Diamond Empowerment Fund to Endow First Beneficiary in India  

The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) will grant $50,000 to its first beneficiary in India, the Veerayatan educational institution in Gujarat.

”Veerayatan epitomizes the convergence of excellence in education with holistic sustainable development,” said civil rights leader and D.E.F. senior strategic advisor Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “This institution is making a positive transformative difference in India.”  

Additionally, D.E.F. board member and diamantaire Dilip Mehta has pledged to match D.E.F.’s donation to Veerayatan for this school year and all subsequent years, for a total donation of $100,000 in 2015.

“Empowering young people from diamond communities through access to higher education has been D.E.F.’s mission from the beginning,” Mehta said. “What bigger community than that found in India, where nine out of 10 diamonds in the world are cut and polished?”

Two students from Veerayatan will attend D.E.F.’s Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas event on May 28, which will honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and the people of India for their contributions to the diamond industry.

For more information, visit diamondempowerment.org.

 

Forevermark Forum Focuses on Finding Solutions in Diamond Industry

Forevermark executives spoke at the fourth annual Forevermark Forum in Orlando, F.L., about how the company can help retailers overcome challenges in the diamond industry.

“The fact that the world of retail diamond sales is changing is not new to anyone,” said invited speaker Peter Sheahan, founder and CEO of Change Labs. “Whether you [are] dealing with commoditization, the emergence of online channels, or shifts in the customer’s perception of value, it is crucial that as a leader you take the time to stop, internalize, and take a fresh look at how to most effectively respond to those changes.”

The forum also focused on how Forevermark can drive retailer business and profit.

“Selling Forevermark makes the diamond buying process easier for my clients,” said Forevermark retailer partner Jon Fey of Fey & Co. “I can just talk about the beauty and story of the diamonds as opposed to staring at a grading report and breaking down the 4 C’s.”

For more information, visit forevermark.com.

 

Silver Promotion Service Relaunches Website

The Silver Promotion Service (SPS) has relaunched its website, savorsilver.com. The newly revamped mobile-responsive site showcases silver jewelry designers and products, as well as an interactive catalog featuring silver-related content.

“I could not be more pleased about what the new website offers both current and future designer and brand participants—and their retailers—that are part of the Savor Silver program,” said SPS director Michael Barlerin. “It also represents the first comprehensive step that the SPS has taken to actively engage in a dialogue with consumers about the exceptional attributes of silver jewelry.”

For more information, visit savorsilver.com.

 

Jewelers Mutual Highlights Importance of Spring Cleaning for Jewelry

Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. is touting the benefits of spring cleaning for both customers and jewelers as a new season approaches.

Offering cleanings and inspections not only brings customers into stores to look at other merchandise, but also provides the opportunity for jewelers to discuss appraisals and jewelry insurance, the insurance company explains.

“This is an excellent chance to reconnect with your customers,” said Michael Calabresa, director of business development for Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. “Talking with your customer and asking them questions is as important as examining the jewelry itself. It lets them know you care about their satisfaction and will provide some insight to the kinds of wear and tear their jewelry might undergo on a daily basis.”

For more information visit jewelersmutual.com.

 

Lia Sophia’s Assets for Sale

Tiger Group’s Remarketing Services Division and PPL Group are administering a bulk sale of equipment and other assets from the defunct direct-sales jewelry retailer Lia Sophia’s Richmond Hill distribution center in Ontario, as well as a turnkey sale of the company’s Roselle, Ill., headquarters and distribution center.

Both facilities feature like-new receiving, inspection, packaging, distribution, packout/quality control, pick-to-light replenishment- and shipping-systems in prime condition.

Interested buyers can preview various assets by appointment.

For more information, visit soldtiger.com.

 

Pac Team Group Launches First U.S. Production Facility  

The Pac Team Group, a designer and manufacturer of point of sale for luxury goods, has opened its first U.S. production facility in Chicago. 

“This exciting addition allows our group to provide our customers an even more comprehensive production strategy than ever before,” said Pac Team president Eric Zuckerman. “By offering a North American alternative to our overseas manufacturing, we are able to better meet the various challenges our customers face, such as unique custom projects, short timelines, and the need for on-site support.” 

Pac Team Group’s top European craftsmen conducted intensive training in Chicago to teach skills such as high-end fabric wrapping. Before the official launch, the Chicago facility partnered with select existing clients of Pac Team Group to create custom displays, pop-up boutiques and exhibitions.   

The Chicago facility joins the Lausanne, Switzerland–based company’s existing production facility in Dongguan, China, and a new exhibition and fixture facility in Turin, Italy. 

For more information, visit pacteam-group.com. 

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