Smart Jewelry Show - Dallas!

Who is heading for Dallas?   Next weekend is the ticket!  

InStore Magazine presents The Smart Jewelry Show - Dallas Edition!

Features ABOUND - from the PreShow Education and Holiday Idea Center to "What Are We Thinking" (how income and social status affect buying patterns)  presented by Women's Jewelery Association Southwest Chapter

My favorite feature?  ...the Bench Pressure CHALLENGE!

Color Splash 2012 Solitaire Award Winners

RBS Solitaire Awards 2012 

Brings To Fore Rare Talent

The RBS solitaire awards were presented at the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s (GJEPC) India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), world’s 2nd largest trade show where a plethora of retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and traders from the Gem and Jewellery Industry nationally and internationally congregate to transact business. 

The Solitaire Awards which were given away this evening at the Grand Hyatt, Santa Cruz is a significant event for the participants as they competed in two categories: Competition A for IIJS Domestic & International Exhibitors and Competition B for Non-IIJS exhibitors such as students, artisans, designers, etc. 

The theme for this year’s awards was ‘Color Splash’ and the entries were judged by a five-member jury that included jewellery historian Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, renowned painter Bose Krishnamachari, Sunil Datwani, Proprietor, Gehna Jewellers and Vishesh Verma, renowned fashion photographer. While Competition A drew in 93 entries in the Formal Wear category, there were 23 entries in the Daily Wear category. Competition B saw an astounding total of 223 entries. 

The competition saw coming to fore varied skills and creative expressions. The participants dipped into nature’s amazing colour palette and used diverse shades, hues, and pigments to imaginatively blend colourful elements into jewellery. The entries in Competition A used colourful gemstones, enameling, electroplating, precious and non-precious materials, and so on to craft some fabulous pieces, whereas the entries in Competition B saw a display of fine skills that showcased some unique concepts through the language of jewellery.

Commenting on these prestigious awards, said Rajiv Jain, Chairman, GJEPC, “The RBS Solitaire Awards are an attempt by the GJEPC to give an impetus to the creative streak in participants across various categories and reward all those blessed with exceptional creative talents in keeping with their theme of providing upcoming talent a platform to showcase their skill sets. On behalf of the Council, I would like to congratulate all the participants for their exemplary work and look forward to seeing such work every year”.

Notes on winning entries:
In Competition A, the winners of the category for Daily wear were Shankesh Jewellers who won the first position with his creation - a gold pendant that encapsulates a pretty landscape straight out of nature, symbolising peaceful co-existence between the creatures and the environment. The second prize went to Sangam Diamonds which showcased a lovely gem-studded peacock pendant showing- off its rich feathers which were hand woven with gold threads. The third prize went to Sangam Chains for their artistic creation of a ring in the shape of a coffee mug made in 18-karat yellow gold featuring white enamel with gold lifting. 

The Critics’ award for the formal wear category went to Sangam Chains creation – a cuff for the hand titled the New Neon, a piece that is an intricately cut from acrylic manchette highlighted with cabochon sapphires and gold.

The second category of Competition A saw prizes being given away in the Formal Wear category. The first prize in the formal wear category went to Ansaa’s creation titled ‘Tango with Turquoise’ showcasing a one off gold anklet showcasing the performance of dancing peacocks. The second prize went to B R Designs for their 18-karat white and pink gold pendant titled Eleganza; a piece studded with diamonds representing a floral burst where in the flowers were articulated in rubies that are detachable and the third prize winner in the formal wear category was Jewels Emporium whose 18-karat gold pendant with champlevé enameling showcased a blooming lotus rising through the muddy waters. The lotus as a symbol of enlightenment represented the power of staying calm and contented in a chaotic world. The pendant necklace is set with tsavorites, pink sapphires, pearls, turquoise, diamonds, and amazonite beads. 

The Critics’ award in this category was given to Binny’s for their creation titled ‘Power of positivity‘. Their masterpiece was a multicolored cocktail ring which they believe emits positive energy with larger coloured stones and the smaller shining stones.

Competition B, which was for non-IIJS exhibitors such as students, artisans, designers, etc. declared the first prize winner as Meghna Bag for her creation – a bracelet titled ‘the evolution’. The bracelet captures harmony in the cosmic chaos brilliantly. This armlet in 18-karat white gold with beautiful cutwork is decorated with aquamarine, peridot, emeralds, topaz, rubies, and citrine in prong settings. The second prize went to Bimal Koley for his creation titled ‘Swirl of colours’ is an 18-karat white gold and diamond studded bangle which stand for the different emotions we experience in life. Amethyst, pink sapphire, citrine, blue topaz, roholite, yellow sapphire and peridot add colour to the swirls in this curvaceous bangle. The third prize was lifted by Hariharan T.S’s work called ‘Amazing Creature’ which are danglers inspired by the fins of a fish. These 18-karat white gold danglers are super luscious. Set with semi-precious coloured stones and diamonds, the dazzling fin-shaped earrings showcase the vivid display of colours that show up just as when the sun rays fall on the shimmering, gentle creatures of the sea. The Critics’ choice award in this category went to Bhavin Rupani for his piece on the theme of global warming. The 18-karat white gold broad cuff decorated with diamonds, citrine and yellow sapphires points to the global warming that is causing ecological and environmental havoc in the world. 

India’s apex body for Gems & Jewellery, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council’s (GJEPC) 29th Edition of India International Jewellery Show – Asia’s paramount trade show; is being hosted at the Bombay Exhibition centre, Goregaon, Mumbai from 23rd-27th August and has participation of over 800 companies from India and Overseas. The show is a B2B platform for Indian traders, suppliers, wholesalers and retailers as well as their International counterparts.

#WordlessWednesday - Vendor Spotlight On Elise Bergeron Jewellery

#WordlessWednesday - Vendor Spotlight On Elise Bergeron Jewellery

#WordlessWednesday is reserved for the few elite DesignLines that have that distinct look - when you see a piece you know immediately who designed it.  When Jewelry is this beautiful - words get in the way! 

This week we are looking at Elise Bergeron Jewellery  ...Elise worked as a curator and as a cultural officer for the government in Montreal, Quebec, before becoming one of the curated. An Artist, Jeweller and Gemmologist Elise has a style that is her own...while always paying homage to the Gems.

Website:   http://www.elisebergeron.com

   

    

KumKum - Swedish Jewelry With An Exotic Island Flair!

Free-spirited and imaginative, Swedish jewelry label KumKum dreams of lush, enchanted escapes with its latest collection, 'The Islands'. Reflecting the marriage between sun and surf, the magically sparkling quartz stones of the collection bring to life the fairytale whimsy of faraway lands.

From the orange sunsets of Maui to the turquoise waters of Capri, KumKum offers bright baubles to fit every Bohemian dreamer with its Rainbow quartz stones. 

Zircons and pearls offset shimmering quartz in an array of iridescent colors, inspiring the deep, oceanic blue of the 'Fiji' drop earrings and the sandy, champagne hue of the 'Hawaii' link necklace. With playful, chunky cocktail rings and delicate, breezy bracelets, say bon voyage and set sail to the Tropics with fashion fit for an extended seaside getaway to 'The Islands' of paradise.

Unique and versatile to outfit any occasion, KumKum has made a splash on the red carpet with celebrity A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Selena Gomez,Emma Watson, Julianne Hough, Emma Roberts and Sofia Vergara.

Beth Bernstein's "My Charmed Life"!

Why am I reviewing Contemporary Literature on a Jewelry Blog?   this book offers a really fun tie in for a Holiday Gift Giving Event in your Retail Jewelry Store!  this is a hot genre right now and Beth's jewelry connection WORKS!  Several stores have already hosted events with Beth doing readings...if you are trying to think of a NEW in-store event - this is it!

Beth Bernstein at a reception held by Manika Jewelry in San Francisco, CA

My Charmed Life: Rocky Romances, Precious Family Connections and Searching For a Band of Gold

I don't know about you, but when I first heard about Beth Bernstein's book My Charmed Life, I found the premise BRILLIANT!

Beth has written about dating, relationships and family for women’s and lifestyle magazines, and has worked in the jewelry industry for twenty years. She runs her own consulting company, where she works with leading jewelry designers and retailers.

...and the idea of telling the story of her life and the times she grew up in as these events related to a specific piece of jewelry intrigued me.

I have to say that I rank Beth among the relatively few fabulous women authors who through shared experiences, biting humor and sometimes brutal honesty have created a new genre in Women's Literature.  

Beth along with Jen Lancaster (Bitter Is The New Black) and Jenny Lawson (Let's Pretend This Never Happened) have carved a new Realism niche in Contemporary Literature.  With commentary that will have you howling, tittering and bawling, all the while nodding your head in agreement because you have been there!

With roots firmly entrenched in the Jewelry Industry it is no surprise that a Jewelry Box should hold the most important memories of Beth's life.  From the amazingly poignant tale of her Mother's Watch to her on-again-off-again relationship with a smoldering Italian...it truly is a Charmed Life!

Book Description from Publisher:

When Beth Bernstein’s mother unexpectedly passed away, Beth’s life was forever changed, as she knew that she’d lost not only her best friend, but also a big part of herself. In this heartwarming and moving memoir, Beth learns how to link together the platinum memories of the jewelry handed down to her by the woman who taught her how to love, overcome obstacles, and (most important) accessorize.

As a young girl, Beth learned that not all engagements came with a ring. The unconventional engagement watch Beth’s father gave her mother, her mom’s postdivorce transformation from wearing Jackie O pearls to donning love beads--each piece of jewelry represents an intimate memory, a reminder to rise above life’s challenges and enjoy its triumphs. And there are also Beth’s own experiences with rocky romances, of the too many engagement rings she fell in love with and the too few men who could commit. She tells the story of these relationships with sparkles of hilarity and glimmers of hope, conjuring up lost keepsakes and fiery moments--until she realizes that the brightest gems are the ones you give yourself, and finds freedom she never thought possible.

Rio Tinto Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Reena Ahluwalia Designs 

'Courageous Spirit' Collection 

Rio Tinto Makes Indian Diamond History, 

Unveils Inaugural Bunder Diamond Jewelry

Mumbai, India, August 24, 2012 - Rio Tinto unveiled the inaugural Bunder diamond jewelry collection comprising diamonds from the sampling to date at its developing Bunder project in Madhya Pradesh. The Courageous Spirit jewelry collection holds a very special place in Indian diamond history as it has been at least a century since India has mined, designed and manufactured its own diamond jewelry," said Dr Nik Senapati, Managing Director of Rio Tinto India.

Madhya Pradesh-born designer, Reena Ahluwalia was commissioned to design the Courageous Spirit jewelry as a tribute to the women of Madhya Pradesh. 

“As a woman born and brought up in the region (Madhya Pradesh), creating this milestone collection is like coming a full circle. I am honoured to tell the Bunder story through my designs and be a part of this historic diamond moment,” commented Reena Ahluwalia, International Award Winning Designer.

The focus of the necklace is a stunning diamond-encrusted disc that symbolizes the natural abundance of the Bunder diamond deposit. Inspired by a compass, the disc rotates on a central axis, while a marker points to the true centre of the Bunder story - the earthly origins of the diamonds and the pioneering spirit of the people who are so integral to Bunder's development. The latitude and longitude coordinates of the Bunder diamond deposit are inscribed on the back of the disc.

Titled "Courageous Spirit", the jewelry features a magnificent statement necklace and a set of complementary earrings. The collection incorporates a total of 25.34 carats of polished Bunder diamonds and 2.8 carats of rough Bunder diamonds, including a 5.04 carat round brilliant cut white diamond and a 5.02 carat round brilliant cut cognac diamond.

Maintaining the important Indian pedigree of the collection, the rough diamonds have been carefully transformed by master craftsmen in Indian cutting and polishing factories, while the innovative design has been brought to life with designer Reena Ahluwalia by Indian jewelry manufacturer Uni-Design Jewellery Private Ltd - a Mumbai-based company with a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship. 

Rio Tinto partnered with Venus Jewel and Mahendra Brothers to cut and polish the stones. Guest of Honour at the event was the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

 According to Bruce Cox, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Diamonds, "By harnessing the skill and creativity of India's respected diamond artisans, these magnificent jewelry pieces are symbolic of an important new chapter in the country's proud diamond history.

The Bunder project, likely to come into commercial production in 2016, presents enormous opportunities not only for the Madhya Pradesh region, but for the broader Indian diamond industry as well, with Rio Tinto presenting a unique opportunity for India to mine, manufacture and market its own diamonds."

The Courageous Spirit collection is not available for sale, but will be showcased at a number of events throughout the second half of 2012.

About the Bunder Diamond ProjectThe Bunder diamond project was discovered in 2004 by Rio Tinto and in 2010 a State Support Agreement was signed with Government of Madhya Pradesh as an endorsement of the mutual commitment to the development of the project. An Inferred Resource (the first quantifiable estimate of an ore-body) has been defined as 37 million tonnes, containing 27.4 million carats. The Government of Madhya Pradesh gave in principle approval to the issue of a mining lease for the Bunder project via a "Letter of Intent" in January 2012. Rio Tinto is now working on the mine plan, environmental and forestry approvals required to execute a Mining Lease. At least rupees 2200 crore (US$500M) will be required to fully develop the Bunder diamond project.Once developed the Bunder diamond mine is expected to place Madhya Pradesh in the top ten diamond producing regions of the world.

About Rio Tinto Diamonds
Rio Tinto operates a fully integrated diamonds business from exploration through to sales and marketing. It 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, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100 per cent interest in the Bunder project in India.

Rio Tinto's share of the production from its three operating diamond mines is sold through its sales and marketing headquarters in Antwerp, with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. It also operates a niche cutting and polishing factory in Perth for the rare pink diamonds from its Argyle mine. Rio Tinto is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process, as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council. Website:www.riotintodiamonds.com

Photos: Rio Tinto Diamonds.

PC Jeweller Presents The Best Of The Best Show!

PC Jeweller Presents The Best Of The Best Show Featuring Outstanding Ornaments During The Dual Grand Finales 

It was one of the most spectacular shows that Mumbai had seen. PC Jeweller presented the “Best of the Best” shows featuring outstanding ornaments during the dual Grand Finales to end the third edition of India International Jewellery Week 2012.

Welcoming the audience, Mr Rajiv Jain, Chairman, GJEPC, announced that IIJW 2012 with 50 designers, 33 shows had 20 new names and was a great platform for budding talent in the jewellery business.

The Ballroom of the Hotel Grand Hyatt was a vision in black, white and silver. The massive backdrop with graduating angular stairs that rose from the stage to nearly touch the ceiling; had snow flake motifs shimmering on the sides. Through a glittering black crystal curtain, in the centre down a flight of stairs, the models emerged to show the 24 dazzling pieces of the PC Jeweller collection.

Creators of the most outstanding jewellery, PC Jeweller showed stunning rings, earrings, necklaces, bangles, pendants and sets in 22 K gold, diamonds, Kundan and Polki designs which created magic on the ramp. The contemporary collection was for the modern woman in light weight gold, while the specially crafted bridal line had exquisite pieces of gold and diamond jewellery.

Opening the show called “Glittering Panorama” with clothes created by Kolkata designer, Anamika Khanna; the first model appeared wearing a magnificent ruby and gold necklace bracelet and earrings. From there the presentation moved to more exciting and beautiful creations. The emerald edged Polkis piece with long shoulder dusters, the V shaped thick diamond necklace with pear shaped ruby pendant with matching earrings and the rows of Polkis with ruby florets took the audience’s breath away.

Chokers glittered under the arc lights, diamonds dazzled for lacy spread collar pieces, while elegant shimmering cuffs clasped the slender wrists of the models. As the last model displaying four strands of diamonds with a pear shaped emerald pendant took her graceful walk down the ramp, the lights dimmed and the strains of the theme song from the Bollywood musical “Aaja Nachle” filled the ballroom.

Framed in the archway at the top of the stairs in the centre, was the lady with the dazzling smile that has hypnotized her fans – the one and only gorgeous Madhuri Dixit Nene, who sashayed down the ramp wearing a Anamika Khanna gorgeous black gown with embroidery displaying the magnificent PC Jeweller’s Polki Raani Haar collar and choker edged with pearls to thunderous applause.

Escorting Madhuri down the ramp, Mr Balram Garg, Managing Director, PC Jeweller - the brand that has sponsored the “Best of the Best” show for three editions was applauded by the audience for a glittering presentation.

THE BEST OF BEST SHOW

This was the show of all shows when all the designers who participated in the IIJW 2012 displayed one fabulous piece from their collection. To the melodious rendering of songs by India’s favourite singer, the very high voltage recording artist, Kailash Kher and his power packed band Kailasa; the models sashayed down the ramp wearing the fabulous creations of Anamika Khanna.

GEHNA – collar of Polkis with a gorgeous centre emerald set
LAKSH PAHUJA – a silver and gold fire spewing dragon head piece which curved on the model’s head to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
ANAND SHAH –the sensational 84 peacocks multicoloured necklace and bracelet.

– two strands of gleaming diamonds with a flashing sapphire in the centre
IGI – Shabham Motiwala’s rice pearls necklace with matching jhumka earrings.
NOBUKO ISHIKAWA – the solid gold circle with flowing leaf trellis down the front
MANISH KHATTAR – the one shoulder curved star burst necklace with pendant
DHORA – a very experimental head gear featuring the kite wheel in glittering stones and the barrel ring
JEWELS TRENDZ – curved snake necklace in gold diamonds and enamel
RAKSHA ENTERPRISES – the fabulous lacy thick oval bangle with a solitary pearl in the centre.
KAYS JEWELS – a superb diamond chocker and emeralds
TANVI GARG – an innovative wide collar with enamel origami patterns in multi colours
DIPTI-AMISHA – beautiful Raani Haar with an imposing pendant high choker and giant earrings


VIJAY GOLECHA – diamond and emerald multi pear shaped motif necklace and another neck piece with ruby clusters teamed with earrings and bracelet.
DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL – a sensational giant brooch and fabulous bracelet intricately designed
JAIPUR JEWELLERY SHOW – an eye-catching gleaming Raani Haar with earrings.
YS 18 FROM INTERGEM EXPORTS – an angular floral bouquet for a necklace of coloured stones.
ZEENAT DESAI – the very stylish Dagger pendant necklace in a Polki and pearl combo
JEWELS EMPORIUM – inspired by the peacock, pendants blended beautifully with a floral one
AGNI – a very edgy design for a lacy collar with floral detailing
EEKANI JEWELS – adding drama to a shimmering diamond choker was a large emerald pendant with matching earrings
GITANJALI 1 – trellis of gold sparkled with emeralds and rubies for a necklace
GITANJALI 2 – an interesting creeper design for an emerald and diamond necklace and pendant
KASHI JEWELLERS – the bridal choker-cum-collar spread over shoulders glittered with diamonds, and three flowers set with rubies
JEWELS BY PREETI – a rectangular diamond twisted pendant hung on a long chain teamed with shoulder dusters


GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA – A stylish peacock pendant at the end of four pearl strands
BIRDICHAND GHANSHYAMDAS – Polki chains with sprightly ruby flowers on one side with matching earrings rings and bracelet.
SABOO FINE JEWELS – a fabulous wide collar with emeralds and diamonds teamed with chandeliers and a stunning wide cuff
CAPPUCCINO – a lacy collar with a rectangular pendant embellished with diamonds worn with a matching kada
AMRAPALI – nine rows of emeralds and Polkis for a brilliant Raani Haar and matching cuff
LAXMI JEWELLERY – large Polkis with ruby centre for a fabulous necklace and swinging jhumkas
DWARKADAS CHANDUMAL – the magnificently spread diamond and ruby bib collar necklace
ANMOL – an intricately crafted diamond cuff
KGK ENTICE – sparkling prongs with diamonds tipped with emeralds for a stylish neck piece.

In a gorgeous Anamika Khanna outfit, Sonam Kapoor, elegant brand ambassador of IIJW 2012 entered when a gleaming silver chandelier rose from the stage to reveal her standing under the ramp lights. Wearing a brilliant Polki necklace with a superb tasseled pendant, along with rows of intricate kadas on hands, a Maang Tikka and small ear studs, Sonam Kapoor looked like a beautiful princess as she sashayed down the ramp.

Thanking everybody concerned with IIJW 2012, Sanjay Kothari, Vice Chairman of GJEPC and Convener of IIJW 2012, said that he was looking forward to a bigger, grander, glittering IIJW 2013.