Jewelers Circular Keystone articles from January 2004

Jewelers Circular Keystone archives from January 2004

Jewelers Security Alliance: crimes against jewelry industry dropping.
January 1, 2004... Crime against the U.S. jewelry industry dropped "sharply" in the first nine months of the year, says a report by the Jewelers' Security Alliance. "The results for 2003's nine months are very encouraging," says JSA president John Kennedy....

Shareholder suits filed against Friedman's.
January 1, 2004... No fewer than 15 law firms have filed class-action suits on behalf of shareholders who have owned Friedman's Inc. stock during the past three years. All the suits allege that Friedman's violated generally accepted accounting principles by...

Career Fair signals growing industry.(News Trends People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) held its 13th annual Jewelry Career Fair in October 2003. The event drew nearly 900 participants to GIA's world headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., where they enjoyed free professional career counseling...

Obituary: William Levine.(News Trends People)(Obituary)
January 1, 2004... William Levine, founder of William Levine Inc. and a leading fund-raiser for Jewish philanthropic causes, died of heart failure Nov. 11, in his home. He was 93. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Levine was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants....

Legal ramifications.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... EGL USA would like to clarify the serious legal ramifications to our trade regarding the recently reported border ban that has been imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection on the importation and distribution of grading...

Alive again.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... Three years ago I was struck with a major stroke, paralyzed on the entire left side of my body and handicapped. Since my stroke, I have encountered major problems in my life and business also. But I keep reading your magazine--which I not only...

Some suggestions.(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I just took a moment from trying to find a way to pay the bills for my small jewelry store to read your "Editor's Page" in the September 2003 JCK magazine, hoping to find some uplifting or helpful ideas. Let me get this straight: You...

Control.(Management in the diamond industry.)
January 1, 2004... Last month I wrote about the DTC, Gareth Penney, and control. In the past 30 days, control has been a frequent topic of conversation, newspaper articles, and in a novel I'm reading. The author quotes John D. Rockefeller as having said, "I'm not...

Gem pricing update from The Guide.
January 1, 2004... Market in brief: Dec. 1, 2003... Consumer sentiment improved in November, boosting optimism among retailers about the holiday sales season. Consumer confidence improved as well, and the government reported that jobless claims declined to a...

Iman the icon inspires De Beers store.
January 1, 2004... The new De Beers store in London is suffused with the image of Iman--its "style icon." Although there has been some speculation over whether she will remain the public face of the chain (see sidebar), the Somali-born supermodel's picture...

De Beers to release synthetics detector to market.(Diamond Notes)
January 1, 2004... The answer to the problem of synthetic diamonds, most feel, is a "black box" that can separate the artificial from the natural. De Beers developed such a machine several years ago but kept it off the market because the company felt there wasn't...

Kimberley Process agrees to peer review.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The one contentious issue left in the Kimberley Process--how it will be monitored--was somewhat settled at the recent plenary meeting in South Africa. The diamond industry, nongovernmental organizations, and participating countries have...

Diamonds that fight terrorism.(Diamond Notes)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Anyone who's seen the stories linking diamonds to terrorist funds may be heartened to hear of a role diamonds may someday play in defeating terrorism. Diamonds could play a key role in detectors for biological weapons like anthrax or...

Yet another synthetic diamonds method.(Diamond Notes)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... There appears to be yet another new method of creating synthetic diamonds, joining HPHT (high-pressure, high-temperature) and CVD (chemical vapor deposition.) Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed...

Beller is new Antwerp bourse president.(Diamond Notes)( Arthur Beller and Jaques Rot appointed at Beurs voor Diamanthandel)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Arthur Beller has been nominated as the new president of Antwerp's Beurs voor Diamanthandel, following the death of former president Abraham (Bram) Fischler. Jacques Rot will assume Beller's previous post of bourse vice president.

Signity Gem Visions: design themes for 2004.
January 1, 2004... Sexual Elixir focuses on intimate luxury, couture craftsmanship, and rich vintage styling. The corresponding jewelry has a vintage feel, with tactile warmth and sensuality. These jewels are body conscious and feature movement. The colors that...

Zoltan David awarded patent.(Fashion Facets)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Jewelry designer Zoltan David has received a U.S. patent for his signature design featuring the inlay of one precious metal into a contrasting metal to produce a three-dimensional raised design or pattern. It is only the eighth time in more...

Quirky designs put favorites at your fingertips.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Talk about "message" jewelry: Designer Link Wachler's new line, "Linkatures," combines jewelry and sculpture while taking celebrity fan-dom to a whole new level. Wachler, based in Birmingham, Mich., carves celebrity caricatures out of wax and...

The queen of chic dispenses wisdom.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... With her signature bob, dark glasses, petite frame, and designer frocks, Anna Wintour isn't just Vogue's top editor: She's become an arbiter of taste. From overseeing publication of the country's best known fashion magazine to posing on the red...

Coin partners with AIDS Foundation.(Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation fundraiser.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Roberto Coin and diamond powerhouse Rosy Blue, who partnered to create Coin's Cento Collection in 2003, have launched a national fund-raising program to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. For the program, Coin has designed...

Franck Muller leaves, Dubuis stays, Ikepod sold.(Watch World)(Frank Muller Watchland SA, Manufacture Roger Dubuis SA, Perficio Group acquires Ikepod)
January 1, 2004... The Swiss luxury watch business was shaken in the fall of 2003 by events affecting some high-profile watchmakers and an investigation of a manufacturer of movements for prestigious brands. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Franck Muller...

Sklar is new president of Maurice Lacroix USA.(Watch World)(Stuart Sklar)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Stuart Sklar is the new president of Maurice Lacroix USA, Encino, Calif., the U.S. subsidiary and distributor of the upscale Swiss watch brand. He replaces Robert Siragusa, who introduced the brand here in 1994 and left the operation in August....

AWA elects Luino as chairman.(Watch World)(Ronald F. Luino, Paul Woods, Walter Fischer)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The American Watch Association (AWA) has elected Ronald F. Luino to a two-year term as its new chairman of the board. Luino is executive vice president and chief financial officer of Seiko Corp. of America. The election was held during AWA's...

Celebrity guests appearing at the recent 2003 Conde Nast Traveler Awarcls, held in New York City.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Celebrity guests appearing at the recent 2003 Conde Nast Traveler Awarcls, held in New York City, each received a new upscale Elini New Yorker chronograph timepiece (like the one pictured). Among them were actress Rebecca Romijn-Stamos (left),...

IWC supports U.S. charity.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... IWC, the 135-year-old Swiss luxury watch manufacturer, has announced its first-ever corporate sponsorship in North America. The company is sponsoring Angel Flight North East, the largest regional chapter of the national organization, which...

Rado Watch Co.(Watch World)(gala evening celebrating diamond watches)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Rado Watch Co. recently converted a posh New York restaurant into a diamond mine for a gala evening celebrating its diamond watches. Guests entered through a "tunnel" complete with "miners" (seen here), which ended in a gallery showcasing 25...

Fine-tuning your skills.(Strategies for Selling.)
January 1, 2004... As the old saying goes, "We never quit learning"... and that should hold true in sales as well. I'm not talking about training experienced staff members on new programs or techniques, but rather making sure they are practicing the...

Rubellite tourmaline.(Jewel of the Month.)
January 1, 2004... Rubellite jewelry from designer Henry Dunay, New York, begins with earrings set with 233 diamonds weighing 2.80 cts. t.w. and 13.99 cts. t.w. of rubellites. The earrings are surrounded by five matching rubellites--weighing 55.65 cts. t.w. and...

Pretty in pave: in their latest bridal collections, jewelry designers make melee.
January 1, 2004... Tiny diamonds are making big statements on engagement rings and wedding bands, adding extra sparkle to a host of recent bridal jewelry creations. Diamond melee complements engraved settings, adds a bit of glitter to more contemporary styles,...

2004 bridal showcase.
January 1, 2004... Benchmark P.O. Box 2929 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Tel: (205) 345-0555 Fax: (205) 752-8322 E-mail: customerservice@benchmarkrings.com Web Site: www.benchmarkrings.com Precision design is what drives the inspiration...

Overt or covert, the message is the thing.
January 1, 2004... From the obvious ID bracelet to the subtle heart pendant, jewelry with a message remains an important category for the retail jeweler. Whether as a gift to say, "I love you," or a self-purchase to make a statement to the world, message jewelry...

Turkey 2004: golden opportunities ... and silver, too.
January 1, 2004... IT SEEMS UNSTOPPABLE. Neither recession nor earthquake nor political instability have managed to halt for very long Turkey's rise as a dominant player in the world gold jewelry arena. Turkish entrepreneurs, known for their business acumen, have...

Operations and Support: second in a series of articles on the health of your business.
January 1, 2004... The Five Point Matrix measures past, present, and future drivers of productivity. In a healthy business, all parts work in harmony to achieve the objectives of the Corporate Mission Statement. The Matrix is designed to force "alignment" in a...

The art of survival: become a 'profit master' to help your business survive, grow, and prosper.
January 1, 2004... A jeweler's ability to develop and control an organization financially is vital to its success, but too many jewelers leave financial management to others--or until it's too late to avoid disaster. And even if you're doing "just okay," why not...

Marketing under the microscope: a recent diamond conference explored the possibilities--and perils--of branding.
January 1, 2004... The recent Antwerp Diamond Conference was an oddity--a two-day powwow on branding and marketing for an industry not convinced of the need for either. And while most of the marketing jargon (including the "tri-functional ideology" that one...

A preview of what's new in Phoenix.
January 1, 2004... 1. Ivy leaf suite in 18k white gold features the following pieces (prices are suggested retail): necklace with 3.90 cts. t.w. diamonds, $5,261; ring with .60 ct. t.w. diamonds, $1,308; earrings with .39 ct. t.w. diamonds, $982; bracelet with...

Jewelry.(What's New)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... From top: Ring with 1.19 cts. t.w. round brilliant pink diamonds and .42 cts. t.w. round brilliant white diamonds is triple-keystone priced at $16,500; ring with .79 cts. t.w. round brilliant pink diamonds and .38 cts. t.w. round brilliant...

It's all here under one roof.(The AFTA GemFAir Tucson.)
January 1, 2004... Attending AGTA GemFair Tucson is the easiest way to get a hands-on look at the products and services you need, and take the guesswork out of your next purchasing decision. With nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing their products on one...

Special events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... Tuesday, February 3 * AGTA COYOTE CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT The American Gem Trade Association is pleased to invite you to participate in the AGTA Coyote Classic Golf Tournament... The Golf Event of the Year. All proceeds benefit...

Special exhibits.(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... * AGTA CELEBRATES SPECTRUM AWARDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY February 4-8, 2004 in the Spectrum of Design Pavilion in the Arena North America's hottest design talent will be on display at the 2004 AGTA GemFair Tucson. This year the AGTA Spectrum...

Free seminars.(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... AGTA GemFair Tucson has a long-standing tradition of delivering highly effective seminars taught by leaders that set the pace for the future of the industry. Hear groundbreaking presentations first-hand from the experts and uncover what's new,...

Arena demonstrations.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... AJM's At The Bench Live demonstrations are FREE to anyone wishing to attend and are sponsored by MJSA, AJM Magazine and Otto Frei. Friday, February 6 D-1 AJM'S AT THE BENCH LIVE: HAMMER-SETTING STONES IN THICK-WALLED BEZELS (PART 1)...

Fee-based seminars.
January 1, 2004... Additionally, the AGTA offers fee-based educational seminars presented by the GIA. To register for these GIA fee-based sessions, please call the GIA at (800) 421-7250 ext. 4001, outside North America, call (760) 603-4001, or visit GIA online at...

Daily calendar.(Illustration)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... MONDAY, 8am-4pm Coconino Room A GIA Diamond Grading FEBRUARY 2 Extension Class, Day 1 TUESDAY, 8am-4pm Coconino Room A GIA Diamond Grading FEBRUARY 3 ...

Exhibitors.(Directory)
January 1, 2004... 4 G's Trading Corp.........................1608 2 W. 46th St., Suite 405 New York, NY 10036-4502 212-398-9085; 877-998-9085; Fax: 212-398-9354 A & A Gem Corporation......................111 747 Middle Neck Road, #201 ...

Catalogs.(Directory)
January 1, 2004... Lindsay & Co. has published a new catalog (#25) featuring jewelry for men and women. All items are shown and priced in 14k yellow gold unless otherwise specified; most items are available in 14k white or 18k yellow gold at additional charge....

Relocations.(Business Services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The security firm Intercept Investigative Agency has announced the relocation of its headquarters to a new site. The Hollywood, Fla., company provides such services as on-site security, high-value courier services, asset recovery operations,...

DCIT delivers version 3.10 update.(Business Services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... DCIT Corp. has announced the immediate availability of BusinessMind for Jewelers version 3.10, an update to DCIT's BusinessMind for Jewelers software suite featuring dozens of new reporting, POS, and inventory management features, and...

McGeehan Marketing Inc.(What's New)
January 1, 2004... Jen McGeehan, owner and president of McGeehan Marketing Inc., Big Bear City. Calif., has for the past four years produced a semi-custom, full-color quarterly newsletter program available to independent fine jewelers. McGeehan offers an annual...

Packaging & display.(What's New)
January 1, 2004... Guertin Brothers has released counter cards to assist in selling its popular Ariana[R] Collection. The cards are 3.25 in. X 4.5 in. and fully illustrate the product. The collection includes Ariana[R] solitaires and matching bands featuring...

U.S. events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... JANUARY 4-5 -- International Watch & Jewelry Guild, Miami Beach, Fla. (713) 783-8188, fax (713) 783-8443. 4-6 -- Orlando Gift Show, Orlando, Fla. (678) 285-3976, fax (415) 346-4965. 4-6 -- International New Age Trade...

Atlanta show features R. L. Morris.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The spring edition of the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Feb. 28 to March 1 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga., will offer an expanded educational program with headliners such as jewelry designer Robert Lee Morris, as well as a full-day,...

24 Karat Club scholarships.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The 24 Karat Club of Southern California recently organized a new scholarship fund for students who wish to further their jewelry education at GIA. Scholarships will be given in the amount of $500 to anyone in the United States who demonstrates...

Appraisal solution at Tucson Show.(Education News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Gemworld International Inc. announces two training opportunities for The Guide Appraisal Software at the Tucson Show. A one-day training session will be held on Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost of the session is $195 for single attendees; a...

GIA introduces Jewelry Business Management diploma.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Jewelry Business Management courses, which begin Jan. 12, will now serve as the GIA School of Business's only diploma curriculum. The new diploma is earned upon successful completion of eight courses--four required core courses and four...

January 2004.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... January is a key jewelry sales month. Bonuses start to be paid and continue through February and March, while many people get cash for a holiday gift. Your best clients will be looking for self-purchase rewards for a good year. January is also...

Business resolutions.(Editorial)
January 1, 2004... A few months ago, we got a call from a business magazine reporter asking about jewelry designers who went out of business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It was an interesting question. Why would a jewelry designer go out of business? In some...