Archive for April, 2008
Monogram Virtua’s Art and Jewelry Show a Success with Patrons from Around the World in Cyber Space
PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria
Art & Jewelry enthusiasts from both cyber and real worlds arrived in Second Life to view both the inventive and the practical in virtual world art and jewelry. The First Annual Second Life Art Exhibit and Jewelry Show was hosted at the Monogram Virtua’s Convention Center/Big Top Tent on Monogram Tria (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Monogram%20Tria/202/136/22) and yielded over 300 Art & Jewelry aficionados from around the globe in cyber space.
Featured artists included the late twentieth century contemporary Mexican artist Francisco Zuñiga and Real Life artist Stanley Silver. Additional exhibits included both SL representations of Real Life artwork and jewelry as well as sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs born in Second Life. Artistic creations by SL artists Zephyru Zapedzki, Reno Checchinato, Zanara Zenovka, JD Hansen, Zanza Marx, Wollemia Sands, Lala Lightfoot, PC Beaumont, Zoozyq Aeon, Bethanne Boyd, Phyzz Fizz, Tjake Kearny, Thely Anansi, and many more were displayed in the Convention Center’s open courtyard and Big Top Tent.
The Event Series
This was Monogram Virtua’s third virtual event in a series of aficionado based cyber world shows designed to bring members of Second Life’s various communities together. The idea for the Art Exhibit was born out of a conversation that Monogram Virtua co-Founder Randall K. Rubin had with Ariel Zuñiga. A close family friend, Ariel is Francisco Zuñiga’s son and is chief manager of his father’s important and prolific artistic legacy. Rubin was in the midst of describing his work with Monogram Virtua in Second Life and asked if Ariel would allow his company to represent his father’s work in the cyberspace. With his permission, Monogram Virtua quickly established an art gallery dedicated to Zuñiga’s works next to the movie theater on Monogramia Prime (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Monogramia%20Prime/41/74/22). The gallery attracted the attention of fellow art enthusiasts in Second Life.
The two-day event concluded with an awards ceremony announcing Art Exhibitor Cat Baccaccio (owner of Cat’s Eye Gallery http://slurl.com/secondlife/Skegemog/29/141/115) and Jeweler FaiRodis Aviatik (jewelry displayed at Russia – Rossiya http://slurl.com/secondlife/Russia/165/84/44) for having the most creative displays, voted by peers and patrons. Each winner will receive a free full-page ad in the new MV Vendor Directory and free advertising at the Design/Build Expo coming to the Convention Center in May 2008.
About Monogram Virtua Entertainment
Monogram Virtua Entertainment is a full service 3D virtual world consulting, building and design firm founded by filmmaker Randall K. Rubin and cutting edge digital entertainment technology expert Harold Whaley. Founded in the ever popular Second Life platform, which opened its doors to the public in 2003 and has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions worldwide, Monogram Virtua’s business centers around providing artists, entertainers, and entertainment business partners with a portal into the discovery of a vast digital community, teaming with people, entertainment, experiences and commercial opportunities. Imagine creating any business you want in the virtual world and having customers from all over the globe, who visit, become exposed to your products, and purchase both real life and Second Life merchandise with real exchangeable currency in an environment free from the restrictions of physical commerce. Second Life currently supports millions of US dollars in daily convertible currency transactions and countless more in traditional commerce generated by virtual world advertising of real life products, and Monogram Virtua is a premium conduit to bridge the gap between real world entertainment and 3D cyber commerce.
For additional information, go to www.monogramvirtua.com
April 28th, 2008
A Look Into the Captivating World of Jewelry Watches
Prudent Press Agency (press release), Netherlands
(Prudent Press Agency)–The common wristwatch has become so much more than simply information time devices, as they are carried around with us practically everywhere that we go and at times run our lives as well. The majority of us own at a minimum two watches, first since they’re affordable (some start with a price as low as $10) and second due to the fact that there are so many various occasions which demand a suitable watch a match.
Why Invest in a Jewelry Watch?
For men the only consistent piece of jewelry that they own is a watch, and it is very reasonable that they would invest in various types to be prepared for the different occasions that come up. This is kind of similar to what women do with their jewelry.
Over 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S every year. Join the resistance today…
There are numerous occasions that call for a jewelry watch, such as an anniversary, a wedding, or perhaps a formal dinner. A jewelry watch doesn’t have to be made out of a pure precious gem, though it is fairly safe to say that the majority of women would not object to that. In the majority of cases the jewelry is very elegant and subtle. For instance, there are designer jewelry watches made for men such as Rolex, that utilize full cut, high-grade diamonds on the dial instead of numerals.
Of course there are numerous jewelry watches that are available that are fully covered with gemstones. Even the strap can be made of precious metals such as platinum or gold. The primary purpose of jewelry such as these is hardly for keeping track of time. Most of the time these are used simply as an additional piece of jewelry in itself.
One of the primary reasons you should invest in a jewelry watch is that it is a piece of jewelry first and foremost. Hence, the majority of the time it doesn’t lose its value on the market. If anything it tends to become more valuable as time goes by.
Maintaining a Jewelry Watch
It is a critical step for you to insure your jewelry watch when you buy it for any eventuality that may happen. Depending on the designer brand of the watch that you purchase, you will need to follow strict service directions that are provided with it. You’ll only be able to take it for servicing to an authorized dealer of the brand or back to the same store if at all possible.
Extra care will be required if your watch has actual gemstones on or inside of it, particularly if they are located on the outside of the watch. You will need to take into consideration the information that is given to you on how resistant to gemstones are (their hardness factor), as this information will likely restrict your activity in a considerable way with the watch you bought.
For instance, a diamond has the highest hardness on the Moh’s scale (a total 10 out of 10) and only the use of another diamond has the ability to scratch it. Nevertheless, an emerald on the other hand is very brittle, and if it gets hit you may cause internal fractures of the stone itself.
Cleaning of these gemstones is yet another maintenance that has to be done on a regular basis to keep your watch a sparkling as it is meant to be. After all in the end it is a jewelry watch and it should show its beauty with every change.
About The Author
Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of electronics. If you would like to learn more go to http://www.watchesadvisor.com/ and at http://www.watchesadvisor.com/watch-brands/guess-watch/
Rating: 0.00 (0 votes) - Rate this News
April 28th, 2008
Fake water workers take $10,000 in jewelry from Edison woman
ZDNet UK, UK
Posted by deenari
EDISON: Police are investigating the theft of $10,000 in jewelry, apparently taken while the
victim, a 64-year-old woman, was distracted by someone posing as a water company employee.
The scam began at about 10 a.m. Wednesday when a woman on Midwood Road heard a knock on her
door. A white, clean-shaven man, described as being 5-foot, 8-inches tall, about 170 pounds
and wearing a shirt that said “New Jersey American Water Company,” told the woman he had to
check something with her water system, police Sgt. Robert Dudash said.
The victim let the man into her home and they went to the kitchen where the man fiddled
with her sink. He then said he needed to check something in the basement.
As they went to the basement, the man spoke to someone on a cellphone. The woman told
police that while they were downstairs, she heard noise upstairs. The man posing as the water
company employee then left, Dudash said.
When the woman checked her bedroom, “it wasn’t ransacked but it was disheveled,” Dudash
said. The victim then realized that $10,000 in jewelry has been stolen.
“One suspect was seen but the other one was not,” Dudash said.
April 25th, 2008
Chattanooga: W Gallery names jewelry industry insider Gilliland
Chattanooga Times Free Press, TN
Wes Gilliland spent many of his formative years on the wide, green spaces of a golf course.
As a child growing up in Chattanooga, the 57-year-old remembers spending as much time as possible staying with his grandmother, who managed the Brainerd Golf Club.
While he still loves to play the game, as an adult it’s the jewelry business that he can’t seem to get out of his blood, he said.
For Mr. Gilliland, recently named manager of jewelry retailer the W Gallery, those two lifelong passions compliment each other.
Because of his interest in golf at a young age, he interacted with many adults as a child, which he said has translated well to customer service.
“I grew up around a lot of people, and it’s easy for me to be around people,†Mr. Gilliland said. “I think that’s one of the reasons I like this job — it can be frustrating at times but you can meet a lot of people all the time.â€
The W Gallery opens Monday in Brabson Place at the corner of Fourth Street and Georgia Avenue downtown, and he said he is excited about the opportunity it presents.
The new position also is a fresh start after what he calls a life-altering diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer that came in November 2005. Soon after the diagnosis, he had surgery, followed by a three-week hospitalization and six months of chemotherapy.
“It was life changing,†he said. “My attitude’s changed. I’ve always been easy going, but things I used to think were important aren’t very important, and I am just glad to be here.â€
With the new position, Mr. Gilliland said it feels in a way like he is coming home because just as golf has been a big part of his life, so has the jewelry industry.
His father, Sonny Gilliland, worked in the industry from the time that he was 12 years old, and they even worked at the same company for a time — Chattanooga-based jewelry manufacturer Ullenberg Corp.
The younger Mr. Gilliland left Ullenberg for a few years and worked briefly for Citizen Watch Co. When his father died in 1988, Mr. Gilliland, who was living in Memphis, returned to work for Ullenberg to cover his father’s territory.
The company went out of business in 1994, but Mr. Gilliland stayed in the industry and went to work for Rone-Regency Jewelers, and was there for more than eight years.
“I was raised around (jewelry),†he said. “It’s really a very small industry, like most industries, but the jewelry industry is very small, and everybody knows everybody, so its kind of a home.â€
Chad Wolford, owner and president of the W Gallery, said that when he and wife Lindsay were in the planning stages he asked her who she would want to run the gallery.
“She hardly hesitated before she said Wes’ name,†he said. “I am personally thrilled to have him on board. I think he fits our philosophy for the W Gallery.â€
Mr. Gilliland said he was drawn to the project because it was just too good to turn down. Plus, he said he was impressed by Lindsay and Mr. Wolford’s vision for the gallery, the jewelry they planned to carry and the actual building itself, which was unlike any other he had seen.
“It’s just a good opportunity,†he said.
April 24th, 2008
Refugee Entertainment, LLC Rocks Out with Nino925 Custom Jewelry
BigNews.biz (press release), MA -
Refugee Entertainment, LLC secures endorsement from Nino 925 for rock band Liquor Boxx
CLEVELAND (April 24, 2008) – Up-and-coming independent record label Refugee Entertainment, LLC has secured support from custom lifestyle jewelry maker Nino925. The Southern California-based Nino925 has signed on to endorse the rollicking hard rock band Liquor Boxx by providing edgy custom jewelry for the band’s stage shows. This timely deal will give both Nino925 and Liquor Boxx much deserved exposure as the band prepares to play the New Orleans Jazz Fest at the end of the month.
Refugee Entertainment, LLC is thrilled to be working with Nino925, a company that embodies the true rock-n-roll spirit. Phillip Carmen, co-founder of Refugee Entertainment, LLC, remarked, “Liquor Boxx is truly living the rock-and-roll lifestyle and Nino925’s intriguing pieces represent the visual aspects of that rebellious spirit.â€
“I’m pleased to sponsor such a talented and dynamic band like Liquor Boxx and feel they have a great future in rock,†said Frank Zubieta, president of Nino925. “They definitely embody the spirit of Nino925.â€
For additional information on Refugee Entertainment, LLC or their bands, contact Alana Mileras at 440.812.3214 or visit www.refugeeentertainmentllc.com. For information on Nino925, visit www.Nino925.com
About Refugee Entertainment, LLC - Refugee Entertainment, LLC is an independent record label that specializes in developing the careers of national-caliber recording artists through its innovative marketing and promotion techniques, aggressive sales programs, and strategic partnerships with industry affiliates.
About Nino 925 - Nino925 is a custom lifestyle jewelry company that specializes in handmade silver, gold and platinum jewelry as well as accessories and apparel. Nino925 has become a favorite among celebrity bike builders, rockers and the distinctive set. The Nino925 line has been featured on the Speed Channel and in various magazines like V-Twin, Easyriders Hot Girls and others.
For further information, contact:
Refugee Entertainment, LLC
Telephone: 440.812.3214
E-mail: Alana@refugeerecords.com
Web: www.refugeeentertainmentllc.com
Caroline Anawati
Telephone: (714) 514-4124
Email: cjanawati@yahoo.com
Web: www.nino925.com
April 23rd, 2008
Save 50 to 80 percent off on bridesmaid jewelry
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria
Looking for bridesmaid jewelry? At GlamForLess.com you will find great discount prices on bridesmaid’s jewelry ranging from necklace sets, earrings and cuff bracelets. Browse their great selection of bridal jewelry for the bride and bridesmaid and save 50 to 80 percent off the retail price. By visiting www.glamforless.com, brides and bridesmaid will find latest jewelry sets, earrings, bracelets, tiaras, bridal
combs and hairpins for up to 80 percent off retail prices.
Bridesmaid jewelry need not cost hundreds of dollars to be spectacular. Like a bridesmaid dress, it can be a source of over-thinking, frustration and bank-breaking when it’s likely to be used once and to live on only in pictures. GlamForLess has elegant affordable bridal jewelry for less in a variety of styles that cater to different pocketbooks.
GlamForLess has the trendy red carpet look and comes in cz cubic zirconium, stimulated pearls, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals and more. For example, GlamForLess has a particularly large variety of bridesmaid jewelry in variety of styles and designs. At GlamForLess there are several gorgeous jewelry sets on sale for as little as $19.99 — can you believe it? $19.99! — Some of which had originally cost hundreds of dollars.
All a bride or bridesmaid really needs is some good taste, great make-up, a killer hairdo and the right accessories to be a hit on the wedding day. In addition to bridal jewelry for both the bride and her bridesmaids, GlamForLess.com also carries a line of affordable hair accessories which includes tiaras, hairpins, combs and clips to show brides that having lots of money isn’t the only way to have lots of style.
For the bride, bridal party, and guests, springtime is the time when bridal and bridesmaid jewelry rises on the priority list. Besides the jewelry that the bride wears on the wedding day, jewelry make a great gift for the bride to give to her bridesmaids and flower girls. GlamForLess gives the following advice on bridal/bridesmaids jewelry trends that will be a big hit for the year 2008.
Looking like a star on your wedding day doesn’t always mean paying like one. At GlamForLess.com, you less and have more fun! Here are some of our favorites:
Cubic Zirconia Diamond CZ Necklace Sets
Instead of diamonds, choose cubic zirconia necklace sets for you and your bridesmaids. They are a great way to add glamour to any wedding attire. At GlamForLess, you can get gorgeous cubic zirconia necklace sets for as little as $19.95. don’t save these earrings for special occasions, you can wear them everyday. The classic CZ diamonds look great against any skin tone and brings richness to any wedding gown or attire. To view their whole collection of CZ jewelry, visit GlamForLess.com.
Colored Gemstone Jewelry Sets
This wedding season’s look is all about contrast, and colored gemstones will help you achieve it. Colored gemstone jewelry offers just the right mix of tradition and sparkle to achieve the look for this season. GlamForLess offers affordable gemstone jewelry sets in the most popular colors such as ruby red, emerald green, and sapphire blue. Their gemstone jewelry sets will make an exceptional gift idea for your bridesmaids and are sure to be a hit.
Cuff Bracelets
If large, dramatic earrings are worn with a gown or bridesmaids dress, it is best to pair them with a cuff bracelet. Though the cuff bracelets at GlamForLess aren’t set with lots of diamonds, there cuff bracelets are sparkly and gorgeous–and more importantly, they are affordable. Visit www.glamforless.com and take a look. See if there’s a cuff bracelet that suits your style or will make the perfect gift for your bridesmaid.
Chandelier Earrings
Chandelier earrings are both great silhouettes to wear with upswept hair, as they elongate the neck. GlamForLess has a fabulous selection of chandelier earrings for brides and bridesmaids that dazzle. Chandelier earrings evoke a sense of glamour, and draw attention to the bride’s face. A favorite among brides, GlamForLess chandelier earrings are inspired by celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Meg Ryan, Britney Spears, Sharon Stone, and Teri Hatcher.
About GlamForLes.com
GlamForLess.com Bridal Jewelry is best recognized for its luxurious line of designs that provide the sophisticated bride and bridesmaid with high-quality jewelry and accessories at an affordable price. Handcrafted with sterling silver, semi precious stones, pearls and Swarovski crystals, the stunning beauty and intricacy of each bridal, wedding and bridesmaid jewelry at GlamForLess.com is the result of an uncompromising passion for design and craftsmanship. The result is feminine, sexy and timeless.
GlamForLess.com bridal jewelry has fused classic elegance with modern inspiration, creating some of the worlds most highly regarded and exquisitely beautiful jewelry. For more information about GlamForLess, please visit their website at www.glamforless.com. You can capture celebrity look without spending a fortune by shopping at GlamForLess.com.
Author:
Uche Unachukwu
e-mail
Web: http://www.glamforless.com
Phone: 847409-4366
April 23rd, 2008
MHS grad finds niche with jewelry design
Tonganoxie Mirror, KS
The clanging sound of hammers against metal can be heard as one approaches the back of the Art and Design building at Kansas University. Stuck in between the third and fourth floors, Lisa Smelser and her fellow metal smithing and jewelry design classmates work diligently to finish their semester projects.
Smelser’s latest project was a copper lid to a box. Embossed on the thin copper plate was an image of a derringer.
“I like to entertain myself,†Smelser said about her designs. “I don’t design for anybody but me. I’m glad if other people appreciate it.â€
This is Smelser’s final year at KU, but for the first time she received national acknowledgement that her quirky style could be appreciated. One of her pieces was chosen to be exhibited at the Society of American Goldsmith Conference in Savannah, Ga.
After previously having pieces rejected, Smelser had plenty riding on this last submission.
When she opened up the letter from the society she knew it was destiny because the letter had been dated on her birthday, but she still couldn’t believe that she had been chosen.
“It’s not the biggest honor in the world, but it was huge for me,†she said.
Even when she was in Georgia along with the other graduate students, who’s work was chosen, and Jon Habener, her instructor, it was difficult for her not to get emotional as she looked at her piece behind the display glass.
She began to cry.
“I was trying to keep my cool, but it did not happen,†Smelser said. “Then Jon said, ‘Remember this. Remember how it feels and go with it.’â€
A young smith
When Smelser was choosing which college to attend, her choices were between studying landscape architecture at Kansas State University or studying something at KU. Her decision was made when she was offered more money in scholarships to attend school in Lawrence.
At first, Smelser wasn’t sure what she was going to do with the next four years, but the problem was soon solved when she saw a course catalog.
“There was a list of majors and when I saw jewelry and metal smithing. I thought I would do that,†she said. “I really feel like this was the place I was supposed to be.â€
That feeling was later confirmed when she found a note she had written as a child about what her dream careers would be. A younger Smelser either wanted to design things for celebrities or she wanted to be a professional bowler.
Currently Smelser is enrolled in a bowling class at the university. She said her highest all-time bowling scores were games of 147 and 131. She achieved those scores recently. Every other time Smelser said she struggles to even break 100.
“It’s not going as well as the jewelry so I better stick with the jewelry,†she said.
Serious Whimsy
Smelser pulled out boxes that contained most of the work she has done during the last four years. Joking, yet serious, she said that all of her life’s work could fit in a shoebox and a corndog box.
Most of the pieces are animal themed and almost all of them have some element of surprise.
A sterling silver bracelet is wrapped with a rubber band that is meant to resemble a tire from a car. The clasp is a silver armadillo.
The surprise?
The unclasped armadillo opens up and the backside of the animal now looks like road kill.
Smelser said she learned this technique from Lin Stanionis who taught her to evaluate the back of the piece and not just the front.
Even her semester project has an element of surprise. The three-piece tiara is based on cowboy comic books from the 1950s.
When arranged, the tiara forms a three-dimensional gun fight complete with gunslingers, cacti, hills and a sunset.
The surprise?
The sides of the tiara have mechanisms that cause one gunslinger to draw his gun and the other gunslinger to fall down dead.
This unique style had led Habener to describer her work as “serious whimsy.â€
“Humor is a very tough emotion to extract from someone,†Habener said. “If you can
do it, you form something. You automatically develop a kinship with the object you are looking at. And then, when you discover more about it could be a serious topic it intrigues people.â€
For now, the walk down Campanile Hill for graduation is in a few weeks and Smelser’s future is still up in the air. While many of her classmates are going to New York and other major cities to continue creating jewelry, Smelser believes she might stick around and probably start her own studio.
“I like Kansas,†Smelser said. “It’s been good to me.â€
April 23rd, 2008
New Jewelry Line Charms Youth Into AWEARness
Earthtimes, UK
NEW YORK, April 17 /PRNewswire/ — In terms of economic power and influence the youth have it! According to the website Research Wiki, in the U.S., the urban youth market is comprised of more than 40 million consumers in the 15- to 24-year-old age group living in metropolitan areas with purchasing power exceeding $350 billion. The total U.S. youth market is estimated to be $485 billion. Following the infamous words of singer Whitney Houston, “I believe the children are the future, teach them well and let them lead the way … “
WhiteFlash.com, the Internet’s premiere diamond jewelry retailer and, creator of A Cut Above diamonds, has launched a compelling and “personality rich” new line of diamond charms for youth-the AWEAR: Jewelry for Conscious Kids collection.
The AWEAR: Jewelry for Conscious Kids collection was developed by WhiteFlash.com under its Dreams of Africa (http://www.dreamsofafrica.org/) jewelry line in hopes of inspiring children, who dream of a better world, to work toward that goal by standing up for those children affected by illicit diamond trading in war-torn areas of the world.
With thought-provoking names such as Finding Hope, Tides of Change, Dreams of Africa and Progression, these versatile charms can be worn on a small chain or in various combinations on a charm bracelet. Another special feature is that 25% of all proceeds from sales of the AWEAR: Jewelry for Conscious Kids collection will go to the World Centers of Compassion for Children International, a non-profit organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Winner Betty Williams. These donations will be used to support efforts to provide educational opportunities and build stability for those children who have been victimized by the illicit trade of conflict-diamonds.
“Our mission is to inspire compassion in the hearts of our youth and encourage them to take seriously matters of social and moral responsibility,” remarks Debi Wexler, CEO, WhiteFlash.com. “These beautiful charms are a stylish way for them to spread the word — and lead the charge.”
Sold exclusively at Whiteflash.com, the line of trendy and classic diamond encrusted charms retail from $250 to $1,500, making them ideal gifts for a birthday, graduation, Bat Mitzvah, first communion, confirmation or any other meaningful occasion when a child first learns that the future belongs to her … and that you hope she’ll take care of it.
For more information and to purchase items visit http://www.whiteflash.com/.
WhiteFlash.com
April 18th, 2008
Indian gem and jewelry industry records 22.27% growth
By JCK Staff
JCK India, Apr 16, 2008
JCK India, India
Hong Kong emerged as the largest export market for cut and polished diamonds with a share of 35 percent while the US and UAE stand at second and third position with 24 percent and 13 percent share respectively.
The Indian gem and jewelry industry has registered 22.27 percent growth rate amounting to total exports of US$ 20.8 billion (INR 84,058.19 crores) in 2007-08 against US$ 17.1 billion (INR 77,100.12 crores) in the previous year. The gem and jewelry sector accounted for 13.41 percent of India’s total merchandise exports.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) released the financial results for 2007-08 on April 15. Export of cut and polished diamonds which was the performance driver for the period in consideration amounting to nearly 68 percent of the export basket, grew from US$ 10.9 billion (INR 49,156.28 crores) in 2006-07 to US$ 14.2 billion (INR 57,061.45 crores) in 2007-08. Hong Kong emerged as the largest export market for cut and polished diamonds with a share of 35 percent while the US and UAE stand at second and third position with 24 percent and 13 percent share respectively.
Export of colored gemstones and others grew from US$ 246.4 million (INR 1112.33 crores) in 2006-07 to US$ 276.42 million (Rs 1112.32 crores) in 2007-08.
The export of gold jewelry rose by 8.07 percent with total exports amounting to US$ 5622.41 million (Rs 22624.59 crores) in 2007-08 as compared to US$ 5202.48 million in 2006-07 (Rs 23478.81 crores).
Commenting on the results, Sanjay Kothari, chairman, GJEPC, said, “The industry has maintained a steady rate of growth this year too, but this growth is the result of an increase in trading activities as actual manufacturing has shown a decline. Due to the volatility of gold prices and international economic scenario, demand for gold jewelry has witnessed a slack worldwide.
Kothari further stated that “What is more remarkable about this performance is that they have been achieved in the face of an appreciating rupee, high interest rates, withdrawal of GSP benefits and a general economic slowdown in our major markets.â€
Efforts from Government
In March 2008, Jairam Ramesh, minister of State for Commerce led a delegation to Angola and Namibia so that India can directly source rough from these countries. A Joint Working Group has been formed between Namibia and India to prepare a detailed plan for long term partnership in the diamond sector. The Indian government is also planning to set up factories and training institutes.
The delegation in Angola, talked over plans for ENDIAMA, a diamond mining company, to shortly open an office in India. Angola has invited Indian diamond companies to set up factories and training institutes in Angola. The council has invited the president of Angola as the chief guest for “Mines to Market 2009â€.
Brand India
GJEPC is planning to reposition the Indian gem and jewelry as the “Epitome of Luxury†by developing programs such as the ‘Brand India’ promotions. This program is the council’s initiative to promote Indian jewelry to the end users in markets like USA, China, Middle East, CIS, Russia and India.
The Council has also requested the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and CIBJO (World Jewelry Trade Federation) to present a report on the capacity of mines worldwide for supply of rough diamonds so that it will bridge the gap between the demand and supply of rough diamonds available.
The Council has decided to focus on design and innovation and for that it has joined hands with NIFT and NID. This initiative will further focus on the training and development aspects of the students to ensure development of merchandise that will appeal to shoppers’ changing tastes.
April 17th, 2008
Celebrating motherhood? Why not try a little of the new ‘mom jewelry’
The Canadian Press
20 hours ago
If the phrase “mom jewelry” leaves you picturing the “No. 1 Mom” pendants and baby bootie-laden charm bracelets women wore in the 1970s and ’80s, consider yourself updated: The ever-growing market for all things mommy-related now includes plenty of sleek, sexy jewelry — often with three-and four-figure price tags.
Yesterday’s flashier pendants have been replaced by simple, casual designs in gold and silver, many with a restrained sprinkling of semiprecious stones, tiny pearls or diamonds. These pieces are designed to celebrate motherhood, but many are streamlined designs any woman could wear.
Given the beauty of these designs, moms young and old seem to be discovering that “mom jewelry” can actually be cool.
“Our ‘mom jewelry’ business at Red Envelope is actually the biggest part of our jewelry business,” says Suzanne Ellis, vice-president of merchandising for the gift retailer. She declined to give specific numbers, but says they’ve “seen significant growth over the last few years” while their birthstone business has tripled in the past two years.
Mothers can honour their number of offspring by choosing the corresponding number of pearls to add to designer Michael Michaud’s popular “Pea in a Pod” necklace. Jewelry designer Tali Gillette created her signature “Mama” pendant with the same subtle simplicity in mind. Her pendant is a circle in gold or silver formed by the word “mama” written repeatedly in lowercase script, with optional diamonds.
As a new mother, Gillette says, “I really meditated for months on, ‘What can I make that I would really want to wear?’ . . . One night, for the first time, my son said, ‘Ma, ma, ma.’ You know how it’s just one syllable at the beginning? And I thought that would make such a beautiful design, to wear the memory of how that made me feel.”
Three years later, the pendant has been seen on Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts, helping to spike sales.
Among the hot trends in “mom jewelry” this Mother’s Day:
-Birthstones:
Semiprecious stones are in style for moms and non-moms alike right now, says author and fashion consultant Brenda Kinsel, who counts many 30-and 40-something mothers among her clientele.
Red Envelope offers round or square pendants dotted with small stones signifying children’s birthstones. Moms can choose stackable rings, bracelets or pendants that incorporate their children’s birthstones for a trendy look with private significance.
-Meaningful messages:
Along with Gillette’s “Mama” design, moms have a growing variety of pendants and charms to choose from that incorporate motherhood-related or inspirational words. Jewelry chain TOUS has combined a child’s drawing with the word “Mama,” engraved or spelled out in pave diamonds, for their Mother’s Day pendant this year.
Red Envelope offers a necklace combining a birthstone with words like “loyal” and “intuitive” etched on silver tags to describe each birth sign’s traits. They offer another inscribed with the words “mother and son” or “mother and daughter” in both Chinese and English.
Popular Mother’s Day choices from Fortunoff include necklaces and bracelets with charms etched with “believe,” “love,” “dream” and other inspiring words, says spokeswoman Arlene Putterman.
-Lockets:
Red Envelope and Fortunoff both say lockets make up a significant portion of their “mom jewelry” business in recent years. Round or oval lockets that can hold several tiny photos are available as pendants and bracelets in dozens of different designs. These are great for moms who store their photos digitally, rarely carrying prints in their purse or wallet.
The key to choosing the right “mom jewelry,” says Kinsel, is making sure it really fits a mother’s personal style and will be meaningful to her. If pricey gold or silver pieces don’t fit your budget, she says, choose good costume pieces over inexpensive fine jewelry. She recommends fun, trendy pieces such as thick cuffs in bold colours or matte metals, like designer Andreas Eberharter’s “shiny simple” cuff bracelet.
“Think beyond, ‘What’s out there for Mother’s Day?’ ” she says. “That’s not going to get you the cherished feelings the mom would have if you buy something she really loves.”
April 16th, 2008
Previous Posts
