Jewelry Ratings Site LouisValentine.org Launches
LouisValentine.org launched on July 9, providing jewelry quality evaluations for customers and retailers to consult before or after purchasing.
“Beyond the grading of diamonds and certain gemstones, there has never been a way for the average buyer to know the quality of the jewelry they are purchasing,” explains founder Louis Valentine. “When you buy a car, stocks, or a refrigerator, you can read unbiased reviews by qualified professionals. We think the same thing should be available when you buy expensive jewelry or a valuable timepiece.”
The website, free for registered users, allows members to access reviews of their favorite brands and to post their own reviews.
Visit louisvalentine.org for more information.
Leibish’s Itzik Polnauer Nominated for a JNA Award
Jewelry News Asia named 28-year-old Itzik Polnauer, Leibish & Co.’s e-commerce manager, as a finalist for its Young Leader of the Year award. The Israeli company is an international leader in the natural fancy color diamond industry. Polnauer, the only Israeli nominee in the Young Leader category, was responsible for the company’s website redesign, which expanded the site’s focus from e-commerce into education about natural fancy color diamonds.
“We have only just started to teach the world about natural fancy color diamonds,” Polnauer says. “Being nominated for this award is a humbling experience that will provide additional impetus in driving me toward my goal of making natural fancy color diamonds even more popular than their colorless counterparts.”
The prestigious JNA awards will be held in Hong Kong on Sept. 20 during the Hong Kong Jewelry & Gem Fair 2012.
Visit JCK Marketplace to see more from Leibish & Co.
Spider-Man Body Jewelry Collection Makes Its Debut
On the heels of the Amazing Spider-Man movie release, Salesone International signed a licensing agreement with Marvel Worldwide, permitting body jewelry retailers to sell items using iconic Spider-Man imagery, such as the spider logo and the red and black mask.
Salesone will distribute the superhero-themed body jewelry through its brand Bodyvibe, including belly rings, faux plugs, magnetic piercings, industrials, and tattoo sleeves. The jewelry is made from quality materials, such as titanium-plated surgical steel and UV acrylic.
The Spider-Man jewelry line launches just in time for the blockbuster release in theaters all over the world.
Visit bodyvibe.com to see the collection.
Rembrandt Releases Digital Catalog
On July 18, Rembrandt Charms released its digital catalog showcasing more than 2,500 charms in gold and silver. The 40-year-old company’s catalog allows retailers and consumers to browse online and includes a comprehensive charm search by keyword or style number. A PDF version of the catalog can be downloaded and accessed through tablets and mobile phones.
Call Rembrandt to request a tablet version of this new digital content, or visit its website at rembrandtcharms.com.
JCK Rising Star Nada G Named “One to Watch”
After winning the coveted JCK Rising Star title at JCK Las Vegas 2012, Nada G has been featured in the recently 
published luxury jewelry and gems resource The Collector’s Guide—Quintessentially Gems. The designer, Nada Ghazal, has two jewelry items featured in the guide: Aya, a ring made from 18k gold and streamlined with diamonds and Arabesque calligraphy engraving, and Matrix, a sparkly gold and precious stone ring depicting a ribcage.
“This Lebanese designer attracts clients and faithful collectors worldwide, notably younger clients who love her fresh, architectural designs and her reinterpretations of precious gold and diamonds for a new generation,” notes the guidebook.
“It is such an honor for our brand, Nada G, to be featured as ‘Ones to Watch’ in this exclusive guide and be recognized alongside some of the world’s most affluent jewelry brands,” says Ghazal. “This recognition further defines and confirms our position in the international jewelry marketplace and solidifies our aim to branch abroad to service the international market.”
The Nada G collection will be sold in Sabbia jewelry boutiques in Miami and Chicago, showcased at the end of July at the LUXURY Privé show in New York, and featured at IJL-London in September.
To see more from Nada G, visit JCK Marketplace.
Leslie’s Releases 2012/2013 Jewelers’ Catalog
Leslie’s, the 40-year-old wholesale jewelry retailer, recently released its 2012/2013 catalog for jewelers. The catalog includes new products in sterling silver, 10k gold, and 14k gold, in a variety of styles. The sterling silver fashion collections range from basic to bold and include the colorful ECCE line and the Veneto, a collection with airy elegance. The Karat Gold line includes essential pieces, such as earrings, bracelets, and pendant chains, in vibrant gold.
View the catalog at leslies.com, and check out Leslie’s on JCK Marketplace.
Additional reporting by Anita Ferrer
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