MJSA Launches Digital Guide to Subcontractors MJSA Launches Digital Guide to Subcontractors MJSA Launches Digital Guide to Subcontractors

MJSA Launches Digital Guide to Subcontractors   ATTLEBORO FALLS, MASSACHUSETTS--MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has launched the MJSA Guide to Subcontractors. Available both online (at mjsa.org) and as a PDF handbook, the Guide lists MJSA members providing commonly requested contract services, such as stone setting, casting, and CAD/CAM. It also includes detailed information about each company-from minimum order requirements to whether it provides melee-to help buyers in their decision-making. In addition, the Guide offers MJSA members free access to articles about how to best choose and work with a subcontractor. "As the primary resource for information about jewelry making and design, MJSA receives many requests from jewelry manufacturers, designers, and especially retail custom jewelers who want help in locating a subcontractor," says David W. Cochran, MJSA president/CEO. "They may need to expand their capabilities, increase their production capacity, or just better control costs. With theMJSA Guide to Subcontractors, they now have a handy reference for the information needed to achieve their goals, and to develop excellent working relationships with their contract service providers." The online Guide to Subcontractors is part of the enhanced MJSA Buyer's Guide Online, which provides a complete range of jewelry-related products and services, including tools and equipment, metals, findings and chain, gemstones and beads, contract and business services, and packaging, displays, and finished jewelry. MJSA members can download the PDF handbook from the MJSA website, free of charge. Non-members can purchase the Guide for $12.95 in the MJSA Bookstore at mjsa.org. For more information, go to the MJSA Buyer's Guide Online at mjsa.org, or e-mail info@mjsa.org. In total, the Guide lists 10 contract service categories: assaying, CAD design, CAM manufacturing, casting, engraving, model making, refining, stamping, stone setting, and general contract manufacturing. The articles cover such issues as finding and choosing subcontractors, developing a good working relationship with them, and understanding related legal and financial issues. It also offers insights into specific processes, such as determining whether to stamp or to cast, and understanding a refiner's metal sampling processes. Click here to download this document as a PDF.

For more information, contact Peggy Jo Donahue, MJSA director of public affairs,pj.donahue@mjsa.org or 1-856-854-9357. About MJSA  MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org.

Oscar Jewelry Trend Predictions by Stylist Michael O'Connor

Academy Awards Jewelry Trend Predictions from Leading Style Expert

Michael O'Connor Hosts Jewelry Style Event 

for Show Nominees and Presenters

Stylist Michael O'Connor in town to present
StyleLab's Red Carpet Jewelry Suitie

This week, leading style expert Michael O'Connor will host StyleLab's styling event for Academy Award nominees, presenters and stylists at a private venue in Los Angeles. O'Connor has curated a selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from world-renowned designers for celebrities to borrow for the red carpet. From richly colored gemstone earrings to rare diamond cuff bracelets and award winning necklaces, O'Connor will accessorize Hollywood's leading stars with the most exquisite, highest quality jewelry.

O'Connor sees an overall fascination with statement accessories this year. As the most important award show of the season quickly approaches, O'Connor offers the following predictions:

JustFab Blogger Jillian in a Spinel Stunner
from Somewhere in the Rainbow valued at $1.2 mil
Stop by Jillian's blog for her exclusive visit!

Bold Colored Gems

Bright and vibrant colored gemstones that were big in past decades including pink, blue, orange and green, will make a resurgence. Gems will be large and accented with diamonds. One stunning suite chosen from the American Gem Trade Association is a 130-carat multicolored spinel necklace with a matching pair of 33-carat earrings from Somewhere In The Rainbow's collection. And, who could resist a pair of 30.07-carat sapphire earrings set in platinum from Shaftel Diamond Co., Tanzanite and diamond earrings from Takat Jewels will also be a popular choice on the red carpet.

Sapphires and Peridot from Adam Neeley Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry, Laguna Beach, CA

Statement Cuffs

Chunky cuff styles with geometric shapes and vintage designs will be prevalent. Designers Metalsmiths Sterling and Thistle&Bee's Art Deco and Retro styles set in sterling silver definitely draw attention to the wrist when worn alone or stacked.

Mega Drop Earrings

While diamond studs will always remain a staple, we will see a return to oversized drop or chandelier earrings that practically touch the collarbone. Look out for the ultra-long Zambian emerald earrings from the Gemfields Collection.

Deirdre Featherstone's Opal, Tanzanite, Blue Zircon,
Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Earrings

Diamond Accented Watches

No longer are watches only reserved for men on the red carpet. The latest timepieces for ladies feature pave diamond encrusted dials and delicate leather straps, as designed by Marco Mavilla.

Ruby and Yellow Diamonds in Platinum from
Marc Schneider, Long Beach, CA

Sustainable Jewelry

Rio Tinto's Global Design Competition Winner V. Saravanan is showcasing a 100% sustainable necklace manufactured by Tanishq and Foley Designs. "The Creator" necklace is made from aluminum leaf, using ethically mined Silvermist Diamonds(TM).

Cufflinks

Traditional square cufflinks are taking a backseat to styles with interesting patterns in contemporary metals. Designer Edward Mirell's pieces include woven detailing and black titanium.

A stunning look at the Red Carpet Suite for the Golden Globes gives a great look at what works on the stars and some of the brands represented:

SOURCE StyleLab

AGTA Photos: by Robert Weldon

Stephen Webster Presents ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ in Beverly Hills!

Stephen Webster is delighted to present the latest in a series of exhibitions to be hosted in the brand’s US flagship store on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. The store’s ‘No Regrets’ lounge with play host to Elizabeth Taylor, a collection of photographs of the legendary star by British photographer Richard Young.

The exhibition opened on Wednesday, February 22nd comprising 18 iconic images in both color and black & white, paying homage to one of the world’s most glamorous stars. For the duration of the 5 week exhibition, 5% of all of the proceeds generated will be donated by Stephen Webster and Richard Young to Elizabeth Taylor’s charity amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research.

Stephen Webster’s early career saw him move to Santa Barbara in the 1980’s where his bold and iconic designs were quickly spotted by the jewelry-lover herself, Elizabeth Taylor. She commissioned the young designer to create a rose gold ring engraved with flowers and set with a lavender chalcedony stone together with a bracelet to match her famous violet eyes. Since then, Webster has gone on to design one-of-a-kind pieces for the likes of Madonna, Sharon Stone, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Jay Z and Christina Aguilera to name but a few.

Britain’s foremost celebrity photographer, Richard Young, will exhibit his most prized images of the late Elizabeth Taylor in a limited edition collection spanning almost 40 years of her life.

Richard & Susan Young with
Stephen Webster at Opening Reception

“He became friends with the people he photographed because he was such a warm person,” Webster comments. “Richard met everyone and became their friend, catching them in the perfect moment with his camera.”

Celebrity stylist Nikki Pennie, a native Brit who has contributed to the style of Kate Middleton, will be creating a window installation as a tribute to her most influential role model. The installation, titled ‘Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend’ will incorporate Richard’s work along with a stunning selection of Stephen Webster jewelry.

The exhibition launched with a well attended,  private cocktail reception by invitation only!  at the Stephen Webster Gallery at 202 N. Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills; 310.246.9500

About Elizabeth Taylor
Born in London, Liz was a leading child star by the age of 12 after her performance in MGM’s National Velvet (1944). It wasn’t long before she was knocking critics dead as a serious adult actress with films like Giant (1956), Raintree County (1957) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958). She reined the box office as the quintessential movie star taking the breath away from viewers with her glamorous looks and those velvet eyes, winning a countless amount of Academy Awards. Her personal life has been a tempest of love affairs, unsuccessful marriages and multiple medical problems. Upon the death of her friend, Rock Hudson in 1985, she began her crusade on the behalf of AIDS sufferers. Following her passing in March 2011, Taylor leaves behind a legacy of fame and fortune.

About Richard Young
Richard Young has an exceptional eye and unique approach as both a portraitist and photo journalist. His unerring ability to capture the moment and present a candid, inside view into the world of celebrity has resulted in iconic images that are celebrated in publications throughout the world. Richard has published three books, By Invitation Only, ¡Paparazzo!, and Shooting Stars. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide and he has had several retrospectives. In recognition of his life and achievements, Richard will be the subject of a four-part Sky Arts documentary, directed by Don Letts and featuring contributions from notable celebrities including Sir Elton John, Kate Moss and Tracey Emin. Scheduled to air in Spring 2012, it will be an intimate portrayal of this remarkable man.

About Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is one of the most prominent jewellery designers of his generation. Unmistakeable creativity, expert craftsmanship and unique vision are at the core of the brand’s dynamic collections that inspire story-telling glamour. Founded upon traditional British jewellery making, Stephen Webster has transcended into the global luxury jewellery brand of tomorrow. Coveted by icons and idols and respected by industry peers, Stephen Webster is celebrated for exquisitely crafted fine jewellery with an eternally chic aesthetic.

Nadia Neuman Winner Featured in StyleLab's Red Carpet Jewelry Suite!

NADIA REIGNS ON THE 2012 ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET

Australian Jewellery Designer wins Global Design Competition!

Australian jewellery designer Nadia Neuman has been awarded one of the most prestigious
international jewellery awards with her design ‘Tyger Tyger’ to be launched at a suite as part of the 2012 Academy Awards in February.


Neuman won the Master Jewellery award in the Sustainability category as part of Rio Tinto’s Global Design Competition. The competition had a record number of entries from the US, Canada, Australia, India, China and Hong Kong across four categories of jewellery design and was judged by an elite panel from the fashion and jewellery industries. Her piece along with the other winning entrants will be part of Stylelab, a Red Carpet Celebrity Suite hosted by US jewellery expert Michael O’Connor and attended by some of the biggest names in Hollywood plus their stylists in the lead up to the Oscars on Sunday 26 February.


Neuman’s piece is a hand fan that melds together functionality and luxury all from a sustainable perspective. The fan features 18ct yellow gold panels of tiger print, surrounded by white diamonds set in 18ct white gold frames displaying black, iridescent feathers with diamonds set along each quill. 


In addition to using 100% sustainable materials in the design, the Tiger motif represents nature as an endangered creature and reminds its user of the need to care for the earth. The fan can also be worn as a necklace.

Submitted to “Sustainable Jewellery” category, is a breathtaking and glamorous ladies fan,
inspired by the themes of beauty and wild-spirit in nature, and glamour, mystery and adornment in culture.

“TYGER TYGER BURNING BRIGHT, IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT”  William Blake: 1757-1827, “The Tyger”.

Neuman said, “It is a great honour to be recognised in this competition among so many other well known international jewellery designers. And to be given this special introduction to some of the worlds’ most glamorous celebrities is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an Australian designer!”


Nadia is no stranger to the limelight having been recognised with a host of Australian design awards already including the Harper’s BAZAAR Diamond Guild Australia Jewellery Awards and the Australian Jewellery Awards held by the Jewellers Association of Australia.


About Tyger, Tyger - from the Designer:

"I have been inspired by the design brief, to create a unique piece of jewellery using entirely sustainable materials which is both supremely glamorous, yet functional. As a young(ish) woman and soon to be mother, ethical issues of sustainability, including recycling and renewable resources are of great importance to me. I feel we all have a duty towards future generations, to ensure we leave them the world in better shape than we found it – the world should be better, not worse, for us having been in it. We should aim that our legacy is always one of improvement rather than simply depletion and this should be true in all fields of human endeavour, not just science and medicine.

It is critically important as the world’s population will continue to increase that all aspects of production focus on the notion of “sustainability”. From the period known as “the enlightenment”(approx.1650-1750), through to the industrial revolution which followed, the majority of human activity has proceeded as if all resources were infinite, and their depletion and pollution could go on forever. We now know that is not the case and we must implement the notion of sustainability wherever possible. It is paramount to the health of the planet and it our responsibility to protect and preserve whatever we can – for ourselves and our descendants.

This being the case, I have taken particular delight in trying to show that we can fulfil the moral obligation of “sustainability”, without sacrificing one little bit of creativity, glamour, desireability, luxury and mystique. I feel this has all been achieved in this design called “Tyger, Tyger”, as well as the functionality of a working, foldable, ladies fan. The exotic Tiger motif, encapsulates so many things which are perfect for such an item: The Tiger represents nature and an endangered creature. In this sense, it stands for the world we have inherited, used and neglected and need to care for – it and its habitat, needs to be protected and “sustained”. In the aesthetic sense, the tiger represents beauty and feminity, strength and independence and of course, a wild and untamed spirit – all things which are desireable in the design of a bold and striking piece of jewellery."

The sustainability jewellery movement is fast growing in popularity as consumers become more aware of the power of their purchase. According to a recent trend report titled Green Marketing and the Luxury Consumer, the consumers with the big bucks, particularly women, are increasingly looking to a company’s environmental practice before a purchase.


Neuman says, “Since the movie Blood Diamond we have seen a steady increase in clients wanting ethically sourced materials and of course, to ensure that the diamonds are conflict free. The typical ‘green’ jewellery consumer is no longer a fashion-challenged hippie but more likely an affluent professional woman who wants to make her purchase count.”


Mondial is a family run business with over 100 years of collective experience. Founded by Nadia’s parents Fred and Maria Neuman in the 70’s, Mondial are recognised worldwide as pink and coloured diamond specialists selling some of the world’s most rare and luxury pieces from their Strand Arcade and Queen Victoria Building boutiques.


www.mondial.com.au

Sienna Miller in Ring Confusion...

Sienna Miller - Engaged?


A very pregnant Sienna Miller was caught on film recently on the set of her upcoming film "A Case Of You" in Brooklyn.


With rumors of a pending engagement to current beau Tom Sturridge - image the surprise when Miller was seen with not just one ring (Engagement Ring) but two (a wedding set).


The gorgeous "Factory Girl" actress joins Evan Rachel Wood, Peter Dinklage, Keir O'Donnell and Busy Phillips in the film, according to Variety.


While the Press and Public seem confused - Sienna looks lovely and confident in a blush lace sheath as she walked to the Brooklyn set.


The explanation is most likely that the rings are part of her costume for the flick!  


Either way the halo and micro pave look couldn't be more in style!

Copy & Photo Source:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2103320/Pregnant-Sienna-Miller-flashes-rings-engagement-finger-filming-new-Justin-Long-movie.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Register Online for WDC Annual Meeting in Vicenza May 13-14

Online registration opens for 

WDC's 8th Annual Meeting

 in Vicenza, Italy, May 13-14

New York, February 22, 2012 - Online registration has begun for the 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council, which will take place May 13-14, 2012, in the northern Italian jewelry center of Vicenza. Participants are invited to register via a dedicated website at http://meeting2012.worlddiamondcouncil.org.

Participants are requested to fill in the interactive registration form provided online. The dedicated website will also enable them to book hotel accommodation in Abano Terme, a resort town located between Vicenza and Venice which is one of Europe's most popular spa resorts. There is no registration fee for the WDC Annual Meeting, and the official hotels are offering participants a special package, which can be extended both before and after the event.

The first day of the Annual Meeting, May 13, will include a WDC board meeting and a get-together reception in the evening. The second day, May 14, will include the WDC Plenary session, and it will conclude with a gala dinner.

Hosting the 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council is Fiera di Vicenza, one of the world's most important trade fair organizers. The WDC Annual Meeting will be an anchor event of the World Jewellery Forum, which will take place in Vicenza from May 13 to May 23.

LEGENDARY HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA AT JULIEN'S AUCTIONS

JULIEN'S AUCTIONS ANNOUNCES RARE OPPORTUNITY
TO OWN LEGENDARY HOLLYWOOD MEMORABILIA
FROM MUSEUM COLLECTION

Collection of Hollywood Costumes, Props, Memorabilia and Figures to Be Auctioned
March 31st & April 1st, 2012 Covering the Roaring Silent Film Period
to Action Packed Super Heroes

Beverly Hills, California — February 20, 2012 … Julien's Auctions, the world's premier entertainment and celebrity auction house, announced an auction of epic Hollywood proportions featuring legendary costumes, memorabilia, props and celebrity figures from historical Hollywood museum in Belgium.

The prized Hollywood Museum collection features an exclusive selection of memorabilia and effects from some of Hollywood's most legendary stars. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to Superman, Julien's Auctions Hollywood Legends sale covers a remarkable history of film and television along with personal stories of the world's most loved stars.

Highlights include a Charlie Chaplin iconic cane (Est. $20,000-$30,000), Charlie Chaplin film worn suit (Est. $20,000-$30,000) and a number of his own personal items including his personal drivers license (Est. $2,000-$4,000) originating from family members and the Estate of Charlie Chaplin. Other highlights include Clark Gable's riding jacket from "Gone With The Wind" (Est. $10,000-$15,000), a tuxedo jacket worn by Judy Garland in "A Star Is Born" (Est. $4,000-$6,000), a Charlton Heston screen worn robe (Est. $30,000-$50,000) and screen worn staff (Est. $20,000-$30,000), screen used tablets from "The Ten Commandments" (Est. $40,000-$60,000), Marilyn Monroe pantaloons worn in “River of No Return (Est. $20,000-$30,000) and a vintage Christian Dior gown worn by Princess Diana (Est: $10,000-$20,000).

The museum collection includes other notable items which are in the sale featuring a Catherine Walker gown designed for Princess Diana (Est. $60,000-$80,000), a signed catalogue from Princess Diana sale (Est. $4,000-$6,000), President John F. Kennedy’s Rocking Chair (Est. $50,000-$70,000), Margaret O’Brien’s red coat from “Meet Me In St. Louis” (Est. $2,000-$3,000) and Richard Gere’s hat from “An Officer and a Gentleman” (Est. $2,000-$4,000). As part of the museum’s massive Hollywood posters collection, Julien’s Auctions will also offer a selection to include original posters from legendary films like “Casablanca” (Est. $2,000-$3,000), “Gone With the Wind” (Est. $1,000-$2,000), “Some Like it Hot” (Est. $2,000-$3,000) and many more.

From the early start of films to today’s action heroes, Julien’s Auctions Hollywood Legends Sale will offer the savvy collector and museum an array of one-of-a-kind pieces of memorabilia to own and cherish that even includes superheroes and men who have gone beyond the walls of space. The Superhero memorabilia includes a Christopher Reeve Superman costume from “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (Est. $20,000-$30,000), a complete Batman costume on a custom display from “Batman Returns” (Est. $60,000-$80,000) and a Turbo Man costume from the Arnold Schwarzenegger holiday film “Jingle All The Way” (Est. $2,000-$4,000).

The Exhibition of Hollywood Legends presented by Julien’s Auctions, Beverly Hills is designed by Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer, of WRJ Design Associates, who have designed exhibits for The Collection of Michael Jackson, The Estate of Johnny Cash, The Collection of Cher, The Collection of Barbra Streisand and more recently The Estate of Tony Curtis.

Free Public Exhibition: Julien’s Auctions 9665 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 150 Beverly Hills, California 90210 Monday, March 19th - Saturday, March 31st, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily Closed Sundays

Live Auction: 9665 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 150 Beverly Hills, California 90210 Saturday, March 31st and Sunday, April 1st 2012

Registering to Bid
Registration is required to bid in this live auction and can be done either in person at the exhibitions and auction or by visiting our Registration page atwww.juliensauctions.com before the sale or by calling (310) 836-1818.

Placing Bids
There are four ways to bid in this sale:

1. Bid through Julien's Auctions Online Live in Real Time at JuliensLive.com.
2. Place bids in the room by attending the auction.
3. Bid over the telephone through an auction house representative, who sits in the room and conveys the bid to the auctioneer.
4. Enter Absentee bids. Absentee bid forms are printed in the back of each catalogue, and are also available by calling Julien's Auctions at (310) 836-1818 or online at our Register to Bid page.

About Julien's Auctions
With expertise specializing in entertainment memorabilia, Julien’s Auctions has quickly established itself as the premier auction house in high profile celebrity and entertainment auctions. Julien’s Auctions presents exciting, professionally managed and extremely successful auctions with full color high quality auction catalogues unlike any other auction company. Previous auctions include the collections of Cher, U2, Barbara Streisand, the estate of Marilyn Monroe and many more. Official website is www.juliensauctions.com.