Danhov Announces Their Fine Jewelry Collection

Danhov Announces Their Fine Jewelry Collection 

Abbraccio fine jewelry debuts on Theia Couture runway

 during fall 2014 Bridal Showcase 

Making its’ debut on the runway today at the 2014 New York Bridal Showcase, Danhov proudly introduces Abbraccio Fine Jewelry. This new collection of fine jewelry is a natural extension of the unique and handmade Abbraccio collection of engagement rings from the award-winning luxury designer. 

Meaning “to embrace”, the Abbraccio collection is distinguishable by the flowing movement created by the swirls embracing the center stone – symbolizing true love’s perfect embrace. 

Like the Abbraccio collection of engagement rings, the fine jewelry is handmade in the USA and will be available in white, yellow or rose 14k and 18k gold, and platinum. The collection will feature earrings, pendants and bracelets. All pieces will have hand-set pave diamonds and center stones of diamonds or colored gemstones, such as ruby, sapphire, amethyst, blue topaz and green tourmaline.

These pieces will be available November 2013 as finished pieces, but also can be custom-made in any combination of metal and gemstone – perfect for a diamond stud update. Retail of finished pieces will range in price from $2,800 to $33,000. 

The Abbraccio collection of fine jewelry is the perfect complement to any wedding gown, and ideal for daily wear. In addition, the assortment of colored gemstones makes an ideal gift to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or as a treasured bridesmaid gift. For any occasion, a piece from the Abbraccio fine jewelry collection is a handmade heirloom-in-the-making. 

Danhov is an award-winning, luxury designer of unique and handcrafted engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry. Founded in 1984 by Khajag “Jack” Hovsepian, Danhov is known in the luxury jewelry category for its innovative design philosophy. Each ring created by Danhov is either handmade or hand-assembled by the most skilled jewelers at its Los Angeles, California-based offices. This further exemplifies the precision and individuality for which Danhov is known. To experience the collections of Danhov, visit  http://www.danhov.com/

#DailyJewel - Joden World Resources - Hometown Jeweler Opens Internet Store...

Joden World Resources, a globally renowned fine jewelry company, recently opened the virtual doors to its new Internet store, giving online jewelry shoppers everywhere quick, secure access to one-of-a-kind antique, estate and museum quality jewelry as well as high quality modern pieces. 

...and our #Daily Jewel today is an exquisite Art Deco Watch:

Nationally Recognized Hometown Jeweler Opens Online Store, 

Reveals Antique and Vintage Jewelry Options

Joden World Resources is owned and operated by one of the industry’s most trusted jewelers, the online store is a boon to consumers who don’t know the options, merits and value of buying exceptional
jewelry with a history.

“While many people know about antique, estate or museum quality jewelry, they don’t necessarily know how to shop for it,” said Ariana Wood of the Grove City, PA-based Joden World Resources. “Our online store gives both new customers and seasoned jewelry connoisseurs the opportunity to do this in a unique setting that’s authoritative and accessible,”

This new website seeks to create a unique, dynamic and user friendly platform where shoppers are given the tools to understand antique and vintage jewelry from eras past.

“This is jewelry you won’t find anywhere else,” she said. “We’ve been fortunate through our company’s 43-year history to accumulate these rare pieces. and now we want to make them available to shoppers everywhere, anywhere.” Additionally a portion of the personal collection of the owner, Joe Murawski, will also be available to buy online.

Rare Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian period jewelry populates the online store platform, with crisp, colorful, photos that make you want to reach for them. Nearly all the pieces are true one of a kind, and can be directly purchased using an online shopping cart, Wood said.

“Our hope is to recreate the same high-quality, personalized shopping experience online as buyers have at our Grove City headquarters,” said Wood.

The distinction of Joden as an industry leader includes ownership of the nation’s largest collection of work by Carlo Giuliano (1831-1895). Favored jeweler to Britain’s Queen Victoria, Giuliano worked in the Renaissance style, producing precise and  colorful, ornate jewelry with extensive enameling of unparalleled quality.

“We love to see our fine antique and vintage jewelry come under ownership of true antique lovers,” Wood said. “The online store gives us a way to accomplish this on a broader scale than ever.”

Take a moment to explore at:  http://www.joden.com/

Joden World Resources has been in business for more than 43 years at the same location, and is accredited with the Gemological Institute of America, honored as a full member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau.  http://www.joden.com/

GIA Reports Pearl Expedition Yields Significant Result

Pearl Expedition Yields Significant Result

GIA, with the assistance of Paspaley Pearling Company, collects unprecedented Pinctada maxima samples

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) researchers from Thailand, with the assistance of the Paspaley Pearling Company, recently conducted an expedition to Australia’s wild pearl oyster beds, which provided unprecedented opportunity to advance research into differentiating certain nacreous saltwater non-bead cultured pearls from natural pearls. GIA’s pearl research group and others in the pearl trade have focused on this sometimes difficult differentiation for decades. 

In addition to thousands of laboratory analyses over the past few years, a major focus for both  the GIA and Paspaley Pearling Company research teams has been establishing the most important criteria for present and future research: a reliable sample base of natural and cultured pearls of various types. While obtaining a definitive sample base for cultured pearls is straightforward, the rarity of natural pearls makes collecting a substantial sample base challenging.

Australia’s wild pearl oyster beds have been fished continuously since the mid-1800’s for Pinctada maxima, the world’s largest species of pearl oyster that has yielded many of the world’s large saltwater natural pearls. GIA sought to conduct research in Australia with Paspaley’s assistance as the country’s seas are home to the world’s last commercially active fishery for wild Pinctada maxima oysters. According to Kenneth Scarratt, GIA managing director for Southeast Asia, several recent expeditions by GIA into the waters off the rugged Northwest Coast resulted in the acquisition of many natural and cultured pearls that have produced excellent data that will enable GIA to establish impeccable test criteria for its pearl identification teams.

“Resolving the issues involved in differentiating natural from saltwater non bead cultured pearls has been a focus of GIA’s research group for some time,” said Scarratt. “Meeting these challenges and using the results to serve GIA’s public benefit mission is what makes this kind of research so rewarding and important.”

A recent expedition that coincided with a Paspaley wild shell collection program focused on gathering large Pinctada maxima shell for use in the Mother of Pearl industry yielded the Institute’s most extraordinary results thus far.

GIA researcher Artitaya Homkrajae searching for natural pearls within
the mantle of a Pinctada maxima.  Photo by Areeya Manustrong ©GIA.

In late September and early October, GIA pearl researchers Artitaya Homkrajae and Areeya Manustrong spent ten days aboard Paspaley’s diving ship MV Marilynne, during which they discovered and extracted 776 natural pearls from 20,488 large wild oysters. A majority of these pearls were small “seed” pearls, with the smallest measuring under 1mm in diameter, and the largest, a rare pearl measuring 16mm diameter. Prior to this expedition, there were few opportunities for gemological laboratories to examine a significant number of undrilled natural Pinctada maxima pearls of confirmed provenance, meaning previously that their origins were determined only by examining their internal structures and provenance ‘assumed’. This sample will provide GIA with a unique and unprecedented opportunity to compare what is understood about natural structures with undrilled pearls known to be natural.

“This was a unique opportunity to gather specimens from an important and well-known source,” said Artitaya Homkrajae, GIA pearl researcher. “Establishing explicit provenance for the samples will support a great deal of further research,” added Areeya Manustrong.

These 776 natural pearls, along with their shells, now reside in GIA’s laboratory in Bangkok. In the coming months, extensive research will be carried out using in-house high resolution real-time microradiography and micro CT imaging, as well as detailed chemical analyses and the application of other test methods. 

As part of GIA’s public benefit mission, a full and detailed report will be prepared and published in the coming months that will help clarify and establish clearer criteria for the interpretation of various data collected during the normal laboratory examination of pearls.

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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AJDC's 25 Years of Design at Forbes Galleries

American Jewelry Design Council Celebrates 

25 Years of Design at Forbes Galleries

On Thursday evening, October 24th, jewelry artists, art lovers and jewelry enthusiasts turned out to celebrate the opening of, “Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC” at the prestigious Forbes Galleries. The bejeweled exhibition will dazzle museum visitors with one-of-a-kind works from over 40 American Jewelry Design Council artists through February 22nd, 2014.

Fourteen of the forty-one participating jewelry artists attended the opening, pictured below.


Top Row: Michael Bondanza, Paul Robilotti, Michael Good
Middle: George Sawyer, Diana Vincent, Whitney Boin, Jane Bohan, Mark Schneider, Jose HessBottom: Barbara Heinrich (AJDC President), Linda MacNeil, William Schraft, Anthony Lent, Sandy Baker

The annual AJDC themed design projects on display include Mona Lisa (1995), Cube (1996), Wheel (1997),Key (1998), Puzzle (1999), Water (2000), Flight (2001), Peekaboo (2002), Fold (2003), Sphere (2004),Pyramid (2005), Secret Treasure (2006), Spiral (2007), Tension (2008), Explosion (2009), Tear (2010), Black & White (2011), Ice (2012), and Wave (2013)

Pictured above, selections from design themes “Water” (left) and “Black & White” (right)



Guests were in awe of the beauty of the exhibition and the talent of the exhibiting artists. Below, Marylouise Sirignano Lugosch (left), Executive Director of the AJDC admires exhibiting artist Sandy Baker’s necklace.

“It was a magical night celebrating all of the hard work and innovation of the forty-one participating designers”, Linda MacNeil, exhibition chair, said of the opening night. She continues, “The creative energy in the room was electric, and it is a true privilege to work with such inspired and accomplished artists.”


Linda MacNeil (left) and Barbara Heinrich, AJDC President (right)


AJDC jewelry artists Michael Good, Sandy Baker, and Whitney Boin Whitney Boin. (Left to right)

Sponsors of the AJDC Forbes exhibition include:

                                   

About the AJDC

Formed in 1988 by a group of American designers, The American Jewelry Design Council is a non-profit educational corporation, which recognizes and promotes the appreciation of original jewelry design as art. Up until this time, much of the industry still felt that only European designers knew how to design original jewelry. Although American designers had not followed the same schooling and classic apprenticeship as the European tradition demanded, many were self-taught creating brilliant, original designs that went unrecognized. Founding members include: Whitney Boin, Michael Bondanza, Henry Dunay, Michael Good, Ron Hartgrove, Jose Hess, Cornelis Hollander, and Pascal Lacroix.

http://americanjewelrydesigncouncil.org

Artists exhibiting in “Variations on a Theme: 

25 Years of Design from the AJDC” include:

Sandy Baker                                                            Steven Kretchmer

Jane Bohan                                                                      Pascal Lacroix

Whitney Boin                                                                  Anthony Lent

Michael Bondanza                                                          Linda MacNeil

Petra Class                                                                   Gregore’ Morin

Jaclyn Davidson                                                 Jennifer Rabe Morin

Falcher Fusager                                                              Adam Neeley

Geoffrey Giles                                                            Mark Patterson

Cornelia Goldsmith                                                           Kent Raible

Michael Good                                                                      Todd Reed

Sarah Graham                                                                 Alan Revere

Alishan Halebian                                                           Paul Robilotti

Ron Hartgrove                                                                Susan Sadler

Barbara Heinrich                                                        George Sawyer

Susan Helmich                                                           Mark Schneider

Jose Hess                                                                     William Schraft

   

Cornelis Hollander                                                                Tina Segal

John Iversen                                                                  Diana Vincent

Scott Keating                                                                  Takashi Wada

Christo Kiffer                                                         Barbara Westwood

                         Paul Klecka

Iris the Sea Collection by H.Stern

H.STERN PRESENTS THE IRIS - SEA COLLECTION 

After unraveling the enchanting riches of the earth and the air, we take you on an adventure to explore the abstract beauty found on the bottom of the sea. 

A very sultry Katie Holmes was the face of the Iris Collection representing the riches of the earth and air.
http://dailyjewel.blogspot.com/2012/09/katie-holmes-bronzed-beauty-in-hsterns.html

Iris is the personification of the rainbow
 and messenger of the gods. She is also known
as one of the goddesses of the sea and the sky. 

An incredible journey to the bottom of the sea led to H.Stern’s creation of the new collection, Iris. Captivated by the deep waters, this creative endeavor reveals the natural riches of the oceans as well as the poetic beauty of Iris, a Greek goddess of the sea. 

As the myth goes, Iris was the messenger of the gods. She moved with the lightness of wind, spanning the height of the clouds to the depths of the sea. Daughter of Taumante, son of the sea, and Electra, daughter of the ocean, Iris was also considered to be a goddess of the rainbow. 

Iris - via Wikipedia: In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. She is also known as one of the goddesses of the sea and the sky. Iris links the gods to humanity. She travels with the speed of wind from one end of the world to the other, and into the depths of the sea and the underworld.

Research for the Iris collection began by studying detailed drawings and accounts from the 1873 expedition of the H.M.S Challenger. The vessel sailed across different seas of the world, collecting and classifying beautiful specimens of aquatic life, including hundreds of shells and other various marine species. 

The H.Stern designers were fascinated by this vibrant life in the ocean; the abstract beauty and richness of the shapes, the softness in the movements, and the subtle wear of color, texture and brilliance of the shells. The surprisingly simplistic forms and delicate minimalism translated into jewelry that reflects natural beauty through the use of 18-karat Noble, yellow, and rose gold.
What can be seen in the anatomic description of aquatic life may not be immediately visible in the jewelry throughout this collection. With attention to detail and fine design, some of the best features of this collection are secret treasures for the one who wears the jewelry. 

With superior craftsmanship, our jewelers make and mold every piece by hand. Combining different colors and diverse shapes, the extreme care can be seen in details.  Incorporating different colors and styles, the jewels resemble those typical of the Victorian Era, which is a strong reference style for this new collection. 

Mya Maris – Mya is the name for a genus of shells; Maris is the Latin word 

for “from the sea”. These rings and earrings are molded into half circles of 

18-karat rose gold, reproducing the spiral shapes of seashells. 

Pompilius – Nautilus pompilius is a mollusk in the cephalopod (octopus) family 

and has a very special story; according to the ancient legends, it is the sign of good luck. 

Myriades – The Greek word Myriades refers to abundant quantities, copious amounts, endless supplies- similar to the number and species of shells found in nature. 

In ancient times, shells were exchanged for currency and it is said that 

merchants of Asia, Central Africa, and India made fortunes to exchange them 

for ivory, oil palm, or precious stones. Even to this day, the influence of shells can be seen

 in fashion through various artistic expressions. 

Mytilus – Mytilus is a popular genus of bivalve mollusks, also known as mussels, 

that live affixed to coastal rocks. The dark coloring of the exterior shell was the foundation for H.Stern’s creative team, who developed teardrop earrings covered with black diamonds. Dissimilar from the coloration of the outer shells, Mytilus mussels have the capacity 

to produce glimmering pearls on its interior. 

Tellina - Tellinas are elongated, oval-shaped shells, with a natural hue 

varying from pink to a light golden brown. Covered with a smooth exterior, 

they are marked by delicate designs that reveal lines of growth. The shells have inspired 

the creation of long, lightweight earrings. The earrings are formed by a sequence of frames set in rose gold with traces of Noble Gold and diamonds 

arranged into a pendulum to adorn the ears. 

Axis – When referring to the imaginary central axis of rotation, 

it brings to mind the origin of snails. The oblique view can be seen in the rings, 

earrings and pendant made in polished Noble Gold on the inside and frosted rose gold

 on the outside. Cognac diamonds are affixed to the surface using a special design technique developed to represent some of the most rustic creatures in the marine environment. 

Shelter - With its exotic and contesting shell, the sea urchin is protected by this strong carapace, yet can still be quite fragile. Inspired by the shelter that protects this creature, H.Stern has created rings and earrings in a range of sizes. 

Formed by tiny balls of welded gold laser, each placed one by one, 

the jewelry was made in a way to ensure organic form. 

Thalassa – The female name for the word sea, Thalassa represents 

the surprising wealth of different shades of shells found at the bottom of the sea. 

The jewelry in this line is made in different shades of Noble and rose gold, 

highlighting the variety of colors reflected off the waters of the sea.

Today's #DailyJewel - From Sethi Couture

I had the opportunity to see this piece in person at the WJA - Designers By The Bay event in San Francisco - it is exquisite!

via Anna Harnes column for NY Luxury:
"Jeweler Maurice Badler offers the Sethi Couture “Our Most Sensational Necklace.” It certainly is sensational, with over 34 carats of white, pink, green, and cognac colored diamonds arranged in a beautiful flower pattern. 485 Park Avenue; 800-622-3537; badler.com"

#WordlessWednesday - Colors of Gold for the Holidays...

In the spirit of WordlessWednesday I am presenting a quick look at several options that would give you something new for the holidays from manufacturing jewelers.  Contact info is provided for each item.

Theme - The Colors of Metals

Style: BR327:
Tri-Color Basket weave bracelet by Frederic Duclos features an intricate construction that looks oh, so rich. 18kt yellow plating ruthenium plating and sterling combine perfectly in this creative wrist wear.
For information, please call us at 866-898-3636. Or email us at info@fredericduclos.com.

Embrace Rings; Wide or Thin with ‘Aspen’ or ‘Savannah’ Finish
Aaron Henry, http://www.aaronhenry.com

Yael Designs' Lyra Collection knock Rose Gold Out of the Park - with winning, wearable designs!
https://www.facebook.com/YaelDesigns
http://www.yaeldesigns.com

CPAA Presents The Winners of the 2013-2014 IPDC, International Pearl Design Contest

The Cultured Pearl Association of America announces 

Winners of the 2013-2014 IPDC, 
International Pearl Design Contest

Peter B. Bazar, President of the Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc. proudly announces the winners of 2013-2014 International Pearl Design Competition.

 “We are very happy with the success of this year’s competition, entries from 15 countries we received” Mr. Bazar reported.

President’s Trophy- “Wave” by Mark Schneider of Long Beach, California, the highest honor awarded to a design that unanimously captivated judges as the best of the best.

Luster Award- “Obi” by Stanislav Drokin of Ukraine, given to the entry judged “most marketable” of all entries in the competition. This design will have the most overall appeal for the retail marketplace.

Designer’s Award- “Midnight Comet”, by Darryl Alexander of Gilbert Arizona, given to the entry that takes pearls to the far corners of the imagination and beyond.

Brilliance Award-“Big Wave” by Philip Bouasse of Montreal Canada,  given to the entry that best illustrates the spectrum of pearl colors in the most beautiful way.

Orient Award- “Lunar Eclipse” by Hsiao Ching Lee of Taipei City, Taiwan,

the award given to the entry that would inspire a new found affinity for cultured pearls.

The Visionary Award- “Lily Pearl” Chi Huynh, Galatea: Jewelry by Artist of San Dimas, California, the entry that re-defines the iconic pearl strand and shifts the perception of cultured pearls for today’s buyer.

The Fashion Award: Fun, fresh, modern; a design which looks as if it came straight from the Paris runway.

Shared by Two: 

“Tahitian Paradise” by Vickie Smith of Cheshire, England

'Wave” by Mark Schneider of Long Beach, California, 

Wedding Day Pearls: Brides and pearls are synonymous; create a fantasy wedding theme with pearls.

Shared by two: 

“Wedding Bouquet” By Dilly Kirby, Elizabeth Blair Fine Pearls of Harbor Springs, Michigan

“Rough Diamonds” Lee Wiser McIntosh, Katura Design of Atlanta, Georgia. 

INTERNATIONAL PEARL DESIGN COMPETITION

COMMENDATION WINNERS 2013-2014

Commendations were also given to 22 entries which demonstrated high standards of achievement, in accordance with the judging criteria.

Bodil Binner                                                        Larry Stark
Brenda Smith                                                     Linda K. Quinn
Brian Charles Cook                                            Llyn Strong
Catherine Buman                                               Mei-Ying Chang

Dicky Lam Tak Wah                                          Nuttapon Yongkiettakul
Donald A. Stuart                                                Ramesh Kumar Kumawat
Eusebio Ehron Kylo Yuchua                             Selvendran Mathiyalagan
Geoffrey Middle                                                 Sophia Georiopoulou
Hector Hassey                                                    Sun Hyang Ha
Jessica Neiwert                                                  Ying-Nien Chen
Kwok Ka Cheong                                                Yoonji Choi

Representing varied viewpoints and insight of the jewelry industry, the Judges:

Jennifer Heebner, Senior Editor, JCK MagazineJennifer has been covering the fine jewelry industry for JCK for more than 15 years. She started out as a staff writer for JCK’s niche publication, High-Volume Jeweler, eventually writing for a number of other brand titles, including JCK Luxury, Facets, and of course, JCK, for which she currently writes about style and designs as they apply to the retail jeweler. Most recently, she’s taken ownership of the Style 360 blog onjckonline.com, posting gorgeous jewels, designer interviews, and other fun, topical jewelry-specific news and product details multiple times a week. Jennifer applies her own entrepreneurial savvy—she ran her own antique furniture store and spearheaded fundraising initiatives as a founding board member of WJA’s mid-Atlantic chapter—to her unique and entertaining style of jewelry-business reporting, and supplements her writing with the occasional jewelry-education course to better tell the stories of those she reports on. She can be found scouring the aisles of most major jewelry shows looking for new designs and talent to share with her readers.
Janet Goldman, the Founder, CEO & creative director of Fragments, is an artist and entrepreneur whose passion and vision has created trends, brought creativity and discovery to the jewelry industry for over 28 years. Janet is an industry resource, an arbiter of style and considered a top expert in the fashion jewelry field. The company she founded in 1984 continues to thrive under her leadership. She draws upon a rich, eclectic and colorful taste level always keeping her vision fresh and focused on the future. Having discovered and launched the careers of hundreds of today’s most celebrated jewelry designers, Janet has pushed Fragments from being the pioneer in fashion jewelry to the market leader.

Beginning with three designers, Fragments has become a hotbed of design talent representing over 30 top designers where to retailers, editors and stylists come to see the latest and best in jewelry and accessories. The company is and always has been an incubator for rising stars and a platform for already established household names. Her unique point of view combined with her business savvy has enabled Fragments to push the boundaries as the leader in the fashion jewelry market. .
In April 2013, JCK Magazine named Janet one of the top 50 most powerful figures in the jewelry industry, noting “The Trend Starts Here - and it usually does, thanks to Goldman’s keen eye for designer diamonds in the rough.” To the many designers whom she has represented over the years, Janet has been their mentor, their merchandiser and an inspiration, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and grow their businesses. Fragments current roster of talent includes designers Janet has represented in the past who have reinvented themselves with new collections as well as a continuing flow off fresh cutting-edge originality. Janet has always looked to help encourage modern classics for some, reinvention for others and always seeking the best new talent in the marketplace. This is and always will be Fragments trademark of success.
Olga Gonzalez is a PR, Marketing and Social Media Specialist with over eight years of experience within the jewelry trade. The CEO/Founder of Pietra PR, she applies “think outside of the box” strategies for growing designer jewelry brands, manufacturing companies, trade non-profits and laboratories. A certified gemologist (FGA) and jewelry appraiser, Olga Gonzalez is currently the USA Ambassador for The Gemological Association of Great Britain and on the board of both the Women’s Jewelry Association Metro Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America New York Chapter. She is a regular contributor to numerous trade publications, including six years of writing for Gems & Jewellery magazine, a Gem-A member publication.
Jean François Bibet, Cartier
A native of France and a graduate from the France Jewelry School of Lyon. Jean worked in French Polynesia for 5 years, creating and modeling Tahitian Black Pearl Jewelry. Moving to the U.S. 13 years ago and began working in high end platinum jewelry for Van Cleef and Arpels. He is currently with Cartier, N.Y., managing their high jewelry workshop in North America.
Stephanie Nicolet, Publisher The Knot 

Responsible for growing national advertising and partnership revenue for XO Group Inc. marquee brand, The Knot. Nicolet oversees print, digital, mobile and custom publishing, in addition to creating innovative media and marketing solutions for national brands in the fashion and jewelry industry.
Prior to joining the XO Group Inc. in 2008 as National Advertising Director, Nicolet was the Director of Strategic Sales & Marketing at Clear Channel in San Francisco, later launching the New York division. While at Clear Channel, she developed first to market campaigns that generated revenue across multiple platforms including radio, digital, entertainment and outdoor.

Nicolet started her career in advertising in San Francisco at Susquehanna Radio Corporation, now Cumulus Media. When not immersed in all things fashion and jewelry, she enjoys the beach, skiing and traveling with her husband and two children.

Lorraine DePasque is an internationally acclaimed freelance journalist, specializing in fine jewelry writing, blogging, and video interviewing. A multi-award-winning expert, particularly in luxury design/designers/style/trends/gems, she’s one of the country’s leading experts and industry insiders, quoted in media like the San Francisco Chronicle, blogged about by trend forecasters like the Pantone Color Institute, reported on in fashion publications like Women’s Wear Daily, and named to an exclusive list of “Global Influencers/Trendsetters” by the Silver Institute. Honors include the “TABPI Writing Award”; the “Award for Excellence in Editorial/Reporting/Publishing” from the Women’s Jewelry Association; the “Outstanding Achievement in Journalism Award” from the Italian Trade Commission; and the “High Achievement Award” from the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group. As one of the foremost fashion experts in contemporary jewelry and the go-to writer for celebrity interviews on jewelry, her influential online presence includes a consistently growing audience of thousands of Twitter followers and readers of her popular blog on “Jewelry & Designers/Style & Trends” that quickly became a destination for Instore and InDesign magazines.

The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States.

Our intention is to "cultivate" awareness, interest, demand and successful marketability of Cultured Pearls for the retail community and the consumer level. Through promotion, education, public relations and unwavering commitment we aim to inspire an authentic passion for all Cultured Pearl varieties.

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Introducing - GUBELIN ACADEMY! ...first courses offered in Hong Kong this Fall

Gubelin Academy is delighted to announce the opening of their Coloured Gem Professional courses in Hong Kong. 

Coloured Gem Professional has been designed with trade professionals in mind, giving you the essential tools to understand, appreciate, and value rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Levels 1 and 2 are consecutive introductory levels, increasing in length and depth of information, and written to fast track you into the key concepts of the 'Big Three'. Level 3 will be an advanced level, focusing on practical handling sessions teaching origin, treatment identification, further advanced technical and practical information, and aimed at gem degree and Level 1 and 2 graduates only.

LAUNCHING COLOURED GEM PROFESSIONAL LEVEL 1
Level 1 takes place over two consecutive days and comprises four three-hour classes with an experienced tutor. The gemmological, practical and historical basics of emerald, ruby and sapphire are introduced with a focus on value. Learn their key valuation criteria, as well as what they are, why they are so valuable, and how to assess this value. Level 1 is an invaluable introduction to anyone interested in or wishing to expand their knowledge of the main coloured gemstones.

This intensive Level 1 fast-track introduction to the 'Big Three' of emeralds, rubies and sapphires will be held in Hong Kong on Monday and Tuesday, November 11th and 12th.

In celebration of the opening of Academy courses, these courses are being offered at a special introductory rate of HKD 5,000 for a limited time only.

Teaching and course materials will be in English.  Space is limited.