found the Belmont mine in Minas Gerais moving to new open pits while continuing to develop their underground mining and building a new state of the art rough processing and sorting facility; they are also cutting around 60% of their own production, focusing on higher quality stones. In Nova Era, production at mines like the Monte Belo mine yield high quality emeralds from pockets.
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| The Cruzeiro tourmaline mine produces massive amounts of tourmaline. These crystals transition from rubellite color to green and terminate in black. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA. |
The Cruzeiro tourmaline mine has prolific production from huge pegmatites, and all of its rubellite tourmaline goes to Shenzhen, China for cutting and then sale. “We’ve never seen a mine produce the amount and quality of material as the tourmaline we saw coming from the massive pegmatites at the Cruzeiro mine,” added Lucas.
Meanwhile, “the value of Paraíba tourmaline has risen unbelievably and the passion to find more material at the mines was contagious,” said Lucas. Mining and prospecting remains very strong in the sates of Paraíiba and Rio Grande do Norte for highly-valuable Paraíba tourmaline.
“I’ve wanted to go to Brazil for 20 years… and this trip far exceeded my expectations,” said McClure. “For me, one of the highlights was our interview with Heitor Barbosa, original discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline. He believes there’s still much more of this fabulous gem to be found deeper in the mine,” added Pay.
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| When illuminated by a strong flashlight, this Cruziero tourmaline crystal displays vibrant colors. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA. |
In keeping with its mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, GIA regularly conducts research field trips to important gem and jewelry centers around the globe, incorporating findings into research practices and education programs and relaying information to the trade and public through a series of channels. Findings from the Brazil field trip will be featured in an upcoming Gems & Gemology (G&G) article, as well as field reports and video documentaries on www.gia.edu.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.
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#CoutureJewelry – What makes Jewelry, Couture? It’s In The Details….
Disclaimer- I work with Atelier Leseine but that in no way changes my use of the brand in the following article. It is, in fact , what inspired this article...and I have access to photos ;)#Couture - What makes Couture Jewelry Couture? It's...
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Thanks Everyone! Such an Amazing Response to #WhatMakesJewelryCouture – Presenting Part Two
Thanks Everyone! I put the question to you yesterday and had such an Amazing Response to #WhatMakesJewelryCouture that I am posting ALL of the fabulous responses, and can I say You All ROCK!!! ...oh and a special Shout Out!Shout out ...
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More Pages to Explore .....
