Archive for August, 2008
Someone’s clothes can tell you about what friends that person has, what places they visit and their general activities. A pair of shoes can also make a statement about someone’s general behavior, but that is mostly one woman’s statement about another.
This brings us to the accessories. They consist of many things like purses, scarves and most importantly jewelry. You can wear jewelry as a fashion statement, something that goes along with your wardrobe or other things alternative medicine that. But what if you can purchase spiritual gold jewelry that bears great significance or has some kind of powers?
Something like that can really make you think. Skeptics do not embrace that possibility and think it is a load of crap. I was once one of these skeptics, but now, once I have heard a strange story that may be a coincidence, or it may also be true, I have revised my way of thinking.
I don’t know about general beliefs, but I for one consider the oriental cultures are some of the most powerful and rewarding at the same time. The spiritual gold jewelry I am talking about in this article comes is linked in one way or another to oriental cultures.
David Weitzman is a spiritual gold jewelry designer. He started his activity in 1998 and has continued to improve the life of many since, at people’s request. It is a common belief that mathematics is the universal language of the universe and carpet amp; upholstery cleaning life is governed by it. Some geometry shapes are considered to be sacred like the Seed of Life, the Flower of Life, the Tree of Life and others.
He took symbols found in different cultures and incorporated them in hand crafted pendants, rings, bracelets and other jewelry. Then he upholstery cleaning minneapolis them to a special energizing process through meditation. By doing this he obtained jewelry with special properties like healing or self balancing. Each piece of spiritual gold jewelry makes a great gift on different occasions.
I mentioned something about a strange story that changed my beliefs. In Jerusalem, in 2001, there were lots of bombings taking place. Someone visited David and was immediately drawn to a Christ upholstery cleaning boston ma pendant. He suggested they spread lots of pendants throughout the city. David was ok with it and the bombings stopped the same day. Was it related or not? This you can decide for yourself, but you have to admit, if it was a coincidence, then it was a very strange one.
More information about the different effects David’s spiritual gold jewelry has can be found over the internet at ka-gold-jewelry.com. You can also order any piece of jewelry for yourself or for your loved ones, made from wither gold or silver.
Why name you website like that? In ancient Egyptian culture ka represented the life force in the human spirit. Gold is universally liked to the sun, due to its color, but can also represent carpet amp; upholstery cleaning life or well being. It is obvious that a lot of powerful symbols are used just in the name of the website.
Source: http://www.corsavoo.com/
August 20th, 2008
Fine jewelry designer Karen Lee has created a retail partnership with the acclaimed Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha’s Vineyard. Through this partnership, the Winnetu’s newly established boutique will feature the entire Jewelry By Karen Lee collection of fine earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.
Launched on August 1 with a highly successful ‘trunk show’, the Jewelry By Karen Lee collection received a strong reception from the discriminating Winnetu clientele. According to Winnetu Owner and Founder Gwenn Snider: ‘We’re pleased to bring Karen Lee’s line of casual yet elegant jewelry to the resort’s boutique. The relaxed style of her designs perfectly captures Winnetu and the island setting that surround us.”
The Winnetu is Jewelry By Karen Lee’s first retail account and will be the collection’s exclusive retailer on Martha’s Vineyard.
Source: http://pr-canada.net/
August 19th, 2008
BY ANNE LEVIN
Special to the Times
As far back as she can remember, Ellen Haveson has been an artist.
“I think when I was born, there were crayons in my hand,” jokes the Trenton native, perched on a sofa in her art-filled living room. “It has always been a part of my life.”
Haveson’s current artistic focus is jewelry-making, and a selection of her works is on display this month at the Ewing branch of the Mercer County Library on Scotch Road. The delicate earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other pieces are made from a variety of materials.
While one grouping is done in mixed metals, another is fashioned from a combination of black and silver. Still another collection is tur quoise, coral and silver. A further group is made from shells and pearls.
While the styles and materials differ, Haveson’s handcrafted jewelry (her company is called “Elle gance”) shares an architectural quality and a common theme.
“I like to get a shape and carry it through,” she says. “I’m very much into composition, balance and organization, so I want them to be odd, yet when you look at them they are balanced.”
Haveson graduated from Tren ton Central High School in 1968 and has lived in Ewing since the mid-1970s. Her father was a lawyer with a talent for art; her mother is “very creative,” she says.
“I was always encouraged to do art. I made most of my own clothes. I did a lot of crafts. I went to college as an art major.”
After college, Haveson began to teach art. She currently works with middle-school students at an after- school program in Lawrence.
“I like working with that age,” she says.
From an early interest in photography, Haveson developed a technique combining a form of art and photography, which she calls “photage.” She has exhibited in a Trenton Artists Workshop Association exhibit, among others.
A few years ago, Haveson began working on jewelry with her stu dents. Before she knew it, she was hooked.
“I just really got into it and it stuck,” she says. “Things have got ten more intricate as I’ve worked on it over the past two years or so.
“I love it. It’s my outlet. I love to create from scratch. I love to put together different combinations of beads and wires. It’s the designing of it — I like to get an idea that I might be able to do, or maybe not, and see if I can do it. It’s a chal lenge.”
Haveson’s workspace is portable: a small cart of stacked, plastic boxes that she can wheel around her apartment from room to room. She knows which containers hold which beads, metals and wires. “I have thousands of beads and have a relationship with every one of them,” she says.
With friends living in locations from New Zealand to California sporting her jewelry, Haveson has received orders from all over the world. She makes earrings in pierced and clip styles, and her necklaces can be adjusted to different lengths. Prices range from about $15-$40.
Her jewelry “is not for everyone,” Haveson says.
“I want it to be unique, different. It’s sort of makes a statement but it’s not too crazy, not garish. Simple can be interesting.”
Source: http://www.nj.com/
August 19th, 2008
My-Wedding-Jewelry.com a leading retailer of bridal jewelry, costume jewelry and fashion jewelry announced today that a portion of each and every sale they receive is donated to charity. The company along with its sister site, BuyWeddingFavorsOnline.com has designated Horse Rescue Painted Star Stables as their local Florida charity.
President and founder, Denise Sanger, firmly believes “in giving back to the community and as the economy becomes increasingly difficult for many families, often it is the pets such as horses and dogs that can no longer be taken care of.” Painted Horse Stable rescues horses from many stressful situations and rehabilitates them to be placed with a forever family. Sanger is adopting Lady Bug, one of the horses rescued by this wonderful charity.
My-Wedding-Jewelry.com is a woman owned business that employees mainly women and strongly supports stay at home moms. “We’re very lucky to be in a position to give back to our community – both near and far” says Sanger.
About My-Wedding-Jewelry.com: My-Wedding-Jewelry.com was founded to fill a need for affordable bridal jewelry and bridesmaid jewelry. The company carries an extensive collection of beautiful jewelry designed for every special occasion. Their online store is backed by knowledge customer service reps available by phone at 800.791.8718 and also by Live Chat through the website.
Source: http://pr-canada.net/
August 15th, 2008
GIA’s West Coast Jewelry Career Fair & Open House Set for Sept. 12
CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug 14, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) annual Jewelry Career Fair & Open House will be held Sept. 12 at the Institute’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California. This free event is the jewelry industry’s premiere recruiting event that brings together highly skilled and trained job seekers, prominent employers and gem enthusiasts.
Jewelry Career Fair is a comprehensive event that allows attendees a chance to get one-on-one career coaching from already established industry professionals, attend professional development seminars, and network with the key executives and entrepreneurs who have shaped the industry.
This event is open to anyone interested in pursuing or learning about a career in jewelry. Currently, 25 companies including Tiffany & Co., Zale Corp., and Ben Bridge Jeweler will come to GIA’s Career Fair to find talented potential employees. These recruiters come to this event to showcase exciting employment opportunities within the industry and to conduct preliminary interviews with job candidates.
It’s an excellent and highly efficient opportunity for the firms and potential employees to meet each other in one place in one event. This is an ideal opportunity open for GIA students, first time job seekers, and seasoned professionals both in and out of the jewelry industry looking for a career change.
Along with the Carlsbad Career Fair, GIA is holding its once-a-year Open House. This is a singular opportunity for those interested in gems and jewelry to see classroom demonstrations and tour the Institute’s campus and museum exhibits without being required to book a tour - weeks in advance.
The GIA Jewelry Career Fair will be an all day event happening on Friday, Sept. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Employers who would like to recruit at this year’s Career Fair may contact GIA’s Career Services office at 800-421-7250, ext. 4195, or e-mail Dani Oliver at dani.oliver@gia.edu.
Job seekers may RSVP to this event by calling the GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair hotline at 800-421-7250, ext. 4100, or e-mail at careerfair@gia.edu. For more information, visit www.careerfair.gia.edu.
Museum enthusiasts are encouraged to come to the Open House to view all of the magnificent gems and jewelry on display.
GIA has two Career Fair events every year, held on both coasts; in the summer in New York and the fall in California. GIA’s Jewelry Career Fair was founded by GIA and The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California. The prime sponsor for the New York Career Fair is The Nielsen Jewelry Group, and the prime sponsor for the Carlsbad event is The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and joining as a sponsor is the JCK Publishing Group.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. Early in the 1950s, GIA invented the famous Four Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System(TM) which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at www.gia.edu. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112 or Jessica Sachariason, 760-603-4197.
SOURCE: Gemological Institute of America
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/
August 15th, 2008
By Frank Tang
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global demand for gold dropped 19 percent year-on-year to 735.6 tonnes in the second quarter of 2008 as sharply higher prices and increased volatility weakened jewelry buying, the World Gold Council said on Wednesday.
“That combination of near record-high prices and exceptionally high volatility always seem to hurt jewelry demand,” George Milling-Stanley, WGC’s manager of investment and market intelligence, told Reuters in an interview before the release of its Gold Demand Trends report.
Total jewelry consumption in the second quarter tumbled 24 percent to 504 tonnes year-on-year, largely dragged down by a sharp consumption drop for top bullion buyer India, WGC said.
However, second-quarter jewelry demand in value terms still rose by 2 percent to a record $14.5 billion because of a rally in the average gold price to $896.29 an ounce for the quarter, representing an increase of 34 percent year-on-year.
Similarly, total demand for gold in value terms also rose by 9 percent to an all-time high of $21.2 billion, WGC said.
“When the price is stable, it doesn’t matter at what price level … we still see decent jewelry buying,” Milling-Stanley said.
“I am continually astonished of the way that the consumers seem to adapt to higher prices once they stabilize,” he said.
The report, whose data was compiled independently by research firm GFMS Ltd for the WGC, showed that industrial demand fell 5 percent to 111.8 tonnes on gradual declining demand for gold in dentistry.
Total investment demand fell 4 percent to 119.8 tonnes for the quarter due to slower buying of medals and imitation coins, which was partly offset by a net inflow of 4 tonnes into gold exchange-traded funds and similar products, WGC said.
INDIA CONSUMPTION TANKS
Gold consumption by India, which represents a quarter of the world’s demand, sank 45 percent to 161.4 tonnes for the quarter.
“India is one of the markets that is more sensitive to the absolute price level and price volatility,” Milling-Stanley said.
The second quarter was typically the weakest time of the year for jewelry business, Milling-Stanley said. He expected India’s jewelry demand to pick up again in September and October as jewelers buy in preparation of the country’s wedding season.
Bullion consumption in other regions also weakened for the second quarter, led by a 12 percent decrease in the Middle East region and a 9 percent fall in the United States.
However, demand in the Greater China area, the second-largest gold consumer, rose 7 percent to 87.5 tonnes.
For the third quarter, Milling-Stanley said, jewelry demand would likely stay subdued in most places, and it would depend on the interaction of price and volatility levels.
In terms of the price outlook for gold, Milling-Stanley said that bullion should be trading much higher due to a combination of positive factors.
Bullion traded at $817 an ounce on Tuesday. It was sharply below its record high of $1,030.80 set on March 17.
“In any bull market, you get pullbacks … without necessarily undermining the strength of the bull market itself. And we are still within the premise of a bull market here,” he said.
Source: http://africa.reuters.com/
August 14th, 2008
DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug 12, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Research and Markets ( http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d391d1/the_jewelry_and_wa) has announced the addition of the “The Jewelry and Watch Report 2007: A consumer insights study of the jewelry and watch market” report to their offering.
In 2006 American consumers spent $62.2 billion buying jewelry and watches, posting a dramatic 6.5 percent increase over sales in 2005 of $58.4 billion. The luxury end of the jewelry market posted the strongest growth last year with fine watches rising 39 percent and fine jewelry up 10 percent. By contrast the fashion or costume segment in the jewelry market declined by 8 percent and sales of costume watches were off by 20 percent, according to the latest statistics on the jewelry and watch market reported by Unity Marketing in a new market research study.
The Jewelry and Market Watch Report, 2007 provides the latest statistics on the jewelry and watch market. Included in the new study are details about the sales and growth in the jewelry market by product type, material, gemstone, and channels of distribution. Also included are projections for sales through 2010.
Men’s Jewelry Market Came Into Its Own in 2006 and Is No Longer An After-Thought
“2006 will be known as the year the jewelry industry finally discovered the men’s market,” said Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing and author of Shopping: Why We Love It and How Retailers Can Create the Ultimate Customer Experience.
“Men have traditionally been the biggest purchasers of jewelry, while women are the most important consumers of jewelry. That hasn’t changed in 2006, but what is notably is how strongly the market for men’s jewelry grew. Men’s fine jewelry — defined as jewelry made from precious or semi-precious stones and/or 10k or above gold, sterling silver or platinum — is no longer a step-child in the jewelry business but makes up about 10 percent of the overall jewelry market.”
Included in the new Jewelry & Watch Report, 2007 are details about what types of jewelry and watches were purchased included jewelry type (e.g. ring, necklace, bracelet, etc.); jewelry metal (e.g. gold, platinum, sterling silver, etc.); gemstone (e.g. diamonds, precious, semi-precious, pearls, etc.), for both men’s and women’s fine jewelry and watches.
Jewelry Stores Came Surging Back After Losing Share for Several Years
As jewelry consumers taste turned more upscale, their shopping choices also shifted. Jewelry shoppers turned first to specialty jewelry stores for their purchases, with total market share rising to 50 percent of sales. Department stores and non-store retailers such as the Internet, TV shopping and mail-order, also saw growth in sales, while shoppers spent less buying jewelry in discount department stores and specialty fashion boutiques.
“Jewelry stores made a real come back in 2006,” Danziger explains. “Jewelry shoppers in their search for higher quality merchandise and more fashion-forward designs found that the service and expert advice available in jewelry stores was exactly what they needed.”
She points to industry-leading Sterling Jewelers, with over 800 Kay Jewelers, 135 luxury-leaning Jared The Galleria of Jewelry stores, and 341 regional chains, as a competitor that made the most of consumers shift toward more specialty retail. “Sterling Jewelers reported 14.9 percent revenue growth in their most recent fiscal year to reach $2, 652 million in sales, which put them into the coveted first place as the nation’s top jewelry store. Clearly specialty jewelry retailers like Sterling Jewelers are aggressively pursuing the jewelry consumer marketplace and are not willing to give up share to less specialized retailers such as discounters.”
Included in the new Jewelry and Watch Report, 2007 are profiles of the nation’s top ten jewelry retailers, as well as details about where shoppers turned for their last jewelry or watch purchase and what features about the shopping environment influenced their shopping decision.
Gemstone Jewelry Growing
More women’s fine jewelry accented with diamonds and other gemstones was sold in 2006. Strong demand was noted for colored semi-precious stones, such as opals, topax, amethysts, etc., as well as for diamonds. Danziger notes that well over 90 percent of women’s fine jewelry sold in 2006 had some gemstone content with diamonds being the gemstone of choice.
Details about sales of jewelry by gemstone type are reported in the Jewelry and Watch Report 2007, as well as data about the last jewelry item purchased, including amount spent, type of item, material and gem and where purchased.
Fine Watches Were Growing Category but the Future Looks Less Certain
Strong demand for fine/formal watches was reported in 2006, with sales in the watch category growing 39 percent. But this category may start to slide as many younger consumers reject watches as a ’status symbol’ and turn to their cell phones as their essential time keeping accessory. For example, one-third of jewelry consumers agreed with the statement ‘I generally don’t wear a watch much any more, since I use my cell phone to keep time,’ however 51 percent of consumers aged 18-24 years and 48 percent of those aged 25-34 years agreed with this statement.
Danziger says, “If I were a watch marketer, this attitude so prominent about young consumer would keep me up at night. It is esstential for watch marketers to position their brands as fun and functional, rather than push the status-button too strongly. Young consumers embrace a much more casual lifestyle, so the idea of a watch as a ’status symbol’ just doesn’t connect.”
New Consumer Insights about Jewelry Shoppers, What They Buy and Where They Shop
Unity Marketing has completed a new study of the jewelry consumer market based upon in-depth qualitative focus group research and a quantitative research study of jewelry buyers shopping preferences, behaviors and attitudes. This research study includes research data and statistics about:
- Jewelry Market Size and Growth: What is the size of the jewelry market and how rapidly is it growing? How is the jewelry and watch market segmented by the type of jewelry product and material of composition?
- Demographics of the Jewelry Market: What kinds of households buy jewelry and how do different demographic characteristics impact and influence jewelry buying behavior, (e.g.: HHI, size, composition, ethnicity/race, education, etc.); what are the different demographic segments within the jewelry market? How similar or different are households/consumers who purchase jewelry for personal use and for gifting.
- Jewelry Buying Behavior: What are the primary characteristics of the consumers’ buying behavior related to jewelry and why they buy, e.g. for self or for gift? Where do they shop for jewelry; how do they decide to purchase one piece vs. another; how do they set a budget for jewelry buying; what is the role of brand in jewelry buying behavior; how much do they purchase and how much do they spend on key categories of jewelry. How do men and women differ in their jewelry shopping and buying behavior?
- Psychographic Profile and Segmentation of the Jewelry Market: The psychographic profile of jewelry consumers will reveal their different drives and motivations in purchasing jewelry; what factors are more or less important in driving jewelry purchasing decisions; how can jewelry marketers and retailers better understand the hearts and minds of their consumers. In essence, we will discover “why people buy jewelry.”
Specific Jewelry and Watch Data Included
This study examines both the fine and costume jewelry market segments, as well as the preferences and behaviors of gift buyers and jewelry self-purchasers. It provides details about jewelry choices and spending in four major categories of jewelry:
- Fine women’s jewelry
- Fine men’s jewelry
- Women’s costume jewelry
- Men’s costume jewelry
- Fine watches, including men’s and women’s
- Costume watches, including men’s and women’s
For the fine jewelry category, detail data is also included about metal of composition, such as fine gold, platinum, sterling silver; and gemstones, such as diamonds, precious gemstones, such as rubies, emeralds, etc., pearls, and semi-precious stones, such as amethyst, topaz, etc.
It explores what type of jewelry is bought within each category, such as necklaces, earring, bracelet, brooches and pins and how much shoppers spend on specific items of jewelry. Through the level of purchase detailed analyzed, marketers and retailers can discover the typical pricing parameters for each type of jewelry based upon what the typical jewelry buyer spends.
Jewelry Shoppers and Their Shopping Preferences Are Also Examined
Details about different types of jewelry shoppers are included, with special emphasis on the differing motivations and buying behavior of men and women, as well as gift buyers as compared with self-purchasers.
The study is of great value to jewelry retailers, both those that already compete in the category and those that want to grow their share of the market. It reveals the stores where jewelry consumers prefer to shop, including the top ten jewelry retailers, as well as the nation’s leading jewelry retailers in these categories:
- Department stores
- Discount stores
- Chain jewelry stores
- Fashion clothing stores
- Non-stores, including mail order, television and internet
The report reveals why shoppers choose the stores that they do to shop for jewelry. It explores many strategies for retailers to capture greater share of the jewelry shoppers’ wallet.
This important new research study is an investment in the future of jewelry marketers and retailers. It provides data and insight so that jewelry marketers and retailers can maximize their opportunities in the jewelry market today, as well as to plan for their future.
Special Features in Jewelry Report, 2007
Included in this report are:
- Brand preferences in both jewelry brands and watch brands.
- Profile of the affluent, luxury consumer market for jewelry and watches, including the luxury jewelry and watch brands that luxury consumers favor, newly updated with data from the Luxury Report 2008.
- Powerful guidance for retailers and marketers in pricing of different jewelry items, based upon research findings of what the majority of consumers are paying today when they make their purchases.
- 13 research-based Business Building Tactics to help jewelry marketers and retailers grow a more vibrant business.
- 7 major Marketing Opportunities that will mean greater success for jewelry companies and retailers that develop strategies to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.
Key Topics Covered:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: About Jewelry Market Sales & Growth
Chapter 3: About Jewelry Consumers and Their Purchases
Chapter 4: About Most Recent Jewelry Purchase
Chapter 5: About Pricing of Jewelry
Chapter 6: About Where People Shopped for Jewelry
Chapter 7: About the Luxury Segment of the Jewelry and Watch Market
Chapter 8: About Jewelry Consumers’ Attitudes and Personalities
Chapter 9: About Maximizing Sales to the Jewelry Market
Companies Mentioned:
- Amazon.com
- Ashford.com
- Bacarrat
- Bailey Banks & Biddle
- Banana Republic
- Barneys New York
- Ben Bridge
- Bergdorf Goodman
- Bloomingdales
- Blue Nile.com
- Bradford Exchange
- Brequet
- Bulgari
- Cartier
- Casio
- Chanel
- Chico’s
- Chopard
- Citizen
- Costco
- Danbury Mint
- David Yurman
- DeBeers
- Di Modolo
- Diamiani
- Diamond.com
- Dillards
- eBay.com
- Ebel
- Fope
- Fortunoff
- Fossil
- Fred Meyers Jewelers
- Friedmans
- Gap
- Gordons
- Gucci
- H Stern
- Harry Winston
- Hearts on Fire Diamond
- Helzberg Diamonds
- HSN
- Ice.com
- Invicta
- Iridesse
- Jaeger-LeCoultre
- Jareds
- JC Penney
- Jewelry Exchange
- Jewelry TV
- Jewelry.com
- Judith Ripka
- Kay’s
- Kmart
- Kohl’s
- Lalique
- Lenox
- Leo Diamond
- Littman Jewelers
- London Jewelers
- Lord & Taylor
- Louis Vuitton
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Mervyn’s
- Mikimoto
- Mont Blanc
- Movado
- NBC Shop
- Neiman Marcuse
- Nordstroms
- Omega
- Patek Philippe
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Pulsar
- QVC
- Raymond Weil
- Reeds Jewelers
- Robert Lee Morris
- Roberto Coin
- Rolex
- Ross-Simons
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Sam’s Club
- Scott Kay
- Sears
- Seiko
- Sterling Jewelers
- Swarovski
- Swatch
- TAG Heuer
- Talbots
- Target
- The Limited
- Tiffany
- Timex
- Tissot
- TJ Maxx
- Tourneau
- VanCleef & Arpels
- Wal-Mart
- Whitehall
- Wittnauer
- Yvel
- Zales
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d391d1/the_jewelry_and_wa
SOURCE: Research and Markets
http://www.marketwatch.com/
August 13th, 2008
ElizabetaJewelry.com now carries LifeLink™ bracelets and links so you can create jewelry that marks special occasions.
People are searching for ways to connect with timeless truths that hold meaning for themselves and the ones they love, especially these days, as the world becomes more complicated than ever before. Nine to five, after all, is what people do for a living, but they live for the other 128 hours of the week.
Glenn Wachler and his brother Link (winner of several international jewelry design awards), have created the perfect way to custom build that perfect piece of jewelry that allows you to express who you are. The rubber cord bracelet is easily unlocked so you can quickly add one or more meaningful symbols that represent what you do for vacation, inspiration, and relaxation.
All links are available in 14kt yellow or white gold as well as sterling silver. There are 101 designs to choose from! To celebrate our enthusiasm, we will donate 10% of our LifeLink™ sales for the rest of the year to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.
LifeLinks are a great gift idea filled with meaning and made to fit most any budget. There are links for just about any sentiment. Not only can you give the perfect gift to your loved one or yourself, you will be helping a worthwhile cause through the donation, and year after year you can add links to create a piece of jewelry that says so much. So we invite you to browse our website to see the many options we offer. Or if you prefer, contact us to set up an appointment to see the collection.
Elizabeta Jewelry - Jewelry with a Conscience.
Source: http://www.newswiretoday.com/
August 12th, 2008
DERRY, NH, August 10, 2008 - Waves of Gratitude (WOG) has created special piece of sterling silver inspirational and message jewelry. Designed exclusively for Waves of Gratitude by Jessica Fields, the Branches of Hope Pendant resembles a strong and enduring tree and is meant to represent the strength found within each of us. A percentage of all sales will benefit the 3-Day Susan G. Koman for the Cure walk.
“Every woman has survived something,” said Cheryl Nordyke, co-owner of Wavelet Productions. “It could be an illness, loss of a loved one, divorce, or a move and sometimes all of those at once! For anyone that has displayed courage or strength this is a great gift to say,” I am proud of you; you made it. For you, it is a reminder that as the seasons sometimes weather a tree, it is those same seasons that bring out its true strength and inner beauty. It says that no matter how life has been there is hope for how life can be. The seeds of hope lie within us the same way they were in the tree before it became the symbol of strength it is today.”
The Waves of Gratitude jewelry line was created as the result of a search by the owners for a reminder to be grateful. Waves of Gratitude had the various wave shapes created to depict the movement and uniqueness of individual waves. The company also has apparel as an addition to its line of message jewelry. An online community for sharing stories of gratitude is available for visitors of the website.
For more information, visit www.wavesofgratitude.com or email info@wavesofgratitude.com.
About Waves of Gratitude
Waves of Gratitude was created by Cheryl Nordyke, Kim Wierman and Carrin Torres. Its jewelry and apparel are meant to give as gifts to inspire or to serve as daily reminders of gratitude, hope, love, friendship and more. Share your own inspirational stories in our blog by visiting us at www.wavesofgratitude.com.
Source: ttp://www.24-7pressrelease.com/
August 11th, 2008
It’s time to take grandma’s jewelry out of the vault.
That’s because the popularity of estate and vintage pieces is growing, even as the overall jewelry market falters. Since inventory is fixed and often in short supply, antique jewelry is sought after by consumers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces.
While the jewelry market is expected to experience several years of stagnant sales, “other” jewelry, which includes estate jewelry, has achieved at least modest gains, according to a May survey conducted by Mintel, a market research firm with offices worldwide. “Other” jewelry and accessories make up 15.1% of the market, up from 14.1% in 2005.
In Depth: Buyers’ Guide To Estate Jewelry
“The demand for antique and estate jewelry is still very strong,” says Russell Zelenetz, partner at Stephen Russell jewelers in New York City. “Old jewelry is undervalued as an art.”
This–and a challenging economy–has prompted many jewelry collectors to unlock their safes and sell heirloom pieces they have been holding onto in an effort to gain additional income.
At Freeman’s June 8 fine jewelry sale, the Philadelphia-based auction house racked up $1,185,000 million in less than three hours. Its original low-end estimate was $600,000. With a full audience and 21 phone bidders, Freeman’s sold all 244 lots.
The coveting of estate jewelry is not limited to the United States; it has become a global addiction.
“International markets such as Russia, Far East and Middle East,” says Lee Siegelson, owner of Siegelson, a Manhattan-based jeweler, “are looking to collect jewelry and are realizing and appreciating jewelry as an art form.”
Jewelry from the 1950s and ’60s is less in vogue. The most sought-after pieces currently are those from the 1920s and ’30s and the Art Deco period, says Francois Curiel, international head of jewelry at Christie’s auction house.
“Lately there have been less of these pieces on the market,” he says, “and as a result, the value has shot up to almost double or triple estimates.”
“With estate jewelry, the customer tends to approach the product as [a] collector rather than [a] consumer–not only as [a] beautiful object, but as something that could appreciate in value over time,” Kaplan said.
Top Tips
Navigating the estate jewelry market can be challenging–whether at an auction house or at retail.
When shopping for estate jewelry, you should look for a period piece that speaks to you and fits your personality. If you plan on wearing the item every day and not just for special occasions, make sure it is versatile and can go with business and weekend wear.
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And while it is important to buy a piece you’ll wear and future generations will want to keep, the item should also have a strong resale value. Stay away from trendy items and stick to the classics that will still be in style 20 years from now.
If you plan to get your next piece at an auction, be careful not to be seduced by seemingly discounted prices.
“People think they are getting a deal at an auction house,” Waterhouse says. “While merchandise tends to be cheaper, people tend to get carried away when it comes to bidding. When they find out the price is one-third what they would be paying at retail, their eyes light up. It’s like walking into J.Crew and seeing a sign that says ‘Everything 40% off.’”
Finally, be aware of fakes, warns Curiel.
“Art Deco pieces don’t always have their original stone,” he says. “Sometimes the stones have been changed and replaced with cheaper semi-precious stones. Ask the jeweler or auction house if they think the stone is an original.”
Source: http://www.forbes.com/
August 11th, 2008
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