Jewelers Circular Keystone articles from August 2003

Jewelers Circular Keystone archives from August 2003

Investigations, arrests rock 47th Street.(Up Front / News Trends People; diamond industry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The U.S. attorney's office recently sent out subpoenas to more than 30 New York wholesale diamond companies requesting that they submit to the grand jury their corporate records, tax returns, and financial statements for the period between Jan....

Overall jewelry crime rose by 2.7% in 2002.(Up Front / News Trends People)
August 1, 2003... Crimes against the jewelry industry during 2002 resulted in a loss of $126 million, a 2.7% increase over the previous year's figure, the Jewelers' Security Alliance reported in its annual survey on crime in the jewelry industry. The study,...

Thieves hit JCK Show.(Up Front / News Trends People)
August 1, 2003... Thieves with Eastern European accents stole a diamond pendant worth $711,000 wholesale from a jewelry exhibitor at The JCK Show ~ Las Vegas on June 2, police told JCK magazine. The thieves are believed to be part of a ring that has stolen...

New Turkish gold show debuts next month.(Up Front / News Trends People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Gold Istanbul, a new trade fair for gold and silver jewelry, watches, and equipment, will debut Sept. 13-17 in Istanbul, Turkey. The fair will have 300 exhibitors this year, with plans to expand to 500 next year. The show is...

Florence steps down as JIC spokesperson.(Up Front / News Trends People)(Elizabeth Florence, Jewelry Information Center)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Elizabeth Florence, executive director of the Jewelry Information Center, has resigned. "I leave on excellent terms, and I've achieved every personal and professional goal I established for myself when I started," she told JCK. At press...

JCF adds fourth charity, African project, membership drive.(Up Front / News Trends People; Jewelers Charity Fund for Children)
August 1, 2003... The Jewelers Charity Fund for Children (JCF) marked its fifth anniversary with support for a fourth group that aids children, another project to assist African mothers and babies, and its first-ever membership drive. The JCF--the jewelry, gem,...

NCCJ cruise raises $72,000.(Up Front / News Trends People; National Conference for Community and Justice)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The National Conference for Community and Justice New Leadership Division raised approximately $72,000 for its various youth and community programs. The money was raised through a raffle and a dinner cruise, which was held June 25 on the...

Burning bridges.(Counterpoint; business ethics)
August 1, 2003... A friend's daughter recently ended a very unhappy employment experience. The young lady in question was employed in a public relations agency and handled several medium-sized clients. In what sounded like an unprofessional atmosphere, her...

'Bahia' to be museum cornerstone.(Gem Notes; crystal quartz gemstone)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's a 602-lb. gemstone pendant that only a museum could wear. And the Gemological Institute of America's president Bill Boyajian is personally spearheading the campaign to acquire the magnificent gem sculpture and have it installed at the...

Big colored diamonds at Smithsonian.(Gem Notes)
August 1, 2003... How would you like to see a 59.60-ct. fancy vivid pink diamond? You want red, not pink? How about a 5.11-ct. fancy red? Not big enough? Try a 203.04-ct. D Flawless. Seven of the world's most extraordinary diamonds, representing a rainbow...

Jeffrey Post on color.(Gem Notes; diamonds)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "In its purest state, a diamond is composed of carbon atoms and is colorless, like the De Beers Millennium Star," writes Jeffrey Post, curator of the National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. "When certain foreign...

Chromium makes the difference.(Gem Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... If you see the label "chrome" attached to any gemstone, chances are the color will be saturated and pure, and the price will reflect the gem's exceptional color. But not every gem labeled "chrome" deserves the label or the price. You must see...

Virgin Valley opalized wood.(Gem Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Gem artist Falk Burger collects the unusual. And nothing looks more unusual than these opals from Virgin Valley, Nev. "This is 'conk,' which is an opal replacement of cavities in wood thought to be formed by a fungal disease," says Burger,...

Gem pricing update from The Guide.(Gem Notes)
August 1, 2003... Market in brief: July, 1, 2003... Because of the lack of sustained improvement in the nation's economic health through the first half of the year, experts anticipate that conservative buying strategies will continue. The markets. Diamond...

That's 'B' as in 'Bling-Bling'.(Diamond Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "Bling-bling," the hip-hop term for showy diamond jewelry, has gone respectable: It will be in the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. The OED defines "bling-bling" as "expensive objects of jewelry that are worn in a way that is...

Can sightholders afford 'Supplier of Choice?'.(Diamond Notes; marketing costs)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's the question that has dogged the Supplier of Choice program: If sightholders must increase their advertising spending, where will they get the money? De Beers, which has been urging sightholders to make such investments, is doing its...

North American industry profiled.(Diamond Notes)
August 1, 2003... The three diamond mines discovered in Canada's Northwest Territories "are just the beginning," journalist Kevin Krajick told a recent GIA Alumni Association meeting in Manhattan. "There is now prospecting all over Canada," said Krajick,...

Australian consumers panic following gem arrest.(Diamond Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The phones in Australia are ringing off the hook, police say, after a local jeweler was arrested for allegedly selling clarity-enhanced stones with phony Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certificates. At least 12 more stones, supplied...

Record diamond heist in the U.K.(Diamond Notes; Graft)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Another audacious multimillion-dollar European diamond heist has made headlines--this time, in the United Kingdom. World-renowned jeweler Graft, located on London's New Bond Street, was recently robbed of 47 pieces of diamond jewelry valued...

De Beers celebrates safety record.(Diamond Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The De Beers Geological Services Division is celebrating a truly impressive achievement: three years without a single lost-time injury. Prior to 2000, the division recorded a poor "lost time injury frequency rate" (LTIFR) and underwent a...

Feminine, romantic jewels from a legendary name.(Design Debut)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... More than 70 years have passed since Nina Ricci opened her Parisian fashion house, but her name remains a powerful symbol of luxury and elegance. The Nina Ricci brand finally hit the shores of the United States this spring with the launch...

Saul Bell Award winners.(Fashion Facets; jewelry)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Winners of the third annual Saul Bell Design Award competition showed varying styles, but a similar penchant for the big, bold pieces that characterize current fashion tastes. The contest, sponsored by Rio Grande and named for company...

Roberto Coin honors JCF, launches new collection.(Fashion Facets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... As he launched his new diamond Cento collection during The JCK Show--Las Vegas, Italian designer Roberto Coin set time aside to present a $20,000 check to one of the Jewelers Charity Fund (JCF) beneficiaries, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS...

2003 Titanium Jewelry Design Competition.(Fashion Facets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Showing the growth of titanium as a viable fine-jewelry component, this year's World Titanium Council's Titanium Jewelry Design Competition winners included designs from around the world, from both professional jewelers and students of design....

Butterflies from Carrera y Carrera landed on pop diva Mariah Carey's ears as she performed in Rockefeller Plaza on NBC's Today show.(Fashion Facets)
August 1, 2003... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Butterflies from Carrera y Carrera landed on pop diva Mariah Carey's ears as she performed in Rockefeller Plaza on NBC's Today show. During the live performance on May 30, Carey showed off pave diamond and...

CDG names Alishan 'Designer of the Year'.(Fashion Facets; Contemporary Design Group; Alishan Halebian)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Alishan Halebian, owner of Alishan, Irvine, Calif., has been named the Contemporary Design Group's Designer of the Year. The announcement was made during the group's eighth annual Designers Gala and High Achievement Awards held during The JCK...

Roger Dubuis will add another brand.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Roger Dubuis, one of the world's most exclusive and expensive Swiss watch brands, plans to widen its market and increase production over the next two years, said president and chief executive officer Carlos Dias during an interview with JCK at...

Luxury Swiss watch brand de Grisogono and Vogue magazine recently hosted a "Diamonds and Delectables" evening in New York City featuring the cast of the musical La Boeheme.(Watch World)(Illustration)
August 1, 2003... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Luxury Swiss watch brand de Grisogono and Vogue magazine recently hosted a "Diamonds and Delectables" evening in New York City featuring the cast of the musical La Boeheme. Pictured is Fawaz Gruosi, founder...

Longines gives $200,000 to Hepburn fund.(Watch World; Audrey Hepburn Cares Team )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Longines Watch Co. donated $200,000 to the Audrey Hepburn Cares Team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles on June 11. The donation represents the final portion of a $700,000 contribution from the watch brand, a founding sponsor of the unit....

Ebel offers five-year warranty.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Swiss luxury watch brand Ebel is offering a five-year international unconditional guarantee on all its watches--the longest offered by any company in the watch industry, it says. To celebrate the new warranty, which took effect in April,...

World record prices paid for rare Rolexes.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Red-hot bidding for two rare Rolex prototype Daytona wristwatches produced record-setting prices at Antiquorum's June "Important Watches, Collector's Wristwatches, & Clocks" sale in Geneva, Switzerland. The extremely rare Rolex Oyster...

Perrin to retire as Richemont CEO.(Watch World; Alain Dominique Perrin)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Alain Dominique Perrin, chief executive officer of Richemont, the Swiss luxury goods group, will retire in October on his 61st birthday. Perrin joined Briquet Cartier as a sales representative in 1969 and became general manager in 1970. He...

Mary Lou Retton, the all-around gymnastics champion at the 1984 Olympic Games, is official spokesperson for Longines watches' "Perfect 10 Moments In Time" online promotion, launched earlier this year at www.usagymnastics.org.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Mary Lou Retton, the all-around gymnastics champion at the 1984 Olympic Games, is official spokesperson for Longines watches' "Perfect 10 Moments In Time" online promotion, launched earlier this year at www.usagymnastics.org. The promotion...

Festina USA has new home.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Festina USA, the Swiss-made Spanish-owned watch brand, has moved. Its new address is 375 McCarter Highway, Third Floor, Newark, NJ 07114. Phone numbers are (973) 622-4445 and (800) 648-9702. The new location enables Festina to expand its...

Tourbillons headline $2.1 million auction.(Watch World; watches)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Tourbillon watches headlined Antiquorum's live and online auction of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks, held in May in New York City. In all, 281 clients from around the world registered for online bidding, and more than 5,000 collectors...

Invicta scores at ESPY Awards.(Watch World)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Invicta Watch Company of America presented its Lupah watch to 150 athletes, celebrities, presenters, and VIPs as part of gift bags at the ESPY Awards, held in July in Los Angeles. Invicta also was featured in the official ESPY Awards program on...

Benitoite.(Jewel of the Month)
August 1, 2003... Most benitoite is uncovered in specimens of bi-pyramidal blue crystals in white natrolite. Soaking the piece in acid dissolves the natrolite but leaves the benitoite unaffected. Specimens like the one on the facing page--which contains cuttable...

SKU'd views: how jewelers do business today.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... In the latter 1990s, both retailers and manufacturers routinely planned for double-digit annual growth. But when Christmas 2000 sales fell far below expectations, every sector of the supply chain was left with enormous piles of excess...

Chain and multi-store operations: small, frequent, and fast: to become more nimble, chains of all sizes are buying more often but in smaller quantities.(JCK special report: how jewelers do business today)
August 1, 2003... Multi-store operators, especially regional and local chains, are buying inventory more frequently, including more "as-needed" orders. They're also buying in smaller amounts to keep basic and fast-selling items in stock and turning, and they're...

Luxury jewelers: still growing strong; while luxury jewelers keep an eye on consumer trends, business philosophy dictates their operating decisions. For many, in terms of inventory control and working with suppliers, it's been business as usual.(JCK special report: how jewelers do business today)
August 1, 2003... Bill Underwood of Underwood Jewelers, Fayetteville, Ark., has plenty of inventory, but he's not complaining: Some of the stock has increased in value based on the rise of the euro compared to the dollar. "We're fat on inventory, but we...

The independents: adapting to new realities; in the Darwinian world of business, independent jewelers are adjusting to a changing retail environment.(JCK special report: how jewelers do business today)
August 1, 2003... For the typical mid-range independent jeweler, merchandise-buying patterns have changed significantly in the last five years. Here are the top seven trends: 1. Moving upscale and relying on designer lines to lure shoppers. "We can't get...

The supplier view: 'just not so!': a whopping 95% of suppliers and manufacturers surveyed by JCK agreed that retailers have changed their buying habits. Many feel the shift is permanent ... and they've been hurt by it.(JCK special report: how jewelers do business today)
August 1, 2003... Some 45% of suppliers polled by JCK said retailers were buying less than they did in the past; 70% said they were buying later in the year; 60% said they were buying fewer basic styles to keep in stock; and 55% said they were more frequently...

Rule breakers: nontraditional materials are expanding the boundaries of fine jewelry.(Fashion)
August 1, 2003... The dress code is changing. Where traditional "fine" jewelry strictly adhered to the "all precious" definition, today's designers have disposed of that particular rule. Some of the freshest ideas in jewelry design--and fashion--incorporate...

Animal magnetism: attracting business with pet-themed jewelry; some jewelers are making a dogged effort to turn pet-themed pieces into a hot category.(Fashion)
August 1, 2003... Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States, and Americans also tend to splurge on their furry friends. Consider some recent statistics: * Between 1996 and 2001, the number of Americans who owned dogs as companion animals increased...

White hot: value and versatility are boosting sterling silver's popularity among jewelry designers and jewelry consumers alike. Here's a selection of new designs priced for the volume jewelry market.(High-Volume Jeweler)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Sterling silver continues to hold its own in this period of economic crisis, fueled by the steadfast popularity of white jewelry. According to the Silver Institutes recently released World Silver Survey 2003, silver experienced strong retail...

Ship, ship, hooray! How to control shipping costs.(Management; jewelry industry)
August 1, 2003... Shipping costs are one of jewelers' biggest excess expenses, say retail and shipping experts. "An ungodly amount is spent by jewelers on shipping, and freight in and out," notes consultant Kate Petersen. "It's one of the biggest areas opportune...

Two continents, two men, one idea: to paraphrase a line from Casablanca, it looks as if the new collection launched by Paspaley Pearls and Stuller Inc. is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.(Suppliers)
August 1, 2003... When Nicholas Paspaley, executive chairman of Paspaley Pearls Pty, with offices in Broome, Darwin, and Sydney, Australia, met Matthew Stuller, founder and CEO of Stuller Inc., Lafayette, La., the two men felt an instant kinship. Both were...

Jewelry.(What's New)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Necklace and bracelet in gold with colored gemstones. Call for pricing and design options. Laila Gioielli, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; (954) 336-2387, www.lailagioielli.it. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 18k yellow gold necklace and earrings....

Watches.(What's New)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... The Solitaire by Sarcar Geneve is an haute joallerie limited-edition creation featuring 250 brilliants fitted onto the white 18k case and bezel and dial. A 1-ct. brilliant-cut gem-set diamond, which gives the watch its name, revolves on an axis...

Bench & lab.(What's New; jewelers' equipment)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... A free-floating centering pin set between the jaws of Swanstrom's wire-wrapping pliers allows jewelers, designers, and craftspeople to create wire loops. A wire is placed around the pin, the Soft-Touch handles form a loop, and the wire then can...

Catalogs.(What's New; jewelry industry)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Aaura Inc. has released its new 2003 catalog, which includes new 14k gold jewelry designs as well as classic styles. Aaura Inc., Chicago; (312) 641-0001. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jewelry manufacturer EMG Creations Inc. is celebrating 20...

Management software adds repair method.(Business Service)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "The Edge" management software by Ibis Jewelry Systems has added the "David Geller Repair Method," allowing jewelers to manage both inventory and a bench shop. Geller, known for the Repair and Design Price Book, says tracking is a major...

DCIT updates BusinessMind.(Business Service; DCIT Corp. )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... DCIT Corp., Ridgefield, N.J., recently announced the availability of BusinessMind for Jewelers v.3.5, an update to DCIT's software suite. It's available as separate BMJ products for jewelry retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Users of...

Packaging & display.(What's New)(Illustration)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... ArtCarved has introduced a flexible in-store display system called "The Shield." The handcrafted presentation display is covered in Vienna White Italian leatherette with gold silkscreen lettering. It incorporates modern horseshoe shapes...

Bravo for the Rio!(Trade Shows; Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show)
August 1, 2003... The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, held May 29-June 1 at the Rio Suite Hotel and Casino, enjoyed excellent attendance as 289 exhibitors showcased their wares for an audience of 3,428 visitors. The show continues to be a destination...

Tendence Lifestyle slated for Aug. 22-26.(Trade Shows)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The 2003 edition of the Tendence Lifestyle trade fair will be held Aug. 22-26 in Frankfurt, Germany. However, unlike past Tendence trade shows, this one will not be structured by product groups; instead, it will be organized on the basis of...

Midwest Expo draws enthusiastic buyers.(Trade Shows)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Show managers for the Midwest Jewelry Expo reported that attendance at this year's show was up significantly over previous years' figures. In addition to exhibitors, the show featured a variety of seminars, including a full-day GIA training...

1,200-plus artists to exhibit at Santa Fe Indian Market.(Trade Shows)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... More than 1,200 artists from approximately 100 tribes will show their work at this year's Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, N.M. Celebrating its 82nd year, the market will be held Aug. 23-24 on and around Santa Fe Plaza. More than 100,000...

AuctionMarketResource.com is honored.(Net News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The International Society of Appraisers presented its Lamp of Knowledge Award to AuctionMarketResource.com during the group's annual conference held April 12-14 in Philadelphia. The award acknowledges the Web site's developer, Gail Brett...

MFMA adds search feature to Web site.(Net News; Metals Findings Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Metals Findings Manufacturers Association, based in Providence, R.I., has added a search engine to its Web site at www.mfma.net. The new feature enables users to type in a specific product and find a list of MFMA members who manufacture...

Diamond necklace auctioned for children's charity.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Multi-platinum recording artists N'Sync recently auctioned an Elara Diamond cross necklace to benefit their charity, Challenge for the Children. Designed exclusively for the charity, the pendant incorporates woven platinum and Elara diamonds,...

Two named to GIA League of Honor.(People; Gemological Institute of America )
August 1, 2003... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently inducted four industry leaders into its League of Honor. Membership in the League of Honor is reserved for those who have donated $100,000 or more in support of the Institute. Those inducted...

Toback roast to aid Ronald McDonald House.(People; Michael Toback)
August 1, 2003... Michael Toback, president of Myron Toback Inc., will be honored at a "roast" on Sept. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will include a raffle to raise funds for The Ronald McDonald House Charities, which create, find, and...

New CEO for Reuge.(People; Reuge S.A.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The board of directors of Reuge Music, a Swiss manufacturer of handcrafted music boxes and musical objets dart, appointed Aldo Magada as CEO effective April 2003. He takes the place of Stephan Muller, who after 15 years as CEO of Reuge SA has...

Reuge Music USA Ltd.(Appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Reuge Music USA LTD, Los Angeles, recently appointed Mary Allen of Sine Qua Non as its exclusive sales agent in Southern California. Allen, a former Reuge Music USA LTD employee in the sales and marketing department, will handle all of Southern...

John Atencio Goldsmith Ltd.(Appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... John Atencio Goldsmith Ltd. has announced the addition of Tracey Van Iwaarden to the company's management team. Van Iwaarden will focus on expanding business in high-end department stores and independent retailers throughout North America and...

Prince Dimitri joins Assael.(People; Assael International )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Assael International has announced that effective June 9, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia joined the firm as vice president, creative director. The prince was previously senior vice president at Sotheby's and international director of jewelry at...

S&R Designs.(Appointments)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... S&R Designs, Marlton, N.J., has appointed Robert Manse as president of sales and marketing. In addition to spearheading all sales and marketing efforts, Manse will direct brand development, including modern displays and packaging. An industry...

Schnitzer, Burman to co-chair League of Honor Dinner.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has named two co-chairs for its 2003 League of Honor Founders Dinner, to be held Oct. 20, 2003 in New York City. They are Shmuel Schnitzer, president of the Israel Diamond Exchange and the World...

Obituary: Alfred J. Torrance, 88, retired executive vp.(People)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
August 1, 2003... Alfred J. Torrance, the retired executive vice president of precious-metal refiner Hoover & Strong and a World War II veteran, died in Cheektowaga, N.Y., May 1, 2003, following a brief illness. He was 88 years old. Born in Easton, Pa.,...

Obituary: Tim Lankford, 48, husband of Judith Shechter-Lankford.(People)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
August 1, 2003... Tim Lankford, husband of Judith Shechter-Lankford of GIA Education, died June 5, 2003, following a battle against cancer. He was 48. Lankford was born in Kansas City, Kan., to Bonnie and T.J. Lankford on Nov. 2, 1954. He married Judith...

Two lighting companies form partnership.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Amerlux Lighting Systems and W.A.C. Lighting have formed a strategic alliance that covers marketing, product development, manufacturing, and sourcing for the commercial and retail markets, including co-developing display lighting for jewelry...

RDI expands facility.(Supplier News; RDI Diamonds Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... RDI Diamonds Inc. is in the final stages of construction on a 2,000-sq.-ft. office expansion. The extra space was added to accommodate the company's growing inventory and sales staff. According to the company, RDI Diamonds has grown by 44% over...

'Canadia' comes to global market.(Supplier News; Canadia Diamonds)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Three longtime diamond industry firms--Beny Sofer & Sons, Rosy Blue, and Backes & Strauss--have formed a global partnership called Tri-Star Worldwide LLC to distribute Canadia brand arctic-mined diamonds around the world. Oren Sofer is CEO of...

Sears names KIP a 'Partner in Progress'.(Supplier News; Key Item People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Key Item People (KIP), a division of OTC International Ltd., Long Island City, N.Y., has been named as a Sears Partner in Progress for 2002. This prestigious award is presented annually to a select group of vendor companies that supply Sears,...

Pa. jeweler's fundraising efforts get help from Wolf Designs.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Wolf Designs, a Southern California and UK-based designer and manufacturer, is supporting Higashi Pearls & Fine Jewelry's efforts in the fight against breast cancer. The store, located in Lemoyne, Pa., organized a special event on May 9 to kick...

More Keepsake diamonds at Wal-Mart.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Keepsake diamond bridal jewelry is expanding its "Facets of Fire" line at Wal-Mart. Each "Facets of Fire" diamond is cut with extra facets in a unique faceting arrangement exclusive to Keepsake. The line, which debuted at Wal-Mart in Fall...

New facility for Slotar division.(Supplier News; Ernest Slotar Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Construction has begun on new offices and showrooms for the Cut By Gauge Lucere Diamond, a new division of Ernest Slotar Inc. The square-cut diamonds are cut within strict table and depth percentages to ensure maximum brilliance and dispersion...

Charles & Colvard donates moissanite to GIA.(Supplier News; Gemological Institute of America )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Charles & Colvard Ltd. recently donated synthetic moissanite valued at $40,000 to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The more than 1,200 pieces--in a variety of shapes and sizes--represent the largest donation to date of this material...

New HQ for Fischler.(Supplier News; Fischler Diamonds Inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Fischler Diamonds Inc., a DTC sightholder, is moving its Antwerp headquarters to new, larger, and more modern facilities. The new offices will be located at Schupstraat 21, Sixth Floor. The family-owned business with three generations of...

Kit Heath appoints Vincent Ferrante.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... U.K. jewelry designer and manufacturer Kit Heath Ltd. has appointed Vincent Ferrante to head the company's U.S. subsidiary, Kit Heath Inc., and to spearhead Kit Heath's international brand development. Ferrante and his team are based at Kit...

Swest to be folded into Stuller.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Swest, the Dallas-based findings, tools, and equipment company, will be consolidated into Stuller's operations. Swest discontinued its call center and mail order operations on June 20, but its Service Center showroom remained open to sell...

New bead finishes.(Supplier News)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Leach & Garner General Findings has introduced new 14k yellow gold diamond-cut bead-and-ball earring findings. The finishes are Random Diamond Cut Finish and Patchwork Diamond Cut Finish. Each is offered in five sizes ranging from 4 mm to 8...

Kwiat launches new ad campaign.(Supplier News; Kwiat inc.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Kwiat will launch a new advertising campaign called "Casual Elegance," which reflects the emerging consumer purchasing trend toward wearing diamond jewelry in everyday life. The campaign, slated to begin this fall, will feature lifestyle...