#LuxurybyJCK Retailer of the Year Finalists Announced At LUXURY by JCK #JWLV

from Press Release LUXURY Announces Retailer of the Year Finalists

Shortly after opening its doors yesterday, JCK's LUXURY show announced the finalists for its prestigious Retailer of the Year Award. The finalists are: Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Dianna Rae Jewelry, G. Thrapp Jewelers, JR Dunn Jewelers, and Roberson's Fine Jewelry.

The Retailer of the Year Award program was started in 2014 and looks to recognize excellence in retail service based on timely criteria. The 2015 finalists were chosen based on the theme of 'Redesigning Retail', which looks for aptitude in rising to the challenges of the modern retailing era. Key points/areas on which the retailers were graded/judged include: successful meshing of online markets and sales with traditional brick and mortar models for business, exemplary use of social media, and an acute understanding of and incorporation of lifestyle marketing and branding.

The 2015 finalists have shown an impressive level of business savvy, as well as a commitment to service, and are all demonstrated leaders of Industry. Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, NE is one of the nation's largest and most well known jewelers. In business for 100 years, the store's commitment to evolving with the market and offering top notch service, are complimented by forward thinking consumer marketing and communications strategies, as seen in their Borsheim's branded nail polish, scented marketing materials, and top rated Instagram account. Dianna Rae Jewelry, a tiny jewel box in Lafayette, LA is known for making a big impression with their unique custom experience. Utilizing impressive technology, such as 3-D printing, while combining design process and expert customer relations, is a winning combination and a sought after shopping experience. G. Thrapp Jewelers located in Indianapolis, IN is famous for its unique nautical interior, a cozy lakeside home to vintage treasures, custom creations and an impressive array of fine designer and bridal jewelry. Nothing is common about this unique shopping experience and personal relationships are key. JR Dunn Jewelers epitomizes the trusted family business, operating a massive storefront in the tight-knit yet affluent community of Lighthouse Point, FL. JR Dunn was the first jeweler to embrace e-commerce and has enjoyed its status as trailblazer ever since, particularly because they have a knack for driving web traffic into the store. JR Dunn is open 365 days a year and features waterfront dining. Roberson's Fine Jewelry in Little Rock, AK, started as a traditional gold and silver, classic retailer but has grown into a unique blend of old and new. Not one to shy away from trends, Roberson's boasts an astounding selection of fashion forward designers and caters toward the female self-purchaser. The store prides itself on serving women, promoting designers, cultivating relationships and providing an atmosphere of fashionable fun. For more on each of the finalists, click here for an engaging video presentation. Watch the video here>> The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 28th at the final LUXURY breakfast event. LUXURY takes place Tuesday, May 26 through Monday, June 1 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and features 225 exhibitors, including the stylishly, curated brands of Elite Enclave

About JCK: 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 Magazine – the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visit jckonline.com.

#AGTA Announces Winners of 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™

AGTA Announces Winners 

of 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™

The American Gem Trade Association announced the winners of the prestigious AGTA Spectrum Awards™ today. The design competition, in its 31st year, was held in New York, October 25th and 26th. The distinguished panel of judges were: Jerrold Green, of Reginald C. Miller; Myriam Gumuchian of Gumuchian; Joseph Mardkha of ColorMasters; Tim McClelland of McTiegue & McClellan; Larry Pelzel of Neiman Marcus; and Dr. Jeffrey Post, Smithsonian Institution.

“We were thrilled with the variety of entries at this year’s AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition,” enthused Douglas K. Hucker, CEO, AGTA. “I did not envy the decisions that our judges had to make, yet I was pleased to see how carefully they deliberated over each and every decision they made, resulting in this year’s amazing list of winners,”

And the winners of the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ are….

Best of ... Winners:

Best of Show

Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).

Best Use of Color

Paula Crevoshay, Crevoshay - 18K yellow gold "The Venus Bracelet" featuring freshwater baroque cultured Pearls (91.43 ctw.) accented with pink and green Tourmalines (29.32 ctw.).

Best Use of Platinum and Color

Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Anemone" earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).

Best Use of Pearls

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - 18K rose gold necklace featuring white cultured Pearls accented with pink Diamonds.

Fashion Forward Honors: 

This award recognizes the outstanding use of colored gemstone and/or cultured pearl 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. 

Ion Ionescu, Ionescu Design, Inc. - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 36 ct. Turquoise accented with a 9.2mm Tahitian silver cultured Pearl, Paraiba Tourmalines (.32 ctw.) and Diamonds (.43 ctw.).

Category Winners:

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.  (the Cutting Edge Awards are covered in a separate post)

Bridal Wear Sponsored by The Knot:

Whether gracing the bridesmaids or donning the bride, herself, this category captures all looks coming down the aisle. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tiaras were considered. 

Bridal Wear - 1st Place
Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum "Anemone" earrings featuring Tanzanites (5.37 ctw.) accented with blue Zircons (2.88 ctw.), purple Sapphires (3.72 ctw.), tsavorite Garnets (1.67 ctw.), indigo Tourmalines (.40 ctw.) Paraiba Tourmalines (.26 ctw.) and Diamonds (.16 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - 2nd Place and Manufacturing Honors
Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx - 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.

Bridal Wear - 3rd Place and Platinum Honors
Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Honorable Mention
Bella Campbell, Campbellian - Platinum earrings featuring Aquamarines (5.61 ctw.) and grossular Garnets (3.51 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.56 ctw.).

Platinum Honors: 

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

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors
Michael Endlich, Pave Fine Jewelry - Platinum earrings featuring Diamond slices (7.07 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (.67 ctw.).

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Innovation
Susan Drake, Spectrum Art & Jewelry - Platinum "Tilt-A-Whirl" ring featuring a 2.06 ct. Tanzanite accented with Diamonds (1.63 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors
Phillip Dismuke, Jewelsmith - Platinum "Blooming" ring featuring a 21.40 ct. Opal accented with spessartite Garnets (1.35 ctw.) and Diamonds.

Classical - Platinum Honors
Rex McClure, Sohn & McClure Jewelers - Platinum ring featuring a 4.16 ct. Emerald accented with white Diamond baguettes (1.20 ctw.) and yellow Diamonds (.21 ctw.).

Classical - Entry Platinum Innovation
Mimi Favre, Mimi Favre Studio - Platinum "Etude d'Vert" earrings featuring tapered drops of shades of green Tourmalines (15.50 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors
Cara Becker Lichtenstein, My Blue Heaven - Platinum bracelet featuring multicolored Tourmalines (7.26 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.29 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

Naomi Sarna, Naomi Sarna Designs - Platinum "His and His" rings featuring brown natural Diamonds (5.68 ctw.).

WJA Gem Diva Awards: 

Now in its third year with the Spectrum Awards with the support of WJA, awards 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. 

Bridal Wear - Gem Diva Award
Suzanne Kalandjian, Suzanne Kalan - 18K white gold necklace featuring a 30mm white Topaz accented with white Diamonds (3.70 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Gem Diva Award
Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine - 18K gold and sterling silver "Jewel" ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).

Classical - Gem Diva Award
Caroline Chartuni, Caroline C - 18K white gold "Astra" ring featuring a 24.16 ct. star Sapphire accented with Diamonds (8.08 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Gem Diva Award
Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. - Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).


Manufacturing Honors:

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. 

Bridal Wear - Manufacturing Honors
Laurence Bruyninckx, Laurence Bruyninckx - 18K rose and white gold ring featuring a .80 ct. golden Beryl accented with orange Citrines, orange Sapphires and Diamonds.

Business/Day Wear - Manufacturing Honors
Ryan Roberts, Ryan Roberts, Ltd. - 18K yellow gold ring featuring a 11.25 ct. Chrysocolla accented with tsavorite Garnets (.56 ctw.) and Diamonds (.62 ctw.).

Classical - Manufacturing Honors
Deirdre Featherstone, Featherstone Design - Platinum ring featuring a 5.81 ct. green Sapphire accented with Diamonds (3.87 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Manufacturing Honors
Linda Quinn, Linda Quinn Designs - 14K white gold ring featuring a 6.11 ct. pink Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (1.24 ctw.).

Business/ Day Wear:

Business/Day Wear - 1st Place
Jennifer Rabe Morin, Gregore Joailliers - 18K rose gold ring featuring carved Turquoise (29.0 ctw.) accented with Amethyst cabochons (14.0 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 2nd Place
Elizabeth Garvin, Elizabeth Garvin Fine - 18K gold and sterling silver "Jewel" ring featuring a 24.6 ct. green Quartz accented with Diamonds (.23 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - 3rd Place
Heath London, Heath London Jewelry - 18K yellow gold and copper "In The Swim" earrings featuring Paraiba Tourmalines (7.11 ctw.) accented with pink Tourmalines (2.23 ctw.) and Diamonds (.80 ctw.).



Classical:

Classical - 1st Place
Leon Mege, Leon Mege, Inc. - Platinum ring featuring a 4.71 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with French-cut Diamonds (1.31 ctw.).

Classical – 2nd Place
Heena Chheda, Real Gems, Inc. - 18K white gold "Ophion's Treasure" ring featuring Emeralds (6.74 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (2.19 ctw.).

Classical - 3rd Place
Evelyn Huang, China Art & Fine Jewelry, Inc. - 18K yellow and white gold "Midnight Kiss" ring featuring a 5.76 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white and yellow Diamonds (1.18 ctw.), blue Sapphires (.91 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (.79 ctw.).


Evening Wear:

Evening Wear - 1st Place
Maria Canale, Suna Bros. Inc. - Platinum and 20K pink gold bracelet featuring multi-colored natural Spinels (44.31 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (6.80 ctw.) and pink Diamonds (1.00 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 2nd Place
Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Inc. - 18K yellow gold "Milky Way" earrings featuring Opal drops (46.06 ctw.) accented with Diamonds (1.98 ctw.) and Paraiba Tourmalines (2.03 ctw.).

Evening Wear - 3rd Place
Gil, Gil Int'l - Platinum ring featuring a 6.50 ct. Alexandrite accented with Diamonds.

Evening Wear - Honorable Mention
Wendy Brandes, Wendy Brandes Jewelry - 18K pink gold "Pink Elephant & Tipsy Writer Maneater" ring featuring a pink Sapphire elephant (2.0 ctw.) accented with a Ruby and brown and white Diamonds (2.23 ctw.).

Men’s Wear:

Men's Wear - 1st Place

Dawn Muscio, D. Muscio Fine Jewelry Studio - 18K red gold and stainless steel "Pink2" cufflinks featuring pillow cut Morganites (8.74 ctw.) accented with Rubies (.87 ctw.) and Diamonds (.60 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 2nd Place

Mark Schneider, Mark Schneider Design - Platinum ring featuring a 16.73 ct. Tourmaline accented with yellow Diamonds (.67 ctw.) and tsavorite Garnets (1.02 ctw.).

Men's Wear - 3rd Place

Micheal Kanners, Michael Kanners - 18K blackened gold cufflinks featuring Tanzanites 20.06 ctw.) accented with tsavorite Garnet (6.5 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Honorable Mention

William Travis, William Travis Jewelry - 18K yellow gold and sterling silver ring featuring a 13.17 ct. Citrine.

This year's AGTA Spectrum Awards™ will be presented during the 2015 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson to be held February 3 - 8 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. Winning entries will be displayed during the show and AGTA Spectrum Awards™ recipients will be recognized during the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala. The event starts at 7:00 pm Saturday, February 7. Tickets for the gala are $100 and cocktail attire is encouraged. 

For further information on the 2015 AGTA GemFair™ Tucson or the AGTA Dinner Dance and Awards Gala, please call (800) 972-1162 or visit our website at www.agta.org. For inquiries regarding the AGTA Spectrum Awards™ competition, please contact Megan Whitmire at megan@agta.org or (800) 972-1162. 

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.

#AGTA Announces the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Judges

AGTA Announces the 

2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ Judges

”Each year, we strive to seat a unique panel of judges for the AGTA Spectrum Awards™, and we hit the mark this year!” said Douglas K. Hucker, AGTA CEO. “This distinguished group is uniquely qualified with their expertise and passion for colored gemstones and pearls, and we are excited to see the results of their hard work!”

The American Gem Trade Association is excited to announce its panel of judges for the 2015 AGTA Spectrum Awards™. The expert panel of judges all hail from different facets of the jewelry industry, and will meet in October to judge the world‐renown colored gemstone and cultured pearl jewelry competition, along with the AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™, which features loose colored gemstones. 

This year’s judges are:
Jerrold Green, Lapidarist, Reginald C. Miller

The tenets of Green's mentor, Reginald Miller, remain the hallmarks of his business today, “When someone submits material to you, regardless of its quality, treat it with respect and them with respect…and above all: your word is everything.” While the tools of his trade have expanded to include high‐end Apple computers, Green still spends hours of each day hunched over his lapidary table, painstakingly carving precious stones so that every facet will catch the light. Today, gemologists, importers and collectors from all over the world come to him bearing treasures and seeking his advice.

Myriam Gumuchian, Vice President & Director of Sales, Gumuchian

Alongside her, mother Anita, and her sister, Patricia, they work together to carry on a family legacy that originated over 100 years ago in Istanbul with the sales of exceptional colored stones and fancy diamond imports.  In 1979, the Gumuchian brand was created by Anita

and her daughters, Myriam and Patricia.  Myriam was the first woman appointed chair of the Jewelry Information Center, where she held the position for two years. The commitment for excellence has not gone unnoticed, rewarding Gumuchian with several design awards, most recently the “Award for Best International Emerging Brand” of the year from the Armenian Jewelry Association

Joseph Mardkha, Manufacturer, ColorMasters Precious Jewelry

In 1981, Joseph Mardkha founded ColorMasters Gem Corp. and traveled the world seeking to build relationships with stone dealers and cutters overseas.  Quickly, he established

ColorMasters as an essential source for fine precious gems and the company became a valuable asset to some of the world’s best designers, retailers, and jewelry manufacturers.  Today, ColorMasters specializes in each and every aspect of high end jewelry design, product development, and manufacturing while maintaining social responsibility.

Tim McClelland, Master Jeweler and Designer, McTiegue & McClelland

Tim McClelland grew up in family of artists and at an early age was struck by the versatility and permanence of metal as a vehicle for his ideas. All of McTeigue & McClelland’s jewelry is made under the direction of Tim McClelland the old fashioned way ‐ one piece at a time.  In 2011, McTeigue & McClelland made the decision to sell exclusively to their own clientele.  McTeigue & McClelland started to get noticed by the international fashion press. Pieces from their collections became de‐rigeur for magazines surveying the best in jewelry, including Town & Country, Robb Report, W Magazine, Elle, Martha Stewart, The New York Times and more.  McTeigue & McClelland, in Tim and Walter’s words has one mission ‐ “To make the most beautiful jewelry imaginable.”

Larry Pelzel, Retailer, Neiman Marcus

Larry has worked in the high‐end luxury jewelry industry for over 34 years.  Starting as the Sales Associate in Precious Jewels, he worked up Neiman's ladder to his current position of Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager, Precious Jewels. From Neiman Marcus’ flagship store in Dallas, he oversees all aspects of the Precious Jewels Division from buying to the renowned in‐house Design Studio to promotions and advertising.  In 2012, Pelzel was inducted into The Retailer Jewelers’ “Hall of Fame” by National Jeweler.  

Dr. Jeffrey E. Post, Curator, U.S. Nat'l Gem & Mineral Col., Smithsonian Inst.

Jeffrey joined the Dept. of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution in 1984, from 1989 to 1994, he was Chair. of the Dept. of Mineral Sciences, and, since 1991 has served as Curator of the U.S. National Gem and Mineral Collection. Dr. Post served as the lead Curator for the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals that opened in 1997.  His areas of research interest include mineralogy, gemology, geochemistry, crystallography, and electron microscopy.  He has published more than 75 scientific articles in these fields.

The AGTA Spectrum Awards™ is the world’s premier colored gemstone and pearl jewelry design competition. The AGTA Cutting Edge Awards™ honor loose colored gemstones in everything from Classic Gemstones to one‐of‐a‐kind Carvings, Phenomenal Gemstones to amazing Pairs and Suites. The competition is open to U.S. and Canadian designers and cutters.

Photos from top - 2014 Award Winners:

Gem Diva Award - Business/Day Wear: Annie Fensterstock - Port Washington, NY

22K yellow gold and 18K white, pink, and yellow gold locket featuring a boulder Opal accented with white, pink and yellow Diamonds (2.55 ctw.).

3rd Place - Phenomenal - Jean-Noel Soni, Top Notch Faceting - San Francisco, CA

24.12 ct. color-change Garnet.

Best of Show and 1st Place Classical:  James Currens - J.W. Currens, Inc. - New York, NY

Platinum "Tropical Storm" ring featuring a 22.10 ct. Emerald accented with Diamonds (11.47 ctw.).

1st Place Bridal Wear and Best Use of Pearls - Anil Maloo, Baggins, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA

18K white gold drop earrings featuring 32 Japanese Akoya cultured Pearls accented with round brilliant Diamonds (4.43 ctw.).

1st Place Innovative Faceting - Stephen M. Avery - Lakewood, CO

32.68 ct. "Tsunami" Aquamarine.

2nd Place - Bridal Wear - Erica Courtney, Erica Courtney, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA

18K yellow gold "Something Blue" earrings featuring blue Opal drops (29.99 ctw.) accented with Aquamarines (5.03 ctw.), grey Sapphires (.43 ctw.) and Diamonds (1.10 ctw.).

DEF ANNOUNCES MUSIC LEGEND FOR SOLD OUT ‘DIAMONDS DO GOOD’ LAS VEGAS

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND ANNOUNCES LEGENDARY MUSIC ICON 

TO PERFORM 

AT THE SOLD OUT ‘DIAMONDS DO GOOD’ CELEBRATION IN LAS VEGAS

 

Ten-time GRAMMY® Award winner Chaka Khan will be the headline performer at the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (D.E.F) Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas Gala to take place at the Four Seasons Ballroom on May 29. The sold-out event starts at 6:30 p.m. and will honor President Khama and the Government of Botswana with the Global Diamond Industry Achievement Award and celebrate the good diamonds do for communities around the world.

Ms. Khan understands the importance of ‘doing good while doing well.’ In 1999 she established the Chaka Khan Foundation, which focuses on programs and initiatives that 
assist women and children at risk. A musical superstar, Ms. Khan has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. She has released 22 albums with ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs. 

Phyllis Bergman, president of D.E.F’s board of directors, says, “We couldn’t be more 
honored to have such a musical legend perform at this important event that recognizes 
the importance of giving back.”

Premier Presenting Sponsors of the event include Rio Tinto, Signet Jewelers Ltd., The De Beers Group of Companies, Partner Sponsor is Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, and Patron Sponsors include KGK Group, Le Vian Corporation, and Tiffany & Co.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund was co-founded by Russell Simmons and leaders in the diamond industry in 2007 to empower diamond communities around the world.

Info: www.diamondsinthesky.org

JCK Events Announces Multiple Promotions

JCK Events Announces Multiple Promotions

Reed Exhibitions and JCK Events are pleased to announce multiple promotions in several key positions.

Yancy Weinrich, formerly Industry Vice President, is now Group Vice President of JCK Brand. Yancy joined the JCK Events team in 2004 and has been in the jewelry industry for 17 years.  She has successfully led the JCK and LUXURY brands to industry leadership.  In her new role, Yancy will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the entire JCK Events portfolio, including JCK Las Vegas, LUXURY by JCK, SwissWatch by JCK, and the LUXURY Prive events.

John Tierney moves up from Event Director to Industry Vice President, responsible for the LUXURY by JCK and Swiss Watch by JCK event brands.  He will continue to lead the sales and marketing efforts for these high‐end event brands, and strive to build and strengthen the brand relationships that have been instrumental to the success of these events.

Elizabeth Irving is being promoted to Group Marketing Director for the JCK brand.  As Group Marketing Director on JCK events, Liz has responsibility for creating and managing an integrated brand strategy and implementing innovative marketing initiatives across all JCK properties including the events, JCK magazine and JCK Online.   

This integrated marketing approach has lead to a number of successful programs that have resulted in record attendance and enhanced engagement within the jewelry industry community.   

Desiree Hanson is now assuming the role of Event Director for the LUXURY Prive events.   This new role leverages Desiree’s background of creating unique special events, delivering strong matchmaking programs, and builds on her strong jewelry industry relationships.  She will also continue to oversee the special events, conference and hosted‐buyer program for JCK Las Vegas and the LUXURY by JCK events. 

“The true strength of any organization is its people, and I’m thrilled to be able to recognize the efforts of this team and reward their hard work and dedication to the JCK Portfolio of brands” said Nancy Walsh, Executive Vice President at Reed Exhibitions North America.  “Each of these individuals has been instrumental in the JCK brand growth and success, and we are confident that they will continue to be effective and deliver JCK to even greater success”.

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.  The JCK Events portfolio includes JCK Las Vegas, LUXURY by JCK, LUXURY Prive New York and Panama, and Swiss Watch by JCK.

CAROLEE Announces Design Competition With FIT Jewelry Design Students

CAROLEE Announces Winners of Year-Long Design Competition With FIT Jewelry Design Students

Fashion jewelry company CAROLEE announced the winners of its year-long jewelry design competition with the Fashion Institute of Technology as part of the company's 40th anniversary celebration.

Under the guidance of the FIT Jewelry Design Department and the professional design team at CAROLEE, students began the design process last September and presented their final designs for judging in the Spring. Students competed in four key categories: Pearls, Metals, Fashion, and Bridal/Social. A fifth "People's Choice" winner was voted online through a Facebook contest.

The winners are...

Palwasha Iqbal in the Fashion category:

Yoonji Choi in the Pearls category: 

Prakshi Sharma in the Social/Bridal category: 

Christine Gonzalez in the Metals category:  

Elyse Spencer as the People's Choice winner:

In addition to winning $1000 apiece, all five winners' jewelry designs have been manufactured by CAROLEE and are making their debut in major US and international department stores in the Fall. The FIT students' winning collections will also be featured extensively in advertising and in top fashion and lifestyle publications in the fall.

The collections will make their official debut at a special event on the first floor at Bloomingdale's 59th Street on September 13th. Students will meet with Bloomingdale’s VIPs, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and press, and their pieces will be shown in Bloomingdale's windows for two weeks. For each piece of the FIT winning designs sold, CAROLEE will donate $5 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. CAROLEE will also officially announce an ongoing Jewelry Design Scholarship at FIT to support the future development of 21st century jewelry design.

About FIT

FIT - where creativity gets down to business - New York City’s internationally recognized college for design, fashion, art, communications, and business. FIT takes innovation to skyscraper heights. When you enroll at FIT, you join a long line of ambitious, energetic pacesetters.