Archive for June 5th, 2006
Exhibitors, Attendees Out in Force at JCK Las Vegas ‘06
Diamonds.net, NY
(Rapaport…June 4, 2006) The 15th annual JCK Las Vegas Show kicked-off officially on June 3, 2006, but Sunday, June 4 was the first day in which all exhibitors and attendees were expected at the show following the Jewish holiday of Shavout.
In observing the exhibition hall during opening hours on June 4, some exhibitors still had not arrived to set-up however.
Overall, JCK Las Vegas 2006 kicked-off with a healthy attendance and some new show features.
The Prestige Promenade debuted, and the show’s Italian Pavilion brought together some 170 jewelry manufactures from Italy.
Dave Bonaparte, vice president of JCK Events said that his team had spent the past year “listening to our customers” and developed “thought-provoking events” for 2006.
Early in the day on June 4, the Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) held a marketing awareness seminar for its newest campaign set to launch in July/August 2006 called “Journey” diamond jewelry. The Journey line is defined as a graduated use of diamonds –in sequence from small to large– using at least four single diamonds one significant diamond.
Journey symbolizes how love grows deeper in time said brand architect Diane Warga-Arias adding that the diamond jewelry line is personalized for couples. “It symbolizes how love grows over time,” she said.
Lynn Diamond, DPS executive director, said that the “Past Present and Future” campaign contributed more than $10 billion in sales during the past five years; and she suggested that Journey “could be the next” launch to hit the $10 billion mark in time.
Claudia Rose of advertising agency JWT said that Journey was built to create a new interest in diamond jewelry, and “ignite customer interest” in diamonds. Rose said developing the marketing plan required a new approach. “We used research to discover what people would love to have,” and then make and sell what “we know they want.”
Of those diamond jewelry customers queried by JWT some 30 percent browsed or shopped for diamonds at least once each month. When DPS launched Past Present and Future 45 percent of those queried reported the concept was of interest to them; however, the figure was 71 percent for the Journey diamond jewelry collection. Seventy-six percent of women agreed that Journey was a unique product, Rose said, and nearly as many men agreed.
JWT’s Richard Lenox reiterated the product launch timeline, which is planned well in advance of the Christmas holiday in order to optimize sales during the shopping season.
(Lynn) Diamond announced at the end of her presentation that she would be leaving DPS to pursue a career in law.
June 5th, 2006
Men’s Titanium Rings as a fashion trend
LiveArticles.org,
Are you buying a men’s titanium ring as a gift? Are you thinking of getting titanium rings for wedding? Do you know the true meanings behind the metal as jewelry? Here is some general information for making such a decision.
Many people, including myself, heard of Titanium for the first time when either a military aircraft or a human joint substitution was mentioned. It seems like jewelers are just running out of new ideas for making new lines of jewelry. Yet, titanium jewelry is one of the fastest growing jewelry industries nowadays and there are actually plenty of justifications to the popularity.
Most people misunderstand that Titanium (the element Ti on chemistry periodic table) is a strong metal. In fact, the metal alone is not hard enough for most of the purposes it serves today; it is the alloys that produced from it that offer the superb strength and resistance to heat. Also, Titanium is not considered as previous metal like silver, gold or platinum.
So what makes Titanium so attractive? The most obvious reasons are the superior tensile strength and hardness. A particular grade of Titanium, 6.6.2, composes of a particular mixture of aluminum, vanadium and tin is used in many industrial applications such as aerospace. Therefore, the jewelry made of such (aircraft grade) Titanium like wedding band rings have no problem of being used every day. In addition, the fact that Titanium wedding rings are much harder and more durable than gold and silver makes it a perfect candidate for symbolizing the eternity of love in a marriage.
Besides traditional uses in wedding, Titanium also possesses various properties that allow it to become popular in the fashion jewelry industry. For example, tension set diamond rings in the form of an open circle with a diamond mounted in the openings is one of the most sought after designs that not many metals can be used in. Also, Titanium reacts with different chemicals in electrolytic solutions and turns into different colors such as green and blue, a process called anodization. This makes Titanium Rings much more versatile when it comes to fashion. Finally, Titanium can also be combined with traditional metals like gold and silver in the form of inlay. Men’s titanium rings with gold or silver inlay are created by bombarding the ring in a vacuum environment with a gold or silver atom beam in an angle that the metals adhere to the ring evenly.
After all, jewelry is a way of express oneself. Men’s titanium rings rings are for men who would like to stay ahead of the fashion trend and value the subtle inspiration from the effect of technological advances on every aspect of our lives and culture.
Scott Murff got his MBA from MIT business school and currently is the marketing manager in Titanium Kay featuring men’s titanium and tungsten wedding rings and bracelets.
June 5th, 2006
CRJP to Join CIBJO As Associate Member
Diamonds.net, NY
(Rapaport…June 4, 2006) The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and the Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices (CRJP) have resolved their differences and agreed to hold different yet complementary roles in promoting proper business ethics and consumer confidence in the jewelry industry worldwide. As a result of the agreement, CRJP will become an associate member of CIBJO
Under the terms of the agreement, CIBJO, as the umbrella organization of the world jewelry industry and its leading associations, will continue to play the role of educator and communicator on matters of business responsibility. CIBJO will work to raise awareness of these topics at a high level in the industry at large, pursue educational efforts to disseminate information, and serve as a forum for the worldwide industry to debate its views on business responsibility.
CRJP, as a trade association comprised of specific organizations from the gold and diamond jewelry supply chain, will play a more narrowly defined role than CIBJO. CRJP’s specific focus will continue to be the creation of a supply chain initiative for the gold and diamond jewelry industry, from mine to retail.
The groups agreed that CIBJO’s role is to focus on industry’s quest to maintain consumer confidence from a broader perspective, while leaving the consideration of creating specific ways of accomplishing this to trade organizations like CRJP, which have a more grass-roots focus.
Upon conclusion of the agreement, CIBJO invited CRJP to become an associate member. CRJP agreed to join CIBJO prior to CIBJO’s Annual Congress, to be held July 24 to 27 2006, in Vancouver, Canada.
In addition, CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri has invited CRJP to organize a session on this subject matter at the Vancouver Congress on July 24. CRJP agreed and is currently planning its presentation.
“I would like to express my support for and endorsement of the specific role that CRJP plays, in creating a supply chain initiative for the gold and diamond jewelry industry,” said Dr. Cavalieri. “I welcome the group to our Vancouver meeting and I look forward to the information CRJP will bring to our various constituents.”
“CIBJO’s Annual Congress is an ideal arena for the industry worldwide to familiarize itself with recent developments as they relate to issues associated with business responsibility,” said Matthew A. Runci, CRJP chairman of the board, and CEO of Jewelers of America. “With his invitation for CRJP to join and attend the Vancouver Congress, Dr. Cavalieri has made a valuable contribution to our further progress in this important field,” said Runci.
On August 31, 2005, CIBJO announced that it was withdrawing its membership from the then recently formed CRJP. CIBJO had at the time said that it serves the interest of the jewelry, gemstones, and precious metals industries, and claimed that those who lack the means to obtain CRJP accreditation would be discriminated against.
June 5th, 2006
Jewelry show will benefit shelter
The Forum/In-Forum (subscription), ND
Jewels by Park Lane will hold a celebration 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 12 at the Fargo Holiday Inn that will benefit the YWCA Shelter for Women and Children.
The event includes a fashion show, dessert, door prize drawings, makeovers by Hair Success and success stories.
Each ticket entitles the holder to an item of jewelry valued up to $100, and entry into a drawing for a diamond bracelet.
Event coordinator Deborah Fear hopes to donate $5,000 worth of jewelry to the women at the shelter – approximately $100 in jewelry to each resident.
Tickets are $10, available until June 10 at Hornbacher’s, Jenny Craig, Hair Success and Family Christian Store, or $12 at the door.
For more information, call Fear at (218) 233-8950.
June 5th, 2006
Bead the summer blues with jewelry
Cincinnati Enquirer, OH
The Artful Shopper
BY MARCIA SCHOENI | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR
If your champagne taste in fashion is stymied by a pinched budget, create your own simple accessories. Union Bead Boutique specializes in artisan beads and findings, unusual gem stones, interesting cuts and finishes.
Open less than a month, it’s more like an art gallery than a craft store. Ethnic textiles, artisan pottery and a roomy ebonized worktable in the back create an appealing backdrop for beads from all over the globe.
Delicate laser-etched shell or wooden pendants by Lillypilly Designs ($2-$40) create striking summer pendants paired with simple leather, pleather or suede loops.
Or craft a neckpiece with unusual Czech and Venetian glass or Swarovski Crystal pearls.
Showcase special beads with findings from Saki Silver, designed in Cincinnati and made in Thailand. Sterling or 14k gold toggles ($3-$50) or earrings in hammered oversize rectangles, triangles and circles ($24.99) will steal the show. Easy-care pewter or rhodium-plated beads by Fire Goddess are budget friendly, and they won’t tarnish ($3.50-$15).
Multi-hued handmade fimo beads from a Washington artisan benefit charities ($1.50-$3). Pair with sterling charms from their 500-plus collection (market-priced per gram) for an easy bracelet.
Accent this summer’s nude-colorations with some metallic shine from golden pyrite ($5.75-$10.15 per strand). Black textured lava rock (50 cents per bead, $24 per strand), turquoise and chartreuse gemstones are trendy and fresh. Many available by the strand or half strand.
Affordable gift projects are simple and quick. Add beads to wine stoppers ($6.99), pewter book-markers ($5.49) or letter openers ($8.99). Experienced beaders can dream up sterling, silver-tone or gold/silver bracelet-watches (metal tone faces, $5.99; sterling, $18 and more). Package your gift in an organza bag (50 cents).
Book a summer party for the kids to craft bracelets (memory wire plus plastic beads in metal tones; beads 5 cents each). Or accent a child’s gift with initials (45 cents). Soccer balls, footballs, baseballs come in hand-painted ceramic ($1).
Register for June classes, beginner to advanced (starting at $10 plus supplies) to create wireless hoop earrings, an organza bead necklace, a wire-wrap bracelet and more.
Owner Jessica Zumbiel of Burlington will fashion custom jewelry for wedding parties or special gifts.
The Union Bead Boutique, 1597 Cavalry Drive, Suite D, 859-384-8785, www.UnionBead
Boutique.com.
IT’S GOOD FOR DAD
Give Dad a sweet alternative to candy with an arrangement of artfully cut pineapple, strawberries, melon, some dipped in gourmet chocolate.
Fruit Design Baseball or Golf-Ball Keepsake, $59-$69, has delivery available. Made fresh daily with no added sugar or preservatives.
Edible Arrangements, 859-781-2345, 90 Alexandria Pike, Fort Thomas, www.ediblearrangement s.com.
TRUNK SHOW
Fans of vintage fashion can snag clothing, jewelry, handbags and hats from the 1940s through the ’70s from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11 at Julie’s Inspiration Consignment Shoppe Trunk Show.
It will feature men’s, women’s and little girls’ items from a local collection.
And remember June 16 for Ladies’ Night fun. Unannounced specials, refreshments from 6-10 p.m.
Julie’s Inspiration, 610 Main St., Covington, 859-291-8200.
What’s new? What’s hot? What’s the best deal in Northern Kentucky shopping? Contact Marcia Schoeni at schoeni_marcia@yahoo.com or call The Kentucky Enquirer at (859) 578-5555.
June 5th, 2006
New Jewelry Web Site Sends People to Real Stores
New York Times
ONLINE jewelers have built a $4 billion business on the idea that customers don’t really need to see a precious stone before paying thousands of dollars to own it. Traditional jewelers want to build an online business too, but with a slight twist. Their motto: Don’t buy online.
Last week, the Independent Jewelers Organization, a trade group representing more than 800 small jewelers, introduced IJODiamonds.com, where consumers can select diamonds and have them delivered to a local store for a personal inspection before any money changes hands
The Independent Jewelers say the initiative is aimed squarely at BlueNile.com and other online-only diamond dealers that have taken a significant chunk — about 4 percent — of their sales in recent years. Analysts said the new initiative faced an uphill battle, but that it at least gave small, independent jewelers a chance to compete against vastly bigger online companies.
“This is about protecting their business, and survival,” said Lauren Freedman, president of the E-Tailing Group, a Chicago-based consultancy. “These businesses have been very challenged by the Web, and this gives them a way to leverage the Web in a way they couldn’t do on their own.”
IJODiamonds.com sells mostly loose diamonds, which are difficult to sell for a high profit because the stones are considered a commodity. But to cover their larger fixed costs, traditional stores typically mark up the price of loose diamonds more than online retailers do.
IJODiamonds.com helps local merchants compete more effectively on price by offering consumers a selection of diamonds not from that local store, but directly from hundreds of diamond wholesalers. The wholesalers list the diamonds on the site, and when a customer selects one, the stone is shipped to a local store so the customer can examine it before taking it home. If the customer likes it, the store shares an undisclosed portion of the selling price with the wholesaler. If not, the customer pays nothing and the stone goes back to the wholesaler.
The jewelers will not say how much less profit they might make from the sale of a diamond through IJODiamonds.com than from the sale of a stone from the store’s own inventory, but the fact that the sale is completed in person gives them an opportunity to make more money from the customer in other ways.
For instance, last month, when IJODiamonds.com was testing its site, Sami Saatchi, the owner of SVS Fine Jewelry in Oceanside, N.Y., helped complete the sale of a $9,000, 1.5-carat diamond bought through the site. Mr. Saatchi said the customer actually ordered three stones to review.
“We did a custom setting for him, and it was ready to go in a couple of days,” Mr. Saatchi said. “Altogether, he spent about $11,000, and that sale would’ve never come had it not been for the site.”
While IJODiamonds.com will ship directly to consumers, it discourages the practice. The site’s home page advises customers: “Never consider buying a diamond without seeing it first.”
According to Mary Moses Kinney, who oversees the IJODiamonds.com Web site for the Independent Jewelers, the numeric classifications that determine a diamond’s quality and value are reliable, “but there are idiosyncrasies to the crystal that make the stone respond visually in a different way than the numbers might suggest.”
Executives at Diamond.com, which the online jeweler Ice.com bought last month for $9.5 million, do not necessarily disagree. But when a stone has a flaw that might upset a customer, they say, they either withdraw that stone from their inventory or tell the customer about it before the sale is complete.
“You just filter out the things you don’t want to sell,” said Mayer Gniwisch, Diamond.com’s president.
Diane Irvine, BlueNile.com’s chief financial officer, argues that buying a diamond in a store can actually be a disadvantage for customers. “When people go into a store, they feel intimidated because they don’t feel knowledgeable about the product,” she said. “Sometimes they feel taken, but they don’t know how.”
Indeed, industry statistics suggest that a small but growing subset of the jewelry-buying public prefers to buy their jewelry sight unseen.
According to Forrester Research, people bought $3.4 billion worth of jewelry online last year and will spend $4 billion this year. Offline, the growth is but a fraction of that amount.
Ms. Freedman of the E-tailing Group said that there were two possible drawbacks to the IJODiamonds.com approach. First, with only around 850 participating retailers in the United States, the organization does not have enough coverage to satisfy some consumers who do not want to travel far to look at the diamond they selected.
Second — perhaps more important — is that IJODiamonds.com is competing with numerous online diamond dealers that are marketing aggressively on search engines and other sites. Unless the Independent Jewelers Organization commits significant resources to promoting its site online, Ms. Freedman said, the site will not attract much attention.
The organization says it is spending $100,000 to market the site’s debut, but the campaign does not include advertisements on search engines. Rather, the group plans to rely on retailers to market the site in their own ads, with the organization providing some in-store marketing materials.
The lack of a sizable online marketing effort may be just as well, said Mr. Gniwisch of Diamond.com.
“Some people want the face-to-face approach, some will say ‘I don’t need it,’ ” he said. “But if their customers go online, they’re going to say ‘Let’s also go to Diamond.com, Blue Nile, Amazon.’ Once you send them online, you’re sending them to the wolves.”
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June 5th, 2006
