Indy500 Driver Pippa Mann and the Susan G. Komen Foundation join Ritmo Time Group in Fight Against Breast Cancer

Indy500 Driver Pippa Mann and the Susan G. Komen Foundation join Ritmo Time Group in the fight for breast cancer at the Indianapolis 500 on May 25, 2014

In conjunctions with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Pippa Mann of Indy Racing League, campaign this month to raise awareness for breast cancer, Pippa Mann whose driving in the Indianapolis 500 in an ALL PINK Car is giving away REFLEX slap-on wristwatches to eight lucky winners! 

 Reflex is happy to reach out to bring awareness to this important cause. To participate, simply tweet Pippa Mann a photo of you wearing as much pink as possible. 

 The competition has begun and will close as the chequered flag waves for The Indianapolis 500. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 26.

Tweet photos to @PippaMann or @PippaMannPR

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.racewithpippa.com

NAJA Invites You to Meet the Author and Photographer of the Handbook of Gemmology at #JCKLV

Meet the Author & Photographer!

Book Signing at NAJA during JCK

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces the opportunity for JCK Las Vegas attendees to meet the international author, Geoffrey Dominy, FGA, and world renown photographer Tino Hammid, at the NAJA exhibit booth, #L136, in the Lobby Level at the JCK Show. 

Meet the Author and Photographer of the Handbook of Gemmology - 

Friday, May 30th, Saturday, May 31 1st and Sunday, June 1st.

What makes this book so unique is that it is the first gemological book written specifically for the digital market! It can be downloaded onto a smart phone, i-pad, e-reader or computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac O/S, and it incorporates state-of-the-art Flipping Book technology that gives you the look and feel of a printed book but in a digital format.

The Handbook of Gemmology, 2nd Edition, comes with a completely new set of photographs by Tino Hammid (160 photographs in over 75 pages), new inclusion photographs, new sections on diamond classification, diamond and color gem grading, lab-created diamonds and magnetism plus updated information from the previous edition. The DVD covers all aspects of the science of gemology and gem identification in this innovative and interactive ebook. It is a must have for any gemologist,student or jeweler who demands the latest technology and the most up-to-date information. The NAJA appraisal organization is dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry that presentsoutstanding programs to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and anunparalleled networking experience. 

For further information, please contact:

       Gail Brett Levine, GG, 

       Executive Director, 

       National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, 

       phone 718.896-1536,

       www.NAJAappraisers.com

#JWLV - AGA Presents "What Everyone in the Trade Needs to Know About Lab-Grown Diamonds"

2014 AGA Las Vegas Conference  

What Everyone in the Trade Needs to Know  

About  Lab-Grown Diamonds"    

Thursday, May 29, 1-5 pm, Platinum Hotel, Las Vegas   

As the production  - and the visibility - of lab-grown diamonds increases, so do questions, about the products themselves as well as about their impact. Everyone is affected, from dealers, retailers, designers, manufacturers and appraisers. Consumers also have questions and, unfortunately, many in the trade still don't know how to answer them. 

To address the situation, synthetic diamonds will be the focus of the AGA's Las Vegas conference, taking place Thursday, May 29th, 1:00-5:00 pm, at the Platinum Hotel.

The availability of lab-grown diamonds to the public through retail jewelers, internet sites, and in the secondary market, has raised many questions, and many viewpoints are surfacing. There are also rising concerns about inadvertently buying and selling lab-grown diamonds as "natural" diamonds, especially in small sizes set in multi-stone and pave-set jewelry.

"Now is the time to pay attention to this growing market," says AGA president Stuart Robertson. Having tracked CVD production for about 10 years, and now watching the increasing role of China in the lab-grown sector, Robertson believes the world will see dramatic growth from China in CVD, along with expanding availability of HPHT-grown diamonds.  

To address questions and issues in this rapidly evolving market, speakers at the AGA conference will include Dr. James Shigley of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA); Tom Chatham, President, Chatham Created Gems; Dusan Simic, President of Analytical Gemology and Jewelry Laboratory (AG&JL); and Ronnie VanderLinden, President of the Diamond Manufacturer's and Importers Association (DMIA) and Diamex, Inc.  

Dr. James Shigley will provide information on identification techniques for lab-created diamonds, and Dusan Simic will present breaking news on affordable options now available for identifying mounted as well loose diamonds, including melee sizes. Tom Chatham, a respected grower, will give a producer's insights into current and projected production estimates, while diamond dealer Ronnie Vanderlinden will share his thoughts on why he, a well known natural diamond dealer, decided to sell lab-grown diamonds as well as natural. In addition, the Q&A session will be extended to allow attendees to play a more interactive role in creating an in-depth discussion and understanding of the market and where it is headed.

SSEF introduces ASDI for testing of melee diamonds

The Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF has developed the Automated Diamond Spectral Inspection (ASDI) - a device which can analyse very large quantities of melee diamonds at low cost. The development of the instrument is all the more important following concerns expressed by members of the global diamond industry in the past year after undisclosed lab-grown diamonds were mixed in with parcels of natural diamonds.

The ASDI, which has a patent pending, analyses round polished diamonds ranging from 1.0 to 3.8 mm in diameter. The machine conclusively identifies colourless natural diamonds, and operates at an unrivalled average sorting speed of 4,000 stones per hour. The machine uncovers colourless synthetic diamonds, both HPHT and CVD grown, as well as colourless HPHT-treated diamonds.

"The threat of undisclosed synthetic diamonds possibly mixed into batches of melee diamonds is a very serious issue," said Jean-Pierre Chalain, director of SSEF's diamond department. "As part of SSEF's mission to protect the jewellery and watch-making industries, the release of ASDI brings a safe, reliable and very efficient industrial solution to the trade.. This machine can authenticate melee diamonds of low individual value using high-tech methods at a highly competitive price per stone."

Two major Swiss diamond suppliers and two prestigious Swiss jewellery and watch-making companies have already ordered the ASDI machine. And as of the end of last month, the SSEF had already tested 400,000 diamonds submitted for inspection by the Swiss diamond trade using the ASDI machine.

For mor info see:  http://www.ssef.ch/asdi

AGTA Announce 5K Team - Jewelers for Children Rings of Strength - Run/Walk - Las Vegas

Join the AGTA 5K Team- Jewelers For Children  Thursday, May 29, 2014 for the  Rings of Strength run/walk.          The American Gem Trade Association would like you to participate with us in the 5K run/walk to help raise money for the Jewelers For Children - Rings of Strength Tour. To sign up follow this link https://www.firstgiving.com/jfcevent/2014-rings-of-strength-tour and when prompted to join a team select AGTA. If you would like to donate or sponsor a participant go to https://www.firstgiving.com/jfcevent.      The second Rings of Strength event will kick-off at Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel Casino at  5:30 am. Participants can choose to bike a challenging 50K route in the scenic Red Rock Canyon, a moderate 15K ride, a brisk 5K run or a relaxing 5K walk along the always interesting Las Vegas strip.   The AGTA GemFair at the JCK Las Vegas Show will be held May 29 - June 2, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. For more information click here.

Celebrities Shine in Platinum at the MET Gala

Top celebrities selected PLATINUM jewelry 

for the:

"Charles James: Beyond Fashion Costume Institute Gala" 

in New York on May 5th:

Lupita Nyong'o in Platinum by Cartier

-Vintage 1906 platinum necklace with diamonds (worn as a headpiece)

-Multiple vintage platinum and diamond bracelets

Charlize Theron in Platinum by Fred Leighton

-Art Deco platinum and diamond bracelets

-Platinum and diamond rings

Jessica Pare in Platinum by Fred Leighton

-Platinum and diamond flower earrings from the 1950's

-Platinum and diamond ring

-Platinum ring with diamonds and sapphire

-Platinum bracelet with sapphire and diamonds

-Platinum and diamond bracelet

Reese Witherspoon in Platinum by Fred Leighton

-Platinum and diamond floral cluster earrings from the 1950's 

Elisabeth Olsen in Platinum by Cartier

-Platinum and diamond cluster earrings

Kendall Jenner in Platinum by Chopard

-Platinum and diamond collar necklace (42 carats)

Marion Cottilard in Platinum by Chopard

-One platinum and diamond cluster earrings (5 carats)

-Platinum and diamond line bracelet (40 carats)

Idina Menzel in Platinum by Stephen Russell

-Platinum and diamond jewelry by Stephen Russell

Platinum is popular on the red carpet since it holds diamonds and colored gemstones most securely.

#jwlv - Couture 2014 Sneak Peek

Jacquie Aiche

This year at Couture, the Jacquie AicheTribe is introducing the "Squash Blossom" collection. The above necklace is made of 14 karat rose gold, diamonds, lilac quartz, moonstone and cow bone, and perfectly embodies the designer's signature aesthetic. A go-to resource for stylists and luminaries alike, Jacquie Aiche adds an element of whimsy to all of her designs, giving them a sense of ethereal ease with just a hint of rebellion. 

Salon 126

Anne Sportun 

Toronto-based designer Anne Sportunexpresses nature's simplest form in her new "Stick Collection." Made of 18 karat gold and diamonds and featuring the designer's signature Stardust texture, this collection captures the beauty of organic asymmetry. As with all pieces hand-crafted in Anne's studio, this piece perfectly combines the precious with the everyday. 

Salon 607

Sarah Graham

The above "Colored Pebble Stacking Rings" by Sarah Graham Metalsmithing are made with 18 karat gold, oxidized cobalt chrome, various colored sapphires and white and cognac diamonds. The collection is textural and organic, with a subtle color palate that is decidedly feminine. Sarah's design inspiration comes from her life--from the beauty of nature that surrounds her, the intense love she has for her husband and son, and from every new opportunity to challenge herself and perfect her craft.

Salon 102

Samantha Louise Designs

Designer Samantha Louise believes that jewelry can serve as a constant reminder of who we are, where we came from, and where we're headed. The above earrings from the new "Leaf Collection" are inspired by the designer's love of gardening and its process of planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it grow. Made of 18 karat rose gold and diamonds, the collection expresses a sense of earthy  sophistication and is a wearable classic. 

Next Wave 9

Astley Clarke London

Astley Clarke Londonintroduces a range of limited-edition London Blue Topaz pieces to her popular "Fao Collection." Created in-house in the company's London design studio, each gemstone in this collection has been specifically selected, hand cut in the company's signature rose cut, and set in a stunning molten pave diamond outline. This collection also includes a pendant, drop earrings and molten hoop earrings.

Salon 1108 

THANK YOU -  I want to say a HUGE Thank You to Michelle Orman, Last Word Communications, for these insightful previews of what is NEW at Couture this year!