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JCK Industry Fund Names Grant Winners
JCK Events and JCK magazine have announced the winners of grant monies from the annual JCK Jewelry Industry Fund. A total of $325,312 was awarded to five organizations. » » »

Lord & Taylor in Talks to Purchase Fortunoff
The owner of Lord & Taylor department store chain is close to buying Fortunoff, The New York Times reports. » » »


Seal of Disapproval
Three years ago, a customer of Ginsberg Jewelers, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, bought an 18k gold ruby and diamond ring for his wife. Days later, he returned it because of a little sticker on the back of the box printed “Made in China.” Assurances by store vice president, Steve Ginsberg, that only the box was made overseas (the ring was made in the United States) didn’t appease him. This story appears in the Winter 2008 edition of JCKLuxury. The link will take you directly to a pdf copy of the story. Story pdf

FCC Ruling May Render Analog Alarms Useless
At the stroke of midnight on Feb. 18, some alarm systems will be rendered useless due to a Federal Communications Commission ruling that allows cellular phone companies to discontinue providing analog service, warns Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. The insurer is urging jewelers to check with their alarm service provider top ensure that they will have service. » » »

Four Women in the Know Conferences in 2008
The Women’s Jewelry Association said the fifth Annual “Women in the Know” conference to be held at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City on March 7. The one-day educational and networking conference, geared to women in the fine jewelry and watch industry, is open to members and nonmembers. » » »

From Our Blogs

Diamond Shavings: Your Friday Web Roundup
Short administrative note: Next Thursday I leave for the Israel Rough Conference, where I am told, over 99% of the world’s rough diamond producers will appear. I wonder: Who is the under one percent not coming? Were they not invited? Why are they missing all the fun? Anyway, if all works well with the blog tool – always a big “if” – I’ll post this round-up at the regular scheduled time (about 2:30 EST) next week...
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Diamdel and America
The recent e-auction from De Beers subsidiary Diamdel is being called either the industry's "future," or a "Pandora's box." But I find it interesting that the auction was closed to American buyers, obviously because of De Beers' over-50-year-old anti-trust problems here, which are still not resolved (though they're getting there.) Clearly, De Beers' legal department is still being very cautious regarding America...
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We interrupt our Tucson blog ....
We interrupt our Tucson blog to bring you this important, um, well, weird announcement. According to JTV, that's Jewelry Television, Andesine/Labradorite is selling out fast and here's their announcement..."We are on the cusp of announcing information regarding andesine-labradorite that no one in the gem world has been able to discover!" ...
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Ciara Wears Euphoria to the World Music Awards
Ciara recently performed at the 2007 World Music Awards in Monaco wearing one-of-a-kind11.13 ct. t.w. Diamond Swirl earrings and a 12.45 ct. t.w. Domed-Diamond Cuff, both by Euphoria...
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MORE INDUSTRY NEWS

Harry Winston Most Prestigious Jeweler
High net-worth consumers rated Harry Winston the most prestigious jewelry brand in the 2008, according to a survey by the Luxury Institute. Respondents cited Harry Winston as having "a great reputation," being "the ultimate for diamond design," and being known for "quality and exclusivity." » » »

Consumer Confidence Index Falls in January
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved moderately in December, gave back the gain in January. The Index now stands at 87.9 (1985=100), down from 90.6 in December. The Expectations Index declined to 69.6 from 75.8. The Present Situation Index, however, increased to 115.3 from 112.9 in December. » » »

Dubai 2007 Gold Trade Up 29 Percent
The total gold trade through Dubai reached $19.03 billion in 2007, a 29 percent increase from $14.75 billion estimate in 2006, according to a statement by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre. » » »

GIA Offerings at Tucson Trade Shows
The Gemological Institute of America will offer classes, presentations, events, and services at the 2008 Tucson trade shows. Events include: » » »

DDI International Names Executive Director
The Board of Directors of Diamond Development Initiative International has named Dorothée Gizenga as its first executive director. The appointment will take effect on March 17. » » »

IceLink Establishes Swiss Headquarters
Luxury watch company IceLink Watch has moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was accompanied by the selection of a global communications agency, Pulp.Alibi, which is to build the brand on an international scale. The move was made at the end of 2007. » » »

Green Joins World Gemological Institute
The World Gemological Institute, an international diamond grading and research center, appointed Barak Green as vice president, Strategy & Development for the United States. In addition, the organization plans to offer presentations at trade shows and industry events throughout 2008 to communicate its diamond grading reports and services. » » »
THIS MONTH’S READER POLL
How do the recent financial problems of jewelry retail chains, such as Zale and Friedman's, affect independent jewelers?
It eliminates competition and creates opportunities for independents.
The ups and downs of chain jewelers make little to no difference to independents.
It reflects on the industry as a whole, thus, making it difficult for all jewelers to compete.

View results from last month’s poll

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