What's New – Business Services

Staff -- JCK Online, 6/1/2000 2:00:00 AM

The International Gemmological Institute has reintroduced its Gem Audit to ensure consumer confidence in jewelry e-tailers. An Internet company submits a diamond and lab report to IGI; the lab's gemologists confirm the authenticity of the diamond and its measurements and weight. Laser inscribing is also available. Once the diamond has been confirmed to be the same stone inscribed on the report, the diamond, the lab certificate, and IGI's Gem Audit will be forwarded in an insured package to the customer along with instructions for returning the diamond if the purchase isn't found to be satisfactory. In such cases, customers are instructed to send returned diamonds to IGI for confirmation that the stone being returned is the same one that was purchased. IGI will attest to the authenticity and condition of the product in court if necessary. International Gemmological Institute, 579 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017; (212) 753-7100, www.igiworldwide.com.

Corporate Textiles Inc. custom-designs neckties as marketing tools for jewelry suppliers, distributors, and retailers. The ties can be designed with company names or logos and can be used as premiums, incentives, and business gifts to customers, employees, distributors, or suppliers. They can be added to company business attire or worn at sales meetings, trade shows, conferences, or presentations. The ties are woven of fabric from England and silk-screened on a variety of other fabrics from a dozen factories overseas. Buyers provide original artwork, choose from the firm's library of images, or create a one-of-a-kind pattern. Each is hand-cut and hand-sewn to order; lead time is two months. Minimum order is 150 neckties. Corporate Textiles Inc., 3268 Summit Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035; (800) 998-TIES or (847) 433-4111, fax (847) 433-4993, www.shop4ties.com.