ISRAELI FIRMS EXHIBIT AT FLORIDA EVENT

Sam Getz, president and CEO of Mayor’s Jewelers, was the key-note speaker at a recent cocktail reception in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at which eight leading Israeli jewelry manufacturers and designers displayed their products to some 80 buyers. The event was sponsored by the government of Israel’s Eco- nomic Mission and the Israel Export Institute (JCK, October 1998, p. 127).

In his address, Getz said, “Though Israel’s labor costs may be higher than some other markets, their technology and work ethic as well as versatility and adaptability allow them to be competitive while producing an extremely wide range of designs.”

SIMONS HOSTS BENEFIT TO AID HUMANE SOCIETY

Simons of Clayton, Mo., recently hosted “A Paws for Celebration,” an event benefiting the Humane Society of St. Louis. This was the fifth year of the celebration. More than 500 people attended the benefit, which raised more than $32,000 for the Humane Society.

Special collections from various manufacturers were showcased at the festivities. This year, Tiffany presented an exclusive Jean Schlumberger collection. Simons also arranged to exhibit the Duchess of Marlborough Egg, produced by Peter Carl Fabergé in 1902 and on loan from the Forbes collection.

R.L. DAVIS CELEBRATES REOPENING WITH BENEFIT

Tyler, Texas-based R.L. Davis recently celebrated the opening of its newly remodeled store with a benefit for the Tyler Museum of Art Endowment Fund. At the in-store event, attendees were treated to a glimpse of the world’s largest uncut diamond, Lazare Kaplan’s 620-ct. giant Sefadu. Also displayed were special collections.