Archive for May, 2007
Remounting a Customer’s Jewelry
May 30, 2007
by Caroline Stanley
Jewelers Circular Keystone Online, NY
One great way to give a customer’s jewelry new life is through remounting.
Remounting is a service that most jewelers offer. It’s especially relevant if your customer wants something new yet has some sentimental attachments to parts of her jewelry. Consider having a discussion around these concepts with your customer.
Questions for a potential remount customer:
1) Why is it time for a change?
2) Do you want something that will fit in with your wardrobe or are you seeking a new look?
3) What is your very favorite piece of jewelry? Why?
Start a dialogue. Find out if she’s happy with her wardrobe or if this remount is the start of a new look, a new chapter in her life. The key is to work with your customer and her WHOLE jewelry wardrobe, not just a part of it (assuming the remount is a piece she’s going to keep for herself).
By asking a few targeted questions, you can get to know your customer a bit better and see what other holes might be in her wardrobe and how else you can be of help.
Today’s Jewel
Work with your customer’s whole jewelry wardrobe - not just one piece when you’re doing a remount. Have a conversation that addresses more than just what metal she likes or what color stones she enjoys.
Posted by Caroline Stanley and Cynthia A. Sliwa on May 30, 2007 | Comments (0)
May 31st, 2007
Private Equity Shop Deals Jewelry Deal
Houston Chronicle, TX
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — Jewelry retailer Claire’s Stores Inc. said Tuesday it had closed its deal to be purchased by private equity firm Apollo Management LP for about $3.1 billion.
Under terms of the buyout, Claire’s Stores shareholders will receive $33 in cash per share.
Claire’s common stock will stop trading on the New York Stock Exchange after Tuesday’s market close. Shares closed up 5 cents to $32.98.
Claire’s operates about 3,000 stores in the U.S. and around the world under the names Claire’s and Icing by Claire’s. It sells low-cost costume jewelry and accessories primarily to “tweens,” teens and young adults.
Claire’s also named a new chief executive: Eugene S. Kahn, who most recently served as chairman and CEO of May Department Stores.
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May 30th, 2007
Survey: Super Rich Consumers Will Splurge on Jewelry, Watches
Jewelers Circular Keystone Online, NY
– JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 5/28/2007 1:56:00 PM
Ultra affluent consumers (with a net worth of at least $10 million) will have their eye on watches and jewelry this summer, according to a recent survey.
A total of 73 percent of respondents to the 2007 Elite Traveler/Prince & Associates Summer Spending Survey say they will spend an average of $94,000 on luxury watches or fine jewelry, an increase of nearly 50 percent over summer 2005.
These consumers are not stopping at jewelry either as they are expected to increase their overall summer spending by 55 percent this year over summer 2005 on all types of items, including entertainment, apparel, and electronics,.
According to the survey of 198 high net worth families conducted at the beginning of May, spending across 17 luxury categories will increase to $622,202 per household, from $399,187 during the summer period.
“This survey underscores the spending power of the super rich and also reflects that this segment is not impacted by the ups and downs of the overall economy. In fact they are enjoying a very robust period,†said Douglas Gollan, president and editor-in-chief of Elite Traveler. “Unlike Mass Affluent consumers who may splurge and charge up credit cards to buy jewelry or watches for the holidays, it is interesting to see that the super rich spend money on virtually every type of luxury good and service on an continuous basis.â€
The three largest growth areas for increased spending are audio-visual products, up more than 121 percent; designer apparel and accessories, up more than 112 percent; and luxury resort stays, up more than 78 percent. In these categories, the “average†Elite Affluent customer will spend $31,000 on electronics: $34,000 on apparel and accessories, and $41,000 on luxury resort stays.
More than 93 percent of survey respondents say they will spend an average of $56,000 on entertaining. Sales of wines and spirits will also increase, reaching $17,000 for personal consumption and $24,000 for social entertaining.
Nearly everyone surveyed said they will be increasing their charitable giving in the coming months, averaging $82,000 in contributions to their favorite charities this summer, a $30,000 increase over summer 2005.
May 29th, 2007
Moirang jewelry theft case solved with arrest of six
The Imphal Free Press
KanglaOnline, India
IMPHAL, May 27: In connection with the theft of over Rs 8 lakhs worth of gold ornaments from a Moirang household last month, the Bishnupur police has managed to arrest six of the persons involved, including the main accused, and recovered a portion of the stolen items.
This was informed by the superintendent of police, Bishnupur, Jayanta while briefing mediapersons today.
According to the SP, one Konjengbam Sakhi Devi, 65, of Moirang bazar, had on April 10 last lodged a complaint that her gold ornaments worth about Rs. 8,80,700 kept at her home had been stolen by one Konjengbam Naoton, alias Manihar, 20, who worked at her home as helper.
As per the complainant, the boy, hailing from Moirang Konjengbam Leikai, ran away from the house after the family members came to know of the matter on April 4.
A case was registered, and in the course of investigation, six persons were arrested, the SP stated.
Among them, the main accused, Konjengbam Naoton, was arrested on May 14 from Guwahati railway station, and is in police custody till May 28.
In addition, Konjengbam Sarat, 25, elder brother of Naoton, Konjengbam Sunita, 30, their elder sister, Konjengbam ongbi Memcha Devi, their mother, were arrested on April 14, while K Brojen, Naoton`s brother-in-law was arrested on April 24.
A jewelry shop owner, Moirangthem bdudha Singh, 25, of Ngakhalawai Awang Maning Leikai, who apparently disposed of the stolen goods was also arrested last Friday.
According to the SP, the police has been able to recover a portion of the stolen items, including four pieces of gold for Marei maru Pareng, three finger rings, three pairs of earrings, and one necklace totalling 16 san, 13 changning.
In addition, a digital camera worth about Rs 12,000, and a set of sub-woofer speaker systems worth about Rs 3000 which were purchased from sales proceeds of the stolen ornaments were also recovered.
As per the interrogation statement of Naoton, and the other arrested persons, it was revealed that Naoton had started the commisison of the crime since the middle part of 2005, and the maximum quantity of the stolen gold ornaments had ben disposed off by Moirangthem Gandhi Singh, and his brother M Budha, master and proprietor of the M.S Gandhi Jewellery, Moirang Lamkhai.
May 28th, 2007
Gallery 63 to sell stunning jewelry and important art
ClickPress (press release), UK
Gallery 63 is preparing for what promises to be its best sale yet for 2007, one featuring investment-grade jewelry and important works of art. About 300 lots will change hands on Saturday night, June 16, beginning at 6 p.m. The sale will be held at Gallery 63’s showroom facility, at 4577 Roswell Road in Atlanta, Ga.
[ClickPress, Fri May 25 2007] Gallery 63 is preparing for what promises to be its best sale yet for 2007, one featuring investment-grade jewelry and important works of art. About 300 lots will change hands on Saturday night, June 16, beginning at 6 p.m. The sale will be held at Gallery 63’s spacious 17,000-square-foot showroom facility, at 4577 Roswell Road. A preview will be held the week prior to sale.
“The jewelry we’ll be selling is Oscar red carpet quality, the kind of stuff you’d find in the Queen’s collection,†mused Paul Brown of Gallery 63. “And the artwork is important enough that we’ve enlisted the services of Dr. Daniel Hersh to help us appraise and authenticate it.†Dr. Hersch has over 30 years’ experience in American and European art. He is also a Court Certified Appraiser of Fine Arts.
The expected top lot in the jewelry category is a stunning, 16.44-carat GIA-certified natural sapphire ring set in platinum, with twin matching trillion diamonds flanking the oval cut stone. “This ring, quite frankly, is the finest of its kind to be offered at auction in decades,†Mr. Brown remarked. “Wars have been fought over lesser gems. It’s the kind of ring you’d need to propose to a princess.â€
A headliner in the fine art category is a signed oil-on-canvas beach scene by Jane Peterson (American, 1876-1965), titled “Palm Beach†(18†x 24â€). Ms. Peterson was born in Elgin, Illinois, and studied in New York, Paris, Venice, London and Madrid. Her works are a blend of Impressionism, Expressionism and Fauvism. She is best-known for her vivid still-lifes and colorful beach scenes.
Another shining star in the galaxy of jewelry offerings promises to be a 34-carat total weight bracelet in platinum. Each stone is a VVS emerald-cut diamond. Also to be sold will be four Ballerina rings, each with a different cut center stone with corresponding baguettes surrounding it. One featured in the auction brochure has a heart-shaped, 2.09 cognac diamond and 3.73 carats of baguettes.
Other works of art certain to generate crowd buzz include the following:
“Figures Along a Catskills Stream†by John Frederick Kensett (American, 1818-1872) – This Connecticut-born painter is one of the major figures in American art. His work showing the effect of light and air on landscapes resulted in an original technique called Luminism. His characteristic tight brushwork and subdued palette are on full display in the signed oil-on-canvas painting to be sold. Mr. Kensett’s works hang in the Metropolitan Museum, the Smithsonian and the White House.
“Along the Banks†by Owen Dalziel (British, 1861-1942) – The piece has been in a private museum collection for over 25 years and is perhaps one of the largest and most intricate paintings ever executed by the artist. Mr. Dalziel specialized in landscape, figural and marine painting. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Royal Socierty of British Artists and numerous other venues.
“Bastille Day†by Ludwig Bemelmans (Austrian-born American artist, 1898-1962) – Best known for his “Madeline†series of children’s books, Mr. Bemelmans was an illustrator and painter of Impressionistic works. His painting style exhibits exceptional vitality, and his palette leans toward Fauvism. His energetic stroke is evidenced in “Bastille Day.†Fans of “Madeline†will recognize it.
“Washington Square†by Johann Berthelsen (Danish-born American painter, 1883-1972) – This pastel-on-paper work is an excellent representation of Mr. Berthelsen’s work, as he was known for his street scenes in New York City. Born in Copenhagen, he emigrated to the United States, where he exhibited widely and received numerous awards, including the Erskine and Holcombe Prizes.
“Admiring the Garden†by Philip Leslie Hale (American, 1865-1931) – Mr. Hale was a painter, teacher and writer, recognized for his decorative paintings of female figures. His technique is reminiscent of Edgar Degas. Born in Boston, he studied there, in New York City and in Paris, where he became acquainted with Claude Monet. The watercolor to be sold is signed by the artist.
“At Water’s Edge†by Robert Spencer (American, 1879-1931) – Born in Nebraska, a minister’s son, Mr. Spencer studied medicine before deciding to become an artist. He attended the National Academy of Design in New York City and studied with William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. He finally settled in New Hope, Bucks County. The work to be sold is a signed oil-on-canvas.
Additional jewelry offerings will include four graduated Riviera necklaces (the one shown in the brochure is set in platinum, with a total weight of 25.25 carats; each stone is set in an elegant, three-prong, martini-style setting); several 18k diamond bracelets in a variety of styles; two Cartier watches; six Rolex watches; a five-row diamond bracelet set in 18k white gold; and many other pieces.
Civil War-era swords and other militaria will also be sold. The swords include an Ames Mfg. Co. Civil War sword with braided grips, bronze handle and nickel-plated blade; a Civil War Militia sword; a Spanish-American War-era U.S. officer’s sword; an 1890s Russan military sword with bayonet; a Confederate Militia sword with eagle hilt and bone handle; and a rare 1700s Bowie knife.
This is just the third sale that Gallery 63 will have held in its new location. The firm was previously housed at 6363 Roswell Road (hence the name), about three miles away, but it outgrew that space. An inaugural sale at the new, larger quarters was held March 3-4. A second sale was then held on April 15. Gallery 63 is the consignment arm of Atlanta auction powerhouse Red Baron Antiques.
Gallery 63 is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, estate or collection, you may call the firm directly, at (404) 252-2555. The e-mail address is Rbaron2@bellsouth.net. To learn more about the company, and for further information about the upcoming June 16 auction, you may visit Gallery 63 online at www.Gallery63.net.
May 28th, 2007
Architect Frank Gehry sued over namesake jewelry collection
AZ Central.com, AZ
Associated Press
May. 23, 2007 12:00 AM
LOS ANGELES - World-renowned architect Frank Gehry is being sued over a line of jewelry he designed for Tiffany & Co. that incorporates his trademark fish shapes and free-form aesthetics.
Circa Publishing Enterprises LLC of Culver City, Calif., contends that it had a deal with Gehry for the exclusive rights to produce, distribute and sell Gehry-trademarked jewelry and gift items.
The suit involves the Frank Gehry Collection, unveiled last year. Most of the jewelry, including earrings, rings and other items, range in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Gehry was out of the office and not immediately available for comment Tuesday, according to an e-mail from his representatives.
According to the lawsuit, Circa introduced Gehry and his Gehry Design LLC of Los Angeles to Tiffany to explore producing a jewelry line several years ago. Circa was supposed to receive half of the net proceeds from the sales.
But the suit, filed Friday in state Superior Court, contends Gehry and his company never provided Circa with a copy of the Tiffany agreement or sales and earnings figures, and thus Circa cannot determine how much it is owed under the original contract.
The suit seeks unspecified damages and alleges fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices, among other things.
May 24th, 2007
Frank Gehry sued in LA over jewelry collection
San Francisco Chronicle, CA
World-renowned architect Frank Gehry was sued by a company that claims he defrauded them in a deal for his new Tiffany jewelry collection.
Circa Publishing Enterprises LLC of Culver City contends that it had a deal with Gehry for the exclusive rights to produce, distribute and sell Gehry-trademarked jewelry and gift items.
The suit involves the Frank Gehry Collection, unveiled last year. Most of the jewelry, including earrings, rings and other items, range in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
Gehry was out of the office and not immediately available for comment Tuesday, according to an e-mail from his representatives.
According to the lawsuit, Circa introduced Gehry and his Gehry Design LLC of Los Angeles to Tiffany to explore producing a jewelry line several years ago. Circa was supposed to receive half of the net proceeds from the sales.
However, in 2004 Gehry approached Frederick M. Nicholas, a Circa executive and friend of Gehry for more than 40 years.
According to the lawsuit, Gehry said he wanted to deal directly with Tiffany instead of through Circa. Nicholas agreed on condition that Gehry notify Circa of any deal that was reached.
But the suit, filed Friday in Superior Court, contends Gehry and his company never provided Circa with a copy of the Tiffany agreement or sales and earnings figures, and thus Circa cannot determine how much it is owed under the original contract.
The suit seeks unspecified damages and alleges fraud, breach of contract and unfair business practices, among other things.
May 23rd, 2007
Berkshire Hathaway Buys Out Jewelry Manufacturer
Diamond Vues, NY
I think Warren Buffet is addicted to jewelry!
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. acquired two gold jewelry manufacturers Ber-Oro International and Aurafin LLC to become the largest jewelry supplier in the United States.
The two new organizations will be combined to form the Richline Group which will continue to market the existing jewelry brands under their respective old names.
This will save costs by maintaining a single operational and administrative division, Berkshire Hathaway declared May 18, 2007.
The company, which is chaired by billionaire Warren Buffet, own Ben Bridge Jeweler, Borsheims Fine Jewelry, and Helzberg Diamonds.
“The opportunity to partner with [Bel-Oro president] Dennis Ulrich, and his entire team, was one I couldn’t pass up,†Buffet, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway, said. “They have done a remarkable job in building Bel-Oro from a standing start to the leader in its industry. And the best is yet to come.â€
May 22nd, 2007
Guyot Brothers Expands Jewelry Making Glossary of Terms with over 100 New Terms and Photos
PR Web (press release), WA
Visitors to the Guyot Brothers Company, Inc. website will now find an expanded and improved Glossary of Jewelry Making Terms.
Attleboro, MA (PRWEB) May 20, 2007 — The Jewelry Findings Glossary of Terms, edited and republished with the permission of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA), has 135 new item listings, definitions, and product profiles, making it easier than ever for those seeking detailed information on jewelry making and jewelry findings, to find what they are looking for.
The Glossary now includes nearly 300 jewelry terms, many of which include a photo for easy identification of the jewelry component.
Links to items included in the Guyot line of decorative stampings, including filigree, charms, and other ornamental findings are included. Many product profiles have a search function for the user’s convenience.
“What may surprise many people is that understanding and sourcing the multitude of jewelry components available for jewelry manufacturing can be very complex. A brooch, pendant, bracelet, or earring may appear simple to the consumer or casual observer, but material quality, size specification, and use of the correct jewelry findings for the job are critical elements in the function of a manufactured or crafted jewelry object. To the new or inexperienced or even seasoned buyer, a Jewelry Findings Glossary of Terms can be a resource they turn to again and again when trying to obtain the necessary parts for a new jewelry design. It can take decades of gathering and painstaking attention to detail to build an in-house findings library. We hope the Jewelry Findings Glossary of Terms will help, ” stated Andrea Guyot Twombly, Vice-President of the fourth-generation brass findings manufacturer.
Many educational institutions have been freely linking to the Jewelry Findings Glossary of Terms, and others are welcome to do so as well. It has also become a popular bookmark or favorite, not only to professional jewelry findings buyers, but individual jewelry crafters, jewelry making and metalsmith students, aritsans, vintage jewelry collectors, and people who simply have an interest in jewelry. It not only provides a convenient reference insuring the user the proper vocabulary, but through its search function, the Jewelry Findings Glossary of Terms can become a quick and easy buying resource.
Located in Attleboro, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of the Jewelry Industry in America, Guyot Brothers continues to produce their high-quality line of stamped filigree, charms, floral, and other decorative jewelry findings. For viewing the line in person, the company maintains a showroom at the factory in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
May 21st, 2007
Warren Buffet Expands His Jewelry Empire
Diamonds.net, NY
By Zach Helke Posted: 05/20/07 05:33 [Submit Comment]
RAPAPORT…Investment guru Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has acquired two gold jewelry manufacturers Ber-Oro International and Aurafin LLC to become the largest jewelry supplier in the United States.
The two new organizations will be combined to form the Richline Group which will continue to market the existing jewelry brands under their respective old names. This will save costs by maintaining a single operational and administrative division, Berkshire Hathaway stated in a May 18, 2007 press release.
Buffet’s previous jewelry purchases include that of Ben Bridge Jeweler, Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Helzberg Diamonds.
“The opportunity to partner with [Bel-Oro president] Dennis Ulrich, and his entire team, was one I couldn’t pass up,†Buffet, chairman and chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway, said. “They have done a remarkable job in building Bel-Oro from a standing start to the leader in its industry. And the best is yet to come.â€
Bel-Oro president Dennis Ulrich is slated to become the chief executive officer of the newly created Richline Group, while Aurafin CEO Dave Meleski will be the company’s president.
“This is an unprecedented transaction in our industry,†said Meleski. “We are proud to have a top financial investor invest in what will now be the largest jewelry supply group in the U.S. It is an opportunity that my team and I optimistically embrace, and it will permit us to focus on merchandising, marketing and manufacturing jewelry, in order to help our customers compete better in a world where consumers have so many choices.â€
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May 21st, 2007
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