My #LatestObsession - Designer Spotlight on Babette Shennan

A Little about the Babette Shennan Brand:Sculptural lines, meticulous craftsmanship and soft yet radiant colors are the defining features of Babette Shennan Jewelry. Handcrafted in Southern California, each piece showcases the natural beauty of the stones, which Babette carefully selects for their magical blend of color, cut and clarity. The collection features a kaleidoscope of coloredgems, including tourmaline and sapphires, which are harmoniously paired with intricate designs and refined metal work. The resulting works of art possess an heirloom quality and reveal a sculptural beauty that only nature could inspire. In addition to her Ginkgo and Rivulet Collections, Babette creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces featuring exceptional gemstones that have captured her imagination.

Website:  http://www.babetteshennan.com

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Grant Applications Currently Being Accepted By JCK Industry Fund

Press Release Provided By JCK

JCK Industry Fund Currently Accepting Grant Applications The JCK Industry Fund is currently accepting grant applications from individuals, groups or associations whose work results in the betterment of the overall jewelry industry. The JCK Industry Fund awards hundreds of thousands of dollars each year across multiple entities whose programs and services help the overall industry. The deadline for 2015 application submission is Monday, December 1, 2014. Now in its 17th year, this fund awards grants to projects that: (1) improve the image of the jewelry industry in the eyes of the consumer, and/or (2) aids jewelry industry organizations in addressing serious problems faced within the industry, and/or (3) assists internal organizations and associations in developing training materials. "The collective work of the industry associations, organizations, and individuals have helped to shape and evolve our industry to what it is today." said Yancy Weinrich, Group Vice President, JCK. "I am thrilled to be able to give back to the industry through this annual contribution and encourage all organizations to consider submitting their grant proposal." Past winners have included American Gem Society (AGS), Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI), Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.), Jewelers of America (JA), Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA), Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA), and Women's Jewelry Association (WJA). In order to be considered, applicants must submit a formal proposal in writing directly to JCK and include all of the following elements: The purpose of the grant; the amount requested; timing for allocation of monies and a plan for its allocation; historical budget data; measurable expected benefits; and an agreement outlining JCK's right to conduct financial auditing of funds allocated to ensure suitable usage. All applications will be reviewed and final recipients will be chosen by a Fund Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from the manufacturing and retail segment, as well as JCK. The recipients will be chosen based upon their synergy with the overall core goals and intentions of the Fund. Winners are notified in early 2015 and a formal announcement listing the winners will be distributed. To apply for the JCK Industry Fund click here>> ABOUT JCK: JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities: • LUXURY one2one: February 1, 2015 by invitation only | JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa  Tucson, AZ • JCK Tucson: February 2 - 7, 2015 | JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa | Tucson, AZ • LUXURY: May 26 - 28, 2015 by invitation only; May 29 - June 1, 2015 open to all JCK BuyersDelano, Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay | Las Vegas, NV • JCK Las Vegas: May 29 - June 1, 2015 | Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino | Las Vegas, NV • Swiss Watch: May 29 - June 1, 2015 | DELANO Las Vegas, Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, NV • LUXURY Privé: July 26 - 28, 2015 | Waldorf Astoria | New York, NY

#Endless Jennifer Lopez Launches New Collection For Endless JewelryUS

Jennifer Lopez and Endless Jewelry 

are pleased to announce a new long-term partnership 

to introduce a special exclusive collection of bracelets and charms 

bearing the JENNIFER LOPEZ trademark in USA

we present...

Jennifer Lopez Collection by Endless Jewelry

Endless Jewelry is known for its colorful Boho Chic  bracelets in quality leather and it's wide range of classic and modern charms that are all the rage in Europe and is currently sweeping markets in North America. 

The combination of affordable luxury and bright colors, has made Endless Jewelry a colorful fashion statement across continents, and the addition of the Jennifer Lopez Collection, adds a new dimension to this vast collection which allows personalization.

Jennifer Lopez said “My exclusive collection with Endless Jewelry embraces the attitude of being fun and elegant at the same time. It is also about letting each woman express her personality through her jewelry. The collection will let women celebrate what is unique and beautiful about themselves."

Jennifer Lopez is a one of the biggest superstars on the planet, fans love her "Jenny from block" personality and admire her artistry, beauty and style. Now Endless Jewelry and Jennifer Lopez are joining forces to introduce a brand new collection of impeccably crafted, unique bracelets and charms, all reflecting the glamour and one of a kind personality of Jennifer Lopez and the quality of Endless Jewelry.

CEO and Founder of Endless Jewelry, Jesper Nielsen, is thrilled about the agreement:

“Endless Jewelry is all about being yourself, positivity and daring to show your colors whether you wish to be elegant, discrete or stand out. We offer women a way to personalize her jewelry by letting her mix and match classic and modern charms with her choice of color or colors of the day. It’s simple yet unique, and Jennifer Lopez’s extraordinary style and charisma perfectly represent the new collection. We are proud and delighted to be in this long-term relationship with Jennifer Lopez.”

The collection is available exclusively in fine jewelry stores across the United States and Canada.  Store locator here: http://www.endlessjewelry.us/us_usd/storelocator

Jesper Nielsen’s foray into the jewelry business began in 2004 when he purchased a Pandora distibutorship, his noteriety began when news of his often peculiar-sounding business "stunts" hit the international news wires and just six years later he sold his European Pandora distributorship for over $270 million. Having forged his own path based on unique ideas, the courage to follow them, and trusting gut instincts, led to Nielsen's reputation for his relentless passion and his genuine charisma.

Today, following this tremendous success, Nielsen has launched Endless Jewelry - in Europe in 2013 (opening in more than 1,000 stores in the first 10 months) — and now in the US. Born from the concept that “everything is possible” and that customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance, Endless Jewelry features a modern, new twist on traditional charm bracelets.

World’s Largest CSARITE® Faceted By Milenyum Mining

Milenyum Mining Facets 

World’s Largest CSARITE® 

Milenyum Mining Limited is excited to announce the discovery 

and cutting of the world’s largest known faceted CSARITE® gemstone. 

The 121.65 carat pear shape rarity was cut from recently recovered rough of approximately 430 grams from the world’s only CSARITE® mine. Previously, the largest known faceted CSARITE® was an 88.49 carat pear shape that took home a coveted 2014 AGTA Cutting Edge Award. The only other large CSARITE® gemstones of a similar size have been cabochon gems that exhibit the cats eye and color change effect.

“It was an exciting challenge to cut this stone,” stated Rudi Wobito, Master Cutter of WOBITO that did the actual faceting. “CSARITE® rough very rarely produces a fine gem of this size and caliber. And it’s a very slow process to shape the rough and finally arrive at the finished gem. We studied the material from all angles for weeks before deciding on the final shape.”

Murat Akgun, president of Milenyum Mining Limited explains, “Typical loss from rough CSARITE® is 98%. We have recovered rough pieces three times the size of this one, and ended up with no faceted stones. We lost only 95% of the large specimen in cutting this gem, again setting it apart as a truly unique gem! This fine quality CSARITE® is certainly the world’s largest at this time, and we expect the retail price to be close to a million dollars."

The lively gem is beautifully cut and exhibits a pronounced and vivid color change. Interest in the rare and valuable gemstone is expected by both private collectors and top designers. Once decided, the future of this exceptional piece will be announced via press release.

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

Get A Personalized "Jewelry Makeover" When Designer Carole Shashona Debuts "Black Diamond Collection"

Jewelry Designer Carole Shashona Invites You

 to Preview the Latest Designs from the "Black Diamond Collection"

Experience a Personalized "Jewelry Makeover" 

Based on Your Body Type and a Sensory Energy Composite

Thursday, December 4th

11AM - 3PM

Barneys New York, Beverly Hills

9570 Wilshire Blvd.

*The Carole Shashona jewelry collection has symbolic meaning, as each style is specifically designed 

to bring multiple blessings to the wearer, ranging from empowerment to serenity

#STR - Sharing The Rough - Private Screening... #SharingTheRough

"Through the eyes of gem miners, a precision faceter, and a visionary jewelry designer, 

we will reveal a powerful story that follows a gem from mine to market."

Join us for a private test screening of Sharing the Rough, 

hosted by Dave McConnell, owner of The King's Jewelers in Walnut Creek.

This will be the very first showing to a public audience, 

Q & A follows with Director Orin Mazzoni and cast members Roger Dery  & Dave McConnell.

Imagine my disappointment when I received this invitation and was unable to make it to the event.  Well after thinking long and hard I remembered that my Tucson roommate Ann Marie might be available - YAY!!!  

While in Tucson this past February for the gem shows, I was privileged to view the teaser sample of Sharing The Rough, a unique movie directed by Orin Mazzoni about the gem industry. After that small taste, I was eager to see the completed movie. I had the opportunity to do just that last night at a private test screening. 

Sharing The Rough tells the story of a green Garnet gem (affectionately called “The One”), from its birth as a piece of rough in an East African mine through the faceting process with gem cutter Roger Dery and then its creation into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry by designer, Mark Schneider.  

All of these scenes expose priceless bits of knowledge that many people in the jewelry industry don’t even know about, much less the average person. Through this film the viewer will get to witness it all first hand.

Along the way you are taken into a basic mine, you meet the miners and their families and learn about their passions and the incredible struggle to find the gems in the earth. You are witness to the buying process from gem brokers and you come to understand how rare and special a large quality gem really is. Once “The One” is purchased, you observe the creative process of the gem cutter deciding on the shape of the final stone and taking down the 49 carat rough to a 13.65 carat faceted beauty.  The story wraps up with the designing and fashioning of the final piece.

After the screening, Orin Mazzoni (Director), Roger Dery (Faceter) and Dave McConnell (Associate Producer) took to the stage to answer questions and ask for feedback. They all seemed to take to heart the advice and constructive criticism that was offered from the audience. 

The film, as it was screened last night, was a gem in the rough itself. The photography and sound are well done and hold a lot of promise. There were typos in the subtitles, the color needs correcting and the sound needs to be sweetened. It is way too long and drags from too much talk at some points. The reason for last night’s screening was for the film’s creators to get feedback from the audience. 

Their passion for telling this story is obvious. In fact, they hinted at making a sequel with another gem from another location. 

I look forward to seeing the results of this next phase of editing the film which I hope will involve faceting its raw edges and designing it into a polished finished piece.

Antique Treasures from Across the Globe Featured at 54th Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show

Antique Treasures from Across the Globe 
Featured at 54th Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show

U.S. Antique Shows Hosts Sold-Out Event for Collectors, Curators and Aficionados

Thousands of antique enthusiasts will once again gather at the Miami Beach Convention Center for 54th Annual Original Miami Beach Antique Show. The event will be hosted by U.S. Antique Shows, the world’s leading producer of indoor antique shows, on Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2015.

“The Original Miami Beach Antique Show offers a vast selection of exceptional antiques from dealers worldwide and sets the pace in the antique market for the entire year,” says Dan Darby, Emerald Expositions vice president and U.S. Antique Shows general manager. “At the 2015 show, attendees can look forward to an increased presence from European exhibitors due in part to U.S. Antique Shows global partnership with the Italian-based Mercanteinfiera.”

As the world’s largest indoor antique show, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show presents nearly 1,000 recognized dealers from 28 countries for five days only. On the show floor, attendees can explore collections from Renaissance to Art Deco eras including fine art, American and European silver, antique jewelry, 17th-19th century furniture, porcelain and more. Additionally, the convention center’s Flamingo Ballroom will be filled with elite jewelry dealers showcasing a variety of rare and unique antique, estate and vintage pieces.

To enhance the shopping experience and support education, U.S. Antique Shows will also continue to offer attendees’ unique opportunities to accompany the Miami Beach show such as the Second Annual Jewelry History Series. The jewelry conference will take place before The Original Miami Beach Antique Show on Jan. 28-29 and has a comprehensive schedule including presentations from an array of jewelry experts, a complementary tour of the Bass Museum of Art and a tour of select booths prior to the opening of the show. For a complete conference schedule and details on registration costs, visit www.MiamiBeachAntiqueShow.com.

U.S. Antique Shows is also thrilled to once again partner with Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers to host Appraisal Day during the show on Saturday, Jan. 31. All attendees, with a valid ticket to the show, are invited to bring one item to be appraised by one of Skinner’s experienced appraisers.

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show was recently listed by BizBash, a resource hub for the event and meeting industry, as one of Miami/South Florida’s Top 100 Events. The show has long been recognized by the Miami media and industry trades for its extensive selection of merchandise, cross section of buyers and sellers and consistent show traffic.

Show times for the 2015 show are Friday, Jan. 30 to Monday, Feb. 2 from 12-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 12-5 p.m.Admission is $20 to attend all five days. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, call 239.732.6642 or visit www.MiamiBeachAntiqueShow.com. 

About U.S. Antique Shows

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show is produced by U.S. Antique Shows, a division of Emerald Expositions. U.S. Antique Shows, the world’s largest producer of indoor antique shows, focuses on presenting a wide range of antiques as well as antique, vintage and estate jewelry and watches to 50,000 consumers annually. The company draws more than 3,000 dealers from 28 countries worldwide exhibiting their signature collections in 400,000 net square feet across eight shows. U.S. Antique Shows is the only producer that serves the unique needs of the antique and antique jewelry industry supporting sales in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Miami Beachn:

and New York. Their shows host internationally recognized dealers promoting the purchase of rare and unusual historic merchandise to antiques collectors, novice enthusiasts, socialites and celebrities.

For more information:

website   www.USAntiqueShows.com, 

like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/OMBAS, 

follow us on Twitter:@USAntiqueShows 

...and explore our Pinterest: Pinterest.com/USAntiqueShows. 

Check out our new blog atwww.USAntiqueShows.com/TheQuill.aspx.

* Photos used in this article are archival from the Blog Owners files and not representative of vendors that will be present at the event.