GIA Adds Scholarship Memorializing Former VP Operations

GIA Announces Tawfic Farah Memorial Scholarship

Institute also awards scholarships to 151 students in 29 countries

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has announced the Tawfic Farah Memorial Scholarship, which will be offered beginning June 15, 2014. The annual scholarship will award full tuition for an on-campus student to pursue their Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma, including the required Diamond Grading, Colored Stone Grading and Gem Identification lab classes. The first scholarship will be for a student at GIA’s campus in Mumbai, and will rotate throughout GIA’s global campuses in subsequent years. The application period each year will run through Oct. 31 and is available on GIA’s website atgia.edu/scholarships.

Tawfic Farah, GIA’s former vice president of
International Operations.  Image © GIA

Tawfic Farah, GIA’s vice president of International Operations who passed away in May 2013, made a lasting and important contribution to the Institute’s mission by building strong relationships in Africa and the Middle East; working tirelessly to expand education and beneficiation efforts in Africa; and supporting the global expansion of GIA’s services. He served GIA and the global public for 10 years with a passion and drive bolstered by humor and compassion.

“Tawfic helped countless people, both students and members of the trade, by working to bring GIA’s education programs to communities involved in the gem and jewelry industry throughout the world. He helped build GIA’s relationships with governments and to create opportunities and choices where few had previously existed,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “In keeping with the vision Tawfic gifted to GIA, we honor him in a way that reflects his personal passion and continues the great contributions he made to the communities that are part of our industry. His always positive and effervescent presence will be greatly missed.”

In Jan. 2014 the Institute awarded its Fall 2013 scholarships to 151 students in 29 countries. The scholarships, totaling more than $500,000, align with GIA’s goals of providing quality education in gemology and jewelry to the trade and aspiring professionals. Supported by private donors and the GIA endowment fund, these scholarships supplement GIA’s wider scope of offerings. Recipients are eligible to participate in distance education eLearning courses and on-campus classes in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan; and at the GIA branch in Dubai. 

In 2013, GIA awarded nearly $600,000 in scholarships to 190 students throughout the world.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.   

PGI & COLIN COWIE PARTNER TO PROMOTE THE ENDURING QUALITIES OF PLATINUM JEWELRY

PLATINUM GUILD INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS WITH WEDDING EVENT PLANNER AND STYLE EXPERT COLIN COWIE ON CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE ENDURING QUALITIES OF PLATINUM JEWELRY

Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) and iconic wedding and event planner, design consultant and television personality Colin Cowie are pleased to announce a new partnership to promote the enduring qualities of platinum jewelry. Naturally white, platinum will never change color or fade, making it the perfect choice for jewelry that symbolizes commitment that will forever stand the test of time.

Within the program, Cowie will illustrate the qualities of platinum as they relate to bridal jewelry through activities including a curated gallery of handpicked platinum jewelry designs, social media engagement, and branded event appearances. Additionally, Mr. Cowie will share his appreciation for platinum jewelry in broadcast interviews and offer commentary on celebrity and everyday bridal style.

“As a major influencer in the bridal realm and an overall style specialist with a strong following, Mr. Cowie is perfectly positioned to speak to todays bridal consumer about platinum,” says PGI-USA’s president Huw Daniel. “He not only understands design, but also recognizes the significance of engagements and weddings in peoples’ lives. As  one of the industry’s most renowned wedding planners, he will show brides and grooms how they can commit to each other with the platinum rings of their dreams, while respecting their budget.”

“I am thrilled to develop this relationship with Platinum Guild International,” says Cowie. “My partnership with platinum jewelry will serve as the perfect adjunct to my commitment to the bridal space. From engagement rings, wedding bands and beautiful fashion jewlery, platinum bridal jewelry is elegant and timeless. I am excited to share my favorite pieces, and demonstrate the value of platinum jewelry that will last a lifetime and more.”

About Platinum Guild International (PGI):

Platinum Guild International is dedicated to promoting platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in the US, China, Japan, India and London, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of platinum jewelry. For more information please visit

PGI-USA’s consumer site: www.preciousplatinum.com

PGI-USA’s press site: www.pgi-press.com

PGI-USA’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jewelryplatinum

Scott Kay to Join LUXURY & JCK Las Vegas 2013

Acclaimed Bridal Designer Joins LUXURY & JCK Las Vegas Shows

Norwalk, CT (February 14, 2013) - JCK Events announced today that the LUXURY and JCK Las Vegas 2013 shows will welcome veteran bridal brand/designer Scott Kay to its roster of exhibitors. The addition of the industry icon will further enhance the impressive designer bridal portfolio. The LUXURY show is set to take place May 28th to June 3rd, JCK Las Vegas runs May 31st through June 3rd, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

Scott Kay, the eponymous bridal jewelry collection launched in 1984, has been a beacon of the bridal jewelry industry for nearly 30 years. Designer Scott Kay’s artisan quality craftsmanship, innovative design and forward-thinking use of metals has served as an inspiration for the category, including both men’s and women’s designs, and has paved the way for a successful fashion component as well. Scott Kay’s uncompromising design philosophy and the resulting collection have translated into marked success at the retail level and an impressive level of consumer awareness.

"We are extremely pleased that Scott Kay will be joining the JCK family," says JCK's Yancy Weinrich. "To add such an in-demand and noteworthy designer talent to our portfolio brings the LUXURY and JCK experience to another level for our attendees. Scott has been a bridal tour de force for years and given so much to this industry, that it is an honor to have him represented alongside our collective of remarkable brands."

On the day of the announcement, by phone, Scott Kay added "I have decided to showcase our work at LUXURY and JCK for quite a few reasons, namely that JCK’s range of retailers and merchants fits the growing dynamics of where our industry is moving. Some of the best, most knowledgeable jewelers attend JCK for raw materials and these are the people I am trying to engage; those looking for the real, unique craft of jewelry. As a specialist in the bridal category, and as an artist, I love to push the envelope with my sculpture. My range (a 40,000 person audience) and JCK’s range makes this the appropriate stage for my brand and passion.  I joined JCK for the quality, audience and diversification. I also love the seven day format; the convenience for my clients played a big role is this decision."

In addition to JCK’s and Scott Kay’s excitement over the announcement, some key jewelry insiders, from both retail and brand-side, weighed in:

Jennifer McCullough, of Smyth Jewelers and LUXURY advisory Board member remarked, "I can't begin to share how excited I am that Scott Kay is joining LUXURY and JCK.  This will make it easier for me to see first-hand his new launches and designs in Las Vegas.  Scott Kay’s new bridal and fashion lines will supersede everyone’s expectations, including his existing accounts and people who are not yet familiar with his vision as a designer. I know retailers will feel he is a valuable addition to LUXURY and JCK."

Joel Schecter, CEO of Honora, shared, "We were thrilled to learn that Scott Kay will show at LUXURY and JCK this year. The addition of Scott Kay the company, as well as Scott Kay the person---one of the few real artists in our industry---continues to validate and strengthen the LUXURY model as the most important branded high- end show in Las Vegas. Scott is the God Father of bridal jewelry and his passion for sculpture is second to none. Great move Scott."

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 May 31- June 3, 2013 - Four Seasons, THEhotel, Mandalay Bay
- Swiss Watch: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - THEhotel, Mandalay Bay, Mandarin Oriental
- JCK Las Vegas: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
- LUXURY Privé New York: July 29-31, 2013 - New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue
- LUXURY Privé Panama: August 26-28, 2013- Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

CelebrityJewels: June Wrap Up!

June (part 2):
Red Carpet and Premiere Jewelry Wrap Up!

Michelle Pfeiffer  Wearing diamond disc earrings by Neil Lane Jewelry at the Premiere of People Like Us Los Angeles, CA: - June 16 2012





Stana Katic  Wearing hammered gold and diamond earrings and a diamond and gold ring from Neil Lane Jewelry at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Beverly Hills Hotel - Beverly Hills, CA: - June 16 2012





Singer Nicole Scherzinger wore a Maria Lucia Hohan dress and accessorized with Norman Silverman diamond bangles and Amrapali diamond bangles to the X-Factor auditions at Metro Radio Arena on June 18, 2012 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.


Norman Silverman Assortment of 18 K Rose Gold Diamond Bangles, Retail starting at: $13,000 to $20,000; www.NormanSilvermanDiamonds.com
Amrapali 14 K Gold Diamond Bangle, Retail: $4220, www.AmrapaliJewels.com

Actress Emily Deschanel wearing a Kabana ring to 'Bringing Farm Sanctuary To All': A Celebration of Expanding Compassion, held in Los Angeles, CA, on June 16th. 


Kabana 14k Yellow Gold Lapis Inlay Ring, Retail: $1,178, www.kabana.net



Actress Gillian Jacobs wearing a Baccarat ring and earrings to the "Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World" premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, held at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA, on June 18th.


Baccarat Ruby Crystal 'Medicis' Earrings, Retail: $1,050, www.Baccarat.comBaccarat Ruby Crystal 'Galet' Ring, Retail: $275, www.Baccarat.com

Olivia Munn Wearing diamond and platinum earrings, diamond rock crystal and platinum bracelet and a diamond and platinum ring  by Neil Lane Jewelry at HBO's Premiere of "The Newsroom"  Hollywood, CA:- June 20, 2012

Actress Rashida Jones wearing a Isharya ring to the "Celeste and Jesse Forever" Q&A at the Los Angeles Film Festival, held at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA, on June 21st. 


Isharya Black Resin Ring with Mother of Pearl, Retail: $93, www.Isharya.com

Actress Brittany Snow wearing Le Vian earrings, ring and bangles to the Premiere Of Universal Pictures' "Ted" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 21, 2012 in Hollywood, California. 


Le Vian 14 K Honey Gold Diamond Earrings, Retail: $3997, www.LeVian.com

Le Vian 14 K Strawberry Gold Chocolate Diamond Ring, Retail: $2647, www.LeVian.com

Le Vian 14 K Honey Gold Chocolate Diamond Bangles, Retail each: $5747, www.LeVian.com

Kathryn McCormick Wearing gray diamond and platinum earrings, gray diamond, citrine and platinum bangle, and a white and gray diamond and platinum ring from Neil Lane Jewelry at The Film Independent's Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures "Magic Mike" - Los Angeles, CA:- June 24, 2012








Actress Chelsea Kane wearing Sethi Couture earrings and stackable rings to the closing night gala premiere of 'Magic Mike' at the 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, held at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA, on June 24th.


Sethi Couture 18K Black Rhodium Rose Cut Diamond Drop Stiletto Earrings, Retail: $1,650, www.SethiCouture.com

Sethi Couture 18K Black Rhodium and White Diamond Crown Ring, Retail: $2,200, www.SethiCouture.com
Sethi Couture Black Rhodium and White Diamond Tiara Ring, Retail: $1,990, www.SethiCouture.com





Actress and singer Nicole Scherzinger wearing Isharya bangles at TAO Beach in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 23rd where she celebrated her birthday later that night.


Isharya Assorted Florentine Stack Bangles, Retail: $372, www.Isharya.com



Singer Nicole Scherzinger wearing a Norman Silverman ring and bangles in addition to Sethi Couture earrings to celebrate her birthday at TAO Nightclub at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 23rd.


Sethi Couture 14K Pink Gold Micro Prong Hoops Earrings with Pink Diamonds, Retail: $1,825, Available at www.SethiCouture.com

Norman Silverman Rose Gold Diamond Band Ring, Retail $14,000
Norman Silverman Assorted Bangles, Retail $18,144-$45,360 EACH, www.NormanSilverman.com




Singer Katy Perry wearing Norman Silverman diamond earrings to the 'Katy Perry: Part Of Me' Los Angeles Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California.

Norman Silverman Cushion Cut Diamond Earrings, Retail: $445,654; www.NormanSilvermanDiamonds.com






Actress Crystal Reed wearing Norman Silverman earrings and a Le Vian ring to The Thirst Project's 3rd Annual Gala, held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, on June 26th.


Norman Silverman White Gold Stud Earrings with Black and White Diamonds, Retail: $3,200, www.NormanSilvermanDiamonds.com

Le Vian 14K Strawberry Gold® Ring with Vanilla Diamonds™ and Chocolate Diamonds®, Retail: $6,198, www.LeVian.com




Salma Hayek  - Wearing diamond, emerald and platinum chandelier earrings and a large diamond, emerald and platinum cocktail ring by Neil Lane Jewelry at the Premiere of "Savages" - Westwood, CA:- June 25, 2012

Actress Noureen DeWulf wearing a Sethi Couture earrings to the the FX Summer Comedies party held at Lure on June 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California.


Sethi Couture 'Rosetta & Mosaic Collection' White Gold with Black Rhodium Rose Cut Diamond Flower Studs, Retail: $1790, www.SethiCouture.com




Actress Yvonne Strahovski wearing Le Vian earrings and a Amrapali ring at the 8th Annual Australians in Film Breakthrough Awards, held at the InterContinental Hotel, on June 27th.


Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds® Ball Drop Earrings, Retail: $3,180, www.LeVian.com
Amrapali Diamond and Emerald Ring, Price: $1,310, www.AmrapaliJewels.com

Carmen Electra  Wearing large diamond, tourmaline and platinum chandeliere earrings and a diamond, tourmaline and platinum ring by Neil Lane Jewelry at The Premiere of The Amazing Spiderman - Westwood CA:- June 28, 2012

#JewelWKLV - JCK LAS VEGAS FINISHES STRONG

JCK LAS VEGAS FINISHES STRONG  Increased attendance, exceptional product  and positive show experience translate into big sales Photo via JCK Events

Las Vegas, NV (June 7, 2012) - JCK Las Vegas 2012 came to a close this past Monday after 4 days of impressive numbers, a 21% increase in attendance over two years. The Show featured over 2,500 exhibitors and welcomed retailers and media from around the globe. By Show's end, exhibitors across the board reported an atmosphere of positivity and robust buying. The Show's return to Mandalay Bay proved successful in the key areas of attendance and product. With support from JCK's leading anchors, AGTA GemFair™, Hong Kong, Plumb Club, Prestige Promenade, VICENZAORO Italian Club as well as exhibitors from 22 countries. In addition, international buyer attendance increased with delegations attending from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico and Russia as JCK Las Vegas continued to solidify its position as a global brand. By combining JCK Las Vegas' with its upscale offerings, LUXURY, Elite Enclave and Swiss Watch, 850 high-end and international retail stores were attracted to the Show for it's all encompassing breadth, variety and one-stop shopping. Swiss Watch, held in the suites at Mandalay Bay, THEhotel and Mandarin Oriental hosted 30 leading watch brands including Breitling, Christian Dior, GUCCI, Hermes, Hublot and Tag Heuer. Members of the media turned out as well, taking advantage of the Show's "Press-Friendly" initiative, which delivered an efficient show experience. Of the Show's luxury component, convenience and attendance, Lisa Cochin of Forevermark explained "Elite Enclave was the ideal setting for Forevermark to exhibit during Las Vegas Jewelry week. The setting was exclusive, yet inviting, and was very convenient for our partner suppliers to bring their clients to visit the salon from the main Show floor. It was great to utilize the lounge for impromptu meetings, with its first-class service and accommodations." Jennifer McCullough of Smyth Jewelers shared "We were very impressed with the breadth of collections available at the Shows. The combination of LUXURY and Elite Enclave with the larger show allowed us to shop each category and price point that appeals to our customer base." On the product front, buyers and media alike reacted favorably to the extensive and varied new products being showcased. Recognizable trends included color, both in gemstones and metals, alternative bridal, (though classic and vintage were certainly not absent) and new metals. Exhibitors experimenting with different metals and proportions delivered varying price points across all product categories. Aida Alvarez of Birks and Mayors commented "The Show delivered for us in a big way this year. The broad categories represented from luxury to fashion and everything in between made for a very convenient and fruitful shopping experience. The exhibitors really understood the market this year and presented diverse products and price points that were on trend." Shail Madhvani of Simplex Diam added "JCK did an exceptional job attracting buyers who were looking for favorable pricing. We opened many new accounts and found the overall mood to be very optimistic." Mark Moeller of RF Moeller added "I couldn't be happier with my JCK experience this year. JCK did a great job making the show extremely easy to navigate. We were able to meet with all our key vendors and meet many new exhibitors as well. There is no other show that allows us to gauge the future for new ideas and products then JCK." Regarding the overall show experience, JCK Las Vegas made major improvements to the program, increasing amenities and services, or "creature comforts". In addition to providing GPS and mobile planning solutions, abundant food options, including Kosher, beauty and relaxation treatments, educational seminars and kosher prayer services were part of the Show's offerings. In the entertainment department, JCK Las Vegas proved to be a hotbed of activity throughout the week boasting numerous celebrity sightings, sponsored daily fashion shows, hosted parties at Mandalay Bay including TAG Heuer, who's private event at Mix featured Sheryl Crow and the high-energy 'JCK Rocks the Beach' party which hosted 4,000 buyers and exhibitors. Moshe Klein of Julius Klein remarked "JCK went out of their way to accommodate our needs and truly took the Kosher dining to another level. We had over 500 people join us for Shabbats services and allowed us to carry on our traditions in the midst of our show." Finally, Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring shared "We had our best show in 19 years, when we began exhibiting at JCK Las Vegas. The time spent strengthening relationships and beginning new dialogues has allowed us to bring our product to millions of consumers via our retail customer network. As a veteran exhibitor at this Show, I can say that JCK has truly become a multi-faceted brand with no shortage of opportunities to take advantage of, from the thrill of the tradeshow experience to their yearlong programs such as JCK Marketplace and JCK TV."

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 Privé New York: July 30 - August 1 - New York, The Pierre Hotel - Fifth Avenue - JCK Toronto: August 12-14 - Toronto, Canada, Metro Toronto Convention Center- South Hall - LUXURY Privé Panama: October 22-24 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

#JewelWKLV - It's A Holiday - Why Am I Working?

...WHY???   Because it is Jewelry Week in Las Vegas - everything I am passionate about is about to be laid out in front of me!!!

It is official - I picked up my Press Badge this afternoon at the Mandalay Bay - Luxury by JCK and Swiss Watch by JCK are underway this week, while JCK Las Vegas starts at the end of the week.

David Copperfield - Cirque - Dancing With The Stars - YEP!  this is Las Vegas  ;)

Meanwhile all the way up the strip there are shows that feed into the Jewelry Week vibe...

At the Mirage the GLDA Show runs through the 31st...Luxury by JCK opens tomorrow...Couture opens on the 31st, along with the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show at the Paris Hotel and AGTA Gemfair at Mandalay Bay.  On June 1st, Niche: The Show opens at Planet Hollywood - this little show I am planning to hit as I have never been disappointed by a RosenGroup project...stay tuned for reports from all these shows!

If you want to keep up with all the shows check back periodically or subscribe to this blog....you can also follow the Twitter feed at...http://twubs.com/jewelwklv/

See you on the strip...

#JewelWKLV: Meet & Greet Pamela Anderson & Kelly Osbourne

PAMELA ANDERSON AND KELLY OSBOURNE TO MEET AND GREET JEWELERS AND DESIGNERS IN LAS VEGAS Palladium Alliance International to Sponsor Celebrity Appearances at
Both LUXURY by JCK and Couture

Palladium Alliance International announces it will sponsor two celebrity Meet and Greet appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada later this month, one at LUXURY by JCK and one at Couture. LUXURY by JCK debuts at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Tuesday, May 29, and continues through June 4.  Couture will take place at the Wynn Resort & Casino, May 31 through June 4.

The combined exhibitions of LUXURY and Couture provide jewelry industry professionals a superior experience for business and networking—and this year, thanks to the special Meet and Greets sponsored by PAI, the shows will also offer attendees a unique opportunity to meet Pamela Anderson and Kelly Osbourne, two of the celebrities featured in PAI’s 2011-2012 advertising campaign, “I’m So Over Heavy Metal.”

English media personality, fashionista, singer and actress Kelly Osbourne (daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne) will participate in two separate Meet and Greet events on June 1 at Couture:

Kelly OsbourneFriday, June 1, 2012
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wynn Resort & Casino
PAI Booth 342

Canadian actress, producer and activist Pamela Anderson will be greeting guests at two separate events on June 2, one during Couture and the other at LUXURY by JCK:

Pamela Anderson Saturday, June 2, 2012
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wynn Resort & Casino
PAI Booth 342

Saturday, June 2, 2012
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mandalay Bay Ballroom
(Adjacent to the LUXURY Bistro Area and LUX1298)
Visitors to these PAI Meet and Greet events will receive a photo of themselves posed alongside the celebrity and a customizable press release announcing their participation to their local media.
Palladium is a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal that, together with platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium, form the group of elements known as the platinum group of metals. It is lightweight, durable, naturally white, pure, and sensitive to the skin. It is becoming the luxury metal of choice for a growing number of fashion-forward jewelry designers and savvy consumers.

Formed in March 2006, Palladium Alliance International (PAI) is the world’s first organization dedicated to promoting palladium as a luxurious and distinctive jewelry metal which is backed by industry-leading education, marketing, public relations and technical support. To learn more, visit www.luxurypalladium.com/MeetandGreetPR.

Lafonn Partners With Designer Rhonda Faber Green

Designer Jewelry Collection by Rhonda Faber Green for Lafonn
to Launch at JCK 2012

Lafonn LLC will officially launch the Rhonda Faber Green Collection for Lafonn next month at JCK Las Vegas 2012. The collection will debut to industry insiders, trade and press, showcasing a dynamic collaboration of original designs with modern skill. The fashion-forward, lifestyle jewelry collection will be unveiled June 1-4 at JCK Design Center booth s10800.

Amongst the most distinct and timeless jewelry collections, Rhonda Faber Green's jewelry is award-winning and known for its iconic filigree designs. Coveted by aficionados of fine jewelry, celebrities and an extensive list of collector clientele, Rhonda Faber Green is a preferred designer name carried in the finest jewelry stores nationally and abroad.

“We are very pleased with our relationship with Rhonda Faber Green," said Mark Seelig, Director at Lafonn. "She has been a delight to work with and we are very proud to offer her designs in an affordable format while still remaining true to the Rhonda Faber Green design."

Combining timeless elegance with modern edge, Green's design can translate from a professional setting to red carpet glamour with ease. She creates a one-of-a-kind look that women love to wear. Green's designs have been seen on many celebrities and are very popular in the fashion industry. Rhonda Faber Green for Lafonn features many of her unique designs in sterling silver bonded with platinum and set with simulated diamonds and lab grown gemstones.

“I love designing and I love to make women feel beautiful," said Green. "Women work hard and they deserve to feel empowered and special--that’s the way I have designed my jewelry. I am very pleased with the way Lafonn has executed my designs, making them available at affordable prices to all women.” 


About Lafonn:
Founded in 2011 in Los Angeles CA, Lafonn was designed to accommodate every woman’s needs when it comes to their choice in fine jewelry with unsurpassed quality and dazzling perfection. The brand features the finest quality simulated diamonds that are comprised of all the same visual esthetic as natural diamonds. With over 30 years of experience in the creation of fine jewelry as a manufacturer and design house, Lafonn has mastered the art of producing the opportunity to treasure an extravagant piece of jewelry at a cost that is within reach. For more information please visit: www.lafonn.com

SELECT & CENTURION PARTNER FOR SELECT JEWELRY SHOWS

SELECT & CENTURION JOIN FORCES TO PRODUCE SELECT JEWELRY SHOWS

New York, NY--SELECT SHOW, LLC and CENTURION JEWELRY BY INVITATION ONLY, LLC have created a new partnership to jointly produce the SELECT shows, beginning with the events in Dallas at the Ritz Carlton (September 9-10, 2012) and in Connecticut at Mohegan Sun (September 23-24, 2012). The new name for the shows will be "SELECT by CENTURION".

"This partnership has been forged as a result of the shared philosophies and outstanding reputations of the SELECT and CENTURION shows," said Joe Carullo and Bryan Cohen, founders of SELECT. "We believe very strongly in producing events that help better fine jewelry vendors present their merchandise to their customers in safe, elegant and intimate venues at reasonable rates."

CENTURION likewise has always partnered with its exhibitors, who were given half the shares in the company by its founder Howard Hauben when the show was launched in 2001.

"We believe not only in partnering but in creating uncommon value for our exhibitors and retail attendees alike," said Hauben. "CENTURION SCOTTSDALE has been a strong success with that philosophy for the past 11 years. When we reintroduced CENTURION SOUTH BEACH this year, we lowered exhibit fees substantially so we could establish a long-term success together with our exhibitors and the result was a quick sell-out with a bright future."

The SELECT by CENTURION shows will continue the hallmarks of the successful SELECT shows, launched in 2010, with 40-50 exclusive exhibitors, breakfasts, seminars, lunches and evening receptions. The company will be overseen by Carullo, Cohen and Hauben, and CENTURION will act as day-to-day management beginning after the 2012 shows.

For further information on SELECT, visit the web site at www.selectjewelryshow.com.

Diamond Empowerment Fund at JCK Las Vegas!

For the first time ever,  Diamond Empowerment Fund  will have a booth at U.S. jewelry trade show, and will be raffling off a 51-inch Samsung television. 

Visitors to the DEF booth also will have an opportunity to meet Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, the renowned international model who is a DEF Angel Ambassador, and meet Joseph Munyambanza, a graduate of the African Leadership Academy and recipient of a DEF scholarship that helped him complete his studies.

        Diamond Empowerment Fund Unveils Retailer Merchandising Kit; Announces First Time Exhibiting at JCK Show

         

New pop-up booth will feature raffle for a 51-inch Samsung TV, plus a chance to meet one of the student recipients of a DEF scholarship to the African Leadership Academy

Support DEF Shop the Empowerment Green Bracelet at:http://www.diamondempowerment.org/shop/green-bracelet/

New York, May 15, 2012—The Diamond Empowerment Fund is excited to announce its first-ever booth at a U.S. jewelry trade show, and a preview of merchandising support materials to accompany DEF Empowerment Jewelry product.

In the DEF booth, #L-200, located in the Shoreline Lobby Level 2 just outside the area encompassing LUXURY by JCK, will be two flat-screen televisions, one of which will feature video from students attending DEF-funded schools in Africa, and the other—a Samsung 51-inch plasma TV—to raise money to support DEF’s mission of funding education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. The raffle winner will be chosen on June 4 at 11:15am at the booth.

Empowerment Charm offered by Richline Group

DEF also will be introducing a preview of new sales support materials to accompany its upcoming lineup of DEF-benefit products, including the Empowerment Charm, a collector’s edition charm uniquely crafted in sterling silver with genuine Swarovski Elements offered by the Richline Group; the Empowerment Green Bracelet, an updated version of the original green malachite beaded bracelet with diamond accents on the bezel offered by Simmons Jewelry Company; and Empowerment Rings part of Royal Asscher’s Stars of Africa and Shining Stars Collection where diamonds are encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing them to flow freely like snowflakes in a snow globe . Retailers are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions on the sales support materials for the final versions, which will be produced in time for the fall selling season.

Stars of Africa Series from Royal Asscher Diamonds celebrates the efforts of the DEF

On Friday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m., DEF will host “Conversation with Joseph,” featuring Joseph Munyambanza, a graduate of the African Leadership Academy, which receives funding from DEF. Munyambanza will be at the booth throughout the day to meet industry leaders and greet visitors, and will be part of the Diamonds For Good panel discussion taking place on Saturday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m.

Also on Saturday, June 2 from 11am – 3pm., visitors are invited to meet International Model of the Year and DEF Angel Ambassador Flaviana from Tanzania, and Angel Ambassador and Top Model Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner from South Africa. Both are committed to the importance of DEF’s mission to Africa and actively advocate on DEF’s behalf.

DEF’s mission is to raise money to fund education initiatives in African diamond-producing nations. Its beneficiaries include: CIDA City Campus, South Africa’s first non-profit university to offer a four-year business degree, boasting an 80% employment rate among graduates.  The second is the African Leadership Academy, a university preparatory school in Johannesburg, South Africa founded on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to sustainable development on the continent and drawing students from all 54 countries in Africa, emphasizing leadership skills, African History, and entrepreneurial skills. DEF provides scholarships to all students from diamond-producing nations.  The third beneficiary is the Botswana Top Achievers program that selects the top high school students countrywide in Botswana, and affords them the opportunity to study at a university of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to Botswana to contribute to its economic, social and political development.