January 2008

Jewelry Tops Collectors’ Web Searches

Jewelry was the top search item in 2007, according to a Web site specializing in antiques and collectibles.

Kovels.com, a free price guide for antiques and collectibles, released its annual list of its list of the top 20 searches for 2007. The Kovels’ top 20 list is based on the results of millions of searches that took place on its Web site during the year 2007.

People use price guides for a number of reasons, the most common being that they are just trying to determine the value of a specific item that they own, Kovels said in a statement. If an item is not listed on the top 20 list, it does not necessarily mean that it is unpopular or that there is not a demand for it. It only means that in 2007 there was less interest.

The top 20 search items are as follows:

1. Jewelry
2. World War II
3. Stoves
4. Coca Cola
5. Furniture
6. Silverplate
7. Occupied Japan
8. Lighters
9. Knife
10. Paintings
11. Bottles
12. Capo Di Monte
13. Lladro
14. Planters Peanuts
15. Dolls
16. Toys
17. Royal Doulton
18. Clocks
19. Radios
20. McCoy

The Kovels’ “Top 20” list of antiques and collectibles has been published since 2002 and is offered by Kovels.com as a service for collectors.

Kovels.com, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is the creation of Ralph and Terry Kovel. They are authors of more than 95 books about collecting and antiques, including the best-selling annual price guide "Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price List."

The Knot reveals 2008 wedding trends

The Knot reveals 2008 wedding trends
January 04, 2008

New York—It’s all about brides being creative on their wedding day in 2008, says wedding resource The Knot.

“Brides want to be anything but boring this year,” said Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of The Knot magazine, in a media release. “From resourceful ways to get the perfect look to decadent reception décor inspired by Sophia Coppola’s fashion epic Marie Antoinette, surprising elements like ’80s cover bands and daring destinations, couples are going to new lengths to infuse their personalities into their big day.”

To help create a personal wedding, The Knot suggests wearing jewelry that’s been passed down in the family for sentimental value.

Or, for more contemporary luxury look, The Knot recommends renting designer jewelry at sites such as Bagborroworsteal.com, which can also help brides-to-be keep costs down.

Having the extra cash will come in handy since the The Knot forecasts that brides will make up to three wardrobe changes throughout their big day in 2008.

For the reception, The Knot says the soon-to-wed, inspired by Coppola’s fashionable blockbuster, will act bourgeoisie by boasting big gowns, brocade, gilded colors, hand-painted invitations, lush floral centerpieces, champagne-tasting bars, seven-course meals and dessert displays.

The Knot also predicts that ’80s cover bands will be a hit and that earth-conscious couples will create a “green” celebration by serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding gowns made of 100 percent silk and cotton.

Weddings are going hi-tech too. This means posting proposal videos on You Tube and making documentary-style videos of the wedding.

As for travel, the destination-wedding trend will continue to evolve as couples take their guests on African safaris or fly-fishing in Big Sky, Mont. Newlyweds are also choosing deluxe honeymoons that are twice as far and twice as long.

For more of The Knot’s 2008 wedding trends, visit Theknot.com or read The Knot Weddings Spring 2008 edition, on newsstands Jan. 28.

IDI strengthens China connection

IDI strengthens China connection
January 04, 2008

Ramat Gan, Israel—The Israeli diamond industry plans heavy participation at the Macau Jewelry and Watch Fair, the latest in the industry’s attempts to further its relationship with an emerging Chinese nation.

More than 50 Israeli companies plan to exhibit at the show, with 37 companies taking part in the Israel Diamond Pavilion, hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI).

In addition, the IDI, together with show organizer CMP, is the official host of the opening reception for this fair, a first-time event.

The fair is scheduled for Jan. 10-13 at the Cotai Strip Convention and Exhibition Center at the Venetian Macao.

Last year, the Israeli diamond industry, led by the IDI, embarked on a multi-pronged mission to strengthen the relationship between China and Israel.

The IDI opened an office in Hong Kong in July, launched a Web site in Chinese for the Chinese diamond and jewelry industry, and announced it would increase its participation in trade fairs in China.

“The Israel diamond industry has embarked on a strategic partnership with the Chinese diamond industry,” IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said in a statement. “This underscores our belief in the huge potential that the Chinese market has to offer. We believe that the massive Israeli participation in the Macau fair will lead to fruitful business ties, and we look forward to it as an exciting opportunity to further develop our strategic cooperation with China.”

New Stuller catalog features easier navigation

New Stuller catalog features easier navigation
January 04, 2008

Lafayette, La.—Stuller has released its latest catalog, Findings Book for Jewelry Makers Volume 57, featuring a new navigational format designed to make it easier for jewelers to find the exact pieces they are looking for.

New index sections and lower right-hand page numbers have been added to expedite the process of thumbing through and finding products, and new fonts have been chosen that are easier to read and follow, the company said in a media release.

In addition, the catalog features many new findings components and includes images of all metal variations in which a piece is offered.

To make ordering simpler, Stuller has reinstituted its made-to-order service for items that have fallen close to minimum sales quantities.

“We strive to help the jeweler when they need us most,” Elizabeth Brehmer, Stuller’s vice president of findings, said in the release. “So you get made-to-order pieces in gold sent to you within three to five working days, and platinum pieces in six to seven.”

Brehmer also said the company has reinstituted its “Tech Tips” section, which defines common terms and offers installation tips and solutions to common problems for the bench jeweler.

“The catalog is designed to help retail jewelers make quicker decisions and ultimately raise the retailer’s profits, Stuller Chief Executive Officer Matt Stuller said. “It continues the tradition of Stuller catalogs to give retail jewelers what they need before they know they need it.”

Retail jewelers can order a copy of the catalog by calling (800) 877-7777 or by visiting Stuller’s Web site, Stuller.com.

Shop.org announces e-commerce strategy forum

Shop.org announces e-commerce strategy forum
January 04, 2008

Orlando, Fla.—Retailers looking to expand into the online world, or expand existing online operations, can learn the latest strategies of digital retail at Shop.org’s January forum.

The forum, scheduled for Jan. 22-24 at the Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, is designed to provide e-commerce executives with information about the current challenges and opportunities of online retail.

During the two-day conference, sessions will be categorized in two ways: “Growth Strategies for Long-Term Success” and “Innovations to Increase Sales and Customer Engagement.”

Strategy topics include monetizing Web 2.0, selecting the perfect e-commerce platform and U.S. retailers expanding internationally.

Innovation topics include driving engagement through widgets and gadgets, the secrets of e-mail in the 21st century and the future of alternate payments.

For more information on the forum, visit Shop.org’s Web site, Shop.org.

Shop.org is the division of the National Retail Federation for online retailers. Founded in 1996, Shop.org’s 700 members include the 10 largest U.S. retailers and more than 60 percent of the top 100 e-tailers, as categorized by Internet Retailer magazine.

Model Sues Jeweler for Racy Ad

A model who appeared in an online video for a jewelry company has filed a $5 million lawsuit saying that the commercial has tarnished a wholesome image she’s worked hard to maintain, The Associated Press reports.

The commercial, seen on the Internet in a clip entitled "Rock Her World," shows a woman wearing blue lingerie and a diamond necklace while moaning and stroking her face and neck along with high-energy music led with a strong drum beat and electric guitar. It ends with the Web address for the jewelry company, Szul.com.

The 37-year-old woman, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, claims that she did not "consent to or authorize the use of her likeness, picture, image or name to simulate a female having an orgasm or otherwise experiencing sexual pleasure," the AP reports.

"Indeed, the music to the commercial is bump-and-grind burlesque type music, which further provides the advertisement with a decidedly pornographic look, feel and sound," states the lawsuit, which was filed Monday in Manhattan’s state Supreme Court.

The plaintiff said the idea was that an average guy would get a woman excited by putting a necklace on her.

Three-fourths of the filming of the commercial, shot Nov. 9 by Q2 Entertainment in a studio in Queens, involved a comedic story line, but the woman later was told to sit and feign excitement for a few seconds while the young man put the necklace on her, the lawsuit reportedly says.

After that scene, the court papers say, the director told her to fake excitement while lying down, without smiling, the AP reports.

The plaintiff, who is a married graduate student in elementary education, "has worked hard to project a wholesome image and has been extremely careful to avoid doing any work in the industry that would cheapen or tarnish her reputation," the lawsuit reportedly states.

The lawsuit names Szul Jewelry, Q2 Entertainment, and Q2 principal Mitchell Goldman as defendants, the AP reports.

The woman is seeking $2.5 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages.

World Jewelry Center plans 2011 opening

World Jewelry Center plans 2011 opening
January 04, 2008

The World Jewelry Center, originally scheduled for a 2010 opening, is now being planned for 2011.

By Mary Wisniewski

Las Vegas—The World Jewelry Center (WJC), the planned, fully integrated, service-oriented business hub for the jewelry industry, is now expected to open in 2011 instead of by year-end 2010, as projected on its Web site.

According to WJC Managing Director Bill Boyajian, the project hasn’t been delayed per say; in fact, it has made great progress in its development.

“The WJC is an important part of Union Park [in Las Vegas], a master-planned community, which will be composed of a number of significant projects, such as the Frank Gehry-designed Lou Ruvo Brain Institute and the Smith Center for the Performing Arts,” Boyajian told National Jeweler. “A great deal of coordination is required with all such parties involved, including the city of Las Vegas. The city has worked hard to assist us in processing many requests in record time.”

Boyajian added that the WJC has received Planning Commission approval and will soon go for Las Vegas City Council approval. Once all entitlements are acquired and construction documents are finalized this year, WJC management will be ready to break ground in the first half of 2009.

With an estimate of 28 to 30 months for construction, Boyajian anticipates a 2011 opening.

The WJC will house manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers and retailers in the diamond, gemstone, pearl, jewelry and watch industries. It will also include offices and residential condominiums as well as a jewelry retail shopping promenade and a gem and jewelry museum.

For more information on the WJC, or to schedule a personal presentation, call (310) 888-8864, e-mail info@worldjewelrycenter.com or visit the WJC’s Web site, Worldjewelrycenter.com.