Have You Heard? JCK Rock Stars...

OK just had to share this with you!!!!   I think this is one of the most innovative contests in awhile, for several reasons...


First - it forces Designers of Fine Jewelry to think of ways of incorporating Swarovski Gems in their pieces and in fact the 5 featured Designers are building a piece based entirely on Swarovski!


Second - it draws attention to 5 very talented young designers in the Jewelry Industry and who would love to be crowned JCK Rock Star!!!  ...with great judges and FAB prizes (which includes exposure at the JCK Las Vegas Show in 2012) this should be a huge hit!


Third - it is a brilliant marketing tool to bring viewers to the Brand New JCK Online website as you follow these designers in monthly videos posted on the website: 
http://www.jckonline.com/videos/2011/06/jck-rock-star-episode-1

Ethics Link Nat'l Assoc of Goldsmiths & Brit Jewellers' Assoc...

National Association of Goldsmiths & British Jewellers’ Association Join Forces For Ethical Standards

The British Jewellers’ Association this week demonstrated it’s commitment to assist members in achieving ethical supply chains by uniting with The National Association of Goldsmiths Ethics Working Committee initiative.

Realising that many small businesses are faced with substantial challenges when trying to assess ethical credentials of suppliers, the BJA and NAG have together taken the step towards bridging the gap between British jewellers and international small scale producers.

Both associations have connections with RJC and CIBJO and are mindful of their contribution to the debate, but act in the best interests of their respective members.

The launch of Fair Trade Gold has heralded a surge in demand from jewellers who are eager to embrace Fair Trade and ethical values throughout their supply chain.

However, many find themselves in a quandary as to how to integrate a traceable or credible system for selecting suppliers and for giving assurances to consumers. 

The NAG & BJA‘s ethics working committee will assess the feasibility of a system of auditable standards covering the following areas:

• Mining
• Metals
• Diamonds
• Gemstones
• Manufacturing
• Retailing.

Experts from each field will be called upon to assess and comment on the standards, in order to develop a robust system which can be accessed by NAG & BJA members in the future. Vivien Johnston, founder of ethical jewellery brand Fifi Bijoux, has been appointed to steer the project.

Greg Valerio, the force who brought Fair Trade gold to market, has pledged his support for the realisation of the standards.

Valerio and Johnston have both created ethical brands which use exclusively ethical materials, and have first hand knowledge of the complexities involved.

The ethics committee will use collective industry knowledge to drive forward greater transparency from suppliers and to provide members with an accessible system of assessment. The routes to connect with producers who are working to high standards of social and environmentally are currently inaccessible to many jewellers and the Ethics Working Committee seeks to enable relationships between both parties.

PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED #JCK

JCK 2011 PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Platinum Guild International USA Awards Eight Outstanding Platinum Designs at JCK Las Vegas 2011

WHO:  Platinum Guild International USA, the worldwide marketing arm for the platinum jewelry industry

WHAT:  PGI-USA announces the winners of the 2nd annual JCK 2011 Platinum Innovation Awards. Winners were chosen in six different design categories, as well as two overall categories – “Best in Show” and “Editors’ Choice.” To select the winners, an impressive 180 entries were first reviewed by editors from the nation’s leading bridal and fashion publications and then voted on by retailers during the JCK Las Vegas Show. Entries were up more than 200% over last year's competition.

PGI awarded each winner with a prize package valued at approximately $50,000.

WHERE: Winners were announced at an official press conference on Sunday, June 5 at JCK Las Vegas

Entry Platinum Engagement Ring 

(semi-mounts under $2,500 retail):
§ UNEEK FINE JEWELRY COLLECTIONS: Platinum engagement ring featuring a diamond halo and shank (.21 ct. tw)

Retail Price: $2,495; Price does not include center stone

Modern Platinum Engagement Ring
§ STULLER: Platinum engagement ring with diamond melee (.625 ct. tw)

Retail Price: $3,666; Price does not include center stone

Vintage-Inspired Platinum Engagement Ring
§ LIEBERFARB: Platinum engagement ring featuring a double-halo design and pave diamonds (.31 ct. tw)

Retail Price: $3,710; Price does not include center stone

Platinum Wedding Band
§ CARLEX BY CROWNRING: Platinum 11 mm band with 100 diamonds

Retail Price: $10,000

Platinum Fashion Ring
§ JOHN APEL: Platinum flower ring with rose-cut, old miner and full cut micro-pave diamonds from the Fleurette Collection

Retail Price: $22,000

Platinum Fashion Earrings
§ A JAFFE: Platinum floral motif earrings with diamonds

Retail Price: $15,000

Editors’ Choice
§ PARADE DESIGNS: Platinum engagement ring featuring a cushion cut diamond center stone with interlaced diamonds (.30 ct. tw)

Retail Price: $2,495; Price does not include center stone

Best in Show
§ STULLER: Platinum engagement ring with diamond melee (.625 ct. wt)

Retail Price: $3,666; Price does not include center stone

 About Platinum Guild International:

Platinum Guild International is dedicated to promoting platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade.  PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of platinum jewelry. For more information please visit www.platinumguild.com

Couture Design Awards - The Winners!

Last night in a star studded room filled with the elite of the Jewelry Industry dressed in their finest the prestigious Couture Design Awards were handed out...


You will get to see better photos later - but here's the list - photos from the event are on the Couture Facebook Page at: http://www.facebook.com/CoutureEvent

...I couldn't resist the photo of the Pearl Winner from Sevan Bicakci...Congrats to all of the Winners!!!!

Pearl Winner: Sevan Bicakci 
Silver Winner: Atelier Zobel/Peter Schmid
Gold Winner: Elena Votsi
Platinum Winner: Isabelle Fa
Bridal Winner: Stefan Hafner
Diamond Under $20,000 Winner: Moritz Gilk
Diamond Over $20,000 Winner: La Reina
Colored Gemstone Under $20,000 Winner: Federica Rettore
Colored Gemstone Over $20,000 Winner: Shaun Leane
Watches Winner: Gurhan
Technical Excellence Winner: Speake-Marin
Watch Innovation Winner: Claret
Debuting At Couture Winner: Kamofie
People's Choice Winner: Arman Sarkysian
Human Spirit Award Winner: Cathy Tivol

Chrisites - from Hong Kong to Milan! Luxury is Alive & Well!

“With US$110 million changing hands in two days, we have just concluded our best season for jewellery and watches in Asia. The Imperial Cushions, a magnificent pair of D-colour Golconda diamonds achieved a world record price of US$200,000 per carat and the Asian market continues to grow and position itself as a major centre in the international world of auctions,” said Vickie Sek, Director of the Jewellery and Jadeite Department, Christie’s Asia.


With an 80% sell through Christies Hong Kong posted a new record for Golconda Diamonds ...and they sold some truly amazing lots...a full section of Chanel Jewelry...and offerings from most of the famous houses!

Meanwhile Francesco Alverà, Head of the Jewellery Department at Christie’s Italy, commented on the May 26th Milan Jewels Auction:

“With a total of more than €5 million, Christie's Jewelry auction in Milan achieved one of the highest results ever obtained by the category in Italy, reconfirming the absolute leadership of the auction house in this country. More than 180 different buyers from five continents pursued the sale’s 322 lots, competing vivaciously in the room, on the telephone, and online. The top lot, an important octagonal-cut diamond ring of 12.01 cts, sold to an Italian private collector for €315,800 (€26,294 per carat). Additional strong performers included a magnificent ring with a Ceylon (Sri Lanka) sapphire of 21.17 cts, which sold for €227,600 (€10,751 per carat), as well as a particularly rich section of BVLGARI jewels, and a selection of natural pearls.”

It is abundantly apparent that the luxury market is alive and well!

Christie’s, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in 2009 that totaled £2.1 billion/$3.3 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $80 million. Christie’s has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

Love LUX? Love the Robb Report? There's An App For That!

ROBB REPORT EDITORS SELECT LUXURY WORLD’S

MOST EXCEPTIONAL NEW STYLE COLLECTIONS

IN 23rd ANNUAL ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ SPECIAL ISSUE

New iPad App  - Slide Shows, Video Footage Showcases Apparel, Watches, Jewelry, and Pens

The international luxury world’s most exceptional new fashions and jewelry pieces come to life, as Robb Report(www.robbreport.com) magazine today unveiled an iPad application to coincide with the debut of its signature “Best of the Best” June issue.

Available in the iTunes App Store and offered for free to existing print subscribers, Robb Report’s new monthly iPad app will deliver unique content including interactive features, hotspots, slide shows, and videos featuring the international luxury world’s most extraordinary new products and services.

The new APP is accessible at:  http://robbreport.com/ipad-download

Produced with stunning visuals utilizing the latest technological advances, Robb Report’s app content will be presented in an innovative and intuitive manner that engages the user and enhances the experience for luxury enthusiasts.

The new Robb Report iPad app will provide access to all of the print magazine’s content when viewed in “portrait” (vertical) format, and unlock a wide range of interactive enhancements when operating in “landscape” (horizontal) mode. 

The culmination of a year’s search for the most remarkable new products and services, the “Best of the Best” issue features premium-quality automobiles, yachts, jewelry, hotels, wines, fashion, and other singular items and services. 

Offering comprehensive reviews by Robb Report’s editorial staff and a team of seasoned contributing writers, the “Best of the Best” coverage spans 36 categories within six primary departments: Wheels, Journeys, Style, Leisure, Home, and Wings & Water.

Within the issue’s Style section, “Best of the Best” editorial selections include:

·         Tailored Clothing: Ralph Lauren

·         Sportswear: Brioni

·         Footwear: Berluti

·         Men’s Watches: Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Super Sport

·         Women’s Watches: Breguet Reine de Naples Sonnerie au passage

·         Jewelry Designers: Lorenz Bäumer

·         Jewelry Collections: Chanel Fine Jewelry

·         Diamonds: Graff

·         Pens: Montegrappa Icons Tribute to Muhammad Ali Knockout Edition

Now in its 35th year, Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. The brand, in its digital and print forms, reports on exceptional products and services for the affluent connoisseur. Coverage includes automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, art, dining, jewelry, watches, fashion, travel, homes, wines, spirits, and cigars. For more information, visit the magazine’s website at www.robbreport.com.

DEADLINE June 6th! ...for the 6th Annual Halstead Grant

Just got a great Reminder note from Hilary Scott at Halstead:

"Just a reminder that the submission deadline for The Halstead Grant is June 6^th! This long weekend is the perfect time for new jewelry designers to wrap up their submission packets. Eligibility criteria and application details are at www.HalsteadBead.com/Grant. The winning entrant will receive a $5,000 small business cash grant, $1,000 in supplies and industry recognition. Good luck to all this year’s candidates"

Competition Deadline: June 6, 2011

Halstead Bead Inc is inviting jewelry designers to enter its 6th annual grant competition for new entrepreneurs in the industry. The winner of the 2011 business development grant will receive $6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits. The award was previously known as The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant; however, it has been renamed in 2011. The award is sponsored by Halstead Bead Inc., a supplier of wholesale jewelry supplies.

Designers utilizing jewelry making techniques such as metalsmithing, lampworking, metal clay, wirework, beading, or casting are eligible to enter the competition. Candidates must be US citizens who began their businesses after January 1, 2008. Their design companies must focus on “bridge jewelry” which is the segment between costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bridge designs are primarily crafted from sterling silver with semi-precious stones, crystal, glass, pearls and other materials. This segment is also known as “craft jewelry” or “art jewelry.”

Complete application details can be found at http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant. Candidates are required to submit a design portfolio, resume and answers to several business planning questions. Applications must be received between April 15 and June 6, 2011. The grant website includes several helpful articles on launching a national jewelry business as well as information on past winners and finalists. Previous grant winners include Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry, VOSTENAKstudios, Bridgland Studios, Belle Brooke Designs, and Ananda Khalsa Jewelry.

The Halstead Grant differs from other jewelry industry competitions because of its emphasis on small business skills. Jewelry entrepreneurs applying for the grant must demonstrate not only extraordinary design, but also a strong business strategy. The application experience promotes the small business planning required to make a jewelry brand commercially viable at the national level.

The grant sponsor, Halstead Bead, Inc., is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply wholesalers. The firm was established 38 years ago and now supplies thousands of jewelry designers and manufacturers around the globe. Halstead Bead, Inc. is wholesale only and specializes in jewelry findings, chain, wire & beads for the bridge jewelry segment.