Jewelers Circular Keystone articles from March 2002

Jewelers Circular Keystone archives from March 2002

'Padparadschas' are diffusion treated. (Up Front).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Numerous sapphires coming out of Bangkok that look like nice padparad-schas have been diffusion treated, according to a study conducted by the AGTA Gem Testing Center. "They're Madagascar pink sapphires being diffused with oxygen, and...

Company to mass-produce synthetic yellow diamonds. (Up Front).(Gemesis Corp.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Gemesis Corp., based in Sarasota, Fla., has stepped up production of its yellow synthetic diamonds and is planning a jewelry line and marketing push for this spring. Although it is not the first company to create jewelry with synthetic yellows,...

De Beers: We're custodians again. (Up Front).(De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... De Beers, which spent the last year and a half renouncing its role of "custodian" of the industry; is reclaiming that mantle. Some analysts read use of the once-forbidden term as a possible sign that De Beers is rethinking its direction,...

JSA lobbies for new task force. (Up Front).(Jewelers Security Alliance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Jewelers Security Alliance has resumed lobbying the federal government on behalf of the industry's anti-jewelry crime coalition. JSA suspended lobbying after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and delayed resumption while the FBI reorganized to...

Nissko division targets small buyers. (Up Front).(Nissko Jewelry Trading's United Manufacturer's Jewelry Outlet)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... New York-based Nissko Jewelry Trading has launched a closeout division targeted to independent retailers and wholesalers. The new business, named United Manufacturer's Jewelry Outlet, opened in December. Officials at Nissko say they have teamed...

Fabrikant purchases part of Lazare Kaplan. (Up Front).(M. Fabrikant and Sons, Lazare Kaplan International Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... M. Fabrikant and Sons recently purchased 5% of Lazare Kaplan. The deal involves 17.7% of the company's outstanding stock--1,305,000 shares--which the Fifth Avenue Group, a Fabrikant affiliate, bought at $9 each. At press time, LKI's stock...

Texas jeweler found guilty of murder. (Up Front).(Alejandro Torres)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A Texas jeweler was found guilty of murder Jan. 29 in the shooting death of a traveling jewelry salesman, and sentenced to life imprisonment. The jury in the Seguin, Texas, trial of jeweler Alejandro Torres, 27, took only two hours to reach...

Self praise. (Counterpoint).(Editorial)
March 1, 2002... Alice Gallagher Mignatti, the mother of a good friend, used to say, "Self-praise stinks." Mrs. Mignatti was absolutely right, but for once I feel compelled to ignore her sage advice. That's because I'm proud of the effort JCK magazine and...

Fire in the Tanzanite Hole. (Gem Notes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... AFGEM, the South African-based tanzanite mining company, claims it has been attacked underground at its mine in Tanzania, according to an African newswire report. Quoting an AFGEM press release, the report noted that AFGEM alleged the...

Long live the egg. (Gem Notes).(Manfred Wild's jeweled eggs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... German gem carver and gem artist Manfred Wild of the firm Emil Becker in Kirschweiler, Germany, claims he's produced more jeweled eggs than the famous jeweler Carl Faberge. Wild says that in 20 years he has created more than double what "old...

The gem hunter in Afghanistan. (Gem Notes).(Gary Bowersox promotes book and documentary)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Gem and mineral dealer Gary Bowersox appeared on ABC's Good Morning America recently with samples of gems from Afghanistan. During an interview with Diane Sawyer, Bowersox--usually seen in Afghan native garb--sported a suit and tie as he...

Long-distance learning. (Gem Notes).(gem associations release computer based training programs)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A number of new gemological computer programs are available to jewelers. The American Gem Trade Association has released "Selling Colored Gemstones," a training program that uses "streaming media modules." Executive director Doug Hucker is the...

AGTA lab has new Padparadscha ID. (Gem Notes).(American Gem Trade Association's Gemological Testing Center describes padparadscha sapphires)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ken Scarratt, director of the American Gem Trade Association's Gemological Testing Center (AGTA-GTC) says the lab now can determine clearer parameters for the color description of padparadscha sapphires. "We didn't just home in on our own...

North Carolina's Emerald man hits pay dirt again. (Gem Notes).(James King Hill)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Almost three years ago, James King Hill found emeralds on his North Carolina property using a backhoe, pick, and shovel. (See "Colombian-Quality Emeralds Found in the United States," JCK, April 1999, p. 15.) He struck pay dirt again in January...

Gem pricing update from The Guide. (Gem Notes).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Market in brief: Feb. 1, 2002...The gem market is stable. The economics gurus are hinting that the beginning of economic recovery is under way. Retailers remain cautious in their business planning and are buying less merchandise. As a result,...

Diamonds declared 'Politically Incorrect'. (Diamond Notes).(Bill Maher's view of diamond industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The diamond industry got another pre-Christmas slamming on network television-this time on ABC's Politically Incorrect. Host Bill Maher lambasted the diamond industry as "a dirty business" and told viewers not to buy diamonds, since its...

De Beers and Russia sign deal. (Diamond Notes).(diamond production)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... De Beers has inked a new deal with Russia that gives it half of that country's diamond production for the next five years. "It's good news for the market, especially in these uncertain times," says De Beers spokeswoman Kate Evan-Jones. "It...

First De Beers store to open in London. (Diamond Notes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The first De Beers-LVMH retail store is due to open this year in London's exclusive Mayfair district, according to South Africa's Sunday Times. The joint venture, now called De Beers LV, plans to open stores in cities throughout the world,...

Botswana promotes its 'Clean' diamonds. (Diamond Notes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The government of Botswana is getting more aggressive in promoting its message that not all diamonds are conflict stones. "The story everyone is writing about is that diamonds are funding all these horrible atrocities [in West Africa],"...

Jewelers of America joins forces with Diamond Dealers Club. (Diamond Notes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Jewelers of America and the Diamond Dealers Club have arranged for JA members to have direct access to the floor of the 47th Street bourse. Any JA member will be able to visit and buy in the club for a day. The DDC also will organize buying...

HRD to showcase 'Living Diamonds.' (Diamond Notes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Antwerp's Diamond High Council (HRD) will unveil "Living Diamonds" in the city's Diamond Museum in November 2002. The exhibit displays ways in which animals and plants have been incorporated into diamond jewelry designs. The show will feature...

Spicing up bridal: a taste of Latin design. (Fashion Facets).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... J. Lo (actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, to anyone out of the pop culture loop) is designing her own clothing line. Ricky Martin still makes women around the world swoon. And Penelope Cruz's dark-skinned beauty has reportedly charmed America's...

Plus-size market increases. (Fashion Facets).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... No longer a niche market, the plus-size market in the United Stares has become the norm. According to American Demographics, 61% of today's 20- to 74-year-olds are overweight and 44% are obese (defined as more than 30% above ideal body weight)....

Schwarzchild honors Harris. (Fashion Facets).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... For some of Richmond's most fashionable, the allure of Schwarzchild Jewelers is not the store's history or charm but rather the woman who for 10 years has brought the art of high design in house and created customized jewelry for individual...

Another boost for gold jewelry. (Fashion Facets).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... With fashion demanding gold accessories, and the World Gold Council's worldwide marketing push helping to drive media exposure of the warm metal, new players are hoping to capitalize on consumer demand for gold jewelry. In a demonstration...

Swatch Auction raises $800,000. (Watch World).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Some $800,000 was raised for charity in the "Swatch Wristory," the spectacular international auction of exclusive Swatch watches conducted in New York City by Sotheby's auction house. The event, hosted Dec. 3 by the Swatch Group of Switzerland,...

Lange & Sohne returns to historic headquarters. (Watch World).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Lange & Sohne, the renowned luxury German watch brand, finally returned to its former headquarters in Glasshutte, Saxony, Germany on Dec. 7, 2001. The building--which contains the business's workshops and a residence--was opened in 1873 by...

Omega mourns Peter Blake. (Watch World).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Omega-sponsored environmentalist Sir Peter Blake, 53, a two-time winner of the prestigious America's Cup yachting race, was murdered Dec. 6 in Brazil. Omega, one of the world's leading Swiss luxury watches, is chief sponsor of...

Is a Captive Insurance Company right for you? (Business Report).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Fortune 500 companies have long used captive insurance companies (CICs) to manage risks and gain tax advantages, and in the last decade many small companies have begun enjoying their benefits as well. CICs are entities that are licensed in the...

The needs assessment process. (Strategies for Selling).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The needs assessment process is the single most crucial step in the selling process... and the most frequently missed. The next several articles in this series will address in detail the strategies and techniques of this step. The...

Spinel. (Jewel of the Month).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The name "spinel" doesn't conjure up thoughts of romance, or even history. It's not a birthstone or an alternate birthstone. It ranks 22 on the list of anniversary stones, below the lesser-known iolite. But spinel has been around for hundreds...

From the heart: The newest push for Platinum.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... When Platinum Guild International announced its plan last spring to boost sales of platinum heart pendants, the industry knew the item was destined to show up on the pop-culture radar. A year later, with celebrities lending a hand, platinum...

Personal choice: Cash in on the personalization trend by inscribing customers' names, initials, or sweet nothings in a variety of ways and on a number of different objects.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ever since HBO's Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw popularized the nameplate necklace last year, consumers have been clamoring for personalized jewelry. At New England Sterling in Attleboro, Mass., approximately 20% of non-holiday...

Retailing in tough times: Saving money and cutting costs; To survive an economic downturn, don't just cross your fingers and hope for the best, take action. These experts tell you how.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Jewelers spend 20% to 25% more than necessary in their operations, say business experts. That's foolish in good times, but in tough economic times, it could make things even tougher. Here are practical tips from jewelers and business and retail...

Running a tighter ship: Worried your package will end up in the hands of an unscrupulous shipping service employee rather than your customer? These tips can help you outwit the bad guys.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... You've given the nervous groom-to-be a thorough education and engaged in endless pep talks and handholding. Finally, he's decided on the diamond of his dreams. Your supplier assures you it will be at your door the next day. The groom's happy,...

Inside Cleopatra's jewel box. (Heritage).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... What type of jewelry would one of the most famous women in history wear? The answer can be found in Chicago at the Field Museum exhibit entitled "Cleopatra of Egypt: From History to Myth." More than 350 objects, approximately 50 of which...

Tool time: Getting the most out of your store.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Your store's bench staff can give you a crucial advantage over your competition. A full-service store-- one that can quickly resize rings and bracelets or replace stones onsite--is less likely to be hurt by discounting and price wars. Many...

Trick XX Ultra-Fill. (Bench Tricks).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... An ultrasonic cleaner performs best when the tank's solution level is maintained near the top and the solution's temperature remains consistent throughout the day. JA[R] Certified Master Bench Jeweler[TM] Jeffrey Mathews, Jeffrey Mathews...

Star necklace. (What's New - Jewelry).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Star necklace contains 4.25 grams of gold with .60 ct. rubies, .20 ct. diamonds, and .60 ct. sapphires. Suggested retail price is $399.99. A portion of the profits will be dedicated to the World Trade Center Relief Fund.

Blue Topaz Briolette. (What's New - Jewelry).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Earrings in 14k yellow gold feature blue topaz briolette drops and are available with or without diamonds. Other gemstone briolettes also are available. Suggested retail price is $949.

Patriotic collection. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... From the Patriotic Collection, a brooch and earrings in 14k white gold featuring genuine rubies, diamonds, and sapphires, Triple keystone prices are $1,260 for the brooch and $792 for the earnings. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to...

Gala collection. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... Rings from the Gala Collection feature baguette diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in combination with round diamonds in 14k yellow or white gold. Call for price information.

Colora collection. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... Colora Collection features steel with sterling silver and colored cubio zirconia. Three-piece ensemble features earrings, bracelet, and ring. Suggested retail price for the set is $325.

Groove collection. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... Ring in 18k white gold is part of the Groove Collection and features pink tourmaline in center with .50 ct. diamonds. Suggested retail price is $2,045.

RoyalBrite omega. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... The RoyalBrite omega chain is hand cut to simulate the illusion of diamonds. It's available in 14k white or yellow goldem widths of 3 mm, 4 mm, and mm and lengths of 7 in. or 17 in.

Millennium supemova. (What's New - Jewelry).
March 1, 2002... Millennium Supemova original-design necklace in platinum and 18k gold features a 5-ct. Munsteiner yellow beryl center stone, colored diamonds, and chrome pyrope gamets.

Steve McQueen's Monaco. (What's New - Watches).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Steve McQueen's Monaco is one of three additions to TAG Heuer's "Classics" series. Inspired by 20th-century car racing legends, the Monaco, created in 1969, was the world's first automatic chronograph fitted with a square watertight case and...

Eco-Drive Palidoro Collection. (What's New - Watches).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... New from Citizen is the Eco-Drive Palidoro Collection for women. The watch operates with Citizen's batteryless Eco-Drive light-powered technology. It comes in two models, both with Swarovski crystal: a gold-tone bracelet with mother-of-pearl...

Pedre. (What's New - Watches).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... One of Pedre's newest designs is the 7460SX. The watch features Swarovski crystals set in a silver-plated case; a dome-shaped crystal; a genuine mother-of-pearl dial with large, luminous numerals; and croco-grain straps in blue, black, green,...

Chase-Durer. (What's New - Watches).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Chase-Durer's newest professional pilot's watch is three separate watches in one, says the company. The new Swiss-made 27-jewel surgical steel Trident FOX underwent two years of design and development. It features three separate time zones,...

Russell's design. (What's New - Watches).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Krementz, the well-known jewelry brand, and Janel Russell, creator of the internationally recognized "Mother and Child" jewelry, have teamed to produce a series of timepieces incorporating Russell's design. Krementz, a division of the Colibri...

Identity crisis. (Editor's Page).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... It's code blue time for the Blue Light. Despite Kmart's initial declarations of solvency, for months Chapter 11 bankruptcy loomed for the nation's seventh-largest retailer. In medical terms, a "code blue" means a patient has gone into...

O.C. Tanner Co. (Up Front).
March 1, 2002... O.C. Tanner Co. of Salt Lake City, Utah, created 800 gold, silver, and bronze medals for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, held last month in Salt Lake City. The medals, which each took almost 20 hours to handcraft, are designed in the shape of...

James B. White award. (Up Front).
March 1, 2002... Detective Michael L. Woodings of the Los Angeles Police Dept. received the James B. White award of the Jewelers Security Alliance at JSA's 120th annual meeting in January. JSA president John Kennedy cited Woodings's remarkable record in...