#WordlessWednesday - Van Cleef & Arpels Exhibition in Paris!

If you have plans to be in Paris between now and February 10th,  here are a few highlights (in the spirit of Wordless Wednesday) and be sure to go to the bottom or this post for an opportunity to win tickets to the exhibition:

The Egyptian Bracelet - Close UP!



Egyptian creations, circa1924, Van Cleef & Arpels Collection:Jewelry inspired by the art of Ancient Egypt was at the height of fashion in the 1920's, which explains why Van Cleef & Arpels created numerous Egyptian-inspired jewels between 1922 and 1925. They reflect the extraordinary interest in the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb by Lord Carnarvon in 1922. 

These exceptional jewels are decorated with scenes of offerings and hieroglyphic motifs depicting scarabs, sphinxes, amphorae, bulls, ostrich feathers, lotus flowers and bees, in a reference to Ancient Egyptian iconography. They are set with precious buff-topped emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and calibrated onyx stones.

These unique Egyptian-inspired creations are highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors. 

Win invitations (transportation to Paris not included) to see the Van Cleef & Arpels Egyptian creations, circa 1924 at the Paris exhibition: http://goo.gl/cg6da

ZIM Civil Society Coalition on Panel for Zimbabwe Diamond Conference 2012

ZIM Civil Society Coalition reps to take part in panel discussion

at Zimbabwe Diamond Conference 2012, November 12-13, 2012

Members of Zimbabwe's Civil Society Coalition say they will attend the Zimbabwe Diamond Conference 2012 and aim to play an active role in discussions at the November 12-13 event at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Kimberley Process (KP) Civil Society Coalition representatives in Zimbabwe, Shamiso Mtisi and Tafadzwa Musarara, will debate the subject "Diamonds, Engine of Local Beneficiation" withGodwills Masimirembwa, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation, and Abbey Chikane, KP Monitor for Zimbabwe, on the second day of the conference.

The first Pan-African gathering focusing on the potential of Zimbabwe as a global diamond-producer, has succeeded in attracting participants from some 20 countries. In addition to representatives from diamond trading centres such as New York, Antwerp, Ramat Gan, Mumbai and Hong Kong, a large group of visitors is expected from several neighbouring states as well as from other African diamond-producing countries.

One of the speakers at the conference, Mr. Richard Mvududu, Chairman of the Diamond Beneficiation Association of Zimbabwe, said: "We expect to have open and frank discussions with all participants at this high-profile event. Our common goal is to propel Zimbabwe's diamond mining sector forward and to assure that it is will be an engine that will advance the Zimbabwe economy, and bring prosperity for all the people of Zimbabwe."

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of Mines and Mining Development of Zimbabwe, Mr. Prince Mupazviriho, said: "It is encouraging to see that so many people actually want to engage in a conference about how to unlock Zimbabwe's diamond potential together. We look forward to lively debates which will deal with every subject of importance to our future diamond trading."

JCK's LUXURY PRIVÉ PANAMA - 1ST REGIONAL HIGH END JEWELRY EVENT

JCK EVENTS HOSTS LUXURY PRIVÉ PANAMA, LATIN AMERICA'S 1^ST HIGH END JEWELRY EVENT 

Results Indicate A Strong Market For Fine Jewelry In The Region

JCK Events' LUXURY Privé Panama held its inaugural show in the Latin American hot spot last month with a 3-day event.  The first ever high-end jewelry event in Latin America featured 50 exhibitors and welcomed retailers from 23 countries representing just over 380 stores from 75 leading retailers in the markets.  Held at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama City, Panama, the atmosphere was full of energy and optimism for the future of jewelry in Central and Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Panama boasts oceanfront vistas

Amid the oceanfront vistas, the relaxed, yet upscale environment of LUXURY Privé Panama proved the perfect counterpart to the show's New York arm; where Privé New York draws elite U.S. based buyers during an opportune time in New York City, the Panama show is a convenience for Latin American buyers who need access to high-end brands now more than ever.  

"We are thrilled that JCK has brought such a high caliber show to our area," said Sheyla Assaf de Azuero from Andre Laurent Joyeros in Colombia. "Our customers are looking for new designers and we found many here that are the perfect match for us. We are extremely pleased to have made new connections and are looking forward to continuing the many discussions begun here." 

With a program of daily networking events designed to encourage new introductions and no shortage of upbeat, flavorful social events, the entire event was conducive to both connecting cultures and doing business. Beginning with a tropical-chic poolside welcome reception, the Show progressed with 3 days of "match-making" style networking events, in addition to the usual tradeshow business dealings, as well as daily afternoon snacks and champagne sponsored by Brilliant Insights and nightly cocktails. 

"Our goal with Panama was to provide an atmosphere of business match-making and networking; an opportunity to bring the best manufacturers and the leading retailers from the Latin, South & Central American markets to establish solid relationships in which to do business in an area of the world that is just on the cusp of extreme growth." says Yancy Weinrich from JCK Events.  

At Show's end, the success of the event and the excitement for future business dealings was evident from the glowing feedback of both retailers and exhibitors alike.

Fabrizio Cocchiano, of John Hardy commented, "We didn't come here to sell. We came here to make strong relationships from which sales will result. We met a lot of new retailers, many of whom we know we will have a long term relationship with. This show was a good stepping stone for future business and we look forward returning at next year's show." 

"Having already begun the expansion into Latin American several years ago, LUXURY Privé Panama was the perfect opportunity to further our outreach to new customers," shared Meyer Hoffman, COO of Mikimoto. "For us, to see existing customers as well as discover new contacts in South America, the Show has fulfilled our expectations."

Melva Grimaldo of Joyeria Muller in Costa Rica said "We were thrilled with the brands represented. Many will be of particular interest to our clients in the next 6-8 weeks as the Holiday season begins in earnest. At the end of the Show we met with 7 new brands in a relaxed and upscale environment that allowed us to spend quality time with each exhibitor to continue building relationships and begin new ones." 

Lourdes Ceballos of Daniel Ceballos Joyeros - Hermosillo, Mexico said "We are very excited to have a more private and personalized show, where vendors and buyers really get a feel of starting a long-term business relationship. We are looking to purchase high-end merchandise and for us it's important to take our time, to ask questions for the decision making. It's a small, yet inviting atmosphere that we found at Privé is what makes this kind of experience worthwhile. The social events throughout the show have made networking so easy and efficient, we are so happy to have made new friends and partnerships. LUXURY Privé is a small show with a big future!"

"LUXURY Privé Panama has been both a smart business opportunity and a wonderful, cultural experience for us," shared Fred Sage of Frederic Sage. "We feel extremely optimistic about the potential for business in this part of the world and were delighted by the open warmth and friendliness of the people we will be doing that business with. We felt we made life-long relationships here this week."

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:

-	LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 28 – 30, 2013, by invitation only, and then continues as the events open their doors to all JCK retailers Friday, May 31 – Monday, June 3 – Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, THEhotel
-	Swiss Watch: May 31 – June 3, 2013 – Mandalay Bay, THEhotel, Mandarin Oriental
-	JCK Las Vegas: May 31 – June 3, 2013 – Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
-	LUXURY Privé New York: July 29 - July 31, 2013 – New York, The Pierre Hotel – Fifth Avenue
-	LUXURY Privé Panama: October 21 – 23, 2013 – Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake

Say bon fete to fate; February 2013 welcomes the Year of the Snake. Keen and cunning, the Snake sheds its venomous reputation for a new skin – now a symbol of prosperity and an omen of good luck for the Chinese New Year. Tap into your sinister side with this seductive zodiac; Chinese astrology predicts the Serpent to be the most coveted motif for 2013.

Whether Aquarius or Sagittarius, commemorate the Chinese holiday with snake-inspired accessories. Satiate your desire for Serpent-adorned jewelry with luxurious gold-scaled cuffs complete with sumptuous diamonds and lavish gemstones including turquoise and ruby. A token of beauty and wisdom, Snake emblems coil into enticing rings, slither into dark dangling earrings, and suspend off draping pendant necklaces. Enchant your wardrobe with the most tempting trend for the New Year; Chinese horoscope destines the Serpent to make a hiss in the near future’s fashion.

GIA's Donna Baker Awarded “Excellence in Service Award”

Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California Celebrates the 

68th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala at the Montage Resort in Beverly Hills

The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California celebrated the Club’s 68th annual dinner dance and gala at the extravagant Montage Resort in Beverly Hills on Saturday, October 6, 2012. The annual dinner dance honored president and CEO of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Donna Baker, with the prestigious “Excellence in Service Award.”

Frank Proctor, President of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and Principal and CEO of Luxury Brand Group, welcomed many jewelry industry leaders at the black tie dinner, co-sponsored by Stuller and the GIA. The evening included an alluring cocktail reception with many familiar faces who chatted and enjoyed the fabulous Saturday evening in Southern California. Proctor also had the honor to introduce and award 2012’s recipient of the esteemed “Excellence in Service Award”.

“This year’s recipient exemplifies the finest qualities of integrity, leadership and excellence, and serves as a role model for not only our entire industry, but other communities as well, locally and abroad”, says Frank Proctor. “We are proud and honored to add Donna to our distinguished list of recipients. Her touching acceptance speech was an inspiration to all of us in the jewelry industry.”

The 24 Karat Club of Southern California was formed in 1944 with the main goal of promoting ethical practices and furthering the honor and traditions of the jewelry industry. In 1998, the club created its Excellence in Service Award in commemoration of the club and its code of ethics.

Many prominent figures in the jewelry industry attended this lavish event – including Drop Dead Gorgeous jewelry designer, Erica Courtney, as well as Jewelers of America President and CEO Matt Runci, Kathryn Kimmel, GIA’s vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, GIA’s jet setting director of global business development, Craig Danforth, Peggy Jo Donahue, director of public affairs for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America, and American Gem Trade Association CEO Doug Hucker.

About Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California
The Jewelers 24 Karat Club was founded in 1944 to promote ethical practices and to further the honor and tradition of the jewelry industry. The club offers a variety of membership meetings, presentations and special events to its members throughout the year. For further information, please visit  http://www.jewelers24karatclub.com/

2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Winners By Category

2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Winners By Category


Bridal Wear

Bridal Wear - 1st Place (left)

Robert Pelliccia, 

J.R. Dunn Jewelers 

Platinum ring featuring a 4.08 ct. pink Sapphire with half-moon Diamonds (.34 ctw.) and round Diamonds (.56ctw.).


Bridal Wear - 2nd Place

Bella Campbell, 

Campbellian 

18K white gold earrings featuring royal blue Moonstones (13.00 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.00 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place

Giraux Fine Jewelry, 

Giraux Fine Jewelry 

18K white gold "Rain Drop" earrings featuring pink Spinels (4.29 ctw.) and accented with heart, marquise and cushion shaped Diamonds (1.55 ctw.).


Business/Day Wear
Business/Day Wear - 1st Place

Gregore Morin, 

Gregore Joailliers 

18K white gold earrings featuring pink Opal (8.6 ctw.) Japanese plum blossoms accented with black and white Diamonds (.87 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd Place

Gregore Morin, 

Gregore Joailliers 

18K white gold and black ruthenium ring featuring an Opal accented with Diamonds (.09 ctw.) and spessartite Garnets (1.01 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 3rd Place

Gregore Morin, 

Gregore Joailliers 

18K white gold "Lady leaf" earrings featuring Jade leaf drops (53 ctw.) accented with Opal (5.5 ctw.), white Diamonds (.36 ctw.) and black Diamond ladybugs (.45 ctw.) .



Classical

Classical - 1st Place

James Currens, 

J.W. Currens, Inc. 

Platinum "Lava" ring featuring a 12.99 ct. Ruby cabochon accented with marquis-cut Diamonds (1.47 ctw.) and Diamond melee (7.40 ctw.).

Classical - 2nd Place

Gigi Vivian Fitzmorris, 

The Gigi Collection 

18K yellow gold and black rhodium bug pin featuring black Tahitian cultured Pearl accented with paraiba Tourmalines (6.00 ctw.), Diamonds (6.00 ctw.), blue Sapphires (3.51 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.95 ctw.).

Classical - 3rd Place

Lilly Fitzgerald, 

Lilly Fitzgerald - Goldsmith 

22K yellow gold chain link necklace featuring suspended Labradorite cylinders.

Evening Wear

Evening Wear - 1st Place

Anil Maloo, 

Baggins, Inc. 

14K white gold earrings featuring 8.5mm Akoya Pearls, 9mm white South Sea Pearls, 10-11mm Tahitian Pearls and accented with Diamonds (2.42 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 2nd Place

Parul Kuki Seth, 

Parulina (Zaq, Inc.) 

18K yellow gold "Two Finger Glam" ring featuring three Emerald cabochons (19.62 ctw.) accented with round Emeralds (9.54 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd Place

Frank Caballero, 

Frank Caballero 

18K white gold with black rhodium cocktail ring featuring a 47.28 ct. oval Peridot cabochon accented with Diamonds (3.26 ctw.).

Men's Wear

Men's Wear - 1st Place

Naomi Sarna, 

Naomi Sarna Designs 

Platinum cufflinks featuring baroque Pearls (21.06 ctw.) accented with multi-colored Sapphires.

Men's Wear - 2nd Place

Daniel Allen, 

C. Kirk Root Designs 

18K white gold ring featuring Alexandrites (1.45 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd Place

Mark Schneider, 

Somewhere In The Rainbow 

Palladium cufflinks featuring pink rough-cut Diamonds accented with a 1.94 ct. and a 2.13 ct. flower-cut color-change Garnet and white Diamonds (3.13 ctw.).

2013 AGTA Spectrum WJA Gem DIVA Award Winners

NEW Gem Diva Category The Gem Diva™ awards, sponsored by WJA, will be presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear and Business/Day Wear categories.  All women who enter the Spectrum Awards competition will be eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on the entry form. AGTA’s Douglas Hucker, CEO, referred to the new WJA - AGTA partnership saying, “It is an additional opportunity for us to provide more recognition to the amazing women in our industry designing with colored gemstones and pearls.”

Bridal Wear – Gem Diva

Pamela Froman, 
Pamela Froman 

Fine Jewelry - Palladium "Ice Princess" cuff featuring rainbow Moonstones (15.0 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (3.01 ctw.).










Business/Day Wear – Gem Diva

Caroline Chartouni, 
Caroline C 

18K pink gold earrings featuring rose Quartz drops (56.37 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.99 ctw.).

Classical – Gem Diva


Dallas Prince, 
Dallas Prince Designs

14K rose gold "Twilight Blush" earrings featuring 2 cushion-cut Morganites (30.18 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (.72 ctw.) and black Diamonds (1.6 ctw.).

Evening Wear – Gem Diva


Annie Fensterstock, 
Annie Fensterstock 

Blackened sterling silver and 22K yellow gold cuff featuring white and fancy-colored Diamonds (11.91 ctw.) and Sapphires (7.30 ctw.).

JUDGES

Lita Asscher -  sixth generation Asscher diamantaire and Designer at Royal Asscher Diamonds.

Phyllis and Ira Bergman -  Family owned Manufacturer, Mercury Ring.

Lorraine De Pasque - contributing writer for INSTORE/INDESIGN and freelance journalist.

WJA’s president, Tryna Kochanek, commented on the partnership with AGTA,  “The quality reputation of the Spectrum competition and the media exposure it receives will provide the talented women who enter the annual WJA Gem DIVA competition an opportunity for greater exposure, and the increased number of female designers who enter Spectrum will add an extra element of excitement to the overall competition.”

SOURCE:  Some photos and quotes are from Lorraine Pasque's amazing blog post about her experience as one of the Judges for 2013  please click through the below link for her first hand account.

http://instoremag.com/shine-blog/item/416-we-the-jury-find-them----divas

Best of Winners Announced for AGTA's 2013 Spectrum Awards™ Competition

Winners Announced for AGTA's 2013 Spectrum Awards™ Competition

Winners have been named in the 2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition hosted by the American Gem Trade Association.  This year marks the 29th anniversary of the competition.

The competition was judged October 20-21 in New York, NY. Judges for the 2013 competition were Candace Edelman of Alex Sepkus, Jennifer Heebner of JCK Magazine, fine jewelry buyer Abby Huhtanen of Bergdorf Goodman, lapidarist Kiwon Jang, and designer Kimberly McDonald.

The annual AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Media Day was held October 22 and featured all of the jewelry and gemstone submissions.  Attendees included top fashion/accessory editors from the trade and consumer press, stylists, and bloggers.  Publications represented includedVogue, W, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Women’s Wear Daily, Marie Claire, Essence, NY Times Magazine, and many more.

SPECTRUM AWARDS - Best of Category Winners:

Best of Show:

James Currens, 

J.W. Currens, Inc.

Platinum "Lava" ring featuring a 12.99 ct. Ruby cabochon accented with marquis-cut Diamonds (1.47 ctw.) and Diamond melee (7.40 ctw.).

Best Use of Color:

Erica Courtney, 

Erica Courtney

18K yellow gold earrings featuring Opals (36.70 ctw.), Apatite (5.92 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (1.76 ctw.).

Best Use of Platinum and Color:

Deirdre Featherstone, 

Featherstone Design

Platinum "Shangri-La" earrings featuring Opals (15.86 ctw.) and Tanzanite cabochon drops (48.54 ctw.) accented with purple and blue Sapphires (2.16 ctw.), Tourmalines (4.53 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (.29 ctw.), Diamonds (.86ctw.) and Turquoise briolettes.

Best Use of Palladium & Color:

Cynthia Renee, 

Cynthia Renee, Inc.

Palladium and stainless steel "Owl Queen" brooch featuring a carved petrified palm owl, accented with Mother of Pearl on a 42.57 ct. green Tourmaline crystal and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).

Fashion Forward:

Jennifer Dawes, 

Dawes Design

18K yellow gold necklace featuring Aquamarines (14.45 ctw.), Emeralds (7.45 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).

Best Use of Pearls:

Anil Maloo, 
Baggins, Inc.

14K white gold earrings featuring 8.5mm Akoya Pearls, 9mm white South Sea Pearls, 10-11mm Tahitian Pearls and accented with Diamonds (2.42 ctw.).




AGTA Spectrum Awards™ entries were judged on the basis of overall beauty and wearability, innovative design, effective use of materials, quality of gemstones, quality of workmanship, broad-base consumer appeal and potential to generate positive publicity for natural colored gemstones.

AGTA Cutting Edge Awards honor excellence and creativity in lapidary arts, including natural colored gemstones and cultured pearls, carvings, and other gem materials.


Platinum Honors were once again awarded with the support of Platinum Guild International.  All entries whose primary metal was platinum were eligible in this category.

Palladium Prestige Awards were once again awarded with the support of Palladium Alliance International.  All entries whose primary metal was palladium were eligible for these awards.

WJA Gem Diva Awards debuted at this year’s Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, and were presented in the Bridal Wear, Evening Wear, Classical and Business/Day Wear categories.  All women who entered the Spectrum Awards competition were eligible for this category simply by marking the check-box for Gem Diva on their entry form.

All designs that qualified for the Spectrum Awards competition were considered for Manufacturing Honors. This award celebrates outstanding use of colored gemstones and cultured pearls in jewelry appropriate to be manufactured in production quantities.

Fashion Forward Honors recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl beads in artful, trend-setting jewelry. All necklaces, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry that qualified for judging in the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition automatically qualified for Fashion Forward Honors judging.

The American Gem Trade Association is a not-for-profit Association serving the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl industry since 1981. The AGTA serves the industry as "The Authority In Color" and has its headquarter office in Dallas, Texas.

Heather Moore Creates Zikomo Collection To Benefit H.E.L.P.

In partnership with Heather Moore Jewelry, Jillian Wolstein of H.E.L.P. has created the Zikomo Collection to document the aspirations of the children of Malawi. Each necklace within the collection tells a unique story pertaining to a specific child's dreams for the future. Each child has their plan for the future on one side of the charm, while their personality is reflected through their signature on the opposite side. Each piece is crafted by hand, and is dedicated to a specific student.

"We believe it is every child's birthright to receive Hope for a better future, Education to grow, unconditional Love, and Protection from disease and illness," said Jillian Wolstein, Founder & Executive Chairwoman of H.E.L.P. "Our goal is to make each child's dream a reality through quality primary education and access to higher education."

Proceeds from the Zikomo Collection will benefit the direct services of H.E.L.P., specifically, the Secondary School Scholarship Program.

In partnership with Heather Moore Jewelry, H.E.L.P. has collaborated with the Heather Moore design team to create the "Zikomo Collection" to further document the aspirations of the beautiful young children of Malawi, Africa. This stunning piece features a Size 2 Yellow Gold ID Tag Charm the signature of Idrissa Alick, an African boy living in Malawi with the dream of becoming an Actor. This aspiration of his is stamped on the opposite side of the charm. Paired to compliment the charm is a Smokey Quartz harriet stone, a mineral from Mount Malosa, Zomba District, Malawi!  This all hangs from a 20" 1.5mm Yellow Gold Chain with a bar reading Help' on side A and 'Zikomo' on side B. Zikomo is the Africans word for Thankfulness.

ABOUT H.E.L.P. 

H.E.L.P.'s mission is to develop the pathway for children living in rural regions of Africa to become integral members and leaders in society through quality education.  H.E.L.P. is committed to cultivating the academic potential of each child through a comprehensive range of opportunities in primary school to prepare students for the next level of education, and to support those efforts through secondary school scholarships.

ABOUT HEATHER MOORE JEWELRY 

Established in 2003, Heather Moore Jewelry has charmed the fashion world with a consistent commitment to exceptional quality, innovation, and sophisticated design. The collection is based on the concept that everyone has something in his or her life to celebrate. Heather Moore creates an opportunity to document milestones and inspirations as well as who, what and where through handmade, specialized designs. All pieces are offered in sterling silver and 14K yellow, white, rose and green gold. Heather Moore Jewelry is doing its part to help preserve the Earth's natural resources by strictly working with 100% recycled metals. The goal of Heather Moore Jewelry is to help you create a timeless piece that commemorates you and everything important in your life. 

SOURCE Heather Moore Jewelry