Google+ The Daily Jewel: 10/6/13 - 10/13/13

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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Michael John to Donate 100% of Proceeds from "Pink Watch" Sales!

Michael John to Donate 100% of Proceeds from "Pink Watch" Sales!

It's time for a cure! 

Breast Cancer Awareness  month is not only about honoring those who have or are battling this terrible disease, this October, we want women to take control of their health by remembering to schedule mammograms and become informed – this is a cause that is near and dear to the entire team at Michael John Jewelry. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Michael John Jewelry is donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of their limited edition PINK Watch to various Breast Cancer Awareness charities. Michael John Jewelry is also hosting a contest giveaway through Facebook to promote the Breast Cancer Awareness cause. 

PINK Watch:
Now through the end of October, the PINK Watch (valued at $650) is available for purchase on their website at a discounted price of $350, with 100% of the proceeds from sales being donated to various Breast Cancer Awareness organizations.  The gorgeous timepiece includes a pink leather band, stainless steel frame with automatic movement, crystal sapphire glass and Swarovski crystals on the bezel.

To purchase the Michael John Jewelry PINK Watch and shop for a cause, click here: http://www.michaeljohnjewelry.com/charity.asp


Contest Giveaway:
Michael John Jewelry is also currently hosting a contest to give away one of their limited edition PINK Watches. The contest is running now through the end of October. In order to win, contest participants must upload a picture of a strong woman in their life and tell why she means so much to them. Participants don't need a Facebook account to enter, just an email address.  They can enter up to three times. 

To view the official contest campaign and rules, click here: http://bit.ly/12LL6zR

Reminder - Two Weeks Left to See "Genius of Nature"! Looking at Cho, Cullen & Priest!!!

“Genius of Nature” explores how, in the world of artist-made jewelry, the goldsmith’s plan mirrors the grand designs of the universe, where chaos and structure, randomness and pattern, the heat of the torch, the movement of gold, the energy of divine creation, results in an ornamental artifact of intelligent design.
Features 23 artists and over 75 jewelry designs using 18k gold, fine silver, precious and semi-precious stones

Date: Opening Thursday, October 3rd through Saturday, October 26th

Location: Aaron Faber Gallery
666 Fifth Avenue @ West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10103
(212) 586-8411
www.aaronfaber.com

Curator: Patricia Kiley Faber, co-owner Aaron Faber Gallery

Let's take a look at three of the artists featured in this show...
First up - Bongsang Cho:


Bongsang Cho is a South Korea-born metalsmith working in the United States. This young artist combines traditional techniques of forming metal with new technology to create innovative work. Beautiful, strong and textural, his pieces display the contrast between structural forms and natural beauty of material.







Next - Jacqueline Cullen:

Whitby jet is a prehistoric black fossil most commonly associated with Victorian mourning jewellery, the trend for wearing jet jewellery was started by Queen Victoria in response to the death of her consort Prince Albert.  Mined during its heyday, Whitby jet is now rare. Jacqueline’s supplier abseils down the cliffs on a rope collecting raw samples from disused caves and mines.  Jacqueline Cullen is the only person working with Whitby jet in a non-traditional way and she remains committed to introducing this ancient and sensual material to a contemporary audience.

...last one for now - Linda Priest:

My work is small scale sculptures that are based on themes from nature, and meant to be worn. Each piece is a statement or an environment about a living thing. They are developed by combining imagery, textures, shapes, colors and chased surfaces. They are made with precious metals and stone.

  

French Assoc. of Gemmology Honored Influencers of Gem History - Two GIA Gemologist Included



Liddicoat and Koivula Honored by the French Association of Gemmology
Two GIA gemologists named among top 50 people and events in gem history

Two globally important gemologists – John I. Koivula and the late Richard T. Liddicoat – have been named among the 50 personalities and events that have shaped the history of gems by the French Association of Gemmology. Liddicoat, the former GIA president widely considered the “Father of Modern Gemology,” was recognized along with Koivula in the modern and contemporary gemology category. Koivula, GIA’s chief research gemologist, was honored as part of a Sept. 5 event in Paris celebrating the association’s 50th anniversary.

Richard T. Liddicoat in 1946. © GIA

Liddicoat joined GIA in 1940 as the assistant director of education where his early work on colored stones led to the publication of his Handbook of Gem Identification in 1947. He succeeded Robert Shipley as GIA’s executive director in 1952 and became editor-in-chief of Gems & Gemology, a position he held for fifty years. Liddicoat was the architect of GIA’s D-to-Z diamond grading system, which is recognized by virtually every jeweler in the world today. He coauthored first editions of The Diamond Dictionary and The Jewelers’ Manual, and expanded GIA’s educational offerings internationally, starting with a Japanese affiliate in 1971. Upon stepping down as GIA president in 1983, Liddicoat was named chairman of its board of governors, a position he held until his death in 2002.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside these great people and events,” said Koivula. “I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Liddicoat for many years, and his passion and dedication to researching gems still inspires many – including me – to this day. I’m grateful to the French Association of Gemmology for including me in this esteemed group.”
John Koivula, GIA’s chief research gemologist. © GIA
Koivula joined GIA in 1976 and has spent more than 50 years studying and photographing the microworld of gemstones, and has published more than 800 articles and notes on gemstone inclusions and related topics. He is a noted authority on microscopy, photomicrography and gem inclusions, and the author of  MicroWorld of Diamonds, co-author of the three-volume Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, and co-author of Geologica, a book on geological landforms. 

In addition to his many gemological diplomas, he holds bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and geology from Eastern Washington State University and is a Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society. He has been named one of the 64 most influential people of the 20th century in the jewelry industry by JCK magazine.

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

Monday, October 7, 2013

Sotheby's Auctions 118+ carat Diamond in Hong Kong Sale

Sotheby’s 40th Anniversary in Hong Kong continued today with the auction of Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite Sale, which concluded with stunning results.  


The 118.28-carat Oval D-Colour Flawless Diamond fetched HK$238.68 million / US$30.6 million (Est. HK$220 – 280 million / US$28 – 35 million) and set World Record for any White Diamond at Auction in addition to being the Largest White Diamond Ever Sold at Auction. The sale total of HK$744,693,750 / US$95,473,557 (total estimate in excess of HK$900 million / US$110 million) set the Highest Ever Total for a Jewellery Sale in Asia.  


Quek Chin Yeow, Deputy Chairman, Asia and Chairman, International Jewellery, Asia, said after the sale, “We are thrilled to achieve a new world record for a white diamond at auction when a 118.28-carat D-Flawless diamond sold for of HK$238.68 million / US$30.06 million. We are also extremely happy to achieve the highest total for a sale of jewellery in Asia at HK$744,693,750 / US$95,473,557, a befitting occasion for Sotheby’s 40th anniversary in Asia. 

The top two jadeite lots were highly contested for by several Asian collectors, resulting in excellent prices, particularly the double-strand jadeite bead necklace which sold for HK$42.68 million / US$5,471,795. Overall the auction was very well attended with many bidders on the phone from all over Asia and beyond.”






Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 10 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BIDnow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby's Contemporary Art department, and two retail businesses, Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. Sotheby’s has a global network of 90 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID).
Website - www.sothebys.com or through Sotheby’s Catalogue iPad App


3 DAYS LEFT - Sharing The Rough - Crowd Funding Opportunity!

How many times have you, as a Jeweler or Lapidary said that it would be so great if the consumers truly understood just how difficult and time consuming the process is of getting a piece of Jewelry from the Mine to the piece of Jewelry in your store...

"Sharing the Rough" is a documentary that aims to do just that!   ...and YOU can assure that it happens!!!!

The project will document the process of mining a gem - cutting a gem - designing a piece of jewelry to present that gem to the market - and the actual production of the piece of jewelry. 

YOUR Donation on their Indiegogo Funding Page is crucial to seeing this project happen...and you have several funding options with some really great PERKS!   

BUT - if you do nothing more than coming in at the $30 or $50 level - insuring that you will get a copy of this film when it is produced...PLEASE - do just THAT! 

Imagine the value! If you are  hosting a "Colored Gem Roundtable" at your Jewelry Store or Lapidary Club and could include a private viewing of this dramatic film documenting the journey of a gem to its final destination as a piece of jewelry.  Click thru the icon below


This is the story of "Sharing the Rough":




The world of colored gemstones is still dominated by individual miners and artisans; and each has a powerful and extremely unique story to tell. 

"Sharing the Rough" is an endeavor that will capture the realism and appreciation of this world.  We will follow it through the hands of the East African Miners who bring these treasures to the surface, to The Gemcutter who breathes life into the gems that make them radiate with brilliance, and finally to The Jewelry Designer who creates a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art that will accentuate the beauty of the gem. 

Never before has a film documented this process from start to finish! Our story will be conveyed in both an educational and informational way, while also using a style of filming that will create a visual force that will be dramatic and stimulating.



From "The Miners" This will be the first film of its kind that documents the true story of the East African Miner, without self-interest, and how they make it possible for precious gemstones to be part of our lives.  The intention of this film with respect to the miner is to serve as a documented piece of history, and bring the world an understanding of their lives.

To Roger Dery, "The Gem Cutter":
We will document his real life experience as a world-renowned faceter. His ability to take a rough gemstone and see the final cut is that of a visionary that molds something rough into something beautiful. Our gifts of precious gems come from our Earth, but it's the human element that enables it to shine. 

Included in this section will also be the art of gem cutting in Roger’s studio, showing his precision, and how he literally breathes light into a gem.  His knowledge and expertise will serve as a true testament to the craft of gem cutting that will be both fantastic and entertaining.

...and finally, "The Jewelry Designer":
Here we will document the design techniques of Jorge Adeler, from the mental imagery to the actual creation of the piece of jewelry, and how Jorge finds the vision to create the perfect design for each gemstone individually. Whether his inspiration comes from those we meet in our travels, or from the inner glow of the gemstone itself, his artistry will be nothing short of amazing to capture on film as the final piece of the puzzle.

...and as if that is not enough..."Sharing the Rough" will serve not only as an educational piece, but also as a means of support, helping to enhance the lives of the people in East Africa.  They have partnered with The Devon Foundation, founded by Nancy Schuring of Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff, New Jersey. 






Nancy began her support in Madagascar, where she helped fund scholarships for those less fortunate to attend lapidary training. This allowed them to have a career while also supporting the mining of the precious minerals in their country. She is now working in Arusha, Tanzania, and has already raised funds for four students to attend the Arusha Lapidary and Gemological School

From the Director and Screen Writer, Orin Mazzoni:

"In the spirit of true independent film, "Sharing the Rough" is meant to be a gift to the gemological community, from the miners and families in East Africa that work to bring these precious gems to the surface, to the final unique piece that is set into a stunning piece of jewelry. We will capture not only the hardships, but also the successes of the miners. We will be assisting in raising funds for lapidary schools such as scholarships, books, and equipment. This documentary will be a dramatic force for entertainment, while still serving as a means of education and awareness. 

With subtle humor and heartwarming heroism, this film will reveal a new perspective on the world of colored gemstones, and will truly make an impact around the globe."


GIA Names President & CEO - Susan Jacques of Borsheims

Susan Jacques Named GIA President and CEO

The Board of Governors of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the appointment of Susan M. Jacques as president and CEO. Jacques, currently president and CEO of Borsheims Fine Jewelry and Gifts in Omaha, Nebraska, and chair of the GIA board, will take up her new responsibilities on Jan. 1, 2014. At the board’s request, she has been interim president and CEO since June 2013.

The board also announced the appointment of John A. Green, a board member since 2008, as chair, replacing Jacques. Green is CEO of Lux Bond & Green, a family-owned jeweler established in 1898 with eight locations in the U.S. states of Connecticut and Massachusetts. His appointment is effective today.

“The Board of Governors is very pleased to appoint Susan Jacques to this crucial role as GIA’s president and CEO,” said Green. “Her evident passion for the global gem and jewelry industry, impressive success in business, experience as a gemologist and commitment to the Institute’s public benefit mission led to the board’s decision. She is the perfect person to lead GIA now and into the future.”

“I am honored and humbled by this tremendous opportunity to serve with the more than 2,000 dedicated GIA professionals across the globe. Together we will continue to protect the global public by ensuring their trust in the gem and jewelry industry,” said Jacques. “With the leadership team, particularly Senior Vice President of Laboratory and Research Tom Moses, I look forward to working closely with all of GIA’s stakeholders to address their important issues as we build on the Institute’s successes and strengths.” She continued, “I am blessed to come back to GIA, which contributed so much to my professional life, and am delighted to be able to give back to the industry of which I am so fortunate to be a part.”

Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. which acquired Borsheims in 1989, said, "I couldn't be happier or more proud of Susan.  While it is with great sadness that I accept her resignation after her long and stellar career with Borsheims, I know she is accepting a role at GIA that she is passionate about and allows her to give back to the jewelry industry.  I am confident that she will bring the same style of professionalism and collaboration to her new and exciting role in the gem and jewelry industry that she has honed throughout her years of service at Borsheims."

Jacques has a long-established relationship with GIA, having received her Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma in 1980. She was appointed to GIA’s Board of Governors in 1996 and elected chair in 2008. As president and CEO she will continue as a member of the board.

The board selected Jacques following a wide-ranging global search led by retained executive search firm DHR. Speaking about the search process, board chair Green said, “The board appreciates the interest expressed by so many impressive candidates; their qualifications made this a challenging but ultimately successful search.”

Jacques joined Borsheims in 1982 and was appointed president and CEO in 1994. In addition to her GIA GG, she is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women’s Jewelry Association in 2010, and was inducted into the National Jeweler’s Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Omaha Business Hall of Fame in 2013. She is a member of the Jewelers of America Ethical Initiatives committee and the honorary chair of the Friends of the Diamond Development Initiative. She has served on the boards of Jewelers of America, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and Jewelers for Children. She is on the board of directors of Creighton University, a trustee of the Ethical Alliance and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.

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

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