Diamond Shavings: Your Friday Web Roundup

DTC slashes U.S. marketing budget.

- Has it changed the game?

Creditors try to liquidate Friedman’s.

Um, about those sightholder suspensions … Never mind!

- Chaim: In “trade’s best interest.”  

Zale gets new exec VP. 

-Breeden: I proxy battle because I care.

Will Finlay default on bonds?

Luxury consumers have "lost impetus to spend."

Power crisis shuts De Beers South African mines.

Nchindo case is “shaking Botswana.”

- Nchindo linked to Rep. William Jefferson, of money-in-freezer fame. 
- D.C. watchdogs outraged.

- Did Nchindo negotiate with De Beers while on its board? Govt. says no.

Namibian plane crash impacts Botwana.

Mining suspended at Jericho.

De Beers wins “dumps” case.

DRC rebels sign peace deal.

Hoff Jewelers (Minn.) goes Chap. 11.

- Alpha Omega sold.

Clever Marketing Ploys of the Week:

- JC Penney embraces female bloggers. (via Smartbrief)

- Michigan jeweler offers De Beers claim forms.

Survey: Men would deceive women with fake diamonds if they could.  I’d be interested in comments on this one …

Mitt Romney uses term “bling.” Yet remains incredibly white.

Media Watch:

- NPR (audio) interviews GIA’s Russell Shor on De Beers settlement.

- MSN Money’s article on De Beers settlement has excellent taste in blogs.

From the blog:

- JCK Talks to Tiffany Chairman.

- The DTC’s US Marketing: How Much Is It Changing the Game?

- DTC Cuts US Marketing, 11 People Leave DTC Account.

Have a good weekend …