’NetNews

The Gemological Institute of America has opened www.giagem.org, a cyber-store offering gemological instruments and books. Web surfers can purchase all items available from GIA GEM Instruments online, including books and equipment for colored stone analysis, cut analysis, diamond and gold testing, diamond color analysis, and display. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day.

To ensure security of customers’ information, the main server located at GIA headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif., uses encryption technology.

Gemtek1, an online supply source for the gem and jewelry industry, features an inventory of 2,000 products. Among the offerings are products from EuroTool, JSP, A&D Scales, Austron Corp., Kessler/Renata, Lockhart, GemOro, Raytech, Tanita, and Ohaus. The company plans eventually to expand its offerings to more than 5,000 items, including mountings and findings.

Gemtek 1, based in Newhall, Calif., can be accessed at www.gemtek1.com.

Designer Judith Conway of Windsor, Calif., has launched a Web site, www.judithconway.com.

Consumers can visit the site to view a selection of Conway’s designs along with information about her company and products. They can use the site to locate a nearby authorized retailer who carries Conway’s designs.

Authorized retailers can enter a protected area of the site via a user name and password.

D.G. Jewellery of North York, Ontario, launched an e-commerce subsidiary in July. NetJewels.com offers a variety of value-priced jewelry online, including rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants ranging from $25 to $100,000. The products are designed, manufactured, and sourced by D.G.

The site allows customers to create their own combinations of gemstones and settings.

Pfingst and Co. has launched a new Internet site, www.pfingst-jewelrycrafts.com, dedicated to the jewelry crafts. The site features products, services, and information of interest to jewelry manufacturers and hobbyists. Plans call for new features to be added based on visitor input.