#JWLV - Rio Tinto's "Diamonds With A Story" Part 1 - the Glamour #LUXURY #JCK2013

One of the best bits of information, for me, to come out of LUXURY was the news that Rio Tinto would be retaining it's Diamond Companies, and has, in fact expanded on their "Diamonds With A Story" campaign.

According to it's description on JCK Marketplace: Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through our 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent share of the Diavik mine in Canada, 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe and 100% ownership of the Bunder Project in India.   All of our diamond operations are committed to making a positive contribution towards sustainable development, with our stewardship interest focused on the exploration, production and sales of rough diamonds.

A little recent history - Rio Tinto owns a majority stake in three major Diamond Mines - the most productive of which is the Argyle mine, famous for it's fancy brown, pink and red diamonds. Earlier this year, Rio Tinto announced that it would be selling off it's Diamond Division...then in a reversal they announced that it has decided to “retain its diamonds businesses after concluding a strategic review which considered a range of options, including potential divestment.”

In a quote from Anthony DeMarco's blog on Jewellery Net Asia:“The medium to long-term market fundamentals for diamonds remain robust, fuelled by growing demand for luxury goods in Asia and continuing strong demand in North America,” said Rio Tinto Diamonds & Minerals chief executive Alan Davies. “We have valuable, high-quality diamonds businesses that are well positioned to capitalise on the positive market outlook. After considering a number of alternative strategic ownership options it is clear the best path to generate maximum value for our shareholders is to retain these businesses.”

At the 2012 LUXURY show in Las Vegas, Rio Tinto introduced the "Diamonds With A Story" campaign in an effort to educate buyers, manufacturers, and consumers about the origins of Rio Tinto diamonds. Armed with information from a Shand Group research project, the company indicated that more than three quarters of consumers care about where their diamond is from and how it is mined.

“The four Cs are still important, however for today’s consumer we need to go further and explain the other layers which are the human, geological, and cultural histories wrapped up in every Rio Tinto diamond,” Jean-Marc Lieberherr, general manager for the sales and marketing of diamonds of Rio Tinto mines, said in a statement to JCK's Jennifer Heebner.

Carrying that product one step further - this year at LUXURY the mining giant introduced ...the rest of the story!

This year, in a statement to Centurion Editor Hedda Schupak, Bruno Sane, general manager of marketing for Rio Tinto Diamonds, said, "Diamonds With A Story is the umbrella signature of our global market development initiatives in both established and emerging markets. It is also recognizes that diamonds are not commodities, that every diamond has a story worth telling which consumers are keen to hear.”

Rebecca Foerster, US vice president at Rio Tinto Diamonds, talked about the new chapter of their campaign as "inspiration to the industry"...she explained that today's younger consumer isn't looking for the bling factor - they really want the "story" of their stone.

How does Rio Tinto seek to inspire? 

 ...four new, unique diamond stories—Shaped by Origin, Cutting Impact, Mixed Medium, and Color My World. 

Press and Designers gather in the Rio Tinto Booth at LUXURY - the four distinct new stories, visible above our heads

At their annual Press Event at LUXURY, they showed how these stories could inspire. Rio Tinto engaged 8 designers to address a specific story and those collections were for sale to Retailers attending the JCK and LUXURY events. 

According to Forester: . “The hope is that retailers will be interested in showcasing these collections in stores, since the designers brought the stories to life, and for others to be inspired to make their own beautiful jewelry based on these themes.”

The always charming and very competent hand orchestrating the many facets of this event was the Industry's favorite Spokeperson, Michael O'Connor. 

Using diamonds sourced from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in Australia and Diavik mine in Canada these designer pieces were chosen because of their unique representation of the company's initiative.

Shaped By Origin concentrates on the origins of Rio Tinto's stones and the company's projects in the regions it mines - represented by designer Zoltan David's Dreamcatcher Collection, from the Aboriginal, Dreamtime. This very elegant tribal look of a blackened Stainless Steel open structure set with Argyle Diamonds on a rose gold backing the color of Australia's red earth, spoke to the Maori people, indigenous to Australia's Outback and the location of the Argyle Mine. 

Zoltan David was joined in this category by the effervescent Shelly Purdy, the designer is as sparkling as her Royal Collection utilizing Canadian Diamonds from Rio Tinto's Diavik mine...

...and Belgian company, Casa Gi, was represented in Las Vegas by Dennis Leemans.  This rugged, masculine collection will have every man wearing diamonds! 

Mixed Media this category really proved that these were NOT your Grandmother's Diamonds, presenting Diamonds in some of the many diverse media that Designers are creating in today!  Beautifully represented by Kara Ross of Kara Ross New York, LLC, her work with Diamonds in Concrete (the obviously diverse dichotomy of the materials represented the streets of New York) and in Wood was a collection of bold and forward thinking pieces.

Cutting Impact  plays up sustainability and ethical issues - emphasizing company projects in the regions it mines...this category was represented by Alexandra Hart's Pure Flight Collection...the designer's own blog features a 5 part write up of her journey with this collection.

....and Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring - as the co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, being chosen in this category is, I would imagine, dear to her heart.

Color My World is the heart and soul of the Argyle Diamonds - natural colored diamonds from this location range from champagne to cognac and pale pinks to reds...Rio Tinto mines have also produced Silvermist.   Representing color was Kristin Hanson whose Skyline Collection paid homage to the skyline of her home in New York.

 

Also in this category is the aptly named "Color Me Vivid"  Collection from Joan Park with its colorful and distinctly Bollywood feel - this was a very consumer friendly collection.

Rio Tinto hopes that retailers will not only purchase these lines for their stores but that these collections will inspire them to create their own "Stories".

Part Two of this story will cover the Mines - the presentation at LUXURY gave a rare glimpse into the actual mining process.

#JWLV - JCK ROCKED the Seminars - Branding with Andrea Hansen #JCK2013

Brand Strategy Versus Brand Intelligence

Seminar given by Andrea Hansen-JCK 2013

Andrea Hansen of Luxintelligence

Often we hear to succeed we need to work hard but working hard is not enough. As Oprah Winfrey once said “ Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow”.

Talent, hard work is not enough. You need to do research and analysis, understand the business model of the people you work with.

You need to be a storyteller, be passionate, you need a strategy, discipline, preparation is key. Brand building is discipline.

What do those who succeed have in common? Focus.

Your brand needs to have an intelligent, thoughtful and defined point of view (POV). A good example of that is Carole Brodie who was the first to offer her line of dazzling colorful and detailed jewelry and products on HSN and who now has annual revenues in the 30 Million dollars.

Only the strongest survive. So look at the market and ask yourself: Does your brand deserve a corner of the sandbox? Ask yourself these questions:

1- Are you a brand or a manufacturer?
2- Are your original?
3- Who is your hero brand and how did they do it?
4- Who are your competitors; creatively, in the market?
5- Why would anyone buy your product?
6- Why would a retailer carry your line?

SWOT: Are you ready to sell?
Sales calls, trade shows, market visit, they are all job interviews for your brand. Make an in-depth analysis of your internal and external factors that determine potential and ultimately, your success in the marketplace. Internal perspective include a list of your strengths on the positive side and weaknesses on the negative side. External would be opportunities and threats.

Now to get started you need to do the following:

1-Understand your industry
2- Join a trade organization to stay current on the industry. 

Be informed. For example the luxury market of 2013 shows a willingness to buy again but with these criteria: customers are looking for excellent value, subtle understated luxury, top quality within the category of goods, uniqueness, design & functional excellence, and personal meaning (like monogram jewels which are hot these days).

3-Enter design competitions
4-Join mentoring programs
5-Volunteer
6-Network but define what value you can offer to others
7-Understand your market: what can you offer that is new? What does the market needs? Find the void.
8-Dream big: are you the next big thing?
9-Stay open, ask questions
10- Adapt, change, grow
11-Be your “Sunday Best”, all the time!

Your success Ladder should look like this:
1- Brand Point of view. Make sure to have one.
2- Quality & pricing. 
3- Competition. Understand it.
4- Communications. This is your voice
5- Distribution platforms and strategy. Think beyond the usual.

Ask yourself: Are you needed?
1- Develop your point of view. Your POV should be 30s long. Call it the elevator pitch.
2- What is your voice?
3- What makes your truly unique?
4- Is there a need for you?
5- What is the demand for your product?
6- Who is the consumer who will buy your line?
7- Who is the retailer that sells to that consumer? And why does he need you?

Consider market demand versus innovation. “ If I had asked the public what they wanted, they would have said “faster horses”-Henry Ford on creating the T-Model car.

Don’t confuse supply and demand: because you can make it does not mean it is needed.

Brand equity leads to brand desire leads to desirable business. Brand equity is: brand attributes, brand awareness, public perception and brand loyalty.

Create a desirable brand by building value around your core and set the tone for future negotiations. You need to have these:
1-Selling techniques
2-Stellar training
3- Sales support
4- Press relevance
5-Social media strength: facebook, twitter, youtube etc.
6-Collaterals-These need to be top quality
7-Unique event model
8-Brand ambassador
9-Cause of social responsibility
10-Ethical sourcing

Brand Value Chain:
1-Marketing programs (advertising, email, packaging, incentives)
2-Brand image ( awareness, attributes, differentials, strengths)
3-Brand equity (attitudes, associations, personality, preference, 
4- Revenue (translate equity into profit, distribution, advantage, pricing power, expense reduction.

Marketing programs represent effectiveness to create brand image which represents relevance to brand equity and correlation exists between brand equity and revenue.

Brand Touchpoint wheel: Imagine a wheel split into three categories. 
Pre-purchase: includes advertising, website, collateral, quality
Purchase: value, POP displays, assortment, in store experience
Post-purchase: loyalty programs, customer service 

Create a Branding Check List
1-Do a comprehensive trademark search
2- Develop a powerful brand identifier – use it consistently
3- Create a strong Brand Identity and a Brand Statement
4- Make sure your team understands your Vision and Mission
5- Foster brand loyalty at every opportunity
6-Know your client
7- Hold off spending except...on a good website and SEO
8-Your business card is no longer a piece of paper – It’s your digital presence

Authentic Versus Original - Authentic brands are passionate about their core, transparent, 
energized. Brand authenticity is itself an outcome—the result of continuous, clear, and consistent efforts to deliver truth in every touch point. It is worthy of belief and trust. Examples of authentic brands include Nike, Starbucks, Apple, Virgin, Target, Tiffany, Chanel, BMW… And once you have brand awareness, a name recognition and a loyal following you can have fun with your partnerships in advertisements.

Branding Intelligence Mantras

1-Protect the halo of your brand: Define strength, define positioning create a visual code that best expresses brand voice, be focused, single minded, determined and patient.

2-Every decision is a branding moment

3-Think of your sustainability and long term vision: What is your signature element? How will your collection evolve? How will you manage changes in fashion, trend and behavior? How will you manage growth and support your business partners?

4-You must tell your story ALL the time! If you tell it enough, someone will listen

5-Seek best in class even outside your industry. For example, Chipotle is a brand worth studying.

6-Keep checking: Who is your customer? Does your customer need, understand or buy your product? Is your pricing strategy right for your customer? Is your message adequate for your customer? Are you using communication strategies that reach your customer? Are you 
selling where your customer shops?

7- Remember marketing is about telling your story and social media marketing is about getting your customers to tell it for you. Think Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest….


Brand Voice Versus Designer Voice

1-Good content travels far
2-Get media trained 
3-Know how to sell
4-Develop a personal style
5-Ask for what you need
6-Have a thick skin
7-Be able to reinvent yourself 

And finally there is your small circle which is your comfort zone, STEP OUT OF IT!, this is where the magic happens.

Guest Post
by Natalie Leseine, Atelier Leseine

I am excited to be able to offer these Seminar write ups - I am rarely able to cover the massive seminar schedule and still do the shows justice. So this years a couple of friends offered to attend a seminar and report on it.  


Natalie Leseine is the owner and award winning design talent behind Atelier Leseine.  Born in Paris, now residing near San Francisco, Nathalie Leseine's first love affair with jewels started in Paris when she would walk along the Place Vendôme in Paris, her creativity took flight spying enticing jewels in Cartier's windows — and at Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chaumet.   Her first step in design her Pearle Captive Collection was an award winning hit!

"A fusion of cultures, of forward designs with classic sensibilities is the vision behind the jewelry by Atelier Leseine". Nathalie Leseine

Unlimited Access - Brides To Be Can Now Try On Every Ring In The Jeff Cooper Catalog - Virtually!

Since the inception of e-commerce, Retailers have tried to develop a means to provide online service that is seamless when compared to in store services.  

This new App from Jeff Cooper goes beyond the in store experience...you can from the comfort of your couch - try on every ring in the Jeff Cooper catalog (not just the styles available from the retailer in your area) - stack multiple styles - or just try the wedding band with her Engagement Ring - take a photo of her favorites and share them with friends on her favorite Social platforms!

Fun new app lets brides try on Jeff Cooper rings anytime, anywhere.  After making its debut earlier this month at JCK's Luxury show in Las Vegas, Jeff Cooper's new virtual try-on app is now available to the public. The New York jewelry designer expects the app to revolutionize the way consumers shop for wedding jewelry.

Now available throughthe App Store, the app is tailored to the specific needs and desires of brides-to-be, who can now try on unlimited rings with no geographic or time constraints. Consumers will be free to experience the designs in a completely fun, relaxed and personalized way.

The app finds your favorite rings, shows you how you look in them, takes and shares photos socially, and connects you with an authorized retailer with one click. For a live look, the mirroring function puts the jewelry on you in real time. While trying on, customers can click on the pricing icon, compare similar and matching items, and even watch a product video.

After testing the app on luxury retailers in Las Vegas, David Cooper – who is the President of the company – noted, "People really loved it. They were engaged using it, and everyone thought it looked great. We're excited to be bringing our designs to an even wider audience."

About Jeff Cooper

40 years ago, Jeff Cooper began designing rings that exude timeless styling, taking what he knew to be beautiful and making it refined and precise. Either David or Jeff Cooper personally inspects each ring before it leaves the shop, to ensure that it's the perfect reflection of all the emotions and memories it symbolizes.

ANOTHER +100 CARAT DIAMOND REPORTED BY GEM DIAMONDS FROM LETŠENG MINE

GEM DIAMONDS RECOVERS ANOTHER +100 CARAT DIAMOND FROM ITS LETŠENG MINE

FILE PHOTO NOT THE ACTUAL DIAMOND RECOVERED

Gem Diamonds Limited (LSE: GEMD)  announced the recovery of a 100 carat, white, Type IIa diamond from the Letšeng mine in Lesotho on 22 June 2013.

This rough diamond is the third diamond over 100 carats in size to be recovered from Letšeng since May this year. The recovery of a 164ct D Colour Type IIa diamond, which was sold for US$9 million into a partnership arrangement; and the recovery of a 103 carat yellow diamond, sold on tender, were both announced on 31 May 2013.

Letšeng’s June export achieved an average price of US$2 087 per carat, for a total value of US$22 million. This compares to an average value of US$1 599 per carat which was achieved for the first three tenders in the year.

About Gem Diamonds:

Gem Diamonds is a leading producer of high value diamonds. The Company owns 70% of the Letšeng mine in Lesotho as well as the Ghaghoo mine, currently in development in Botswana. The Letšeng mine is famous for the production of large, top colour, exceptional white diamonds, making it the highest dollar per carat kimberlite diamond mine in the world. Since Gem Diamonds’ acquisition of Letšeng in 2006, the mine has produced four of the top twenty largest white gem quality diamonds recorded.

#JWLV - Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show #LVAJW

There is no location in Las Vegas more perfectly suited to the show it hosts than the Paris Hotel partnership with the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show!



From the vintage feel of the decor to the opulence of their stunning chandeliers this place just feels like you are taking a step back in time.

I would love to share some of the highlights for me!  ...for those wanting a little more there is a photo album on The Daily Jewel page on Facebook that has all the photos I took... https://www.facebook.com/dailyjewel

JODEN WORLD RESOURCES

Joden World Resources has what is believed to be the largest and rarest collection of the work of Carlo Giuliano (1831-1895).

The bracelet itself is a fully hinged bangle, as we would call it. It is in 18 karat yellow gold gem set with square sapphires, rubies and trimmed in diamonds which is typical of the time period.  Carlo Giuliano is considered among experts to be the master of all jewelers who ever lived. Notably a personal friend and often private jeweler to Queen Victoria. 
...more on this Designer on the Tumblr - Historic Gems & Jewelry

Even more impressive is that it comes in it's original custom designed presentation box!

Also from Joden - this gorgeous mosaic suite - you just don't see much antique mosaic that doesn't show signs of loss...and again "in the original box"!

VIVID DIAMONDS

18k Silver on Gold Bow Brooch in the original box from a London Jeweler.
30ctw Natural Blue Sapphire framed with 5ctw of Rose Cut Diamonds.  Weights are approximated.

Vivid Diamonds is a Miami based company that initially specialized in cutting rough diamonds to manufacture fine white and rare natural fancy colored diamonds and diamond jewelry. 

I don't have the specifics on this stunning Art Deco Bracelet - check their website for info...

Over 5ctw in Orange Diamonds! WOW!

Today Vivid Diamonds' gem and jewelry collections encompass virtually every facet of the gem and jewelry industry - they have created their own designer jewelry line - they carry a full assortment of natural colored gemstones and gemstone jewelry - and most recently, they have added unique and beautiful vintage estate pieces. Today Vivid Diamonds' gem and jewelry collections encompass virtually every facet of the gem and jewelry industry.

I found this line on their website and I have to say that I totally agree!  "What is even more impressive is their success at making every customer feel elated to have met and dealt with Vivid Diamonds."

MORELLE DAVIDSON

Silver on Gold Necklace to Tiara conversion piece complete in custom presentation box with all of the hardware intact

This UK based company was founded by three brothers descending from a line of jewellers, the business began as a stall in the Portobello Road Antiques Market.

From their gallery in a beautiful Edwardian building on Maddox Street in the heart of Mayfair, an area rich in the history of the antiques trade of London, today the company is at the pinnacle of their trade, with clientele across the US, Europe and the Far East.

There was quite literally, beauty in every direction at this show...

Fouquet at Marjan Sterk 

Stunning Demantoid Garnet Brooch - that is a snake I would certainly wear! from J. S. Fearnley

Chaumet - Persian Turquoise Parure from Eric Originals and Antiques

...and from Ely & Co.  (whose exquisite blue diamonds didn't photograph well), an amazing presentation of blue, pink and yellow diamond rings that included a stunning Tiffany & Co. Blue Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring!

He also showed a really lovely collection of vintage and antique watches - some limited edition pieces (I particularly liked the one with the Maharajah Hunting Scene on the face)...

And this exquisite gold Audemars Piguet, skeleton front and back, that clips to the wearers belt.