Future Of Design - Semi Finalists - The Bio's

From the recently announced Semi-Finalists of the Future of Design Business Incubator Contest...we wanted more about the Semi-Finalists!

About G&G Creations:

Design Partner Vahé Ghazarian

Vahé Ghazarian has been immersed in the world of jewelry since the age of 10 when, like his father before him, he began realizing his artistic gifts and calling as a jeweler. Having spent much of his childhood working at his family's jewelry store, Vahé learned the business of fine
jewelry. After school Vahé would travel to his father's store and over time he began to realize the hard work his father was impressing upon him fueled his artistic drive, leading him to identify his life's calling as a skilled artisan. Today, having spent decades as a jeweler, he combines his knowledge, artistic talent and appetite for luxury to produce fine jewelry. As a sculptor and painter, Vahé transforms precious metals into elaborate, one-of-a-kind and limited edition designs. He constantly challenges himself to create innovative jewelry masterpieces that have received national design awards. He designs with a keen eye not only for artistry, but also for style and comfort. Vahé's firm belief that jewelry is meant to be an extension of the body is a core theme in all G & G Creations designs.

Design Partner Esin Guler

Esin Guler grew up surrounded by art and creativity, and, not surprisingly, developed a sincere passion for jewelry at a young age. As her creativity progressed, she decided to pursue jewelry design as a career. After completing her training at Academie Istanbul, world-renowned jeweler Sevan Bicakci accepted her as his apprentice because he saw hunger, ambition and most importantly, talent in his new student. Following her apprenticeship with Sevan, Esin brought her creative mind, skillful hands, and dream to open her own business to America. Working diligently under the tutelage of Vahé Ghazarian, Esin honed her talents as she listened to unrefined design explanations by customers and designed her works which left her customers speechless. With the encouragement of her customers, Esin soon realized that there was a greater demand for her talent. She approached Vahé, who regards her as his top protégé, about working together more closely
and the pair decided to partner in March 2010 and form G & G Creations, Inc.

Visit their website to learn more about G&G Creations!

About Lisa Robin Jewelry

Lisa Adkinson, owner of Lisa Robin Jewelry, had a career as an interior designer and then business consultant before launching her jewelry brand. In her various pre-jewelry business roles she won many awards and accolades for her leadership and strategic thinking. So when she decided to launch Lisa Robin Jewelry, she brought a tremendous amount of business experience to the table. This experience, combined with her lifelong interest in design, has helped her launch her jewelry brand with early success. 

Learn more about Lisa Robin Jewelry at her website.

About Suneera Swarup

Suneera aspires to emanate her love and passion for art, architecture and history through her unique designs. Her background includes education in textile design, teaching textile and surface design to college-level art students in India, and a Masters Degree in Business. Her
experience working with private labels, both before and after opening her own retail store in Los Angeles in 2001 catalyzed her to launch her own label Meus Designs, which she recently changed to SUNEERA Fine Jewelry Designs. 

Visit Suneera's website here.

About Lisa Crowder

Lisa Crowder always knew she would be a designer. She received her BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin and has been a full-time studio jeweler ever since. Lisa’s self-described ‘delicately industrial’ design ethos is very unique, and she has cultivated a strong base of customers and galleries who carry her work. 

Learn more about Lisa and her work at her website.

About Naomi Blumenthal Studio

Many designers refer to their work as organic, but Naomi’s design career actually began in horticulture – as a garden designer and florist. During her years of owning her own garden design company and working with noted interior designer Bunny Williams, Naomi also created porcelain sculpture that was sold through galleries and to collectors, and she was designing and making jewelry for herself. Her garden design clients – largely owners of estates – began to buy her jewelry for themselves, and Naomi quickly found her work on the red carpet. In 2008 she and her husband Ron – who has a background in high-end interiors and manufacturing – decided to concentrate full time on jewelry design and manufacturing. 

To learn more about Naomi Blumenthal's work visit her website here.

About Ila & I

Vikas Sodhani took an unusual route to jewelry design; after he finished his undergraduate work at MIT, he spent several years building and selling high-tech companies. After his experiences in the world of venture business, he moved to India and took an apprenticeship at Rosy Blue, where he trained in diamond sorting and buying. He was so inspired by his work there that he enrolled in a jewelry design program in Mumbai, then returned to the U.S. and started Ila & I with his sister, Ila Draksharam. 

Visit their website to learn more about them!

Future of Design Business Semi-Finalists Announced

Future of Design Business Incubator Contest 

Announces Semi-Finalists

The 2013 finalists were announced for the 2013 Future of Design Business incubator Contest this week by contest organizers Andrea Hill and Cindy Edelstein.


The Future of Design is an initiative that aims to promote and nurture emerging design talent in the fine jewelry industry and has, in it’s inaugural year helped boost the careers of six American designers including the 2012 winner, Bree Richey.

The 2013 Semi-Finalists are:
• Vahe Ghazarian and Esin Guler of G & G Creations
• Vikas Sodhani and Ila Draksharam of ila & i
• Lisa Crowder
• Lisa Adkinson of Lisa Robin Jewelry
• Naomi Blumenthal of Naomi Blumenthal Studio
• Suneera Swarup of Suneera Jewelry Design

...see the next post for a more detailed look at the Semi Finalists.

The three finalists will make a live presentation to a panel of judges in front of an audience at
the finale on March 12th at the MJSA Expo at the NY Hilton in NYC.

The winner will be chosen then after the presentations by the judging panel that includes Hill
and Edelstein and this year’s guest judges Hedda Schupak, Editor of the Centurion Newsletter
and Ann Arnold of Lieberfarb and Bruce Pucciarello of Novell Studio.

Unlike most competitions for designers, this one puts the business acumen of the designers on
an equal footing with design. Applicants have to supply information about their business plans
as well as submit examples of their design work.

The process is unique

In addition to other prizes, the semi-finalists win a mentoring meeting with one of the Future
of Design's Dream Team, six designers with a high profile in the industry. They are
Gurhan, Erica Courtney, Todd Reed, Penny Preville, Lisa Jenks and Robert Lee Morris.

“The contest has the competitive entrepreneurial feel of TV’s “Shark Tank” coupled with the
industry- nurturing of the fashion world’s CFDA/Vogue Fund,” says Edelstein. “We’ve mixed
together our own recipe by bringing together colleagues from every facet of our business.
Our judges bring expertise in entrepreneurship, manufacturing, marketing, salesmanship and
technology.

Our Dream Team offers hard- earned wisdom learned on the road to success. And our
sponsors provide critically-important industry exposure and credibility. Altogether, this puts the
equivalent of a lifetime of knowledge into the hands of a relative newcomer.”

The Future of Design online application started the entrants off with a rather indepth
questionnaire that gives the designers the chance to examine every corner of their business
and learn more about strategy and analysis. For many, the process of filling it out will likely be
educational and enlightening. Completing the form could greatly help them write a business
marketing plan, or a better one if they already have one.

Prizes

Each judge will provide a key element to the stunning prize package: Andrea Hill and her team
of business analysts will offer counsel on strategic organizational, financial and technology
issues; Bruce Pucciarello will give manufacturing services and/or support while Ann Arnold will
offer financial advice; Cindy Edelstein will showcase the designer in her globalDESIGN show
and a suite of marketing tools and services from JewelersResource.com. All five judges will
also serve as mentors to the winner.

"As I shared our vision for this contest,” commented Cindy Edelstein, “everyone I talked with
was eager to help. The team at MJSA immediately offered space for our event and editorial
support for the contest. Dan Kisch of INDESIGN was an early supporter and generously
offered our winner a three-month ad campaign in INDESIGN. Whitney Seilaff of the Nielsen
Jewelry Group offered online support via NationalJeweler.com and Drew Lawsky offered a gratis booth in the JA Designer Showcase. Ron Saltiel of RSP Media immediately donated his photography and graphic design team to help our winner – the industry’s latest design’preneur -- create an exciting, effective ad campaign.”

The 2013 sponsor list also include: Platinum Guild (which will supply technical and
marketing support), Jewelers of America and the Jewelry Information Center which will give the winner publicity in their national media tours. The winning designer will also receive memberships in several industry organizations including the Contemporary Jewelry Design Group, Jewelers of America and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee which is offering a full Compliance Kit in addition to membership.

The application, rules and regulations for 2014 plus info on all the judges, the Dream Team
and the sponsors are available on www.FutureofDesignContest.com.


ABOUT JEWELERS RESOURCE BUREAU

JRB is a niche marketing firm specializing in the designer sector of the jewelry industry. JRB produces globalDESIGN: showcase of exceptional jewelers; JewelryDesignerFinder.com, an online marketing intelligence resource; and various seminars, trade show pavilions and special events. The company’s mission is to "help designers grow and prosper" using whatever means possible in its arsenal of communication tools.

ABOUT STRATEGYWERX

Led by respected business leader and strategist Andrea Hill, StrategyWerx (formerly Hill Management Consulting) helps small business owners gain competitiveness. No business can afford to waste resources, but insufficient staff, lack of cash and poorly organized projects take a toll every day. StrategyWerx can analyze your business, uncover root problems and develop practical solutions, and then either implement them or transfer the knowledge so the company can do it on its own.

2nd Annual "Future of Design" Business Incubator Contest for Jewelry Designers

ANNOUNCING: The Second Annual Future of Design Business Incubator Contest for Jewelry Designers   Produced by Jeweler’s Resource Bureau & StrategyWerx       Are you the worlds next sensation? A talented jewelry design'preneur that is going to take our industry by storm? This is the only competition evaluating both your designs and business plan  and offers you the opportunity to win a HUGE industry-wide prize package        THE COMPETITION: Described as a game changer, the Future of Design Business competition seeks to discover, promote and catapult the next great jewelry designer into the market.   Applications begin NOW and the winner will be selected during a “Shark Tank”-like live presentation at MJSA Expo New York in NYC on March 12, 2013.  Submissions include our business plan-like application, marketing materials and visuals of your jewelry line. The application includes an in-depth questionnaire that teaches you about strategy and marketing planning along the way -- and gives you plenty of time to compose your answers.   The deadline is January 21st -- and you will need several days to complete your application, say last year's finalists.   Applicants will be judged on their business concept, market feasibility, saleability and aesthetic impact. The winner will be the "total package" destined for greatness. This is an unprecedented competition with a vast level of industry participation, unique judging process and a dream prize package.     Do you have what it takes?   Read more and learn about the application process at:www.FutureofDesignContest.com           Prizes:     Every entrant gets feedback and advice from the judges      Six semi-finalists win: a mentoring date (by phone if in-person isn't possible) with one of our Dream Team designers a feature on NationalJeweler.com      Three finalists also win: trip to NYC to participate in the finale The winner also receives:  sales training, consulting on strategy, financials and technology by StrategyWerx  a booth in globalDESIGN showcase for execptional jewelers in Feb. in Philly  a suite of marketing products from Jeweler's Resource and free membership to JRB's Inner Circle  a booth in the Designer Showcase at the JA NY Show in July  an ad campaign in INDESIGN magazine  photography and ad campaign creation by RSP Media Inclusion in a Jewelry Information Center media tour JVC's Patriot Act Compliance Kit and legal compliance coaching  mentorship by all the judges  promotion and publicity throughout the process  more prizes to be added as new sponsors are secured!     DATES: Application process opens NOW Application deadline is midnight PST January 21st You can work on your online application in a stop-and-start fashion till Dec. 1 Winner selected March 12, 2013     DETAILS: www.FutureofDesignContest.com    It's a business contest, not just a design contest The application process walks you through critical business strategies Every applicant gets a professional critique of/advice on his/her business plans Winner gets hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods and services Six semi-finalists get prizes and mentoring with a Dream Team member Three finalists are flown to New York for final judging Live finale, “Shark Tank”-style, at MJSA Expo New York in NYC on March 12, 2013 All are welcome to attend by registering for an MJSA EXPO show badge Unique judging process: Business plan submitted as well as designs  In-depth business questionnaire akin to a marketing plan  Judges interview six semi-finalists live via conference video  Three finalists make live pitch in front of judges & audience in NYC  Vast level of industry participation, probably unprecedented   JUDGES: Cindy Edelstein - Jewelers Resource Bureau /  cindy@jewelersresource.com Andrea Hill – StrategyWerx /  andrea.hill@strategywerx.com Mendel Rotenberg - Fusion Jewelry          ...... and two more to be announced after the new year!   Many of these 2012 Mentoring Dream Team members will reprise their roll:   Gurhan  Erica Courtney  Todd Reed  Lisa Jenks  Robert Lee Morris  Penny Preville     Sponsors:   •    Jeweler's Resource Bureau •    StrategyWerx •    Fusion Jewelry •    MJSA •    JA NY Show •    National Jeweler •    INDESIGN magazine •    RSP Media  •    Jewelry Information Center •   Jeweler's Vigilance Committee                                      ...... and more coming!       See website for eligibility and to sign-up for future information from The Future of Design     www.FutureOfDesignContest.com

MJSA conFab Teaches Business Skills to Jewelry Makers and Designers

MJSA conFab Teaches Business Skills to Jewelry Makers and Designers

Nearly 100 jewelry makers, designers, and students spent the day at FIT learning about pricing, inventory control, digital marketing, and more

 ATTLEBORO FALLS, MA—MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, welcomed the newest generation of jewelry makers and designers to its first conFab educational event on Oct. 14. Held at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, the full-day program featured sessions on strategy and planning, pricing, inventory control, custom design, and digital marketing. Jewelry making students from FIT were also invited to attend, and they joined the mostly professional audience of almost 90 attendees in learning business skills to help them achieve success.

“MJSA knows that guidance on running a business is one of the key areas where jewelry makers and designers want extra help. Our first conFab was designed to meet that need,” said MJSA President/CEO David W. Cochran. “We were committed to taking some intense topics, such as pricing and inventory, and making them fun—and our speakers really came through. From a game show on pricing, to a giant, interactive Monopoly board that taught inventory skills, the audience was entertained as well as enlightened.”

Among the day’s highlights:

• Management expert Andrea Hill of Campbellsport, Wisconsin–based StrategyWerx, led a discussion on strategic planning with design advocate and consultant Cindy Edelstein of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, as well as designers/jewelry makers Bree Richey of Bree Richey Designs, and Malak Atut of Zaiken Jewelry. The experts covered the key factors that go into successful planning, including customer targeting, budgeting, creating a business plan, and marketing.

• Arthur Skuratowicz of the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and custom jeweler Gary Dawson of Gary Dawson Designs in Eugene, Oregon, competed in “The Price Is Right,” a lively game show that brought out key factors when pricing jewelry. MJSA Journal Editor in Chief Tina Snyder served as MC.

• Cincinnati-based jeweler Lee Krombholz presented his unique “Style Discovery” method, which helps him to identify the tastes and style preferences of customers who ask for a customized design.

• Andrea Hill conducted the “Inventory Game,” a board game (with Play-Doh “inventory”) that brought out key lessons in how to manage in-stock items and increase turns.

• Rio Grande Marketing Manager Eugene Brill, along with Gary Dawson, presented the key factors to online marketing success, and demonstrated how to apply them by offering critiques of conFab attendees’ websites.

The day ended with conFab conNect, a final chance to network and share refreshments.

"The MJSA conFab was a crucial turning point in the examination of my business and one of the best seminars I have ever attended,” said Daniela Lo Presti, marketing director for Officina Bernardi USA, a maker of gold and silver jewelry.  “I am a better businesswoman and professional for having attended and I was proud to be among such esteemed professionals.”

“I appreciate that designers Bree Richey and Malak Atut generously shared not clichéd advice, but real tips and insights based on their experience,” said Elina Bromberg, a partner in B.G. Art Jewelry Atelier, a full-service jewelry boutique based in New York City. “The inventory session with Andrea Hill was also extremely helpful and revealed a lot of hidden aspects of inventory management of which many of us are simply not aware. Gary Dawson was extremely charming and his advice on pricing and websites was very enlightening. I was especially interested in his views on how to account for the ‘uniqueness factor’ when pricing a piece of designer jewelry. Finally, conFab’s networking was just priceless. I met a representative of a casting company that I needed badly, and I even found an intern for our company among the FIT students who attended the conference.”

“As a student, conFab helped to bridge the gap between my technical knowledge and the application of that information to the small business market,” said John Sciortino, an FIT student who has Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) and Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.P.) diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America. “The dynamic range of energetic and experienced business owners who I heard speak, and who I met personally, helped me to better understand the steps I will need to take to prepare for my future in the jewelry industry.”

MJSA conFab attendees also can access “Online Extras”—related articles, videos, and other resources on special password-protected pages on the MJSA website (MJSA.org). These resources will continue to be posted to the pages for several months after the event, creating a digital extension of conFab.

Sponsors for MJSA conFab were the MJSA Foundation (Prime Sponsor); the Richline Group and the Leach Garner Group (Benefactors); Cindy Edelstein, the Jewelry Biz Guru; Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.; Johnson Matthey NY; Novell Group; Platmex; Rio Grande; Riva Precision Manufacturing; Stuller/Gemvision; TracTech Systems; and United Precious Metal Refining Inc.

MJSA plans to present additional conFab events in the future. For more information, click here:http://mjsa.org/events_and_programs/mjsa_confab.

About MJSA 

MJSA is the U.S. trade association for jewelry makers, designers, and related suppliers. It provides the resources to achieve professional excellence and maintain a competitive edge. For more information, call MJSA at 1-800-444-6572 or visit www.mjsa.org

LeMay Museum Chooses Custom V8 Jewelry By Hi-Octane

LeMay Museum Selects Custom V8 Earrings and Necklace, Designed for Women Who Love Hot Rods, Muscle Cars and Good Old American Horsepower

Called "America's Car Museum", the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington has chosen a custom V8 design of sterling silver earrings and matching necklace by Seattle jewelry designers Alicia Hanson and Brad Johnson of Hi Octane Jewelry for inclusion in its museum store collection.

No self-respecting, hot rod, muscle car, fuel injected, crazy horsepower woman has ever said the words "I coulda had a V6". Nope. Never. Unh unh.

Quite simply, V8s rule. And the women who own, show, drive, admire, or have serious American V8s in the family garage, have a connection to these iconic engines that goes waaayyy beyond casual. But for all of these dedicated followers, how (other than the secret V8 owners handshake - which absolutely was not mentioned here) do they spot other kindred motorheads?

Well, they can wear a set of custom V8 earrings or the matching V8 necklace from Hi Octane Jewelry. The recently opened LeMay Museum selected this original design – a silver 8 superimposed above two silver wrenches in the shape of a V – for inclusion in the collection of nostalgic automobile oriented gifts for its new museum shop.

This very cool V8 insignia is just the latest from the creative minds of artists Alicia Hanson and Brad Johnson. Their original designs have been seen in car shows, swap meets, hot rod gatherings and classic car events all up and down the west coast for years. They have men's and women's silver rings, necklaces, belt buckles, bracelets and special custom designs, including cars from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.

Check out their web site. Where else, can someone find a Cobra next to a Desoto? Or a Peterbilt alongside a Porsche? There are lots of classic rods like Mercs, Chevys and Fords. Rings for big blown hemi engines, rat rods, woodies, 50s Cadillacs and tons more.

This wearable art is very affordable, and a lot easier to cruise with than a '50 Merc with carburetor trouble. And even if there isn't a Deuce Coupe in the garage at home, it's still easy to show a love of classic iron with some classy silver. Especially the V8 insignia. It's the one common connector to most of the great American marques that can be found in the LeMay Museum. And chances are pretty good that anyone wearing one won't be quizzed on the secret handshake (oops).

COMPANY INFORMATION 

Hi Octane Jewelry is a jewelry production and design company that specializes in hot rods, muscle cars, classic vehicles and vintage autos. Artists Alicia Hanson and Brad Johnson have designed an array of cool car jewelry, and also create custom pieces made to order. Their jewelry has been featured in major movies and national ad campaigns.

MJSA New “conFab” to Help Designers Profit

MJSA Launches New “conFab” 

to Help Designers Profit

ATTLEBORO FALLS, MA—MJSA, the association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, will this fall present the first MJSA conFab, a one-day event focused on “profit lessons” for jewelry makers and designers. Sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation, it will take place Oct. 14 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

The MJSA conFab will feature a range of sessions covering such key areas as strategy and planning, digital marketing, inventory control, and pricing. In addition, attendees will be able to access special password-protected pages on the MJSA website (mjsa.org), where they can find additional information. New articles, videos, and other resources will continue to be posted to the pages following the event, creating a digital extension of conFab.

“Our goal is to help jewelry makers and designers make a better living doing what they love,” says MJSA president/CEO David W. Cochran. “The event will offer best business practices in a way that’s memorable, rewarding, and even fun. We’ll present pricing strategies by staging a game show—our own version of ‘The Price Is Right’—and invite attendees to submit their own jewelry creations for the contestants to review. They can also submit their websites for critique during the ‘Websites That Work for You’ session, or post their favorite ‘words of wisdom’ on our Board of Best Advice. It truly will be an event to which everyone can contribute.”

The scheduled conFab presenters include:

Andrea Hill, owner of StrategyWerx, a consulting firm focused on helping small business owners succeed and prosper.

Arthur Skuratowicz, co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education.

Gary Dawson, owner of Gary Dawson Designs, an internet-only business that was recently named among the “Best of the Best” by Instore magazine.

Lee Krombholz, owner of Cincinnati-based Krombholz Jewelers and Just Like You Designs, which specializes in personalized jewelry.

Eugene Brill, online marketing manager with industry supplier Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico; he has more than 20 years of experience and expertise in internet marketing communications (search engine optimization, search engine marketing, social media, etc.).

Tina Snyder, editor in chief of MJSA Journal and MJSA Journal Online.

The event’s registration fee of $125 includes unlimited access to the online conFab pages. To learn more or to register, go to mjsa.org.

Latest From Amoro Fine Jewelry...and Diamond Ring Giveaway!

AMORO FINE JEWELRY LAUNCHES NEW COLLECTION OF CELEBRATORY JEWELERY

Brand places strong focus on new anniversary collection

Amoro Fine Jewelry has launched their newest of collections focusing specifically on anniversary and life’s celebrations.  With countless styles ranging from rings to pendants to earrings, Amoro, first conceived in the islands, has now become an online one-stop shopping destination providing affordable luxury at all levels.

Amoro hopes to become their clients’ jeweler for a lifetime by providing expert craftsmanship and quality in each piece. With Amoro’s unmatched personal service and a comprehensive collection, the client can celebrate each milestone in their life.  The motto, “Yesterday. Today. Amoro.” further defines the brand’s ideology of being “anniversary specialists.”  Amoro is the perfect gift to show appreciation for love shared through all the yesterdays, celebrating that same love today and to be cherished for all your tomorrows. 

As “anniversary specialists,” Amoro offers over 160 styles of 18kt gold anniversary rings starting at only $350.  Additionally, the brand offers hundreds of styles for couples looking to celebrate special occasions and seeking to upgrade original engagement jewelry.  Providing a vast selection of styles, at a variety of price points, allows Amoro to cater to a broad range of consumers.  Amoro also has over 400 styles of exclusive earrings, pendants and bracelets designed with fine diamonds, gemstones in 18kt gold settings.  It is the variety, mixed with quality and affordability that earns Amoro the title of “anniversary specialists.”

Exclusive Pristine Hearts - Cut Diamond
...the only Diamond with a Heart in it!

“When we celebrate life’s and love’s special occasions, we do so to show our recognition and appreciation in ways that we cannot easily say with words alone,” says Stephen Crane, founder of Amoro. “I created Amoro fine jewelry to be timeless and to be cherished for generations.  Amoro is a modern interpretation of jewelry classics with fine quality materials and superb craftsmanship, as seen in famous name brands but at pleasingly affordable prices.”

As Amoro begins to focus on anniversary, the brand has revitalized their website in order to reflect this focus.  Being strictly a web-based retailer, the redesign was created to be more user-friendly with more enhanced features, such as a hover zoom-in for clearer views of the distinctive details of the product and the ability to filter search results by price, gemstone, color and other characteristics.  Furthermore, the site is now enabled with live chat during business hours to further provide exceptional customer service. 

To promote the anniversary collection, Amoro will be launching a “We Love Anniversaries” sweepstakes on their website that will offer site visitors an opportunity to enter to win an 18kt yellow gold three stone diamond ring valued at $3,750.  Contestants will be able to enter the sweepstakes until October 31st, at http://www.Amoro.com.

About Amoro^®

Amoro^® was established in 1996 by Stephen Crane, founder of renowned luxury retailer Columbia Emeralds International.  Drawing on a 40-year relationship with the world’s premier gemstone suppliers and a deep understanding of jewelry’s central role in celebrating life’s milestones, a new classic collection was born.  Today, Amoro’s signature design details, exceptional craftsmanship, knowledgeable customer service, online convenience and sensible pricing combine to bring unparalleled comfort to the fine jewelry-buying experience.

DEADLINE June 6th! ...for the 6th Annual Halstead Grant

Just got a great Reminder note from Hilary Scott at Halstead:

"Just a reminder that the submission deadline for The Halstead Grant is June 6^th! This long weekend is the perfect time for new jewelry designers to wrap up their submission packets. Eligibility criteria and application details are at www.HalsteadBead.com/Grant. The winning entrant will receive a $5,000 small business cash grant, $1,000 in supplies and industry recognition. Good luck to all this year’s candidates"

Competition Deadline: June 6, 2011

Halstead Bead Inc is inviting jewelry designers to enter its 6th annual grant competition for new entrepreneurs in the industry. The winner of the 2011 business development grant will receive $6,000 in cash and merchandise as well as other benefits. The award was previously known as The Jewelry Design Business Development Grant; however, it has been renamed in 2011. The award is sponsored by Halstead Bead Inc., a supplier of wholesale jewelry supplies.

Designers utilizing jewelry making techniques such as metalsmithing, lampworking, metal clay, wirework, beading, or casting are eligible to enter the competition. Candidates must be US citizens who began their businesses after January 1, 2008. Their design companies must focus on “bridge jewelry” which is the segment between costume jewelry and fine jewelry. Bridge designs are primarily crafted from sterling silver with semi-precious stones, crystal, glass, pearls and other materials. This segment is also known as “craft jewelry” or “art jewelry.”

Complete application details can be found at http://www.halsteadbead.com/Grant. Candidates are required to submit a design portfolio, resume and answers to several business planning questions. Applications must be received between April 15 and June 6, 2011. The grant website includes several helpful articles on launching a national jewelry business as well as information on past winners and finalists. Previous grant winners include Cowboy’s Sweetheart Jewelry, VOSTENAKstudios, Bridgland Studios, Belle Brooke Designs, and Ananda Khalsa Jewelry.

The Halstead Grant differs from other jewelry industry competitions because of its emphasis on small business skills. Jewelry entrepreneurs applying for the grant must demonstrate not only extraordinary design, but also a strong business strategy. The application experience promotes the small business planning required to make a jewelry brand commercially viable at the national level.

The grant sponsor, Halstead Bead, Inc., is one of North America’s leading jewelry supply wholesalers. The firm was established 38 years ago and now supplies thousands of jewelry designers and manufacturers around the globe. Halstead Bead, Inc. is wholesale only and specializes in jewelry findings, chain, wire & beads for the bridge jewelry segment.

Celebrity Sightings: Platinum at the Alexander McQueen Costume Gala

Some people have asked why I post these lists of Jewelers and Designers being worn by the latest crop of "beautiful people".  

Whether they are the cute young stars of the latest teen TV hit, Celebrities who are recognized everywhere they go or the powerful "mover's & shakers" in Fashion and the publications that make them the icons we all look up to...I want you to see the people that are benefiting from a relationship with this clientele...visibility is what it's about!

So remember these events and organizations and add them to your calendar - it's about having the jewelry in front of them when they are looking for it...find out who styles the celebs you think fit your line.  

Bottom-line:  Step out of your comfort zone and make it happen!  I would love to see a new name on these lists!!!

If you love the gowns and fashion - may I suggest that you check out the coverage on one of my favorites (especially since she is giving more jewelry credits lately) Red Carpet Fashion Awards - or JustJared you MUST see the Turquoise Earrings that Bar Rafael wore...

THE EVENT:   Gala for the opening of Alexander McQueen "Savage Beauty"

THE ORGANIZATION: The Costume Institute

LOCATION:  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Thank you to my friends at PGI for the info on the Platinum Jewelry worn at the Gala...

 Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America

Sarah Jessica Parker

• Platinum and diamond wing brooch in her hair by Fred Leighton
• Platinum and diamond ring (10 carats) by Fred Leighton
• Platinum and diamond dome ring (5 carats) by Fred Leighton

Sofia Vergara

• Platinum and diamond timepiece by Harry Winston, $2 million dollars
• Platinum and diamond floral cluster drop earrings by Harry Winston

Fergie

• Platinum and diamond hair accessories by Harry Winston, valued at $1 million dollars
• Platinum and diamond earrings by Harry Winston
• Platinum and diamond ring by Harry Winston

Jennifer Hudson

• Platinum and diamond ring by Fred Leighton

Michelle Williams

• Platinum bands with onyx by Fred Leighton

Miranda Kerr

• Platinum and diamond earrings by Harry Winston
• Platinum and diamond ring by Harry Winston

Lara Stone

• Platinum and diamond cluster earrings by Harry Winston
• Platinum and 3 row diamond bracelet by Harry Winston

Shalom Harlow

• Vintage platinum and diamond brooch by Harry Winston
• Platinum and diamond cluster earrings by Harry Winston
• Platinum and diamond sunflower ring by Harry Winston

*Over $1.5 million dollars in platinum and diamond jewelry
Naomi Campbell (photo above)

• Platinum and diamond brooch in her hair by Fred Leighton

Patricia Clarkson

• Platinum and diamond earrings by Fred Leighton
• Three platinum and diamond bracelets by Fred Leighton

Penelope Cruz

• Platinum and diamond drop necklace (34 carats) by Chopard
• Platinum and diamond bracelet (50 carats) by Chopard
• Platinum and diamond ring (5 carats) by Chopard
• Platinum and diamond drop earrings (4 carats) by Chopard

Madonna

• Platinum brooches by Cartier worn as a necklace
• Platinum and diamond strap bracelets by Cartier
• Platinum bracelet with diamonds and sapphire by Cartier
• Platinum and diamond earrings by Cartier
• Platinum ring with diamonds and onyx by Cartier

Amy Adams

• Platinum and diamond brooch by Cartier
• Platinum and diamond 3 row bracelet by Cartier

Ashley Olsen

• Platinum and diamond ring (7.83 carats) by Van Cleef & Arpels

Jessica Stam

• Platinum and diamond bib necklace (50 carats) by Chopard
• Platinum and diamond earrings by Chopard

Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images North America

Beyonce

• Blackened platinum earrings with black diamond drops by Lorraine Schwartz
• Platinum and black diamond ring (20 carats) surrounded by multicolored diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz

Ashley Greene

• Blackened platinum and diamond cuff (100 carats) by Lorraine Schwartz
• Blackened platinum earrings with black and champagne diamond drops by Lorraine Schwartz

Elizabeth Banks

• Platinum cuff with colored diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz

Mary J. Blige

• Blackened platinum and diamond drop earrings by Lorraine Schwartz
• Platinum and diamond ring (50 carats) by Lorraine Schwartz

Ciara

• Blackened platinum and brown diamond cuff by Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz
• Platinum bangles with black diamonds and sapphire by Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz
• Platinum drop earrings with black diamonds and sapphire by Ofira and Lorraine Schwartz

Bar Rafaeli

• Blackened platinum earrings with brown diamonds and turquoise by Lorraine Schwartz
• Blackened platinum ring with a yellow diamond by Lorraine Schwartz