Modeling the Future: GIA Transforms Jewelry Education

Modeling the Future: GIA Transforms Jewelry Education

Design and manufacturing courses updated for jewelers of the future

Students at GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) campus in Carlsbad, Calif. now have access to the most cutting-edge technology in jewelery design and manufacturing education through the completely revamped Jewelry Manufacturing Arts program. The Institute’s Graduate Jeweler (GJ) and Jewelry Design & Technology (JDT) courses have been fully updated, with redesigned classrooms outfitted with high-tech manufacturing and learning tools for efficient, visual and interactive education geared to today’s jewelry industry.

“Graduates from these courses will enter the jewelry industry with up-to-date skills and unsurpassed experience,” said Mark Mann, GIA’s director of Global Jewelry Manufacturing Arts. “By incorporating the latest technologies like rapid prototyping of designs using wax mills and 3-D printers, we’re preparing students for how the industry works today, saving future employers time and money. GIA is at the forefront of teaching these real-world technologies.”

 All GJ course materials have been updated and moved onto iPads featuring high-quality video and hand illustrations that emphasize key points. GJ and JDT classrooms have also been reorganized and remodeled to accommodate the latest manufacturing technology for jewelry design, jewelry engineering, product development, custom orders, jewelry manufacturing, jewelry repair and quality assurance. Instruction methods have been updated to leverage this technology and to engage today’s students through interactive learning.

GIA’s JDT program teaches jewelry design and product development using computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. GIA’s GJ  program teaches bench jewelers techniques for making jewelry. Skills covered include stone setting, jewelry repair, fabrication, pre-finishing, polishing and buffing. All projects are taught using precious metals.

Both programs taken together provide a strong background in jewelry design, product development, manufacturing and production. Each program is 6 months in length. The first of the newly designed courses are  currently in session; the next GJ course will begin in Carlsbad on May 16, and the next JDT course on May 23. Students can apply now. Both programs will be offered at the Institute’s New York campus in 2014.

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. 

Crystal Blue Persuasion - Dove's Jewelry

From architecture, fashion, and nature, President and Chief Designer of Doves Jewelry, Doron Hakimian, is inspired by his surroundings and adventures. 

A former architect Doron combines his gift of drawing and eye for design to create exquisite collections that will remain timeless.

Doves Jewelry is handcrafted with the finest materials and highest quality diamonds and gemstones. 

The result, his newest collections-St. Barths Blue, Royal Lapis and Emerald Dreams-that transport you to the crystal seas of the Carribean, to a glimpse of royalty and to the far reaches of the Emerald City.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History presents Garden of Light: Works by Paula Crevoshay

Carnegie Museum of Natural History presents
Garden of Light: Works by Paula Crevoshay
More than 60 fine art jewelry pieces inspired by nature

Midnight Seduction (ladyslipper orchid)

Sapphire, blue zircon, black diamond, 

coral, and abalone pearl pendant by 

Paula Crevoshay; photo by Chris Chavez

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…Experience the beauty of nature through more than 60 original pieces by award-winning jewelry artist Paula Crevoshay in a new exhibition, Garden of Light: Works by Paula Crevoshay.

Featuring stunning jewelry depicting botanicals, insects, and more, the single-artist exhibition appeals to nature lovers as well as fans of lapidary art. Many of the pieces are shown juxtaposed with spectacular minerals and insects from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History collection as examples of the nature-created materials by which Crevoshay is so inspired. 

Octavian

Opal, white gold, blackened chodium, 

black diamond, and black spinel brooch 

by Paula Crevoshay; photo by Chris Chavez

From a magnificent orchid pendant to a tiny spider pin, these one-of-a-kind pieces in Garden of Light celebrate the beauty and interdependencies of the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. 

Garden of Light is on view at Carnegie Museum of Natural History April 13–August 11, 2013, in Wertz Gallery: Gems & Jewelry, part of Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. Garden of Light is supported locally by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.     

   

“It’s in our nature to mimic Nature,” says Crevoshay, and so she does with the skill of a sculptor and painter in her pieces which are as much fine art as jewelry. Crevoshay uses her work to further the beauty she sees everywhere in the world. “As an artist, I mirror back to nature that which it inspires in me, which in turn strikes a chord in my viewers.”

Luna Moth

Opal, chrysoprase, moonstone, and 

diamond brooch/pendant by Paula 

Crevoshay; photo by Chris Chavez

Highlights of the exhibition include:

• Gold, opal, sapphire, and incredibly rare conch pearls, just a few of the materials that are incorporated into the pieces

• Exhibits of “ecosystems” featuring pieces which reflect the biodiversity and important relationships between plants, insects, and the elements, such as water in the garden

Poppy

Moonstone, black diamond, opal, 

and diamond brooch/pendant by 

Paula Crevoshay; photo by Chris Chavez

• A selection of gem-laden orchids by Crevoshay paired with specialized insects pulled from the museum’s invertebrate zoology collection that would pollinate the orchid species in nature

• Natural mineral specimens showing the transformation that takes place from mineral to work of art at Crevoshay’s hand

• The role of color—especially hues of green, blue, and red—in the garden ecosystem, explored and exemplified by the gems and minerals of the jewelry

• Charming characters from sprites to nymphs, inspired by but not from nature, representing the long cultural history humans have of trying to capture the beauty, spirit, and essence of nature

About the Artist

Paula Crevoshay has been a jewelry designer for more than 30 years. Her artistry focuses on original, one-of-a-kind pieces. Her work combines her love of art, history, and nature. She is considered one of the foremost jewelry designers of our time.  

                                                                                                     

Helios

Opal brooch/pendant by Paula Crevoshay; 

photo by Peter Hurst Photography

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, is among the top natural history museums in the country and is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century natural history museum. It maintains, preserves, and interprets an extraordinary collection of 22 million objects and scientific specimens used to broaden understanding of evolution, conservation, and biodiversity. Through four new Centers, Carnegie Museum of Natural History generates new scientific knowledge, advances science literacy, and inspires visitors of all ages to become passionate about science, nature, and world cultures. More information is available by calling 412.622.3131 or by visiting the website, www.carnegiemnh.org.

Auction brings successful US/International Diamond Week to a close

The closing day of the March-17-20 US/International Diamond Week at the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) ended with an exceptionally well-attended auction of spectacular white and colored diamonds and gemstone jewelry by Tzoffey's 1818. Reportedly, more than 30 lots were sold. 

An oval cut fancy color diamond weighing 11.56 cts., set with two taper baguette side stones,  set in
white gold was one of the items sold at auction during the US / International Diamond Week in Israel.

IDE President Yair Sahar paid tribute to Tzoffey's 1818 owner Avner Sofiov putting together the idea of the auction, creating the lots of diamonds and gemstones, and making it a reality in less than two months. "To be able to make something like this take place in two months is exceptional," Sahar said. He added that 1 percent of the proceeds from the auction would be donated to the IDE's Friends for Friends organization to help people in need. IDE Vice President Ilan Samuel bought a heart-shaped brown diamond weighing 1.96 carats and then put the diamond back into the auction and donated the money from the sale to Friends for Friends.

Among the highlights of the auction, which included more than 30 lots, was a 1.27-carat fancy intense purple pink cushion cut GIA certified diamond of SI1 clarity that sold for US$242,000. Among the other items was a platinum ring set with a 10.19-carat cushion-cut diamond pave set with brilliant-cut diamonds, a man's ring set with a cabochon sapphire weighing 7.83 carats and mounted in yellow gold and signed by French designer Reza, and an outstanding oval-cut fancy color diamond weighing 11.56 carats set in white gold.

In addition, there was an emerald and diamond ring, with the square-cut emerald weighing 13.91 carats and set among 3.02 carats of pear-shaped diamonds in white gold, as well as a cushion-cut ruby weighing 6.22 carats set in white gold and with white pave-set diamonds on either side, and many other outstanding jewelry items.

Before the auction, diamantaires from Israel and overseas were given a presentation by renowned diamond industry analyst Chaim Even-Zohar, President of Tacy Ltd., on the issue of the global diamond market. Even-Zohar, who publishes an annual diamond pipeline chart showing the production of rough goods from diamond-producing nations and the value of the diamonds and how much is added at each stage through manufacturing and sales to the consumer, said he did not expect rough prices in 2013 and 2014 to rise "meaningfully," and added that prices would continue to be volatile.

He said that annual rough sales globally were $15 billion, while polished sales were $22 billion, meaning manufacturers added value is just $7 billion. "Manufacturers are the suckers between the mining firms and jewelers." Although manufacturers lost money in 2011 and 2012, their financial situation has never been better. As a result of the financial crisis they had injected equity into their companies, and borrowing had fallen, Even Zohar noted.

However, it is imperative that banks provide credit to the diamond industry as that is the only way to survive and expand. "The business cannot grow without credit."

Even-Zohar also spoke about the danger to the industry posed by synthetic stones, saying that of the $22 billion of polished goods last year at least $500 million were synthetics. Manufacturing of synthetics has ramped up considerably with manufacturers installing hundreds of machines. "In addition, there is a perfect system where synthetic stones are made by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and then improved using the High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) system."

Even-Zohar also spoke about the danger to the industry of recycled diamonds and stones being sold to the ever-expanding pawn business in the United States which he estimated to have an annual value of $1.2 billion. "There are enough diamonds held by households for the next 40-50 years if they were to all go back into the market. Those are the kinds of volumes we are talking about," he said.

JCK Events Announces 2013 Design Center Rising Stars

JCK Events Announces 2013 Design Center Rising Stars

Cornelia Goldsmith

JCK Events revealed its anticipated 'Rising Star' roster this month, energizing the fresh crop of designer talent weeks before JCK Las Vegas. 

The 2013 Rising Stars areBibi van der Velden, Cornelia Goldsmith, Jason Dow Jewelry, Naomi Blumenthal Studio and Patrick Mohs Jewelry. 

Jason Dow Jewelry

Each will exhibit in the Design Center at JCK, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, May 31-June 3.

The JCK Rising Star program identifies emerging artists whose noteworthy jewelry design and manufacturing techniques are deserving of recognition in the current marketplace. 

Patrick Mohs Jewelry

This select group is invited to exhibit at JCK Las Vegas, in the Design Center, which specifically features a group of innovative, artisan-quality jewelers and up and coming brands. 

Previous Rising Stars, including Chris Ploof, Fern Freeman and Heather Moore, have gone on to achieve wider recognition and success.

Bibi van der Velden

"The Rising Stars are so important to the JCK portfolio because they infuse originality and innovation into the mix of products featured, both in the Design Center and, of course, the larger Show floor," says Lars Parker-Myers from JCK. "Their pieces are fresh and unique. It's great for retailers to get a glimpse at future design stars and to purchase something truly new and undiscovered for their customers."

Naomi Blumenthal Studio

The collections of Bibi van der Velden, Cornelia Goldsmith, Jason Dow Jewelry, Naomi Blumenthal Studio and Patrick Mohs Jewelry can be viewed at the Design Center at JCK, May 31-June 3, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

ABOUT JCK EVENTS:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:


- LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 28 - 30, 2013, by invitation only, and then continues as the events open their doors to all JCK retailers May 31- June 3, 2013 - Four Seasons, THEhotel, Mandalay Bay
- Swiss Watch: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - THEhotel, Mandalay Bay, Mandarin Oriental
- JCK Las Vegas: May 31 - June 3, 2013 - Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
- LUXURY Privé New York: July 29 - 31, 2013 - New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue
- LUXURY Privé Panama: August 26 - 28, 2013 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita

MJSA Expo Exhibitors - Buyers Acquired Machinery, Tools, and Services

MJSA Expo Exhibitors Say Wallets Were Open, as Buyers Acquired Machinery, Tools, and Services

Over 3,000 jewelry makers and designers streamed through the doors of the 2013 MJSA Expo New York, March 10-12 at the Hilton New York. And their wallets were open, reported the buyers who filled the aisles.

“I met a potential customer from Florida, I placed an order for a rapid prototyping machine, and I shook hands with at least 40 from the best of the jewelry industry. Where can you do this except at MJSA Expo?” said show attendee Ted Doudak, CEO of Riva Precision Manufacturing Inc. in the New York City area.

“There was lots of new machinery at the show. I saw three new rapid prototyping systems on display that looked good and in an excellent price range. This is a show well worth going to every year," said attendee Daniel Grandi, president and owner of Racecar Jewelry Co. Inc. in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Exhibitors echoed the enthusiasm of buyers.

The 2013 MJSA Expo “was the best I have seen in five or so years,” said Darrell Warren, vice president merchandising at Stuller Inc. in Lafayette, Louisiana. “There were also more qualified buyers at the show than I have seen in as many years.  My congratulations to all of the MJSA organization on a job well done.”

“This is my first year at Expo New York, and I’ve really been impressed,” said Robert Knupfer of New York City–based Knupfer International Gems Inc. and the website BuySellMemo.com. “I’ve made great contacts with buyers, not only in the New York area, but also from places like Minnesota, North Carolina, and Ohio.”

Produced by MJSA, the association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers, Expo New York takes place annually in March at the Hilton New York in midtown Manhattan, a convenient location for buyers. The show features not only the latest bench tools, laser welders, casting machines, alloys, CAD/CAM systems, gemstones, and component parts, but also subcontracting and business services related to jewelry making and design.

The association also hosts a variety of seminars and classes at the event. “The seminars were just terrific,” said Expo attendee Eric Toczko of CustomMade.com, an online consumer marketplace for custom services, including those for jewelry. “I learned so much about the jewelry industry, and it was great to meet the thought leaders within it.”

Alan Bell (left), president of Rio Grande, a Berkshire Hathaway company, demonstrates the benefits of a hydraulic press during MJSA Expo New York, March 10-12 at the Hilton New York.

The program this year included a return of the popular “Critique My Website, Please” seminar, in which Rio Grande Marketing Manager Eugene Brill updated attendees on the crucial elements of a good online strategy. (He critiqued attendee websites via a live internet connection.) Attendees also learned how to best integrate technology into their operations, thanks to a session conducted by J. Tyler Teague, a consultant to the trade and owner of JETT Research and Precious Metal Casting Consultants in Johnson City, Tennessee. In addition, trend forecaster Barbara Raleigh, president of International Design Source Ltd. in the New York City area, offered an overview of the latest fashion trends and how to apply them to jewelry in all price ranges.

Expo also presented MJSA’s signature At the Bench Live. In this year’s session, Arthur Skuratowicz, director of education at the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shared favorite tools and tricks of the trade, many gleaned from the MJSA Press book Secret Shop Weapons.

The next day, Skuratowicz and Teague took part in a panel discussion moderated by business consultant Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx. Called “Generation Next: The Future of Jewelry Making & Design,” it examined how the next generation of jewelry makers and designers are being prepared with both the basic skills and the technological savvy needed for the 21st century. Patricia Madeja, jewelry coordinator of the Pratt Institute of Fine Arts in Brooklyn, also participated.

The industry’s latest technologies for jewelry making and design were on display during MJSA Expo New York, March 10-12 at the Hilton New York.

Monday afternoon, MJSA offered a fee-based series called “Jewelry 101: The Foundation of Quality Work.” Sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation, the courses taught basic jewelry making skills, such as bezel and prong setting, engraving, and wax carving. Expert instructors included Joel McFadden of Joel McFadden Designs in Red Bank, New Jersey, and Tira Mitchell of Tira Mitchell Custom Engraving in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Jewelry 101 was a particularly popular choice for attendees:

“Thank you, MJSA, for sponsoring Jewelry 101!” said Blanca Schusterman of Jewelry by Blanca in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “Joel is an experienced and successful jeweler/artisan who was very generous with his expertise while engaging his audience throughout his sessions. His materials were well organized; he was direct and to the point, made sure all of our questions were answered, and has a great sense of humor! I look forward to the next MJSA conference.”

“I thought the Jewelry 101 sessions were fantastic—I’m chomping at the bit to go back, they were that good,” said Beth Jessup, owner of Colorful Creations LLC in Laytonsville, Maryland, a studio specializing in handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and photography. “I’ve been poring through the handouts, especially those about engraving, and I’m already making my own tools the way they showed me—it’s excellent!” 

MJSA President/CEO David Cochran (far right) congratulates the winners of the Future of Design “business incubator” competition: (from left) partners Mihran Guler, Esin Guler, and Vahé Ghararian of G&G Creations in Boston.

On Tuesday, March 12, MJSA Expo New York once again hosted the finale of the Future of Design Contest. Developed by the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau and StrategyWerx, the contest allows three finalists to deliver 10-minute presentations before a live Expo audience and the Future of Design judges, after which they field questions from both groups. The Future of Design evaluates jewelry designers’ business strategy skills, as well as their design talent. G & G Creations of Boston was voted the winner this year, and the company will receive a prize package of business services and promotional opportunities worth $250,000.

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....