RAPAPORT... In honor of Earth Day, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) announced plans for the IGI Eco Report series, diamond- and gemstone-grading reports printed on recycled or biodegradable paper with soy- and water-based inks, the first of its kind in the jewelry industry. IGI will launch the series at JCK Las Vegas, to be held from May 30 to June 3, 2008.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced that Susan B. Johnson, GIA’s director of education administration, has been elected to a full term as a school commissioner for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT.). In 2007, Johnson was elected to fill a one-year partial term. Johnson is a member of the organization’s education leadership team.
Sarin Technologies agreed to buy Israel-based technology development firm Galatea Ltd. for $10.77 million. Sarin, listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX), stated that it would pay $9 million in cash and the remainder through the issuance of 6,859,225 new shares in Sarin, giving it full ownership of Galatea. Zeev Leshem, Sarin’s chief executive officer (CEO), expects the benefits of the acquisition to emerge next year.
A finalist in the HRD Awards 2007 diamond jewelry design competition is being featured as part of a five-stamp collection, entitled “Antverpia 2010,” issued by the Belgian Postal Service to promote the European Philatelic Championship taking place in Antwerp in 2010. The jewelry was designed by Reena Ahlvwalia. Each of the stamps shows an aspect of life in the Flemish city. At the BaselWorld 2008 show, the AWDC issued an invitation for jewelry designs for the HRD Awards 2009. Entrants are requested to submit initial designs by October 31, 2008. For more information on the HRD Awards 2009, email Jennie Baeten at jb@awdc.be or Gaëlle Schmid at gs@awdc.be.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association has opened twelve new chapters so far this year and intends to open 30 more before the year closes. New chapters were launched in the following locations: Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai, India; Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Beirut, Lebanon; Athens, Greece; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Denver, Colorado; Gulf Coast, Florida; Louisville, Kentucky; Nashville, Tennessee; and Greenville, South Carolina. GIA distributed a “Quick Start Guide” to serve as a model for establishing new chapters. GIA’s Alumni Association expanded membership to automatically include all GIA graduates who earn a diploma or certificate.
For the first time, Jewelry Information Center (JIC) is accepting nominations for the 2009 JIC Gem Awards from both nonmembers and members. The Gem Awards recognize achievements in journalism, marketing, style and other fields at an annual dinner in New York City in January. Nominations may be made on www.jic.org until May 15, 2008. JIC’s Gem Award Committee will announce the winners this summer. The 2009 JIC Gem Awards dinner will be held on January 9, 2009, at Cipriani 42nd Street.
Jewelryjobs.co.in launched a website for job seekers and employers in India’s diamond and jewelry industry. Job hunters can post resumes free of charge and receive responses from potential employers via email or phone. The website also offers employers and recruiters a range of industry categories to help narrow down potential candidates. To ask questions or provide comments, email jobs@jewelryjobs.co.in.
The Twin Cities chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) is launching a designer showcase for both members and nonmembers. The Minneapolis/St. Paul-based chapter set its inaugural showcase for May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Studio Vincent in Minneapolis. The showcase will be open to the jewelry trade only, but exhibitors do not have to be members. Contact Janel Russell at janel@janelrusselldesigns.com for an application.
The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) elected Ann S. Arnold of Lieberfarb, Inc., and Richard Katz of Samuel Aaron, Inc., as directors. The Board also elected Harvey W. O’Conor, of Findings, Inc., chairman, Richard Greenwood of A. F. Greenwood Co. first vice-chairman, Phyllis Bergman of Mercury Ring Corp. second vice-chairman, Dione D. Kenyon president, Brenda M. Pimentel secretary and Alisa D. Dumond treasurer. Re-elected to the board were Anthony J. Capuano of Scotia Mocatta, Richard Greenwood of A. F. Greenwood Co., Richard W. Crawford, Donald LeStage III of LeStage Mfg. Co., Frederick N. Levinger of Speidel, Roderick H. Lichtenfels of W. R. Cobb Company, F. Paul Mooney, Jr. of George H. Fuller & Son Co., F. Daniel Pharr of Hoover & Strong, Inc., John A. Politi of American Gem Society Labs, Richard Weisenfeld of Pranda Group and Todd Wolleman of Leo Wolleman, Inc. The advisory board will include Roger H. Gesswein, Jr., of Paul H. Gesswein & Co., Michael J. Poissant of Findings, Inc., and Paul W. Nordt III of John C. Nordt Co.
Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC) launched its Lab Link pickup service in India. Diamonds are picked up in Mumbai at the clients’ offices by couriers then returned after grading in HRD Antwerp’s lab. The service includes the delivery of full diamond certificates, fancy color diamond certificates and laser inscriptions with the AWDC Certificate ID number inscribed on the girdle and sealing, guaranteeing the association between the stone and the certificate.
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in metal/jewelry at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz has been ranked number one in the nation in the fine arts category of U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 list of the best graduate schools. The two-year course of study is designed to give students a broad range of technical opportunities with a 10,000-square-foot metal studio equipped for hands-on metalsmithing and jewelry-making. The specialty fine arts rankings are based on nominations by art school deans and academics asked to cite up to ten programs within each specialty for their excellence.
Sotheby’s appointed Claire de Truchis-Lauriston its European business developer for jewellery. She will contribute to Geneva and London sales. De Truchis-Lauriston joined Christie’s as a jewellery specialist in 2004 and helped develop the firm’s auctions in Paris.
House of Taylor Jewelry (HOTJ) appointed Lyle M. Rose its new president and chief executive officer (CEO) following the resignation of Jack Abramov, who will serve as a consultant to the company for six months. Rose has 36 years of experience in the industry and most recently served as CEO of L.I.D., a diamond jewelry manufacturer. Monty Abramov resigned as secretary and vice president.
Gary Coleman joined diamour’s New York City office as senior vice president of merchandising. Coleman will direct the sales and product development teams, as well as drive continued development of the “diamour... for the love of diamonds” brand. Coleman is a jewelry industry veteran of 20 years who most recently served as vice president of the Zales Outlet division for Zale Corporation.
Zale Corporation named William Acevedo executive vice president and chief stores officer. He will be responsible for store operations of all Zale’s brands and report directly to Neal Goldberg, company president and chief executive officer (CEO). Most recently, Acevedo served as vice president of stores for Banana Republic. Eric Christopher will join Zale as vice president of quality assurance. He will play a critical role in executing Zale’s merchandising and sourcing initiatives. Christopher spent the past 12 years as vice president of quality assurance at QVC.
Whitehall Jewelers Holdings Inc. appointed Daniel Platt as director of the board following the resignation of Charles Phillips. Platt, 35, has been cohead of special investments at Prentice Capital Management LP since May 2006.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) launched the Spanish version of its “Four Cs” brochure, designed to educate consumers about color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The new brochure is available as a downloadable PDF on www.gia.edu. Jewelers who want multiple copies for their stores may order 100 for free. Additional orders of 100 brochures are $12.50 plus shipping, handling and applicable sales tax.
Dubai-based International Diamond Laboratories (IDL) announced plans to set up a lab at the headquarters of the Istanbul Chamber of Jewelry (IKO), which represents 6,000 wholesalers and retailers from the region. This will be the first facility in Turkey to offer diamond and jewelry-grading services. IDL expects to issue the first certificate in June of this year.
OGI Systems Ltd. will supply the Julius Klein Diamond factory in Namibia (JKD Namibia) with USB technology machines for measuring and laser-marking diamonds. OGI was the first company to develop systems for marking diamonds with USB technology, according to spokespersons.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company will pay $5.8 million in dividends to its U.S.-based commercial policyholders and personal jewelry insurance policyholders. Policyholders insured for one year or longer as of January 31, with a current term written premium of $1,000 or more, will receive a dividend of 8 percent of their premium. Those insured for less than a year as of January 31 will receive a dividend of 4 percent. As a mutual company owned by its policyholders, each year the Jewelers Mutual board evaluates whether it can pay a dividend based upon specific financial criteria for the company.
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) wrapped up its annual congress with the acceptance of the first Precious Metals Blue Book, featuring industry standards for precious metals alloys, finenesses, weights, colors, tolerances, solders, coatings/platings and marking. The Assembly of Delegates agreed to create a foundation to administer and finance the worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education program that CIBJO, together with the United Nations (UN), will create for the jewelry industry. Another highlight was the presentation of a draft of “The Retailer’s Guide to Diamonds, Gemstones, Pearls and Precious Metals,” which is due to be released in June, and is designed to provide the staff of retail jewelry stores with information about diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and precious metals, including guidelines for proper business practices.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - May 2008. To subscribe click here.