Introducing – ATHOMIE

August 20, 2013

ATHOMIE


[ A – THO – MEE ]

THE  SENSE  OF  BEAUTY

An international patent…in jewelry. A novel concept brought to life through Italian innovation and design.  Already a success in Europe and around world, Athomie is ready to make its mark in North America.
Athomie emerges akin to a space mission. Inspired by the fact that everything is comprised of atoms.  After all, nothing exists except atoms and empty space, everything else is opinion.
Typically we experience jewelry through only one sense, our sense of sight. Athomie aims to change the way we experience

jewelry. 


These one of a kind pieces are not only beautiful to the eye, but to the touch as well. Patented technology of suspended sterling silver, diamond cut beads rotate 360 degrees to provide an addictive, sensory experience to the wearer.  The first generation features three distinct collections-classic, contemporary and innovative. With an array of 18k gold platings and finishes, the possibilities are truly infinite.
Italian jewelry house Dibi SpA in collaboration with designer Stefano Russo brings us Athomie. 
Russo spends his time between the fashion capitals of Milan and Paris; collaborating with prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, and Prada. Fascinated and inspired by combining science with art, Russo applies these concepts to create the perfect balance Athomie ‘the sense of beauty”, is certain to make its mark in the industry.

 

Read the full article →

Precious Resources: A Revolutionary Gem Marketing Tool

August 20, 2013
PRECIOUS RESOURCES LAUNCHES CUSTOM SOURCED GEMS FOR CUSTOM DESIGNED JEWELRY

Teofilo Otoni, Brazil 20th August 2013 – David Stanley Epstein of Brazil-based colored gemstone buying agency, Precious Resources, today announces the launch of an innovative sales tool aimed to help custom jewelers and designer-makers further differentiate themselves from the competition.

Consisting of an emailable video of between three and 15 minutes duration, the sales tool is designed to be shared with the friends and family of jewelers´ customers. The video will follow the order arriving at Precious Resources´ buying office in Brazil´s world famous Minas Gerais (meaning General Mines) state; including the search for the ideal rough gem material in Teofilo Otoni´s open air gem plaza or to the mine if necessary; through the cutting of the stone in Precious Resources´ ethical gem cutting workshop.

The finished gem is presented on a turntable with the size, weight, region – and when known – the mine. The jeweler´s and client´s names will feature prominently throughout; presenting the jeweler with a strong branding opportunity – and the customer a living testament to the occasion and the emotion behind the piece.

If desired the jeweler or goldsmith can add onto the video the production of the piece and its presentation to the customer.

“We´ve been buying in Brazil for over 30 years, so we´ve seen numerous changes in the needs of our diverse clients – and the expectations of their own customers.

As more and more jewelers seek to differentiate themselves from mass-marketers by offering custom design services on premises, we want to offer the opportunity to “romance their customers´ stones” as an additional differentiator that research suggests will help close more sales,” said Epstein today.


Submitted – August 19th by David Epstein
Read the full article →

UP Your Influence – Leading Jewelers Guild

August 18, 2013
If you have been following this blog awhile then you know that I have a soft spot for “the local jeweler”.  You know the ones, the independent jewelry shop on the corner that half the neighborhood has used for generations. Earlier this month I had the opportunity to attend the meeting for The Leading Jewelers Guild.


LJG is what happens when a group of Independent Jewelry Retailers (across the country) get together and combine their buying power…their influence becomes National.


Mission Statement from their website:


Leading Jewelers Guild is a strategic alliance of independent jewelers that develops competitive advantages for its members.


Leading Jewelers Guild, an organization completely owned by its member jewelers, through its strategic relationships and collective buying power, offers their retail membership the opportunity to lower overall operating costs and increase buying power in a strong, relationship driven environment.


A full service merchandising and strategic planning operation, Leading Jewelers Guild is an invaluable marketing, catalog production and advertising resource dedicated to the overall business needs of the family-owned independent jeweler.


Their influence is obvious when you see the Brands that flock to their meeting. Most of you have attended a JCK Show or JA  but the really nice thing about this show is the size – smaller – more intimate.  You not only get a chance to see and touch, but you can have a conversation with the vendor and in some cases with the designer.


So what kind of brands does this show attract?


Straight from the JCK show floor – Sylvie Collection

   


…a Bridal favorite Leiberfarb (with the always delightful Anne Arnold) was there with their new yellow diamond collection that extends to pendants and earrings!

 



…and my show favorite – this two finger stunner from Hearts On Fire!!!

 



Since Bridal is a huge portion of a Jewelry Retailer’s business as you can imagine the show had several Bridal Companies represented…


  

  
   
     
   

and last but certainly not least these stunning Meteor Cut Diamonds from Lili…

    

That being said there was no shortage of great Fashion Jewelry…

  




Estelle Hedaya was onsite with the great new collections from World Trade Jewelry – Hershey Kisses and Scrabble…


   


…and now their NBA Collection…

 


Leiberfarb’s yellow diamond initials were just the perfect size to stack with the “petite letter 
pieces” that are so on trend today!



Variety Gem’s aptly named “Candy Collection”!

 



…I especially liked the blackened metal with the Blue Chalcedony…



While we’re talking candy, we can’t forget the Chocolatier…LeVian!

   

The ever popular Chamilia…

       

  

LOVED these Meteorite pieces from Fable…

 



 


 



Honora Pearl did what they do best…pearls in every color…

     


 



The stunning color of these Morganite pieces from Quality Color stopped me in my tracks…

 



…and while we are talking color…

 



For me the “Fashion Star” of the show was EFFY!  Two new collections were on view from the Celebrity favorite…

 





So – if you are a brick & mortar Jeweler looking to increase your ability to carry some of the major brands…and more importantly a support system that only a network of businesses can provide, check into one of the Jeweler’s Groups in your area.


For more info about the Leading Jewelers Guild
contact Jimmy West (jimmywest828 at gmail.com)



Read the full article →

#JWLV – Yael Designs and The Best Things About Industry Tradeshows…

August 8, 2013

In some industries people dread the dreary Tradeshows and endless mind numbing lectures and rubber chicken dinners at Award Shows….


BUT – in the Jewelry Industry the upcoming Show is the Designers’ “Call To Action”…the Retailers may have the only dread -the dreaded finding room in your “open to buy”, but only because they know they will see far more beauty than they will ever be able to afford.

…and then we come to the Press covering these events – and I have tell you I would much rather be covering a Jewelry Tradeshow than a small appliances event – though I have to say Electronics would be fun also.

Now we come to the Yael Designs part of this post…this is a Designer that steps up their game for EVERY show – introducing a NEW piece or collection at each event!

For LUXURY:

Award-winning fine jewelry design house Yael Designs debuts Serendipity Collection for Fall 2013 at JCK Luxury Las Vegas.
Highlighting vibrant, vintage-inspired rose cut faceted emeralds of rare quality, Serendipity Collection includes earrings, cocktail rings and pendants set in 18K white and yellow gold and accented with diamonds.
Since visiting emerald museums in Colombia two years ago, CEO of Yael Designs Yehouda Saketkhou has been inspired to create an emerald collection and has been searching for a source of high quality emeralds that could be cut into slices without compromising the stone’s look.
“I was about to give up my search when Pantone announced emerald as the color of 2013,” said Saketkhou. “And right then, I suddenly came across my emerald source. It was so serendipitous that we immediately knew how to name this collection.”
The emeralds in Serendipity Collection have good clarity and rich green color that is offset by lustrous diamonds and gold setting to give the pieces an organic, yet luxurious feel.
“We shared our early designs with our fans on Facebook and received a tremendously positive response,” said Yael Designs’ marketing director Stefan Patashvili. “We’re very excited to bring this fashion collection to life.”
Debuting at JCK Las Vegas in June, the Serendipity Collection features bold, sophisticated statement pieces that will work well with blacks, greys and jewel tones trending for Fall 2013.
“We wanted to bring emerald slice jewelry to luxury buyers looking to add this beautiful, high fashion stone to their collections,” said Saketkhou.
The price for Serendipity Collection starts at $3,000. Photos of the collection can be found on http://www.yaeldesigns.com/collections/serendipity




For JA New York


It was this stunning 36 carat Ametrine piece – don’t you love the touch of whimsy in what would traditionally be a serious classic piece of jewelry?




…and at most shows they are displaying some of my favorite pieces…one of my personal favorites are the incredible dancing yellow diamonds in the Luna Collection



















I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to see what this amazing company brings to the rest of the shows this year – looks like Chicago is next on Yael’s calendar!

One more thing about Yael Designs – they aren’t afraid to show jewelry from other Designers – it takes a lot of experience for a Designer to realize that your customer shops other names and to be secure enough to show the work of other Designers…confident in the knowledge that your goods stand up next to them…for an eyeful of gorgeous things from Yael and many more, follow the Facebook page of this amazing Designer  https://www.facebook.com/YaelDesigns

So go out and discover new designs – new designers – new beauty – go to an Industry Tradeshow.






Read the full article →

#JWLV – 5 Favorites from the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

August 7, 2013

Your Wednesday dose of major jewelry – in this case Antique Jewelry!!!My top 5 (in no specific order) from the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show….Contact info accompanies each photo!This Demantoid stunner stopped me in my tracksGorgeous piec…

Read the full article →

Beyond Bollywood – Manish Arora for Amrapali

August 6, 2013

As a worldwide phenomenon on the fashion runway this year, Manish Arora for Amrapali enthralled audiences with its innovation and craftsmanship. Revitalizing its archive of traditional tribal jewelry from India, the Manish Arora for Amrapali exclu…

Read the full article →

Israel Diamond Exchange Overwhelmed Working To Streamline Import Procedures

August 6, 2013

I think by now we all know that International Diamond Week is coming up…but I really love the Save The Date video from the Israel Diamond Exchange…Interest for International Diamond Week overwhelming,organizers to accommodate more than 350 companie…

Read the full article →

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts Finds a New Home

August 5, 2013

Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts Finds a New Home
San Francisco’s Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts has found a new home in the city’s classic Humboldt Bank Building. After a six-month transition, the California approved jewelry school has reopened its doors at 785 Market Street, across the street from its former location.
Completed shortly after the 1906 earthquake, the Humboldt Bank Building’s copper topped beaux art dome is the architectural gem of Market Street. The new location is a perfect match for a jewelry school that stresses traditional quality, design and fine craftsmanship.

Alan Revere designed the new studio and classroom incorporating traditional benches and tools, plus state-of-the-art video and studio equipment. A new 70” flat-screen TV enables students to see up close from across the room, as their instructor demonstrates intricate procedures. Following the European workshop model wooden benches are fitted with a torch, task light, flex shaft and all the hand tools needed to fashion jewelry. The studio is complete with a rolling mill, laser welder, polishing lathe, flattening hammer, shank bender, fume hoods, forging stumps, anvils, vices, and much more.
The Academy’s summer session, which runs through October 13, 2013, includes a selection of classes from beginner to advanced, in a range of jewelry related subjects such as fabrication, stone setting, engraving, gemology, design, metalsmithing, repair, casting, and more. This fall, Revere will offer its two-month Jewelry Technician Intensive Diploma Program in the new location from October 15 through December 13, 2013. Classes are taught by professional jewelers and experts in the field. Students come from around the globe to learn at Revere.

The Revere Academy is a professional jewelry trade school where seasoned masters share their skills and passion with students at all levels. Schedules and information are available upon request.


Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts 
785 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103.  
Web Site:  www.revereacademy.com   
Tel: 415-391-4179    Fax: 415-795-1407
Facebook: 
Read the full article →

JTV’s Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge – Win Cash & Prizes!

August 4, 2013

JTV’s Jewel School 

Designer Showcase Challenge Returns

Jewelry Making Enthusiasts to Win $10,000 in Cash and Prizes

Jewelry Television’s annual Jewel School design contest is back and bigger than ever. With $10,000 in cash and prizes to award, the Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge is looking for the best fresh and unique designs. Jewelry-making enthusiasts may enter a one-of-a-kind, custom jewelry design based on their category of choice for a chance to win. The entry period ends Aug. 21
.

“Jewelry making is a natural extension of our business,” said Trisha Condra, vice president and general merchandising of gemstones at JTV. “As the world’s largest retailer of loose gemstones, we love providing a platform for our customers to create unique jewelry designs that express their individuality.”
Entrants may enter one of three categories: 
  •     Mixed-Up Media: Any techniques utilizing the following mediums as the focus of the design: Kumihimo, leather, concrete or polymer clay.
  •     Metal-Art Play: Transforming metal and/or wire into a finished piece using the following techniques/tools: metal smithing, wire work, Viking knit, art clay, chainmaille, cold or hot connections, metal forming, weaving or firing plates.
  •     Blissful Beading: Includes any of the following techniques that utilize beads as the focus of the design. Techniques include knotting, beading wire and seed bead looming.
An expert panel of judges will select five finalists from each category to be voted on by the public. On Sept. 4, the finalists will be announced, and the public will be able to vote online through Sept. 18. A judge’s pick, grand prize winner and three category winners will be awarded live on air on Sept. 22.
“Whether you are an experienced jewelry designer or attempting your first piece, this is the perfect opportunity to express yourself through the age-old art of jewelry making,” said Condra.
The grand prize winner and judge’s pick will receive Jewel School products and cash totallling $3,500. All category winners will receive Jewel School products and cash valued at $1,000.
For more information and to enter the Jewel School Designer Showcase Challenge, visit http://www.jtv.com/challenge.
As the world’s largest retailer of loose gemstones, we love providing a platform for our customers to create unique jewelry designs that express their individuality.


About Jewelry Television® Jewelry Television® (JTV) is one of the largest multichannel retailers of jewelry and gemstones in the U.S. appealing to fashion-conscious women, jewelry-making enthusiasts and private collectors. The privately-held shopping network broadcasts high definition programing, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to more than 80 million U.S. households. Committed to consumer education, the network employs numerous Graduate Gemologists and Accredited Jewelry Professionals. JTV.com offers the most comprehensive jewelry and gemstone Learning Library on the internet, and is the third largest jewelry website according to Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide for 2012.
Read the full article →

JCK’s LUXURY Privé New York and Press Events Illuminate Manhattan

August 4, 2013
JCK’s LUXURY Privé New York and Press Events Illuminate Manhattan
 A Series of Exclusive Events Showcase over 65 Luxury Jewelry Collections in
 Time for Holiday 2013 & Allow for Matchmaking at It’s Best


JCK Events held their 3rd annual LUXURY Privé New York show earlier this week at the luxurious Pierre Hotel. The event brought a new designer balcony featuring the most coveted brands, played matchmaker between upscale retailers and exhibitors and introduced scores of media to the collections just in time for the holiday. 

With a roster of the nation’s top stores in attendance, including Underwoods, FL; Lux Bond & Green, CT; Lee Michaels Jewelers, LA; R.F. Moeller Jewelers, MN; Mednikow Jewelers, TN; Long’s Jewelers, MA; Cornell Jewelers, NY; Gleim the Jeweler, CA, the mood was vibrant and buying was at a record high. In spite of all that took place, however, the confines of Privé remained a relaxed and intimate atmosphere to conduct business amidst the chaos of New York Jewelry week.  

The LUXURY Privé New York experience began with a decadent welcome event, a Gatsby-themed cocktail party at the Pierre, setting the tone for the 3-day long show. Monday’s show began with the ‘Meet the Retailer/Meet the Designer’ matchmaking event and seminar facilitated by The Edge Retail Academy’s Becka Johnson Kibby. 

Following the useful tips and introductions, retailers got down to business, visiting the salons and selecting merchandise for the all-important holiday season. The new ‘Designer Balcony’, was a particularly alluring destination, featuring collections from newcomers Lisa Black, Ed Levin and Meredith Marks. Also new, Stephanie Kantis’ selection of showstoppers drew much attention; while BG Art Jewelry’s unique stackable bands were a huge hit for their gift-ability.

Karen Goracke and Amy Dudzik from Borsheims, attending their first Privé show, remarked on the overall ease of the show and the great variety of brands represented. “The show has a stress free vibe, making it easy to find brands you might ordinarily miss at the larger shows. We missed Ed Levin at the JCK show but were happy to have found him at Privé. We also fell in love with Stephanie Kantis’ collection of fine designer, yet reasonably-priced, fashion jewelry. The trip was definitely worth our while and we’re already looking forward to next year.”

From the brand side, many exhibitors gave testament to the strength of the show, relationships and buying atmosphere:

Jack O’Neil of Spark Creations commented, “We had a great show which should lead to an exciting end of this year. Retailers had confidence in the economy and are buying more color as a result.”

Ray Mastoloni of pearl powerhouse, Mastoloni Pearls shared “Wonderful show! It was a great experience. We opened a number of new accounts in addition to seeing some old ‘friends’. Some retailers were finishing up what was started in Vegas; this show gave them the perfect opportunity to work in a more relaxed environment, which was conducive to doing great business.”

As if the excitement on the salon floor wasn’t enough, JCK’s adjacent press events brought brands face to face with key media contacts who were actively working holiday jewelry stories. Brands such as Temple St. Clair, Rina Limor and Denise James sent in merchandise for the ‘Iced Tea’ blogger and editor events. Top jewelry and fashion bloggers attended the morning portion of the July 30thevents, sipping tea while ogling ‘iced’ creations and ultimately selecting their top picks for an on-site photo shoot. Editors from the jewelry industry’s leading publications, as well as fashion, luxury and lifestyle books, perused the collections in the afternoon, noting the trends for Holiday 2013 and earmarking selections for gift guides. 


At day’s end, 10 bloggers, including iDazzle, Ms. Fabulous and Diamonds in the Library, and 30 editors from Vogue to Martha Stewart Weddings, had attended.

In addition to the Privé show and its unique press events, JCK was pleased to work closely with both the Women’s Jewelry Association and the American Gem Society on their own events throughout the week; WJA’s Awards for Excellence Dinner and AGS’s Circle of Distinction Dinner.  

LUXURY Privé New York closed on Wednesday with strong buying and a robust media presence. Contracts for 2014 are already underway and the unique show will host its next event in Panama City next month with LUXURY Privé Panama.



ABOUT JCK:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK, the leading industry magazine in print & online, JCK offers a suite of tools, events, and information to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. Mark your calendars as JCK Events presents its portfolio of upcoming buying opportunities:

–LUXURY Privé PanamaAugust 26 – 28, 2013 – Panama City, Panama, Westin Playa Bonita
–JCK TucsonFebruary 3 – 8, 2014 – Tucson, JW Marriot Starr Pass Resort
LUXURY and Elite EnclaveMay 27 – 29, 2014, by invitation only, and then continues as the
   events open their doors to all JCK retailers May 30- June 2, 2014 – Four Seasons, DELANO,
   Mandalay Bay
Swiss Watch: May 30 – June 2, 2014 – Mandalay Bay, DELANO, Four Seasons and Mandarin
   Oriental
JCK Las Vegas: May 30 – June 2, 2014 – Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
–LUXURY Privé New YorkJuly 28 – 30, 2014 – New York, The Pierre Hotel, Fifth Avenue

Read the full article →

WordPress Admin