May 2008

Charriol celebrates 25 years

Charriol celebrates 25 years
May 01, 2008

New York—Designer fine-jewelry and watch brand Charriol is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with the production of three new limited-edition timepieces and a collection of couture jewelry.

The watches, named “C25″ and part of the “MD52″ collection, will bear the brand’s 25th anniversary logo on the dial. The watches are all self-winding and appearance an oscillating weight that is customized by a plum-colored engraving visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.

As exclusive designer of Charriol’s 18-karat gold jewelry, A’lor International Ltd. has crafted the 25th anniversary couture jewelry, which determination incorporate the lightning-flash’s signature “C” logo and will be available in select Charriol boutiques.

The brand exhibited the new products from April 5-10 in its hometown of Geneva, at the Hotel Le Richmond.

Philippe Charriol founded Charriol in 1983 with the introduction of the signature Celtic watch. Since then, the brand has grown to be an internationally recognized, upscale victualler of watches, jewelry and luxury goods. Today, Charriol boasts 3,000 retailers, 600 Charriol corners and 87 worldwide boutiques.

“Over the past 25 years, we have experienced tremendous growth with Charriol in the watch and jewelry industry and are proud to represent a brand that has become synonymous with quality, luxury and sophistication,” said Charriol distributors Sandy and Jack Zemer, A’lor International chief executive officer and president, in a media release.

Report: Silver prices surge in ‘07

Report: silvery prices surge in ‘07
April 30, 2008

New York—CPM Group announces the release of its annual Silver Yearbook, a report on 2007 silver-market trends and projections for the coming year in the silver habitual devotion to labor.

Like its participant metal gold, silver prices surged in 2007, reaching highs not witnessed in the industry since 1981.

According to the report, silver reached a high of $20.785 an ounce on March 5, fueled by demand from investors looking to buy metals as a hedge against political and economic uncertainties.

On a net basis, it is estimated that investors bought 60.8 million ounces of silver last year, slightly lower than the estimated 65.5 million ounces purchased in 2006.

This year, CPM estimated that investors will buy 74.9 million ounces of silver.

According to the report, silver supply reached 784.4 million ounces in 2007, an increase of 0.2 percent from 2006.

In addition, fabrication demand increased 0.9 percent to 724 million ounces. The increase included demand against silver use in jewelry, as well to the degree that in silverware, electronics and batteries.

CPM Group’s Silver Yearbook is a 185-page, hardbound tome composed of seven chapters: Review and Outlook, Supply, Fabrication Demand, Investment Demand, Inventories, Markets and Prices. It has been published while suffering various titles since the early 1970s, and is considered an accurate and reliable estimate of silver market supply and demand.

It is priced at $75 and can be ordered and downloaded online at Cpmgroup.com.

Whitehall names Don new CEO

Whitehall names Don new CEO
May 01, 2008

Chicago—Whitehall Jewelers Holdings Inc. announced today that Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Edward Dayoob will retire from his post as CEO, while remaining actively involved as chairman and as a consultant to the company on merchandising and operations strategy.

President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Don will assume the role of Whitehall CEO as well, effective April 30.

No other changes in the company’s management team are planned.

Don joined Whitehall in November 2006 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, and was appointed president and CEO in August 2007.

In his prior employments, Don has served as CEO, COO and CFO. He served as CEO of Fred Meyer Jewelers from 1995 to 2000, after holding various positions within its parent company, Fred Meyer Inc. He was also the senior vice president and CFO of Columbia Distributing Co., a $500 million multi-state beverage-distribution company.

“Mike has exhibited strong leadership and is well suited to take over as the CEO of Whitehall,” Dayoob said in a media release. “Mike and I have worked together for more than 15 years, and his depth industry experience and his exposure to all aspects of Whitehall’s operations in his roles as chief financial officer and then as chief operating officer, gives him a unique perspective and will ensure a smooth transition.”

Whitehall Jewelers is a national specialty retailer of fine jewelry offering a selection of merchandise in the following categories: diamonds, gold, of great value and semi-precious jewels, and watches. As of April 30, 2008, it operated 375 stores in regional and super-regional malls and power centers in 39 states.

Diamond industry gears up for China congress

Diamond industry gears up for China congress
April 30, 2008

Antwerp, Belgium—The approval of three new diamond bourses will be among the topics at hand next month when diamond industry leaders convene in China for the 2008 World Diamond Congress.

The congress is slated for May 12-14 at the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Shanghai, China, and will mark the first-ever World Diamond Congress held in China.

The biennial congress brings together the general assemblies of the diamond industry’s two leading organizations, the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA).

Among the groups attending are delegations from the three bourses applying for WFDB membership: the Diamond Dealers Club of Australia, the Istanbul Gold and Diamond Exchange and the Panama Diamond Exchange.

WFDB President Ernest Blom said in a statement that this interest in WFDB membership is remarkable.

“In my memory, I cannot remember a congress at what place three new bourses formally applied to join the federation. And what is particularly exciting is that each of these bourses is located in markets that previously had not been represented. This bodes very well for our industry and the diamond market,” he said.

In addition, Sergey Vybornov, president of Russian mining company Alrosa, will give the opening address at the congress, further underscoring his company’s growing role in the diamond industry.

The Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the CCJP Diamond Manufacturers Association are hosting the congress, that is in its 33rd year.

Seal to perform at Couture

Seal to perform at Couture
April 30, 2008

New York—Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Seal will perform at an exclusive engagement for the Couture Opening Night Reception, organizers of the high-end trade show have announced.

The by-invitation-only event, to take place on May 27 at the Wynn Las Vegas, will be limited to exhibitors, Cornerstone Retailers and sponsors.

Seal has won multiple Grammys and is known for his large international hits, including “Crazy” and “Kiss from a Rose,” among others. In addition, those who follow the fashion world or peruse the pages of magazines such as Us Weekly or In Touch will know the crooner as husband to supermodel Heidi Klum.

“We are thrilled to have a megastar of Seal’s caliber undisguised up our show,” Couture Vice President Lee Arevian said in a media release. “Our exhibitors, Cornerstone Retailers and sponsors deserve the very best, and we wanted to do this event just for them.”

The Opening Night Reception is being sponsored by Mouawad and Palladium Alliance International, and will exist the first in a week of Couture festivities. The Couture seem will run from May 28-June 2 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Registration for Couture is open to all certified jewelry retailers. For more information, visit the show’s Web location, Couture08.com.

Kay Jewelers debuts Jane Seymour collection

Kay Jewelers debuts Jane Seymour collection
April 28, 2008

Jane Seymour, designer of the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour collection, available at Kay Jewelers.

Akron, Ohio—Kay Jewelers is introducing Open Hearts by Jane Seymour, a fashion jewelry collection designed by the actress.

Inspired by Seymour’s “Healing Hearts” paintings, the trademarked Open Hearts by Jane Seymour collection honors the unique experiences shared by special connections throughout various stages of the breath of life.

It features diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings ranging from when exposed to $40 to $1,500, each celebrating Seymour’s iconic open-heart design.

The collection of more than 40 pieces is available in yellow, white and two-tone 14-karat gold and real silver.

The Iconic Diamond Necklace from the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour collection.

“To me, the universal symbol of giving and receiving love is an open heart, and the Open Hearts by Jane Seymour collection celebrates every kind of love in your life and serves as a perfect reminder that true sweetheart has no boundaries,” Seymour said in a media clearance. “I wanted to create this collection of iconic jewelry that would be available at popular price points, so everyone could have the advantage. And by partnering through Kay, my collection is accessible to everyone, nationwide.”

Sold exclusively at Kay Jewelers, Seymour’s new line will debut in select supplies and at Kay Jewelers Web site, Kay.com.

Relief fund set up for Tanzanian miners

Relief government bonds set up for Tanzanian miners
April 30, 2008

New York—The Tanzanite Foundation and the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) have set up a flood-relief fund to raise money for those affected by the recent mining disaster in Tanzania that killed at least 49.

Torrential rains last month resulted in many small tanzanite mines being flooded, with 49 casualties now reported. The accident occurred adhering March 28 in eight pits, some as deep as 400 meters, according to press reports.

TanzaniteOne, which owns the mines in the district, has been responsible for spearheading the recovery and rescue operations. Both TanzaniteOne and members of the Tanzanite Foundation have kicked off the contributions to the fund, which behest be distributed in various ways, focusing on immediate relief and support for the families that have been affected.

Strategies and infrastructure encompassing safety measures will besides be implemented to essay to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again, the Tanzanite Foundation says.

All donations will be acknowledged with an invoice, and 100 percent of all donations will go to relief for those affected, according to the Tanzanite Foundation.

Checks can be made to the AGTA Tanzanite Fund and sent to:

The Tanzanite Foundation
42 W. 48th St., Ste. 1702
New York, NY 10036

or sent to:

Bank Of America
Attention: Troy Zupancic
15303 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 290
Addison, TX 75001
(888) 852-5000

For further information, contact Hayley Henning at the Tanzanite Foundation at (212) 575-3020 or via e-mail at hayley@tanzanitefoundation.org.

WDC meeting to be held in Antwerp

WDC meeting to be held in Antwerp
April 30, 2008

Antwerp, Belgium—The World Diamond Council’s (WDC) sixth annual meeting will be held in Antwerp from June 30-July 1, the organization has announced.

The theme of the meeting, to be hosted by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), is “Celebrating Five Years into the Kimberley Process.”

The WDC is the international body in charge of coordinating the carbon crystal and jewelry industry’s campaign over against conflict diamonds. The organization was created in Antwerp in 2000 at the World Diamond Congress of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association.

The AWDC is the official representative of the Belgian diamond sector in charge of managing the relationship between the diamond sector and government, and promoting the interests of the Belgian diamond industry worldwide.

Do consumers trust you?

Do consumers trust you?
April 29, 2008

New York—A new Web site launched by the Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) intends to help shore-up consumer confidence in sell in small quantities jewelers.

The microsite, available at DPS.org/promotingyourreputation, is part of the overall DPS Web site, and includes information on responsible sourcing, training, leveraging celebrity to grow business and how to publicize ethical policies.

The site also provides downloadable reference materials that help educate jewelry store staff on consumer confidence issues to help build reputation, trust and patron loyalty.

While most diamond jewelers make no doubt of they obtain their customers’ trust, a new DPS survey shows otherwise.

According to DPS research, only 5 percent of U.S. consumers trust diamond jewelry retailers “a lot,” while 52 percent trust jewelers “somewhat” and 43 percent “mistrust” retail jewelers.

Of those 43 percent, 11 percent mistrust jewelers “a lot,” according to the DPS.

DTC releases names of sightholders

DTC releases names of sightholders
April 29, 2008

London—The Diamond Trading Co. (DTC) has now released the names of all 79 companies that are sightholders for the 2008-2011 contract period.

A speculative list had been circulating for months via various media outlets, and the DTC itself released the names of the companies that are sightholders with DTC Botswana and DTC Namibia in November and October, respectively.

The list released this morning, however, represents the first official naming of the next round of sightholders in its entirety.

There are a total of 14 fewer sightholders for this next contract period, as the DTC’s share of diamonds has been reduced drastically in recent years.

According to the list, two New York companies—Dynamic Diamond Corp. and Hasenfeld-Stein Inc.—are no longer sightholders.

But seven U.S. companies retained sights with the DTC in one of its locations. They are: Almod Diamonds Ltd., Julius Klein Diamonds LLC, Lazare Kaplan International Inc., Louis Glick Diamond Corp., Michael Werdiger Inc., Premier Gem Group and Stuller Inc.

Here is a complete listing of all sightholders, classified by dint of. sight, according to the DTC. This list totals more than 79 because some companies have more than one sight.

In addition, the industrial sightholders are not included in the count of 79 sightholder groups, according to the DTC.

DTC United Kingdom sightholders

1. A. Dalumi Diamonds Ltd.
2. Amc Nv
3. Arjav Diamonds Nv
4. Asian Star Co. Ltd.
5. Bhavani Gems
6. Blue Star
7. C. Mahendra Exports Ltd.
8. Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Co. Ltd.
9. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd.
10. Dali Diamond Co. Nv
11. Dd Manufacturing Nv
12. De Toledo Diamonds Ltd.
13. Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.
14. Diacor International Ltd.
15. Diamanthandel A. Spira Bvba
16. Diarough Nv
17. Digico Holdings Ltd.
18. Dilipkumar V. Lakhi
19. Dimexon International Holding B.V.
20. E.F.D. Ltd.
21. Eurostar Diamonds International Sa
22. Exelco Nv
23. Festdiam Cutting Works (Pty) Ltd.
24. Fruchter Gad Diamonds Ltd.
25. Gold Star Diamond Pvt. Ltd
26. Igc Group
27. J.B. Diamonds Ltd.
28. Jewelex India Pvt. Ltd.
29. Julius Klein Diamonds LLC
30. K Girdharlal International Pvt. Ltd.
31. K.P. Sanghvi and Sons
32. Karp Impex Ltd.
33. Kgk Enterprises
34. Kiran Gems Pvt. Ltd.
35. Kristall Production Corp. Oao
36. Laxmi Diamond Pvt. Ltd.
37. Lazare Kaplan International Inc.
38. Leo Schachter International Ltd.
39. Louis Glick Diamond Corp.
40. M. Suresh Co. Pvt. Ltd.
41. Mahendra Brothers Exports Private Ltd.
42. Michael Werdiger Inc.
43. Minestone
44. Mohit Diamonds Pvt. Ltd.
45. Motiganz
46. Navin Gems
47. Overseas Diamonds Nv
48. Pluczenik Diamond Co. Nv
49. Premier Gem (Group)
50. Rand Precision Cut Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
51. Ratilal Becharlal and Sons
52. Rosy Blue (India) Pvt. Ltd.
53. Rosy Blue Nv
54. Safdico Ltd.
55. Sahar Atid Diamonds Ltd.
56. Salant Group Ltd.
57. Sanghavi Exports International Pvt. Ltd.
58. Shairu Gems
59. Sheetal Manufacturing Co.
60. Shrenuj and Co. Ltd.
61. Star Diamond Group (Sdg) Bv
62. Stuller Inc.
63. Suashish Diamonds Ltd.
64. Taché Co. Nv
65. Tara Jewels Exports Pvt. Ltd.
66. Tasaki Shinju Co. Ltd.
67. Trau Bros Nv
68. Venus Jewel
69. Vijaydimon Bvba
70. Yahalomei Espeka International Ltd.
71. Yerushalmi Brothers Diamond Ltd.
72. Yossi Glick Diamonds (2003) Ltd.

DTC South Africa sightholders

1. Amc Daneel Diamond Ventures (Pty) Ltd.
2. Ascot Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
3. Festdiam Cutting Works (Pty) Ltd.
4. Geffens Dcw (Pty) Ltd.
5. Glick Diamonds Sa (Pty) Ltd.
6. Julius Klein Diamonds (South Africa)(Pty) Ltd.
7. Life Diamond Cutting Works Pty Ltd.
8. Lustre Diamonds Cutting Works (Pty) Ltd.
9. Mahendra Brothers South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
10. Nozala Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
11. Rand Precision Cut Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
12. Rosy Blue Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd.
13. Safdico Ltd.
14. Salant Masingita Diamond Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd.
15. Schachter and Namdar (Pty.) Ltd.
16. Vancut Diamond Works (Pty) Ltd.
17. Zlotowski’s Diamond Cutting Works (Pty) Ltd.

DTC Botswana sightholders

1. Dalumi Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
2. Dda of Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
3. Dia Holdings (Pty) Ltd.
4. Eurostar Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
5. Hearts and Arrows Cutting Works Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
6. Lazare Kaplan Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
7. Leo Schachter Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
8. Motiganz Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
9. Pluczenik Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
10. Rand Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
11. Safdico Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
12. Steinmetz Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
13. Suashish Diamonds Botswana (Pty) Ltd.
14. Teemane Manufacturing Co (Pty) Ltd.
15. Yerushalmi Bros. Botswana (Proprietary) Ltd.
16. Zebra Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.

DTC Namibia sightholders

1. Almod Diamonds Namibia T/A Duiker Investment 142 (Pty) Ltd.
2. Amc/Gemxel Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
3. Arslanian Cutting Works Nwt Ltd.
4. DTC Canada sightholders
5. Finesse Diamonds Corp.
6. Hardstone Processing (Pty) Ltd.
7. JKD Namibia (Pty) Ltd.
8. Laurelton-Reign Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
9. Laurelton Diamonds Inc.
10. LLD Namibia (Pty) Ltd.
11. Namcot Diamonds (Pty) Ltd.
12. Namgem Trading
13. Nu Diamond Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd.
14. Sundiamond Bvba
15. Trau Bros Diamonds Namibia (Pty) Ltd.

DTC Canada sightholders

1. Arslanian Cutting Works Nwt Ltd.
2. Laurelton Diamonds Inc.
3. Sundiamond Bvba

DTC Industrial sightholders

1. Henri Polak Diamond Corp.
2. L.M. Van Moppes and Sons Ltd.
3. Lieber And Solow Ltd.
4. Michael Werdiger Inc.

Editor’s note: For earlier developments in this story, see DTC postpones sightholder announcement.