Tuesday, April 27, 2010

18k gold World Cup

http://www.gold.org/news/2010/04/27/story/14616/seeing_18_c_gold_world_cup_a_dream_come_true/

Rare gold nuggets to be auctioned in New York

http://www.gold.org/news/2010/04/27/story/14612/rare_gold_nuggets_to_be_auctioned_in_new_york/

Look for the BFLY Contest in the June issue of CJ

http://canadianjeweller.blogspot.com/2010/04/look-for-bfly-contest-in-june-issue-of.html

Jessie Turner Launches Eclipse Jewellery Collection

Jessie Turner, a Canadian jewellery designer known for her natural and contemporary jewellery forms, has launched a new collection called Eclipse. The new collection, a celebration of simplicity, includes concave sterling silver discs with 23k gold leaf chokers, earrings, rings and bracelets. Turner has also released a collection called Heart With Wings.

Hermès Launches First Fine Jewellery Collection


Hermès, the luxury brand known for itselegant leather goods and apparel, has launched its first fine jewellery collection with accessories designer Paul Hardy. The 14-piece equestrian-themed collection is called Haute Bijouterie and includes a 36.16-carat whip-shaped Fouet diamond necklace with 3,669 diamonds, and the horse-hoof-inspired rose gold and black jade Centaure necklace, bracelet, earrings and rings. Prices range from US$23,675 to US$880,000. Each piece is packaged in a custom black alligator leather box with a real zebra skin mat. Photo courtesy of The Fashion Spot.

NES Announces Debut of Earth-Friendly Jewellery

New York-based NES Green, the environmental division of the sterling silver jewellery company NES Group, debuted its Silver Earth jewellery collection. The collection went on sale on April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and includes earrings and pendants made from 100% recycled silver and packaging materials. The collection, which is available in 775 Sears stores throughout the U.S. and on Sears.com, includes basic and classic designs with some pieces featuring recycled symbols.

TAG Heuer Introduces New Chronograph Watch

TAG Heuer has announced the introduction of the Carrera Calibre 1887 Chronograph, the first TAG Heuer watch to be powered by the luxury watchmaker’s new Calibre 1887 chronograph movement. The mechanism is comprised of 320 components, which are viewable through the Carrera’s scratch-resistant sapphire caseback, and includes the groundbreaking TAG Heuer oscillating pinion. The dial of the timepiece, which is available in black or silver, hosts three counters – chronograph hour, permanent running second and a chronograph minute – stainless steel bracelet or black alligator strap.

WJA Honours Shining Star Award recipients


Each year, the Women’s Jewelry Association honors one member from each WJA chapter with a Shining Star Award to recognize the recipient’s service, passion, and commitment to their WJA local chapter. The 2010 Shining Star Award winners are:


Kathy Bernu, Christian Family Jewelers/ Kathy Bernu Design, Woodbury, Minn. (Twin Cities Chapter)

Liz Emrich, Liz Emrich Designs, Oakton, Va. (DC Chapter)

Merrill Essex, G.G., Essex Antiques & Collectibles, Evanston, Ill. (Midwest Chapter)

Katherine Gramas, G.G., MJ Christensen Diamonds, Henderson, Nev. (Rocky Mountain Affiliate)

Karen Janowski, Tiffany & Co., New York, N.Y. (Metro Chapter)

Sandra Jerde, R.J., Ben Bridge Jeweler, Seattle, Wash. (Pacific Northwest Chapter)

Sissy Jones, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Pine Bluff, Ark. (Southwest Chapter)

Kathy Loewenstern, kathy lo rocks, San Francisco, Calif. (Northern California Chapter)

Kalli Nicholas-Haeflein, WinterberryCards.com, Perkasie, Pa. (Mid-Atlantic Chapter)

Kerilyn Rodi, Providence Chain, Providence, R.I. (New England)

Judi Shechter, G.G., C.G., A.J.P., Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, Calif.
Veronica Clark-Hudson, G.G., Gemological Institute of America, Culver City, Calif. (both from the Los Angeles Chapter)

Kimberly Vagner, G.G., Gemological Institute of America, Carlsbad, Calif. (San Diego Chapter)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Marlborough Diamond Thieves Among Bank Plot Suspects

http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/English/news.aspx?boneId=2525&objid=6952&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=en_64

Gold Faberge-designed products to be launched in UK

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/04/20/story/14554/gold_faberge_designed_products_to_be_launched_in_uk/

Gold items to go on show at pre-Islamic Pakistan exhibition

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/04/20/story/14558/gold_items_to_go_on_show_at_pre_islamic_pakistan_exhibition/

Registration opens for first ever high-level WJCEF Executive CSR Course

Registration has opened for what promises to be the most comprehensive programme in Corporate Social Responsibility ever offered in the jewellery industry.

The course will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, from June 19 to June 22, and is being hosted by HRD Antwerp. CIBJO has set up a scholarship fund that will cover a large portion of the tuition fee for each participant.

The Executive CSR Course is designed to elevate the role played by companies involved in the international jewellery and gemstone sector so that, through their own business practices, they become actively involved in the fulfilment of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals, which form a blueprint agreed to by the international community to tackle the world's most pressing development challenges.

Participants will study the principal models and strategies for Corporate Social Investment, their application in an industry dominated by smaller and medium-sized enterprises, the impact of CSR on supply chains and a variety of practical case studies. The third day of the course will comprise a special overview of Corporate Social Responsibility presented by experts from the CSR Certificate programme at the University of St. Michaels's College in the University of Toronto. U. of T. graduates have described this programme as "transformational."

Among the instructors presenting the course in Antwerp will be Dr. François Loriot, president of AIFOMD (International association of MDG/CSR trainers) and formerly the United Nations Chief Legal Advisor; Dr. Mimi Marroco, professor and Director CSR Certificate program at University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto; Dr. Michael Hopkins, a professor at Middlesex University Business School in London and the University of Geneva in Switzerland; and Ron Knowles, a professor at the University of Toronto's CSR training program and the principal at Western Management Consultant in Canada.

Members of the industry who are interested in participating in WJCEF's first Executive CSR Course in Antwerp, June 19-22, 2010, should contact the CIBJO Secretariat at cibjo@cibjo.org.

BIRKS Unveils the First 100 Ontario Certified Diamonds

On Monday, April 26, 2010 BIRKS will unveil the first 100 diamonds certified by the Government of Ontario Canada. Hailing from the De Beers Canada Victor Mine, Ontario’s first diamond mine, these spectacular diamonds have been cut and polished at Crossworks Manufacturing Ltd. in Sudbury, Ontario. In celebration of the first 100 diamonds “Made in Ontario”, BIRKS will hold an exclusive evening event. This event will mark the first time that diamonds will complete the journey from the mine to the consumer within the Province of Ontario. That same morning BIRKS will offer a select group of media an opportunity for a one-on-one interview with the stakeholders that have made this endeavour a reality. The 100 precious diamonds will be showcased at the BIRKS Toronto flagship store until May 1, 2010. During this time, BIRKS will be offering its clients an opportunity to have an experience that allows them to design a piece of diamond jewellery that is completely made to order from its transformation from a rough to polished diamond to its final form. This active involvement in the polishing of the diamond offers a unique experience that has never been offered before – the bespoke diamond event.

Chopard and HRD Antwerp Join the RJC

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) recently announced that two international organizations headquartered in the European market have joined the Council’s membership. Chopard, one of the world's leading watch and jewellery brands and HRD Antwerp, a well recognized diamond laboratory, join more than 200 companies and trade associations as RJC members.

Under the RJC System, all Commercial Members of the RJC are required to be audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC’s Code of Practices to become certified. The RJC Certification System is unmatched in any other industry for the quality and breadth of its scope and standards and the integrity and transparency of its developmental process. “l am delighted that Chopard and HRD Antwerp have become members of the Responsible Jewellery Council,” says Michael Rae, the RJC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Chopard’s membership of the RJC will reinforce the Council’s mission of responsible business practices amongst large and small industry players,” says Rae. “By joining and supporting the Responsible Jewellery Council, Chopard underlines its strong commitment to corporate responsibility and integrity,” says Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. “HRD Antwerp will add an impressive level of expertise from the Belgian diamond industry to the RJC’s efforts. They have made a commitment to join with the RJC’s Standards Committee on developing standards for gemmological laboratories and assayers in 2010-2011,” says Rae.

“We are proud to be a member of RJC and look forward to working together to ensure the responsible and ethical advancement of the industry. HRD Antwerp – Diamond Lab was the first ever diamond lab to be ISO certified and currently holds an ISO 17025 certificate. Grading labs have an obligation to the diamond industry and consumers to be independent, objective and consistent. HRD Antwerp - Diamond Lab has, since 1976, incorporated a set of procedures that guarantee the highest possible quality standards, which also underscores our commitment to the RJC standards,” says Georges Brys, General Manager, HRD Antwerp.

RJC Introduces Chain-of-custody Discussion Paper

In 2010, the RJC is investigating the feasibility of developing a chain-of-custody certification initiative, as an optional complement to the existing RJC certification of responsible business practices. Issues and options associated with chain-of-custody in the diamond and gold jewellery supply are being reviewed, so as to inform discussions among the RJC and its stakeholders. An initial discussion paper has been prepared and is attached for your information. The paper will shortly be available to download from http://www.responsiblejewellery.com/chain-of-custody.html

Jack Heuer, TAG Heuer honorary chairman, steps back into the racing pits


Five decades after taking to the pits and paddocks of the Twelve Hours of Sebring Race as timekeeper (where he was inspired to create the Carrera collection), TAG Heuer honorary chairman Jack Heuer on Sunday, April 18 returned to his racing roots at the Shanghai Grand Prix, where he watched TAG Heuer ambassadors Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton take first and second place, respectively.

Heuer spent the whole day inside the McLaren pit, wearing a headset linked to engineers and technicians: "My best race ever," Heuer said. "It sent me decades back and I could feel my beginner's spirit during the whole weekend."

Added the 78-year-old, "I was like a kid in a chocolate factory ! I have lived Formula 1 backstage for several years but this world has evolved so fast… it was like living a totally new experience."

Germanium-based Sterling Silver Casting Grain Announced

United Precious Metal Refining has introduced its latest Germanium-based sterling silver casting grain, Sterlium. It is a patented formulation specifically created for the demands of the silver industry for premium tarnish resistance and a snow-white colour. This casting grain provides excellent metal fluidity, greater surface hardness for luster and high metal re-usability. It also helps secure gemstones firmly in place and enhances its brightness due to contrast. It is recommended to be used in automated or enclosed casting machines.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Givori launches fine jewellery collection inspired by Greek mythology

http://www.ameinfo.com/228963.html

LVMH sales jump as demand for luxury goods rebounds

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7586582/LVMH-sales-jump-as-demand-for-luxury-goods-rebounds.html

TimeRevolution.com is now Raymond Weil Canadian Service Center

TimeRevolution.com is now the authorized Canadian Service Center for Raymond Weil watches. This change took place at the end of March 2010 and has been reflected on both company websites. All Raymond Weil repairs will now be sent to TimeRevolution.com by retailers and customers. TimeRevolution.com is also the authorized service center for GUCCI, Philip Stein, TechnoMarine and ToyWatch. “We are excited about this new and positive relationship that will allow us to extend further services to both our and Raymond Weils customers!" says TimeRevolution's president Kuldip Rupra.

Suspect Charged in Pedigo Jewelry Murder

http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1217945

Dubai gold jewellery exports soar in 2009

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/04/14/story/14510/dubai_gold_jewellery_exports_soar_in_2009/

Look for the BFLY Contest in the June issue of CJ

In our next issue, look for the details about this exciting contest!

Win a free BFLY collection of your choice ($1,000 value)
a) BFLY Kids (gold jewellery)
b) BFLY Girls (watches & silver accessories)
c) BFLY Ear piercing collection by Inverness
Check back for details!

Butterfly Gem Gets Government Funding

Butterfly Gem Collection has received $115,000 in repayable funding from the Government of Canada through the Business and Regional Growth program, enabling the enterprise to create six new jobs, pursue its North American market expansion and gain a solid foothold in the international marketplace.

Through its research and development activities, the company created the Butterfly Gem cut, an innovative design that involves cutting gemstones to replicate the shape of a butterfly. Currently patented in Canada, the United States and France, the cut also has the advantage of creating maximum luminescence within the stone.

The President of Butterfly Gem, Mr. Stephane Lavoie, has the pleasure also to announce an agreement with the worldwide leader manufacturer and distributor of the safest earring piercings. The company is called Inverness Corporation and the Corporate headquarter is located in Attleboro, USA. This company will develop and distribute the new product line called “BFLY by INVERNESS”.

Signature Treats New Customers to $1,300 in Free Equipment at JCK

Signature Engraving Systems, the world’s leading provider of computerized gift engravers, has announced they will be offering the recently released Name Necklace Machining Center at no charge to new customers who purchase a Signature engraver at the 2010 JCK Shows in Las Vegas, Nevada and Toronto, Ontario.

The special will save new buyers over $1,300 and provide them with the tools to design and cleanly carve customized pieces out of sterling silver, gold, copper, etc.

The Machining Center is an optional attachment designed for use on Signature’s 8080 Plus (Eighty-Eighty Plus) and 8080 Super. It uses computerized cutting technology (like a CNC) to manufacture custom charms and name necklaces up to 1¼ mm (.05”) in less than 15 minutes.

The unique attachment retrofits to all Signature’s top line engraver models. Users simply screw on a specially designed nose cone, while the work holder clamps directly onto the vise blocks. Everything is ready to use in under 5 minutes, increasing the value and versatility of the Signature engraver for all customers.

“We want our new customers to optimize their personalization services and take full advantage of everything our engravers can do,” said Christopher Parent, President and CEO of Signature Engraving Systems. “Since the Machining Center is our free gift to them, all the business it generates in the future is pure profit! We want to help our customers expand and grow as we approach an upswing in the economy.”

New customers who take advantage of the special will receive the complete kit which includes a removable micro filter for easy reclamation of cutting, depth adjustments with spring gauges for setting cutting depths, a nose plate for consistent depth control and a software and circuit board upgrade to optimize special cutting speeds required for the .030” diameters cutters (of which 5 are included).

Call 800.323.3283 and ask for ext. 225 to pre-schedule a demonstration appointment at the show and receive a free demo kit. Slots fill up fast, so be sure to call early!

Anne-Marie Chagnon Launches New Collection



Montreal-based Anne-Marie Chagnon has launched her new 2010 collection, called PIAL. Freely mixing lines, stripes, thick strokes in combination with opaque and translucent pieces calls for a stunning result. PIAL is full of colour, producing unprecedented richness and depth. The shapes take on more volume and are combined with light materials, creating an easy, ready-to-wear feel. Certain earrings come with pivoting parts so that you can change the shape depending on your mood. There's also the introduction of a men's line.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Israel diamond sector strengthens consumer awareness campaign

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&newsidinvortal=10842

India’s skilled diamond polishers being wooed with bonuses

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&newsidinvortal=10852

New gold drilling underway in Canada

http://www.mediacentre.gold.org/news/2010/04/07/story/14465/new_gold_drilling_underway_in_canada/

Bulgarian museum receives gold treasure for exhibition

http://www.mediacentre.gold.org/news/2010/04/08/story/14468/bulgarian_museum_receives_gold_treasure_for_exhibition/

Mainland tourists drive HK retail sales

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&newsidinvortal=10841

Luxury gold watch market 'picking up'

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/04/07/story/14461/luxury_gold_watch_market_picking_up/

Updated Kimberley Process Brochure

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/105827.pdf

ArtCarved announce an all-star engagement for the 2009 winners of The Amazing Race


When Cheyne Whitney decided to pop the question to longtime girlfriend and Amazing Race partner Meghan Rickey, he wanted it to be a day they'd never forget. With this goal in mind, Cheyne reached out to industry heavyweights ArtCarved Bridal and Robbins Brothers.

The business trio combined their individual areas of expertise to coordinate an unforgettable proposal that began within the pages of Brides Magazine. Working closely with ArtCarved and Robbins Brothers, Brides developed an in-book proposal from Cheyne to Meghan.

Cheyne selected a 2010 Limited Edition piece from ArtCarved. The exquisite platinum weave design features more than fifty side diamonds and a 1.5-ct princess cut center stone. It was custom designed especially for Cheyne and Meghan. The standard Limited Edition setting–to be offered at 160 exclusive ArtCarved retailers–is available in a variety of precious metals, including a two-tone white and rose gold option, and can fit a round center stone weighing between 1ct and 2ct. The staff at Robbins Brothers in San Diego worked directly with Cheyne to deliver the piece, showing him the importance of selecting the right ring from the right store.

“This was truly an amazing event,” says Tom Tanner, Vice President of Marketing at Frederick Goldman Inc., which oversees the ArtCarved Bridal brand. “To have three major players partner together and pull off such a tremendously successful event is a tribute to everyone involved. We are delighted to have been part of this memorable occasion and wish Cheyne and Meghan a lifetime of love and laughter in this next “amazing” journey together.”

Diarough and Uni-Design move to New York

The management team of Diarough Canada Sales and Uni-Design Canada announce that their business activities will be moving from Toronto to their New York office, Emby International/Uni-Creations (Uni-Design USA), an affiliate of the Diarough Group. This will be in effect by June 30th 2010. Diarough and Uni-Designs’ Canadian customers will continue to be served by Emby/Uni-Design USA from their New York office. The team of Diarough Canada Sales and Uni-Design Canada thank their customers and suppliers for all their support since operations opened in Canada. It is with confidence that Emby International/Uni-Design USA will continue to serve and supply its Canadian customers with the utmost care and attention.

JdJ Jewellery collaborates with David Dixon at LG Fashion Week


Fashion designer David Dixon's show is always one of the most highly anticipated at LG Fashion Week. Guests at his show got an extra-hit of glamour with custom accessories (created for the first-ever) by John de Jong. Commissioned by David Dixon, de Jong created a 12-piece capsule collection, inspired by Dixon's sketches and selected textiles for his Fall/Winter 2010 pieces. "I was honoured when David approached me to collaborate on a select series of pieces to complement his 15 year anniversary Fall/Winter 2010 Collection," expressed de Jong.

In order to design the accessories, de Jong had one of the first privileged behind-the-scenes close-ups of Dixon's sketches and fabric selections several weeks ago. "The collection materials are a layered mix of tweed, lace , fur and some leather. The tones are muted, mostly greys and blacks," he noted. "So I used a mix of sculptural high-polish and facteted beads in black onyx, smokey quartz, quartz and topaz and sterling silver." Pieces include stackable bracelets in faceted onyx beads; chokers with a mix of stone shapes - some long, some short - and also a bib choker; and large drop earrings with a mix of clear topaz, opaque onyx and quartz. "Working with John for my Fall-Winter 2010 Signature collection was wonderful.

His attention to detail and passion for his craft was what I was looking for to complement my collection," said Dixon. Synergies move beyond the runway for these design mavericks as 2010 marks the 15th anniversary in the business for both David Dixon and JdJ Jewellery. Photo courtesy of Canada.com.