#DailyJewel - My #LatestObsession - Lauren Harper!

Lauren Harper travels to the corners of the earth to find gemstones of perfect color and distinctiveness. Stones from exotic destinations like Namibia, Botswana, Laos, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand & India give each piece in the collection a unique sensibility, and a one of a kind story. Harper uses warm 18kt yellow gold blends and studs them with brightly colored, always changing combinations of precious gemstones such as Moonstones, Peruvian Opals, Black Diamonds, Thai Sapphires, and of course, brilliant white Diamonds. She finds her inspiration by blending the individual characteristics of each stone with the art, architecture and culture of the places she visits. From ancient Egyptian and Byzantine designs, to Khmer ruins, her muse is the world at large. For more information, please visit www.laurenharperdesigns.com

Milenyum Mining Limited Granted Trademarks for CSARITE® and CSARITE RARE.NATURAL.EXQUISITE®

Milenyum Mining Limited Granted Trademarks for CSARITE® 

and CSARITE RARE.NATURAL.EXQUISITE®

Milenyum Mining Limited (MML) is excited to announce that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted two trademarks to their company for the rare and unique gemstone, CSARITE®. US Serial Number 86162962 was issued on July 22, 2014 for CSARITE®. US Serial Number 86162943 was issued on August 5, 2014 for CSARITE RARE.NATURAL.EXQUISITE®.

Ethically sourced and responsibly mined at its sole known source deep in the mountains of the Anatolia region of Turkey, the CSARITE® trademark will allow greater consumer recognition for this gemstone rapidly growing in popularity, but also help distinguish it from synthetics and simulants entering the market through unscrupulous dealers and retailers. 

With the trademark now approved and registered, MML has stepped up its efforts to combat theft and illegal mining at the mine site by working closely with Turkish ministeries and army to monitor illegal activity and take immediate legal action when necessary. The Milas County Courts recently approved the first conviction of an illegal miner who will face 12 months in prison and substantial financial fines. Some 35 other individuals are being sued and more convictions will follow.

“As this lovely gemstone grows in popularity, it’s especially important that the quality and purity of natural CSARITE® is protected,” states Murat Akgun, president of Milenyum Mining Limited. “With the granting of the name and slogan trademarks, our already transparent supply chain instills even greater confidence for our Akgun urges consumers interested in purchasing CSARITE®, and especially those traveling to Turkey, to only buy the gem from MML’s authorized retailers and distributors, which can be found on the web site www.csarite.info. He urges all buyers to check the web site frequently, as MML is constantly monitoring its distributors and the list may change due to their strict screening policy.

MML is the world’s only source supply of CSARITE®, a natural, unenhanced color-change gemstone. Responsible for cutting and marketing of this phenomenal gemstone, MML’s mission is to introduce gem and jewelry connoisseurs around the globe to CSARITE®’s unique beauty and rarity. MML is a member of The International Colored Gemstone Association. CSARITE® will be available for wholesale purchase at the September Hong 

Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, AWE #10U31. 

For appointments contact info@courtneycollection.com or call 323-938-2373.

#CoutureJewelry - Thanks! Quotes #WhatMakesJewelryCouture - Presenting Part Three

Thanks Everyone!  I put the question to you a couple days ago and  had such an Amazing Response to #WhatMakesJewelryCouture that I have posted an article and a post with just quotes - in this post I am posting the balance of your fabulous responses, and can I say You All ROCK!!!

Thanks to:  Wendy Brandes, Wendy Brandes Jewelry;  Jennifer Heebner, Senior Editor, JCK Magazine; Barbara Palumbo, Adornmentality; Cathleen McCarthy, The Jewelry Loupe; Cheryl Kremkow, Citrine Media;  Reena Ahluwalia, Nurture by Reena;  Lorraine De Pasque, Freelance Writer; Monica Stephenson, iDazzle; Becky Cole, Diamonds in the Library and my friend Nathalie Leseine, Atelier Leseine.

GIA Field Researchers Document Sri Lanka's Industry from Mine to Market

Press Release via GIA:

GIA Field Researchers Explore the Island of Jewels

Documenting Sri Lanka’s industry from mine to market, Feb. 2014

Jewelry composed of substantial amounts of 22K gold is popular throughout
Sri Lanka. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA. 

In a Feb. 2014 GIA expedition to Sri Lanka, Field Gemologist Andrew Lucas and Video Producer Pedro Padua gained access to a gemstone world rich in tradition and potential. The team spent two weeks on the island documenting their findings for a series of research articles and videos. The country – known in Sanskrit as “Ratna Dweepa” or “Island of Jewels” – is a centuries-old gemstone source and center for mining, trading and cutting that has made evolutionary and revolutionary changes to its industry over the last two decades, making it a key international participant in the modern market.

River mining involves constant dragging motion with mammoties
to scoop out the illama for washing. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA

The research duo visited gemstone mining, cutting, trading, jewelry manufacturing, pawning, and retail centers and businesses that represented the activity for each market sector. There they discovered a dynamic industry that blends traditional methods and market practices with a definite movement to modernization for the global marketplace. Updated import and export regulations have opened the path for Sri Lankans to acquire rough gemstones from around the world, revitalizing their trade, while a domestic retail, manufacturing and pawning industry for 22K gold jewelry continues to thrive alongside new jewelry markets for younger generations.

At this pit mine in Ratnapura miners haul the overburden and gravel
up in buckets by a hand powered winch. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

“I’ve never seen such a complimentary combination of traditional practices, new technologies, skill sets and strategies to meet the needs of future domestic and international markets as in the exotic gem-rich island of Sri Lanka,” said Lucas. “Traditional cutting lives side-by-side with modern technology, producing cuts with the highest standards. Modern business practices incorporate the trading expertise of generations of Sri Lankans, creating a brisk marketplace. And artisanal mining practices blend harmoniously with mechanized mining where logical.”

As Sri Lanka develops their industry some traditional practices, such as the
 mining of this pit with hand tools, prove to still be effective.
Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

In keeping with its mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, GIA regularly conducts research field trips to important gem and jewelry centers around the globe, incorporating findings into research practices and education programs and relaying information to the trade and public through a series of channels. Findings from the Sri Lanka field trip will be featured in an upcoming Gems & Gemology (G&G) article, as well as field reports and video documentaries on www.gia.edu.   

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. 

Thanks Everyone! Such an Amazing Response to #WhatMakesJewelryCouture - Presenting Part Two

Thanks Everyone!  I put the question to you yesterday and  had such an Amazing Response to #WhatMakesJewelryCouture that I am posting ALL of the fabulous responses, and can I say You All ROCK!!!   ...oh and a special Shout Out!

Shout out to Anthony Lent - stunning clasp Sir!

Part Three coming soon,,,thanks SO much to everyone that participated!

#CoutureJewelry - What makes Jewelry, Couture? It's In The Details....

Disclaimer- I work with Atelier Leseine but that in no way changes my use of the brand in the following article. It is, in fact , what inspired this article...and I have access to photos  ;)

#Couture - What makes Couture Jewelry Couture?  

It's In The Details....

What makes jewelry "couture"?   While there are rules in place in Europe as to who can be designated a Couturier or what can be called "haute couture" - in the US these restrictions, for better or worse, do not apply.

Personally I question the use of Couture whose  roots come from the term "to sew" - but I do understand the concept. I have put the question to several people in the Industry and you will see their responses throughout this piece.

Following dozens of jewelry trade shows from Tucson to Las Vegas, LUXURY to COUTURE, as I see it couture when referring to jewelry means..."unique design, classically constructed with designer appointments."    BUT - can at the same time mean "classic design elements with old world craftsmanship" or "old word design with a modern twist" but above all it means quality.

However, since this is MY blog - you get to hear my opinion....for me - Couture Jewelry is about the details.

It is more than just a pretty design - it is the custom designed clasp....from a simple design for a daily look as in this custom take on a centuries old design.  Atelier Leseine uses this elegantly simple design for their Men's Collections.

...to a completely inclusive design for a limited edition design.  With "Le Charmeur" Atelier Leseine had their Custom customer in mind and went one step further to include a clasp that became one with the Charm Bracelet links and speaking of those links - the knife edge and sandblasting of every other link stand out.

....to a custom under carriage as in this piece by ZORA B

It is the amazingly unique gems - like these remarkable Fossil Corals from Pamela Huizenga Jewelry Design...

...and rare gems like the Zultanite used by Gurhan ...and the quality of those gems - these cats-eye zultanite are truly inspirational.

or these gemmy beauties from Zorab Creations.

Then there are the special features like this specially designed bail for the Moana Mana Collection by Atelier Leseine....

...the craftsmanship, the overall quality of the fabrication, I think this thought from JCK's Jennifer Heebner sums it up.

Brazil Field Expedition Leads #GIA Researchers to Significant #Gem Mines

Press Release via GIA

The Daily Jewel - I am all about the gems and field collecting, in fact we will be on the the road to Virgin Valley Opal and Sunstone in a couple months! 

Brazil Field Expedition Leads GIA Researchers to Significant Gem Mines

Team interviews Heitor Barbosa, first discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline

The GIA team prepares to interview Paraíba tourmaline legend,
Heitor Dimas Barbosa, in the original Batalha mine entrance.
Photo by Duncan Pay; © GIA. 

From March 31 to April 17, a team of field researchers from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) journeyed to the most important gemstone mining areas in Brazil to gather information and document the current state of colored stone mines, particularly emerald and tourmaline. The researchers visited the states of Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba, and had the rare opportunity to interview Heitor Dimas Barbosa, the first discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline, in the original mine tunnel in Batalha where he first encountered the now famous gem.    

The GIA team of Field Gemologist Andrew Lucas, Director of West Coast Identification Shane McClure, Video Producer Pedro Padua, and Gems & Gemology Editor-in-Chief Duncan Pay spent 18 days traveling to various mines to interview, photograph and film important sources. Brian Cook, geologist and co-owner of Nature’s Geometry, and Sergio Martins, president of the Brazilian gemstone cutting and marketing firm Stone World, also participated in the expedition.

The researchers found the Belmont mine in Minas Gerais moving to new open pits while continuing to develop their underground mining and building a new state of the art rough processing and sorting facility; they are also cutting around 60% of their own production, focusing on higher quality stones. In Nova Era, production at mines like the Monte Belo mine yield high quality emeralds from pockets.

The Cruzeiro tourmaline mine produces massive amounts of
tourmaline. These crystals transition from rubellite color to green
and terminate in black. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

The Cruzeiro tourmaline mine has prolific production from huge pegmatites, and all of its rubellite tourmaline goes to Shenzhen, China for cutting and then sale. “We’ve never seen a mine produce the amount and quality of material as the tourmaline we saw coming from the massive pegmatites at the Cruzeiro mine,” added Lucas.

Meanwhile, “the value of Paraíba tourmaline has risen unbelievably and the passion to find more material at the mines was contagious,” said Lucas. Mining and prospecting remains very strong in the sates of Paraíiba and Rio Grande do Norte for highly-valuable Paraíba tourmaline.

“I’ve wanted to go to Brazil for 20 years… and this trip far exceeded my expectations,” said McClure. “For me, one of the highlights was our interview with Heitor Barbosa, original discoverer of Paraíba tourmaline. He believes there’s still much more of this fabulous gem to be found deeper in the mine,” added Pay.

When illuminated by a strong flashlight, this Cruziero tourmaline
crystal displays vibrant colors. Photo by Andrew Lucas; © GIA.

In keeping with its mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry, GIA regularly conducts research field trips to important gem and jewelry centers around the globe, incorporating findings into research practices and education programs and relaying information to the trade and public through a series of channels. Findings from the Brazil field trip will be featured in an upcoming Gems & Gemology (G&G) article, as well as field reports and video documentaries on www.gia.edu.    

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. 

#JWLV Google Glass at Trade Shows? THOUGHTS?

There was some controversy during the Las Vegas Tradeshows...you may have noticed a gentleman walking around with Google Glass.

In their press release Diamond Concierge Service claims to connect Vendor and Consumer at Trade Shows....but isn't the concept of a Trade show to connect vendors and retailers?   ...and with so much of product at a show priced at wholesale are we stealing from the retailer?

DCS press release follows....

Industry-Only Trade Show Is Transformed Into the World's Largest Jewelry Store for Consumers

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 25, 2014) - Jewelry retailer Diamond Concierge Servicepioneers live video streaming with Google Glass to sell jewelry from vendor booths insidetrade shows during the JA New York Jewelry Show, July 27-29, and the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, July 25-29. When a customer's ideal product is located at the show, Diamond Concierge Service founder Ron Khordi will wear Google Glass at the show vendor's booth to broadcast live video of their products to a customer's smartphone. Jewelry trade shows, previously accessible only to industry members, are transformed into the world's largest jewelry store for any consumer via Google Glass' live video streaming capabilities.

"The retail jewelry industry evolved quickly in the internet age. The jewelry store was a meeting point between a customer, company, and product. The desktop computer allowed the customer to remain at home, while connecting to a company and product. The mobile device allowed the customer to connect from anywhere," says Khordi.

Google Glass enables the next step in the evolution, says Khordi, "by connecting the product, wherever it is using our salesperson's wearable device, and our customer, wherever they are using their mobile device." Diamond Concierge Service is betting this new mobile-to-mobile selling model will set itself apart from traditional jewelry store or website models.

Vendors benefit by dramatically reducing the time lag between a show and receiving payments, since most jewelry stores demand payment terms or merchandise consignment due to slow turnover rates. With Google Glass, Diamond Concierge Service sells to customers during the show, and its vendors are paid immediately.

What is interesting to me is this statement on their website - I spoke to the guy with Glass at the JCK show (I don't know if it was Ron ) but even he admitted that people weren't happy to see him at the show...he claimed they didn't understand....

About Diamond Concierge Service
Second-generation jewelry company, headquartered in New York's diamond district with a satellite office in Ramat Gan, Israel's diamond manufacturing center. It shares three decades of access to worldwide diamond suppliers with customers to find better options than stores or websites. Google Glass streams live video to customers direct from supplier locations. Ron Khordi is the first Google Glass explorer to adapt its functionality to the jewelry industry.

Congrats to GIA’s New York Campus - Earned ACCSC's ‘School of Excellence’ Award

Press Release via GIA

GIA’s New York Campus Bestowed ‘School of Excellence’ Award

Institute receives ACCSC’s highest honor

GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) New York campus will be recognized with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School of Excellence Award for 2013-2014, the organization’s highest honor, during a special reception on Sept. 17.

“The ACCSC examines student achievement based on graduation and employment rates, and this honor is truly a testament to the passion and drive of our students and instructors,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “We’re proud that when our graduates enter the workforce, they will help advance GIA’s mission to ensure the public trust.”

The ACCSC School of Excellence Award recognizes schools for their commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSC accreditation, as well as efforts in helping their students maintain high levels of achievement. In order to be eligible for the award, a school must successfully complete the renewal of accreditation process, satisfy all requirements necessary to be in good standing with the Commission and demonstrate that a majority of the graduation and employment rates from all programs offered meet or exceed the average rates of graduation and employment among all ACCSC-accredited institutions.

“ACCSC congratulates GIA’s New York campus on their commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve our best work,” said Christopher Lambert, ACCSC’s associate executive director.

GIA is a nonprofit, private, postsecondary educational institute incorporated for the purpose of promoting education and research in gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts and related subjects.  A comprehensive GIA education is regarded as the pinnacle of training and professional development in gems and jewelry. GIA’s New York campus is located at the International Gem Tower in the heart of the Diamond District, where students enjoy access to industry leaders and a world-class learning environment. 

GIA will be recognized as a 2014 School of Excellence at the eighth annual ACCSC Professional Development Conference on September 17-19, 2014 at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Colo.

GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, Calif. was awarded the School of Excellence Award in 2012.

For more information about GIA, visit www.gia.edu. For press inquiries, please contact Kristin Mahan atkristin.mahan@gia.edu or 760-603-4184.

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. 

About ACCSC

Since 1965, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) has been committed to establishing and advancing quality education at postsecondary career schools and colleges. ACCSC scope of recognition includes the accreditation of non-degree granting institutions and degree granting institutions that offer career, technical, and vocational training programs at the postsecondary level.  ACCSC is dedicated to ensuring a quality education for more than 200,000 students who annually pursue career education at over 720 accredited institutions across the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad.

ACCSC has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority for the quality education since 1967.  In 2011, ACCSC’s recognition was renewed for five years, the maximum timeframe allowed under current federal regulations.

ACCSC’s scope of recognition with the U.S. Department of Education includes the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education. Visit www.accsc.org.

GIA Alumni Events Add to Field Trip Offerings Following Int'l Mineralogical Association 2014

GIA to Host Workshop, Alumni Events Following IMA 2014

Institute’s booth is 36-1, Sept. 1-5, in South Africa

Following the International Mineralogical Association’s (IMA 2014) 21^st general meeting in Gauteng, South Africa, GIA will offer a gemology workshop taught by some of the world’s top researchers. On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, GIA researchers Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow; Dr. Wuyi Wang, director of research and development; Karen Smit, 

post-doctoral research associate; Christopher (Mike) Breeding, research scientist; and Dr. Ulrika d’Haenens-Johansson, research scientist, will present “Gem Diamonds: Treatment, Synthetics and It's Identification.” Gemological updates on diamonds, ruby and sapphire will also be discussed. Guests may register for this session through the IMA conference.

Show attendees can also visit GIA at its booth 36-1 during the show, Sept. 1-5, in the exhibition area of the Sandton Convention Centre to learn more about GIA research, laboratory services, education and instruments.

In conjunction with the conference, the GIA Alumni Association will sponsor three free networking and education events in South Africa and Botswana:

The GIA Update

Saturday, Sept. 6, 3:00 p.m.

Sandton Convention Centre

Maude Street, Sandton

Johannesburg, South Africa

Tablet to Tablet: Treasured Pages form Past to Present

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6:00 p.m.

Southern Sun Hotel – The Cullinan

1 Cullinan Street, Waterfront

Cape Town, South Africa

Current Status of Diamond Treatments and Synthetics  

Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m.

Gaborone Sun Hotel, Plot 4

727 Chuma Drive

Gaborone, Botswana

These events are free and open to the public, but seating is limited; visit gia2014africa.eventbrite.com to reserve a seat. For more information, email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu.

MORE:          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.