Survey: Jewelry, watches top gift for grads
National Jeweler, NY
AUGUST 15, 2006 - Paso Robles, Calif. — After money, jewelry was the most popular graduation gift category this year, according to a new survey by the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council.
The JCOC August Weekly Omnibus Study finds that more than one-third of respondents know someone graduating this year, and, of those, 60 percent planned to purchase a gift.
The study finds that 36 percent of those offering graduation gifts give money and 24 percent choose to give jewelry. Gift certificates represented the third most popular choice, selected by 16 percent of gift givers.
Necklaces, bracelets and earrings in yellow gold and white gold were the most popular graduation gifts for 2006. Most consumers spent up to $200 on their gifts, the study finds.
Independent jewelers and jewelry chain stores appeared the most common places to purchase graduation jewelry gifts, with 25 percent of those polled making their purchases at each. Department stores came in third, with 13 percent of consumers polled buying their graduation jewelry gifts there.
August 16th, 2006
DTC launches diamond jewelry concept
JCK, PA
The Diamond Trading Company, the sales and marketing arm of the De Beers Group, launched, Kya, the name given to a new concept for a collection of diamond jewelry which the DTC says captures the independent spirit of South African women.
“Our task was to create a South African diamond brand that would give a compelling reason to buy diamonds and create huge desire and preference for diamond jewelry amongst the domestic consumer target segment,” said Thoko Modisakeng, DTC marketing manager.
“The brand is meant to provide value to all the stakeholders in the value chain and bring diamonds into the news.”
This diamond jewelry concept celebrates the success and independence of South African women today, according to the DTC. The center diamond represents the power and individuality of women, while the smaller diamonds radiate the beauty, the mystique, the diversity and the brilliance of a diamond in the same way that South African women radiate eternal and everlasting strength.
The jewelry line is based on the philosophy of wearability, good design, and affordability, according to the DTC.
Kya is available through four DTC Sightholders: Geffens Diamond Cutting Works, Livingstones Jewellery, KGK Star Rough and Rosy Blue Manufacturing.
For more information on Kya diamond jewelry, visit www.kyajewellery.com.
August 16th, 2006
