#Event – GOLD – Design, Desire and Demand – April 11th & 12th

March 3, 2014
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WDMF signs Memorandum of Understanding with HRD Antwerp NV

March 2, 2014
WDMF signs MoU with HRD Antwerp NV
Parties agree on cooperation in retail diamond sales training
The World Diamond Mark® Foundation(WDMF) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HRD Antwerp NV, the commercial arm of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) that is charge of diamond grading services, research and instrumentation and worldwide diamond and gemstone grading courses and education. The MoU was signed last month, during the fifth edition of Antwerp Diamond Trade Fair.
Serge Couvreur (left)  and Alex Popov
The rationale for the MoU between WDMF and HRD Antwerp NV is to form a strategic partnership so that HRD can begin offering the WDM diamond sales training to WDM accredited retail members (ADDs). The parties intend to start this collaborative effort in Turkey. Once this pilot has been proven successful,. HRD will than continue and offer the WDM diamond sales training globally.
WDMF Chairman Alex Popov said the MoU is an important step toward the proliferation of the WDM programmes. “HRD Antwerp and WDM both seek to sustain and improve consumer confidence for diamond and diamond jewellery worldwide. WDM’s main objective is to accredit retailers and multiply the sales in diamond markets,” he stated.
“As a World Diamond Mark® Strategic Partner, HRD Antwerp will be providing diamond sales training to retailers and help establish trust in the markets. Starting in Turkey, I anticipate that our collaboration will grow and that working with WDM, HRD Antwerp will be instrumental in multiplying the numbers of Authorized Diamond Dealers® (ADDs) around the globe and establish consumer confidence in ADD network,” HRD Antwerp CEO Serge Couvreur stated.

In its consumer communications, WDM will include the recommendation to consumers to purchase certified diamonds and diamond jewellery as a source of trust in quality, origin and value of the diamonds. HRD Antwerp NV will be able use World Diamond Mark® and Authorized Diamond Dealer® logos and names in its promotional campaigns.
The WDM was represented in January on occasion of the launch of Antwerp’s very own quality label “Antwerp Most Brilliant” which was awarded on January 29 to the first six Antwerp jewelers during a ceremony at Antwerp City Hall and congratulated HRD Antwerp with this achievement, which is completely in line with WDM’s objectives .
About the WDM
The WDM’s global objective is to ensure the health and future growth of the diamond and jewelry industry in the luxury market sector. It is based on three fundamental principles: the education of jewelry retailers about diamonds; confidence building among consumers with the WDM accreditation program; and the creation of a generic marketing program to promote diamonds and diamond jewelry, based on the Authorized Diamond Dealer® concept.

The World Diamond Mark® is a not-for-profit foundation, incorporated in Hong Kong.
About HRD Antwerp NV
Founded in Antwerp in 1976, the HRD Antwerp Diamond Lab is today one of the largest and most respected diamond grading labs worldwide, with its certificates accepted internationally as documented assurances of a diamond’s quality and authenticity. As the most prominent laboratory to adhere to the grading standards set by the International Diamond Council (IDC), which is an authoritative body created more than 30 years ago by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturing Association (IDMA), the Diamond Lab was the first industry laboratory to be officially accredited by the International Standards Organisation (ISO/IEC 17025). The integrity, objectivity and anonymity of the grading process are absolute  
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#DesignerSpotlight – Snork Agdere’s LORD Jewelry

March 1, 2014


One of the highlights of the JCK Tucson show for me was seeing in person the truly astounding pieces from LORD Jewelry.  With rings that are reminiscent of the intricate work of fellow Istanbul native Sevan Bicakci with their intaglio reverse carved cabochons, but the pieces from LORD seemed more refined.



Gorgeous crosses – from a Medeival look to very refined styles and Bugs – great Dragonflies and some of the most gorgeous butterflies! 



Lord Jewelry… Legendary!
Sinork Agdere is one of the few jewelry designers focused on artistically-inclined jewelry, created for connoisseurs of fine art and high fashion. 

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Agdere’s artistry reaches from thousands of year’s history of Anatolian civilizations, to the present time. A rich cultural heritage spanning the ancient empires, Assyrian, Hittite, Urartu, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, contribute to the timelessness of his artistry. 











Established in 1972, Agdere’s collections are luxurious, timeless and unique… A striking aesthetic, which holds a unique vision in the marketplace. The intricacy of Agdere’s sculptural work is astonishing, captivating and joyous! Each unique design is a masterpiece which comes alive… Rare, precious stones, gold and silver, become the elements to which a legend unfolds. 



Agdere’s symbology is powerful… A universal language, which reaches the depths of the soul! From the tree of life, sculpted in gold, which enthrones a cabochon ring, the story continues to an exquisitely carved, bejeweled magical door… Beaconing the wearer forward, into a fantastical world of beauty! 

The last decade marked a breakthrough in design, the cannon of which all other designs have followed… With Agdere’s “Grand Bazaar” Collection, inspired by the ancient marketplace of Sultanahmet. Created in the year 1461, the jewelers of the Grand Bazaar supplied the exquisite gems, which adorned Ottoman Palaces. “To experience the brilliance of it’s jewels… the finest quality… the rarest of gems mined from the ends of the earth… Is to take a journey into history itself.” 



In 2013, “Lord” Jewelry is the epitome of Agdere’s vision, debuted for the first time, within the United States. 


The collection is sculpturally bold, yet impossibly delicate; bright enamels captivating, yet subtle; themes historically rich, yet distinctively modern in style. Agdere not only creates the finest, inspired jewelry… he creates Legend. 

For jewelry connoisseurs who value fine art and high fashion, Agdere is the jeweler of choice. 

View Agdere’s “Lord” Jewelry Collection, at www.LordJewelry.us. Contact them, for retail locations in Los Angeles, Dubai and Istanbul.

* the majority of the copy used came from the Lord Jewelry website.

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#AuctionJewels – There is Still Time To Bid on Your Favorite "Statement Jewels" at Christie’s Online Auction

March 1, 2014


From February 25 – March 6, Christie’s Hong Kong is proud to present Statement Jewels, an online-only auction featuring an array of stunning diamond rings, elegant jadeite earrings, unique watches and more. Whether it’s a Van Cleef & Arpels ring or a vintage Chopard watch, this collection features a number of conversation starters. With estimates starting at HK$2,000, there is an opportunity to acquire statement-making accessories that add a sparkle to any wardrobe.

This is one of several “groups” and the one I chose to represent the category!

A GROUP OF YELLOW SAPPHIRE, TSAVORITE GARNET AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY 

Comprising a pendant, designed as a furled circular cut yellow sapphire flower, 
to the brilliant cut diamond pistils and stem, further accented by circular cut tsavorite garnets, 
mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, 8.3 cm long; and a ring, the flexible eternity band set throughout with circular cut tsavorite garnets, accented by brilliant cut diamonds, mounted in 18k oxidized gold, ring size 7¼ 
Estimate: HKD 30,000.00 – 50,000.00
A RUBY AND DIAMOND RING 
Set with a rectangular shaped ruby, within a pear, marquise and brilliant cut diamond surround, 
mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, ring size 5½

Estimate:  HKD 80,000.00 – 120,000.00

A CULTURAL PEARL, RUBY, COLOURED DIAMOND AND DIAMOND BROOCH 

Designed as a butterfly, the body set with a grey baroque cultured pearl measuring 
approximately 10.6 12.1 x 29.0 mm, the openwork wings set with brilliantcut diamonds and yellow diamonds, further enhanced by circularcut ruby eyes and wing details, mounted in 18k white and yellow gold, 7.0 cm long 
Estimate:  HKD 8,000.00 – 12,000.00
AN EMERALD AND DIAMOND PENDANT/RING 
Set with a heartshaped emerald, within a marquisecut diamond surround, 
mounted in 18k white gold ring (ring size 5¼), may also be worn as a pendant 2.0 cm long 
Estimate: HKD 50,000.00 – 80,000.00
A SUITE OF SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND JEWELLERY 
Comprising a necklace, designed as a series of scrolling panels set with varicut sapphires, accented by brilliant and baguettecut diamonds, to the marquisecut sapphire and brilliantcut diamond backchain; and a pair of matching ear clips en suite, mounted in 18k white gold, necklace 38.0 cm long, ear clips 6.5 cm long
Estimate:  HKD 80,000.00 – 120,000.00


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ARIDO Jewelry Presents Private Jewelry Suite During Oscar Week

February 28, 2014

ARIDO Jewelry Presents Private Jewelry Suite During Oscar WeekARIDO is a company on the rise designing custom made pieces for an expanding exclusive eager clientele.  Founded by a scion of a family of jewelers dating back to the 11th century,&nbsp…

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MJSA Expo NY Announces Seminars, Workshops and NEW MJSA Journal LIVE

February 28, 2014
MJSA Expo NY Announces Seminars, Workshops for 2014
New this year: MJSA Journal LIVE: 
Two days of demos, 1-on-1 consultations, and more

MJSA, the trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, announced its full slate of speakers for MJSA Expo New York, its flagship trade show at Hilton New York from March 9-11, 2014. Along with traditional seminars in its presentation area, the association has also planned a new, MJSA Journal LIVE—A two-day series of demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, and presentations, by some of the most distinguished industry business leaders, authors, and master jewelers who have appeared in the pages of MJSA’s flagship publication.
“If you ever read MJSA Journal and wished you could sit with its expert contributors over a long coffee, MJSA Journal LIVE will meet that wish, and more,” says MJSA CEO and President David W. Cochran. The series will feature insights into common (and uncommon) tools and techniques, from the newest low-cost additive manufacturing systems to innovative stone-setting methods to business, inventory, and marketing management made easy.
Bringing the pages of the magazine to the Expo show floor, MJSA Journal LIVE features:
* Joel McFadden of Joel McFadden Designs, who will conduct a three-part series of Jewelry Making 101 demonstrations on stone setting, sponsored by the MJSA Education Foundation with bench and tool sponsor, Stuller, Inc.
* Jewelry makers and designers Elizabeth Garvin and Gary Dawson will also coach attendees on bench business tips and repairing/repurposing jewelry.
* Business coaches Andrea Hill of StrategyWerx, consultant Marlene Richey, Ann Arnold of Arnold Advisory Group LLC, Matthew Perosi of JewelerWebsites.com, Eugene Brill of Jewelry.com, and Cindy Edelstein of Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, will speak one-on-one concerning basic business operations issues, as well as online marketing, photography and merchandising a designer line.
* CAD/CAM experts Steve Adler of A3DM, Charlie Herner of Green Lake Jewelry Works, and Zsombor Antal of Best Cast.
* Casting experts J. Tyler Teague of JETT Research, Teresa Fryé of Techform, Linus Drogs of Au Enterprises; and Ted Doudak of Riva Precision Manufacturing.
On Monday in MJSA Expo’s Presentation Area, Swarovski will also sponsor a full-day program of hands-on workshops, focusing on techniques for creating crystal jewelry and accessories. They feature Nick Regine, star of the “Professor of Crystal” educational series running on YouTube and in MJSA Journal.
MJSA’s Seminar Series, which takes places on Sunday, March 9, includes:
* Fashion Trends 2014 and Beyond. Barbara Raleigh of International Design Source Ltd., a popular speaker making a return appearance, will show fashion trends influencing jewelry for 2014 and 2015, in a lively, visual presentation.
* “Made in USA” Made Simple will explain the laws and regulations controlling “Made in USA” statements, and also present MJSA’s submission to the FTC requesting changes in the “Made in USA” rules. Speakers include: Mark Hanna of Richline Group; Peggy Jo Donahue of MJSA; and Suzan Flamm of Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
* Fair Trade & Ethical Practices: What You Need to Know. A panel of speakers will discuss the adoption of responsible business practices by companies throughout jewelry supply chain, and the surge of interest in fairly mined and fairly traded gems and metals. This panel will include panelists David Bouffard of Signet Jewelers Ltd., Torry Hoover of Hoover & Strong; Anna Bario of Bario-Neal; and Suzan Flamm of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee.
For more information about MJSA Expo New York, and for free online registration, click here:
ABOUT MJSA EXPO NEW YORK
Held every March at the Hilton New York, MJSA Expo New York is the show dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design. It features the latest bench tools, laser welders, casting machines, alloys, CAD/CAM systems, gemstones and beads, component parts, stamping equipment, jewelry making subcontractors, and business services.
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SAVE THE DATES: March 17-18, 2014, for the launch of the Panama Gem & Jewelry Center

February 28, 2014
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ALOR® RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS – DEBUTS NEW LIFESTYLE AD CAMPAIGN

February 28, 2014






ALOR® TO RETURN TO ITS ROOTS 
– FOCUSES ON CORE VALUES –

Debuts New Lifestyle Ad Campaign in Celebration 
ALOR® International Ltd., the parent company of Charriol®USA, is making a bold decision in 2014 returning to its roots with a name change back to its parent company brand name, ALOR®. Since 1979, ALOR® has been the designer, creator, and manufacturer of its wildly successful and iconic stainless steel cable, 18kt Gold and Diamond jewelry collections. Sold as ALOR® branded jewelry from 1979-1992, ALOR® rebranded itself in 1992 in what would be an over two decade long relationship with the Philippe Charriol International group.

In order to keep in line with its core values, ALOR® will begin the transition back to its parent company brand beginning March 2014, with new in case displays, signage and support materials. ALOR® currently can be found in majors such as Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Sidney Thomas and hundreds of fine independent jewelers in the United States, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. ALOR® branded jewelry is already being sold in over two dozen independent jewelry stores in Australia. ALOR® branded Swiss Watches debuted in 2013 and has received critical acclaim and independent success with its designer cable look and affordable value in the Swiss watch world.

Jack Zemer, co-founder of ALOR® with wife Sandy, is the chief designer all of the brand’s jewelry and timepieces since the company’s inception. He states, “The transition should be quite smooth as the public identifies with my product and its innovation and quality.” He continues, “Overall, it is all about product and we will continue to offer to our customer the highest quality designs with the most affordable values.”

Sandy Zemer, co-founder and President states, “We are not taking the transition lightly; we have put a lot of time, energy and research into our decision. While other companies manufacture and sell jewelry, our designs and product development are so unique and identifiable, that the consumer will continue to relate and bond with our products and vision.” She continues, “Tom Ford always said that ‘a brand starts with its product,’ and we know we have great product and we will continue to design great product.”

In celebration of the new initiative, ALOR® will debut a new national ad campaign in April, featuring model Noot Seear. Photographed by renowned photographer and creative director, Justin Coit, the new advertising campaign creates a current, relevant and fashionable feel which will undoubtedly introduce the product to a younger generation of fine fashion jewelry and watch shoppers. The lifestyle advertisements will give ALOR® the ability to properly present its jewelry and Swiss Made watch collections in a manner which is not only appealing to the consumer, but relevant in the marketplace.

“The campaign is a major departure from what we have done in the past. We are bringing our product to life and showcasing the great jewelry and watch designs in the manner that they should be portrayed,” says Ori Zemer, Principal (and the OR of ALOR®). The ALOR® print advertising campaign will be featured in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, and Elle Canada, as well as all Niche Media Publications, among many other regional fashion media. Tal Zemer, Principal (and the AL of ALOR) states, “Overall this is a mere name change; everything that our family has built will stay the same.“ He continues, “Our focus will be to continue to build upon our family’s core values of Quality, Service and Innovation. Nothing will make us divert from the path fulfilling our core values.”

The ALOR® transition will take place with existing retailers through April. The brand’s official re-launch will be on exhibit at Couture at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas at the end of May.

ABOUT ALOR®:  Started in 1979, ALOR® was founded by Jack and Sandy Zemer to bring innovative and creative cable designs to the fine jewelry marketplace. The ALOR® name is derived from the two Zemer sons’ names, Tal and Ori, who currently are Principals of the company and oversee marketing,
operations and development. A California lifestyle brand, ALOR® is based in La Jolla, California.
www.alor.com
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Diamond Geology and Earth’s Formation in Winter Edition of Gems & #Gemology

February 26, 2014

Gems & Gemology Delves into Diamond Geology and Earth’s Formation
Winter 2013 issue reviews latest gemological research
Gems & Gemology Winter 2013 cover.
The cover image, of diamond crystal in kimberlite matrix,
was chosen to highlight the relevance of this gem material as part
of the Earth’s makeup. The combined weight of the piece,
retrieved from South Africa, is 314.47 carats.
This specimen is part of the Oppenheimer Student Collection
at the GIA Museum in Carlsbad. Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA.
The Winter 2013 issue of GIA’s award-winning peer-reviewed quarterly journal Gems & Gemology (G&G) journeys to the Earth’s mantle to gain better insight into diamond geology; takes a look inside blue sapphires from the Baw Mar Mine in Mogok, Myanmar; provides an update on gem mining in Luc Yen, Vietnam; discusses the characteristics of coated jadeite jade; and much more. The issue is now available in print, and online with exclusive video content.
G&G’s cover story is by Dr. Steven B. Shirey, a noted isotope geochemist from the Carnegie Institution of Washington and a leader in the field of inclusion-dating techniques as applied to diamond, and Dr. James E. Shigley, GIA’s Distinguished Research Fellow. The piece examines two decades’ worth of research about natural diamond formation and how it corresponds to the Earth’s formation, and chronicles the current thinking of where, how, when and why natural diamonds form. Since it was proven that diamonds are up to billions of years older than their kimberlite or lamproite hosts, there have been significant advances in the analysis of diamonds and their mineral inclusions. These advancements have deepened understanding of diamond-forming fluids in the mantle, and in the relationship of diamonds to the deep geology of the continents and the convecting mantle.

Figure 28. Gem diamonds such as these, ranging in weight from 3.00 to 22.33 carats, result from unique geologic processes, adding to their desirability among today’s jewelry consumers.
Photo by Robert Weldon; © GIA.

Next is a report on the microscopic, chemical and spectroscopic features that differentiate the high-quality Baw Mar sapphire from classic gem-quality Burmese sapphire. In another feature, researchers explore the emergence of the Luc Yen area of Vietnam’s Yen Bai province as a producer of corundum, spinel, tourmaline and other colored stones. The issue also includes an analysis of 10 jadeite jade samples using DiamondView™ imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy and Raman spectrophotometry to determine the effects of coating.
2014 marks the 80th anniversary of Gems & Gemology. Since the first issue was published in 1934, G&G has been recognized as one of the leading academic journals in its field. In 2013, it was made available in its entirety online. Today, the award-winning quarterly journal is available both as a print subscription and at no cost on GIA’s website. 
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. 
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Style Expert Michael O’Connor Talks #OscarJewelry Trends

February 25, 2014
ACADEMY AWARDS JEWELRY TREND PREDICTIONS
FROM LEADING STYLE EXPERT

Michael O’Connor Hosts Jewelry Style Event for Show Nominees and Presenters
This week Michael O’Connor, celebrity stylist and television personality, will host StyleLab’s jewelry event for Academy Award nominees, presenters and stylists at a private venue in Los Angeles. Every season, O’Connor curates a selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from world-renowned designers for celebrities to borrow for the red carpet. From bold colored gemstone earrings to necklaces made with Argyle diamonds from Australia, O’Connor will accessorize Hollywood’s leading stars with the most exquisite, highest quality jewelry.
 
O’Connor forecasts that celebrities will focus their accessory choices on one large piece of jewelry that adds eye-impact and emphasis without overwhelming their gown. As awards show season peaks with the Oscars, O’Connor offers the following trend predictions:
Longer Linear Earrings are Back
Longer linear diamond earrings remain popular on the red carpet, since they work with every gown. However, designers are playing with larger geometric pave diamond-studded shapes to make their earrings stand out. Kallati designed “Ripple Tear Drop” earrings that feature 4-carats of pave set brilliant white diamonds, priced at $25,000. These earrings would look gorgeous on Jennifer Lawrence, given her pixie haircut. Mastoloni is introducing their “Swirl” earrings, with Tahitian pearls and 3.2-carats of brilliant cut white diamonds, priced at  $9,800. The swirl pattern on the ear lobe, followed by a linear pearl drop, provides the perfect amount of edginess for Cate Blanchett.

Return of the Statement Necklace
The necklace is making a comeback in a major way! The American Gem Trade Association is showcasing a one-of-a-kind necklace. Designed by Richard Berberian of Elyse Fine Jewelers, this show-stopping piece is composed of fancy multi-color sapphires, white sapphires, and round brilliant diamonds, totaling a whopping 57-carats. This stunning design is an ideal luxury accessory for Anne Hathaway. For the Fashion of Diamonds collection, Chinese designer Fei Liu created a nature-inspired necklace, rooted in the Chinese tradition that flowers embody our dreams and aspirations. Using 2,151 small sparkling diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine in Australia, the draped hyacinth necklace was brought to life by Y&M Jewelry. This necklace is priced at $85,456 and would look stunning on the statuesque Lupita Nyong’o.
Bold Colorful Gems
Mirroring fashion runways, an increasing number of celebrities are wearing colorful gowns, so they also are opting for jewelry with bright gemstones, especially for color contrast. Takat designed a pair of drop earrings with over 22.78 carats of tanzanite and diamonds, priced at $36,521. The contrast would look spectacularly striking on redhead Amy Adams. Farah Khan will debut a bracelet with over 77-carats of emeralds, ruby and diamonds, priced at $50,751. Sandra Bullock doesn’t shy away from color, so this bracelet would be the perfect accessory!
Classics Reinterpreted
Since the hottest fashion designers are giving us a retro look back at the previous century, jewelry, designers are reinterpreting the classic “must-haves” of past decades. The Leo Diamond Collection crafted a pair of diamond deep drop earrings with their “visibly brighter” diamonds that gradually increase in size and importance as they stretch to the shoulder. Priced at $350,000, this custom creation belongs on a classic beauty like Jennifer Garner. Uneek re-mastered the diamond tennis bracelet for the Oscars, by designing a 24-carat total weight bracelet with 3 rows of asscher and round diamonds, priced at $218,182. The mix of cuts gives amazing sparkle, so I envision this bracelet on Reese Witherspoon. For celebrities who are seeking a hefty cuff, they can count on the bracelet by Interjewel USA for the Diamonds With A StoryTM   collection. Priced at $19,999, this bold 28.2-carat bracelet features white and SilvermistTM diamonds from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia. Angelina Jolie would rock this bracelet! The entire Diamonds With A StoryTM  collection contains rare, natural color diamonds sustainably and ethically sourced from the Argyle Diamond Mine.
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