Happy Valentine's Day from Cari Jewelry

Thanks to Cari Jewelry for the following info:

Rory and Cari Streeter started Cari Jewelry in 2002 out of pure passion for making jewelry. They work together, to design, create and market their collection that has become a craze nationwide. Fashion, artistry and the people who wear their jewelry inspire them to continuously create new things.

Personalized pieces evoke emotion through words, names, dates and anything that has special meaning to the wearer. Each letter is skillfully and artistically hand-stamped, one at a time. Popular words include: LOVE, XOXO, FOREVER, AMORE, TRUE LOVE, JOY, HOPE, PEACE, GRATITUDE, FAITH, TRUTH, DREAM, FRIENDS, ALWAYS, names, dates, and initials of loved ones. Symbols include +, &, and a heart stamp.

Cari Jewelry is a collection of beautiful handmade jewelry that is interchangeable and can be personalized to have special meaning. Each design is hand-sculpted with a distinctive, organic style, is cast in sterling silver or 14kt gold and hand-finished with the greatest of care and attention to detail. Each piece is substantial and weighty with obvious quality in every aspect. People become addicted to the freedom to add pendants, charms, diamonds, gemstones, words and layer chains to create unique ensembles that will be treasured forever!

All pieces are made in the USA with recycled silver and gold and conflict-free diamonds and gemstones. 

Learn To Sell Handmade - Halstead Scholarship Available!

HALSTEAD SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE for JEWELRY ARTISTS

LEARN to SELL YOUR HANDMADE CREATIONS to GALLERIES and STORES

Through a generous gift from Halstead Bead Inc., scholarships are available for jewelry artists who want to receive business training in the Visiting Artist Program of the Buyers Market of American Craft.

     The Visiting Artist Program, coming to Philadelphia February 19-20, 2011, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will provide one- and two-day workshops teaching craft entrepreneurship — how to launch a business, develop and promote product lines and price artwork for wholesale and retail sales.

     Participants will tour the Buyers Market of American Craft, the nation’s largest wholesale tradeshow where artists from the U.S. and Canadian studios sell their work to galleries, boutiques, museum shops and catalogs.  In addition, participants will receive a portfolio or product critique from retailers and tradeshow managers.

     Offered twice a year, the Visiting Artist Program is tailored for studio-based artists   who make and sell jewelry, fashion accessories and designer products for home or office such as tile, pottery, glass art and other fine crafts.  The non-profit Arts Business Institute runs the program with a faculty of experienced retailers and artists. The Visiting Artist Program will also be offered this summer in Baltimore, Md., on July 11, 2011.

     Family-owned Halstead Bead Inc., www.halsteadbead.com, of Prescott, Ariz., has been a supplier of findings, chain, beads, wire and tools for jewelry artists since 1973.

    A scholarship donation presented to the Arts Business Institute by Halstead Bead will cover admission fees for several jewelry artists to attend the Visiting Artist Program in 2011. The company’s own Halstead Grant is presented each year to a new jewelry designer.

     To register online for the upcoming Visiting Artist Program, please visit www.artsbusinessinstitute.org. Registration is $75 for a one-day workshop and $130 for a two-day workshop. To receive a scholarship application contact Erin Hartz at erinh@rosengrp.com. The application deadline for scholarships to the Philadelphia program is February 4, 201l.  For information call 800.432.7238, ext. 206.

Royal Wedding Alert! Prince William Engaged!

Well it has finally happened...

"The woman the British tabloids oh-so-respectfully dubbed "Waity Katie" will be made to wait no more.

Prince William has formally announced his engagement to Kate Middleton, pleasing monarchists, the prime minister (from the sounds of it) and fans of cupid the world over." via E!online

Prince William gave Kate his late mother’s platinum engagement ring that features an 18 carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 smaller white diamonds from Garrard.

According to jewelry expert Michael O’Connor, “Since this ring was originally set in platinum, the highest quality metal, it looks as beautiful today as it did years ago, and as it will for generations."

Platinum has a deep history with British royals. At the coronation of George VI in 1936, his wife Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) was crowned with an elegant platinum crown holding the famous Koh-I-Noor diamond. Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, who exchanged platinum wedding bands with King Edward VIII, declared platinum the one and only choice for evening wear.

For more information on platinum jewelry, visit www.preciousplatinum.com

Winners of the 2010 International Pearl Design Contest

Earlier this week the Cultured Pearl Association announced the winners of their FIRST International Pearl Design Contest...

From the website:

Providence, RI –October 21, 2010
Francis Mastoloni, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly announces the winners of the CPAA’S first International Design competition. “We are very happy with the success of our first competition, entries from 9 countries we received” Mr. Mastoloni reported.

For you - just a few of the winning entries - I will be putting a photo gallery up at Posterous as I receive photos (if you are one of the jewelers on the "Commendations" list and want to be included email to robynahawk at yahoo:

PRESIDENTS TROPHY
“South Sea Glow”

Adam Neeley of Laguna Beach, CA

The highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best.

LUSTER AWARD
“Sea of Love”

Philip Dismuke for Jewelsmith of Durham, NC

Award is given to the entry that is judged “most marketable” of all the entries in the competition. This design will have the most overall appeal for the retail marketplace.

ORIENT AWARD
“Aurora Eclipse”

Anil Maloo, Baggins Inc. of Los Angeles, CA

The award given to the entry that would inspire a new found affinity in someone for cultured pearls.

WEDDING DAY AWARD
“Carved Lace”

Elizabeth Blair of Harbor Springs, MI / Massimo Sanalitro of Milan, Italy

Brides and pearls are synonymous. Create a “fantasy wedding” theme with pearls.

ABOUT CPAA

The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States.

Our intention is to "cultivate" awareness, interest, demand and successful marketability of Cultured Pearls for the retail community and the consumer level. Through promotion, education, public relations and unwavering commitment we aim to inspire an authentic passion for all Cultured Pearl varieties.

The Results Are In! METALinclinations 2

Seems like this has been a couple weeks of non-stop Election Results! OK - don't get worried this isn't going to be a political rant!!! I am referring to all the Award results lately!

...and today it is METALinclinations 2:

METAL Inclinations 2 is an International competition and exhibition sponsored by Hauser & Miller - presented by The Society for Midwest Metalsmiths. Check out the Gallery to see all eight award winners and all 50 pieces chosen for the 2010-12 exhibition.

JUDITH KINGHORN

FIRST PLACE WINNER
$2,000 SOCIETY FOR MIDWEST METALSMITHS AWARD

SUZAN REZAC

SECOND PLACE AWARD
$1,000 HAUSER & MILLER COMPANY AWARD

Be sure to go to the Award Gallery and check out the entries - some really fabulous makers!

2011 Gemmy Awards - Sneak Peek!

So excited to announce a couple "Sneak Peeks" at the recently announced 2011 Gemmy Awards!

First this stunning gem from the hand of John Dyer won 1st place in the Specially Cut gems category and tied for Best of Competition in the Jewelry Artist-Lapidary Journal Gemmys!

93.53-Carat Blue Topaz Gemstone | John Dyer/Precious Gemstones Co. Catalog

johndyergems.com

This 93.53-carat Blue Topaz gemstone features the Dreamscape(TM) cut.

...and from Gary Kratochvil, the Second Place winner in the "Artists on the Horizon" category...can't wait to see more from Gary!

Item: Sold
Material: Natural Oregon Sunstone (Red Labradorite)
Type: Top red with schiller (Medium Tone)
Locality: Oregon, USA
Hardness: 6.5 good for almost any jewelry application
Design: Modified Sun Drop (designed by Jeff R. Graham)
Cut By: Gary Kratochvil
Dimensions: 19.3mm long x 13mm wide x 8.7mm deep
Clarity: Red Schiller
Weight: 12.10 carats
Price:
Treatments: None
Note: Top red with a spray of schiller.

The Gemmy's are an annual award from Interweave - publishers of Lapidary Journal - Jewelry Artist Magazine and Colored Stone Magazine.

Awards are given in the following Divisions :

• Faceted Gems
  Stones must be flat faceted; concave or convex faceted stones should be entered in the Specially Cut division.
  
• 
  
• Cabochon Gems
  Stones must be any natural gem material cut in a cabochon shape, and must be suitable for jewelry use.
  
• 
  
• Specially Cut Gems
  Stones include those that have been carved; cut with regular, curved “facets”; engraved; fitted together into a composite; or cut using any other lapidary technique other than flat faceting or cabbing; or any combination of lapidary techniques.
  
• 
  
• Gem Objects
  Items that are either nonfunctional or whose function is other than use in jewelry including, but not limited to, faceted stones not suitable for jewelry use.
  
• 
  
• Artists on the Horizon
  Any type of cut or gemstone, cut by an artist who has never won a national/international gem competition

A complete list of winners and photos of the winning entries will be published in (from the website):

"Winners will also be published in the January 2010 Tucson Show Guide, the January 2010 issue of Jewelry Artist, and the January/February 2010 issue of Colored Stone."

Daily Jewel Editors note: Are you as surprised as I am to see this? Could there be a 2011 Colored Stone? I am checking with Interweave to see if this was a typo/forgotten update on the website. It would be so exciting to see Dave Federman's brilliant information in Colored Stone available again!

For more info about the Gemmy Awards and a link to the entry form:

http://www.jewelryartistmagazine.com/contest/gemmys/

Celebrity Jewel: Demi Moore Sparkles In Platinum

On the Red Carpet with Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher at the Russian Assemblies Charity Gala to benefit DNA - Demi & Ashton Foundation at the Ritz Carlton in Moscow Saturday night!

Demi Moore dazzled in PLATINUM jewelry by Cartier:

- platinum and multi-colored diamond cascading drop earrings

- platinum and diamond seven row cuff bracelet
- platinum and diamond dome cocktail ring

Celebrities love to wear platinum jewelry because it’s a naturally white metal, so it maximizes the brilliance of diamonds and other colored gemstones.
For more information on platinum jewelry, visit Precious Platinum

Would you like to speak with a jewelry expert regarding the latest trends for the red carpet, and how to get the celebrity look for less in platinum? Contact Niki at PRLab

Believing that freedom is a basic human right, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher founded The Demi and Ashton Foundation (DNA) to raise awareness about child sex slavery, change the cultural stereotypes that facilitate this horrific problem, and rehabilitate innocent victims. DNA is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization.

Photo credits: Getty Images and Associated Press (AP)

Hauntingly Beautiful - Elaine Songer's "Opal Moon"

In the spirit of the season...my "Trick or Treat" from the brilliant Jeffrey Hunt (founder of One World Gemstone) was this stunning photo for use on the Facebook partner to this blog!

Did you know there was a "Daily Jewel" on Facebook? info is in the right hand column here on the blog. It is a little different - here I find you fun things that I find online or in my mailbox. On the Facebook page I have to find the daily inspiration from Facebook. When I first started using Facebook there was a general opinion that there was much there for the Jewelry and Gem Industries...the "Daily Jewel" found who was there and featured the work of gem cutters, wire wrappers, lampworkers, beaders, beadweavers, gem sellers and mineral collectors....boy - has that pool grown!!!

Happy Halloween!

...from One World Gemstone & The Daily Jewel!

Elaine Songer's OPAL MOON for Robyn Hawk.
I remember last year around Halloween Robyn loved my Something Wicked Halloween photo. With that in mind, I took liberties with Elaine Songer's Opal and created this digital montage for Robyn to celebrate Halloween 2010.
The work also marks the very successful completion of eye surgery for Elaine!
Congratulations both for wonderful work in the field... And, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Jeffrey Hunt

For a larger format photo: http://customgemstonestudio.com/custom-gemstones/opal-moon-2/

...and this is the one that started it all! Something Wicked!

Halloween is almost here in the United States! This is a design called Something Wicked that I designed several years ago, the design was pubished in Jewelry Artist Magazine October 2007. This design (and others) can now be found here: http://www.gemologyproject.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hunt_-_Something_Wicked

SilverMark - Designers of Distinction

SilverMark has just announced the roll out of a new category on their SavorSilver website. Previously they announced their Designers of Distinction Gallery that promotes the silver line of twenty fine jewelry designers.

The website now supports Designers of Distinction from Mexico featuring 10 designers...if you are thinking traditional silver and turquoise, you will be disappointed.

Innovative and stunningly unique use of silver like the pieces from the SavorSilver site will keep the silver jewelry market trending!

The following Advertisement ran in National Jeweler:

Silver Promotion Service News

The Silver Promotion Service (SPS) recently announced a significant expansion of its Savor Silver Web site, SavorSilver.com. The enhanced site, which went live on October 15th, now includes a new section, “Designers of Distinction” from Mexico. Working with the Silver Information Center of Penoles Industries, 10 highly regarded Mexican silver jewelry designers have been identified for inclusion. Representative selections of their innovative designs and their design philosophy may now be seen on the site. The second initiative reflects the introduction of “SilverMark Manufacturers.” The four inaugural participants are bastian from Germany, Gabriel from the United States, Metalsmith Sterling from Canada and Sun Jewels from India. Visitors to the expanded site will also now have the option to view both the above additions, as well as all prior content, in Spanish. We could not be happier about the way in which the online portion of the overall SPS program has developed. These enhancements represent both the first steps towards further expansion and refinement of the categories of jewelry featured and the increasingly international focus of the overall program. As we approach the holiday season, it is time for all to Savor Silver. Best regards, Michael C. Barlerin Director

AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™ - Platinum Honors!

Three new categories have been added to the Platinum Honors Division of the AGTA's 2011 Spectrum Awards™.

We have photos of four of the winners and as we receive photos we will add them.

There will be a complete photo gallery later on Posterous at: http://aflyonthewall.posterous.com/

Platinum Honors, sponsored by Platinum Guild International, recognizes outstanding use of platinum in colored gemstone and/or pearl jewelry in the five Spectrum Awards categories and for the Best Use of Color and Platinum. New for this year, Platinum Honors adds three new categories: Platinum Honors Innovation – Bridal Wear under $2,500, Platinum Honors Innovation – Classical under $3,500 and Platinum Honors Innovation – Day Wear under $2,000.

Bridal Wear - Platinum Honors

Yehouda Saketkhou, Yael Designs: Platinum "Triad" ring featuring a 6.34 ct. unheated blue Sapphire accented with white Diamonds (1.03 ctw.)

Bridal Wear - Entry Platinum Honors

Robert Pelliccia, J.R. Dunn Jewelers: Platinum ring featuring a 1.37 ct. round blue Sapphire accented with Diamonds (.46 ctw.) and blue Sapphires (.28 ctw.)

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Maria Canale, Richard Krementz Gemstones: Platinum "Wave" pendant featuring a 2.18 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline accented with Diamonds (3.72 ctw.).

Business/Day Wear - Platinum Honors

Ron Lodholz, Stonehaven Jewelry Gallery: Platinum ring with a 1.41 ct. Aquamarine, Diamond Accent (.06 ctw.).

Classical - Platinum Honors

Christopher Olson, Molina Fine Jewelers: Platinum "Temple of the Sacred Heart" ring featuring a 10.05 ct. oval untreated Ruby accented with white Diamonds (7.18 ctw.) and Rubies (.22 ctw.).

Evening Wear - Platinum Honors (see photo above)

Ralph Wobito, Zultanite Gems, LLC: Platinum earrings featuring Zultanite (Diaspore) briolettes (25.15 ctw.) accented with white Diamonds (0.95 ctw.).

Men's Wear - Platinum Honors

Alan Friedman, Alan Friedman: Platinum ring with a cushion-cut purple Spinel (6.62 ct.).

...and the big one:

Best Use of Platinum and Color:

Judy Evans, Omi Gems, Inc.

Platinum "Princess of Ratnapura" bracelet featuring nine round Sapphires (14.0 ctw.) and round Diamonds (8.48 ctw.)

Tent Not Necessary! Jewelry Camp at F.I.T.!!

Lots of fun and networking will be mixed with an educational opportunity for appraisers and jewelers, from the Welcome Dinner sponsored by Bonham & Butterfields to a star studded list of Lectures and Seminars...to include:

Harrice Miller - Internationally Recognized Author & Jewelry Historian

Michael S. Coan, G.G. - Chair of Jewelry Design at FIT

Michael Burstein - VP of NY Flagship Salon for Harry Winston

Reema Keswani - Founder, Golconda Jewelry

and President of the American Society of Jewelry Historians

...but it's not all about history - this year Cindy Edelstein of JRB

shows you how to bring Estate pieces to the public using Modern Methods.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from @JewelryBizGuru Jan 23rd!

How to Grow Your Business & Connections Using Social Media
Everyone is twittering but how do you make sure you don't sound like a twit?

They're all on Facebook but who should you friend? And "like"?

And more importantly, who will friend you? And why?

From Sandy Lewand for Jewelry Camp, an institution for almost 35 years, offers education to jewelry enthusiasts on estate and antique jewelry as well as classes on new and current styles.
This special one day program will bring together noted speakers lecturing on topics such as the firms of Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels as well as subjects pertaining to the history of fine and costume jewelry.
The estate and antique markets are the new trends in the industry. Knowledge of these periods will serve as a springboard to attract new clients. In these uncertain times, jewelry, whether it is antique and estate or current designs, is not only a an alternative to traditional investments but the older pieces are also a remembrance of times gone by and the superb workmanship of artisans who labored to make jewelry. Many of these jewels are available at reasonable prices.
Jewelry Camp offers not only information about periods and designers but it is also a time for networking. There will be instructors who will teach how to identify, price and market jewelry as well as classes for the beginner to the advanced student.
The new one day program at FIT is the beginning of our effort to provide educational information to the trade and public so as to promote this trend in the industry. There will be other one day programs featured in cities around the country.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.jewelrycamp.org
VISIT OUR BLOG http://www.jewelrycamp.blogspot.com

Announcing: Mort Abelson Scholarship - Apply Today!

Mort Abelson Scholarship Application 2011
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
760 Market Street, Suite 900
San Francisco CA 94102

Entry Fee (Revere Academy: Mort Abelson Scholarship Application 2010): $25.00

MORT ABELSON SCHOLARSHIP 2011
A contest open to anyone in the United States and Canada.

Scholarship Background
The contest honors Mort Abelson, who was instrumental in raising the awareness of jewelry design and promoting jewelry designers in the U.S. As President of Jewelers of America from 1975-1977, and then as director until 1995, Mort was responsible for overseeing the massive JA International Trade Show in New York. In order to spice up what was devolving into an ocean of look alike commercial jewelry, Mort had the brilliant idea to bring in a new group of exciting young designers each year. Under the banner, New Designer Gallery, Mort introduced hundreds of talented newcomers over the next three decades. Many launched their careers in the New Designer Gallery and have continued to make their marks as leaders in the field; David Yurman, Esther Gallant, Whitney Boin, Diana Vincent, Steven Kretchmer, Eddie Sakamoto, Tom Kruskal, Penny Preville, Alex Sepkus, Susan Sadler and many more. Among the list is Alan Revere, who is also one of the country’s preeminent jewelry educators, teaching at the school he founded in 1979. As a designer and also a leader in jewelry training, with a long affiliation with Jewelers of America, Revere’s Academy was selected as the scholarship site.

Contest Prize
The contest winner will receive an all-expenses-paid scholarship from anywhere in the US to San Francisco (air, lodging, tuition and fees) for a master class of their choice during the Academy’s annual International Masters Symposium in April 2011. For three weeks during the Masters Symposium, prominent jewelry artists, designers, craftsman and experts converge on San Francisco to teach professional skills and techniques in the area of their greatest expertise. The masters lined up are: James Carter, John Cogswell, Naohiro Yamada, Michael Good, Kent Raible, Kate Wolf, Jack da Silva, Suzanne Pugh, and Alan Revere.

To see more about the Masters Symposium classes available, go to Revere Academy's website.

JURORS
A jury composed of Alan Revere and Cindy Edelstein will select the winner.

ENTRY DEADLINE
November 1, 2010 11:59pm (MST)

Eligibility
The contest is open to anyone in the United States and Canada. Jurors will be looking for an individual whose work exemplifies original, innovative, high quality jewelry design. Submit 5 images of jewelry and 2 short essays of 100 words or less.

Acceptance
Applicants will be notified via email by November 16, 2010.

Special Thanks
This unique scholarship was funded by designers, for designers. At a gathering in 2007 to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the New Designer Gallery, an auction was held to raise funds to honor Mort. Over 50 past participants of the New Designer Gallery and other jewelry artists donated a piece of their work to be auctioned, with the proceeds used for the scholarship. The artists/donors all wanted to acknowledge and thank Mort for his support in a way that perpetuates his energy and insight and helps up-and-coming jewelry designers. By paying back with their own creations, these generous artists are completing the circle and are paving the way for the next generation of jewelry designers. Click here to see a list of donors.