#IACGoldCon Fifth Annual IAC Gold Conference - GOLD: Transparency, Trends & Techniques

Just wanted to give you a heads up about an event I will be participating in...two days of speakers on Gold and Gold Jewelry - some amazing people!

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FOREVERMARK LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM FOR E-COMMERCE JEWELER PARTNERS

ALERT: FOREVERMARK LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM 

TO FACILITATE E-COMMERCE FOR JEWELER PARTNERS

Forevermark announced at the 2015 Forevermark Forum a facilitated e-commerce pilot program that allows retailers to capture a full return on their profit margin, the first program of its kind in the diamond industry.

The facilitated e-commerce program provides the flexibility for authorized partners to be wherever the Forevermark customer shops, whether online or in store. While increasing numbers of consumers are starting their jewelry shopping online, only seven-percent of diamond jewelry acquisitions are purely online, with no in-store visit. Brick-and-mortar continues to remain the most essential stage of the customer buying journey.

Forevermark e-commerce allows retailers to exponentially grow their range of designs and sizes to match the full product offer on Forevermark.com. Customers pulled into store through an online purchase allow the Forevermark retailer to act as the showroom and a useful resource for supplemental services.

 Forevermark US President Charles Stanley said in address at the Forevermark Forum, “The dynamics of buying jewelry have changed. Forevermark offers its authorized partners tools to stay ahead of the curve, through a unique value-driving proposition, evolved marketing and public relations campaigns, proprietary insight into this changing landscape through extensive research, and now e-commerce.  Together we are breaking the notion that consumers buy online for price. E-commerce is the next step in our endeavor to bring profit back to independent jewelers and create value to consumers – keeping the diamond dream alive.”

ABOUT FOREVERMARK

Every Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a promise; a promise that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Less than one per cent of the world’s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond and be inscribed with the Forevermark icon and individual number. Forevermark is the diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies and benefits from over 126 years of diamond expertise. Forevermark diamonds are carefully selected and come from sources committed to high standards; they are beautifully crafted by a select group of Diamantaires and exclusively available from select Authorized Forevermark Jewelers. 

FOREVERMARK INSCRIPTION & GRADING

Invisible to the naked eye, the inscription is made using bespoke technology from The De Beers Group of Companies. It is also recorded on the personalized Forevermark identification card which comes with every Forevermark diamond. The actual size of the inscription found on Forevermark diamonds is only 1/20^th of a micron deep and can only be seen using a special Forevermark viewer which can be found in Authorized Forevermark Jewelers.  It is confirmed by leading gemological institutes that the Forevermark inscription does not affect the internal quality of a diamond in any way.

Authorized Forevermark Jewelers are able to provide a Forevermark Diamond Grading Report.  It is an accurate blueprint of the qualities - cut, color, clarity and caratage of each Forevermark diamond.  The Forevermark Diamond Grading Report also features the individual identification number inscribed on the diamond and a specifically designed security hologram, providing reassurance that the Forevermark Diamond Grading Report is valid and genuine. For more information and to find your nearest Authorized Forevermark Jeweler offering Forevermark Diamonds, go to www.forevermark.com

#PGIUSA Platinum Guild International USA Announces Kevin Reilly as Vice President

Kevin Reilly appointed Vice President of Platinum Guild International USA 


Kevin Reilly has been appointed Vice President of PGI USA, after 9 years of service with the company. The appointment is effective immediately and Reilly will report directly to President of PGI USA Jenny Luker. In his role, Reilly will lead trade programs and drive business development strategies at manufacturer and retailer levels.

A jewelry industry veteran with over 20 years experience, Reilly began his career in the Executive Training Program at Macy’s and spent 9 years in a variety of different operations roles. Prior to joining PGI, he served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Tache USA and as Director of Customer Relations and New Business Development at Lazare Kaplan International.

PGI USA President Jenny Luker says, “Kevin is well respected by the industry at large and is a wonderful ambassador for platinum. His commitment and passion for platinum, our team and his role is second to none. ”

Reilly says, “I am thrilled to take on this dynamic new role as a catalyst for driving platinum sales and profitability in our industry. I am fortunate to work with an amazing team of people and together we look forward to working with our industry partners to create an exciting future for platinum jewelry business in the US”

PGI develops demand for platinum by working in partnership with many leading members of the retail and manufacturing industry globally, as well as by running direct to consumer programs. In addition to PGI USA, PGI runs programs in the three other major jewelry markets, operating offices led by Dennis Kao (China), Hisako Hankinson (Japan), Vaishali Banerjee (India), and a Head Office currently relocating from London to Hong Kong.

Press Release via Platinum Guild International

amfAR INAUGURAL HONG KONG EVENT RAISES MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR AIDS RESEARCH

amfAR RAISES MORE THAN $4 MILLION FOR 

AIDS RESEARCH 

AT INAUGURAL EVENT IN HONG KONG

Presented by 

HARRY WINSTON, MARC JACOBS & MGM CHINA

The Specifics:

MICHELLE YEOH Recognized for her Commitment to the Fight Against AIDS
GWYNETH PALTROW Attended as Honorary Chair
PANSY HO Served as Event Chair
ROBIN THICKE performed
Delta Air Lines, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong and Moët Hennessy - Signature Sponsors

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, raised more than $4 million at its inaugural fundraising gala in Hong Kong on March 14, 2015, at Shaw Studios. 

Michelle Yeoh received special recognition during the event for her exceptional contributions to the global struggle against HIV/AIDS. The honor was presented by her good friends Sir David Tang, Silas Chou and Pansy Ho. Ho served as the event’s Chair, and Gwyneth Paltrow served as the event’s Honorary Chair. Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell also attended and served as Event Co-Chairs.

Kenneth Cole, amfAR’s Chairman of the Board, gave an impassioned speech that highlighted amfAR’s accomplishments and its goal of finding a cure for HIV/AIDS by 2020. Pansy Hospoke of the importance of Hong Kong’s involvement in the global fight against AIDS.
Guests enjoyed bidding on exclusive items during the live auction, conducted by the legendary and debonair Simon de Pury, which raised more than $2 million on its own. 

Auction Highlights included:

A surprise donation from amfAR’s long-time supporter Leonardo DiCaprio, which was announced and orchestrated on-site by amfAR’s Global Fundraising Ambassador Milutin Gatsby. DiCaprio donated two tickets at his personal table to the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala in St. Tropez to occur in July. In addition to attending the gala, the item offered tickets to the event’s after party and an invitation to relax on DiCaprio’s yacht the day after. After a round of lively bidding, four different guests offered $250,000 each, for a total of $1 million.

A Jai Aili Friend oil canvas (2011) started at a healthy bid of $200,000, and hands immediately shot into the air across the room. After a quick but rigorous round of bidding, the painting sold for $550,000.

Gwyneth Paltrow joined de Pury on stage to feature a stunning Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not Necklace. The necklace features 189 marquise, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds in a lariat-style and weighs a total of 17.14 carats, set in platinum. The bidding started at $60,000 and quickly increased to sell at $140,000.

An exclusive trip to New York City to attend Marc Jacobs’ Spring/Summer Fashion Show in February 2016 prompted another lightening round of bidding. The item also included airfare, a shopping experience valued at $5,000 and fragrance and beauty gift sets. The bidding started at $5,000 and bounced back and forth between a few bidders, including the evening’s honoree, Michelle Yeoh. The item sold to another lucky bidder for $60,000.

Robin Thicke rounded out the evening, getting the audience on their feet with his performance of his chart-topping hits “Blurred Lines,” “Give It To You” and “Magic.” He also kept the crowd dancing with his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”

Harry Winston, Marc Jacobs and MGM China Holdings generously served as the event’s Presenting Sponsors. Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were dressed in Marc Jacobs and Harry Winston. Michelle Yeoh and Pansy Ho were also adorned in Harry Winston for the evening.

Event Co-Chairs of the amfAR Hong Kong gala also included Veronica Chou, Kenneth Cole, Serge Dumont, Vinay Dube, Larry Gagosian, Milutin Gatsby, Nayla Hayek, Emily Lam Ho, Jean-Marc Lacave, Cathy Lee, Xin Li, Wendi Murdoch, Michelle Ong, Dee Poon, David Tang, Claudine Ying, Andrew Yuen and Yvette Yung. The event’s Signature Sponsors are Delta Air Lines, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, and Moët Hennessy. Microsoft is the Official Technology Partner.

Since amfAR’s first international benefit, held in 1993 during the Cannes International Film Festival and hosted by amfAR Founding International Chairman Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the Foundation’s international galas in Milan, New York, Cannes, India, Venice, Rome, São Paulo and beyond have become some of the most high-profile and eagerly anticipated charity events in the world and have helped raised millions for critical AIDS research programs. The events are known for their unpredictable nature with many of the celebrities in attendance participating in the live auctions or jumping onstage with impromptu performances.

amfAR Hong Kong featured a black-tie gala dinner featuring cocktails of Moët Hennessy champagnes and spirits.

amfAR's annual events play a critically important role in raising funds for the Foundation’s research programs and provide an important platform for raising awareness of HIV/AIDS, a disease that affects more than 35 million people around the world today, and infects more than two million every year.Last year, amfAR launched the “Countdown to a Cure for AIDS,” a research initiative aimed at developing the scientific basis for a cure for HIV by 2020. The bold initiative will intensify amfAR’s cure-focused HIV research program with plans to strategically invest $100 million in cure research over the next five years. Harry Winston is a proud supporter of the Countdown to a Cure campaign.

amfAR has been very active in Asia for more than 20 years, and its TREAT Asia program has become a model of regional collaboration on HIV/AIDS since its founding 14 years ago. Since 1991, amfAR has awarded more than $17.2 million in grants to 120 organizations in 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. While Hong Kong ranks as one of the world’s lowest in HIV prevalence, the number of new HIV infections has been increasing steadily every year among gay men, other men who have sex with men, and young people in Hong Kong. The alarming rise in HIV cases is worrying, and it shows that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is still a reality in Hong Kong, as it is in every other city around the world.

Delta Air Lines is the official airline of amfAR.

Harry Winston is the official jewelry and timepiece partner of amfAR.

Moët Hennessy is the official wine and spirits partner of amfAR.

Microsoft is the Official Technology Partner of amfAR.

amfAR Hong Kong is produced by Andrew Boose/AAB Productions and Josh Wood/Josh Wood Productions.

About amfAR

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested $415 million in its programs and has awarded more than 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.

About Harry Winston, Inc.:
Founded in New York City, in 1932, The House of Harry Winston continues to set the standard for the ultimate in fine jewelry and high-end watch making. From the acquisition of some of the world’s most famous gemstones, including the Jonker, Hope and Winston Legacy Diamonds, to adorning Hollywood’s leading ladies on the red carpet, for over eight decades, Harry Winston has been a symbol of the best there is. Headquartered in New York, the company operates retail salons worldwide, in locations including: New York, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures Charitable Program:
Supporting local communities and giving hope to those in need is a longstanding House tradition that began with our founder, Mr. Harry Winston. From 1949-1953, Mr. Winston organized an exhibition known as “The Court of Jewels” – a magnificent traveling collection featuring his most impressive and historic gems – which toured key cities across America raising money for local charitable causes.

Today, we continue this legacy of giving through The Harry Winston Brilliant Futures™ Charitable Program. Within this program, the company is proud to support organizations in our local salon communities that strive to give young people access to a quality education and the skills necessary to be successful in life and enable healthy futures.

About Marc Jacobs International:

Marc Jacobs International was founded in 1984, by Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy. With over 200 free standing stores across the globe, the brand now includes Women’s and Men’s RTW and accessories, a children’s line called Little Marc Jacobs, multiple award winning fragrances, the bookstore Bookmarc and most recently Marc Jacobs Beauty, which will launch in Asia later this year.

Jacobs and Duffy continue to run the company and are committed to giving back to the communities where they have stores and beyond. They have been involved with over 100 charities worldwide and the ongoing support of many of these charitable projects—as well as new collaborations--continues to be a top priority.

About MGM China Holding Limited

MGM China is one of the leading integrated resort developers, owners and operators in the greater China region. We currently own and operate MGM MACAU, the premium and integrated entertainment resort located on the Macau Peninsula. MGM MACAU is a unique property located on a prime waterfront site in Macau with 582 rooms including the architecturally stunning 1,088m² Grande Praca of 25-meter high European-inspired facades and dramatic landscapes. MGM Cotai is scheduled to open in 2016 complete with a hotel and diversified entertainment complex of 1,500 hotel rooms.

Art is an integral part of MGM MACAU’s essence, informing every aspect from décor to personality. The MGM MACAU’s art programs at MGM Art Space serve as a metropolis where globally influential artworks are appreciated, interpreted and studied. As a major highlight, Botticelli’s enduring masterpiece, Venus, was featured in the inaugural exhibition of the MGM Art Space.

Through our sustainability vision, Creating a Better Tomorrow Today, there are many ways in which we give back to the community including volunteering events, sponsorship and donations. We seek to support the holistic needs of our local communities to make them a better place for all, helping vulnerable groups and education our youth are key focus areas of contribution.

Ethical Metalsmiths' Gardens of Gold Auction Welcomes New Sponsor - CSARITE®

CSARITE® Sponsors Ethical Metalsmiths 

Gardens of Gold Auction

Milenyum Mining Ltd. (MML) is excited to announce that the rare color change gemstone CSARITE® is a 24 Karat Level sponsor of Ethical Metalsmiths Gardens of Gold auction, being held to celebrate Ethical Metalsmiths’ 10th Anniversary. In additional support of this exciting event, MML has also donated an 8.36 carat, oval cut CSARITE® to the online auction.

Gardens of Gold is a unique, two-part fundraising event. Starting March 10, 2015, Ethical Metalsmiths (EM) will launch an online, public auction of beautiful and intriguing items, with bidding taking place through 9 p.m. EST, Saturday, April 11, 2015. Auction items will be exhibited at Linhardt Design, 211 Mott Street, New York, NY from April 7 – 11th, which will also be the location of a special cocktail for sponsors, EM members and guests on Wednesday, April 8th.

“Being a single source, responsibly mined gem, CSARITE® is thrilled to be able to support the ongoing efforts of Ethical Metalsmiths through this sponsorship,” stated Murat Akgun, president of MML and CSARITE®. “With its controlled and traceable pipeline, CSARITE® fits perfectly with Ethical Metalsmiths’ mission to encourage jewelers to become informed advocates for responsibly sourced materials used in jewelry making.”

To bid on the beautiful CSARITE® gemstone, click here. To become a sponsor of this exciting event or bid on other items in the Gardens of Gold online auction click here.

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 and Gemmological Association of Great Britain. 

Visit www.csarite.com for a list of authorized retailers.



ABOUT ETHICAL METALSMITHS

Ethical Metalsmiths mission is to lead jewelers and consumers in becoming informed activists for responsible mining, sustainable economic development and verified, ethical sources of materials used in making jewelry.

Visit www.ethicalmetalsmiths.org to learn more.

Press Release from Company Representative

#Baselworld GIA GemFest Basel Features DeBeers and GIA Talks on Synthetic Diamonds!

GIA and DeBeers Speak on Synthetic Diamonds

GIA GemFest Basel is March 22

Dr. Wuyi Wang, director of research
and development for GIA. Image © GIA.

Leading research scientists from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and De Beers Technologies UK will speak on the topic of synthetic diamonds during GIA GemFest Basel 2015 on Sunday, March 22 at the Congress Center Basel in Switzerland. Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer for GIA, will moderate the discussion with Dr. Simon Lawson, head of technologies UK for De Beers and Dr. Wuyi Wang, director of research and development for GIA. The free event will commence at 5 p.m. (17:00) in the Montreal Auditorium, with a reception to follow.

The technology for creating synthetic diamond has improved significantly over the last decade and, as a result, gem-quality synthetic diamonds have appeared in greater quantities and received wider media exposure. Reports of synthetics being presented as natural, however, have raised concerns within the industry. GIA and De Beers have applied years of research to identifying these laboratory-grown diamonds, resulting in devices and methods that effectively distinguish them from natural diamonds – from the smallest melee to stones of significant size. GIA’s Wang and De Beers’ Lawson will speak at GemFest Basel about the latest research on synthetic diamonds and their identification, and how GIA and De Beers are working to meet the on-going challenges posed by potential non-disclosure. A question and answer session will immediately follow the moderated discussion.

Dr. Simon Lawson, head of technologies
UK for De Beers. Image courtesy of De Beers.

Lawson has 20 years of experience with De Beers researching the growth and characterization of synthetic diamonds. He has held a key role at De Beers since 1995 in the strategy and development of the various De Beers verification instruments used to identify synthetic and treated diamonds. Prior to joining De Beers, Lawson was awarded a Royal Society Fellowship and spent four years at the National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials in Japan. He holds a doctorate in optical spectroscopy of diamond from King’s College in London and a Bachelor of Science degree in physics.

Wang joined GIA in 2000 and has more than 20 years of expertise in diamond geochemistry and the treatments of diamond and other gem material. He holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Beijing University in China. He is widely published in gemological and geological journals, and is recognized with numerous honors including the AGS Richard T. Liddicoat Journalism Award and Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award from Gems & Gemology.

GemFest Basel 2015 is a free event that will be held at 5 p.m. (17:00) on Sunday, March 22 at Congress Center Basel in the Montreal Auditorium. A reception will immediately follow the panel at 6 p.m. (18:00). Registration is now available.

About the De Beers Group of Companies

De Beers is a member of the Anglo American group. Established in 1888, De Beers is the world’s leading diamond company with unrivalled expertise in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers employs more than 20,000 people (directly and as contractors) across the diamond pipeline, and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. As part of the company’s operating philosophy, the people of De Beers are committed to Living up to Diamonds by making a lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work, and transforming natural resources into shared national wealth. For further information about De Beers visit www.debeersgroup.com. 

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, Clarity, Cut, 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. Visitwww.gia.edu.