#JWLV - Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show #LVAJW

There is no location in Las Vegas more perfectly suited to the show it hosts than the Paris Hotel partnership with the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show!



From the vintage feel of the decor to the opulence of their stunning chandeliers this place just feels like you are taking a step back in time.

I would love to share some of the highlights for me!  ...for those wanting a little more there is a photo album on The Daily Jewel page on Facebook that has all the photos I took... https://www.facebook.com/dailyjewel

JODEN WORLD RESOURCES

Joden World Resources has what is believed to be the largest and rarest collection of the work of Carlo Giuliano (1831-1895).

The bracelet itself is a fully hinged bangle, as we would call it. It is in 18 karat yellow gold gem set with square sapphires, rubies and trimmed in diamonds which is typical of the time period.  Carlo Giuliano is considered among experts to be the master of all jewelers who ever lived. Notably a personal friend and often private jeweler to Queen Victoria. 
...more on this Designer on the Tumblr - Historic Gems & Jewelry

Even more impressive is that it comes in it's original custom designed presentation box!

Also from Joden - this gorgeous mosaic suite - you just don't see much antique mosaic that doesn't show signs of loss...and again "in the original box"!

VIVID DIAMONDS

18k Silver on Gold Bow Brooch in the original box from a London Jeweler.
30ctw Natural Blue Sapphire framed with 5ctw of Rose Cut Diamonds.  Weights are approximated.

Vivid Diamonds is a Miami based company that initially specialized in cutting rough diamonds to manufacture fine white and rare natural fancy colored diamonds and diamond jewelry. 

I don't have the specifics on this stunning Art Deco Bracelet - check their website for info...

Over 5ctw in Orange Diamonds! WOW!

Today Vivid Diamonds' gem and jewelry collections encompass virtually every facet of the gem and jewelry industry - they have created their own designer jewelry line - they carry a full assortment of natural colored gemstones and gemstone jewelry - and most recently, they have added unique and beautiful vintage estate pieces. Today Vivid Diamonds' gem and jewelry collections encompass virtually every facet of the gem and jewelry industry.

I found this line on their website and I have to say that I totally agree!  "What is even more impressive is their success at making every customer feel elated to have met and dealt with Vivid Diamonds."

MORELLE DAVIDSON

Silver on Gold Necklace to Tiara conversion piece complete in custom presentation box with all of the hardware intact

This UK based company was founded by three brothers descending from a line of jewellers, the business began as a stall in the Portobello Road Antiques Market.

From their gallery in a beautiful Edwardian building on Maddox Street in the heart of Mayfair, an area rich in the history of the antiques trade of London, today the company is at the pinnacle of their trade, with clientele across the US, Europe and the Far East.

There was quite literally, beauty in every direction at this show...

Fouquet at Marjan Sterk 

Stunning Demantoid Garnet Brooch - that is a snake I would certainly wear! from J. S. Fearnley

Chaumet - Persian Turquoise Parure from Eric Originals and Antiques

...and from Ely & Co.  (whose exquisite blue diamonds didn't photograph well), an amazing presentation of blue, pink and yellow diamond rings that included a stunning Tiffany & Co. Blue Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring!

He also showed a really lovely collection of vintage and antique watches - some limited edition pieces (I particularly liked the one with the Maharajah Hunting Scene on the face)...

And this exquisite gold Audemars Piguet, skeleton front and back, that clips to the wearers belt.

JCK's Design Center Announces Top 50 Retail Stores

JCK's Design Center Announces Top 50 Retail Stores

The Design Center at JCK Las Vegas held its 10th annual Designer Retailer Awards on Sunday, June 2 during JCK Las Vegas Jewelry Week. 1st place went to ZFolio Gallery in Monterey, CA, with 2nd place going to I. Gorman Jewelers, in Washington, D.C. and 3rd to Worthmore Jewelers, in Atlanta, GA. All 50 recipients were honored in the celebratory ceremony, culminating 3 days of enthusiasm for the Design Center's offerings and strong buying.

"This is truly a remarkable accomplishment, realizing that many of the recognized retailers have been in the business for generations," said Zdena Jiroutova of ZFolio. "ZFolio is new and fresh, and we are happy to represent over eighty designers from around the world."

The Design Center's Designer Retailer Awards were created to spotlight retail stores who have exceeded the standards of excellence in the promotion, merchandising, and sales of designer jewelry. The specific criteria for which the top 50 were chosen include: educating the consumer on the quality and value of designer jewelry; displaying and merchandising designer products for maximum salability, and finally, their commitment to fair business practices.

Rounding out the Top 5 Designer Retailers are: I. Gorman Jewelers in Washington, D.C.,Worthmore Jewelers in Atlanta, GA, Blue Stone Jewelers in Tahoe City, CA, and Amethyst in Bethesda, MD.

Rounding out the Top 10 Designer Retailers receiving honors are: Max's, St. Louis Park, MN;Sabbia, Chicago, IL; Steve Quick Jeweler, Chicago, IL; The Wedding Ring Shop, Honolulu, HI;Terra Firma Gallery, Sonoma, CA.

The following recipients were recognized as part of the Top 50 Designer Retailer Awards presentation: TWIST, Portland, OR; Greenwich Jewelers, New York, NY; Aspen Jewel Box, Aspen, CO; The Gifted Hand, Wellesley, MA; Blanca Flor Silver Jewelry, Annapolis, MD; DBS Jewelers, St. Michaels, MD; Dolphin Galleries, Wailea, HI; Good Inc., Boston, MA; Manika Jewelry, San Francisco, CA; Pagéo, Boston, MA; Roseark, Los Angeles, CA; Sharfmans Jewelers, Worcester, MA; Sterling Jewelers , Wethersfield, CT; Sorrel Sky Gallery, Durango, CO; The Laughing Dog Gallery, Vero Beach, FL; Squash Blossom, Vail, CO; A Thousand Faces, Nashville, TN; Tiny Jewel Box, Washington, D.C.; The Art Stop, Tacoma, WA; The Golden Tulip, St. John's, NL, Canada; Skyline Gallery, Tucson, AZ; Renee Taylor Gallery, Sedona, AZ; R. Grey Gallery, Boise, ID; Pinnacle Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ; Mystique, Alexandria, VA; Ladyfingers Jewelry, Carmel, CA; Left Bank Gallery, Wellfeleet, MA; La Galleria, Truckee, CA; Lux Bond & Green, West Hartford, CT; John Mays Jewelers, Fort Smith, AR; J.C. Sipe Jewelers, Indianapolis, IN; Gold Bug, Pasadena, CA; Gallery of Jewels, San Francisco, CA; Design House, Waco, TX;Day's Jewelers, Waterville, ME; Henry's Trading Post, Cape May, NJ; Lionshead Jewelers, Vail, CO; Marilyn's Style, Pentwater, MI; The Nautical Rooster, Old Saybrook, CT; Uno Alla Volta, North Branford, CT.

About The Design Center: A part of the JCK Las Vegas show, The Design Center is THE destination for unique handcrafted pieces from up and coming designers and the latest collections from established jewelry artists from around the world. The Rising Star program in the Design Center showcases five jewelry designers making their debut in a major North American jewelry show. The Design Center Top 50 Retailer Awards is sponsored each year by Berkley Asset Protection, a leader in insurance solutions for the industry.

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 Privé New York: July 29 - 31, 2013 - New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue
--LUXURY Privé Panama: August 26 - 28, 2013 - Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita
--JCK Tucson: February 3 - 8, 2014 - Tucson, JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort
--LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 27 - 29, 2014, by invitation only, and then continues as the events
open their doors to all JCK retailers May 30- June 2, 2014 - Four Seasons, THEhotel, Mandalay Bay
--Swiss Watch: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Mandalay Bay, THEhotel, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental
--JCK Las Vegas: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

NYC - This Thursday (June 20th) DEF Debuts "Empowerment Jewelry" At Donna Distefano Atelier

DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND DESIGN AMBASSADORS 

LAUNCH NEW YORK DEBUT OF EMPOWERMENT JEWELRY 

AT DONNA DISTEFANO ATELIER 

Continuing the momentum generated by the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) at JCK last month, DEF is showcasing its new line of Empowerment Jewelry alongside each product’s Designer Ambassador. The New York City debut will take place on June 20th from 5:00-8:00PM at 37 West 20th Street, suite 1106. Donna Distefano from Donna Distefano Ltd, Lita Asscher from Royal Asscher and Derrick Holmes from Banneker Watches will be present to share their connection to DEF as designer ambassadors, showcase the new jewelry and watches created as ongoing fundraisers for DEF, and share their vision for how they can further DEF’s mission.

Co-founded by global business entrepreneur and philanthropist Russell Simmons along with leaders in the diamond industry including De Beers, the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s mission is to provide higher education opportunities for youth in diamond producing countries in Africa.  Dr. Benjamin Chavis, noted civil rights and business leader and fellow co-founder of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, Phyllis Bergman, DEF board president, and Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF executive director will be at the New York debut to discuss the global impact of DEF’s vision.

Donna Distefano will present her new line of “Illumination” bracelets depicting symbolic African designs in sterling silver with diamonds. Each bracelet represents core values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Collaborating with Russell Simmons for the benefit of D.E.F. is a natural fit for Distefano’s business. Says Simmons, “I share these designers’ vision of transformation. It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision.”  

Lita Asscher of Royal Asscher will present the DEF Green Tsavorite and Diamond Pendant, part of the Shining Stars of Africa Collection by Royal Asscher. This stunning and unique pendant contains green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome allowing the jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at the world famous JCK jewelry show and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back. With every pendant purchase, a $125 donation is made to the Diamond Empowerment Fund.  

Derrick Holmes of Banneker, Inc. will present three new Benjamin Banneker watches designed to raise awareness and funds for DEF. These watches feature a Royal Asscher diamond at 12 O'Clock, green crystals on the face and bezel, and natural Ebony wood from Indonesia or Mahogany wood from Madagascar on the face and band. All Banneker watches contain real wood as a way of paying homage to our namesake Benjamin Banneker who, in 1753, engineered and built the first working clock in America constructed entirely from parts he carved of wood. Benjamin Banneker is an American Legend and these watches are designed to help educate about his numerous amazing achievements. 

About Diamond Empowerment Fund 
The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a global, non-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in diamond-producing African nations. With the help of our international partners, we strive to empower the next generation of African leaders.

The Diamond Empowerment Fund is supported by and works exclusively with jewelers that adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and System of Warranties.

Get Your Gemology ON!!!! Applications Now Available For GIA Scholarships

Applications Now Available For GIA Scholarships

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will begin accepting scholarship applications online beginning Saturday, June 15 for its 2014 Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses, and lab classes. Applications will be available through Oct. 31 on the Institute’s website.

Scholarships are available for distance education eLearning courses and for classes at the Institute’s campuses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan; and at the GIA branch in Dubai. Additional scholarship details are available here.

A number of awards for international eLearning courses (up to $1,500) and awards for U.S.-based lab classes (up to $1,300) are available. The scholarships, sponsored by private donors and the GIA endowment fund, supplement GIA’s wider scope of offerings. U.S. scholarship highlights include:

• The GIA Scholarship for U.S. Veterans will award three scholarships of up to $1,500 each
• GIA will award two full scholarships* of up to $17,850 each for the new on-campus Jewelry Design & Technology program
•  GIA will award two full scholarships* of up to $21,089 each for the on-campus Graduate Gemologist program
• GIA will award one full scholarship* of up to $19,260 for the new on-campus Graduate Jeweler program
• Two scholarships will be offered in honor of Richard T. Liddicoat, former GIA president considered the “Father of Modern Gemology.” One full scholarship for the on-campus Graduate Gemologist program (up to$21,089), and another toward the eLearning Graduate Gemologist program (up to $9,000)

For more information, call (760) 603-4131 or email scholarship@gia.edu.

*Full scholarships cover the cost of tuition, books and other materials.

US/ International Diamond Week in Israel To Host Buyers From Russian Federation

Moscow Bourse will bring buyers from Russian Federation  

and CIS countries to US/ International Diamond Week in Israel

 

Yair Sahar, President of the Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) and Alex Popov, President of Moscow Diamond Bourse (MDB), have agreed that MDB will organize a delegation of diamond buyers from Russia and CIS countries to take part in the August 26-29 US & International Diamond Week. The two exchange leaders resolved to work closely together toward this goal during their talks held during the recent CIBJO Congress in Tel Aviv.  

From left:  Alex Popov; Zvi  Amram, vice president of the Borsa D'Italia; and Yair Sahar at the annual congress of CIBJO - the World Jewellery Confederation, held earlier this month in Tel Aviv. 

"Last March, a small delegation of MDB members participated in US & International Diamond Week (IDWI) at the Israel Diamond Exchange, and the participating buyers returned home with very positive reports," Popov said.

IDE President Sahar said he looked forward to welcoming a buyers' group headed by Popov. "The MDB president is extremely well introduced in the market of the Russian Federation and the CIS countries and I am sure that he will bring a top quality delegation here," Sahar said. "From our end, we will make every effort to make this trip a worthwhile experience for these buyers," he noted.

"The luxury market in Russia and the Russian Federation has great potential, especially because economic growth is now spreading beyond the largest cities in this huge geographical region. This means that there is a steady increase in the public's purchasing power, also for luxury goods, including diamond jewelry," Popov noted. "It is often forgotten that historically, Russia has a strong and deeply rooted appetite for jewelry. While in the large cities, the Western luxury brands have been doing very well, there is also a noted return to Russian-made designer jewelry. In other words, there is a lot of potential that can be turned into sales," the MDB president concluded.

#JWLV - PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED #JCK2013

JCK 2013 PLATINUM INNOVATION AWARD 

                   WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Who:        Platinum Guild International USA

What:       PGI-USA announces the winners of the 4th annual JCK 2013 Platinum Innovation Awards. Winners were chosen in 7 different design categories.  An “Editor’s Choice” and “Buyer’s Choice” were chosen in each design category, as well as  “Best in Show” Award which was selected as a culmination of all votes.

Platinum Engagement Ring

Editor’s Choice: Gabriel & Co. platinum Victorian Halo Engagement Ring $2055

Buyer’s Choice: Designs by Vatche platinum and diamond engagement ring $3200

Entry Platinum Engagement Ring (semi-mounts under $2500 retail)

Editor’s Choice: Mercury Ring “Halo Twist” platinum -diamond engagement ring $2500

Buyer’s Choice: Sylvie Collection platinum -diamond floral halo engagement ring $2170

Platinum Wedding Band

Editor’s Choice: Parade Designs platinum milligrain-etched art deco inspired wedding band with marquise-shaped diamonds $$5225

Buyer’s Choice: Dora International Spartan Collection platinum men’s band with laser-edge designs $3289

Platinum Men’s Jewelry

Editor’s Choice:Tacori platinum men’s band with milligrain details $2540

Buyer’s Choice: Novell platinum cufflinks $3144

Entry Platinum Fashion Jewelry (under $3500 retail)

Editor’s Choice:Erik Stewart platinum and colored diamond Hollein earrings $3500

Buyer’s Choice: Harout R. platinum and diamond “cupcake” earrings $1859

Platinum Red Carpet Jewelry

Editor’s Choice: Uni-Design Jewellry “Dew Drops” platinum and diamond ring

Buyer’s Choice: Lazare Kaplan “110^th Anniversary” platinum and diamond necklace $883,120

Platinum and Colored Gemstone Jewelry

Editor’s Choice: Simon G platinum earring with round white diamonds and emerald cut green tourmaline

Buyer’s Choice: Oscar Heyman platinum, colored diamond and unheated colored sapphire necklace $300,000

Best in Show - Went To Sylvie Collection

  

Where:      Winners were awarded at their booths by the PGI-USA “Prize Patrol” team which was broadcasted by JCK TV.  

Pearls of the World in Focus By GIA In Singapore

Pearls of the World in Focus

GIA at the Singapore International Jewelry Expo, July 4-7

Image © GIA

Pearls and their beauty have captivated people worldwide since ancient times and have been a research focus at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) for more than 80 years. As part of the Institute’s mission to bring industry-leading gemological information to the public, Nicholas Sturman, GIA supervisor of Pearl Identification in Thailand, will give two presentations on pearls July 4 and 5 during the Singapore International Jewelry Expo. Representatives from GIA in Thailand will greet attendees at its booth A07, July 4-6from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on July 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pearls: Are They or Aren’t They?

Thursday, July 4, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Over time, the industry has developed various types of cultured pearls and pearl imitations to compete with their natural counterparts and to meet market demand. Sturman’s presentation will focus on the daily challenges pearl testers in labs like GIA must address before issuing gemological reports, which separate natural nacreous and non-nacreous pearls from cultured examples, and pearls from pearl-looking materials.

Saltwater Cultured Pearl Farms of Vietnam, Philippines 

and Northern Australia

Friday, July 5, 1-3 p.m.

Techniques used to culture bead-nucleated pearls in saltwater environments are similar around the world, however, there is a degree of variation in the methods different operators use. This presentation will discuss the history, operations, procedures applied and mollusks used in Vietnam, the Philippines and Northern Australia in the quest to produce the ultimate nucleated cultured pearl.

With more than 23 years of experience in the detailed examination of pearls, Sturman brings a unique perspective to this topic. He obtained his Fellowship (FGA) and Diamond Membership (DGA) of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and spent more than 16 years studying pearls in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he served as the gemological advisor to the Bahrain Government’s Gem and Pearl Testing Laboratory. He has been with GIA since 2008.

GIA’s pearl presentations, which are free and open to the public, will take place at the Stage Area, Marina Bay Sands Hall A&B, at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. 

For more information, visit  www.giathai.net/news.php.    

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.