GIA Is Accepting Applications For Scholarships Totaling $588,000 - Over 125 Scholarships!

So - you've always thought about getting a Graduate Gemology certificate or study Jewelry Design - the Gemological Institute of Ameria (GIA) has always been on your radar - something you have always wanted to do...well here is your chance!

GIA is offering more than 125 scholarships worldwide for its Fall 2015 Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses and lab classes. This semi-annual scholarship cycle, totaling approximately $588,000, aligns with GIA’s goals of providing quality education in gemology and jewelry to the trade and aspiring professionals. The Institute is accepting applications now through April 30 on its website.

Scholarships are available for distance education eLearning courses and for classes at the Institute’s campuses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan; and at the GIA branch in Dubai. Sponsored by private donors and the GIA endowment fund, the scholarships supplement GIA’s wider scope of offerings.

There are scholarships available from many of the Industry's luminary from Mikimoto and Kazanjian to Tiffany & Co. as well as location based scholarships for San Diego residents, Texas residents or even residents in the New Hampshire area and even International applicants.

GIA offers scholarships during two application periods each year for its gemology, jewelry, and design programs, courses, and lab classes – March 1 through April 30 and June 15 through October 31st.  Apply here:  https://javaapps.gia.edu/Scholarship/scholarship/scholarshipHome.jsp

For more info and the complete list of scholarships available follow the link:

http://www.gia.edu/scholarships

HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER KILLS BELOVED BAY AREA ARTIST

According to an account by KABC News in the SF Bay Area, beloved East Bay artist named Celeste Jewel Howell, 50, was hit and killed by a vehicle in West Oakland Saturday, March 7th, 2015. 

Oakland police are searching for a hit-and-run driver accused of killing her as she walked along a sidewalk.

"I don't understand, I hope they turn themselves in, I hope they do the right thing," Howell's sister Cheryl Williams said.

Williams came from Albuquerque when she heard the news and says Howell was a practicing Buddhist, living a peaceful life. "Her belief is that you just don't cause harm to anyone else. You go through life and don't cause harm to anyone else," she said.

Howell lived up to her middle name. She was an artist who created custom jewelry, much of it featured on her website and at a gallery in Berkeley. "It was really great to have her here. She was super sweet and incredibly knowledgeable about jewelry and her work," Natalie Borges said.

"I want justice to be done" Mason said and hopes police find the driver who took away something precious. "She was the love of my life and the world just lost a woman of grace," he added. 

You can find the entire story here:

http://abc7news.com/news/beloved-bay-area-artist-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver/549769/

Latin American Diamonds and Jewellery Week Sees Placement of World Jewelry Hub

The cornerstone of the World Jewelry Hub is placedmore than 20 countries will be present at the Latin American Diamonds and Jewellery Week

From 27 to 30 April 2015, will meet in Panama major dealers in diamonds, gemstones and jewelry neighboring countries such as Argentina , Bolivia , Colombia , Costa Rica , Peru,  Chile, Ecuador,    Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela , Mexico and Brazil; as well as USA, Italy, Spain, Belgium, India and Israel during the Latin American Week Diamonds and Jewelry.

This week, members of key partnerships jewelry Latin America and the House of Jewellery and Silver of Jalisco in Mexico, the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious Metals (IBGM), Joya Cruz de Bolivia and the Colombian Circle Jewelry; as the Export Promotion Council Gem and Jewelry India , Diamond Exchange of Israel , Fiera di Vicenza, the Gemological Institute Spanish, the Antwerp Diamond Exchange and the Diamond Dealers Club of New York will be present.

This world-class event also will feature brands such as RosyBlue, a global leader in manufacturing high quality polished diamonds and jewelery as well as Andre Messika company with over four decades of international experience in selling diamonds of all shapes and sizes, whether individual or in pairs.

They will also participate in the inauguration of the Latin American Diamonds and Jewellery Week, the President of the Antwerp Diamond Exchange, Marcel Pruwer; like, Gaetano Cavalieri , President of the World Jewellery Confederation; and, Reuven Kaufman , President of the Diamond Exchange New York and Panama strengthening relationship with these momentous markets diamonds and gemstones. 

The occasion will be conducive to the laying of the foundation stone of the World Jewelry Hub, the largest and most ambitious project undertaken in the trade of jewelry and gemstones in Latin America. 

Within the World Jewelry Hub, the new offices and trading floor of the Panama Diamond Exchange, the first and only diamond bourse recognized throughout Latin America will meet.

The entire complex is under the free zone regime, which benefits international trade in gems and jewelery, and exempts transactions conducted within its area of ​​payments of customs duties and taxes.

All those wishing to participate in the Latin American Diamonds and Jewellery Week can register through the website www.latamdiamondweek.com

SOURCE PDE Panama Diamond Exchange

#IACGoldCon Fifth Annual IAC Gold Conference - GOLD: Transparency, Trends & Techniques

Just wanted to give you a heads up about an event I will be participating in...two days of speakers on Gold and Gold Jewelry - some amazing people!

Download the complete program

Register for the event 

FOREVERMARK LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM FOR E-COMMERCE JEWELER PARTNERS

ALERT: FOREVERMARK LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM 

TO FACILITATE E-COMMERCE FOR JEWELER PARTNERS

Forevermark announced at the 2015 Forevermark Forum a facilitated e-commerce pilot program that allows retailers to capture a full return on their profit margin, the first program of its kind in the diamond industry.

The facilitated e-commerce program provides the flexibility for authorized partners to be wherever the Forevermark customer shops, whether online or in store. While increasing numbers of consumers are starting their jewelry shopping online, only seven-percent of diamond jewelry acquisitions are purely online, with no in-store visit. Brick-and-mortar continues to remain the most essential stage of the customer buying journey.

Forevermark e-commerce allows retailers to exponentially grow their range of designs and sizes to match the full product offer on Forevermark.com. Customers pulled into store through an online purchase allow the Forevermark retailer to act as the showroom and a useful resource for supplemental services.

 Forevermark US President Charles Stanley said in address at the Forevermark Forum, “The dynamics of buying jewelry have changed. Forevermark offers its authorized partners tools to stay ahead of the curve, through a unique value-driving proposition, evolved marketing and public relations campaigns, proprietary insight into this changing landscape through extensive research, and now e-commerce.  Together we are breaking the notion that consumers buy online for price. E-commerce is the next step in our endeavor to bring profit back to independent jewelers and create value to consumers – keeping the diamond dream alive.”

ABOUT FOREVERMARK

Every Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a promise; a promise that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Less than one per cent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond and be inscribed with the Forevermark icon and individual number. Forevermark is the diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies and benefits from over 126 years of diamond expertise. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to high standards; they are beautifully crafted by a select group of Diamantaires and exclusively available from select Authorized Forevermark Jewelers. 

FOREVERMARK INSCRIPTION & GRADING

Invisible to the naked eye, the inscription is made using bespoke technology from The De Beers Group of Companies. It is also recorded on the personalized Forevermark identification card which comes with every Forevermark diamond. The actual size of the inscription found on Forevermark diamonds is only 1/20^th of a micron deep and can only be seen using a special Forevermark viewer which can be found in Authorized Forevermark Jewelers.  It is confirmed by leading gemological institutes that the Forevermark inscription does not affect the internal quality of a diamond in any way.

Authorized Forevermark Jewelers are able to provide a Forevermark Diamond Grading Report.  It is an accurate blueprint of the qualities - cut, color, clarity and caratage of each Forevermark diamond.  The Forevermark Diamond Grading Report also features the individual identification number inscribed on the diamond and a specifically designed security hologram, providing reassurance that the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report is valid and genuine. For more information and to find your nearest Authorized Forevermark Jeweler offering Forevermark Diamonds, go to www.forevermark.com

#PGIUSA Platinum Guild International USA Announces Kevin Reilly as Vice President

Kevin Reilly appointed Vice President of Platinum Guild International USA 


Kevin Reilly has been appointed Vice President of PGI USA, after 9 years of service with the company. The appointment is effective immediately and Reilly will report directly to President of PGI USA Jenny Luker. In his role, Reilly will lead trade programs and drive business development strategies at manufacturer and retailer levels.

A jewelry industry veteran with over 20 years experience, Reilly began his career in the Executive Training Program at Macy’s and spent 9 years in a variety of different operations roles. Prior to joining PGI, he served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Tache USA and as Director of Customer Relations and New Business Development at Lazare Kaplan International.

PGI USA President Jenny Luker says, “Kevin is well respected by the industry at large and is a wonderful ambassador for platinum. His commitment and passion for platinum, our team and his role is second to none. ”

Reilly says, “I am thrilled to take on this dynamic new role as a catalyst for driving platinum sales and profitability in our industry. I am fortunate to work with an amazing team of people and together we look forward to working with our industry partners to create an exciting future for platinum jewelry business in the US”

PGI develops demand for platinum by working in partnership with many leading members of the retail and manufacturing industry globally, as well as by running direct to consumer programs. In addition to PGI USA, PGI runs programs in the three other major jewelry markets, operating offices led by Dennis Kao (China), Hisako Hankinson (Japan), Vaishali Banerjee (India), and a Head Office currently relocating from London to Hong Kong.

Press Release via Platinum Guild International

amfAR INAUGURAL HONG KONG EVENT RAISES MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR AIDS RESEARCH

amfAR RAISES MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR 

AIDS RESEARCH 

AT INAUGURAL EVENT IN HONG KONG

Presented by 

HARRY WINSTON, MARC JACOBS & MGM CHINA

The Specifics:

MICHELLE YEOH Recognized for her Commitment to the Fight Against AIDS
GWYNETH PALTROW Attended as Honorary Chair
PANSY HO Served as Event Chair
ROBIN THICKE performed
Delta Air Lines, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Moët Hennessy - Signature Sponsors

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, raised more than $4 million at its inaugural fundraising gala in Hong Kong on March 14, 2015, at Shaw Studios. 

Michelle Yeoh received special recognition during the event for her exceptional contributions to the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. The honor was presented by her good friends Sir David Tang, Silas Chou and Pansy Ho. Ho served as the event’s Chair, and Gwyneth Paltrow served as the event’s Honorary Chair. Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell also attended and served as Event Co-Chairs.

Kenneth Cole, amfAR’s Chairman of the Board, gave an impassioned speech that highlighted amfAR’s accomplishments and its goal of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020. Pansy Hospoke of the importance of Hong Kong’s involvement in the global fight against AIDS.
Guests enjoyed bidding on exclusive items during the live auction, conducted by the legendary and debonair Simon de Pury, which raised more than $2 million on its own. 

Auction Highlights included:

A surprise donation from amfAR’s long-time supporter Leonardo DiCaprio, which was announced and orchestrated on-site by amfAR’s Global Fundraising Ambassador Milutin Gatsby. DiCaprio donated two tickets at his personal table to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala in St. Tropez to occur in July. In addition to attending the gala, the item offered tickets to the event’s after party and an invitation to relax on DiCaprio’s yacht the day after. After a round of lively bidding, four different guests offered $250,000 each, for a total of $1 million.

A Jai Aili Friend oil canvas (2011) started at a healthy bid of $200,000, and hands immediately shot into the air across the room. After a quick but rigorous round of bidding, the painting sold for $550,000.

Gwyneth Paltrow joined de Pury on stage to feature a stunning Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not Necklace. The necklace features 189 marquise, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds in a lariat-style and weighs a total of 17.14 carats, set in platinum. The bidding started at $60,000 and quickly increased to sell at $140,000.

An exclusive trip to New York City to attend Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer Fashion Show in February 2016 prompted another lightening round of bidding. The item also included airfare, a shopping experience valued at $5,000 and fragrance and beauty gift sets. The bidding started at $5,000 and bounced back and forth between a few bidders, including the evening’s honoree, Michelle Yeoh. The item sold to another lucky bidder for $60,000.

Robin Thicke rounded out the evening, getting the audience on their feet with his performance of his chart-topping hits “Blurred Lines,” “Give It To You” and “Magic.” He also kept the crowd dancing with his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”

Harry Winston, Marc Jacobs and MGM China Holdings generously served as the event’s Presenting Sponsors. Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were dressed in Marc Jacobs and Harry Winston. Michelle Yeoh and Pansy Ho were also adorned in Harry Winston for the evening.

Event Co-Chairs of the amfAR Hong Kong gala also included Veronica Chou, Kenneth Cole, Serge Dumont, Vinay Dube, Larry Gagosian, Milutin Gatsby, Nayla Hayek, Emily Lam Ho, Jean-Marc Lacave, Cathy Lee, Xin Li, Wendi Murdoch, Michelle Ong, Dee Poon, David Tang, Claudine Ying, Andrew Yuen and Yvette Yung. The event’s Signature Sponsors are Delta Air Lines, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, and Moët Hennessy. Microsoft is the Official Technology Partner.

Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes International Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Milan, New York, Cannes, India, Venice, Rome, São Paulo and beyond have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raised millions for critical AIDS research programs. The events are known for their unpredictable nature with many of the celebrities in attendance participating in the live auctions or jumping onstage with impromptu performances.

amfAR Hong Kong featured a black-tie gala dinner featuring cocktails of Moët Hennessy champagnes and spirits.

amfAR's annual events play a critically important role in raising funds for the Foundation’s research programs and provide an important platform for raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, a disease that affects more than 35 million people around the world today, and infects more than two million every year.Last year, amfAR launched the “Countdown to a Cure for AIDS,” a research initiative aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV by 2020. The bold initiative will intensify amfAR’s cure-focused HIV research program with plans to strategically invest $100 million in cure research over the next five years. Harry Winston is a proud supporter of the Countdown to a Cure campaign.

amfAR has been very active in Asia for more than 20 years, and its TREAT Asia program has become a model of regional collaboration on HIV/AIDS since its founding 14 years ago. Since 1991, amfAR has awarded more than $17.2 million in grants to 120 organizations in 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. While Hong Kong ranks as one of the world’s lowest in HIV prevalence, the number of new HIV infections has been increasing steadily every year among gay men, other men who have sex with men, and young people in Hong Kong. The alarming rise in HIV cases is worrying, and it shows that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still a reality in Hong Kong, as it is in every other city around the world.

Delta Air Lines is the official airline of amfAR.

Harry Winston is the official jewelry and timepiece partner of amfAR.

Moët Hennessy is the official wine and spirits partner of amfAR.

Microsoft is the Official Technology Partner of amfAR.

amfAR Hong Kong is produced by Andrew Boose/AAB Productions and Josh Wood/Josh Wood Productions.

About amfAR

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested $415 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.

About Harry Winston, Inc.:
Founded in New York City, in 1932, The House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watch making. From the acquisition of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning Hollywood’s leading ladies on the red carpet, for over eight decades, Harry Winston has been a symbol of the best there is. Headquartered in New York, the company operates retail salons worldwide, in locations including: New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures Charitable Program:
Supporting local communities and giving hope to those in need is a longstanding House tradition that began with our founder, Mr. Harry Winston. From 1949-1953, Mr. Winston organized an exhibition known as “The Court of Jewels” – a magnificent traveling collection featuring his most impressive and historic gems – which toured key cities across America raising money for local charitable causes.

Today, we continue this legacy of giving through The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program. Within this program, the company is proud to support organizations in our local salon communities that strive to give young people access to a quality education and the skills necessary to be successful in life and enable healthy futures.

About Marc Jacobs International:

Marc Jacobs International was founded in 1984, by Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy. With over 200 free standing stores across the globe, the brand now includes Women’s and Men’s RTW and accessories, a children’s line called Little Marc Jacobs, multiple award winning fragrances, the bookstore Bookmarc and most recently Marc Jacobs Beauty, which will launch in Asia later this year.

Jacobs and Duffy continue to run the company and are committed to giving back to the communities where they have stores and beyond. They have been involved with over 100 charities worldwide and the ongoing support of many of these charitable projects—as well as new collaborations--continues to be a top priority.

About MGM China Holding Limited

MGM China is one of the leading integrated resort developers, owners and operators in the greater China region. We currently own and operate MGM MACAU, the premium and integrated entertainment resort located on the Macau Peninsula. MGM MACAU is a unique property located on a prime waterfront site in Macau with 582 rooms including the architecturally stunning 1,088m² Grande Praca of 25-meter high European-inspired facades and dramatic landscapes. MGM Cotai is scheduled to open in 2016 complete with a hotel and diversified entertainment complex of 1,500 hotel rooms.

Art is an integral part of MGM MACAU’s essence, informing every aspect from décor to personality. The MGM MACAU’s art programs at MGM Art Space serve as a metropolis where globally influential artworks are appreciated, interpreted and studied. As a major highlight, Botticelli’s enduring masterpiece, Venus, was featured in the inaugural exhibition of the MGM Art Space.

Through our sustainability vision, Creating a Better Tomorrow Today, there are many ways in which we give back to the community including volunteering events, sponsorship and donations. We seek to support the holistic needs of our local communities to make them a better place for all, helping vulnerable groups and education our youth are key focus areas of contribution.