Discover "Secrets of the Gem Trade" at GIA Thailand’s Gemstone Gathering

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Feb. 16, 2010 – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Thailand will host its 33rd Gemstone Gathering on Feb. 24. Richard W. Wise, a graduate gemologist and president of R.W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc., will share his experiences as a gem explorer and author.

Wise, who began his career as a goldsmith, has traveled from the ruby mines of upper Burma to the Australian outback and the Brazilian hinterland to the black pearl farms of Tahiti, in search of rare and beautiful gemstones. He has interviewed some of the world’s foremost gemstone experts and received entrée to many private collections. Wise recently completed his first novel, “The French Blue,” based on the life of 17th century gem dealer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier.

In his Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones, he presents a variation of the classic Four Cs applied to grading diamonds, which he calls “The Four Cs of Connoisseurship” or the four factors for quality grading colored gemstones and pearls. He will discuss the history and use of these four factors as they relate to grading ruby and sapphire.

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Pacific Rooms 1-3 of the Pan Pacific Bangkok Hotel, on 952 Rama IV Road, Bangkok 10500. Light refreshments will be served.

Attendees will be eligible to enter a drawing to win an autographed copy of The French Blue.

Due to limited seating, an RSVP must be received by Feb. 23 to the GIA Laboratory Bangkok on 02 632 4090, or call the GIA Thailand Campus on 02 237-9575 or e-mail www.giathai.net or visit www.giathailand.com.

Couture 2010 marches towards its 15th Anniversary!

Couture 2010 marches towards its 15^th Anniversary with over
100 brands already committed...

Stalwarts Like David Yurman, Gurhan, Alex Sepkus and Charriol lead the way

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (February 8, 2010) – June 3, 2010, marks the opening day of Couture 2010, which will be held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas from June 3^rd until June 7th. Led by some of the most important and respected brands in the jewelry industry, Couture is positioned to deliver an exceptional event. The 2010 event will be the show’s 15^th anniversary and will be a celebration of Couture’s dedication to showcasing the best designers in the industry including luminaries such as David Yurman, Marco Bicego, Alex Sepkus, Charriol and many others. Couture’s long dedication to weaving together the right brands with the right retailers all in the Wynn hotel’s tremendous facility has proven to be an unbeatable formula.

“The Couture Show has consistently provided an important venue for us to market Alex Sepkus in an elegant, comfortable and civilized environment. We are able to spend valuable time with our customers building and maintaining the relationships that are the cornerstone of our success,” says Jeff Feero of Alex Sepkus.

In 2010, Couture is committing itself to deliver on its brand promise. Lee Arevian, Couture’s show director notes, “A luxury brand has to deliver a luxury experience. We can make some adjustments to better reflect the times, but in the end, the things that define Couture – the level of hospitality, the delivery of certain events, etc. – have to reflect the brands we serve. We’ve made a commitment to our exhibiting brands and our retailers that these certain key elements will remain untouched, and in some cases enhanced.”

The best brands and the best experience are only completed by the best retailers. And once again, Couture is leading the way. Our important Cornerstone Retailer program is being supplemented this year by the additional tier of identified retailers known as Signature Retailers. “While our Cornerstone Retailers represent the icons in our industry, and write huge amounts of business, our Signature Retailers represent an important component as well,” says Arevian. “Through careful mining of Nielsen data and extensive interviews in the designer and retailer community, we were able to identify over 200 retail companies that represent a powerful and vibrant group of retailers particularly skilled in selling designer jewelry. We’ve built a series of programs for them to ensure they have ample opportunity to network and interact with our manufacturers and designers and create a similar dynamic to that we have with our Cornerstone Program.”

All this is done with an eye towards continuing to build the “triumvirate of success” – the best brands, shopped by the best retailers in the best venue. Or, as Fiona Tilley of Gurhan puts it – “Couture remains the primary show on which we depend for the best buyers, the best sales and the best of experiences. All of our important customers make a point of attending Couture to meet with us and have remained committed to it.”

To register, click here

About Couture

Couture, at http://www.TheCoutureShow.com, is the world's most exclusive annual collection of leading international design icons and emerging stars designers and the best of Couture retailers. Set in the magnificent Wynn Resorts, Couture is the only destination where more than 85% of the world's most recognized designers and brands exclusively choose to show during Las Vegas Market Week. Now in its 15th year, Couture continues to be the benchmark for the industry standard for excellence making it the unparalleled event experience for the most prestigious designers and retailers in the world. Couture is an event produced by Nielsen Business Media.

Ganoksin Orchid Raffle 2010 Winners Announced!

Winners of the Ganoksin Orchid Raffle 2010 are Announced!

Many thanks to our friends at Rio Grande for their generous donation
for making the Ganoksin Orchid Raffle 2010 a hit!

Rio Grande is your online source for innovative jewelry-making
products, great service and technical know-how. Whether you are just
starting out or are a seasoned professional jeweler, metalsmith or
artisan, Rio Grande share your passion.

Also, a HUGE thanks for those who participated in purchasing a
Charles Lewton-Brain's eBook.! Thank you!

and (drumroll please).... the lucky winners are...............

$5,000 Rio Grande Gift Certificate goes to

Lawrence M Saber
of Sabushka Design, Perth, Australia
http://ww.sabushkadesign.com

It all started at the beginning of 1981 when I started my
Apprenticeship for a big Manufacturing Jeweller, in
Johannesburg, South Africa. After doing my Trade Exam and
passing it, I went to run a Workshop for a friend of mine (a
fellow apprentice). After a year and a half I decided to go out
on my own. As I had no tools etc. I chanced upon someone who was
emmigrating to the USA and offered to buy his tools. I ended up
buying his Company (including 5 Benchworkers and customers) The
first 6 months were a huge learning curve for me, as I sorted
the "wheat from the chaff", client and staff wise, as well as
learning how and how not, to run a business.

From then on it was all hard work and learning curve after
learning curve until I started to build a reputation for
creating / producing High Quality, High End Jewellery. In that
time (about 12 years) I trained 4 Apprentices and realized that
I loved teaching what I knew to others. I decided to start a
small school, as well as continuing with the business. Not only
did I teach, but I learnt from the students, at the same time.
In all I ran my business for 16+ years and mostly loved every
second of it.

In August 2001 I emmigrated to Perth in Western Australia, where
I was offered a job as Workshop Co-ordinator for one of the big
Manufacturer / Retailer Co's here. I lasted around 18 months
there, before deciding that the "Corporate" kind of environment
was not for me. I then got a job as a bench jeweller. By a
process of elimination ie: the Head Jeweller leaving, to go to
work in Italy, I became Head Jeweller and worked at the Company
for 3 and 1/2 years, before finally deciding to go on my own
again.

I really enjoy starting from a blank sheet of paper, to a
concept sketch, to a final sketch and then on to the real stuff
- 24kt Gold granules, Copper and Silver for alloy, maybe some
Palladium - Melting and alloying into 18kt Gold Bar / Ingot and
then rolling and forging and cutting and filing and soldering
and polishing, maybe settting some stones, final polish and
finally - that sense of accomplishment - the piece is done and
it looks good. Thats what it is all about

.....................................................

$5,000 Rio Grande Gift Certificate goes to
Robyn D. Kleinhans of Colfax, CA. USA

I have joyfully been teaching a jewelry design and rendering
class at the California Institute of Jewelry Training (CJIT).

I did most of the custom design and sales in a fine-jewelry
store in the late 80's.

I have just returned to the bench afer a long sabatical - I am
happily working away, waking up my skills! I first began metal
fabrication as a teen-ager. After getting as far away from
jewelry, and the industry, as possible to pursue other artistic
avenues, (rebel against the family jewelry business!) and raise
my own family, - I have come full circle, and begun to embrace
this as a wonderful gift!

.....................................................

Orchid Members - Please do your part and continue to purchase supplies, books
and services from those who believe in the magic of Orchid and Ganoksin.

Thank you everyone for your support!
Hanuman

Orchid Only Has 40 Chances Left At $5000 Gift Certificate at Rio Grande

[Don't Miss Out] ONLY 40 tickets left for the Orchid raffle 2010

2 Winners of $5,000 gift certificate from Rio Grande!!

WE'VE ALMOST SOLD OUT !!!! Only 40 tickets left

Only 2 days left before Orchid draws the winners!
.....................................................

Get your orchid raffle ticket today!!
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2 Lucky winners will win each $5,000 gift certificate from Rio
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Don't Miss Out! $10,000 Rio Grande Gift Certificate Give-away !!!

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Call for Entries – Halstead Bead Grant

Call for Entries – Jewelry Design Business Development Grant

Halstead Bead, Inc. is calling for entries to its fifth annual Business Development Grant competition for new American jewelry designers entering the bridge jewelry trade. The deadline for packet submissions is June 9, 2010. The winner of the 2010 Grant will receive $6,000 in cash and jewelry supplies as well as other benefits.

The Halstead Bead Jewelry Business Development Grant differs from other jewelry industry competitions and awards because of its emphasis on business skills. Entrants must demonstrate not only extraordinary design, but also a strong business strategy for their start-up. The application experience promotes the business planning required to make a jewelry brand commercially viable at the national level.

Jewelry designers utilizing a wide variety of fabrication techniques including casting, lampworking, metal clay, beading, or metalsmithing are eligible to enter the competition.

Entrepreneur candidates must be US citizens who began their small businesses after January 1, 2007. Their design companies must focus on “bridge” jewelry which is the segment between costume jewelry and fine jewelry that includes accessories in sterling silver, Argentium, semi-precious stones, crystal, freshwater pearls and other similar materials.

Complete application details can be found at http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant

Candidates must submit a design portfolio, resume and answers to several business planning questions. Applications must be received between April 15 and June 9, 2010. The grant website also includes several helpful articles on launching a national jewelry brand as well as information on past winners and finalists. Previous grant winners include: VOSTENAKstudios, Bridgland Studios, Belle Brooke Designs, and Ananda Khalsa Jewelry.

The grant sponsor, Halstead Bead, Inc., is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply wholesalers. The firm was established 37 years ago and now supplies thousands of component resellers and jewelry manufacturers around the globe. Halstead Bead, Inc. is wholesale only and sells findings, chain, wire, sheet & beads for the bridge jewelry segment.

2009 Winner: VOSTENAKstudios (Cottonwood, AZ)

The VOSTENAKstudios line is contemporary with fluid lines and great attention to detail. Ostenak’s unique style is easily recognizable in every piece. She creates one of-a-kind statement necklaces, hairpieces and earrings with delicately intertwined metalwork in her Woven Collection. Her Ribbon Collection consists of more simple hammered styles with a highly reflective finish.

See the blog post about the 2009 Winner here!

All That Glitters...in San Diego...

All That Glitters: San Diego Museum Launches Two-Year Exhibition

Pala International to provide 100 gems and minerals

The San Diego Natural History Museum is opening an exciting new exhibit for all those gem lovers out there. “All that Glitters: The Splendor & Science of Gems and Minerals” will include mineral specimens, faceted gemstones, and designer jewelry. It tells the story from the formation of gems within the Earth to Man’s creations employing all the wonderful gem materials. The exhibit will appropriately focus on the fascinating array of gems and minerals found in San Diego County, along with a wide variety from major gem producing regions around the Earth.

Over 100 gems and mineral specimens will be provided by Pala International. Prominent names in the industry like Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Cartier will provide a wide range of original jewelry pieces. Harvard University, the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston all will be adding to the extravaganza with more jewels and mineral specimens.

The exhibit opens May 15, 2010 and is scheduled to run through April 2012. “In addition to demonstrating the ‘splendor and science of gems and minerals,’ All That Glitters will have a playful side,” says Exhibition Curator and Graduate Gemologist Elise B. Misiorowski. “Jewels and carvings incorporating natural-history themes will give children as well as adults delightful surprises to hunt for. How many jeweled butterflies, birds, and flowers can you find? Which case contains the Faberge carved pig with diamond eyes?”

Excerpt from the January Gem News from Pala International

ISA Celebrates 30 Years with Assets 2010 Conference

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS CELEBRATES THIRTY YEARS WITH “ASSETS 2010” CONFERENCE IN TORONTO

ISA will host a Conference April 30-May 3 with Museum tours and seminars by noted authorities in the fields of Fine Art, Antiques and Residential Contents and Gems & Jewelry

(Toronto, Canada) The International Society of Appraisers will celebrate its thirtieth birthday with an in depth three pronged Conference in Toronto on April 30-May 3. The Conference, entitled “Assets 2010”, will consist of programs in Fine Arts, Antiques and Residential Contents and Gems & Jewelry. Conference coordinator Kathryn Minard, ISA, CAPP, and conference co-chairs Irene Szylinger and Catherine Williams and Jim Poag, Gems and Jewelry program coordinator have arranged a lineup of credentialed powerhouse presenters for each session, a pair of dynamic keynote speakers, Robert Ramsay and David Ben, and scheduled tours of such important venues as the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics, the Bata Shoe Museum, the Textile Museum of Canada, Corona Jewelry Company, the Stephen Bulger Gallery and a tour of a private residence featuring Jamieson Tribal Art.

According to Minard one of the main points of emphasis for this Conference is affordability and flexibility. ISA has arranged very generous rates for participants at the host hotel, the Park Hyatt Toronto in downtown Ontario. It is close to convenient public transportation and is surrounded by a wide variety of eating establishments for all tastes and budgets.

While the Conference will have three distinct sections, participants will be encouraged to pick and choose among sessions to accommodate the cross-over interests of many attendees.

The Fine Art program will feature sessions on the art market, contemporary photography, Inuit art, authentication, insurance appraisals, cross border appraisals and report writing. The Antiques and Residential Contents program will feature sessions on hallmarks, quilts, Victorian, style and design, paperweights, insurance appraisals, appraising pop culture, cross border appraisals and report writing.

The Gems & Jewelry program adds Carole Tanenbaum, a costume jewelry expert; Dave Sawatzky from Korite International, the maker of Ammolite jewelry from Calgary; Ravi Poddar, a representative from Ontario based Byrex Gems; John Borzak, author of the Rolex Report and Paul Cassarino, ISA, CASPP, presenter of the report writing workshop.

The Conference itself is very reasonably priced beginning at $575 for ISA members with Super Saver early registration which ends January 31. Rates are slightly higher after that. Special rates are available for single day events and for spouses/guests. The tours and events are also very reasonably priced. To register online go to http://www.assets2010.org.

Site of the course is the Park Hyatt Toronto, 4 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2E8 Canada, (416) 925-1234. A group discount rate is available through ISA for accommodations at the hotel. Hotel registration is available online at the above address. For more information contact the International Society of Appraisers, 737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago IL 60611, phone (312) 981-6778, fax (312) 981-6787, email isa@isa-appraisers.org, website www.isa-appraisers.org