Archive for April, 2006
MJSA launches new show for jewelry makers
National Jeweler, NY
APRIL 26, 2006 - Providence, R.I. — A brand new trade show for jewelry makers and manufacturers sponsored by the Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA) is expected to draw more than 100 booths and 1,000 buyers when it debuts this fall.
Slated for Sept. 27-28, MJSA’s Trade Show for Jewelry Making at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, R.I., will showcase manufacturers and distributors of chain, findings, components, gemstones, beads, pearls, tools, equipment, supplies, packaging and displays, computer software and other products and services for jewelry making.
Since announcing the show, MJSA says it has received strong response from the jewelry industry for both the concept and its location. The group selected Providence as the show’s location in reponse to numerous requests for a new Providence trade show, as well as the city’s long history of jewelry making, MJSA says.
For more information, e-mail: bruce@mjsainc.com
April 28th, 2006
Newark Museum launches jewelry exhibition
National Jeweler, NY
APRIL 26, 2006 - Newark, N.J. — A museum exhibit spanning five centuries of American and European jewelry masterpieces is slated to land next week in a city that may be best known as an airport hub for Continental, but was also once a hot spot for gold jewelry manufacturing: Newark, N.J.
“Objects of Desire: 500 Years of Jewelry,” will run May 3, 2006-Feb. 18, 2007, at New Jersey’s Newark Museum, according to a release issued Monday.
The collection of 200 objects showcasing the art of jewelry design dates back to the 15th century, and progresses through the eras to feature current jewelry designs, according to a Newark Museum release.
Not content to merely display the jewelry, the exhibit is curated to reveal jewelry’s various meanings through the ages, and the historical reasons wearers have had for donning it—to express qualities ranging from status and affiliation, through the commemoration of sentiments and occasions such as faith and mourning. Subdivisions within the exhibit aiming to reveal such various uses for jewelry include: Faith and Fashion; Watches—The Value of Time; Commemoration and Rememberance; Cameos, a Window to Antiquity; Mourning; Souvenirs; Hair and Head; Accessories; Bracelets; Necklaces; Men’s Jewelry; Jewelry as Fashion; and Jewelry as Art.
Notable pieces within the exhibit include an amethyst pendant made in 1890 by Charlotte Newman, the first female master jeweler in what was then an exclusively male jewelry industry in England; an Australian black opal brooch designed for Tiffany in the early 20th century by Louis Comfort Tiffany; 17th-century silver crosses owned by the imperial family of Russian Tsar Nicholas II; and more.
Newark, site of the museum exhibition, is a particularly fitting locale, since 90 percent of American gold jewelry was made there for more than 100 years, according to the museum release. American luxury retailers including Tiffany and Cartier stocked fine jewelry made in Newark, the release said.
“It’s certainly fitting that The Newark Museum hosts this exhibition,” Ulysses Grant Dietz, Newark Museum Curator of Decorative Arts, said in the statement. “We are one of the few museums in the United States with a focus on collecting jewelry as part of the design and decorative arts collections.”
In addition to the ongoing exhibition, Objects of Desire will be the subject of a July 10 symposium, a daylong event addressing American jewelers and the country’s passion for jewelry. Speakers will include Dietz; Yvonne Markowitz, Curator of Egyptian Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and Jeannine Falino, former Curator of Decorative Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
The sessions, co-sponsored by the Society of Jewelry Historians, are $45 for the full day ($35 for members) or $25 each for the morning or afternoon session.
For more information, visit: www.newarkmuseum.org
April 27th, 2006
Jewelry sales strong amid surging silver prices
National Jeweler, NY
By Glenn Law
APRIL 25, 2006 - New York — World silver prices rose sharply in the first quarter of 2006, up 39.5 percent over the same period last year to average $9.78 an ounce for the first quarter.
That was the backdrop for the presentation of Silver Survey 2005 by metals analysts CPM Group in Manhattan this morning.
The swift rise in silver reflects the continuing robust growth of all metals on the world market, and the enthusiasm for silver investments by ETFs (exchange traded funds) including institutional investors and hedge funds.
This is a particular characteristic of the world silver market, explained Jeffrey M. Christian, managing director of CPM—price seldom affects demand, unlike the market for other metals, where demand is closely linked to price.
Despite the rising prices of the metal, demand for silver for fabricated products, including jewelry, remained relatively flat over 2005. However, CPM reports in its Silver Survey that the metal’s price has clearly had a major effect on the worldwide use of silver in jewelry and silverware.
In India, an extreme increase in demand for silver used in electroplating eclipsed the demand for solid-silver jewelry fabrication, which fell drastically in 2005. Demand for silver for electroplating in India grew sixfold to 48.2 million ounces last year, up from 8 million ounces in 2004.
In the United States, silver demand for jewelry, silverware and plating held on, rising slightly from 14.1 million ounces in 2004 to 14.4 million ounces in 2005. However, CPM projects that U.S. demand for silver will drop to 13.6 million ounces in 2006, in response to the metal’s rising prices .
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Retail jewelers contacted by NATIONAL JEWELER reported little effect of rising silver prices on their jewelry sales.
“We sell designer product in silver and it has been popular, but it hasn’t been driven by price,” says Bill Pearlman, owner of Pearlman’s in Battle Creek, Mich. “The desire to have the designer look is pushing that market.”
Silver jewelry appears to be gaining slightly in sales, perhaps because its lower price compared to gold makes the purchase of larger pieces more attractive.
“People are buying more silver,” says Susan Robinson, of Susan Robinson Jewelry in Tyler, Texas. “The price is not having any effect on business in [David] Yurman or [John] Hardy, and we recently brought in Jane Francis.
April 27th, 2006
Capture the Elegance of Antique Estate Jewelry on a Shoestring Budget
Emediawire (press release), WA
For Spring and Summer, jewelry artist Linda Grandstaff will offer pieces that are inspired by beauty of the Mediterranean and will feature Apetite, Peridot, Coral, Turquoise and Abalone.
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) April 25, 2006 — Graphic Designer turned jewelry artist Linda Grandstaff, of Houston, Texas, is capturing the look and feel of vintage necklaces for a fraction of the cost of a vintage piece of jewelry.
In her new line of Sterling Silver and Gold Filled jewelry she has designed some Victorian styled chokers and necklaces featuring pearls and semi-precious gemstones recreating the look and elegance of vintage jewelry.
Coming for Spring and Summer will be pieces that are inspired by beauty of the Mediterranean and will feature Apetite, Peridot, Coral, Turquoise and Abalone.
Linda’s graphic design background, passion for jewelry, and her love of starting with a single gemstone and creating a wearable piece of art is how Grand Glimmers began. Designs feature Abalone, Kyanite, Tourmaline, Garnet, Iolite, Pearls and other Semi-precious Gemstones. The beads or stones she works with start the creation of the final design. She usually doesn’t have a picture in her mind until she starts to work with a certain gemstone.
Grand Glimmers produces sterling silver and gold filled jewelry that incorporates the current trends but also stands out from what everyone else is wearing. Bring originality to your jewelry collection and stand out from the crowd wearing handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
Only the finest .925 sterling silver and gold filled wire, beads, & findings are used in all designs. Semi-precious gemstones & beads are used (No synthetics or plastics). Highest quality 49 strand beading wire is used because it resists everyday wear and moisture, and won’t need to be re-strung. Custom orders are welcome. Free shipping is provided, and all orders come gift-boxed.
The unique custom sterling silver and gold filled jewelry is handcrafted in Houston, Texas.
Linda Grandstaff
Grand Glimmers
713-664-0235
http://www.grandglimmers.com
April 26th, 2006
Wal-Mart to reduce lead levels in costume jewelry
Bay City News Service
San Jose Mercury News, USA
Wal-Mart has been added to the group of retailers and distributors who have agreed to meet new standards for lead levels in costume jewelry as part of a legal settlement, according to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.
A state civil court approved a settlement with Wal-Mart on Thursday, which adds the retail chain to the collection of 70 other U.S. retailers that must pay a total of $1.9 million, including $100,000 in civil penalties, as part of the settlement.
The settlement requires companies and their suppliers to meet new standards for lead-free and low-lead jewelry as soon as possible but no later than March 2008, the Attorney General’s office reported. After March 2008, retailers must cease selling any product that does not meet the new standards.
Out of the total $1.9 million to be paid by the defendants, $250,000 will go to a jewelry-testing fund and $329,000 will be earmarked to educate consumers about the health risks from exposure to lead and other heavy metals.
The lawsuit was filed against the retailers in June 2004, and the settlement was initially approved in February. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated Proposition 65, which requires that consumers be warned about exposure to materials known to cause cancer or pose a danger to reproductive health. Lockyer filed the suit because businesses were failing to inform consumers of the health risks involved with exposure to lead in jewelry.
Burlington Coat Factory, Claire’s Boutique, Express, Macy’s, Mervyn’s, Nordstrom, Ross, and Target are some of the companies that were part of the initial settlement.
The Gap, Saks Inc., Greenbrier International (Dollar Tree Stores), Reebok International, and QVC intend to voluntarily join the settlement, according to the Attorney General’s office.
Brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss and impaired growth are some of the effects children and teenagers can experience if they are exposed to lead, according to the Attorney General’s office.
Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. — republication, re-transmission or reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
April 25th, 2006
(BW) Dian Malouf Jewelry to Offer Signature Ring Collection for Mother’s Day; The Dian Malouf Custom Ring to Top Mother’s Day Wish Lists
Houston Chronicle, United States
By Business Editors
(c) 2006 Business Wire
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 24, 2006–Dian Malouf Jewelry will offer their popular line of custom made rings just in time for Mother’s Day gift giving. Long known for her inspiring sterling silver and gold creations, jewelry designer Dian Malouf created a line of personalized rings that can be lovingly labeled with “Mama,” “Mimi,” “Madre” or “Mom.”
“Our Endearing Collection features a bold sterling setting and one sweet word that will mean the world to any Mom who receives it,” said designer Dian Malouf.
“There is nothing more special to a woman than becoming a mother and this ring is a great way to honor moms this Mother’s Day.”
The Endearing Collection is available with various terms such as “Nana” and “Princess” hand cast in sterling silver. The collection is well known for its inspiring “Go Girl” engraving which was created by Dian Malouf as a way to remind women to believe in themselves. It has become a symbol of strength for breast cancer survivors and their families and friends and has helped created a national fundraising effort that has earned $20,000 for breast cancer research.
“The ‘Mom’ ring is one of the most popular items during the shopping months leading up to Mother’s Day,” said Dian Malouf Jewelry Vice President, Brooke Malouf. “It is truly a fantastic gift that mothers will cherish for a lifetime for a price comparable to a bouquet of flowers.”
“Mom” rings are priced at $58 and are immediately available in sizes 5-8 by calling 214-520-3123.
Dian Malouf is a nationally recognized jewelry designer, author, photographer and mother. A visionary who has spent her life searching the globe for unusual objects, Malouf incorporates her intrepid artistry into gold and silver creations featuring exotic stones and boldly carved motifs. Her jewelry lines have previewed at Nordstrom and Saks. Malouf is the author of two books, “Cattle Kings of Texas” and “Seldom Heard” ($39.95 plus tax), which offer a rare look at the lives of Texas cattle ranchers. Additional information about Dian Malouf jewelry and her books is available at www.dian-malouf.com.
April 25th, 2006
Buying fine jewelry? First research Web sites for gems of advice
Orlando Sentinel, FL
NEW YORK — Few purchases are more mystifying for first-time buyers than fine jewelry. There’s more information out there than ever — from jewelers’ Web sites and online forums to nearly ubiquitous grading reports from independent labs. But buying expensive gems and precious metals is still largely a matter of trust between you and the jeweler.
First, educate yourself on the basics. For diamonds, that means the four Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. For gold, platinum and silver, it means purity.
You can find helpful information on these fundamentals from the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov) and the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). The Gemological Institute of America, the most prominent diamond grading agency, provides tutorials on buying diamonds and colored gems at (www.gia.edu).
“It’s less of a blind purchase than it used to be,” says Jay Mednikow, president of 115-year-old Mednikow Jewelers in Atlanta and Memphis, Tenn. “But a jeweler who knows what he’s doing can take advantage of you if he wants to.”
Thus, there is still no substitute for a reliable dealer with an established reputation. Many jewelers are GIA-certified gemologists and display their credentials prominently.
For diamonds, Mednikow recommends buying only those with grading certificates from GIA, the American Gem Society or another independent laboratory.
Read warranty and return policies carefully and make sure all guarantees are written on your sales receipt — it’s your legal contract.
You may have a hard time distinguishing between slight variations in color and clarity, but still trust your own eyes.
Mednikow recommends holding diamonds with a pair of tweezers over your finger or against a white background and under lights of different types and varying brightness.
If you are buying a colored stone such as a ruby, sapphire or diamond, ask if it has been “treated” to enhance the color. Some processes are routine, like heating for sapphires and rubies and oiling for emeralds, but others are temporary or undesirable.
Up to half the gold jewelry sold in the United States bears a false karat rating, says Mednikow. Choosing a reliable merchant is your only insurance, although national retailers like Zales and Sears are diligent about the purity of their gold.
April 24th, 2006
WAL-MART TO REDUCE LEAD LEVELS IN COSTUME JEWELRY
CBS 5, CA
04/24/06 12:25 PDT
Wal-Mart has been added to the group of retailers and distributors who have agreed to meet new standards for lead levels in costume jewelry as part of a legal settlement, according to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.
A state civil court approved a settlement with Wal-Mart on Thursday, which adds the retail chain to the collection of 70 other U.S. retailers that must pay a total of $1.9 million, including $100,000 in civil penalties, as part of the settlement.
The settlement requires companies and their suppliers to meet new standards for lead-free and low-lead jewelry as soon as possible but no later than March 2008, the Attorney General’s office reported. After March 2008, retailers must cease selling any product that does not meet the new standards.
Out of the total $1.9 million to be paid by the defendants, $250,000 will go to a jewelry-testing fund and $329,000 will be earmarked to educate consumers about the health risks from exposure to lead and other heavy metals.
The lawsuit was filed against the retailers in June 2004, and the settlement was initially approved in February. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants were violating Proposition 65, which requires that consumers be warned about exposure to materials known to cause cancer or pose a danger to reproductive health. Lockyer filed the suit because businesses were failing to inform consumers of the health risks involved with exposure to lead in jewelry.
Burlington Coat Factory, Claire’s Boutique, Express, Macy’s, Mervyn’s, Nordstrom, Ross, and Target are some of the companies that were part of the initial settlement.
The Gap, Saks Inc., Greenbrier International (Dollar Tree Stores), Reebok International, and QVC intend to voluntarily join the settlement, according to the Attorney General’s office.
Brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss and impaired growth are some of the effects children and teenagers can experience if they are exposed to lead, according to the Attorney General’s office.
April 24th, 2006
Pawning jewelry for gas money?
The national average for regular gas is now $2.82 a gallon
7Online.com, NY
(New York-WABC, April 20, 2006) - If you’ve pulled into the gas station recently, you know the price of gas is up — again.
AAA says prices have risen two and a half cents in the last day.
The national average for regular is now $2.82 a gallon
In New York, it is up to $2.97
New Jersey is at $2.69
And the average price in Connecticut is $2.90
The prices are now so high that some people, as Eyewitness News reporter Anthony Johnson found out, are taking drastic action to pay for gas — including pawning their jewelry.
Rising fuel prices have forced motorists to take some rather drastic steps to keep their cars on the road. Pawn brokers say some customers short on cash are hawking their valuables to buy gasoline.
“They came in on Monday and Tuesday saying I need the money to put gas in my tank so I can get to work and get my check by Friday,” one pawn broker said.
Gas station attendants say customers are rarely asking for fill-ups these days. Some motorists say it’s coming close to the time when they have to ditch the car and use mass transit.
But for now, cherished items are being traded for cash or gas.
“Two bracelets and I only got $30 dollars for it, so now I gotta go back and get it before my son know I took it,” one woman said.
A pawn shop in Passaic, now has a snow blower because the owner could no longer afford the gas to run it.
As gas continues its run towards $3 dollars a gallon for unleaded regular, it’s becoming more and more of a challenge. However, the pawn shops are now making a profit.
(Copyright 2006 WABC-TV)
April 21st, 2006
Investasi Berlian, Pilih yang Bersertifikat Â
kedaulatan-rakyat.com/20 April 2006
Investasi banyak pilihan, terletak pada pilihan investor. Pilihan untuk investasi berlian menjadi favorit karena relatif aman dan harganya pun stabil dan terus meningkat. Selain itu, batu dengan keindahan tiada tara ini bisa untuk penampilan (fashion) dan koleksi.
Untuk berinvestasi berlian, ada berbagai yang bisa dilakukan. Pemilik Rose Diamond di Plaza Ambarrukmo Handoyo Mawardi menyarankan agar memilih berlian bersertifikat internasional. Berlian berser-tifikat biasanya berupa berlian lepas dan ada dalam sebuah kemasan yang memuat keterangan akan berlian.
“Selama berlian belum terlepas dari kemasan maka berlian akan mempunyai nilai jual yang tetap kerena termuat dalam daftar harga internasional. Akan sangat berbeda ketika menjual berlian yang sudah dalam bentuk perhiasan, penilaian menjadi subjektif,†katanya.Â
Dilanjutkan Handoyo, untuk investasi harus memperhatikan jenis dan kualitas berlian. Biasanya untuk berlian bersertifikat sudah tercantum dengan jelas kualifikasi berlian. Namun, dikatakan Handoyo, tak ada salahnya untuk mengetahui kualitas berlian dan menjadi patokan berbelanja berlian.
Rumus empat C menjadi rumusan umum untuk memilih berlian, yaitu cutting (asahan), color (warna), clarity (efek pendar) dan carat. “Kualitas berlian sebenarnya ditentukan oleh cutting (asahan) yang biasanya dengan formula tertentu. Tetapi pada umumnya berbentuk bulat dan terdiri dari 58 facets untuk dapat merefleksikan cahaya,†katanya.Â
Namun, diakui Handoyo, skala konsumen yang menggunakan berlian untuk investasi lebih kecil dibandingkan untuk fashion. “Jumlah konsumen yang benar-benar membeli perhiasan untuk investasi, biasanya mereka yang berasal dari kelompok menengah ke atas,†jelasnya. (***)-s.
April 21st, 2006
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