TOP STORIES

Traveling Salesman Shoots Thief during Robbery

An alleged thief was shot to death outside of a South Florida jewelry store after he and three other men attempted to rob a traveling jewelry salesman, according to media reports. » » »

Signet Same-Store Sales Down 2.5%
Signet Group plc said Thursday that same-store sales declined by 2.5 percent in the first quarter, ended May 3. Total sales were up by 1 percent to $822.3 million, reflecting an underlying increase of 0.7 percent. » » »

Zale 3Q Revenues, Same-Store Sales Up 6%
Zale Corp. said Thursday same-store sales increased 5.8 percent and revenues rose 6.3 percent for the third quarter ended April 30. » » »

Finlay First Quarter Sales Up 28%
Finlay Enterprises, Inc. said Thursday that sales for the first quarter increased 26 percent to $205.3 million, compared to $162.9 million in the comparable period of 2007. » » »

House of Taylor in Default for $3.95 Million
House of Taylor said Thursday it has received a “Notice of Default; Reservation of Rights” letter from New Stream Secured Capital, L.P., its senior lender. » » »

From Our Blogs

MORE INDUSTRY NEWS

Blue Nile Q1 Net Sales Up 3.8%
Internet diamond and jewelry retailer Blue Nile reported that net sales for the first quarter of 2008, ended March 30, totaled $70.5 million—a 3.8 percent increase from $67.9 million in the first quarter of 2007. Operating income for the quarter totaled $3 million. Net income totaled $2.6 million. » » »

Amazon Claims 100% Diamond Sales Increase
Amazon.com, Inc. on Tuesday said that its retail diamond sales increased more than 100 percent in the first quarter of 2008. However, the company does not release actual sales figures. » » »

World Class Events at LUXURY & PREMIERE
The Poolside Welcome Reception at the Venetian will open the invitation-only LUXURY & PREMIERE, being held May 27-29 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. » » »

JCK Joins WFDB Mark Members Program
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses announced that JCK Magazine—one of the most veteran and respected monthly diamond, gem and jewelry trade publications—has agreed to join the WFDB Mark Associate Members Program. » » »

GIA to Exhibit the Aurora Diamond Butterfly
The Gemological Institute of America will exhibit the famous “Aurora Butterfly of Peace” starting with a special Opening Night celebration and lecture on May 14. This piece, formerly on display at the Smithsonian Institute, is a collection of 240 natural, fancy colored diamonds in various sizes, shapes, and cuts that weighs 167 carats. » » »

NCDIA to Host Breakfast at JCK Show
Robert May, executive director, of the Natural Color Diamond Association is bringing together professionals and industry leaders for a special breakfast event June, during JCK Las Vegas. » » »

Deadline Nears for MJSA Scholarships
The deadline for submissions for 2008 Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America Education Foundation scholarships is May 14. Students can now electronically submit their scholarship applications and work samples through the “Call for Entries” online service. » » »

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