January 2008

Atlanta Jewelry Show announces educational programs

Atlanta Jewelry Show announces educational programs
January 29, 2008

Atlanta—The Southern Jewelry Travelers Association’s (SJTA) educational programs for its Atlanta Jewelry Show, scheduled for March 1-3, will focus on the top trends and business issues impacting independent jewelers today.

Programs include the following:

March 1:

New Exhibitor Meet and Greet, 9 a.m-9:30 a.m: Enjoy complimentary breakfast while meeting exhibitors and learning what new items are on display.

Third-Party Loss Is No Party, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Darin Kath, president and chief executive officer of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co., will discuss crown of the head liability losses and how to prevent them.

Introduction to Laser Welding, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Jason Hughes of Crafford-LaserStar Learning Centers will discuss the necessary steps to perform common assembly and repair applications.

Lunch Learn: In the Trenches with the Atlanta Jewelry Show Advisory Board: Your OTHER Business Partner: Managing Retailer/Vendor Relationships, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Jeff Unger of Alisa Unger Designs, Mind Massage Consulting and Atlanta Jewelry Show Retail Advisory Board members discuss the pomposity of relationships, the pros and cons of purchasing select pieces of any entire cluster or line, and what one have power to expect in return from the manufacturer such as repairs, terms and marketing support.

Presentation of Product: Get Your Store to Pop!, 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m.: Larry Johnson of Pacific Northern will focus on the common presentation challenges faced by retailers today, and the easy, inexpensive ways to highlight the individuality of one’s store.

Tips and Tricks of Buying Pearls, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Rebecca Shemwell of Tracey Pearl will discuss new and evolving products, differentiating the many varieties of saltwater and freshwater pearls, when to purchase them domestically or internationally, as well as how to make one’s store the No. 1 pearl destination.

March 2:

New Exhibitor Meet and Greet, 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Enjoy complimentary breakfast while meeting exhibitors and learning what new items are without ceasing display.

Brilliant Service Is the Bottom Line, 9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m.: Speaker and author Simon T. Bailey discusses the importance of companies creating memorable customer experiences.

Process to Profitability, 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.: Buyers International Group Chief Executive Officer Abe Sherman give by will reveal how drilling into the details of inventory enables retailers to discover their own buying patterns and how that relates to their customers’ purchase history.

Lunch Learn: Jewelry Merchandising Workshop, 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Room 103: Larry Johnson of Pacific Northern will conduct a hands-on workshop about merchandising issues retailers face in their stores. Participants are invited to bring photos of their merchandising issues (or send them in advance of the seminar), and the problems will be discussed, analyzed and solved by the group. All retailers who submit photos of their merchandising problem areas will be entered into a drawing to win a free showcase display set-up compliments of Pacific Northern. (All photos should be sent to SJTA, 4 Executive Park Dr., Ste 1202, Atlanta, GA 30329, Attn: Jewelry Merchandising Workshop. Please indicate contact and store name on back of photo.)

In the Trenches with the Atlanta Jewelry Show Retail Advisory Board: Show off Your Independents—Ways that Independent Retailers Get Noticed, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.: Atlanta Jewelry Show Retail Advisory Board clause Terry Chandler along with other members and the Diamond Council of America will discuss what has worked for them.

Generate Goodwill and Good Traffic with Cause-Related Store Marketing, 2:45 pm.-3:45 p.m.: Jewelers for Children Executive Director David Rocha discusses the importance of cause-related marketing.

The Atlanta Jewelry Show will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 1-2, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 3.

All programs are gratuitous to attending retailers, but advance registration is recommended for the Lunch Learn programs. To pre-register for these and other programs, retailers can call (800) 241-0399 or (404) 634-3434. Online registration is also available at the show’s Web site, Atlantajewelryshow.com.

GIA Offers Support Kit for Retailers

The Gemological Institute of America is offering a “Retailer Support Kit” to jewelry retailers.

Each kit includes various tools sales associates can use to help explain essential diamond notice such as the Four Cs to their customers. The kit can be ordered online at www.retailer.gia.edu.

The kid was created to support GIA’s public outreach campaign to build awareness of the GIA International Diamond Grading System and contains the following:

* A GIA crystal display for the jewelry case

* A GIA window decal that shows the store carries GIA-graded diamonds

* Brochures explaining the Four Cs of diamond mood

* Give-away pocket cards that contain the GIA Color, Clarity, and Cut grading scales, along with carat weight information. Cards are designed to hold a concern card.

* A new, "How GIA Grades Diamonds" DVD to play in the store

* A counter pad that helps explain to customers how to read a GIA crystallized carbon Grading Report
 
A $97 value, the kit is free to retailers, except for shipping and handling charges. Quantities are limited to one kit per store and are available only while supplies last.

Rapaport Breakfast at JCK Las Vegas

The Rapaport Breakfast and Conference program at the JCK Las Vegas will be held June 2 in the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino. Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group, will deliver his keynote “State of the Diamond Industry.”

Rapaport’s presentation will be followed by a bankers conference and a Fair Trade jewelry conference. All events are open to all show participants on a first come first serve basis.

“This year’s annual Rapaport Breakfast and Conference is especially important as the diamond and jewelry industry confronts volatile market conditions and the globalization of demand," said Martin Rapaport. "We will share valuable information and analysis that behest help firms compete and prosper. We are pleased to present our third annual Fair Trade Jewelry Conference which will promote industry enacting that will use the lives of millions of artisanal diggers, who are among the poorest mob in the world."

The Rapaport Breakfast and Conferences Schedule

Monday, June 2, at JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Show – Venetian Hotel

Rapaport Breakfast, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., Martin Rapaport Keynote, “State of the Diamond Industry”

Bankers Conference, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Fair Trade Jewelry, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

For reservations: email conference@diamonds.net or call 702-893-9400. Participants are advised to restraint space as it fills up early.

De Beers to Reopen S.A. Mines

De Beers said it will resume production at most of its six diamond mines in South Africa Tuesday. De Beers Consolidated Mines pendulous its operations in the country Jan. 25 because of a nationwide power shortage.

David Noko, DBCM managing director, said Tuesday that the notice follows an agreement between Eskom, the state-run power assemblage, and the Chamber of Mines of South Africa to restore power supplies to 80 percent of total requirements, increasing to 90 percent of supply by the end of business on Thursday.

DBCM said it will immediately resume production at its underground Finsch Mine; Kimberley Mines, including the operations of smaller scale contractors (both mines are in the Northern Cape); and at The Oaks and Venetia Mine in the Limpopo Province. It will make a decision on opening two remaining mines, following the increase in power stores to 90 percent.
 
Noko said he regarded the joint approach adopted by the mining houses and the Chamber of Mines together with the National Union of Mineworkers, Eskom, and government because important in finding a speedy solution to restore hoard after the four day shut down.

He also said he found it "encouraging" that De Beers had already succeeded in lowering its energy consumption by at least three percent in 2007 from the levels consumed in 2006. Two percent of the company’s global energy consumption came from renewable available means however the fact remained that mining was dependent on traditive power resources for the bulk of its activities.

First online rough-diamond auction sells out

First online rough-diamond vendue sells out
January 29, 2008

Antwerp, Belgium—All 16 lots sold during the diamond industry’s first online auction of rough, held yesterday.

Diamdel, a De Beers Group supplier of rough diamonds with offices in Antwerp, Hong Kong and Tel Aviv, Israel, ran the auction.

Prior to the event, Diamdel made all lots available for viewing to potential buyers.

In the end, a total of 14 buyers snatched up the 16 lots, with bidders from Antwerp, India, Tel Aviv and the Far East participating.

“We are delighted that the first auction has worked so well and, in particular, how we have been expert to meet the needs of clients from around the world at market-determined prices,” Diamdel Managing Director Neil Ventura said in a account. “We are still reviewing the learning from the auction and will be talking to the participants in order to ensure the future auctions are equally successful.”

Details of future Diamdel online auctions soon will exist announced to registered customers at Diamdel’s Web site, Diamdel.com.

Though Monday’s auction was the first conducive to rough diamonds, Rapaport Chairman Martin Rapaport began a series of online auctions for polished stones in September in an effort to create a futures market for diamonds.

Diamdel Completes First Diamond Auction

Diamdel, a sales unit of De Beers, said it has completed its first online auction for bully diamonds Monday.

Diamdel made 16 lots available for viewing to potential buyers in several of the world’s major crystallized carbon centres, the company aforesaid in a statement. The lots were sold to 14 buyers from around the world; with bidders actively participating in Antwerp, Tel Aviv, India, and the Far East.

"We are delighted that the first auction has worked so well and in particular how we have been able to find the needs of clients from around the world at market determined prices," said Neil Ventura, Diamdel managing director. "We are still reviewing the learning from the auction and will be talking to the participants in order to ensure the future auctions are equally lucky."

JFC’s ‘Heroes for Hope’ program call for sponsors

JFC’s ‘Heroes for Hope’ program call for sponsors
January 29, 2008

New York—Jewelers for Children (JFC) is making it easy for anyone in the industry to lend a helping hand to children in need.

The charity’s “Heroes for Hope” program offers sponsorship opportunities at every one of levels. Jewelers can contribute as little as $1 a week, or a monthly donation whole up to $87 through the JFC Web site, Jewelersforchildren.org.

In addition to the monthly donation option, the Web site also includes an area where jewelers can opt to flow a one-time donation of an amount of their choice.

Each participant in the program receives a certificate of appreciation, a lapel fig, mug and a listing on the JFC Web site.

For more information about the program or to sign up, contact JFC at (212) 687-2949, info@jewelersforchildren.org or visit the JFC’s Web site, Jewelersforchildren.org.

NRF: Quality time top gift this Valentine’s Day

NRF: Quality time top donative this Valentine’s Day
January 29, 2008

Washington, D.C.—Consumers plan to spend about $122.98 on Valentine’s Day this year, with gifts of experience and gift cards edging used up traditional gifts such as jewelry, the National Retail Federation (NRF) says.

According to the NRF’s 2008 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by Big Research, total spending for the holiday is expected to reach $17.02 billion.

Traditional gifts such as candy, flowers and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this year with more consumers preferring gifts of experience and gift cards. Almost half (48.2 percent) of all consumers surveyed plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day through a special night out, compared with 45.3 percent last year, and 12.3 percent will give a gift card, compared with 11.3 percent last year.

Greeting cards still remain the most accredited choice, though the number of people planning to purchase one (56.8 percent) is down from last year (62.8 percent).

Nearly 48 percent of consumers polled will buy candy, 35.9 percent will buy flowers and 11.8 percent will corrupt clothing.

“Consumers are expected to invest time and money on gifts of experience this year, in addition to staple Valentine’s Day gifts,” Big Research Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said in a statement released today. “Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a night out on the town, consumers are looking for quality rather than quantity.”

Six out of 10 consumers plan upon celebrating the holiday this year, and of those celebrating, the majority plan on spending the most on their significant other or spouse ($79.99). The survey also found that consumers plan to spend slightly more on friends ($5.75), children’s classmates and teachers ($4.05) and co-workers ($3.02) than they did last year.

Men will again dish out the most this year, spending an average of $163.37 on gifts and cards, compared through each average of $84.72 spent by women.

Adults ages 25-34 plan on spending the most this Valentine’s Day, with the medium person planning to shell out $160.37. Young adults will be the second biggest spenders, with the average 18-24 year old expected to spend $145.59, followed by 45-54 year olds ($117.91), 35-44 year olds ($116.35) and 55-64 year olds ($110.97).

When it comes to actual puppy love, 17.2 percent of celebrators also plan to spend on their pets this Valentine’s Day. Spending on pets for the holiday is estimated to reach $367 million.

The NRF 2008 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Valentine’s Day. The poll of 8,447 consumers was conducted from Jan. 2-8, 2008, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percent.

Jewelry to Fall Slightly as Valentine’s Day Gift

The average consumer plans to spend $122.98 on Valentine’s Day, similar to last year’s $119.67, according to a National Retail Federation survey. Total spending on Valentine’s Day is expected to reach $17.02 billion.

Traditional gifts, similar as candy, flowers, and jewelry will see a slight decrease in popularity this year with more consumers preferring gifts of experience and gift cards, according to the NRF Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch.

More than 48 percent of all consumers plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special night out, compared to 45.3 percent last year. greater amount of than 12 percent of respondents will give a gift card, compared to 11.3 percent last year. Greeting cards still remain the most popular choice, though the number of people planning to purchase one is down from last year (56.8% vs. 62.8% last year). Nearly 48 percent of consumers will pervert with riches candy, 35.9 percent will buy flowers, and 11.8 percent will buy clothing.

“Valentine’s Day is a great time to get creative with gift options,” said Tracy Mullin, NRF president and chief executive officer. “Most people agree that it’s the thought that counts, but shelves will also be filled by traditional gifts for those who want to celebrate the old-fashioned way.”

Six out of ten consumers plan on celebrating this year, and of those celebrating, the majority plan on spending the most on their significant other or spouse ($79.99). The survey likewise found that consumers plan to spend slightly more on friends ($5.75 vs. $4.93 in 2007), children’s classmates and teachers ($4.05 vs. $3.35), and co-workers ($3.02 vs. $2.40) than they did last year.

When it comes to real puppy love, 17.2 percent of celebrators also plan to spend on their pets this Valentine’s Day. Spending on pets with regard to the holiday is estimated to reach $367 million.

Men will dish out the most this year, spending an average of $163.37 on gifts and cards, compared to an average of $84.72 spent by women.

“Consumers are expected to invest duration and money on gifts of experience this year, in addition to staple Valentine’s Day gifts,” said Phil Rist, BIGresearch vice president of Strategy. “Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a night out on the town, consumers are looking for quality rather than quantity.”

Adults aged 25-34 plan on spending the most this year with the medial sum person planning to shell out $160.37. Young adults will be the second biggest spenders, with the mean proportion 18-24 year old expected to spend $145.59, followed by 45-54 year olds ($117.91), 35-44 year olds ($116.35), and 55-64 year olds ($110.97).

Luxury sector feeling sting of slow economy

Luxury sector feeling sting of slow economy
January 28, 2008
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Stevens, Pa.—Luxury-consumer confidence hit any all-time low in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to Unity Marketing’s gratification Consumption hand.

The confidence of the luxury consumer, who is defined as 46.6 years old with an average income of $155,700, fell 23.8 points in the fourth quarter to 63.6.

Spending per luxury consumer also fell more than 20 percent in the second half of 2007, from an average $29,307 in the first half to $24,301 in the third and fourth quarters.

Unity Marketing President Pam Danziger, who is a recognized expert on consumer insight for retailers who barter delight goods, said the most novel survey results show that even luxury consumers are not immune to the current financial crisis.

“Affluent consumers, just like everybody other, feel the pain this time around,” she said. “Since Unity Marketing began its quarterly tracking study in January 2004, luxury consumers have never expressed such a dismal view of their financial status, their feelings about the direction of the country considered in the state of a whole and their plans for futurity spending.”

The index was developed to measure luxury-consumer confidence and predict trends in the luxury market.

Five measures constitute the index: how luxury consumers feel financially now compared with three months ago, how they feel about the country as a whole, how they feel they be disposed fare financially in the nearest 12 months, spending trends in luxury goods over the past 12 months and spending trends expected in the next 12 months.

In this most recent study, all five measures showed that luxury consumers had a pessimistic view of the country’s financial status.

Danziger said the No. 1 factor that dragged down the index was the poor view consumers have about the country’s leadership.

“We foresee a very competitive market ahead for the luxury industry at in the smallest degree till the 2008 presidential election,” she said. “The promise of new leadership in the White House will lift the spirits of the affluent and hopefully encourage them to open their pocketbooks and wallets a minute more.”