#JWLV Google Glass at Trade Shows? THOUGHTS?

September 2, 2014

There was some controversy during the Las Vegas Tradeshows…you may have noticed a gentleman walking around with Google Glass.In their press release Diamond Concierge Service claims to connect Vendor and Consumer at Trade Shows….but isn’t the concep…

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Congrats to GIA’s New York Campus – Earned ACCSC’s ‘School of Excellence’ Award

September 1, 2014
Press Release via GIA

GIA’s New York Campus Bestowed ‘School of Excellence’ Award
Institute receives ACCSC’s highest honor
GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) New York campus will be recognized with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School of Excellence Award for 2013-2014, the organization’s highest honor, during a special reception on Sept. 17.
“The ACCSC examines student achievement based on graduation and employment rates, and this honor is truly a testament to the passion and drive of our students and instructors,” said Susan Jacques, GIA’s president and CEO. “We’re proud that when our graduates enter the workforce, they will help advance GIA’s mission to ensure the public trust.”
The ACCSC School of Excellence Award recognizes schools for their commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSC accreditation, as well as efforts in helping their students maintain high levels of achievement. In order to be eligible for the award, a school must successfully complete the renewal of accreditation process, satisfy all requirements necessary to be in good standing with the Commission and demonstrate that a majority of the graduation and employment rates from all programs offered meet or exceed the average rates of graduation and employment among all ACCSC-accredited institutions.
“ACCSC congratulates GIA’s New York campus on their commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve our best work,” said Christopher Lambert, ACCSC’s associate executive director.
GIA is a nonprofit, private, postsecondary educational institute incorporated for the purpose of promoting education and research in gemology, jewelry manufacturing arts and related subjects.  A comprehensive GIA education is regarded as the pinnacle of training and professional development in gems and jewelry. GIA’s New York campus is located at the International Gem Tower in the heart of the Diamond District, where students enjoy access to industry leaders and a world-class learning environment. 
GIA will be recognized as a 2014 School of Excellence at the eighth annual ACCSC Professional Development Conference on September 17-19, 2014 at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, Colo.
GIA’s campus in Carlsbad, Calif. was awarded the School of Excellence Award in 2012.
For more information about GIA, visit www.gia.edu. For press inquiries, please contact Kristin Mahan atkristin.mahan@gia.edu or 760-603-4184.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu. 
About ACCSC
Since 1965, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) has been committed to establishing and advancing quality education at postsecondary career schools and colleges. ACCSC scope of recognition includes the accreditation of non-degree granting institutions and degree granting institutions that offer career, technical, and vocational training programs at the postsecondary level.  ACCSC is dedicated to ensuring a quality education for more than 200,000 students who annually pursue career education at over 720 accredited institutions across the United States, Puerto Rico, and abroad.
ACCSC has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority for the quality education since 1967.  In 2011, ACCSC’s recognition was renewed for five years, the maximum timeframe allowed under current federal regulations.
ACCSC’s scope of recognition with the U.S. Department of Education includes the accreditation of postsecondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions, including those granting associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees, that are predominantly organized to educate students for occupational, trade and technical careers, and including institutions that offer programs via distance education. Visit www.accsc.org.
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GIA Alumni Events Add to Field Trip Offerings Following Int’l Mineralogical Association 2014

August 31, 2014

GIA to Host Workshop, Alumni Events Following IMA 2014
Institute’s booth is 36-1, Sept. 1-5, in South Africa
Following the International Mineralogical Association’s (IMA 2014) 21st general meeting in Gauteng, South Africa, GIA will offer a gemology workshop taught by some of the world’s top researchers. On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, GIA researchers Dr. James Shigley, distinguished research fellow; Dr. Wuyi Wang, director of research and development; Karen Smit, 
post-doctoral research associate; Christopher (Mike) Breeding, research scientist; and Dr. Ulrika d’Haenens-Johansson, research scientist, will present “Gem Diamonds: Treatment, Synthetics and It’s Identification.” Gemological updates on diamonds, ruby and sapphire will also be discussed. Guests may register for this session through the IMA conference.
Show attendees can also visit GIA at its booth 36-1 during the show, Sept. 1-5, in the exhibition area of the Sandton Convention Centre to learn more about GIA research, laboratory services, education and instruments.
In conjunction with the conference, the GIA Alumni Association will sponsor three free networking and education events in South Africa and Botswana:
Saturday, Sept. 6, 3:00 p.m.
Sandton Convention Centre
Maude Street, Sandton
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6:00 p.m.
Southern Sun Hotel – The Cullinan
1 Cullinan Street, Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:00 p.m.
Gaborone Sun Hotel, Plot 4
727 Chuma Drive
Gaborone, Botswana
These events are free and open to the public, but seating is limited; visit gia2014africa.eventbrite.com to reserve a seat. For more information, email giaeducationafrica@gia.edu.
MORE:          An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu.  
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The latest on #Platinum! facts and figures…from the Platinum Guild

August 31, 2014
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Do You Know About the Lab Grown Diamond Option? Pure Grown Diamond’s Record Breaking 3ct Diamond

August 29, 2014
Pure Grown Diamonds Sets New Record for Grown Diamond
Three Carat White Stone is World’s Largest


Today with a growing awareness of the damage to the earth caused by mining, more women are opting for something other than diamond…all the while longing for the fire and scintillation of a diamond.  

If that is you we would like to introduce you to the latest generation of lab grown diamonds! Optically, Chemically and Physically identical to a Natural Diamond but grown in the lab!

Pure Grown Diamonds – the world’s largest distributor of gem-quality grown diamonds has announced a new milestone in the creation of a 3.00 ct., K color, SI1 clarity, round brilliant-cut grown diamond.
 “We are ecstatic to once again celebrate technology and innovation in grown diamonds” said Lisa Bissell, new President and CEO, adding, “It is very gratifying to break our own records and reach the three carat milestone”.
Previous records set by the company include a 1.29-carat E color, VVS2 emerald-cut diamond, followed by a 1.78-carat G color, SI1 clarity princess-cut stone announced in November of 2013.
Since April of 2013, Pure Grown Diamonds (formerly Gemesis Inc.) has made steady advancements in the field of grown diamonds, in size, color, and clarity. In the nearly 60 years since the first diamonds were grown, the technology used to create diamonds has seen significant and positive growth. Pure Grown Diamonds is proud to share this newest achievement with their customers and the gemstone industry.
About Pure Grown Diamonds Inc.:  Pure Grown Diamonds Inc. is a privately held company based in New York, NY. Founded as Gemesis Inc. in 2013, Pure Grown Diamonds is the principal distributor of Type llA gem-quality grown diamonds and grown diamond jewelry in colorless to fancy colors.
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#ThrowbackThursday – EMOJI JEWELRY AND A SHOUT OUT TO TAYLOR SWIFT!

August 28, 2014

EMOTICON via Wikipedia – An emoticon (/ɨˈmoʊtɨkɒn/) is a metacommunicative pictorial representation of a facial expression which in the absence of body languageand prosody serves to draw a receiver’s attention to the tenor or temper of a sender’s nominal verbal communication, changing and improving its interpretation. It expresses—usually by means of punctuation marks—a person’s feelings or mood and can include numbers and letters, as well. These emoticons are usually flipped sideways. As social media has become widespread, emoticons have played a significant role in communication through technology. These emoticons offer another range of “tone” and feeling through texting that portrays specific emotions through facial gestures while in the midst of cyber communication.


Who knew back in the day when “emoticons” became the language of the internet, and later found it’s niche in text messages and social media, that Emoji Jewelry would be a real category and is even found in fine jewelry!  ….hmmm emoji heirloom jewelry?

Just think you could buy this fabulous Ring Set by Wendy Brandes Jewelry  and find yourself explaining to the Grand Kids just how “hip” (?)  you were!  OK – that just outed my age 😉

Of course the minute I start talking Wendy Brandes I have to bring up the piece of jewelry that, for me, put Wendy on my radar.  Years ago on Twitter (wow, who ever thought we would be saying THAT!) I saw a jeweler talking about her new necklace…Mud Flap Jill!  I couldn’t believe that someone gave my FAV traffic distraction, Mud Flap Girl, a name – AND immortalized her in Gold!!!   …this is on my To Buy List  – just link Mud Flap Girl  heirloom jewelry – that makes me smile!

Before this turns into a Wendy Brandes love fest which would be so easy to do!   More recently the designer made my Top 5 Daily Go To Jewelry  List for her fabulous mismatched “Heart U” earrings.  I may work in Jewelry but I am a Huggies and Studs girl.

…and then there is the ultimate in Emoticon Jewels – Lorraine Schwartz’ Happy Face Bracelet!

How can you see these and not smile?

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#DailyJewel – Venessa Arizaga’s #Shark Bite #Ring For #Arizaga!

August 19, 2014

Too much fun!  …am I too late for Shark Week?


I just love Venessa’s whimsical outlook – check out her take on the “arrow through the head” gag that Steve Martin made so popular!

Website:  http://www.venessaarizaga.com/
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/VArizagaJewelry
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/venessaarizaga/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/venessaarizaga
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venessa-Arizaga/276656635686594

“I like to think of each piece I create as a treasure and a good luck charm, something special to keep close to you to reflect upon good times and evoke your fondest memories”
— Venessa Arizaga

Venessa Arizaga’s love of jewelry grew from her passion for travel. Splitting her time between New York City and her father’s birthplace, the island of Puerto Rico, the contemporary jewelry designer draws inspiration from the duality of these cultures. While both locations are very different, Venessa loves the energy created in both settings; one bustling urban metropolis is balanced by the vitality of the ocean combined with the mellow comfort of the beach. With this lifestyle in mind, Venessa Arizaga has a distinct lens with which to steer her jewelry design. 
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Japan’s First Lady Previews Rio Tinto’s Rare Pinks & Reds

August 15, 2014
Japan’s First Lady Previews 
Rio Tinto’s Rare Pinks & Reds

The inaugural visit of the First Lady of Japan, Mrs Akie Abe, at the invitation of the Western Australian Government was occasion enough for an early showcase of Rio Tinto’s iconic Argyle pink diamonds. 


In an exclusive preview for Mrs Abe, the 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection, comprising around 50 of the rarest and most valuable pink diamonds in the world, were revealed. The diamonds are the finest of a year’s production from Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. 

Among the fancy Pinks & Reds, Mrs Abe was the first to view the Argyle Toki™, a 1.59 carat Emerald cut Fancy Intense Purplish Pink.  The name, depicting the delicate pink underwings of a rare Japanese bird, symbolizes the importance of Japan as the premier export market for rare pink diamonds. 




Rio Tinto Diamonds managing director Jean-Marc Lieberherr said “We were delighted to welcome Mrs Abe and show her at first hand these beautiful gems, the pinnacle of Australia’s mineral wealth and symbolic of our enduring relationship with Japan.”

The importance of the Japanese market to the development of Rio Tinto’s rare pink diamond business over the past 30 years was reason enough to honor the First Lady with a private showing. The pink diamond jewellery phenomenon started in Japan in the late 1980s when Japanese designers boldly embraced Argyle’s pink diamonds and incorporated them in beautiful and innovative designs. Today Rio Tinto sells around 30 per cent of its Argyle pink diamonds into Japan where there is an unerring appetite for the smallest, palest pink diamonds, through to the rarest reds.

Rio Tinto’s Argyle mine produces virtually the entire world’s supply of rare pink diamonds. The 2014 Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender collection will be officially launched in August and will tour the world until October. Around 150 collectors, connoisseurs and luxury jewellers are invited to place sealed bids on the diamonds. Prices for these diamonds can exceed US$1million per carat, hence their stature as “the most concentrated form of wealth on earth.”









This year’s collection features a record 4 Red Diamonds and will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender.

About Argyle Pink Diamonds  Pink diamonds, produced at Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, are highly coveted as the world’s most sought after gems. The Argyle Diamond Mine produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds, which are sold in a broad range of colours and sizes to an international customer base.

The market for pink diamonds is quite separate to white diamonds, and due to their rarity, pink diamonds typically command prices far in excess of white diamonds. The best diamonds are reserved for the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender. Rio Tinto’s Argyle Pink Diamonds business is located in Perth, Western Australia, alongside its cutting and polishing factory.  Website: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

About Rio Tinto Diamonds   Rio Tinto is one of the world’s major diamond producers through its 100 per cent control of the Argyle mine in Australia, 60 per cent of the Diavik mine in Canada, a 78 per cent interest in the Murowa mine in Zimbabwe. These three mines allow Rio Tinto to produce diamonds for all market segments. Rio Tinto also has an advanced diamond project in India. Rio Tinto’s share of the production from its three operating mines is sold through its Diamonds Sales and Marketing office in Antwerp, Belgium with representative offices in Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York. Rio Tinto Diamonds is a leading supporter of the Kimberley Process as well as a founding member of Responsible Jewellery Council.   www.riotinto.com

Follow @RioTinto on Twitter

Photos from the top – Argyle Cardinal Red – Argyle Toki – Argyle Rosette 

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ACE© It Mid Year Conference by NAJA

August 15, 2014
ACE© It Conferences by NAJA

Appraisers Continuing Education

The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces its 42nd Annual Winter ACE© It Education Conference to be held in Rosemont, IL on September 22-23, 2014.  New this year will be the opportunity to attend the World of Gems IV Conference preceding NAJA in the same location.

The appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry presents an outstanding program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and an unparalleled networking experience. 

The daily programs are: 


Monday, September 22, 2014

            The Evolution of Fire, Facet & Form: The Evolution of Crown of Light   Tammy Cohen

                Emeralds of the Atocha: The Value of History   Carl A. Schütze

     Afternoon Rotating Workshops:

                The New Arrival in a Changing Opal Market – A Workshop!   Paul B. Downing, PhD

                Getting the Secret Identity out of Jewelry Metals with Compassionate Interrogation

                                AKA

                Identifying Common and Alternative Jewelry Metals with Nondestructive Tests…Mostly

                                A Workshop!   Arthur Skuratowicz, GG

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

                Charitable Contributions of Jewelry: What are the IRS Appraisal Rules?  Karin Gross, 
                Attorney at Law

                Conch Pearl: The Queen of Seduction Manuel Marcial de Gomar

                50 Amazing Ways To Energize Your Appraisal Business and Maximize Your Time While 
                Enjoying Life   Jeff Averbook, GG

                The Price of Rarity—Appraising Natural Gems   Cigdem Lule, GG & Stuart Robertson, GG

  

To retrieve a conference brochure go to http://najaappraisers.com/html/conferences.html or for further information contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, Executive Director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers,  718.896-1536,  f. 718-997-9057, naja.appraisers@netzero.net, www.NAJAappraisers.com.  

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#DailyJewel – Spotlight on the Phoenix Collection by Kavant and SharArt #EarTux

August 15, 2014


THEME OF THE PHOENIX COLLECTION

The Phoenix Collection is inspired by the graceful movement, form and beauty of the mythological animal.

The wing-shaped earrings represent the wind / freedom to move while the clawed (single and triple) shaped earrings represent the earth / being grounded and mindful.  

Extensions of the original collection were made as suggested by Janet with Fragments NY
image via Fragments

• Each piece is handcrafted in 18K gold, precious and semi-precious gemstones, white, champagne, grey and black diamonds. 

• All pieces are made in-house by their own team of goldsmiths, stone setter, gem cutters and apprentice.

• There is an element of versatility in most pieces. Many of which allows one to convert the design, interchange and stack – enabling a more inimitable and personalized feel.

• This collection takes a brand new approach to the ear jacket or rather some called it the Ear Tux (short form for tuxedo). The design sought to capture both mystery and simplicity in equal depths.
• The design concept allows one to play with its web of possibilities such as converting it from a stud version to a dangling earring. (As illustrated below)

Phoenix 2 or 3 claw Black and white diamonds 18K white gold. 
Phoenix Movement: Diamond studs and black diamonds, Pink Sapphire and black diamonds, Pave diamond ball and black diamonds all in 18K white gold
White Diamond & Pink Sapphire or Grey Diamond & Emerald in 18K Black Rhodium Plated gold 

Convertible: ( Day to night) Blue Sapphire and diamond 18 K White gold
converts to Black and white diamond dangling earrings 18K white gold 

TWO FINGER RING AVAILABLE IN BLACK OR WHITE DIAMONDS
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