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And now the news …
LVMH acquires
Bulgari.
– Will more than double LVMH’s
jewelry unit.
– Bulgari “to
become competitor to Cartier.”
– Fourth quarter numbers disappointing.
– Had several
rival bidders.
– Will help Bulgari expand
to China.
– My
thoughts: Is LVMH the “Wal-mart of Luxury?”
U.S. Census shows 900
fewer jewelers.
Zale files 10-Q.
Hong Kong show “phenomenal.”
The rise of diamond prices—and
decline of America.
– Prices may rise 30 percent by
end of year.
– Edahn: Industry must be careful.
De Beers looking to
“refresh” sightholder list.
– Botswana talks loom
in background.
– “Confident” about
Botswana agreement.
– DTC presentations can be viewed here.
“Unprecedented” action at
Diamdel auction.
Surat rough collective “dormant” due
to KP/Zim impasse.
State Dept. official’s visit to Zimbabwe includes several
mentions of Kimberley Process. One interesting note: She says she “doesn’t
know” if Zimbabwe is compliant with KP, seemingly contradicting the finding of
last summer’s Working Group review mission, in which the U.S participated.
– Lack of KP vice chair called
“unacceptable.”
No “end in sight” for De
Beers antitrust case.
Tacori denied restraining order against
Scott Kay.
Illinois passes Internet
sales tax law.
Kohl’s opens nine
stores.
Former South African president to address
WFDB.
Sterling appoints new
senior vp.
GIA appoints new
director of manufacturing arts.
Access to Argyle mine blocked by
rain.
MJSA expo “100%
green.”
Nicky Oppenheimer’s net worth jumps
$2 billion.
Gloria Swanson ring to be auctioned by
Christie’s.
Tiny diamonds could help in cancer treatments.
Facebook helps
woman find lost engagement ring.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s grandson writes
diamond-inspired novel.
– Director announced for diamond heist
movie.
A Lot of People
Putting Diamonds Places Where They Probably Shouldn’t Go:
– Kim Kardashian touts her
diamond lollipop.
– Topps offers diamond-studded
baseball card.
– Jeweler prepares diamond prom
dress.
– Indian TV personality gets
diamond tooth.
Media Watch:
– The
Houston Chronicle looks at a local businessman involved in “shady” diamond
and gem deals.
– Al
Jazeera has unpleasant footage of Burmese ruby mine.
– U.K
investment site profiles diamond companies.
From the Blog:
The
Rise of Diamond Prices—and Decline of America.
LVMH,
Bulgari, and the Promises—and Pitfalls—of Luxury Consolidation
I wish everyone a nice weekend, although our thoughts are
with our colleagues in Japan …
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