Archive for August, 2006
Manufacturer CB Fine Jewelry Embraces Market Challenges
Newswire Today (press release), UK
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Lad Krabang, Bangkok, Thailand, 08/30/2006 - Established in 2003, the company has become one of Thailand’s fastest growing fine jewelry manufacturers. The company recorded $3 million (USD) in retail sales during its first year of operation and is on track to do $30 million in sales for 2006.
While many Thailand-based jewelry companies are worrying over the strong baht, ballooning gold prices, and increased competition from China, manufacturer CB Fine Jewelry has welcomed the challenges.
“This is the kind of market we enjoy most,†says company spokesperson David Blyler. “Difficult conditions create a need for innovation, fresh perspectives, and bold marketing strategies. This is when real breakthroughs can happen. That’s exciting for everyone here at CB Fine, as we pride ourselves in not only in creating the finest handcrafted jewelry, but also in generating new ideas to help our clients surpass their rivals.â€
Such positivism has served CB Fine Jewelry well. Established in 2003, the company has become one of Thailand’s fastest growing fine jewelry manufacturers. The company recorded $3 million (USD) in retail sales during its first year of operation and is on track to do $30 million in sales for 2006. In the next three years, the popular manufacturer intends to double sales to $60 million.
Located in the Bangkok suburb of Lad Krabang, a short drive from the new international airport, CB Fine Jewelry’s 3,000 sq. meter facility provides manufacturing services to designers who require the finest hand detailing. Since its inception, the company’s artisans (who work in platinum, 18k gold, and sterling silver) have won acclaim for their outstanding engraving, filigree, milgraining, and finishing work. “We’ve strived hard to strike the perfect balance between Old World tradition and modern innovation,†explains Blyler. “It’s by achieving that harmony that we can offer our handcrafted jewelry at such competitive prices.â€
In addition to nearly 200 craftsmen, the company’s staff includes dozens of sales, marketing, administrative, and multi-media specialists. “Our company doesn’t simply focus on making high-end jewelry,†says Blyler. “CB Fine Jewelry was founded on the idea that we must do everything on the high-end. That is why we conduct every aspect of our business in-house. We treat clients in the same way the fine jeweler does: with luxurious attention to every detail, from start to finish.â€
Agency / Source: Carl Blackburn
August 31st, 2006
Diamond Ocean - Loose Diamonds & Diamond Jewelry Online Stores Launched
Newswire Today (press release), UK
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Mumbai, MH, India, 08/30/2006 - The summer of 2006 saw the launch of Diamond Ocean, one of the most comprehensive online Diamond Jewelry store with 300,000 Loose Diamonds and wide selection of High Quality Jewellery in Gold and Platinum with Finest Diamonds.
Diamonds are no longer confined to swanky retail stores where half the population peeks through the window and get mesmerized by the glitter. At Diamond Ocean, the whole range of diamond jewelry is right there before you. Just at the click of your mouse. You can view the whole range of diamond jewelry in a relaxed manner with a user friendly easy shopping procedure.
At Diamond Ocean, you can purchase rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, bangles, charms, necklace, sets and loose diamonds and gemstones. The website has a wide range of diamond jewelry for both men and women in materials such as Platinum, gold.
The Online Jewelry store has themes such as Bridal and For Men. You will find rings, wraps / tracers / enhancers and bands for various occasions such as engagement, wedding, anniversary and other celebrations.
Diamond Jewelry Stores is set up to promote authentic and quality jewellery to its discerning customers, with the intention of promoting Finest diamond jewellery all over the world. We also aim to expand and diversify our range of products continuously and display the latest introductions in the fast-emerging market.
Diamond Ocean is an online venture of Marquise Gems Prvt Ltd - leading dealers of diamond jewelry, with its presence all across the world. The company is certified by prestigious organizations such as Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council and Federation of Export Promotion Organisations.
Due to direct procurement of diamond jewelry and absence of “middlemen†in the company, the jewelry at Diamond Ocean is cost-effective, high on quality, present in wide variety, and customized as per the needs of the customer. What more can you ask for?
Our Stong Points are summarised as follows:
Quality: Perhaps the most important aspect of our dealing. Each diamond that we supply undergoes a stringent quality process. We are certified by precious organizations. Moreover, we are only associated with the most genuine diamond suppliers.
Direct sellers: We are direct sellers of loose diamonds with no so-called “middle men†or dealers involved in the process of selling.
Cost effective: Due to our business model of direct selling, we work with a fixed margin and also are cost-effective to the end customers and buyers.
Transparent business model: We believe in fair dealing and honest relationships. Our business model is crystal clear to buyers.
Provide bulk quantities: Now you can purchase loose diamonds in bulk quantities from us wherever you are located in the world.
Widest Range: We source from almost 100 factories and we offer real time inventory of all our suppliers, providing you with the widest possible range of loose diamonds for immediate supply. We have over 300,000 diamonds available at any day from our suppliers.
Money Back Guarantee: We offer a 30 day “No questions asked, Money Back Guarantee†on all products sold by us.
Agency / Source: Marquise Gems Pvt Ltd
Availability: All Regions (Including Int’l)
Distribution: [+] Press Release & Newswire Distribution Network. via PRZOOM - Newswire Today (NewswireToday.com)
August 30th, 2006
Emmy Debut for Journey Diamond Jewelry
IDEX Online, Israel
(August 28, ‘06, 6:07 Joseph V. Kuca)
Last evening, during the Emmy Awards broadcast, viewers saw the launch of the Journey Diamond Jewelry (JDJ) marketing initiative. It was the Diamond Trading Company’s (DTC) first prime time commercial. The televised spots will continue to run through the December holiday period.
The JDJ concept for couples is simple: together they are on a unique journey and their relationship is evolving. The design of the jewelry reflects this with four or more diamonds set in a graduated pattern from smallest to largest. The campaign tagline is â€With every step, love growsâ€.
Research has shown that men find it difficult to express deep emotions in words and often seek other ways to show their love. That desire, coupled with the prominence of diamonds as the ultimate symbol of love, makes JDJ the perfect gift to show continued affection and commitment.
“Journey Diamond Jewelry is a beautiful and inspiring concept. Not only is it a lovely way to express optimism for the growth of a relationship, it acknowledges that every couple has a truly unique love,” says Sally Morrison, Director of the Diamond Information Center. “It’s also a reflection of the more creative approach to diamond jewelry that’s occurring with both high-end designers as well as chain retailers. There are so many interesting designs, it’s easy to express personal style as well as sentiment.” Morrison adds.
Since early this year, when the JDJ concept was introduced to the trade at major industry venues, it has been dominating trend forecasts.
DTC, the marketing arm of De Beers, will support retailers’ sales efforts with their integrated consumer advertising campaign through the Diamond Promotion Service. DPS is offering print, radio and television spots that retailers can use until spring 2007. The first major print push in leading consumer publications throughout the U.S. begins in September.
August 29th, 2006
Madeleine Albright shares love of jewelry, fears about the world
JCK, PA
Rob Bates, JCK Senior Editor
JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone — 8/28/2006 9:32:00 AM
Calling herself “an optimist who worries a lot,” former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright kept a capacity crowd in rapt attention Sunday as she discussed world affairs at the opening session of the GIA Symposium in San Diego.
A lot of her talk was on current events—particularly Iraq and the Middle East.
“I have written in my book, and I hope it doesn’t come true, that I think Iraq will go down in history as America’s greatest foreign policy disaster,” she said. “More than three years after the invasion, Iraq is divided and unstable, its future clouded by the threat of a full-fledged civil war.”
She noted that the war in Iraq has actually ended up strengthening Iran, “its longtime opponent.”
She recommended everyone read, Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, by Thomas E. Ricks, for insight on the current situation.
She predicted eventually American troops will eventually have to leave Iraq, though “we shouldn’t set an actual deadline” for withdrawal.
But she didn’t think the answer was partitioning Iraq, noting this could lead to “unintended consequences,” although she noted that Iraq was artificially created by European powers after World War I.
She also discussed “conflict diamonds.”
She said that while she didn’t think “diamonds were responsible for what happened in Sierra Leone,” she also said companies have to be socially responsible in the countries they deal in.
“I went to Sierra Leone, and I was in a state of shock,” she said. “I went to this camp. People were divided according to what limbs they had lost. Whatever the industry can do through the Kimberley Process to make sure diamonds are not part of this problem is in the great tradition of [social responsibility.]”
She said that poor nations were still learning how to exploit their resources wisely.
“If you come into a windfall, you are more likely to go out and spend money than to feed your people,” she said. “The African country has been sucked out of its resources. First it was exploited by whites, now it’s being exploited by its own black leaders. The question is how you learn discipline and realize you need to feed your own people.”
Albright repeatedly discussed her love of broaches, the topic of a new book that should come out next year.
“I really have no sin except for buying jewelry, and I am grateful to GIA for showing me it’s not a sin but a sign of excellent character,” she said. “I have bought jewelry everywhere. If you travel around the world, you see my picture in a lot of stores.”
She added that she had “hundreds” of brooches and has had a “wonderful time collecting them.”
She noted that when she was Secretary of State, she often used her brooches “as a diplomatic tool.” So when the former government of Iraq called her a “snake,” she wore a snake pin when she met with its representatives. If she was in a patriotic mood, she wore an eagle. When she was meeting about the Middle East, she wore a dove pin given to her by Leah Rabin. And after the fall of Saddam Hussein, she got a new pin: A snake with a dagger through it.
Following her speech, Israel sightholder Steinmetz, the session’s sponsor, gave her a brooch designed like the sun.
“This is much better than the dentist’s convention,” she quipped.
Albright later sat for questions with GIA president Donna Baker. When someone from GIA asked what she should tell GIA’s many foreign students who are nervous about “the borders being closed,” Albright acknowledged that would be “hard.”
“This country was traumatized by 9-11,” she said. “And instead of being like FDR, ‘the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,’ we now have fear as a national policy.”
“I am an immigrant—a legal one. This country has been so enriched by people who come from other countries,” she added.
In response to another question, she said that she was proudest of “what we did to end ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.” And she said her greatest fear was of a widespread Sunni-Shiite war in the Middle East.
She declined to speculate on who will be the next Democratic Presidential nominee, but said “America is ready for a woman President.”
She said she hoped the Democrats run on security—and not just homeland security, but economic security and health security as well. “Democrats have a good record of defending this country,” she added.
And when another questioner suggested she run for president, she noted she was constitutionally ineligible since she wasn’t born in this country, and “I don’t think we should change the constitution just for Arnold Schwarzenegger.”
In conclusion, she said people have to learn “not to be afraid of someone who doesn’t look exactly like” themselves and learn to not settle their problems through violence.
“There can be no progress through violence,” she said. “The real choice isn’t between victory and defeat but between compromise and endless war.”
“For me the core principle is simply that every life is precious and every individual counts,” she added.
Albright’s talk was extremely well received, and when she was done there was an hour-long wait to buy an autographed copy of her book, Mighty and Almighty.
August 29th, 2006
IDCA Appeals to the Jewelry Trade
IDEX Online, Israel
(August 27, ‘06, 7:07 IDEX Online Staff Reporter)
The Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association (IDCA) is urging retailers to contact the United States Trade Representative (USTR) before the September 5 deadline for comments, and ask it to continue the trade benefits granted to Indian jewelry manufacturers under the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences) program.
According to IDCA, U.S. jewelry retailers and consumers could face serious economic hardships if a longstanding trade agreement with India, Brazil and some other trade partners is revoked.
“Withdrawing jewelry imports from the GSP program would add a six percent duty to a significant portion of jewelry products purchased by US consumers,†IDCA quoted trade experts in a release.
“Consumers already facing rising gold, diamond and oil prices, and feeling the effects of a softening US dollar, may see the retail prices for jewelry increase 15 to 20 percent, with disastrous effects on the retail market.â€
IDCA is encouraging retailers to email the USTR office before the September 5 deadline, urging the US government to maintain the GSP status granted to India, Brazil and 11 other trading partners.
August 28th, 2006
ARMED ROBBERS HOLD UP RICHMOND JEWELRY STORE
CBS 5, CA
08/27/06 4:15 PDT
RICHMOND (BCN)
Three suspected armed robbers are in police custody this afternoon after reportedly holding up a jewelry store inside the Hilltop Mall in Richmond.
According to Richmond police Lt. Enos Johnson, officers received word around 11:54 a.m. of a group of armed individuals that had entered the Exotic Custom Jewelry store located at 2136 Hilltop Mall Road, took 20 to 30 watches and fled in a silver four-door, American-made vehicle toward westbound state Highway 80.
Johnson said a Richmond police agent spotted the suspect vehicle just before noon in the 900 block of Humboldt Street, at which point the suspects stopped the vehicle, exited and ran.
Two suspects were arrested right away, Johnson reported. A third suspect was found during a K-9 search of the area. San Pablo police helped Richmond police with the search.
Johnson said a fourth individual must have gotten out of the vehicle before the Richmond police agent saw it on Humboldt Street because all three of the individuals that were seen fleeing the car have been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery.
Johnson reported the suspects abandoned some of their clothing and some of the property that they had stolen during the chase and search.
August 28th, 2006
BANYAK PERAJIN DI BANTUL TIDAK PRODUKSI; Perajin Perak Paliyan Kebanjiran Pesanan
Tuesday, 22 August 2006/kedaulatan rakyat online
WONOSARI (KR) - Di saat berbagai industri kerajinan di Gunungkidul mengalami permasalahan, kelompok perajin perak Mandaya Salaka di Desa Pampang, Paliyan masih terus berproduksi sekalipun terjadi bencana gempa. Bahkan pasca bencana gempa pesanan yang masuk semakin meningkat. Hal ini disebabkan banyak perajin perak di wilayah Bantul yang menghilang sehingga toko pemasaran perak yang berpusat di Kotagede memilih memesan dari Gunungkidul.
â€Bencana gempa tak mempengaruhi kerajinan perak. Bahkan pesanan semakin banyak. Jumlah perajin juga bertambah. Jika sebelumnya hanya ada 30 orang, sekarang menjadi 60 orang,†kata Ny Yatmiyati (45) salah seorang perajin kepada KR di rumahnya, Jumat (18/8) kemarin.Â
Kelompok perajin perak ini berdiri sejak 1998. Berbekal pengalaman kerja di Yogyakarta pada industri yang sama kemudian membentuk kelompok perajin perak. Berbagai jenis kerajinan perak mampu dihasilkan seperti cincin, bros, gelang, kalung hingga candi. Harganyapun bervariasi tergantung dari jenis, banyaknya bahan baku yang digunakan dan ongkos pembuatan. Untuk cincin berkisar Rp 30 ribu sedangkan bros Rp 35 ribu. Kalung berkisar Rp 30 ribu hingga Rp 50 ribu. Sedangkan untuk harga yang paling mahal pada bentuk candi. Selain proses pembuatan yang cukup lama, bahan baku yang digunakan juga tidak sedikit. Harga candi bisa mencapai Rp 4 juta hingga Rp 5 juta.Â
â€Bentuk candi memang paling mahal. Pengerjaannya saja bisa mencapai dua minggu. Karena bahan baku yang digunakan lumayan banyak sehingga harganya pun juga ikut naik,†tambahnya.Â
Hasil kerajinan perak ini sudah dipasarkan ke berbagai daerah. Bahkan juga sampai ke luar negeri karena diminati wisatawan mancanegara seperti Singapura, Australia, Filipina dan para wisman yang berkunjung ke Yogyakarta. Terkadang jika lebaran datang para perajin ini harus menyediakan stok yang cukup banyak. Karena telah menjadi langganan bagi para perantau yang akan pulang kampung.
â€Meskipun terjadi gempa tak terjadi permasalahan dalam pemasaran. Bahkan lebaran yang sebentar lagi datang harus membuat kami bekerja keras. Untunglah wilayah di sini sewaktu terjadi bencana tak menimbulkan kerusakan sehingga tak mengganggu aktivitas produksi,†imbuhnya.Â
Para kelompok perajin ini juga mendapat kesempatan untuk memperoleh pelatihan di Kalimantan dari Dinas Perekonomian Propinsi. Sebanyak 5 perwakilan perajin mengikuti pembelajaran keterampilan membuat kerajinan perak jenis baru seperti kalung dan cincin yang dibuat dari batu. Hingga saat ini kelima perwakilan yang telah kembali baru melakukan pelatihan ke perajin agar juga memiliki kemampuan yang sama. â€Lima perwakilan perajin yang memperoleh keterampilan kini sedang melatih anggota kelompok ini. Setelah semua mempunyai keahlian baru kita akan produksi serta menentukan harga untuk produk jenis baru tersebut,†tukasnya. (Ewi)-k.
August 25th, 2006
Veteran jeweler to manage new Northeastern Fine Jewelry store
The Business Review (Albany) - 2:59 PM EDT Wednesday
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The former owner of Michael’s Fine Jewelry in Scotia, N.Y., will serve as manager of the new Northeastern Fine Jewelry boutique in downtown Schenectady.
Michael McCabe, who closed his shop after 22 years in business, will be in charge of the jewelry store that Northeastern is opening next to Proctor’s Theatre in early 2007
In the meantime, McCabe will work at the Northeastern Fine Jewelry store at 1607 Union St.
“I have found over the years that Northeastern Fine Jewelry’s dedication to the customer and the community set them apart from every other jeweler in the area,” McCabe said in a news release.
The opening of a new jewelry store is part of a resurgence in interest among business owners to invest in downtown Schenectady, which has suffered through decades of economic decline. The store will be located inside the former Carl Co. department store, which is being renovated as part of the $22.5 million expansion of Proctor’s Theatre.
August 24th, 2006
Mythical Jewelry
Jewelry Weblog, CA
The whole mythical slash fantasy slash nature trend is hot this season and the next, so expect to see lots of unusual mixes of materials (yes good ol’ mixed media) and suggestions of fairies, nymphs, and the like.
Obviously in-tuned with jewelry trends, Juniper Designs, known for the cool key hole jewelry from the Pandora’s Box Collection, has announced two new jewelry collections which build on the theme of mythology:
The Orion’s Lover Collection uses fabulous vintage belt buckles and pairs them with natural gemstones such as Peruvian Opals as well as freshwater pearls. Each piece in the collection is one-of-a-kind. “I love creating one-of-a-kind pieces,” said Juniper designer Jenifer Altman, “My customers love the fact that no one else will be wearing what they are - they are very discriminating.” Each piece in the collection is named for a place, event or character in the tale of Orion and how he was destined to forever appear in the heavens.
The Calliope Collection, named for the Greek muse of epic poetry, is handcrafted of vintage pen and calligrapher pens. “I have always been such an avid reader and I love to write - this seemed like such a natural collection to create,” Jenifer said. Each piece in the collection is named for the designer’s favorite authors. The collection is particularly appealing to boutiques and retailers because though each piece is one-of-a-kind due to the nib itself, it can be reproduced in great numbers. “I really dedicated this collection to not only my favorite writers, but also all of the women who dare put pen to paper.”
August 23rd, 2006
TAIWAN: Newspaper says sorry to Chao over jewelry story
Asia Pacific Media Network, CA
United Daily News published an apology to Chao Chien-ming for failing to verify the facts before accusing him of selling his jewelry
Taipei Times
Monday, August 21, 2006
By Ko Shu-ling
The Chinese-language United Daily News yesterday ran an apology for alleging that President Chen Shui-bian’s son-in-law, Chao Chien-ming had been selling his jewelry.
“We would like to apologize to Mr. Chao Chien-ming, Mr. Su Teh-jien and our readers for failing to verify the facts before running the story,” the statement said, which was printed on the paper’s front page yesterday at about the size of two stamps.
The apology came in the wake of comments made by Chao’s lawyer, Ku Li-hsiung, who said his client threatened to file a libel suit against the newspaper if the paper did not apologize by today.
The United Daily News published a story on its front page last Friday, quoting anonymous sources in the jewelry business as saying that Chao, indicted in a high-profile insider trading case, had sold a 13-carat diamond to a Hong Kong jewelry house.
The report claimed that Chao had asked Su to sell the NT$16 million (US$500,000) diamond at a lower price tag of NT$13 million after Chao was released on bail last month.
Chao bought the diamond from a jewelry store via a retired vice admiral before the insider-trading scandal broke, the report said, adding that the diamond was eventually sold for NT$6.8 million in Hong Kong.
Ku yesterday said that Chao was not completely happy with the apology, but that he found it acceptable.
Ku said that he would ask Chao not to press charges against the newspaper.
Date Posted: 8/21/2006
August 22nd, 2006
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