PLUKKA Announces International Expansion

PLUKKA Announces International Expansion

Groundbreaking social shopping site and online fine jewelry retail brand, 

Plukka.com, extends coverage overseas

New York - Plukka.com, online fine jewelry brand and ecommerce site, announced the expansion of its distribution to include Germany, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. Following the success of its American site and last month’s award by Jewellery News Asia, owner of the world's largest jewelry show, for The Most Innovative Retailer of 2012, Plukka will officially begin shipping product to customers overseas. 

Plukka’s expansion into these markets is reflective of the company’s mission to innovate and enrich the consumer’s overall fine jewelry shopping experience. 

Plukka CEO Joanne Ooi said, “Since the site’s inception at the end of 2011, it’s been obvious to us that there is a major demand for our products in overseas markets. We have fulfilled lots of foreign orders manually and knew it was imperative to launch an international store, streamline logistics, and improve efficiency. We’re thrilled that the launch could occur before Christmas 2012.”

With Plukka’s expertise, history and network in the jewelry industry, they aim to be the world's best destination for fine designer jewelry by bringing the industry to the doorsteps of consumers all around the world. With Plukka, high creativity, exquisite quality and a breathtaking variety of choice can be enjoyed at very accessible price points. “It's a revolutionary value proposition and the reaction from the industry has shown us that they see our platform as the future of the industry's success," added Ooi. 

About Plukka:
Plukka offers reverse auction pricing and edgy, creative fine jewelry designs in diamonds, gemstones, 18K gold and sterling silver. In order to keep creativity high and prices unbeatably low, Plukka cuts out all intermediaries in the conventional retail supply chain and manufactures on demand. The result is an online catalogue of over 550 fine jewelry products all available at enormous savings (on average, 80%). Although some of its products are kept in stock, the majority of the catalogue is custom-manufactured. Since its launch, Plukka has garnered major attention and kudos from the tech, fashion and jewelry industries.

Rocker Chic - Irit Designs' New Collection

Irit Design  introduces its latest collection, effortlessly chic and organically sophisticated in design.  Conflict-free diamonds, recycled sterling silver and Tahitian pearls, Irit Design jewelry is modern-meets-natural where pavé encrusted diamonds transform original antique, hand wrought pieces, all made in the USA.

Stemming from her first incarnation as a fashion designer, Irit has translated the soft and unpredictable characteristics of fabric into a bold line of jewelry with daring shapes and textures. 

Fluid and sensuous with a rock-and-roll edge, Irit Design elevates any ensemble with versatile oxidized sterling silver multi-chain necklaces and conversational statement rings that take the form of seductive snakes and playful peacocks. 

Sparklingly brilliant and casually cool, Irit Design has become the go-to for celebrity A-listers, favored by Halle Berry, Michelle Obama, Sandra Bullock, Ashley Greene and Amy Adams, to name a few. 

Spotlights, Glamour and Red Carpet Jewelry!

Do you miss the Celebrity Jewel feature from your Daily Jewel?

It is very much alive and well on the NEW Celebrity Jewel on Tumblr...keep up with all of your favorites both on and off the Red Carpet!

http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/
http://www.facebook.com/CelebrityJewel

What have you missed?

Bond Girl, Berenice Marlohe, the latest in a long line of Sultry Beauties...in THE cluster diamond earring from Norman Silverman Diamonds.

This earring has become the go-to Diamond dazzler of the Celebrity set...it is understandable they are gorgeous!

Norman Silverman 12.84 ct Diamond Earrings, Retail: $160,000; www.NormanSilvermanDiamonds.com
http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/post/34604530245/actress-berenice-marlohe-wearing-norman

Speaking of Bond Girls - the Always SMOKIN' HOT Halle Berry in International Premieres for her new "Cloud Atlas".

Don't you LOVE the Dagger Earrings?   

Irit Design Sterling Silver Diamond Earrings, Price Upon Request, www.IritDesign.com
http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/post/35142900678/actress-halle-berry-wore-irit-design-earrings


...to Television hotness - Christina Aguilera from "The Voice"...in Rose Cut Diamond Rings from Atelier Minyon!

http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/post/35297359063/can-you-believe-how-hot-christina-is-on-the#notes

You don't want to miss the inside scoop on the "Swan" Necklace that Jennifer Morrison has been wearing all season on "Once Upon A Time".

Pyrrha's Swan Talisman Necklace…or Keychain                Retail:  $166.00

This handcrafted talisman necklace features a swan, representing grace, beauty and poetry. Jennifer Morrison’s character Emma Swan wears this as her personal talisman on the TV show Once Upon a Time.

http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/post/35138675789/abcs-once-upon-a-time-reveals-the-origin-of-emma




Be the first to get the deets on TV shoutouts for your favorite brands.

...did you catch the reference to a pair of Erica Courtney earrings on the hit show "Castle"?


ABC’s hit show Castle featured Erica Courtney’s platinum and diamond long maltese flower earrings on last night’s suspense-filled episode.

http://celebrityjewel.tumblr.com/post/34657401140/an-erica-courtney-earring-shout-out-on-castle-last

GIA Announces New Governor, Bids Farewell to Outgoing Members

GIA Announces New Governor, Bids Farewell to Outgoing Members

Institute recognizes three outgoing members, welcomes finance executive Lisa Locklear

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Nov. 13, 2012 – The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Board of Governors welcomed Lisa Locklear as its newest member during the Institute’s November board meeting in Carlsbad, and said a fond goodbye to retiring governors Fred Levinger, Roland Naftule and Steve Relyea.

Locklear is senior vice president and chief financial officer of Ingram Micro, Americas. She is responsible for leading the finance organization and supporting business operations, including credit, accounting, reporting, planning and strategy for its $18 billion North America and Latin America regions.

Her career in finance spans more than 28 years, including public accounting with Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in Orange County, CA, and financial reporting, planning and operational finance and analysis with The Walt Disney Company’s consumer products and theme parks divisions. Locklear’s experience at Price Waterhouse and Disney includes two overseas assignments, in Paris and London, totaling more than eight years.

“We are fortunate to have Lisa join the GIA Board of Governors,” said Susan Jacques, GIA board chairperson and president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts.  “She is a wonderful addition to our diverse board of global leaders and her expertise in finance is a perfect fit as GIA builds for a global future on the firm foundation of its 81-year history.  We look forward to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry around the world.”

Locklear is an active participant in Finance Executives International, the Dean’s Leadership Circle at the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and other local organizations. She was recognized as one of five recipients of the Orange County Business Journal Women in Business award in 2010 and was awarded the University of California at Irvine’s Distinguished Alumna Award in May 2009.

Locklear is a CPA and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis and her master’s in business administration from the University of California, Irvine.

Outgoing board members Levinger, Naftule and Relyea retired from the board after serving for a combined 20 years.  Veterans of the gem and jewelry business, Levinger and Naftule provided expertise in finance, the wholesale trade, and colored gemstones while Relyea brought a wealth of experience in education to the board. 

“The contribution of these three governors is beyond measure,” Jacques said.  “We are so grateful for their support for GIA’s mission and valuable contributions to the growth and global expansion of the Institute.”

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 

#WordlessWednesday - Spotlight on Nan Fusco Jewelry

#WordlessWednesday is reserved for the few elite DesignLines that have that distinct look - when you see a piece you know immediately who designed it.  

When Jewelry is this beautiful - words get in the way! 

Nan Fusco Jewelry
http://nanfusco.com

Known for her convertible necklaces, Nan Fusco is so much more.  Her style and colors are heavily influenced by the beach community where she lives.

..she stacks my personal favorite Arm Parties!

Click any photo to see a larger image...

EFFY and Ramy Brook Interpret Pantone 2013

With each new year comes the excitement of a new array of color trends, dictated by Pantone, that are sure to be the craze throughout the months to follow. 

...and with that comes Designer interpretations in Runway Ready looks - but how often do you find "street fashion" - looks that you could comfortably wear day in and day out and still carry that Casual Chic to which we all aspire? 

For 2013, fashion designer Ramy Brook and jewelry brand EFFY Jewelry are right on point, with a versatile selection of pieces representing each of the colors assigned for the year.

From brilliant blues and electrifying greens to lush purples and bolder reds, Ramy Brook’s dresses and separates pair together seamlessly with necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets from EFFY.

Gaetano Cavalieri Addresses Gem-A Graduates

Gaetano Cavalieri hands out awards to Gem-A graduates,

praises efforts of British industry to create ethical supply chain

CIBJO Pres. Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri addressing the
2012 Graduation Ceremony of Gem-A - Goldsmiths' Hall in London.

LONDON: NOVEMBER 6, 2012 - Gaetano Cavalieri, the president of CIBJO, was the guest of honour yesterday evening at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony of Gem-A, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, where he presented diplomas and awards to this year's graduates. The ceremony was held at the Goldsmiths' Hall in London, during the Gem-A Conference that is taking place in the city.

Speaking to the graduates, Dr. Cavalieri stressed the responsibility that they now have in defending the integrity of the jewellery sector and in enhancing consumer confidence.

"In the modern jewellery industry, where a single item is likely to include materials and input from a variety of countries, global standards must apply," Dr. Cavalieri stated. "National laws and regulations must be honoured and enforced, but in the end the ultimate judge and jury is the consumer, and today we have to consider the needs of consumers at home and abroad."

"Gem-A," he said, "was instilled with the professional spirit of this country's jewellery heritage, which makes you, today's graduates, all descendants and keepers of that flame. It is both a great privilege and a great responsibility."

Dr. Cavalieri praised the coordinated efforts of British jewellery organisations to ensure an ethical chain of supply in the industry. "In the same way that, in the past, we defended our trade through the cultivation of professional techniques and standards, which were designed to guarantee the physical integrity of the product, we need to defend our business through the development of ethical and responsible standards and practices, which will guarantee the moral integrity of our jewellery and our business community. In the world of today, the consumer should expect no less," he said.

"What is particularly important is that the effort should encompass all elements of our business, providing solutions for every participant, large or small, at all stages along the supply chain. Each member of our trade should be provided a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate that he or she acts responsibly and with integrity," Dr. Cavalieri noted.