February 2008

Retailers gearing up for strong Valentine’s Day sales

Retailers gearing up for strong Valentine’s Day sales
February 01, 2008

Waltham, Mass.—Despite a weak economy, 46 percent of small-business owners anticipate strong holiday sales, up from 37 percent last year, a recent survey by Constant Contact shows.

But less than 20 percent of them think bijoutry will be the holiday’s No. 1 gift.

According to the survey, which polled more than 600 small-business owners between Dec. 31 and Jan. 9, 41 percent think flowers will be the most popular demise, followed by dinner (23 percent), jewelry (18 percent) and chocolate (14 percent).

In addition, the survey showed that 68 percent of small-business owners are planning special promotions for the holiday, compared with 53 percent last year.

The survey also showed that retailers shouldn’t panic if the crowds don’t come early.

According to those polled, 46 percent expect consumers to shop the week of Valentine’s Day, and 11 percent expect consumers will wait until the final day to pick up gifts.

And although consumers are expected to wait until the last minute, small-business owners surveyed believe they will spend more this Valentine’s Day.

Thirty-nine percent expect their customers to spend $25 or less, down from 53 percent who expected customers to spend this amount in 2007.

And, just as it did at Christmas, online shopping is expected to play a huge role in this year’s Valentine’s Day sales. A total of 59 percent of retailers expect online sales to increase this year, according to the survey.

In addition to online shopping, in that place is too an be augmented in online advertising this Valentine’s Day.

Zachary’s Jewelers of Annapolis, Md., is promoting a love letter contest via You Tube in the interest of reaching young professionals.

“The politicians are gaining huge success with our youth via Facebook, MySpace.com and You Tube, so why not us?” declared Zachary’s owner Steve Samaras.

The deadline to write the utmost romantic love letter for the contest is Feb. 8, and the winner gets a $5,000 shopping spree at Zachary’s. The winner force of will be announced on Feb. 10.

The ad can be viewed at Zachary’s $5,000 Valentine Contest.

DDI appoints first executive director

DDI appoints first charged with execution director
February 01, 2008

New York—The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) International council of directors has named Dorothée Gizenga similar to its first executive director, effective March 17.

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gizenga holds degrees in chemistry and economics.

Her professional background includes working with the provincial government of Ontario and the Canadian Federal Government, as well as with community organizations in both Canada and Africa.

Since 2003, Gizenga has worked with Partnership Africa Canada, an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) focusing on skill and research in the areas of peace, human security and sustainable exhibition. There, she was responsible for supporting the implementation of projects of the same family to the Kimberley Process, the International Conference for Peace in the Great Lakes region of Africa and the hindrance of violence against women in conflict zones. She also took element in the creation and development of the Diamond Development Initiative.

Her experience includes policy development, international negotiation, evaluation, project design, management and coordination, and working with disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

“Dorothée brings a huge range of experience and skills to the Diamond Development Initiative, and we are same much looking forward to working with her as she takes up this challenging position,” DDI Board Chairman Ian Smillie uttered in a media release.

The DDI, a nonprofit charitable organization based in the United States, aims to address issues affecting African artisanal diamond diggers and their families living in poverty by hosting field projects, policy dialogue, education and public engagement. In addition, the DDI brings together NGOs, governments and the private sector to transmute diamonds from a fuel for war into an agent for development.

For more information about the organization, visit its Web site, DDIGlobal.org.

Aluma names new head of sales

Aluma names new head of sales
February 01, 2008

Betsy Mallace is Aluma USA’s new director of sales.

Santa Rosa, Calif.—Aluma USA, the Santa Rosa-based designer and manufacturer of sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry, has announced the appointment of Betsy Mallace as the company’s new director of sales.

Mallace brings to the position 15 years at Sunstone and four years at Spectragem, companies that both specialize in sterling silver jewelry.

She will join Aluma USA at its corporate headquarters in California’s Sonoma County.

WGI elects U.S. VP of strategy

WGI elects U.S. VP of strategy
February 01, 2008

Paso Robles, Calif.—The World Gemological Institute (WGI) announced yesterday the appointment of Barak Green as vice president of strategy and development for the United States.

Green says he is looking forward to this new opportunity.

“The diamond industry has always been a fast-paced environment, if it be not that as we enter the 21st century, I believe that new technologies and creative branding initiatives will spark a further evolution of the market that the World Gemological Institute is committed to promoting,” he before-mentioned in a media release.

Green in addition said the WGI plans to expand, with high hopes to meet with as divers retailers as possible in the coming months through public presentations and private meetings.

Green has previously worked at the Gemological Institute of America as a member of the team that developed its new diamond cut-grading theory. During its introduction, Green also provided presentations and educational seminars to members of the trade at industry events, in joining to aiding in the creation of educational materials in various formats.

“We are happy to have Barak Green as our main representative as antidote to the United States market,” WGI Chief Executive Officer Yinon Feldheim said in a media release. “I believe his previous experience in industry-related education and public speaking will greatly help to communicate the benefits of our services as we expand into new markets.”

The international diamond-grading facility and research center also announced its plans to offer informative presentations at trade shows and industry events throughout 2008 to communicate the benefits of the WGI’s diamond-grading reports and services.

TAG goes full circle with 360-degree museum

TAG goes abounding circle with 360-degree museum
February 01, 2008

The “TAG Heuer 360″ private museum, located within the watch brand’s Swiss headquarters, debuted on Jan. 30 at a VIP-filled event.

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland—Watch brand TAG Heuer is helping its hometown of La Chaux-de-Fonds to be changed to a true point of call for watch aficionados the world over.

The Swiss incorporated town is already home to the International Watchmaking Museum, and now, it is dwelling to the world’s first 360-degree watchmaking museum.

At a VIP-filled event held on Jan. 30 at TAG Heuer’s headquarters, the company inaugurated its “TAG Heuer 360″ private museum, a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s first-ever 360-degree conical movie screen.

The company related in a narrative that 12 computers processing more than 1 million images an hour act the screen, creating a unique and dynamic presentation of the TAG Heuer tale.

“This daring tri-dimensional museum celebrates TAG Heuer’s unrivalled sports heritage and constant quest for technical novelty and precision,” TAG Heuer President and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Christophe Babin said in the statement. “Its dramatic architecture and design combined with awesome technology reflect the unique sports and glamour DNA that has driven our brand for a century and a half.”

Also on hand to help guests delve into the lightning-flash’s sporty, glamorous heritage was Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, who served as the event host.

GIA Donates ‘American Cut’ to Libraries

The Gemological Institute of America Richard T. Liddicoat Library and Information Center is in the process of donating 1,000 copies of the recently published book, American Cut: the First 100 Years to the community libraries nationwide. 

The book is made available through the participation of the individual GIA Alumni Association chapters across the nation who will labor without circumlocution with their local libraries to have capacity for a donated copy. 

American Cut: the First 100 Years, by GIA research associate Al Gilbertson, follows the history and chronology of American diamond cutting. It describes the early stages of the European diamond cutting industry, and how American ideas and inventions influenced diamond cutting that eventually changed the craft around the world. 

“Our donation of American Cut to 1,000 libraries makes this main division easily accessible to the general public or members of the drive a trade, which aligns with our mission to help educate the public about gemology,” said Dona Dirlam, director of the GIA Library and Information Center.

GIA Alumni Chapter members interested in obtaining a copy of American Cut to donate to a local library, junction GIA manager of Alumni Relations Rose McKenna at rmckenna@gia.edu.

American Cut: The First 100 Years is published by GIA, and is currently use by calling (800) 421-8161 or visiting www.gia.edu and clicking on "Instruments and Books."

Libraries interested in getting the book should visit the GIA Web site or call (800) 421-8161 or contact your local GIA alum chapter.

Barak Green Joins World Gemological Institute

The World Gemological Institute, an international diamond grading and investigation center, appointed Barak Green as vice president, Strategy & Development for the United States. In addition, the organization announced plans to offer presentations at exchange shows and endeavors events throughout 2008 to communicate its diamond grading reports and services.

Green previously worked for the Gemological Institute of America, where he was a key member of the team that developed GIA’s commencing lozenge cut grading system. He intriduced system at presentations and educational seminars to members of the trade at industry events encompassing the world, in addition to aiding in the creation of educational materials in various formats.

“We are extremely blest to have Barak Green as our main representative for the United States market," said Yinon Feldheim, World Gemological Institute chief executive officer. “I believe his previous experience in industry-related education and public speaking will greatly help to communicate the benefits of our services as we expand into new markets.”

“The diamond industry has always been a fast-paced environment, but as we enter the 21st century I believe that new technologies and creative branding initiatives will spark a further evolution of the market that the World Gemological Institute is committed to promoting," Green added. "The World Gemological Institute is embarking on a recently made known phase of expansion, and we hope to meet with as many retailers as possible in the coming months, both through our public presentations and private meetings."

The World Gemological Institute welcomes industry trade event planners and organizations to contact MVI Marketing Ltd., who is managing their U.S. marketing program, to discuss securing Green for their event. Melina Trujillo of MVI will handle all requests for Green.

N.O.A. Debuts on ‘The Big Party Plan-Off’

Swiss watch brand N.O.A., has debuted its 16.75 Limited Edition mens’ onward the Style Network’s, “The Big Party Plan-Off,” that premiered Dec. 17. Celebrity co-host Darren Capozzi (pictured) wears the watch on the show, which airs on Monday nights.

Capozzi’s watch has a stainless knife 44 mm case, with an opposite to frosty matte dial that features silver applied dots painted with Superluminova on a stainless steel bracelet. He admits to wearing it on set every day.

Superstar coordinators compete to throw the most fabulous bash of all time on Style Network’s latest reality show, “The Big Party Plan-Off.” Capozzi has appeared in multiple episodes of top-rated television series that include: “Numb3ers” and “Prison Break,” as well at the same time that numerous commercials and voiceovers.

Wyler Genève Documents El Camino Real

Luxury Swiss watch brand Wyler Genève is exploring the world’s great routes. This year, it’s focusing in continuance the historic El Camino Real in California, the western-most road in the continental U.S.

Photographer Francesco Carrozzini shooting scenes along the coastal section of El Camino real.

Evocative photography documenting the history, significance, and modern-day feel of this important American artery has been done for the brand by fashion photographer Francesco Carrozzini (Vogue Italia, Libération, 10Magazine), who recently completed a six-day, 1,000 mile round trip attached the venerable route that incorporated historic sites, coastal scenery, and such renowned highways, such as US 1 and US 101.

His photos will be exhibited this June for Wyler Genève at JCK Las Vegas 2008.

The idea was first inspired by Wyler Genève during its sponsorship of the 2007 Peking-Paris centenary race, recreating that 1907, 10,000 mile trek.

AGTA salutes award-winning cuts, designs

AGTA salutes award-winning cuts, designs
February 01, 2008

A model wears AGTA Spectrum Award winning designs including an 18-karat white gold “Chimera” ring by Carley McGee-Boehm; platinum earrings with aquamarines, white diamonds and champagne diamonds by Julie Buckareff; and palladium “Zebra” brooch with black and white diamonds, rubies, emeralds and tsav

By Mary Wisniewski

Dallas—Each year, the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) salutes designers and lapidary artists who work wonders with colored gemstones through its annual AGTA Cutting Edge and Spectrum Award competitions.

Here is a full list of all the winners:

Spectrum Awards

Bridal Wear

1st Place, Bridal Wear: Arun Bohra, Arunashi, Los Angeles
18-karat white gold ring featuring a 13.77-carat silver moonstone accented with champagne diamonds (2.11 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Bridal Wear: Carley McGee-Boehm, Carley, Solana Beach, Calif. 18-karat white gold “Chimera” ring (right)featuring a 13.75-carat oval cuprian tourmaline cabochon accented with black spinel and diamond.

3rd Place, Bridal Wear: Julie Buckareff, JJ Buckar, Toronto
Platinum earrings featuring aquamarines (24.83 total carat weight), white diamond heart and arrow (1.95 total carat weight) and champagne diamonds (1.54 total carat burden).

Business/Day Wear

1st Place, Business/Day Wear: Gennadiy Berdnik, Andrew Sarosi, Los Angeles
18-karat yellow gold and vitreous enamel pendant featuring a 9.41-carat oval blue zircon accented with diamonds (0.50 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Business/Day Wear: Katy Briscoe, Katy Briscoe Inc., Houston, Texas
18-karat yellow gold earrings (left)featuring carved rose quartz, freshwater pearls and diamonds (0.30 total carat weight).

3rd Place, Business/Day Wear: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York
Platinum brooch featuring a 7.15-carat fire opal accented with yellow diamonds (0.10 total carat weight).

Honorable Mention, Business/Day Wear: Frederic Sage, Frederic Sage, Great Neck, N.Y.
18-karat white and green gold “Empress” ring featuring a 32.05-carat moonstone accented with diamonds (1.04 total carat weight).

Manufacturing Honors, Business/Day Wear: Yahouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs, San Francisco
18-karat rose gold ring featuring a 12-millimeter Tahitian cultured pearl accented with diamonds (0.51 total carat weight).

Classical

1st Place, Classical: Richard Krementz Gemstones, Newark, N.J.
Platinum ring featuring an antique-faceted yellow sapphire accented with diamonds (15.66 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Classical: Robert Wander, Robert Wander for Winc Creations, Honolulu, Hawaii
18-karat yellow gold brooch featuring a lizard of multicolored sapphires (4.86 total carat weight), garnets (6.01 total carat weight) and chocolate diamonds (0.11 total carat weight) atop a red coral branch.

3rd Place, Classical: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York
Platinum ring featuring a 9.05-carat natural Padparadscha sapphire accented with diamonds (1.41 total carat weight).

Honorable Mention, Classical: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc., Beverly Hills, Calif.
Palladium “Zebra” brooch featuring black diamonds (7.86 total carat system of weighing), white diamonds (3.95 complete carat weight), rubies (1.05 total carat weight), emeralds (0.38 total carat weight) and tsavorite garnets (0.30 total carat weight).

Evening Wear

1st Place, Evening Wear: Ricardo Basta, E. Eichberg Inc., Beverly Hills, Calif.
18-karat yellow gold and platinum necklace featuring multicolored diamonds (39.98 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Evening Wear: Andrew Costen, Costen Catbalue Goldsmiths, Vancouver, British Colombia
19-karat white gold earrings featuring free-form fire opals (20.25 total carat weight) accented with two tsavorite garnets (1.19 total carat weight) and diamonds (0.78 total carat weight).

3rd Place and Fashion Forward, Evening Wear: James Currens, J.W. Currens Inc., New York
“The Big Bang” platinum amulet featuring a 424-carat crystal accented with moonstones (24.81 total carat weight), opals (9.41 total carat weight) and pink, white and yellow diamonds (21.46 total carat weight).

Honorable Mention and Best Use of Color, Evening Wear: Jennifer Rabe Morin, Jennifer Rabe Morin, Santa Barbara, Calif.
18-karat white and yellow gold ring featuring a 19.53-carat mauve agate cabochon accented with amethysts (1.84 total carat weight) and diamonds (0.85 total carat weight).

Men’s Wear

1st Place, Men’s Wear: Cynthia Nockold, J. Yontef Diamonds and Jewelry, Nashville, Tenn.
Platinum ring featuring blue sapphires accented with diamonds (2.73 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Men’s Wear: Shant Dakessian, Simone and Son, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Platinum and 18-karat yellow gold cuff links featuring green tourmalines (4.92 total carat weight) accented through natural yellow diamonds (0.62 total carat weight).

3rd Place, Men’s Wear: Andrew Costen, Costen Catbalue Goldsmiths, Vancouver, British Columbia
19-karat white gold, 18-karat yellow gold and steel necklace featuring a 22.02-carat sapphire crystal pendant.

Honorable Mention, Men’s Wear: Robert Wander, Robert Wander for Winc Creations, Honolulu, Hawaii
18-karat yellow gold cuff links featuring aquamarines (87.20 total carat weight) and chocolate diamonds (1.58 total carat weight).

Cutting Edge Awards

Classic Gemstones

1st Place, Classic Gemstone: John Blair, Blair Brothers Goldsmiths, Williamsport, Pa.
10.34-carat step-cut natural pink sapphire.

2nd Place, Classic Gemstones: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York
12.38-carat natural cushion-cut sapphire.

3rd Place, Classic Gemstones: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman and Co., San Francisco
4.03-carat cushion-cut ruby.

Honorable Mention, Classic Gemstones: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman and Co., San Francisco
32.05-carat natural cushion-cut yellow sapphire.

All Other, Faceted

1st Place, All Other Faceted: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd., Decatur, Ga.
40.46-carat fancy trilliant morganite.

2nd Place, All Other Faceted: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman and Co., San Francisco
17.83-carat oval green cuprian tourmaline.

3rd Place, All Other Faceted: Justina DeVries, Beija Flor Gems, Haiku, Hawaii
6.62-carat cushion-cut rhodochrosite.

Honorable Mention, All Other Faceted: John D. Dyer, John D. Dyer/P.G. Co., Edina, Minn.
6.97-carat radiant-cut tourmaline.

Honorable Mention, All Other Faceted: Allen Pung, Parade Designs Inc., Los Angeles
46.98-carat peridot.

Phenomenal

1st Place, Phenomenal: Allen Kleiman, A. Kleiman and Co., San Francisco
21.71-carat cat’s eye chrysoberyl.

2nd Place, Phenomenal: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York
54.93-carat oval star sapphire (right).

3rd Place, Phenomenal: Jeffrey Bilgore, Jeffrey Bilgore LLC, New York
15.54-carat natural oval star ruby.

Pairs and Suites

1st Place, Pairs and Suites: John D. Dyer, John D. Dyer/P.G. Co., Edina, Minn.
Pair of ametrines (28.91 total carat weight).

2nd Place, Pairs and Suites: Hemant Phophaliya, AG Color Inc., New York
Pair of tanzanite faceted drops (44.35 total carat weight).

3rd Place, Pairs and Suites: Douglas Mays, Wild and Petsch, Camas, Wash.
Pair of baguette peridots (24.32 total carat weight).

Faceting

1st Place, Faceting: Ben Kho, Kho International Ltd., Decatur, Ga.
22.75-carat fantasy cushion-cut sphalerite.

2nd Place, Faceting: Stephen Kotlowski, Zultanite Gems LLC, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
11.27-carat emerald square-cut Zultanite diaspore.

3rd Place, Faceting: John D. Dyer, John D. Dyer/P.G. Co., Edina, Minn.
30.28-carat citrine.

Honorable Mention, Faceting: John A. Rhoads, D and J Rare Gems Ltd., Salida, Colo.
39.67-carat brilliant-cut beryl.

Carving

1st Place, Carving: Dalan Hargrave, Dust Devil Mining, Spring Branch, Texas
217-carat “Sweet Nectar” sunstone carving.

2nd Place, Carving: Chu-Alice Chan, AJ Art Land Inc., Chicago
29.80-carat “Indigo Blossom” aquamarine carving.

3rd Place, Carving: Chu-Alice Chan, AJ Art Land Inc., Chicago
80.0-carat carved aquamarine cabochon.

Combination

1st Place, Combination: John D. Dyer, John D. Dyer/P.G. Co., Edina Minn.
37.74-carat “Pink Jubilation” morganite.

2nd Place, Combination: Larry Woods, Jewels from the Woods, Blanco, Texas
57.12-carat four directions radiant-cut aquamarine.

3rd Place, Combination: Dalan Hargrave, Gem Starz, Spring Branch, Texas
85.25-carat “graphix-cut” ametrine.

Honorable Mention, Combination: John D. Dyer, John D. Dyer/P.G. Co., Edina, Minn.
53.08-carat “Golden Reflections” golden beryl.

Objects of Art

1st Place and Best of Show, Objects of Art: James Currens, J.W. Currens, Inc., New York
“The American Queen” honeycomb box featuring orange and blue sapphires (3.91 total carat weight), citrines (3.02 total carat weight), rubies (0.15 total carat weight), tsavorite garnets (0.24 total carat weight) and yellow and hoary diamonds (1.98 total carat weight).