De Beers' Varda Shine praises initiative of Israel Diamond Exchange

De Beers' Varda Shine praises initiative of 

Israel Diamond Exchange  

at official opening of US/International Diamond Week

De Beers' Varda Shine (center) cutting the ribbon of the U.S. / International Diamond Week. From left: Avraham (Bumi) Traub; Moti Fluk, IDE vice president; Moti Ganz; Varda Shine; Yair Sahar and Ami Parter, member IDWI organizing committee. 

Executive Vice President, Global Sales, De Beers, Varda Shine praised the initiative of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) as she officially opened the US/International Diamond Week at the exchange on Sunday. "I am delighted to witness the opening of this event which I hope will be the start of a long tradition in Israel," Shine told the hundreds of diamantaires gathered in the exchange's trading hall where the March 17-20 event is taking place.

"With the worldwide situation being volatile, we must find ways to keep going forward. The innovation that we see in Israel is not seen in other countries. There is a great deal of initiative here, and that will keep Israel at the forefront of the global diamond trade," she added.

IDE President Yair Sahar described the event as an "historic moment" and said that Varda Shine had been surprised at the huge interest in the event and the large turnout. He said the global diamond industry had faced great difficulties since the 2008 global financial crisis, but that members of the world's diamond bourses and the diamond producers had all played a part in ensuring the industry would continue to flourish.

"Our bourse has managed to continue and strengthen and I believe we will see a great year in 2013. He thanked the Israeli companies exhibiting at the event and the foreign buyers who flew into Israel to take part, as well as companies who will be holding auctions of rough and polished diamonds and a sale of high-end diamonds and colored gemstones on the last day of the Diamond Week." More than $1 billion of diamonds are being offered for sale.

"This event is putting us on the frontline of the global diamond business. These are the kind of events that will help take us for forward through the next decade," Sahar added.

Israel Diamond Institute Chairman Moti Ganz said the aim of the event was to help the Israeli diamond sector to grow and flourish. "This 'festival of diamonds' is part of our efforts to re-invent ourselves which is crucial to expanding our business. I hope we will see more such diamond festivals in the future."

Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association President Avraham (Bumi) Traub said that by uniting all the elements of the diamond industry it was possible to create large initiatives to the benefit of all members of the trade. "Nothing can be taken for granted. We all have to work hard to create these events in order to help all bourse members."

Some 150 representatives of diamond companies from 15 countries are expected to arrive for the inaugural event in Israel where they will have the opportunity to do business with 190 Israeli firms. The countries include the United States, Italy, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, Turkey, Japan, China, Spain, Canada, Russia and Switzerland.

Israeli diamantaire Ori Fogel of Diamond Boutique said: "There is no doubt that this event is breathing new life into the bourse. It is driving us to come to the trading hall and use this new and unique platform - meeting people as a means of doing business. This morning, by chance, I met a supplier that I have known for many years and did my first trade in the US/International Diamond Week. The ability to meet at random a buyer or seller illustrates in the best possible way the advantages of the exchange's trading hall and of this diamond festival compared to events and trading areas in other parts of the world."

The first day of the US/International Diamond Week was concluded with a speech by Home Front Minister Avi Dichter who gave a comprehensive review of Israel's security situation. Dichter, the former head of Israel's domestic security service, spoke about the challenges Israel faces from the Arab world and the difficulties in trying to reach a true and meaningful peace agreement with the Palestinians.

The second day of the event, and the first full day of participation by overseas buyers, on March 18, will see an opening ceremony to be carried out by IDE President Yair Sahar and Diamond Dealers Club of New York President, Reuven Kaufman.

Inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013

Inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013 focuses  

on new global opportunities in changing diamond industry

The Dubai Diamond Exchange ('DDE'), a Dubai Multi Commodities Centre ('DMCC') initiative, announced a successful first day of its two-day inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013 ('DDC 2013').

Hosted in Almas Tower in Dubai's Jumeirah Lakes Towers, DDC 2013 welcomed hundreds of participants including governmental delegations from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. Also present were a range of diamond industry participants, representing companies and entities from all sections of the diamond supply pipeline.

Varda Shine (left), addressing the Dubai Diamond Conference 2013. Seated at the headtable are (from left) Eli Izhakoff, Welile Nhlapo, Vipul Shah, Ahmed Bin Sulayem and Peter Meeus.

In his keynote address to conference delegates, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, made history by nominating Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DDE, as the first non-Western President of the World Diamond Council ('WDC').  

Ahmed Bin Sulayem said:

"The global diamond industry is no longer dominated by Western countries.  We have become a global community of producers, cutters, polishers, retailers and regulators.  To ensure the collective voices of Russia, Dubai, India, China and Africa are heard, I believe global institutions such as the World Diamond Council need to be helmed by leaders who recognise the issues facing these countries. Peter's unparalleled understanding of the global diamond market will allow him to act in the best interests of the entire industry and ensure it continues to evolve in response to consumer and producer needs."

Following his nomination, Peter Meeus shared insights into the history of the global diamond trade and how the industry needs to respond to the current changes:

"The focus of rough trading is moving to Africa, with African nations increasingly taking control of their mineral resources distribution. The bulk of the industry's diamond manufacturing, on the other hand, has long since moved to India, China and other Asian countries.  Dubai is ideally positioned, geographically and operationally, to serve a pivotal role in this ever-changing landscape. We are truly at the centre of the "New Silk Road" and will bring it to its full potential."

Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company, De Beers Group, provided conference delegates with her perspectives on the current state of the global diamond trade, derived from over 25 years of experience in the industry. She said:

"With Southern Africa becoming a global rough diamond trading hub, there will be tremendous opportunities for players in the diamond supply pipeline. As such, the development of new trade routes is likely to continue, as increased demand from Asian markets is expected. Dubai has shown remarkable resilience in grasping these opportunities."

Other notable speakers at the first day of the DDC 2013 included the Chair of the Kimberley Process Ambassador,  Welile Nhlapo; Ministers of Mines, Hon. Susan Shabangu of South Africa; Hon. Dr Obert Moses Mpofu of Zimbabwe; Hon Kitso Mokaila of Botswana;  Mr Eli Izhakoff, President of the World Diamond Council; and Mr Vipul Shah, Chairman of India's Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council.  

Pantone's Lush Greens of Fall 2013

Pantone Announces Fashion Color Report Fall 2013

Designers capture the many moods of fall with skillfully arranged 

color palettes that allow for versatility and experimentation 

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today unveiled the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Fall 2013, a comprehensive overview of designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. 

“Just as the leaves change in autumn, the consumer will enjoy the ability to change their ‘look’ and try a new approach to their wardrobe for brisk days ahead,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “The fall 2013 palette allows for that versatility and experimentation.”

The top colors for women’s fashion for fall 2013 are:

Women’s Color Palette
This season, designers express the many moods of fall with skillfully arranged collections that will enhance and enliven customers’ outlooks as the colder months set in. Similarly, colors come together to create moods that range from sophisticated and structured to lively and vivid, encapsulating our inherent need for wardrobe variety to reflect emotions that run from thoughtfully introspective to irrepressibly elated.

With the changing season, the greens from spring evolve and develop.

Multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate, bringing luxury and elegance to the palette, while yellow-toned Linden Green brings a lightness and brightness to the deeper shades of fall. Try pairing both with Mykonos Blue, a bold, meditative blue, for a classic and relaxed fall look.

Exotic Acai adds mystery and richness to the palette, and can be incorporated with the other colors to create a number of powerful fall combinations. Pair the elegant shade of purple with Emerald for a regal disposition, or spirited Samba red for an expressive and dramatic look. 

Koi, a decorative orange with dazzling and shimmering qualities, is a statement color that serves as a pick-me-up for your wardrobe. Vivacious, an unruly and wildly deep fuchsia, adds an ebullient sensuality to the palette.

Pair Vivacious with anchoring Deep Lichen Green, a naturally lush shade of green, for a dynamic juxtaposition that captures both ends of the seasonal spectrum. Rounding out this season’s cornerstone colors, Turbulence, a dark mercurial gray, and Carafe, a rich, glamorous brown, provide more interesting and sophisticated alternatives to the black basics usually worn in colder months. Both staple neutrals pair gracefully with more expressive colors within the palette, such as Samba, Koi and Vivacious.

SUTRA Passionate About Mozambique Ruby!

Sutra - you have seen these amazing pieces on your favorite celebrities from TV, Movies, Sports, all the way up to the White House...the consensus is - SUTRA ROCKS!

Evoking the passion of RED, Sutra took the essence of the Mozambique ruby and designed an electrifying collection. From the drawing board to the realization of the piece the cascading earrings and intricately embellished rings reflect the classic designs inspired by the Edwardian era.

Designer Arpita Navlakha's continuous love affair with jewelry and making women feel beautiful resonates deep within this collection. Rubies have traditionally been associated with wealth and romance due to its rich red color; Navlakha brings this wearable luxury to life with this new collection. 

Red, a symbol of passion and intense emotion, whether it is lust, love or anger the ruby embodies the fury of each of these emotions.  Whatever RED is to you...SUTRA has it covered in this stunning new RED Carpet Ready Collection!

SUTRA can be found at Fragments and other Fine Jewelry Outlets....

Candy Inspired Jewelry - Luck O' the Irish

No one likes being pinched on St. Paddy's Day!  ...besides I can never remember - you don't have to wear Green if you're Irish?  ...you're supposed to Kiss Them Because They Are Irish? 

Here are some fun a affordable pieces of candy-inspired Jewelry that is sure to keep you safe on the day for the Wearin O' The Green!

...how can you go wrong with candy that doesn't go straight to your hips!

Check out these adorable Sweethearts earrings and necklace...almost good enough to eat!

...and Hershey's Kisses dressed in green so you don't have to!

Winners of Jewelers of America's CASE Awards

Winners of Jewelers of America's 

National Retailer Design Competition

The CASE Awards Honors Jewelry Design That Exhibits 

Creativity, Artistry, Style and Excellence

Jewelers of America (JA), the national trade association for businesses serving the fine jewelry retail marketplace, held its annual national retailer design competition, The CASE Awards, which recognizes independent jewelers who exhibit creativity, artistry, style and excellence in jewelry design. Many of the winning pieces of the 2013 CASE Awards reflect current trends in jewelry and fashion such as nature-inspired elements, mixed metals and vintage/baroque style.

"Jewelers of America's retail design competition is the only national platform that showcases the craft and creativity of independent jewelers," says JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte. "The jewelry entered reflects the remarkable jewelry you can find from Jewelers of America-member stores nationwide."

All the winning jewelers are members of Jewelers of America, the largest national association for fine jewelry retail businesses. Jewelers of America-member jewelers are among most reputable jewelers in the United States, backed by a commitment to Jewelers of America's Code of Professional Practices.

There were 63 entries from Jewelers of America Retail Members, the highest level of participation in the competition's history. Winners were selected for six product categories: Women's Jewelry Under $2000, $2000-$5000, Over $5000 (retail values); Men's Jewelry; Silver Jewelry; and Palladium Jewelry.

The 2013 CASE Awards were sponsored by Palladium Alliance International and Platinum Guild International, USA. For more information about the competition and to view the Winner's Photo Gallery, www.jewelers.org/caseawards.

CIBJO Grants Accreditation To Trade Show Organizer, Fiera de Vicenza

FIERA DI VICENZA IS ACCREDITED, THROUGH CIBJO,

TO PLAN & IMPLEMENT UN-ENDORSED CSR PROGRAM

Photographed following their meeting at the UN headquarters in New York (from left): Hanifa Mezoui, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society, UN Alliance of Civilizations; Corrado Facco, Executive Director of Fiera di Vicenza; Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Chair of the UN Women for Peace; Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations; Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO; and François Loriot, V.P. of AIFOMD.

Accreditation makes Fiera di Vicenza the only trade show organizer contributing directly to a United Nations-supported program to instill responsible business, social and environmental practices in jewellery industry.

NEW YORK: MARCH 15, 2013 - Fiera di Vicenza has been accredited through CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, to plan and implement a United Nations-endorsed Corporate Social Responsibility programme for the international jewellery industry. The programme, which mobilises the jewellery sector in the UN's mission to realize the Millennium Development Goals, is the key element in CIBJO's formal relationship with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Fiera di Vicenza's position in the programme was confirmed this week at the UN headquarters in New York, where CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri and Fiera di Vicenza Executive Director Corrado Facco met with Nassir Abdulaziz Al Nasser, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and President of the 66th General Assembly of the United Nations; Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Chair of the UN Women for Peace; Dr. Hanifa Mezoui, Senior Advisor, Humanitarian Affairs and Civil Society at the UN Alliance of Civilizations; well as with other senior UN and ECOSOC officials.

"We consider this to be a critical step in advancing the principles of corporate responsibility in the jewellery industry," said Dr. Cavalieri. "When CIBJO became officially associated with the United Nations seven years ago, our worldwide community committed itself to participating in the economic and social development of the countries in which we have a vested stake. But, to do this, it is essential that we are able to reach and educate industry members across the globe. Fiera di Vicenza, as a leading industry trade show organiser, educator and service provider, has the infrastructure, experience, talent and determination to enable us to get the job done."

"Fiera di Vicenza is honoured to be part of the process," said Mr. Facco, following the meetings in New York. "We have been strong supporters of CIBJO's programme with the United Nations for several years already, and we are happy to be able to upgrade our role. As a service and content provider our mission is to enhance the position of the jewellery industry. CSR is not only the right way to go morally and ethically, but is also correct from a strategic perspective. Jewellery may be considered as a luxury, non-essential product, but the world should come to know that the jewellery business and the revenues it generates are absolutely essential factors in the wellbeing of millions of ordinary people living in the developing world."  

In 2006 CIBJO became the first and only organization in the jewellery sector to receive official consultative status with ECOSOC, and, part of the process, in 2009 it set up the World Jewellery Confederation Education Foundation (WJCEF), whose goal it is to establish programmes that will educate members of the diamond, gemstone and jewellery industries about the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility, and how they may implement these in their businesses.

Fiera di Vicenza was an early supporter of CIBJO's CSR programme and WJCEF. In September 2010, it participated in two CSR workshops organised by CIBJO and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), in the United Nations Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. In January 2011 it hosted a high-level CSR seminar organised by WJCEF at the VICENZAORO jewellery trade show. In May 2012, it hosted a WJCEF seminar conducted by UNITAR at the World Jewellery Forum in Vicenza, as well as the 2012 CIBJO Congress and the 8th Annual Meeting of the World Diamond Council.

Mr. Facco also serves as President of CIBJO's International Trade Show Commission, which was established in 2012 and counts among its goals the promotion of CSR principles through jewellery industry trade shows worldwide.