March 2008

Calif. Lead in Jewelry Law to Expand March 1

Beginning March 1, a new state law expands to limit lead in adult jewelry and body piercing jewelry in California. The law, which has prohibited high lead levels in children’s jewelry since September 2007, now will include every one of other jewelry that is manufactured, shipped, offered for sale, or sold for retail sale in the state.

“By expanding the new mosaic code, we’re protecting the entire California population from toxic lead levels in jewelry,” Maureen Gorsen, director of Cal/EPA’s Department Toxic Substances Control, said in a statement issued by the influence Friday. “Body piercings may be particularly vulnerable to poisoning since the lead enters the bloodstream through the pierced areas.”

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health effects ranging from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to organ failure and even death — particularly in children.

The law, AB 1681 (Pavley), was enacted last year and applies to all jewelry retailers, distributors, suppliers, and manufacturers offering jewelry for sale in the state. The law applies to all stores, catalogs, vending machines, and online sites.

Beginning March 1, the law places limitations on the materials used in adult and body piercing jewelry. For example, until Aug. 30, 2009, base metals used in electroplated jewelry must embrace less than 100,000 parts per million (ppm) lead (10 percent). After Aug. 30, 2009, it reduces to 60,000 ppm lead (6 percent). Unplated metals used in adult jewels must contain less than 15,000 ppm lead (1.5 percent). The law also establishes requirements for non-metallic adult jewelry components.

For body-piercing jewelry, the law now limits the materials that can be used for new piercings to materials that bring about not contain lead. Components not directly placed within the new piercing or mucous membrane must comply with the other jewelry requirements specified in the law. In September 2007, the requirements for children’s jewelry became effective by limiting lead to either 200 (.02 percent) or 600 (.06 percent) ppm, depending on the type of component used in the children’s jewelry item.

DTSC said it has notified thousands of jewelry retailers, body-piercing shops, and other businesses affected by the new law. It is encouraging businesses to obtain certifications from suppliers that all jewelry and its components are in compliance with the law.

Failure to comply with the law may result in penalties up to $2,500 per light of day for each violation.

For more information on the law visit:
www.dtsc.ca.gov/LeadInJewelry.cfm.

Or, for information on California’s Green Chemistry Initiative visit:
http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/GreenChemistryInitiative/index.cfm

Cancer Survivor Wins Moissanite Contest

Nichelle Eggleston, an 18-year cancer survivor from New Castle, Del., was honored for her “Milestone Moment” and was awarded with a custom-made 5-ct. moissanite pendant, valued at $10,500.

Nichelle Eggleston (right) with her daughters Danita Eggelston (left) and Coryn Williams.

Eggleston’s milestone includes how she found the strength to overcome adversity and dedicated her life to sharing her experience with others. Her entry regarding her battle with cancer and overcoming the loss of her leg was selected from over 13,600 stories written by women in a national contest called, “Milestone Moments,” sponsored by Hearst Communications. The contest, promoted in O, The Oprah Magazine, kicked off in October as a way to honor all women for the significant events that they face in their lives. Charles & Colvard, Ltd. and JCPenney supplied Nichelle’s prize. 

During the award presentation held at Bryn Mawr Rehab at the Wayne Center in Wayne, Pa., Eggleston shared her inspirational story to a room full of family, friends, and co-workers.

She detailed how in 1989 at the age of 22, she was diagnosed with cancer and beat it, or so she thought. In 2003, 14-years after her initial diagnosis, the tumor returned and in order to save her life the doctors had to amputate her leg. After the amputation, Eggleston dedicated her life to sharing her message with others.

She now works as a rehabilitation social worker educating others so they too may realize their physical potential. She left a powerful intimation that her incapability does not define who she is today and that there is nothing she can’t do.

Barbara Mooty, Charles & Colvard vice president of Brand Development presented her through a custom-made platinum pendant set with an approximate 5-ct. total weight round, brilliant-cut, moissanite jewel, surrounded and accented with micro-set diamonds. Eggleston determination also be featured in the May issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

“I am in the same manner proud that people will have being able to read about people probably me, who have lost a limb, but have a good station of life, Eggleston said. "We are out working and enjoying life. This gleaming. moissanite pendant symbolizes my commitment to encourage other people to be the best that they can be.”

Nichelle Eggleston, New Castle, Del., “Milestone Moments,” winning entry:

My Milestone moment was when I found out that I would have to have my leg amputated due to Cancer. Eventhough this may have been a tragic experience for principally.   I chose to not get depressed and angry, but to allow this life changing event to reshape my life and attitude about life. I put 100 percent into rehabilitation. I spoke to a single one and everybody who wanted to know about how I survived cancer for 18 years now. And how it is to be young, female and have a leg amputated. I want people to see and know that losing a limb or having any kind of disability doesn’t define who that person is. I focus on my abilities and not my disability. I work fulltime as a social worker in a rehab/LTC center. As I am helping people realize their physical potential. I realize that I was once them, taking one walk at a time towards regaining independence.

Finlay to Lose Lord & Taylor Counters

Finlay Enterprises, Inc. said it has received notification from Lord & Taylor that the company’s license agreements will not be renewed upon the expiration of the agreements on Jan. 31, 2009. The company will close a total of 47 Lord & Taylor locations at the end of fiscal 2008.

This development follows the acquisition of Fortunoff out of insolvency by an affiliate of NRDC Equity Partners LLC, which owns the Lord & Taylor department store chain. Lord & Taylor has indicated its intent to operate its own jewelry departments through Fortunoff.

In fiscal 2007, the Lord & Taylor locations generated near $44 million in revenue for Finlay. Finlay said it is currently evaluating the impinging of the expected closings on its financial results for fiscal 2008 and beyond.

"Given the recent evolving department store landscape, we have focused on the diversification of our business over the last three years by entering into the luxury free-standing specialty jewelry sector," said Arthur E. Reiner, chairman and chief executive officer of Finlay Enterprises, Inc. "We will continue to converging-point on further penetrating this sector, while also maximizing the return of our existing lease business."

Finlay Enterprises, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., is a retailers of fine jewelry operating luxury stand-alone specialty jewelry supplies and licensed fine jewelry departments in department stores throughout the United States. The operates 794 locations, including 69 Bailey Banks & Biddle, 32 Carlyle, and five Congress specialty jewelry stores.