CIBJO President Celebrates French Gemmological Association's 50th year

CIBJO President Celebrates French Gemmological Association's 50th year, 

praises critical role of gemmologists in maintaining consumer confidence 

CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri addressing
the 50th anniversary gemmological conference
of l'Association Française de Gemmologie.

Gaetano Cavalieri, joined government officials, senior industry representatives and leading gemmologists from around the world at a conference in Paris last week, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of l'Association Française de Gemmologie (AFG), the French Gemmological Association. 

Addressing the gathering, Dr, Cavalieri credited AFG and the gemmologial community of enhancing the confidence of consumers in jewellery and the jewellery industry, through their efforts to advance the principles of full transparency and disclosure.

"Consumer confidence is the platform on which we stand. If it becomes fragile and collapses, so will we," he stated, wishing AFG, its president, Didier Giard, and its Council of Administration, "many more years of serving as one of the buttresses of the foundation on which we all stand."

"Your ability to keep abreast of developments in the marketplace and the minefields, to conduct proper and disciplined scientific research, to publish and disseminate what you have learned, and then to serve the industry through gem identification and grading is absolutely essential," Dr. Cavalieri stated. "We are dependent upon your professional integrity, the quality of your research and the way in which you organise and operate your laboratories. You hold the reputation of our business in the palms of your hands. It is a privilege and also a great responsibility."

The CIBJO President called on the participants at the participants and the conference to contribute to the review and maintenance of the CIBJO Blue Books, which he described as "the most universally recognised and accepted set of jewellery and gemstone standards in the world."



CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri (left) looks on, as AFG President Didier Giard addresses the gathering.




Participants at the gemmological conference, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the l'Association Française de Gemmologie, in Paris.

CIBJO is the international jewellery confederation of national trade organisations. CIBJO's purpose is to encourage harmonisation, promote international cooperation in the jewellery industry and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. CIBJO's chief mission is to protect consumer confidence in the industry. Click here to go to the CIBJO website for more information.

Press Release submitted by CIBJO

54 Scholarships Awarded By GIA This Fall - Supporting Graduate Gemologist and Graduate Jeweler Programs

GIA Awards 54 Scholarships for Fall 2013

Recipients embark on programs, courses and lab classes

54 students will begin their studies at GIA (Gemological Institute of America) this fall with scholarships toward Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses and lab classes. For the first time, a GIA student will receive the “Dr. Geoffrey Smith Scholarship,” which sponsors a student who previously participated in the GIA Junior Gemologist Program™. The scholarships align with GIA’s goals of providing quality education in gemology and jewelry to the trade and aspiring professionals.

A number of $1,500 awards for eLearning courses and $1,000 awards for U.S.-based lab classes were awarded. The scholarships, supported by private donors and the GIA endowment fund, supplement GIA’s wider scope of offerings. Recipients are eligible to participate in distance education eLearning courses and for classes at campuses in Bangkok, Carlsbad, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Taiwan; and at the GIA branch in Dubai. 

“GIA’s Junior Gemologist program is a fun beginning to a lifelong journey of learning about gems. My interest in gems and minerals began in elementary school – around the same age as these students – and I hope this scholarship will enable and encourage more kids to turn their passion for gems into a career,” said Dr. Smith. GIA’s Junior Gemologist class introduces gemology to fourth through 12th graders and meets U.S. curriculum guidelines. Dr. Smith is a long-time GIA volunteer who created the fund as an incentive for Junior Gemologist students passionate about gemology to consider it as a career path.

During GIA’s bi-yearly scholarship application period, students can apply for all scholarships online and indicate an interest in a broad spectrum of courses, ranging from lab and jewelry manufacturing arts to those that go toward a Graduate Gemologist diploma. GIA is now accepting scholarship applications for its 2014 Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses and lab classes. 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 and 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)

Applications will be available through Oct. 31 on the Institute’s website. Additional scholarship details are availablehere. For more information, call (760) 603-4131 or email scholarship@gia.edu. 

  

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. 

Forbes Galleries Celebrates AJDC For 25 Years of Design

American Jewelry Design Council Celebrates 25 years of Design

With Exhibition at the Forbes Galleries

Interpretations of “Ice” (Alan Revere), “Black & White” (Linda MacNeil), and “Water” (John Iversen)

Opening September 21^st, 2013 the American Jewelry Design Council (AJDC)will showcase 25 years of outstanding jewelry design at the prestigious Forbes Galleries in New York.  The exhibition, “Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC”, is open to the public and will dazzle museum visitors with works from over 40 AJDC members through February 22^nd, 2014.

On view at the Forbes gallery will be a selection of works from various annual AJDC Design Projects from the very first theme, in 1996 to the most recent, in 2013. Annually, the council asks each of its members to create a design project, interpreting a single concept or theme; the final product is a collection of unique jewelry pieces joined by a solitary concept. Past themes include simple conceptual elements such as “Water”, “Spiral”, “Ice”, and “Flight” imagined into breathtaking masterpieces made of precious metals, gemstones and unexpected materials.

Artists exhibiting in “Variations on a Theme: 25 Years of Design from the AJDC” include:

Sandy Baker Michael Bondanza Falcher Fusager Michael Good Ron Hartgrove Jose Hess Scott Keating Steven Kretchmer Linda MacNeil Adam Neeley Paul Robilotti Susan Sadler William Schraft Barbara Westwood

Jane Bohan Petra Class Geoffrey Giles Sarah Graham Barbara Heinrich Cornelis Hollander Christo Kiffer Pascal Lacroix Gregory Morin Mark Patterson Todd Reed George Sawyer Tina Segal

Whitney Boin Jaclyn Davidson Cornelia Goldsmith Alishan Halebian Susan Helmich John Iversen Paul Klecka Anthony Lent Jennifer Rabe Morin Kent Raible Alan Revere Mark Schneider Diana Vincent

"The jewelry pieces shown at the Forbes exhibition have been created over time for the sole purpose of exhibiting creativity, originality and excellence in design,” says Barbara Heinrich, President of the AJDC.  “They are purposely noncommercial but rather inspirational in nature, created by some of the foremost American jewelry designers alive.  Due to the unique nature and concept of the show, it is sure to excite and inspire its audience."

Since its establishment in 1988, the AJDC has worked to educate and promote the awareness of jewelry as an art form. Members of the American Jewelry Design Council are dedicated to elevating the caliber of jewelry design through educational activities and to challenging professional jewelry designers worldwide to actualize their creative potential. This year’s theme “Wave” delivered awe inspiring works of art which were debuted at the JCK Jewelry Show in Las Vegas this past June.

About the AJDC

Formed in 1988 by a group of American designers, The American Jewelry Design Council is a non-profit educational corporation, which recognizes and promotes the appreciation of original jewelry design as art. Up until this time, much of the industry still felt that only European designers knew how to design original jewelry. Although American designers had not followed the same schooling and classic apprenticeship as the European tradition demanded, many were self-taught creating brilliant, original designs that went unrecognized.  Founding members include: Whitney Boin, Michael Bondanza, Henry Dunay, Michael Good, Ron Hartgrove, Jose Hess, Cornelis Hollander, and Pascal Lacroix.

http://americanjewelrydesigncouncil.org

#JWLV - SUTRA - The Stuff Of Bollywood Dreams!

#WordlessWednesday is a photo album of truly beautiful things - complete contact information will be in each post, but no commentary....

Today we Shine the Spotlight on:

Sutra Jewels
Classic designs with Modern Appeal, clean in finish, Fashionable in Style . From Cascading Earrings to Intricately Embellished Rings, from the Feather Light Caress of a Delicate Necklace of the Comforting Grip of a Sapphire Studded Bracelet, Each of the these pieces are a diverse as the women they Adorn.

Web:  http://sutrajewels.com/
Twitter:        @SUTRAJEWELS
Instagram:  @SUTRAJEWELS
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/SUTRA-JEWELS/258153524671

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/londonjewelers/sutra-at-london-jewelers/

IJL London: Memorandum of Understanding Struck Between CIBJO and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

CIBJO and Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) announce Memorandum of Understanding at IJL London Gaetano Cavalieri (left), President of CIBJO, and James Courage, Chairman of RJC, following  the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding  at the International Jewellery London Show. CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation, and the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today at the International Jewellery London Show (IJL).  The MOU will work to further advance responsible business practices among all sectors of the jewellery supply chain, and will include the use of CSR education programmes developed by CIBJO, in collaboration with the United Nations, and chain of custody certification programmes developed by RJC.  The MOU reflects the willingness of both organisations to collaborate on efforts to entrench a solid understanding and commitment from the jewellery industry, to improve its performance in the crucial areas of human rights, social and environmental performance and ethical business practices. Among the key components of the MOU is the establishment of a MoU Working Group to oversee the execution of the agreement. The group will be headed by Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO President, and James Courage, RJC Chairman. They will appoint two industry representatives from their respective organisations to address the synergies inherent in the cooperation between these two global groups. "Our goal is to address proper business practise in the very broadest sense, and together CIBJO and RJC are able to provide comprehensive solutions," said Dr. Cavalieri. "The prime beneficiaries of this agreement need to be the greater jewellery industry, jewellery consumers and all of our stakeholders to the very grass-roots level."       "I am personally very pleased to be working with CIBJO and its President Gaetano Cavalieri and to be part of the MOU working group. I am sure there will be positive outcomes from this collaboration for the jewellery industry," said Mr. Courage.     *

About CIBJO, the World Jewellery Confederation CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewellery trade organisations with the purpose to encourage harmonisation, promote international cooperation in the jewellery industry, and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. Foremost among these is to protect consumer confidence in the industry. CIBJO relies upon the initiative of its member national organizations to support and implement its decisions and to protect the public's trust in the jewellery industry. CIBJO's affiliated foundation (World Jewellery Confederation Educational Foundation) has as its mission is to "conceptualise, develop and finance training manuals, courses, studies and working papers, educational and didactic tools, and other educational means to promote, increase and improve knowledge of social and economic corporate responsibility in the international jewellery industry and trade, within the scope of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals." CIBJO is the first and only organisation in the diamond, gemstone and jewellery sectors ever to receive official consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, and in this capacity committed its membership to promoting the fulfilment the UN's Millennium Development Goals. CIBJO is also a member of the UN Global Compact, and is committed to promoting its better business principles. For more details please visit: www.cibjo.org About RJC The Responsible Jewellery Council is an international not-for-profit organisation bringing together more than 440 member companies.  RJC and its Members are committed to promoting responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices in a transparent and accountable manner throughout the jewellery industry from mine to retail. This commitment aims to reinforce consumer and stakeholder confidence in diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery products. The RJC has developed the RJC Member Certification system which applies to all Members' businesses that contribute to the diamond, gold and platinum metals jewellery supply chain. All Certified Members of the RJC are audited by accredited, third party auditors to verify their conformance with the RJC's Code of Practices. A voluntary Chain-of-Custody Standard has also been developed for gold and platinum group metals. The RJC is a Full Member of the ISEAL Alliance - the global association for sustainability standards.  For more information on RJC Members, Certification, and Standards please visitwww.responsiblejewellery.com

Spring 2014 Fashion Color Report from Pantone Ready For Download

Pantone Announces Fashion Color Report 

Spring 2014

A Modern Twist on the Traditional Creates a Colorful Equilibrium

...and the Pantone Color Of The Year For 2014 is Dazzling Blue!

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today unveiled the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, a comprehensive overview of designers’ use of color in their upcoming collections. Released to coincide with New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for spring 2014, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots.

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”

Women’s Color Palette
Designers take a modern twist on the traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad, and strong, confident women, designers use color to refresh, revive and defy conventional wisdom.

Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette, and, because we are so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum. Placid Blue, like a picture-perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky, induces a sense of peaceful calmness, while Violet Tulip, a romantic, vintage purple, evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that’s very different from the greens of recent seasons. Pair any of these versatile pastels with a bolder hue for an au courant look.

Sand, a lightly toasted and amiable neutral, conjures images of the beach and the carefree days of summer. Try pairing Sand with Hemlock for perfect, natural balance. Paloma serves as a quintessential neutral, interesting enough to be worn alone or combined with any color for sophisticated poise.

Cayenne, a high-pitched red, adds a dash of spicy heat to neutrals, and heightens the excitement when mixed with Freesia, a blazing yellow that is sure to illuminate wardrobes this season. A tropical, floral-inspired shade, Freesia’s warmth and energy help set the stage for Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous hue. Pair Celosia Orange with Violet Tulip for a captivating vision, much like the setting summer sun.

The palette is brought full circle with Radiant Orchid, a bold counterpart to Violet Tulip, and Dazzling Blue, a scintillating, polar opposite to Placid Blue. Surprisingly, these strong, vibrant colors also pair well across the palette: They are perfect companions to pastels, and add confidence and vivacity when mixed with other bold colors.

They even include some great previews of the colors from this season's NYFW...see how your favorite Designer is using this dynamic collection of Nature's hues - for more download the entire report at www.pantone.com/spring2014.

This season's MUST haves - from the Designers at #NYFW:

RACHEL ROY
A jumpsuit with a dinner jacket in Precious Amber.

ELLA MOSS BY PAMELLA PROTZEL-SCOTT
A boxy top done in different fabrics from eyelets to printed poplins. It’s modern, yet playful. Perfect for a fresh take on a classic t-shirt shape.

TRINA TURK
A fabric-mixed sweatshirt.

BCBGMAXAZRIA
An easy shirt-dress in Chambray Blue or White.

REBECCA MINKOFF
A shoe that comes in Black and White, with tassels that are Vibrant Sun and Rich Tangerine. It’s a fun shoe that you can’t help but want to put on immediately once you see it!

PAMELLA ROLAND BY PAMELLA DEVOS
A Flamingo and Candy Pink t-shirt dress with a beaded front is a must have for any occasion.


It's not ALL about the girls, they thought of the guys too...

Men’s Color Palette
Light and airy Placid Blue is a perfect background color for spring, offering another alternative to the classic neutrals. Pair it with Comfrey, a more masculine take on the softer Hemlock green from the women’s palette, to create a fresh, seasonally inspired look. For a modernized vintage feel, pair Purple Haze, a deeper, stronger version of Violet Tulip, with Paloma, a confident and adaptable gray.

Sand, a warm, agreeable neutral, can be coupled with more daring colors in the palette – making them less intimidating. Both Paloma and Sand are perfect complements to fiery Cayenne red, and help harness the powerful energy that intense Freesia yellow brings to the spectrum. Accessories, including shoes, in bold colors, like Cayenne, Freesia and Celosia Orange, are becoming more popular for men this season, adding a touch of gusto to neutral formal attire.

As the temperatures rise, we are also seeing a lot of vibrant patterning that combines bold and tropical colors in many sectors of menswear. Create a magnetic look by mixing Magenta Purple, a more robust version of Radiant Orchid, with the higher voltage colors in the palette, like Celosia Orange and Dazzling Blue. These three energetic yet versatile hues are sure to be a hit in spring 2014.

The colors featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report are culled from the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system in the world. Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to collect feedback on prominent collection colors, color inspiration and color philosophy. This information is used to create the PANTONE Fashion Color Report, which serves as a reference tool throughout the year for fashion enthusiasts, reporters and retailers.

About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the world’s color authority, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. This year, Pantone celebrates its 50th anniversary. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

PANTONE®…The color of ideas.

JCK’s Second Annual LUXURY Privé Panama Brings Sparkle to South America

JCK’s Second Annual LUXURY Privé Panama 

Brings Sparkle to South America

Show Matches Top-tier South American, Latin American and Caribbean 

Retailers with the Finest Suppliers

Congratulations to JCK Events on the success of their 2nd annual LUXURY Privé Panama show last week at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama City. The intimate, relaxed event provided numerous opportunities for Latin American, outh American, and Caribbean retailers and over 30 exhibiting brands to get to know one-another and explore business opportunities together. At show’s end, many new partnerships and friendships were well established.

Part of JCK’s portfolio, LUXURY Privé Panama offers an exclusive and private atmosphere for retailers to meet new rands and manufacturers of finished fine jewelry in a one-to-one setting. Indeed, the show has become a must-attend affair for those retailers located in the Latin American region, which has seen demand for fine jewelry sky-rocket in recent years.

"The relaxed and welcoming vibe of the show allows for the perfect mix of business and pleasure. The show does not feel like a typical trade show; the pace allows for comprehensive introductions to new brands and the luxurious surroundings are a pleasant backdrop to conducting meetings,” shared Marcelo Mery Aguirre of Mery Satt Joyas Disenos in Santiago, Chile.

This year’s show featured an impressive roster of brands, returning powerhouses Bapalal Keshavlal, Breuning, Mikimoto, Simon G., and Sutra among them, and 22 new exhibitors including A&D Gem Corp, A&P Afarin, Almor Designs Inc., American Gem Society, Ariha Diamonds, B.A. Gold Enterprises Inc., Emsaru, Forever Jewels, Honora, Hulchi Belluni, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, Italian Design srl, Lovelinks America, Ogi Tech, Paramount Gems, R&S Design Creation, Stroili Italian Jewels, Tasha R LLC, Trance Jewels, Trio of NY, and Zeghani by Simon.

With each looking to establish contacts and grow business within the Latin American market, LUXURY Privé Panama proved the place to be at summer’s end with the 4th quarter and holiday 2013 fast approaching.

“With demand for luxury jewelry increasing in this part of the world and our confidence in the LUXURY Privé model, it's been a no-brainer to exhibit in Panama. We've met some wonderful new partners and are looking forward to continuing relationships with them,” commented Lies Vervaele of Hulchi Belluni.

While the focus of all JCK Events productions is jewelry - LUXURY Privé Panama saw top-notch quality and exquisite designs featuring no shortage of vibrant color - the LUXURY Privé model is meant to foster relationship building and community. With this goal in mind, the show hosted numerous networking events, Monday morning’s ‘Meet the Designer/Meet the Retailer’ speed dating-style event, facilitated personal introductions, and orchestrated matched seating at evening affairs. On Tuesday, providing networking and relationship advice, Aida Alvarez of CD Peacock delivered an insightful keynote on best practices to establishing fruitful partnerships with suppliers. In addition, each night of the show brought an opportunity to mix and mingle with festive cocktail, dinner, and gala events, including the swanky ‘White Party.’

"The show has been great for connecting with new retailers, both on the show floor and at the various networking sessions and high-energy evening events. We've really gotten to know the new stores and understand their businesses; it's the perfect way to start a strong, lasting partnership," remarked Parag Jain of Paramount Gems.

At close of show Wednesday afternoon, attendees left feeling energized from three days of relaxed yet productive business and fun after-hours events. Plans for building on the connections made at the event will continue throughout the year.

About JCK: 

JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers, 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: -- JCK Tucson: February 3 - 8, 2014 - Tucson, JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort
-- LUXURY and Elite Enclave: May 27 - 29, 2014, by invitation only - opening to the 

   attendees of JCK Las Vegas May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Four Seasons, DELANO, Mandalay Bay 

-- Swiss Watch: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Mandalay Bay, DELANO, Four Seasons & Mandarin 

   Oriental
-- JCK Las Vegas: May 30 - June 2, 2014 - Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
-- LUXURY Privé New York: July 27 - 29, 2014 - New York, Waldorf Astoria, Park Avenue