This week: New details on the iWatch. Things get nasty among Nashville jewelers. And a thief steals a ring, which gets stuck on his girlfriend’s finger. All below.
Chow Tai Fook buys Hearts On Fire; CEO predicts “explosive growth.”
– Shows importance of brands.
Chopard president and CEO resigns.
Scio Diamond changes CEOs—again.
Alex and Ani nabs top CIRCA exec, plans 250 more hires.
Apple Smartwatch coming in fourth quarter, reports say.
– Is planning multiple designs, says WSJ.
– Swatch says it’s prepared.
– Apple’s first designer calls smartwatches “stupid.”
BaubleBar shops now in every Nordstrom store.
Interview with new World Diamond Council president Edward Asscher: I’m “an angry young man.”
Yes, you are legally liable for bad lab reports.
Can lab-grown diamonds be called eco-friendly?
EGL Int’l release about undisclosed synthetics called into question.
NYC’s Canal Street may get retail upgrade.
Gold surges most in nine months.
– Metal prices likely to remain stagnant for rest of year.
Gold miners now prospecting in Nevada.
Is the news about Congo’s conflict minerals good?
Are Russian reserves future of the diamond industry?
Indian diamond trader defaults.
– Is betting on cricket matches triggering defaults?
Union Bank of India enters Antwerp.
M&A potential limited in diamond mining.
World Diamond Congress Report:
– Positive atmosphere, but “challenging” issues.
– Many diamond manufacturers fighting for survival.
– Belgian politician warns against Russian diamond sanctions.
– Blom reelected at WFDB; Canada, Korea welcomed.
– DDI says issues surrounding diggers present threat to business.
– Diamond groups create President’s Forum.
Namibia mulls independent sales.
De Beers’ new technology allows it to mine Namibian waters.
Botswana minister attends JCK to reach out to jewelers (video). Worth watching.
– Botswana may import other countries’ diamonds for polishing.
Marange thrown into “panic and uncertainty.”
Leading Zimbabwe miner Mbada fails to pay debt.
– And halves workers’ wages.
– Diamond companies accused of favoring chiefs.
Liberia makes progress in Kimberley Progress.
GJEPC wants rough trading zone in India.
Surat diamantaires threaten to go on strike over payment terms.
New diamond polishing plant in Yellowknife, Canada.
Singapore has potential to be “world’s largest market for gemstones.”
Anglo may sell platinum mines.
Let us call recycled pieces “made in the USA,” groups ask.
Genesis Diamonds sues competitor for “malicious claims.”
Jeweler pleads guilty to helping credit card fraud ring.
J.C. Penney spanked by judge in Martha Stewart case.
Fabergé managing and creative director steps down.
Scio Diamond restructures board.
Tourneau makes two exec hires.
Belle Étoile hires three to sales team.
Jeweler-mystery author releases second book, The Pirate’s Ruby.
WJA announces Award for Excellence nominees.
E-tailer since1910.com now accepting bitcoin.
Smart bracelet company turns to Kickstarter.
“Sister Wives” jewelry company looks for investors, CEO.
Kim Kardashian faces Twitter backlash over baby ear piercing.
Stolen ring gets stuck on thief’s girlfriend’s finger.
Christina Aguilera’s engagement ring.
Teen Mom 2 star’s diamond engagement ring.
Media Watch:
– BloombergView on the message of a $549,000 watch.
– Profile of Stacie Orloff of Bell & Ross.
– Inquirer.net on how Cartier stays relevant.
– Sploid thinks gemstone has a nebula in it.
– Gizmodo looks at a Russian diamond mine.
– Hubspot looks (skeptically) at the history of De Beers’ marketing.
– Business Insider Australia writer breaks down slave labor in jewelry (and hates diamonds).
From the blog:
World Diamond Council President: I’m an “Angry Young Man”
Yes, You Can Be Held Legally Liable for Bad Lab Reports
Can Lab-Grown Diamonds be Called Eco-Friendly?
Have a great weekend!
– Email: rbates – at – jckonline.com.
– Twitter feed: robbatesjck
– Connect on Facebook and Linkedin.
– Cutting Remarks RSS feed.
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
