Julien’s Auctions: Property From The Estate of Tony Curtis

Julien’s Auctions, the world’s premier entertainment and celebrity auction house will offer a rare glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood’s most colorful stars, Tony Curtis. The rare Hollywood star whose off-screen character was often more sensational than his on-screen one, lived a life that could be its own movie or television series.  Curtis’ career spanned six decades with popularity during the 1950s and 1960s enabling him to transpose his good looks into super movie stardom.  He acted in over 100 films ranging from light comedy to serious drama and he also made numerous television appearances.

Among Curtis’ most memorable films were 1959’s “Some Like It Hot,” 1960’s “Spartacus,” 1953’s “Houdini,” 1952’s  “Son of Ali Baba”, 1957’s “Sweet Smell of Success,” 1965’s The Great Race and of course 1968’s “The Boston Strangler,” often noted as his most serious part. He earned an Oscar nomination for the 1958 crime drama “The Defiant Ones.” The film “Some Like It Hot” in which he acted with icon Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon has been called the funniest film in history by the American Film Institute.

He also acted with such greats as Burt Lancaster in “Sweet Smell of Success” and Cary Grant in “Operation Petticoat.”  Curtis was often noted for his impeccable comedic timing.  Off screen Curtis earned even more attention for his personal life which was filled with great turmoil and change. He married five times, his first and most famous to actress Janet Leigh.

In addition to being a popular actor, Curtis was a fine art connossiuer. Collectors will have the opportunity to purchase some of his impressive art collection along with items from his illustrious career at Julien's Auctions Gallery in Beverly Hills on September 17th, 2011. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit Shiloh Horse Rescue, a charitable organization founded by Jill and Tony Curtis that rescues and rehabilitates abused, neglected and slaughter-bound horses of all types (www.shilohhorserescue.com).


You can view the order a limited edition auction catalog or flip through the auction catalog online at:


The Estate of Tony Curtis Exhibition:
Tuesday, September 6th – Friday, September 16th
10am-5pm PDT, Monday through Saturday
Free to Public – Closed on Sundays

Live and Online Auction:
Saturday, September 17th, 2011
Session I – 10am PDT
Session II – 2pm  PDT


Location:

Julien’s Auctions Beverly Hills
9665 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 150
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

WFDB Pays Tribute To DTC Broker, Mr. Rothchild

The World Federation of Diamond Bourses has paid tribute to Gerald Rothschild, who has died in Germany at age 86. Mr. Rothschild was a veteran DTC diamond broker, who served as managing director at I. Hennig & Co., and in 1995 set up his own brokerage office. "Gerald was the impeccable English gentleman, whose gracious manner often hid from view his massive contribution to the diamond industry over the past 60 years," said Avi Paz, WFDB President. "As our business grew, with new production and trade centres being set up in different countries, he more often than not was at the forefront, nurturing companies and individuals who eventually would become major players."   "The diamond community will miss Gerald's vision and innate understanding of our business. On behalf of diamond bourse members from across the WFDB, I send condolences and best wishes to his family," Mr. Paz said.

About the WFDB:

The object of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses is to protect the interests of affiliated bourses and their individual members, and to further the amicable settlement or arbitration of differences and disputes between the individual members of the affiliated bourses and between the affiliated bourses. In furtherance of this object, it is the aim of the world federation to participate in the promotion of world trade and to encourage the establishment of bourses, with the view of eventual affiliation of all centres where diamonds are actively traded.

Members of the bourses affiliated to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses pledge themselves to uphold the traditions, principles of mutual trust, consideration and friendship which prevail among the members of the bourses world-wide. They pledge themselves to abide by and hand down these principles and to ensure that they will forever serve as a basis in business relations between members of the affiliated bourses world-wide.

ASJH presents "The Hidden Techniques of Macedonian Goldsmiths"

September 15, 2011

"The Hidden Techniques 

of the Macedonian Goldsmiths"

SPEAKER: Dr. Monica M. Jackson, PhD

6:00pm,  Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Fashion Institute of Technology

on 7th Ave and West 27th Street,  New York

Techniques formulated in ancient times and lands have endured through the ages, and many are used even to this day. Explore these hidden techniques perfected by the Macedonians centuries ago with Dr. Monica Jackson,  archeologist and historian specializing in ancient jewelry from the Mediterranean.

Location: Fashion Institute of Technology, New York

Dr. Monica M. Jackson:  is a classical archaeologist, author and lecturer specializing in the archaeology of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea areas. She has participated in excavations in Greece, Cyprus and further east. Her particular area of research is the study of Hellenistic gold jewellery as chronological evidence.Monica has published and lectured extensively both in Australia and overseas.Topics include jewellery and the luxury arts, issues concerning cultural heritage, as well as ancient Greek and Near Eastern history and religion. 

The American Society of Jewelry Historians (ASJH) is a 25-year old non-profit educational organization operated by volunteers who are committed to making the ASJH an up-to-date resource for those interested in jewelry related topics.

ASJH, founded in 1986, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and information on jewelry history and related topics, including ancient to modern jewelry, cultural influences on jewelry design and wear, famous jewelry designers, jewelry design houses, and jewelry collectors.

You needn't be an "historian" to benefit from membership. ASJH members are people who share a passion for jewelry, be it ancient, antique or contemporary. We welcome jewelry collectors and historians, jewelers, jewelry designers and artists, jewelry appraisers and dealers, gemologists - anyone with an interest in jewelry.

Rio Tinto Diamonds Design Competition!

Rio Tinto Diamonds Launches 

Global Design Competition 

Winning designs to be 

showcased at the 2012 Oscars 

Rio Tinto Diamonds has announced the launch of an exciting global design competition aimed at inspiring creativity and innovation across four categories of diamond jewelry design.  These categories reflect the diverse nature of Rio Tinto’s diamonds and its commitment to sustainable jewelry practices. 

According to Rebecca Foerster, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamonds US Representative Office, 

“We are delighted to be announcing this competition at a time when the jewelry industry is hungry for product innovation and design. This competition has a number of unique categories which will provide the opportunity for both new and emerging designers to showcase their craft.” 

The competition is open to entrants from the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, China, India, and Australia, who can submit designs in the following categories: Champagne Diamonds, Silvermist Diamonds, Canadian Diamonds and Sustainable Jewelry.  There are also two levels of entry - “Rising Star” and “Master Craftsman” - and participating designers will have the opportunity to express the unique story of inspiration for their design. 

The design competition closes on October 26, 2011, with judging to take place in New York on November 2, 2011.  The eight winning designs will be chosen by a panel of elite jewelry designers, fashion experts and celebrity stylists. The winning designs will be showcased at a suite at the 2012 Oscars, along with significant media exposure.  

About Rio Tinto Diamonds - Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent 

interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments.  Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India.  

Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through its Diamonds Sales and Marketing headquarters office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York.  Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. 

Website:  http://www.riotintodiamonds.com

All photos courtesy of Rio Tinto Diamonds

"Emeralds For Elephants" - Asian Elephants

NARAYAN JEWELLERS ZAMBIAN EMERALD RING

Following the success of ‘Emeralds for Elephants’ in London in the summer of 2010, the key players have formed a new project along the same lines - benefiting a different region.  World Land Trust has partnered with Gemfields in an effort to create awareness and raise crucial funds for the conservation initiatives of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) for the Asian Elephant in India.


The effort has brought together 10 of India's top Jewelry Designers each hand picked to create a one-of-a-kind piece or collection using Gemfield's ethically sourced Zambian emeralds. Gemfields’ focus is on ethically produced Zambian emeralds that follow fair-trade, environment, social and safety best practices. The Company’s unique mine-to-market capability guarantees the provenance of every gem through a full disclosure and certification programme. The deep green of these gems and the ethical nature of their mining and route to market, form a perfect fit with the World Land Trust’s goals and objectives.

VUMMIDI BANGARU JEWELLERS ZAMBIAN EMERALD EARINGS

As India’s farmlands and cities expand, the Asian Elephant is experiencing large-scale habitat fragmentation and loss. India is home to 60% of the world’s Asian Elephant population, making their survival in India critical to the survival of the whole species. An extensive survey across India conducted by WTI resulted in identifying 88 vital corridors for elephant movement. The Wildlife Trust of India with its conservation partners subsequently set about securing these vital corridors, of which the World Land Trust has partnered with WTI in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, southern Indian state of Kerala and the north eastern state of Meghalaya.

Securing corridors for elephants involves working closely with local communities and governments and this renders the entire process time and resource-intensive. WTI and its conservation partner WLT aim to facilitate the creation of conflict-free corridors and improve conservation prospects of the Asian elephant.


Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields says that “Gemfields is very pleased to bring Emeralds for Elephants to India this year. Our London auction for the ‘Indian Elephant Corridor’ project helped to raise a significant amount last year, and we are sure of a good response in India. Gemfields is proud to have partners who support us wholeheartedly on this initiative and we sincerely hope that our efforts in giving to the environment will help build larger and more viable habitats.”

ARZAN KHAMBATTA SCULPTURE

The star of the collection is a Ganesha sculpture with a 638 carat Gemfields Zambian emerald created by renowned artist, Arzan Khambatta.  The jewellers are just as diverse in their style and designs; Abaran Jewellers (Bangalore), Anmol Jewellers (Mumbai), Gem Palace (Jaipur), Khanna Jewellers (New Delhi), Meena Jewellers(Hyderabad), Narayan Jewellers (Baroda), Nirav Modi (Mumbai), Sawansukha Jewellers (Kolkata), Talwarsons Jewellers (Chandigarh) and Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (Chennai).


John Burton, CEO of World Land Trust, says “Gemfields have not only demonstrated their ethics, but are also committed to helping the natural environment of Elephants, both in Africa where their emeralds are mined, but also in India where many of them are sold. In 2010 they were one of the major contributors to the programme managed by the Wildlife Trust of India and supported by the World Land Trust, creating corridors to allow elephants to move freely between protected areas.”


The collection will go on tour around India to each of the designers’ boutiques from August to October 2011. On 14 October, Sotheby’s will auction the collection at an exclusive event held in the Taj Mahal Hotel Mumbai, with a percentage of profits from each jewel going towards the World Land Trust’s ‘Indian Elephant Corridor’ project.

To stay up to date with the project join their Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/EmeraldsForElephants

UnCommon Goods: Call For Jewelry Designers

UncommonGoods is looking for their next great jewelry designer – they’re accepting submissions for unique pieces and fresh designs until midnight on August 31 here: http://www.uncommongoods.com/designs/jewelry.

Calling all jewelry designers! Here's your chance to get your products in front of UncommonGoods customers. We're looking for unique pieces and fresh designs that we haven't seen anywhere else. Think earrings, necklaces, cufflinks, watches or bracelets, and whatever else you think will make us say "wow".

What's In It For You?
This is a great opportunity for you to win a little pocket change ($500), your jewelry will be seen by UnCommonGoods' active consumer community and possibly sign a vendor contract with UncommonGoods.  


Community Sourced 
We’ll share the designs we like with our customer community using our community voting app, then our panel of judges (Brooklyn artist Kiel Mead, style & beauty expert Jenn Falik, and our own jewelry & accessories buyer Erin Fergusson) will choose the winning design from the top five vote-getting finalists.





UncommonGoods is an online marketplace offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. At UncommonGoods, we believe that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. We have set out to create a business that makes uncommon goods accessible to everyone.

Founded in August 1999, UncommonGoods is privately held and headquartered in New York City

6th Annual Halstead Grant - Winner Announced!

Halstead Bead, Inc. announces the winner of the 6th Annual Halstead Grant for Jewelry Business Entrepreneurs. 

Philadelphia-area designer Layne Freedline of Layne Designs is the winner of the 2011 Halstead Grant for jewelry entrepreneurs. The prestigious award includes a $5,000 small business grant as well as $1,000 of jewelry supplies from the grant sponsor Halstead Bead Inc.

Layne Designs jewelry features unusual gems set in handcrafted sterling silver settings. Her line showcases stones such as jasper, druzy and labradorite with paisley inspired silver accents. Freedline plans to use the grant funds to expand her website and exhibit at a national industry trade show.

In response to winning the award Freedline said, “I am very grateful for Halstead Bead Inc., for the encouragement that this grant offers. The handmade marketplace is blossoming from this kind of motivation toward strong business practices.”

The grant is awarded to a new jeweler each year in recognition of design aptitude and business strategy. Qualified candidates must submit lengthy applications including their portfolios of original jewelry and business plan details.

“Layne submitted one of the best business plans we have seen in our six years of judging this competition. We were blown away.” said judge, Hilary Scott. “She is a talented metalsmith with an infectious passion for her craft.”

Freedline received her jewelry arts training at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. She is continuing her education by pursuing a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. In addition to running her own studio, she also teaches jewelry classes at the Main Line Art Center in Haverford, PA.

Layne Designs is dedicated to fine quality craftsmanship so that each piece may be treasured as an heirloom. Founder, Layne Freedline has a passion for the beauty of hand-wrought metal objects. She brings to the craft a sleek, modern style with ties to the natural and cosmic.A fascination with the earth's gems and fossils has peppered her high fashion collection with unusual gems from around the world."There is nothing like holding a gem in your hand, a sparkling treasure from the earth, and honoring it with a beautiful setting for the joy of a beautiful woman."

Layne Designs joins a distinguished roster of Halstead Grant recipients since the program began six years ago. For more information and applications for the 2012 Halstead Grant check the Grant website later this year.