Hey all … If I had to describe the industry picture these days, I’d say “we are out of the crisis, but still in the recession.” I think we can all agree that this recession has gone on far too long, and we’re all eager to see the back of it.
On a related note, the main word I’ve heard to describe the recent InStore show is “upbeat.” I can’t tell you how many people have described it that way. This follows the AGS conclave, which I also heard described as “upbeat.” So there have been good moods at two industry events in a row … Wow! What industry are we talking about, anyway? Very nice to see, and let’s keep it up.
And now the news …
Jewelry demand stabilizes.
– “Signs of recovery” in luxury market.
Rappers tone down the bling.
Carlyle shuts Greensboro office.
– Finlay staying in New York.
– Finlay execs retire.
Robbins Brothers update.
Shop NBC jewelry sales drop 32%.
“Cash4gold” bill passes Florida Senate.
– My thoughts (and the JVC’s).
Blue Nile gets downgraded.
– Stock gains.
– “Company’s problems no secret.”
Signet upgraded.
– “Significant appreciation” in stock.
Modern Jeweler: Closeouts on the high end.
India sees “renewed demand.”
– Chaim on Indian diamond banks.
Schwartzchild Jewelers president steps down.
Seeking Alpha: Zale “likely to survive.”.
BRC DiamondCore may liquidate.
De Beers gets new money laundering software.
Motley Fool UK on Petra Diamonds.
The Kimberley Process and Zimbabwe.
– More on “conflict minerals.”’
– Robert Fowler freed. Formerly very active against “conflict diamonds.”
Indian diamond brokers killed
– Murder “well-planned.”
Jewelers Opening:
B and A Jewelers’ second store.
Charlotte Preston, Kenny G team up.
Finally, two attempts to link Susan Boyle and jewelry: Here and here. Hats off to people who know a good news hook when they see one ..
Media Watch:
Crains New York on the New York diamond district. Some guy says things are tough.
Financial Times on the industry’s problems in India.
New York magazine blog touts a jewelry sale.
The Toronto Star on Tiffany in Canada.
“Everyday Cheapskate” thinks the industry still buys back diamonds to keep prices up.
From the Blog:
Finlay is Closing …What Exactly?
Robbins Brothers Update.
Should Internet Gold Sellers Follow Same Rules as Brick and Mortar Jewelers?
Have a great weekend …
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