1 Finders, Keepers From Black Friday to Christmas Eve, Dean Jewelry stashed wrapped gifts all over Coshocton and Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Hints were posted on the jeweler’s website and announced on WQIO-FM each day. 2 It’s in the Bag Bellman’s Jewelers in Portsmouth, N.H., placed shopping bags from neighboring merchants under its Christmas tree—to remind…

At a midsummer fine jewelry auction, Bonhams had dubbed this dazzler, simply, “an impressive diamond solitaire ring.” We applaud the auction house’s restraint. We might have piled on a few more adjectives for this 10.32 ct., cut-cornered, ­colorless (F), near-flawless (VVS1) rectangular diamond—not to mention the spectacular surround of baguettes and the platinum setting. “The…

Touching Display C&A Diamonds International recently introduced a new iPad app, the JewelPadTouch, which allows authorized retailers to offer interactive catalogs, customize mountings, and manage their client database. It supports two brands: Lume Collection and the Caro 74 loose diamond and bridal line. C&A, a subsidiary of DTC sightholder Shrenuj, has filed a patent application…

Rain on Colombia’s Parade Mother Nature was not smiling on the emerald industry in July, bringing intense rains down on Colombia. “Emerald buyers in Bogotá habitually take a break when it rains,” explains dealer Ron Rings­rud, who recently returned from the capital. “The dark clouds ruin the north daylight they are accustomed to buying with.”…

Changing Lane Jeweler-to-the-stars Neil Lane has partnered with Kay Jewelers for the debut of Neil Lane Bridal, a line of 36 vintage- and Hollywood-esque wedding and engagement rings. Lane designs each piece, and styles are inspired by longtime dealings with some of Hollywood’s hottest stars, including Madonna. Lane calls the resulting creations “authentic, glamorous, and…

Stock in Reverse Lazare Kaplan International, the only publicly traded U.S. diamond wholesaler, was removed from the Nasdaq exchange June 25. The company’s stock is now quoted on the Pink Sheets Marketplace. NYSE Amex sent the New York City manufacturer a letter June 18 stating the exchange’s intent to delist its stock, following LKI’s failure…

Causing a Ruckus On July 24, Pearl-Guide.com hosted its 2nd annual Ruckus in Los Angeles to foster goodwill among pearlers. The Japan-themed affair kicked off with a day of seminars; caviar and sushi were served on Pinctada maxima gold-lipped shells; and revelers sipped champagne, wine, and single-malt scotch. The idea for the party originated after…

Put Some Bling on It At the BET Awards in late June, Kanye West stole the spotlight (again), but at least it wasn’t for interrupting a starlet’s acceptance speech. The overconfident hip-hop star donned a massive 24k gold custom-made ring and pendant with a total value of $300,000, according to Jacob & Co., the maker…

New Market-Melting Looks The most coveted metal is getting lots of play lately from the design community. Platinum is ideal for fashion-­forward looks and classic styles. And while there’s certainly affordable platinum in the market—see “The Halo Effect”—these pieces practically scream special-occasion splurge. 1 (Above) Platinum earrings with 7.38 cts. t.w. colorless diamonds; $78,000; Joshua…

Buried Treasure A simple necklace repair turned into a platinum discovery of a lifetime for a customer at Missionhill Jewelry in ­Mission, Kan. A staff member at Christopher Ragan’s store was taking in a jewelry repair when an elderly woman produced a plastic sandwich bag of mainly costume jewelry rings she had purchased at a…

We take the Bague Bouquet de Fleurs ring from seed to store Lorenz Bäumer didn’t present this bouquet to a woman; he was, however, inspired by one—Mitzah Bricard, ’50s fashion icon and muse of Christian Dior. “She was asked by a man, ‘Which is your favorite ­florist?’ And she answered, ‘Cartier,’?” says Bäumer, laughing. The…

As the industry settles back into the fall season, showgoers can look forward to spending September in Asia and October in Miami. Oh, the life of a jet-­setting jeweler! The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair (Sept. 14–20) features more than 3,200 exhibitors from 45 countries and attracts 40,000 buyers from 140 different nations.…

On the floor at JCK Toronto and the Feninjer Brazilian Gems and Jewelry Show A bevy of beautiful new designs—plus yummy local delicacies like pão de queijo and caipirinhas—greeted visitors to the 51st Feninjer Brazilian Gems and Jewelry Show in São Paulo, held July 31–August 3. Organized by the Brazilian Institute of Gems and Precious…

1. Gregoré Morin of Gregoré Joailliers in Santa Barbara, Calif., won the Mort Abelson New Designer of the Year award and the American Jewelry Design Council New Talent award. Morin is the fourth designer ever to earn both distinctions. 2. Philadelphia’s Elements + Alloys won the Golden Apple award for Innovation for its marketing inspired…

On the floor at the Jewelers of America summer show New York City literally sizzled in July, with temperatures hitting all-time highs, according to the National Weather Service. The atmosphere at the Jewelers of America Summer show, July 25–28 at the Javits Center, however, was considerably cooler. The show saw a 10 percent increase in…

From raw stones to rose cuts, slices to sparklers, diamonds are the essence of cool. Check out the stunners we cherry-picked from the latest designer lines—guaranteed to knock your stockings off. Earlier this summer, Christian Tse, the Los Angeles–based designer best known for his million-dollar diamond jewels, struck a deal that was impressive even by…

In 2000, De Beers relinquished its hold on the market. JCK examines how the company’s dramatic moves still reverberate a decade later. Ten years ago, a century of diamond history came to an end. In June 2000, following a decade of plunging market share, De Beers officially said goodbye to the monopoly game. Over the…

Creating a new page? Trying to spruce yours up? Take a few tips from these retailers. 1. facebook.com/daysjewelers Day’s Jewelers understands the value of a question, soliciting fans’ opinions on everything from their preferred color of gold to their thoughts about the brand. The retailer also stays on top of trends ­outside of the jewelry…

Thanks to Facebook and Twitter, retailers are connecting with customers, building their brand, and boosting business. All you need is an Internet connection and an open mind. Facebook says it has more than 400 million “active” users, half of whom log on to the site on any given day. Twitter passed the 100-million-users mark this…

1. Visual Effects Establish a theme, and keep it consistent in displays, decorations, invitations, and direct mail. Change out busts, forms, and platforms. (Levine Design Group offers simple neck form covers in classic colors, pictured.)  2. Hire Principles “The important element to successful hiring of seasonal help is to start now,” says Diamond Staffing Solutions…

We made a list and checked it twice. Deck your halls and stock your shelves with these glittering, sure-to-please pieces. Plus: Tips to get your store staffed and spiffed up for the season. 1. Hot Statement: Uncommon and Highly Personalized Jewels From stone slices to titanium to meteorite, the time is right for the unusual—particularly…

If anyone understood the importance of accessorizing, it was the woman who deified the little black dress. Hence the Wonder Woman–esque cuffs—made by Fulco di Verdura—Coco Chanel dons in this 1935 photo. “The body is white lacquer,” says Verdura owner and CEO Ward Landrigan. “The emblems, the Maltese crosses, are gold and precious stones.” The…

The former sculptress reveals the philosophy behind her big bangle theories You don’t need a sweet tooth to love Rock Candy—Ippolita’s  delicious gem-studded collection to which women everywhere have developed a serious addiction. Even the Ippolita styles are yummy—Lollipop earrings, Gelato bangles…all crafted with fresh, juicy jewels like Brazilian ­amethyst, blue topaz, and champagne citrine.…

The famous twins create their own circus of the stars with a big-top-inspired fine jewelry collection Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were first introduced to American households at the age of 1 on family sitcom Full House. By 15, the pint-size twins had built a mega-empire rife with books, made-for-TV movies, videos, and assorted clothing lines.…

Before the environmental movement became an international cause célèbre, green was a color—a beautiful color rich with connotation (summer grass, budding trees, nature at its finest), but a color, pure and simple. Now, green has grown into a state of mind. Express solidarity with the philosophy—and look the part—by embracing the wave of green ­jewels…

Online sales are only growing in popularity, so let’s work with (not against) them Contrary to popular reports, Rue La La, Gilt Groupe, and Groupon are not the devil, so put away your torches. For those who aren’t avid cyber-shoppers, here’s some background: Rue La La and Gilt Groupe run a similar model of online…

Jimmy and Helain Pesis appreciate their customers—and they aren’t afraid to show it In 1981, Jimmy and Helain Pesis opened Conti­nental Diamond with some herringbone gold chains, a few loose gems, and a then-pioneering approach to consumer education. Today, Jimmy has built up one of the largest diamond inventories in the Twin Cities area. Helain—who…

At 13, Stephen Komara emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the United States. He wanted to work in Youngstown, Pa.’s then-famed steel mills, but injuries sustained in World War II forced him to choose another path: He studied watchmaking at the New Castle School of Trades and opened Komara Jewelers in October 1948 in Struthers, Ohio. Stephen’s…

225 26th St. #17, Santa Monica, Calif. Since the late 1940s, the Brentwood Country Mart has been West Los Angeles’ go-to spot for a shoe repair, a lovely gift, and a down-home snack in an exceedingly pleasant environment. And since Broken English opened in 2007, Laura Jay’s collection of contemporary and antique necklaces, bracelets, rings,…

Whatever your political persuasion, you need to wake up and take notice of the recently enacted Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. More than that, you need to put your congressional representatives in the House and the Senate on notice that you are unhappy that this bill contains a section that will make your…

The four interview questions you can’t afford not to ask Raise your hand if this has happened to you. You hire a sales superstar—A+ résumé, with the right experience at all the right places. References? Out of this world. You dig deep to meet his steep price tag—but hey, he’s worth it. You’ll have your…

Q: How do you deal with know-it-all customers? —Linda Breakiron, owner, Breakiron Jewelers, Erie, Pa. A: “Customers come in with a lot of information. I’ve even had some people come in with a folder full of documents and printouts. We don’t belittle them as it’s obvious there’s been a fair amount of researching and studying…

U.S. consumers are poised to give retailers the best holiday season in years, even as they worry about jobs, the stuttering economy, and a burgeoning federal deficit. The good news was forecast back in January, when Moody’s Analytics’ Mark Zandi predicted that holiday sales would rise 3 to 4 percent. And now that summer’s over,…

Blue sapphire was traditionally worn by kings as a symbol of their divine right to rule. (Blue represented the sky, the heavenly domain whence they derived their kingly clout.) Sapphire was said to guard against envy and attract divine favor while imparting truth, sincerity, and constancy. September’s birthstone also countered the spirits of darkness, secured…

Summer 2011 Jewellery Trends Jaana Jätyri, founder and CEO of Trendstop.com, a trend-forecasting agency based in London, will reveal some up-and-coming jewelry trends at International Jewellery London 2010, which takes place Sept. 5–8. She gave JCK a preview of trends to come: “We are seeing a lot of futuristic shapes coming through in jewelry, as…

Neelam Meetcha, of All Occasions Gift Wrap (gift-­wrappingservices.com) in Wolverhampton, U.K., does live gift-wrapping demonstrations at Autumn Fair International in Birmingham, U.K. Here she shares her advice for wrapping jewelry—or “jewellery,” as they call it across the pond. —Richard Dalglish Gifts are wonderful things, whether they are big or small, whether the recipient expects them…

“The store was in Argo, Ill., and the woman behind the counter is Mary Skuratowicz, the mother of Arthur Skuratowicz—who is probably in the back teething on a ring mandrel!” jokes Julie Nash of Anton Nash LLC Independent Jewelry Appraisers and the Jewelry Training Center, both in Colorado Springs, Colo. Her husband and business partner,…

COMINGS AND GOINGS >>?On July 1 Nayla Hayek was named chair of the board of directors of Swatch Group. Hayek, formerly VP, is the daughter of Swatch Group founder and chairman Nicolas G. Hayek, who died of heart failure June 28. >> ?On June 21, the Movado Group named Joe Faranda senior VP of consumer…

Dozens of wholesalers have been audited recently for USA Patriot Act compliance—and retailers may be next. “I am probably getting at least one call a week from companies,” says Cecilia Gardner, CEO and president of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee, whose group produces Patriot Act compliance kits. IRS agents aren’t “looking to issue penalties or fines,”…

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia—The diamond industry is breathing a sigh of relief after Kimberley Process negotiators reached a deal with Zimbabwe that keeps the country in the international certification scheme. The deal, announced at the World Diamond Council’s annual meeting in St. Petersburg, allows the troubled African nation to export diamonds from its Marange fields under…

Retailers who filed claims under the De Beers class-action suit shouldn’t expect to receive their money anytime soon. The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled July 14 that the $295 million antitrust settlement reached in 2008 must be vacated, as a lower court had incorrectly certified a class of indirect purchasers. That means the…

Ladybugs mean a lot more than luck to Euphoria Fine Jewelry and to Real Housewife of New Jersey Dina Manzo. The Englewood, N.J., jeweler teamed up with reality-TV star Manzo and her Project Ladybug organization—founded to brighten the lives of pediatric cancer patients—to create the Red and Black Collection of ladybug-motif jewels. Proceeds benefit the…

1. @BuyLikeAGuyAndrew Koehn, ownerKoehn & Koehn West Bend, Wis.“My name helps drive traffic to my Buy Like a Guy blog.” 2. @LesOlsonRocksPam and Bob Shinsky, ownersLes Olson JewelersPalm Harbor, Fla.“We wanted an easy-to-remember name. We do rock and we sell them.” 3. @cameochatsLaurel Silva, sales associateCameo Jewelers Chardon, Ohio “Cameo Chat is our newsletter. I…

The customer could be someone you know. He might have visited your store before. He may be neat and well-mannered. Then he asks to see two watches, to “compare them in better light.” And once he gets his hands on them, he bolts for the door. It’s called a “grab and run”—and so far this…

It’s been a scorcher of a summer here in New York City, but a whirlwind of cool events—interesting conversations, trade shows, and more—has brought some much-needed relief. First up was an invitation from Clark McEwen and Rebecca Foerster to attend the Rio Tinto Diamond Symposium in Chicago. The event was fascinating and quite luxurious. A…