Tiffany increases quarterly dividend by 25%

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&vortalid=1&newsidinvortal=11005&ct=&cn=NewsAll&m=05&y=2010&ch=0

GIA London to host “Open Day” during London Jewellery Week

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&vortalid=1&newsidinvortal=11010&ct=&cn=NewsAll&m=05&y=2010&ch=0

Iraq gunmen kill 14 during jewellery stores robberies

http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201005/2909316.htm?desktop

WGC New Head of Jewellery - David Lamb

The World Gold Council (WGC) welcomes David Lamb as its Managing Director, Jewellery, starting July 1. Mr. Lamb, who will be based in New York, will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the gold jewelry market worldwide with a particular focus in building the premium market in the U.S. He will be a member of the WGC’s Leadership Team and will report directly to Aram Shishmanian, CEO of the WGC.

Prior to his appointment to the WGC, Mr. Lamb was an Executive Director of the Diamond Trading Company, the sales and marketing arm of De Beers, as Worldwide Marketing Director and subsequently Chief Strategy Officer. There he was widely credited with significantly increasing consumer demand for diamond jewelry, principally through a series of powerful global innovations, such as the Trilogy concept (“For your past, your present, your future”), which he devised. Previously Mr. Lamb had spent more than 20 years at leading international advertising agencies, notably JWT Worldwide where he was Executive Vice President and held various leadership positions including Head of Worldwide Account Planning and finally Head of Multinational Clients.

“We are delighted to welcome David to the World Gold Council as he has a proven track-record of break-through thinking and creativity which will be of particular value to the WGC and its partners in jewelry markets around the world. I am sure his vision and depth of experience will help re-invigorate the premium gold jewelry market in the United States and guide the continued growth of the markets in China, India and the Middle East.” said Aram Shishmanian, CEO of the WGC.

“I am tremendously excited by this challenge,” said Mr. Lamb. “In a world where consumers are moving towards a deeper involvement with fewer, better things, gold is uniquely placed to define what is truly precious.”

In addition to his global responsibility for jewelry, Mr. Lamb will assume the U.S. jewelry responsibilities of the departing U.S. Managing Director, John Calnon, who recently retired after more than 15 years with the company. During his tenure, Calnon occupied a series of senior leadership positions in the WGC. “We thank John for his many years of service and contributions to the organization and wish him all the best in retirement” said Mr. Shishmanian.

CIBJO releases updated version of Gemstone Book

On the heels of the Precious Metals Book, CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, announced they have completed and released the latest version of the Gemstone Book. The first book released after the Congress meeting in Munich, Germany this past February was the Pearl Book.

The CIBJO Blue Books are a definitive set of standards for the grading, methodology and nomenclature standards for diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, precious metals, and recently, also for gemmological terminology and nomenclature. The CIBJO Blue Books were originally compiled, and now continuously updated, by a number of committees comprised of representatives from trade organisations and laboratories in the diamond, coloured gemstone, cultured pearl, precious metals and jewellery industries. The standards represent a consensus derived from the broad expertise on the subject within these committees, and also from individuals outside the committees who had expressed an interest in participating in the development of the guidelines.

WJA announces nominees for Awards for Excellence

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) announces 33 nominees for its eight Awards for Excellence categories. The nominees and award recipients will be recognized at the association’s annual gala on Monday, July 26 at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60 in New York City.

Each year, WJA solicits its membership for nominees who excel in various areas of the jewelry industry. The categories and nominees for 2010 include:

Design - Fine Jewelry & Watches
Emily Armenta – Armenta, Houston, Texas
Coomi Bhasin – Coomi, Secaucus, N.J.
Maeve Gillis – MaeVona, New York, N.Y.
Sarah Graham - Sarah Graham, La Quinta, Calif.
Janel Russell – Janel Russell Designs, St. Paul, Minn.


Manufacturer/Dealer/Supplier
Lita Asscher - Royal Asscher Diamond Co., New York, N.Y.
Marjorie Blank - Joseph Blank, Inc., New York, N.Y.
Michele Kwiat Siegel – Kwiat, New York, N.Y.
Fiona Tilley – Gurhan, New York, N.Y.


Retail – 15 stores or more
Aida Alvarez - Birks & Mayors, Inc., Tamarac, Fla.
· Caroline Grousi-Scheufele – Chopard, Geneva, Switzerland
Lisa Kazor - Neiman Marcus, Dallas, Texas
Debbie Sloane - Cartier North America, New York, N.Y.


Retail – Fewer than 15 Stores

· Christina Gandia Gambale & Jennifer Gandia - Greenwich Jewelers, New York, N.Y.

· Lula Halfacre - Traditional Jewelers, Newport Beach, Calif.

· Charlene Hudson - Fink's Jewelers, Roanoke, Va.

· Nancy Moeller - RF Moeller Jeweler, St. Paul, Minn.

· Sarah & Rachel Read - Lee Read Jewelers, Meridian, Idaho



Sales and Merchandising

· Sandy Haymann Marks - Leo Schacter, New York, N.Y.

· Shayne Kiesbuey - Erica Courtney, Los Angeles, Calif.

· Dawn Mcguire - Sterling Jewelers, Akron, Ohio

· Corrie Silvia – Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, Attleboro Falls, Mass.



Marketing and Communications
Lisa Cochin - Diamond Promotion Service, New York, N.Y.
Rebecca Foerster - Rio Tinto Diamonds, New York, N.Y.
Helena Krodel - Jewelers of America, New York, N.Y.


Editorial/Reporting/Publishing
Sophia Chabbott –Women’s Wear Daily, New York, N.Y
Tanya Dukes - Elite Traveler, New York, N.Y.
Jennifer Heebner - JCK Magazine, New York, N.Y.


Special Services

· Ruth Batson - American Gem Society, Las Vegas, Nev.

· Ellen Haddigan - Diamond Empowerment Fund, New York, N.Y.

· Andie Weinman - Continental Buying Group, Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.


A WJA committee will make the final selection of award recipients based on contributions to the jewelry industry and the Women’s Jewelry Association. WJA president, Kendra Bridel Weinman, said, “These women have successful careers, yet all of them have found ways to give back to our industry and their communities. They serve as role models for all of us.”

WJA also will honor Susan Jacques, president and CEO of Borsheims in Omaha, Neb., with its Lifetime Achievement Award; James Courage, CEO of Platinum Guild International, with the Ben Kaiser Award; and JCK Events and JCK Magazine, with its Corporate Award for Excellence.

The WJA Awards for Excellence will be July 26 at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60 in New York City. For tickets, visit www.womensjewelryassociation.com

World Gold Council sponsors Patricia Field Swim-Sational Disco Soiree and Fashion Show

World Gold Council announced today its plan to sponsor Patricia Field, Costume Designer for the Sex & the City franchise, as she hosts a Swim-sational Disco Soirèe at 230 Fifth, New York’s Largest Rooftop Garden and Penthouse Lounge tonight. A swimwear and accessories fashion show will take place at 9pm, featuring Ippolita gold jewelry provided by World Gold Council.

Last night began a week of celebration for Patricia Field and her team of designers, stylists and artists. That evening, the highly anticipated world premier of Sex & the City II at Radio City Music Hall will cause mayhem in midtown as fans line the streets to see the stars and critically acclaimed stylist who have made fashion one of the film’s most intriguing characters. WGC aims to capitalize on the fashion buzz surrounding the film premiere by participating in the fashion show the following eve.

“Gorgeous! Glamorous! Sexy! That’s gold jewelry on a tanned body!” says Patricia Field. “Ippolita appealed to me to pair with swimwear, because her aesthetic is at once classical, historical and modern.”

WJA hires Administrative Director

In its commitment to effectively enhance their three strategic planks—Business Services, Leadership Development and Education—The Women’s Jewelry Association announces the hiring of Nicole Lichwick as the organization’s first Administrative Director.

“Having a dedicated, in-house Administrative Director is a considerable advancement for the organization,” enthused WJA President Kendra Bridel Weinman, “We have ambitious goals for the enhancement and expansion of our member benefits, and we are confident that Nicole will do an amazing job helping us meet those objectives while also providing exceptional support to our members.”

Lichwick brings a depth of experience in membership support to this newly formed position. In her former position as Administrative Coordinator of the Jewelry Information Center (JIC), Lichwick supported and developed relationships with jewelry retailers, manufacturers and designers. When she expanded her role to the Membership Services department of Jewelers of America (JA), where she also served as interim executive assistant to the CEO and CFO, Lichwick further honed her client relations and customer service skills. This experience is certain to prove instrumental to achieving WJA’s dedication to its member base.

Lichwick will be working out of the new WJA headquarters located at 52 Vanderbilt Avenue in New York City.

Breathe Easy Launches to Support Lung Cancer Canada

Canadian jewellery designer John de Jong of JdJ Jewellery in Toronto extends his Breathe Easy fundraising event initiative with the launch of the limited edition ‘Breathe Easy’ ring and pendant, in support of Lung Cancer Canada.

Priced at $150 (6mm ring) and $195 (10mm ring, pendant), the fresh Breathe Easy designs, in sterling silver with ‘Breathe Easy’ etched in, make an accessible entry point to owning a piece by JdJ--the designer, recently featured in O, the Oprah Magazine (May 2010 issue).

“2010 marks the third edition of the Breathe Easy event and we wanted to extend the reach of the compelling message through some unique and affordable jewellery pieces,” said de Jong. “I started the event in 2007, the year after my father passed away of lung cancer, and feel really strongly about extending ways to raise funds to support research, education and awareness.”

Lung Cancer Canada will receive fifty and seventy-five dollars from the sale of the $150 and $195 pieces respectively. Supporters who wish to purchase the ring or pendant may visit the JdJ Toronto location, 60 Bloor Street West - Suite 406, or call 1-877-923-JDJ-1.

JIS Adds New Show in Vegas

JIS listening to the repeated requests from its Exhibitors, JIS has just announced JIS' newest Jewelry Trade Show October 30 thru November 1, 2010 in the lavish Forum Ballroom of Caesars Palace in the Heart of the Fabulous Las Vegas Strip. With only the initial reservations made by Exhibitors requesting this Fall Delivery Show in Las Vegas and JIS' early marketing announcements of the Show, the JIS has already experienced rental of over 60% of the 275 booths that will be available in the Show making it almost a certainty that this Show will be sold-out very shortly.

Veteran Jeweler Trade Show Producer, Michael Breslow, stated that JIS will be using all of their experience from 31 year old proven efforts and well known positioning within the Jewelry Industry to bring Buyers to this new venue of JIS and make this a yearly event for the Jewelry Trade Buyers from the Western United States as well as those from Central and Western Mexico. This new Show is not designed to compete with JIS' highly successful Shows in Miami Beach Florida that have served the buyers of Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America plus other states since 1979 but the Las Vegas JIS Show is designed to compliment JIS' other Shows and expand the buying and selling abilities of our Jewelry Trade Attendees.

The JIS Website at www.jisshow.com contains complete details regarding this new JIS Show in Las Vegas including Exhibitor Listings and very special highly discounted attractive hotel rates at Caesars Palace. In addition, the JIS Website has complete information also on JIS' upcoming 1250 booth October Miami Beach Show and all other JIS Shows. For more info, visit http://www.jisshow.com.

Indian gold jewellery exports continue to rise

http://www.mediacentre.gold.org/news/2010/05/18/story/14764/indian_gold_jewellery_exports_continue_to_rise/

Look for the BFLY Contest in the June/July issue of CJ

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

CIBJO releases most recent Precious Metals Book

CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, announced the release of the Precious Metals Book, which represents the second book to be released since the 2010 Congress meeting that took place in Munich, Germany this past February. The first book released was the Pearl Book.

Updates in the new version include the introduction of a new appendix giving information on precious metal finenesses. The appendix can now be lawfully sold in CIBJO Member countries worldwide. It is considered an invaluable reference for jewellery manufacturers in all countries throughout the world.

The CIBJO Blue Books are a definitive set of standards for the grading, methodology and nomenclature standards for diamonds, coloured gemstones, pearls, precious metals, and recently, also for gemmological terminology and nomenclature. The CIBJO Blue Books were originally compiled, and now continuously updated, by a number of committees comprised of representatives from trade organisations and laboratories in the diamond, coloured gemstone, cultured pearl, precious metals and jewellery industries. The standards represent a consensus derived from the broad expertise on the subject within these committees, and also from individuals outside the committees who had expressed an interest in participating in the development of the guidelines.

Initially, the first three publications were printed with different coloured covers; blue for the Gemstone Book, grey for the Diamond Book, and gre

"Keshi" cultured pearls enter natural pearl trade

The Swiss Gemmological Insititute SSEF has received large quantities of saltwater pearls for certification in recent weeks. SSEF director Dr. Michael S. Krzemnicki said these pearls are generally characterised by an almost perfect appearance and are often accompanied by reports describing them as natural pearls. However, their appearance has raised doubt amongst many natural pearl dealers.

The pearls were tested with the most advanced forms of technology, including X-ray radiography, X-ray luminescence, X-ray micro tomography and radiocarbon age dating, and many were actually identified as beadless cultured pearls. Although they do not show one distinct feature that explicitly characterises them as cultured, it is a combination of internal and external structures which enable conclusive indentification of this material.

The arrival of large quantities of these new saltwater pearls, whose quality is far better than that of many natural pearls, represents a great danger to the natural pearl market. Following the sudden increase of this material on the market, the SSEF has taken a number of measures to protect the natural pearl trade. The SSEF has adapted its pearl certification policy and is collaboratively promoting transparent standards at an international level.

An important step is the use of more rigorous and specified definitions for natural and cultured pearls.

A natural pearl is a pearl which formed in a wild oyster (mussel) and is living in its natural habitat. It formed without any human intervention. Any pearl stemming from a pearl cultivation farm is a cultured pearl.

Photo courtesy of IDEX Online News.

The Israeli Diamond Industry Plans a Major JCK Showing

This year the Israeli Diamond Industry will once again have a major presence at JCK Las Vegas. The Israel Diamond Pavilion, hosted by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) will feature 25 exhibitors, with an additional 25 Israeli companies exhibiting throughout the show. The JCK Show is one of the most important annual events for the Israeli Diamond Industry since the United States is Israel’s leading market for polished diamonds, accounting for about one-half of Israel’s total polished exports.

IDI will also be sponsoring a cocktail event for existing and new clients of the Israeli Diamond Industry, in the café lounge adjacent to the pavilion on June 6 at 5 pm.

In the wake of IDI’s successful strategic marketing program “Together Works” in 2009, IDI recently launched a new campaign entitled “Responsibility is Good. Business.” This campaign advocates responsible business practices in the areas of manufacturing, marketing, customer service and credit, in order to ensure the stability of the world industry, as economies emerge from the global crisis of 2008 – 2009.

Both the Israeli Diamond Industry and the U.S. diamond market are showing definite signs of recovery. In the first quarter of 2010 Israel’s polished diamond exports grew 55% over the same period last year. During the same period polished diamond imports into the U.S. rose by 73% over the first quarter of 2009.

IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said, “We are pleased to see signs of recovery in the U.S., with diamond demand growing. Since the U.S. is our leading market, we are convinced that this will have an important positive impact on the Israeli Diamond Industry.”

IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said, “JCK – Las Vegas is one of the most important highlights on the yearly calendar of the Israeli Diamond Industry. This is our major market and a great deal of our marketing efforts goes toward developing the Israeli industry’s ties here. That’s why we have set up IDI

TAG welcomes 2 new ambassadors

In 2010, the year of TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary, the Swiss brand has been able to further extend its leadership in F1 by having under contract the two talents Button and Hamilton.

And for the first season F1 driver Karun Chandhok, the 26 years old Indian driver racing for Hispania F1, will wear TAG Heuer’s colors. Already associated with TAG Heuer since 2008, the partnership strengthened as Karun reached the pinnacle of motorsports. According to him, “precision and performance are the hallmarks of TAG Heuer, which I have always tried to live up to in my career. I have already worked closely with the brand on many occasions in the past; now to be made Brand Ambassador in its 150th year is a dream come true. I really look forward to working with them for both timepieces and avant-garde eyewear”, said TAG Heuer Ambassador Karun Chandhok.

Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung has been joining TAG Heuer’s young driver team alongside Chandhok after starting at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 16. A former F1 test driver for Renault F1 and GP2 driver with Dams., he has been a fan of the brand since his professional debuts: ’My 1st ever sports watch was a TAG Heuer. I got it when I won my 1st race in Formula BMW Asia in 2003. Being now a TAG Heuer ambassador myself after having looked up at those sponsored before me or the current ones like Jenson, Lewis or Karun, is a stepping stone. I can’t wait to work closely with them in China and in Europe, participating in their events and promotions’’.

Jean-Christophe Babin, TAG Heuer’s CEO and Chairman, has underlined the importance of motor racing in the brand’s DNA: ‘’TAG Heuer philosophy is always to be associated with the best drivers, the best teams and the most prestigious events. While we had great successes with the last four F1 World Champions, we always keep an eye on young drivers, trying to help them to reach their F1 dream. With Karun and Ho-Pin, we are not only promoting and supporting young talents and raising their profile around the world, we are also creating a close relationship with India and China racing fans’ community in 2 very important markets for luxury timepieces. For example, both of them will participate in TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary celebration and will take part in the Odyssey of Pioneers, the 1st world tour ever to be achieved in an electric car, our TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster, that will stop in May and June in Delhi, Beijing and Shanghai’’.

As stated by the CEO, discovering and nurturing young talents and bringing them to F1 is part of TAG Heuer’s comitted sponsoring partnerships. TAG Heuer discovered Lewis Hamilton in 2003 and offered him a fully branded TAG Heuer Formula Renault when he raced the British series. Since then Lewis has won consistently and climbed the podium to receive the F1 Title with a TAG Heuer chronograph on his wrist. At the end of 2008, to celebrate his World Champion title, Lewis helped design and promote a special edition of the Carrera chronograph, bearing his name and signature.

CIBJO urges Chinese industry to become a force in jewellery design

CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri has urged the leadership of the Chinese jewellery industry to assume a more prominent role in the market, by becoming a force in jewellery design, as well as being a major manufacturing centre and consumer market.

Dr. Cavalieri was speaking in Shenzhen on May 15, where he was a guest of honour at the inauguration of a new trade association, "China Jewellery Culture and Creation Industry." The ceremony for the establishment of the new body, which has gained wide support from industry trade associations in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, was also attended by Bai Licheng, vice chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPCC), chief political advisory body of the People's Republic of China, and Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the Boao Forum for Asia, the prestigious forum for leaders in government, business and academia in Asia whose goal is to promote regional economic integration.

"China has firmly established itself as a major consumer market and manufacturing centre. It now is time is assert itself as a force in jewellery design, and put its stamp on the industry, much in the same way that my colleagues in Italy have done for so long. I am confident that the new association will play a role in the injection of Chinese design and artistic perception into the international jewellery arena," Dr. Cavalieri stated.

In recognising China's development in to a significant force in the jewellery industry, Dr. Cavalieri emphasised that China now has a responsibility to others in the global jewellery sector. "It is most important to remember that we are an international market, and that what happens here in China impacts throughout the global chain of distribution, just as what happens elsewhere will have an effect on the Chinese business," he said. "In our industry, it is extremely likely that any item of jewellery represents the combined efforts of literally thousands of people living in different of the world. Every single individual who was in some way responsible for the manufacture of an item of jewellery - from the miner to the refinery worker, to the diamond cutter and the jewellery designer, the manufacturer and the retailer - a plays a critical role in the process."

"Fine jewellery, in so many ways, is the perfect blend of art, culture and business," the CIBJO president continued. "It is an international language that is understood and appreciated by people regardless of their language and background. Furthermore, it is also a tool by which whole communities can create better and healthier lives for themselves. That is our mission, and so I trust it also is the mission of the Chinese jewellery industry. Today, here in Shenzhen, on this momentous occasion, I call on the Chinese jewellery community to take an active leadership role in our international industry."

FEDERORAFI Joins RJC

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has announced that the Italian association Confindustria Federorafi, the National Federation of Gold Jewellery, Silverware and Jewellery Manufacturers, has become a Member.

Joining other key national associations; Jewelers of America, the American Gem Society, the National Association of Goldsmiths, the British Jewellers Association, the international World Gold Council, the Union Française BJOP and the Danish Jewellers Association, Confindustria Federorafi adds the learning, perspective and prestige of the esteemed Italian jewellery industry to the RJC. RJC Trade Association members play a key role in the awareness-building of RJC membership. Through their strong national ties, these associations can assist their members in developing models for auditing as well as offering guidance and advice in the steps toward RJC certification. 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.

“Italy is a recognized leader in the European and international jewellery industry for its manufacturing of classical and contemporary designs. We are delighted to welcome such a valuable organisation as Confindustria Federorafi, the first Italian trade association to join the Council. With its 800 Italian manufacturing companies, Confindustria Federorafi is the perfect organisation to help us reach out to large and small manufacturers wishing to demonstrate solid, responsible business practices,” says Michael Rae, the RJC’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are proud to initiate support for the RJC’s certification system with our members. Italy is known as a world leader in gold jewelry production for its outstanding design and technical skills. Precious metals jewellery made in Italy amounts to 70% of European production. Each year in Italy 150 tonnes of fine gold, 1000 tonnes of silver and four tonnes of platinum are processed. There are over 10,000 companies operating in this sector, employing 40,000 people for production. We feel that the Responsible Jewellery Council can play a pivotal role in our country,” says Antonio Zucchi, President, Confindustria Federorafi.

Kuperman Bros/OM Diamonds purchase space in International Gem Tower

Kuperman Bros, a leading diamond manufacturer and exporter with offices in NY, Israel and the Far East has purchased space in the Gem Tower. "The decision to relocate our New York office was simply good business judgment," said Udi Kuperman, President of Kuperman Bros. "The security, efficiencies and modernity in the International Gem Tower will allow us to grow our operations and better serve our clients. We are looking forward to calling it our new home."

This will be the first expansion for Ofer Mizrahi 's (OM Diamonds) New York office. In 2009, the company ranked 10th in Israel's Top 25 Polished Diamond Exporters. "When we first heard about the Gem Tower, we gave it serious consideration," said Matzy Matzliach, President of OM Diamonds. "As a global company dealing with polished diamonds, the opportunity to purchase space in the modern tower was in line with our business vision for the future. Technology has now become an integral part of our industry and given the advanced infrastructure and facilities provided, it was an obvious choice."

"The broad spectrum of companies purchasing in the Gem Tower reflects a vibrant and diverse group of businesses - all of whom have one thing in common, a vision for the future," said Extell Senior Vice President Raizy Haas. "As we prepare to exhibit at JCK and Couture in Las Vegas, we invite you to come meet with us to learn more about our offering. For those who have purchased, are considering purchasing or have simply befriended our team over the past months, please come say hello."

De Beers Releases Report to Society 2009

De Beers has long been an exponent of the positive role of business in driving Africa’s development.

The Report charts the company’s recent sustainability performance and represents the collective input of hundreds of dedicated individuals both internal and external to the Family of Companies.

At a time at which the attention of shareholders, partners, employees and communities are focused on the recovery and prosperity of the business, the report offers a clear and honest examination of the role played by the Family of Companies and associated partners in promoting sustainable development.

Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State made the following comments when speaking at a forum with Nigerian Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe in Abuja, Nigeria in August:

“So for example, when you buy a diamond from De Beers, part of that money still today goes to help build and maintain roads and clean water systems in Botswana. You can drive anywhere in that country and you can see services that have been paid for by a legal framework, strong regulations, and a national consensus that the money from the earth and its riches should be spent on the people of Botswana.”

The report includes important DTC Sightholder case studies including one from “Trau Bros”, one of 11 NDTC Sightholders who work in partnership with UNAIDS and the Namibia Coalition on Aids. Also featured are the extensive corporate social investment programmes of “Bhavani Gems” and “Laxmi Diamond” in relation to their work in the provision of water resources and education respectively.

In his introduction, Nicky Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers, says “the restructuring exercise we undertook in 2009 has provided us with the opportunity to hardwire sustainability into our “new normal” and exploit the clear synergies that exist between running a sustainable and responsible business, and a profitable one”.

Highlights of the Report include:
• The Family of Companies achieved zero fatalities for the first time in 80 years, reflecting the implementation of numerous targeted safety measures; Our Lost Time Injury Severity Rate improved from 106.89 per 200,000 hours in 2008 to 6.52 in 2009;
• Despite a 49% reduction in diamond production, the Family of Companies was still able to pay US$3.4 billion (2008: US$6.2 billion) to stakeholders around the world;
• More than US$580 million in rough diamonds was supplied to Sightholders for manufacture in southern Africa (2008: US$1.1 billion);
• The Family of Companies disbursed a total of US$29.3 million in community social investment, including contractually mandated initiatives and in-kind contributions. This amounts to 9.2% of pre-tax profits of US$318 million and is significantly in excess of the international benchmark of 1%;
• Social Impact Assessments were carried out in Botswana for the major Cut-8 expansion project at Jwaneng mine, as well as the expansion of the Morupule coal mine;
• The Family of Companies continued to provide Anti–Retroviral Treatment to a total of 1,820 employees and their partners in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa;
• In 2009, we used 21.1 million cubic metres of new (potable and non-potable) water at our mining operations (2008: 37.2 million cubic metres) equating to at 41% reduction. Our use of reused and recycled water increased to 57% of our total water footprint.

In his introduction, Gareth Penny, CEO of De Beers, says “the last year was an exceptionally difficult one for the diamond industry. That we were able to take the steps we did to ensure the health of the business during 2009, without undermining our shared commitment to sustainability, should be a source of pride for everyone in the Family of Companies. As we look forward to capitalising on the opportunities of economic recovery we will continue to focus on finding synergies between operating sustainably, meeting the expectations of our stakeholders, and meeting our commercial goals. In doing so, we intend to exemplify our commitment to ‘live up to diamonds’.”

Notably the report articulates key challenges faced by the Kimberley Process in 2009 in dealing with alleged human rights violations associated with informal diamond mining in Zimbabwe. The Report notes, among other areas, key recommendations made by De Beers in support of a permanent Kimberley Process “secretariat”, the establishment of majority rather than consensus voting within the Kimberley Process and the inclusion of human rights language within the Kimberley Process framework.

China to achieve solid growth in the next decade

http://www.jewellerynetasia.com/industry/newsdetails.aspx?lang=0&newsidinvortal=10968

MMTC looks to expand share of India's gold market

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/05/10/story/14701/mmtc_looks_to_expand_share_of_indias_gold_market/

'Significant' gold watches to be auctioned in Geneva

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/05/07/story/14696/significant_gold_watches_to_be_auctioned_in_geneva/

Luxury gold jewellery fetches high prices at auction

http://www.jewellery.gold.org/news/2010/05/11/story/14704/luxury_gold_jewellery_fetches_high_prices_at_auction/

Gucci Launches New Timepieces Website

Gucci is pleased to announce the launch of guccitimepieces.com. The new website is available through a link from Gucci.com and directly accessible at www.guccitimepieces.com. Using the latest in mobile technology, guccitimepieces.com is iPad ready and has been especially enhanced for mobile platforms including the iPhone. The site features a full product section, a timeline (‘Timeless’), which charts the history of the House of Gucci, a comprehensive events section listing past and present activities related to the Gucci world of watches, a comprehensive global store locator optimized with Google Maps functionality as well as browsable virtual watch catalogues.

World Diamond Council announces registration for 7th Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg, July 14-15

The World Diamond Council (WDC) has announced that registration has begun for the organization's seventh Annual Meeting, which this year will be held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, July 14 and 15, 2010. The event, which is being hosted by the Diamond Chamber of Russia, will draw senior government and jewelry industry officials from Russia and other countries.

"Our industry will gather at the World Diamond Council Annual Meeting to reconfirm our commitment to ethical trading and to the eradication of conflict diamonds from our distribution chain," said Eli Izhakoff, the WDC Chairman. "And, as the past year has demonstrated, we will not be assembling in St. Petersburg simply to pay lip-service to the values upon which the organization was founded. The ongoing situation in countries like Zimbabwe and the dedication of our industry to operate in a transparent and principled manner means that there are burning issues on the table, which we will discuss and for which we will formulate strategies."

"We are honored to be able to play host to the event," said Sergey Oulin, President of the Diamond Chamber of Russia and Vice Chairman of the WDC. "We deal in a beautiful and valuable item whose reputation needs to be protected and defended. In that respect we felt it was fitting that the meeting take place in St. Petersburg, one of the world's most beautiful cities, which is called Russia's jewelry capital."

The WDC Annual Meeting will begin on Wednesday, July 14, with committee working sessions. The official opening of the meeting will take place on the morning of Thursday, June 15. It will be followed immediately by the WDC Plenary Session, where a guest of honor and keynote speaker will be Boaz Hirsch, the Chairman of the Kimberley Process and a senior Israeli government official. A Gala Dinner will conclude the proceedings on the second day.

A dedicated mini-website has been created for WDC Annual Meeting at:
www.diamond-chamber.ru/wdceng.htm. Registration forms can be downloaded in PDF format from the website, and once completed must be returned to the official agent of the meeting, the Restec Exhibition Company. Information about hotel accommodation in St. Petersburg is included in the registration documents.

The Annual Meeting organizers are offering participants of the meeting and their accompanying persons visa support, special accommodation rates, an airport meeting service and an "airport-hotel-airport" transfer. A cultural program will be offered to participants' accompanying persons during the working sessions.

The WDC Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg will commence the day after the close of the World Diamond Congress of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), which is taking place in Moscow, July 11-13. Participants at the World Diamond Congress who wish to attend the WDC Annual Meeting will be able to travel from Moscow to St. Petersburg during the afternoon or evening of July 13.

Frédérique Constant Launches New Healey Chrono-Automatic & Stoptimer

This year, Frédérique Constant presents the ultimate set for all passionate classic car drivers: an elegant gift box offering the new limited edition Healey Chrono-Automatic timepiece, combined with a unique mechanical, handmade Stoptimer. Pure style for pure passion!

To celebrate the continuing cooperation with the Austin Healey Owner Clubs around the world, Frédérique Constant introduces two new limited editions of its iconic Healey Chrono-Automatic, limited to 1’888 pieces in each version.

Frédérique Constant is excited to be the Official Timing Partner of the 2010 Healey Challenge in the United Kingdom, organized by The Healey Drivers Club - the world’s oldest club catering to Healey enthusiasts. The 2010 Healey Challenge UK named “John Healey Memorial International Meet” will take place from May 6 till 9 in Dawlish Warren, South England, overlooking the sea and magnificent red cliffs of south Devon.

Monaco celebrates first anniversary of its own Haute Horlogerie brand: Ateliers deMonaco

During a highly exclusive invitation only Cocktail party over the weekend in the Hotel de Paris in Monte-Carlo, Ateliers deMonaco celebrated its first anniversary as the new young rising star in the field of Haute Horlogerie.

Among the guests toasting on the prosperous future of the brand were local prominent business and government leaders, as well as some icons out of sports, fashion and entertainment field.

In his opening speech, initiator and co-founder Robert van Pappelendam gave his perspective why this event was an important milestone on the journey to create a new and exclusive Haute Horlogerie brand, but this time from Monaco.

"When we started the journey to realize our dream a couple of years ago, we wanted to create something fresh, new and innovative, yet that could compete with the highest standards of quality and watch making. No compromises, no shortcuts. And along the way we always kept this commitment to the very best in front of us. We got inspired by a quote from Sir Henry Royce: "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best what exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it." It is this commitment we believe from the start that helped create what later became one of the most iconic luxury brands in the world. So many have asked, why Monaco, and the answer is: do you really believe Henry Royce would have created the brand as it is today if he would have been located with the rest of the industry in Detroit Michigan? So, we also chose to locate to an environment that could inspire, that has a long standing heritage of artistic achievements and lastly is in the heart of where our target consumer's lives: Monaco. And the support we have gotten so far from the local authorities and The Palace have been tremendous. The last question that is on most of your minds is: are you nuts to create a new high end bespoke watch brand in the midst of an economic crisis? We believe no economic crisis should come in the way of us realizing our dream and the brand proposition we all fell in love with. And how are we doing so far? We closed our first Baselworld with the following facts: 7 days of exhibition, 100+press interviews, 388 business cards, 2040 minutes of planned appointments, 100,000 + visitors, and as a result multiple distribution points across Western Europe, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Looking forward and around us today, this brand is of to an excellent start, something to be proud of and importantly to draw confidence from for the hard work ahead of us to create our NOUVELLE entry in the HAUTEt HORLOGERIE, but this time from MONACO!".

The height of the celebration was planned to be the acceptance by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of his first Ateliers deMonaco watch, a public statement of his support of entrepreneurship in Monaco and for the Ateliers deMonaco brand specifically. Due to His full calendar,The Prince couldn't attend this event. H.S.H. Prince Albert II invited the brand for a private meeting in the Palace just a couple of days later. In a very relaxed and intimate setting, the ateliers deMonaco team could bring The Prince up to speed on its latest innovations and plans for the future.

Imagine Designs Offers Retailers Free Apple iPad

Bridal jewellery manufacturer Imagine Designs will be handing out free 16-gigabyte iPads in Las Vegas to retailers who carry Imagine Bride, its new bridal collection. The company will be making its Imagine Bridal collection available to retailers strictly on an interactive, web-based ordering system, with the goal to revolutionize the way retailers purchase, reorder and special-order their bridal program jewellery.

Rolex Announces Winners of Inaugural Youth Award

Rolex has announced the winners of the inaugural Young Laureates Program, an initiative aimed at supporting visionary young men and women under 30 and enabling them to implement inventive ideas that tackle the world’s most pressing issues – science and health, applied technology, exploration, the environment and cultural preservation. The five winners of the $50,000 prize are 26-year-old Jacob Colker from the U.S., 25-year-old Reese Fernandez from the Philippines, 27-year-old Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu from Nigeria, 29-year-old Piyush Tewari from India and 28-year-old Bruktawit Tigabu from Ethiopia.

Bulova Unveils New Timekeeping Technology

New York-based Bulova Corporation has revealed its latest timekeeping breakthrough – the Precisionist technology timepiece. According to Bulova, it is “the most accurate watch with a continuously sweeping second hand” that is accurate to 10 seconds per year. Bulova has also added a third prong to the standard two-prong quartz crystal, which will result in eight times the vibration frequency of a traditional quartz watch. The watches from the Precisionist line will be available in the fourth quarter incentive programs and will be delivered in October.

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

Highly Anticipated Jovella Jewelry Exhibition in Tel Aviv to Attract International Buyers

The Jovella Jewelry Exhibition, the international jewelry trade exhibition held annually in Tel Aviv, is expected this year to attract hundreds of buyers from abroad. The exhibition which is being sponsored by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), the Israel Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute and the Israel Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association, will be held from July 6 – 7, 2010 at the Tel Aviv Fairgrounds. This is the seventh time that the exhibition is being held.

Jovella will feature about 150 exhibitors from Israel and abroad and will feature gold jewelry, gold jewelry set with diamonds or precious stones, silver jewelry, fashion jewelry, Kabbalah jewelry, Judaica and watches. In addition, there will be a section devoted to services and technologies for the jewelry industry.

This year there will be a special section featuring young Israeli jewelry designers who will be showing gold, silver and diamond jewelry. These designers will be chosen carefully according to the originality and quality of their designs.

Israel’s jewelry is renowned for its creative designs, up-to-date fashions and excellent quality. Part of its appeal is due to Israel’s great fusion of cultures and traditions, combining exotic with state-of-the-art, and ethnic with cosmopolitan.

About 11,000 jewelry professionals and buyers visited Jovella 2009 and met representatives of the leading companies in the field. Close to 150 companies participated in the last exhibition and over 200 buyers and visitors from abroad visited the trade fair.

In 2009 Israel exported $300 million in jewelry, with most of this being sold to the United States. In addition, Israel’s jewelry is exported to Russia, the UK, Hong Kong, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, Japan and other locations.

To register for Jovella, please go to: www.jovella.co.il

JCK Events Welcomes New Manager, Strategic Accounts

The JCK Events sales team will be further strengthened by the addition of Lars Parker-Myers, as Manager, Strategic Accounts, effective May 10. Parker-Myers will be responsible for working with JCK customers and prospects to ascertain the best and most valuable business-building opportunities for them in the reinvented JCK 2011 at Mandalay Bay.

Parker-Myers will be bringing his expertise and high-level customer relationship management skills to JCK as he will be assessing customer sales and marketing needs and then creating programs and solutions to enhance the value of their participation. Parker-Myers honed these skills during his tenure at Nielsen's Couture event for the past 8 years.

"We are thrilled to have Lars join our team and there couldn't be a better time," said Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK Events. "Lars will bring an elevated level of service to customers and prospects that will enable them to seriously move their business needle at JCK Events as we look forward to the expected economic rebound in 2011."

The reinvention of JCK Events has begun and will continue with the reinvented JCK 2011 at Mandalay Bay. JCK Events offers the entire jewelry marketplace the best product sourcing opportunities both domestically and internationally - from high-end and luxury to mass market and boutique.

"I am eager to join the JCK team," said Parker-Myers. "The timing couldn't be better and I look forward to making an immediate and valuable contribution to the team. I am very excited to work with my customers as a strategic partner and as a liaison to show management. The JCK Events will be undergoing a great transformation and I'm thrilled to be one of the architects."

Contact Lars Parker-Myers by phone at 203-840-5808 or lparkermyers@reedexpo.com.

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

Cartier lures women away from watches intended for men

http://www.firstwaternews.com/feature/771-1-Cartier-watches-watch-trends-luxury-watch-trends-watch-reviews-diamond-watches-enamel-watches-Cartier-Calibre-

Boucheron honours Cirque du Soleil in diamonds and sapphires

http://www.firstwaternews.com/feature/773-1-Boucheron-fine-jewelry-design-Cirque-du-Soleil-jewelry-diamond-masks

Faberge To Launch More Conventional Jewellery Collection

The recently revived Faberge, known for their luxuriously ornate eggs, is set to launch a more conventional jewellery line. Designed by French boutique jeweller Frederic Zaavy the 132-piece launch collection will use hundreds or thousands on each piece to create mosaic effects. The second collection will be going to manufacture in a few months and comes after customers requested larger gems.

Melania Trump Launches Jewellery Collection

Melania Trump, model and wife of American businessman Donald Trump, has launched her own jewellery line. The line is called Melania Trump Timepieces and Jewellery and is divided into three sub-collections – New York, Paris and Palm Springs. The collection features watches, earrings, necklaces and bracelets all priced at $200 or less.

Top Officials Support BIRKS’ Unveiling of Canadian Diamonds

In a lavish and intimate evening affair, BIRKS unveiled the first 100 diamonds certified by the Government of Ontario Canada that are now available for purchase. 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 “Made in Ontario” diamonds, BIRKS held daylong unveiling opportunities for the industry’s top supporters and officials, including Honourable Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Northern Development & Mines. This also marked the first time that the diamonds reached customers in the Province of Ontario. “BIRKS is pleased to offer our clients an increasing number of Canadian diamonds in our assortment. As an iconic Canadian institution, we believe Canadian origin diamonds resonate with our clients and are clearly supportive of our overall sustainability efforts,” stated president and CEO Thomas Andruskevich. Showcased until May, BIRKS offered its clients an opportunity to design a piece of diamond jewellery that is completely made to order from its transformation from a rough diamond to final form. This bespoke diamond event offers an experience never before seen and is a nice touch to keep clients informed and enamored with their pieces. For example, the starting price for an engagement ring will be $2,500.

Bfly Introduces New International Vice President of Sales

Butterfly Gems has announced that Martial Dubé will oversee the BFly as Vice President of Sales. He will be responsible for managing the sales team throughout the North American as well as contributing to international business development. Mr. Dubé has over 30 years experience in the industry, including a position as Executive Sales manager with the company. “We are delighted to have Martial on our executive board to help us increase our business sales division with our new partnership with the worldwide leader manufacturer of Ear Piercing Systems Inverness,” said company president Stephane Lavoie. Inverness is currently serving 46 countries with their ear piercing products in association with the new BFly concept that launched this spring.