#WINNER Announced ICA 2017 International Poster Competition

via email notification

ICA 2017 International Poster Competition

There were 80 posters submitted to the competition! 

Every two years, in coordination with our Congress, the ICA has an international poster competition. The winning design will be used for many communication and marketing efforts by the ICA worldwide to promote colored gemstones.

The entries are exhibited at the Congress venue where all attendees, both ICA members and Congress delegates, vote for their favorite designs. The announcement of the winners is usually done at the closing Gala dinner.

Thank you to all the artists, designers and ICA members who participated.

 

...the Winners are!

(drum roll please)

1st Prize US$2,000

Shanna Senior 

from New York, USA 

("Heart to Heart")

(poster no.1715)

2nd Prize US$1,500 

Zoran Regan Veira 

from Sydney, Australia

("Nature's Greatest Gift") 

(poster no. 1721)

3rd Prize US$1,000

Icaro Carlos 

from Sao Bernando do Campo, Brazil 

("Colors are the Smiles of Nature [Leigh Hurt]") 

(poster no. 1736) 

Special Recognition 

Certificate of Appreciation to: 

H. Turgay Unalan from Eskisehir Turkey 

("Nothing is impossible with love") 

(poster no. 1710)

You are all invited to learn more about ICA and view all the posters  on ICA's website:

Visit our website to see all the posters!

Congratulations! The ICA would like to take this opportunity to thank Yehuda Kassif, Chair of the International Poster Committee for his unwavering enthusiasm, the Steering Committee of the Congress and in particular, Mr. Sudhir Kasslival and Mr. Denish Malapany from Jaipur for their assistance and good advise. http://gemstone.org/events/poster-competition

Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India Exhibit #GIAMuseum #CarlsbadCA

via press release

Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India Exhibit

Unique collection on display at GIA 

Carlsbad, California,

October 13, 2017 – March 1, 2018

A singular exhibit of intricately designed 17th to 20th-century jewelry and ornate objects from India debuts on Oct. 13 at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) world headquarters in Carlsbad, California. “Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India,” will be on display through March 2018, showcasing 300 years of adornment with 50 lavish historical jewelry pieces and objects, including several from the Mughal Empire (1526–1857). 

Mughal Horn Pendant:  This gold pendant features a 125 carat Colombian emerald engraved in Arabic 

with salutations of peace. Set with diamonds, Burmese rubies, emerald beads and dangling pearls, it was 

made for a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. Mughal Era • Mysore • 18th century • emerald, ruby, diamond

and pearl in 22K gold    • 6 x 8.5 x 2 cm

“We are thrilled to be able to exhibit this spectacular historical jewelry,” said Terri Ottaway, curator of the GIA Museum. “The wealth of gems in each piece gives us a tantalizing look at the lavishness of the royal courts of India from centuries past.”

“Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India” explores the often intricate routes diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other gems decorating these pieces took from their sources across the globe. It delves into their religious and cultural symbolism, the wars fought for them and the historical tradition of gemology - the study of gems - in India. The pieces exhibited are on loan from a private collection.

Ottaway continued, “The nobility of India traded diamonds from their famous Golconda region for Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies and pearls from the Persian Gulf.  No mine was too remote to access, no ocean was too wide to cross, in pursuit of the very best gems. For the gems not only conveyed wealth and status, but they were also worn as talismans for the protection and enhancement of life. With so much at stake, you begin to understand why wars were won and lost for these treasures.”

Royal Manga Mala

While a necklace exhibiting mango-shaped elements (a manga mala) is traditional in South India, 

a manga mala as elaborate as this one was worn only by those who could afford such a massive 

gem-set jewel. Note the stylized mangos around the collar of the necklace. Its pendant represents 

the mythical two-headed bird (gandaberunda) that was the emblem of Mysore’s Wadiyar royal family. 

There is elaborate repoussé detailing on the back. 

Mysore  19th century  diamond, ruby and emerald in 22K gold  Necklace 79 cm long, pendant 11 x 8.5 cm

Throughout India’s history, many different gems were used in elaborately designed jewelry. Some served to honor religious figures; other jewels were integral to the marriage contract, as seen in nose rings worn as a tribute to happiness in the union. Elaborately designed wedding necklaces depicted snakes or fish as symbols of fertility, and the colors used in enamel - typically on the back of jewelry pieces - functioned as a representation of the forces of life.

“Centuries of Opulence: Jewels of India” will be on display from Oct 13, 2017, through March 2018. Visitors can schedule a tour by emailing guestservices@gia.edu or by calling 800-421-7250 ext 4116, or +1 760-603-4116 (if outside the U.S. or Canada).

The GIA museum in Carlsbad is home to the Institute’s extensive collection of gems, jewelry and minerals. The many permanent and rotating exhibits support GIA’s mission by strengthening awareness of gems, jewelry and gemology. The museum collection also supports GIA’s research and education programs. Visit https://www.gia.edu/gia-museum for a full list of exhibits on display.  

#WordlessWednesday Spotlight on the Iconic Oscar Heyman's 2017 Gift Catalog!

Thanks to Oscar Heyman’s inimitable designs, many of the last century’s most brilliant luminaries—from dignitaries and royalty to international celebrities—have shined a little brighter. The company’s founding brothers trained in the rigorous workshops of Fabergé before leaving Eastern Europe for New York. In addition to their rarified skills, they brought with them an abiding passion for gemstones and an old-world approach to gracious customer service.

http://www.oscarheyman.com/

Flip through the Holiday Catalog HERE:  http://www.oscarheyman.com/2017-catalog-flipbook/

#MyFavoritePiece - this is supposed to only be one piece BUT like I said this is MY blog!!!!

Hard to choose between that incredible Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and such flashy Mexican Fire Opal!

Spotlight on "Autumn In Peking" Collection by Lydia Courteille

Introduced during Fashion Week the New "Autumn In Peking" Collection by Lydia Courteille is a chinoiserie of inspiration....

Lydia Courteille's new collection is inspired by Feng Shui, populated with grasshoppers, frogs, dragons and fish, each symbolizing luck, wealth, prosperity, and longevity. Architecture, textiles and the clothing from this ancient culture are also present... 

A culture and traditional firmly rooted in the care of the ancestors Lydia Courteille has in her own way revisited symbols found on ancient pottery such as rebuses of bats flying through peach trees painted on porcelain symbolizing wealth and prosperity. 

Lydia Courteille helps you to discover just a small aspect of this beguiling country.

It is also a tribute to the novel “Un automne à Pekin” by Boris Vian, an author who influenced Lydia Courteille in her youth...

https://www.lydiacourteille.com/en

RockHer Innovates Online Engagement Ring Shopping - Introducing AI-Enhanced Digital Gemologist ROSI

From Press Release by RockHer Haute Jewels

RockHer Introduces AI-Enhanced 

Digital Gemologist ROSI

Los Angeles jeweler innovates online 

engagement ring shopping at RockHer.com

Los Angeles-based jewelry company RockHer Haute Jewels today announced the launch of RockHer.com, an artificial intelligence-enhanced bespoke luxury engagement ring site featuring the world's first intelligent diamond search engine.

RockHer.com is powered by ROSI, a personal digital gemologist that simplifies the overwhelming process of diamond engagement ring shopping and helps consumers create the perfect made-to-order ring handcrafted at RockHer's Los Angeles, California studio.

ROSI, an acronym for Rational Octahedron Selection Intelligence, uses a proprietary algorithm and artificial intelligence enhanced by IBM Watson to find the best diamonds available in the wholesale global marketplace at the best price. ROSI's revolutionary search engine analyzes more than 25,000 top GIA-certified diamonds and conducts millions of calculations to make recommendations for a center stone. ROSI's evaluation goes to the micro level, analyzing 30 different diamond properties that go much deeper than the basic measurements of the 4Cs (cut, clarity, color, and carat).

Link to how ROSI works: https://youtu.be/0D9GmBcYKzM

"RockHer is using modern technology to bring a century of diamond expertise and fine craftsmanship to online bespoke engagement ring shopping," said RockHer President and CEO Jim Vernon, an industry-leading diamantaire. "We are perfecting the creativity and the science behind diamond selection with a personal digital gemologist that expertly guides you through what could otherwise be an overwhelming shopping experience."

It was the personal frustration felt by tech visionary Adam Stein when shopping for an engagement ring that served as the inspiration for ROSI. Stein, founder and CEO of global tech company Advantageous Systems (ADS), found the traditional diamond buying process antiquated and overly confusing and turned to technology to find a solution.

"Buying an engagement ring can be harrowing and very confusing. ROSI streamlines the process to take the stress out of diamond shopping," said Stein. "It gives consumers an innovative method to apply rational logic to what can be an emotional and daunting purchasing decision."

RockHer simplifies an often-overwhelming shopping experience with a user-friendly, AI-enabled website that eliminates doubt and instills consumer confidence. The user experience requires shoppers to input only their budget and diamond shape, and weigh their primary considerations of price, size or quality. ROSI's sophisticated search engine evaluates more than a million data combinations to determine the best product for the price. "During development, we put ROSI up against the most skilled human gemologists until her selections outshined them," said Stein.

RockHer's modern technology is fueled by a century of diamond expertise. CEO Vernon has decades of experience in the diamond industry. He started his career at his father's company, Frank Vernon Diamond Brokers Wholesale Jewelers, taking over the company in 1984 as president. A leading expert in the diamond business, Vernon served on the managing board of the American Gem Society Laboratories from 1997 to 2011 and helped develop a system for evaluating the cut of polished diamonds that is still used today.

About RockHerRockHer is a high-end, bespoke engagement ring company based in Los Angeles, California. The company employs the industry's best designers, craftsmen and diamond experts to skillfully create brilliant, custom-made jewelry. RockHer'sworkshop is a tribute to old-world artistry and uses the latest technology in 3-D rendering and printing and microscopic setting equipment to produce extraordinary luxury jewelry.

https://www.rockher.com/

#JCKLasVegas 2018 - This Bears Repeating....

From Email Notice...

#IMI - In My Inbox - Mid September....Denver was FABULOUS!!!!

So for the last two weeks I have been in Denver for the showcase of gem, mineral and fossil shows...so I haven't posted some of the great things in my inbox ....here are a few.

First - from Rocket Box

In our 100 years in business we have seen many forms of unfortunate events that disrupt one's business.

We understand and would like to help you rebuild yours.

From The Centurion.... 

The Centurion Video Series: Dealing With An Angry CustomerBy Caroline Stanley |  September 27, 2017 (0 comments)

Merrick, NY--The longer you are in business, the greater the chance you’ll encounter an angry customer. With the right approach, you can not only diffuse the situation but possibly even turn the customer into one of your biggest fans if you resolve the issue well. 

https://news.centurionjewelry.com/articles/detail/the-centurion-video-series-dealing-with-an-angry-customer

The #PARISFASHIONWEEK Debut of Elizabeth Chambrun

The Fall Collection from Zeades Monte Carlo....

From Carl Bucherer

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Carl F. Bucherer recently celebrated the launch of its new monobrand Moscow boutique in the exclusive Smolensky Passage Shopping Mall, located in the historic, cultural and business center of Moscow. This important step allows Carl F. Bucherer to offer their Russian clients an even richer brand experience and more comprehensive service.

Carl F. Bucherer timepieces are currently sold in multibrand boutiques across Russia. The Swiss watch manufacturer, known for its history of exceptional quality and continuity, has now opened its first monobrand boutique in Moscow, located in the exquisite Smolensky Passage Shopping Mall, which is known for the premiere caliber of its international brands and high-end designers.

From Bejeweled:

It was apparent that the swirling curves of the earrings and chokers at the Prabal Gurung’s spring 2018 Show were fine jewelry, set with lustrous pearls and diamonds. On trend with the movement towards pearls as modern statements of style, the capsule group is the result of Gurung’s collaboration with Japanese jewelers Tasaki, (Prabal Gurung x Tasaki).

To read more, please go to https://www.bejeweledmag.com/prabal-gurung-x-tasaki-turning-classics-fine-jewelry-current-designs/

OK that should keep you busy for a bit.....

OH - did I forget to mention that Gem Gossip is home from New Orleans?

We're back from New Orleans!

As we make our way around the US on our #JewelryRoadTrip we were excited to visit New Orleans most recently as it came highly recommended as both a fun getaway and historic treasure trove for antique jewelry. Both of these statements were absolutely correct! We ended up planning a couple's vacation for this trip, as our friends Becca (of BCE Jewelry) & Sean were headed for the Big Easy on their yearly road trip, so timing was perfect. They both had been twice before and Matt & I had never visited, so we were happy to tag along as beginners and eat our way through New Orleans!  SO much good food.