Archive for February, 2007
Carametis, a Smart Way to Shop for Designer Jewelry and Gifts
PR.com (press release), NY
Annoucing a new website where people can shop for European designer jewelry and fashion with brands selected carefully by fashion lover owners.
London, United Kingdom, February 28, 2007 –(PR.COM)– Carametis, a London based online company, with French and Italian origins, has been online for 4 years as an e-commerce website selling mid range, European designer jewelry, watches and gifts with popular brands such as Boccia titanium, Rochet Bijoux, Zoppini, Troika Design and more
Carametis has recently evolved in a smart and selective jewellery and gifts shopping portal where you will find fine designer jewelry, handbags, watches, men’s jewellery and gifts by European designer brands such as Forzieri, TI2 Titanium, Gucci, Prada, Kenzo, John Rocha, Gianfranco Ferre, Pierre Cardin and more.
Carametis is designed for online shoppers worldwide who want to find a great selection of designer jewelry, fashion and gifts, all in the same place. Find a unique gift for friends, family or partner by browsing the catalogue by products or brands. Also French and Italian owners Nicolas Mekchoudi and Carla Mancini, created Best men’s and women’s gift pages, where they selected a mix of recent best sellers as well as their own favorites.
A very comprehensive shopping site where you can not, not find a little something.
www.carametis.com
February 28th, 2007
AMY GONSALVES STARTS STERLING SILVER JEWELRY BUSINESS
Mass Media Distribution LLC (press release), FL
POWAY, CA — In a unique blend of fashion and sales, Amy Gonsalves has started her own sterling silver jewelry business as an independent Silpada Designs Representative.
Silpada Designs is a direct sales company, offering an exclusive collection of handcrafted .925 sterling silver jewelry and only the finest semi-precious and composite stones. As an independent Silpada Designs Representative, Amy Gonsalves offers these services: personal consultation, beautiful jewelry to purchase, free products for party hosts, and business opportunities for those wishing to start their own business.
Silpada Designs was started in 1997 by its co-founders, Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh. From a small group of saleswomen in Kansas, including Bonnie and Teresa, Silpada Designs has now grown to more than 17,000 independent Representatives across the country. By starting her own business, Amy Gonsalves has become an active Silpada Designs Independent Representative in the San Diego/ North County area.
The first things that attracted Amy to Silpada Designs were the beautiful designs, the quality of the jewelry and the unique approach of the business. “Selling Silpada jewelry is wearing Silpada jewelry.†Amy says, “There are no formal presentations, my customers enjoy hosting parties, I display Silpada’s unique, sterling silver jewelry, help women put together a look, have fun and write up orders! It’s one of the easiest ways to have your own business!â€
While individual consultations and orders are welcomed, most sales are made through in-home parties & catalog parties. In addition, Amy Gonsalves offers Silpada as a great fundraising possibility. The entire collection of Silpada may be viewed online:
http://www.mysilpada.com/amy.gonsalves
To place an order, to book a party or for more information on the business opportunity, Amy Gonsalves can be reached at (858)204-8876 or by e-mail at WearSterling@gmail.com.
Silpada Designs is the original and fastest-growing jewelry Home Show company in the United States whose primary focus is offering a unique collections of .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry. Silpada Designs’ Sterling Silver Jewelry is sold exclusively by independent Representatives throughout all 50 states.
February 27th, 2007
NGOS: NEW SURVEY SHOWS U.S. JEWELRY RETAILERS ARE NOT DOING ENOUGH TO COMBAT BLOOD DIAMONDS
Tacy, Israel
A new survey by non-governmental organizations Global Witness and Amnesty International USA shows the US$33 billion-a-year American jewelry retail industry is failing to take adequate measures to help consumers avoid conflict diamonds.
In a survey conducted between December 2006 and February 2007, the human rights groups surveyed the 37 jewelry retailers listed by National Jeweler magazine as the US$100 Million Supersellers. The main findings include the following:
Half of these leading American jewelry retailers failed to respond to the requests to provide information about their policies on blood diamonds.
Fifty six percent of those who did respond reported having no auditing procedures in place to combat blood diamonds, despite the recommendation to do so by the trade association Jewelers of America.
Fifty seven percent of the top jewelers do not have any public information posted on their websites about their policies on blood diamonds.
The survey also noted that a few industry leaders such as Helzberg Diamond Shops, Sterling (Signet) and Tiffany & Co. have taken stronger measures to combat conflict diamonds, including third-party auditing.
“Americans buy half of the diamond jewelry sold worldwide— US$33 billion a year in U.S. sales. We feel that this industry has an obligation—and consumers should demand—that the diamonds that are bought and sold are conflict-free,†explains Larry Cox, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA.
“It is completely reasonable to demand that this industry give consumers adequate assurances that the diamonds they buy are conflict-free, given the devastating human toll of blood diamonds. With such huge profits, retailers should be willing to do more to solve this problem,†notes Charmian Gooch, Founding Director of Global Witness.
To help ensure that the diamond industry is living up to the necessary standards, Amnesty International and Global Witness are calling for the following action:
All sectors of the diamond industry, including the diamond jewelry retail sector, should implement third-party audit measures and responsible sourcing policies;
The U.S. and other governments should carry out stricter oversight of the diamond industry and strengthen and improve enforcement of the Kimberley Process and the Clean Diamond Trade Act.
Jewelry retailers should make their policies on conflict diamonds prominently accessible on their websites.
February 26th, 2007
Jewelry makers expect exports to reach $400m
Manila Standard Today, Philippines
Local jewelry makers expect exports to hit $400 million by 2012 amid strong demand for well-crafted, high-end Philippine designs despite intense competition in the global marketplace.
Mia Faustmann, president of the Guild of Philippine Jewellers Inc., said in a forum yesterday that the $400-million combined export target for fine and costume jewelry was realistic given the high quality and unique designs that Philippine-made jewelry is known for.
Prices of locally-made jewelry are also competitive with those of Thailand, which has a $1.5-billion export market.
The Philippines last year shipped out $40 million worth of jewelry to various markets, the biggest of which are Japan, United States and Europe.
“We are looking at a 10 percent growth in exports this year. The Philippines is competitive in design, quality and price. Jewelry, be it gold, silver or costume, is mainly fashion-driven and for as long as you keep up with the trends, you will always have a niche market,†Faustmann said.
Local jewelers have been angling for more support from government. The Jewelry Act has gone through the second amendment of its implementing rules and regulations.
Fine jewelry makers will showcase their works of art in the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2007 next month at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
Six local jewelers will display the Philippines’ finest in sterling silver jewelry—A. Suarez Sterling Corp., Michelis Inc., Sanara Inc., Sterling Gifts Inc., JMA Jewelry Center Inc. and South Sea pearls (Jewelmer International).
She said the hard part was getting all jewelry makers to go above ground and be legitimized to capture a more realistic base of the market.
Faustmann said the local jewelry industry, including fine and costume jewelry and those made in Meycauayan, Bulacan could be around P3 billion, but only about 1 percent is legitimate. Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos
February 23rd, 2007
Profit climbs but sales are nearly flat at jewelry retailer
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/21/07
Asbury Park Press, NJ
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Jewelry retailer Zale Corp., which has three stores in Monmouth and Ocean counties, said today its second-quarter profit edged up, the gain limited by one-time charges and flat revenue.
Profit for the quarter ended Jan. 31 totaled $88.1 million, or $1.80 per share, compared with $87.8 million, or $1.78 per share, during the same period last year.
Revenue grew 1 percent to $1 billion from $993.7 billion a year ago, which excludes results of the Bailey Banks & Biddle stores that were closed during the second quarter of 2006.
Locally, Zale has stores in Eatontown, Freehold Township and Toms River.
Same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least one year, a key measure of retail performance, grew 1.4 percent during the quarter.
Excluding charges for adjustments to derivative accounting and a change in how revenue is recognized for jewelry protection plans sold during the quarter, net income totaled $1.94 per share in the latest period, compared with last year’s adjusted profit of $1.96 per share.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected net income of $1.89 per share on higher revenue of $1.02 billion. The estimates typically exclude one-time items.
The company said it did not reach original expectations for the quarter but is “pleased” with its first same-store sales increase in three years. Results were helped by expanded offerings in diamond and bridal jewelry categories, Zale said.
“While we gave back margins due to aggressive pricing and increased promotional activity at holiday, in January we changed our focus to maximizing gross profit dollars,” said CEO Betsy Burton.
Zale also said the impact of accounting for gold and silver contracts increased profits by $2.5 million, or 5 cents per share, and the company also benefitted from expanding its jewelry protection plan sold to customers to cover the lifetime of the product rather than the two-year period previously covered.
February 22nd, 2007
Bead Jewelry Site, APlusBeads.com, Announces Its Grand Opening
Eworldwire (press release), NJ
APlusBeads.com has launched a new online store, featuring both ready-to-wear merchandise as well as detached beads packages.
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK/EWORLDWIRE/Feb. 20, 2007 — APlusBeads.com announced the immediate opening of its online bead store. The store offers many different products for bead enthusiasts all over the world. From semi precious stone beads to magnetic beads, the store has something for all bead lovers.
The online Beads Store at APlusBeads.com is a welcoming site for those customers looking for beads in bulk or in smaller quantities. Jewelry makers, crafters, and designers can enjoy the convenience of shopping online for their bead needs.
Customers can easily access the Bead Store from the APlusBeads.com homepage. The Online Store is easy to access and is broken down for easy searching, depending on the type and style of bead the customer is searching for. Customers can shop by size of bead, shape of bead, or stone. Each product is shown with a detailed photo, making it even easier for customers to view what they are ordering.
The APlusBeads.com Online Store offers round beads, design beads, coral beads, cabochon beads, pearls, fiber optic beads, magnetic beads, Indian gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and ready-to-wear jewelry. In addition to the extensive product line available at the APlusBeads.com new online Beads Store, the company will also help any customer locate specialty beads they desire. Customer service is of great importance to the owners of APlusBeads.com, which is certainly why they take on special order tasks as well as regular Beads Store orders, and pride themselves to ship all orders promptly and accurately.
For customers looking for special deals, the APlusBeads.com Bargain area is something to consider.
For additional information on APlusBeads.com, visit ‘http://www.APlusBeads.com’.
About APlusBeads.com
APlusBeads.com was started in 2001, building its customer base year after year. The company offers an online outlet for customers seeking semi-precious stone beads, stone design beads, fresh water pearls, stone donuts, shell and stone pendants, stone chip necklaces, and cats eye beads. In addition, the company offers round beads, design beads, pendants, and ready-to-wear items. The merchandise is imported from many countries.
HTML: http://www.eworldwire.com/pressreleases/16490
PDF: http://www.eworldwire.com/pdf/16490.pdf
ONLINE NEWSROOM: http://www.eworldwire.com/newsroom/311454.htm
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LOGO: http://www.eworldwire.com/newsroom/311454.htm
CONTACT:
Kris Wang
718-683-7982
aplusbeads@aol.com
http://www.AplusBeads.com
SOURCE: Aplusbeads.com
February 21st, 2007
Jewelry By Artists: Daphne Farago Collection
HULIQ, NC
This exhibition will present highlights from Daphne Farago’s collection of contemporary jewelry, which was given to the MFA in 2006. The collection comprises more than 600 works of jewelry by leading American and European artists, ranging in date from about 1940 to the present, in a wide variety of media and sculptural forms.
With this gift, the MFA now holds the most comprehensive collection of twentieth-century studio jewelry ever assembled. The exhibition will include a selection of about 150-200 objects, and will provide a chronological survey of studio jewelry in the 20th century.
While demonstrating the breadth of the collection and the variety of artists’ approaches to jewelry-making, the show will also represent key artists in depth, including Alexander Calder, Art Smith, Sam Kramer, Robert Ebendorf, William Harper, Wendy Ramshaw, and Mary Lee Hu.
The picture shows Necklace, about 1958, the author is Art Smith.
May 22, 2007–March 5, 2008 at Early 20th Century American Gallery. — www.mfa.org
February 20th, 2007
Jodi Bloom’s So-Charming Jewelry
Jewelry Weblog, CA
Jewelry designer Jodi Bloom named her jewelry business “So-Charmed,” but her jewelry is more than just charming; it tells a story. In fact, that is how she envisions her approach to jewelry making, telling stories with her beads and baubles. From her bio on her web site she describes her work:
A compulsive collector, Jodi turned her obsessions toward beads and charms a few years ago and now boasts a collection large enough to buy Manhatten, at today’s prices. The poor girl just can’t help herself when it comes to shiny baubles (or shoes, or Cosmopolitans, or kittens, but those are other stories for other times).
And, Jodi not only gets to spend her days and nights on the world’s most delightful treasure hunt, she also has the truly lovely pleasure of designing and making every single piece of jewelry, as well as creating all of the details–from packaging to Web design–that make So Charmed hum along. The icing on this triple-layer coconut cake is the sweet-as-sugar friendships she is able to forge with her lovely, amazing, and super fun customers the world over.
Now sit back and enjoy her story jewelry. Pictured top is from her Punk collection:
sterling silver bracelet, findings & charms: black plastic 8-ball, vintage plastic RF charm, vintage martini shaker w/dice, sterling martini with apple-green CZ, big minty glass heart
February 19th, 2007
Fine gemstone jewelry featured at Bennett’s grand opening
JANE LONGMIRE Monitor Business Editor
Los Alamos Monitor, NM
Dignitaries and residents of Los Alamos gathered at Bennett’s, a fine jewelry and gift shop, Friday evening for its grand opening. With its private entrance, modern lighting and d/cor, Bennett’s was the perfect setting for D’Italia of Arrezo, Italy, fine diamond and gemstone jewelry on display for the weekend.
“This is a family-owned business,” owner Alison Bennett said. “My father, Ernest Bennett, started UPEX in 1998. It has now grown and he has expanded to another UPEX store in Santa Fe. My mother, Melanie Bennett, is a wonderful woman and also works currently at the Santa Fe location.”
She said when she presented her parents with the idea of opening or expanding the jewelry and gift area, they were “very supportive and worked themselves so hard to get it ready for our grand opening on Friday.”
Bennett’s, located at 107 Central Park Square, is the previous lower floor of the UPEX building, now a remodeled business space, transformed into an upscale jewelry store, complete with custom glass cabinets and display cases.
A highlight of the grand opening was the drawing for a $600 blue topaz and diamond ring set in 18 K white gold, which was won by Jim West. He plans on surprising his sister with it when he visits her in May.
Pyramid Caf/ provided homemade North African, Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. Wine was also served.
Armen, representing D’Italia, is the fourth generation in “this business.”
“We do our own manufacturing, there are 105 persons on the payroll, our company is over a century old,” he said.
Arezzo, Italy, is a jewelry town, where earrings, rings, bracelets and brooches are known for their fine quality. European and American tastes in jewelry do differ, Armen said, with Americans liking diamond and gemstone combinations, and Europeans preferring 18 karat gold jewelry.
“I am definitely attracted to this jewelry,” Anne Davis, visitor to the grand opening said.
“It reminds me of being in Thailand where I started my collection. This is quality,” she said.
D’Italia of Arrezo, Italy, will be back, but Bennett plans to feature other jewelry makers throughout the year.
In addition, she has several artists on consignment at all times, including Mark Hudson, Michelle with Inner Luxury, Bettina Hehlen, Laura with Heart & Soul, Applause Designs by J. Lee Griffin, coffee mugs by Mara, Birdell pottery from Santa Clara Pueblo and works by Robert Vigil of Nambe.
These include stoneware, jewelry, beadwork, polished gems and carved bear and buffalo. With the purchase of any product from Inner Luxury, 25 percent goes to the American Cancer Society.
“We named it Bennett’s because that is our family name. There is my very hardworking father, Ernie, my wonderful mother Melanie, myself, and my two boys Dylan and Dustin,” Bennett said. “Oh, and do not forget Tom Nolen; his name isn’t Bennett but he is a part of our family.”
Nolen has been working as a jeweler for two years.
“We are glad to bring a jewelry store back to Los Alamos and thank everyone in town for their support,” Bennett said.
For more information on Bennett’s Fine Jewelry, call 662-7145.
RIBBON-CUTTING Participants were all smiles at the ribbon-cutting at Bennett’s Fine Jewelry and Gift Shop Friday afternoon. Shown cutting the ribbon are (left to right) county councilor Robert Gibson, Melanie Bennett, councilor Fran Berting, Ernie Bennnett, Alison Bennett and councilor Jim West.
Photo by GARY WARREN/Monitor
February 16th, 2007
Top US Jewelry Retailers Get the Gold for Signing Responsibility Pledge
by Anne Moore Odell
SocialFunds.com
In time for Valentine’s Day, seven out of the top ten US jewelry retailers sign No Dirty Gold’s “Golden Rules” to back responsible gold mining practices.
SocialFunds.com — Although many people have heard about the social and environmental hazards in the diamond mining industry, a.k.a. “blood diamonds, ” there has been less public awareness of the environmental and social hazards accrued in mining for gold.
The No Dirty Gold Organization, founded by Oxfam America and EARTHWORKS, is working to educate retailers and the public to the true cost of gold
Eleven retailers recently showed their support for No Dirty Gold by signing the campaign’s Golden Rules, which brings the total number of US jewelry retailers who have agreed to embrace responsible mining up to 19. Seven out of ten of the top US Jewelry retailers are now represented. The new pledges are Ben Bridge Jeweler, Birks & Mayors, Boscov’s, Brilliant Earth, Commemorative Brands, Fred Meyer and Littman Jewelers, Leber Jeweler, Michaels Jewelers, QVC, TurningPoint and Wal-Mart.
The eight pioneer pledge signers were Cartier, Fortunoff, Helzberg Diamonds, Piaget, the Signet Group, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels. and Zale Corp. Together these 19 companies generate nearly $12 billion in retail jewelry sales, or 22% of the total US jewelry sales.
The Golden Rules ask mining companies to meet basic social, human and environmental criteria. Some of these standards include the informed consent of mining communities, safe working conditions, and workers rights. Mining companies must also take care of the environment by not dumping mine wastes in water sources, protecting fragile ecosystems, and picking up all the costs of closing down mining operations. Importantly, the Golden Rules require mining companies to allow independent verification of meeting the criteria.
“We approach retailers by simply asking to have a conversation with them about gold-sourcing issues. Initially, retailers were reluctant to have these conversations as they believed that gold-mining was not an issue that affected them,” said Keith Slack, Senior Policy Advisor for Oxfam America and Co-Director of the No Dirty Gold campaign. “As the campaign has advanced, however, more and more retailers are coming to understand that irresponsible gold-mining practices can have a direct impact on their brands. It’s important to remember that 80% of gold that is mined today is used to make jewelry.”
Signing the Golden Rules pledge was right thing to do Jon Bridge, Co-CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler told SocialFunds.com. “We take the impact of our company’s supply chain seriously and we believe all mining and manufacturing should be conducted in a manner that respects the needs of current and future generations. Our company has long been involved in ethical and principled leadership through the Jewelers of America, and we were early members of the Council for Responsible Jewelry Practices.”
No Dirty Gold continues its work of including more major jewelry retailers on its list of companies that have signed the Golden Rules. Slack commented, “Target Corporation is a major jewelry retailer that unfortunately is lagging behind other retailers in this respect. We would like to get them on board.” Other “laggards” named by No Dirty Gold include J.C. Penney, Rolex, Sears/Kmart and Whitehall Jewelers. However, Slack reported that Whitehall said they will soon sign the Golden Rules pledge and No Dirty Gold looks forward to moving Whitehall off the “laggards” list.
Target has responded to these criticisms by establishing its “Standards of Vendor Engagement” which works to guarantee that its vendors follow appropriate practices for all the merchandise Target sells, including gold jewelry.
Public awareness of gold mining practices is still in its infancy. As Jon Bridge of Ben Bridge Jewelry observed, “There is not overwhelming response or even awareness from the consumer level at this time.” However, besides the 19 retailers that have signed the Golden Rules, individuals can sign the No Dirty Gold Golden Rules available on their website.
The next step is for mining companies to actively respond to the retailers’ demands and supply “clean” gold. Jewelry retailers and consumers are sending a clear signal to the mining industry that “dirty” gold is not acceptable. Nobody wants their wedding band or engagement ring to come at the cost of clean water or human rights. Just as with organic food, fair-trade coffee, and sweatshop-free garments consumers want to be able to buy jewelry that is responsibly produced.
A number of mining companies, jewelry retailers and NGOs have entered into discussions to develop a certification system for gold and metals. The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) first met in June 2006 with the objective of developing an independent certification process for minerals.
Tiffany, one of the first retailers to sign the pledge, has taken control of most of its gold products. “The largest portion of the gold and silver contained in Tiffany jewelry is obtained from a single US mine, which operates in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner,” said Linda Buckley, Vice President, Media Relations for Tiffany. “The metal is then fabricated in Tiffany’s own facility before being crafted into Tiffany jewelry, either in our own manufacturing facilities or those of our manufacturing partners,” she added.
Commemorative Brands, the parent company of Balfour, ArtCarved, and Keystone class rings brands, was the first class ring company to sign the Golden Rules. Matt Gase, Commemorative Brand’s General Manager said that the company’s commitment to social responsibility reflects the “values of the many students around the country who have a deep commitment to human rights and the environment.” As the jewelry buying public and jewelry retailers make this commitment to change, the mining companies will undoubtedly feel the pressure to improve their mining practices.
February 15th, 2007
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