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TOP STORIES

Gold Could Hit $1,000; U.S. Market Faces 'Challenges'
Gold’s per-ounce price could top $1,000 this year, say some gold industry analysts. Meanwhile, as global demand set records in 2007, the precious metal's current high-price and volatility poses “challenges” to the jewelry industry generally, and U.S. jewelry retailers specifically, says a new World Gold Council report. » » »

Birks & Mayors Net Sales Up, Same-Store Sales Down
Luxury jeweler Birks & Mayors Inc. said Wednesday that third-quarter net sales increased 6.4 percent to $122.6 million year-over-year. Meanwhile, same-store sales decreased 6 percent for the period, ended Dec. 29. » » »


Blue Nile Fourth Quarter Sales Up 23%
Diamond and jewelry online retailer Blue Nile, Inc. said Tuesday that net sales for the fourth quarter (ended Dec. 30, 2007) grew 23.3 percent to $111.9 million, compared to $90.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. » » »

Amazon.com Diamond Sales Up More than 100%
Amazon.com, Inc. on Tuesday reports that diamond sales on its Jewelry & Watches store increased more than 100 percent in fourth quarter 2007, compared with fourth quarter 2006. » » »

Man Sang Sales Up 6.2%, Profit Up 48.5%
Man Sang International Ltd. on Thursday reported a year-over-year sales increase of 6.2 percent to approximately 40.8 million for the first nine months of the fiscal year, due to a rise in sales of assembled pearl and non-pearl jewelry. » » »

From Our Blogs

Eventful: M2 Design by Mary Margrill
I popped into Bloomingdale's yesterday to run a quick errand, but before I could get in and out in the 10 minutes I had allotted myself, I spied an open jewelry arrangement that I couldn't pass by. Mary Margrill, of M2 (M2 is pronounced em squared), was in-store to meet customers and talk about her line. She was a pleasure, and I could feel the purpose and cohesiveness of her design...
Read On »
Diamond Shavings: Your Friday Web Roundup
Israel was beautiful, as usual, but it’s good to be home ... Will have a lot more to say about the conference in an upcoming JCK...
Read On »
Customer Watch: Jewelry as Poetry in Motion: Spotlight on Beyonce
Every once in a while, I see a photo of a celebrity wearing a piece of jewelry so perfectly chosen for her that it dazzles. This week, I salute Beyonce Knowles for her choice of earrings at the 2008 Grammy Awards last weekend...
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"Legend"-ary Earrings by Bochic
Now, I hate to be a nag, but I think that this serves as another great example of how to wear large / longer drops, as opposed to how we have seen some worn in the past...
Read On »

MORE INDUSTRY NEWS

PGI-USA Unveils Marketing Program for 2008
Platinum Guild International-USA is launching a multi-million-dollar, multi-tiered marketing campaign for 2008 to further support its "Preferred Platinum Partners" at the retail level. » » »

NRF: Consumers Spending on Essentials
Retail industry sales for January (excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) rose 2 percent unadjusted over last year and 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted from December, according to the National Retail Federation. The organization says that the results show that consumers last month were focused on buying necessities more than discretionary items. » » »

Providence Jewelers Club Holds Elections
The Providence Jewelers Club elected two new board of directors members and three officers during its annual meeting on Feb. 12. » » »

Bush Signs Stimulus Bill
President Bush signed legislation Wednesday that will send $300 to $1,200 rebate checks to millions of Americans as a "booster shot" for the economy. » » »

Product I.D.'s Likely Color Diamond Buyers
The Natural Color Diamond Association has launched a new program that it says will provide its members with qualified customers for natural color diamonds. » » »

Zalemark to Create Upscale Jewelry for Hearst
Hearst Corp. and Zalemark, Inc. recently signed a new three-year agreement to create and develop a second Hearst brand under the ESQ label. » » »

A. Jaffe to Focus on Change
Bridal jewelry manufacturer A. Jaffe is launching a new advertising campaign, a comprehensive retail training program, and a new approach to customer service. » » »
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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