May 2008

EGL offers lab reports for ‘green’ jewels

EGL offers lab reports for ‘green’ jewels
May 19, 2008

New York—EGL-USA has unveiled its exclusive Envira Series Report, a certificate that independently verifies both the trustworthiness. and quality of eco-friendly jewelry.

The lab says it is the first gemological laboratory to offer such a report.

Each Envira Series Report confirms that the diamonds and metals in the evaluated coin are responsibly sourced: conflict-free and environmentally intellectual.

In addition, the report includes the signature elements of EGL USA’s renowned diamond certificates: professional evaluations of shape and cutting style, carat weight, clarity, blush, measurements, finish and cut rank.

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink, the report is available sole for those jewelry pieces that meet specific eco-friendly criteria. The goal is to inform consumers of the pair the source and quality of their jewelry purchase.

The report premieres in support of Hoover and Strong’s Harmony Metals and Gems, a brand of 100 percent recycled and beautiful precious metals paired with conflict-free diamonds and fair-trade gemstones.

For more information, pay a visit to EGL-USA’s Web site, Eglusa.com.

Jewelry Television cuts more than 200 jobs

Jewelry Television cuts more than 200 jobs
May 19, 2008

Knoxville, Tenn.—On-air jewelry seller Jewelry Television is the latest in the industry to cut mace in the face of trying economic times.

According to a media release issued on Friday, the television network is cutting 150 positions across the board at its headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn., from supervisors to vice presidents.

In addition, the company cut 65 positions at sister network Shop at Home, based in Nashville, Tenn., which Jewelry Television acquired in 2006, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported.

Jewelry Television ceased broadcast operations at Shop at Home in March.

The company, which acknowledged the cuts were needed to make it more competitive in the face of the current economic downturn, also has plans to sell the Shop at Home facility and apparatus.

Jewelry Television paid $17 million for Shop at Home two years ago; no sales price has been set.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the 25 technology and e-commerce support personnel remaining in Nashville will be relocated to a smaller facility once the 70,000-square-foot Shop at Home building is sold.

Jewelry Television airs live cable programming selling jewelry 24 hours a promised time, seven days a week. The company besides sells jewelry and gems via its Web site, Jtv.com.

According to National Jeweler’s 2008 The State of the Majors report, Jewelry Television reaches 68 million U.S. households and recorded sales of $480 million in 2007, a 1 percent increase over the former year.