Catalogs

Silver Stars Collection catalog by MMA International showcases thousands of pieces of sterling silver jewelry. This 64-page catalog includes triple keystone prices and features both classics and the latest trends. MMA International, PO Box 160577, Austin, TX 78716-0577; (800) 531-5316 or fax (888) 531-5316.

Rio Grande proudly debuts its 1997-98 gems & findings catalog. This 508-page, full-color catalog shows the company’s full line of platinum, gold, silver, gold-filled, and base metal findings, as well as a comprehensive selection of diamonds, pearls, faceted and cabochon-cut gemstones, cameos, laboratory-grown stones, simulated stones and CZs. The company’s selection of raw materials is also described. Rio Grande Display & Packaging, 7500 Bluewater Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121-1962; (800) 253-9738.

J. Frank Golden & Associates, Inc. has compiled a new, full color, triple keystone catalog including more than 1000 colored stones pictured with many pieces of finished jewelry. This catalog is produced specifically to allow the retail jeweler to work directly with their customers using the published triple keystone pricing or discounting at their discretion. J. Frank Golden & Associates; (800) 241-2165 or fax (800) 946-8354.

The latest GIA GEM Instruments and Books product catalog from the Gemological Institute of America provides information on new products, services, publications and over 200 new gemological and jewelry books. Gemological Institute of America, 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008; (800) 421-8161, (800) 937-0550 or (760) 603-4200, fax (760) 603-4262.

An eight-page catalog of 24k guardian angel coins, sterling silver omegas, cubic zirconia, semiprecious stones and more is available from Expressions by Sayed, 7701 World Trade Center, P.O. Box 420185, Dallas, TX 75342; (214) 748-3275, fax (214) 748-3308.

Catalog of Easter World giftware and tabletops includes figurines, candles, candleholders, ornaments, water globes and musical figurines. Kurt S. Adler Inc., 1107 Broadway, New York, NY 10010; (800) 243-9627 or (212) 924-0900, fax (212) 807-0575 or (212) 675-6672.

Bench & Lab

Produce wax models with Rio Grande Belicone mold rubber. Belicone strips are made of self-lubricating silicone rubber so no release agents are needed when injecting wax. These silicone putty strips can be pressed around a model or they can be layered in sheets like traditional mold rubber. Four varieties are available to suit many applications. The red type stays soft and flexible after vulcanizing; the blue rubber is tear-resistant and firmer than the red; the yellow variety is even more tear-resistant than the blue; and the opaque rubber is highly tear-resistant and self-lubricating. Belicone strips measure 18” x 2” x 7/8” with a vulcanizing temperature of 350. Rio Grande Tools & Equipment; (800) 545-6566 or fax (800) 648-3499.

The new Lasergold CyberLaser has been devised for both large- and small-scale production, custom designs and repairs. It is ideal for repairing porosity on platinum casting without damaging stones, and for manual spot and small seam welding of different metals or metal combinations. Gold International Machinery Corp., PO Box 998, Pawtucket, RI; (800) 619-GOLD, (401) 724-3200 or fax (401) 728-5770.

The Mini-Max Steamer Model 6600 is a patented portable desk-top steam cleaner capable of cleaning jewelry under 150psi. The cleaner uses steam vapor, is UL-listed and also received European CE and TUV approvals. FTC, 1165 Walnut St., Chula Vista, CA 91911; (619) 575-7155, fax (619) 575-4067.

Linn High Therm is offering Adam & Eva, two new miniature high temperature furnaces in stainless steel casting. Both furnaces are made with Al2O2 fiber insulation which results in very fast heating and cooling cycles, a minimum of energy consumption, low weight, small size and corrosion resistance. Linn High Therm GmbH, Heinrich-Hertz-Platz 1, D-92275 Eschenfelden; 0 96 65/91 40 0 or fax 0 96 65/17 20.

Hinges and Hinge-Based Catches for Jewelers and Goldsmiths, a new publication of Brain Press, analyzes hinges and hinge-like mechanisms. Along with extensive discussions of history, generics, classes of hinges and guiding principles, the publication covers such topics as design issues, tube making, hinge pin types, hinge types, hinge-based catch systems, hidden hinges, cast hinges, alternative hinges, solving design problems and check lists for hinge construction. Brain Press, Box 1624, Station M, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2L7, Canada; (403) 263-3955, fax (403) 283-9053.

WatchMate is a multi-tester for quartz analog watches. The WatchMate features motor operation testing of a sealed or open watch, full battery evaluation of all common types, coil testing, quartz crystal testing, and circuit board testing. Test leads, micro-probes and operating instructions are included. Suggested retail $129. H.R.S. Instratec; (609) 427-2525 or fax (904) 268-5994.

Carded bead cord that is 72 inches long with a twisted needle attached can be used for pearls and beads. Available in white only, sizes 0-10. Helby Import Co., 1501 S. Park Ave., Linden, NJ 07036; (888) 474-2900.

Contact East is providing a new 268-page full-line equipment catalog for the fall season. This catalog carries a wide variety of precision hand tools, inspection equipment, cleaning equipment, adhesives, multi-purpose tools, test equipment, soldering supplies and much more. Some brand names include Excelta, Viola, Xuron, Klein, Dremel and Luxo. All products are fully guaranteed and same day shipping is provided. Contact East, Inc., 335 Willow Street South, North Andover, MA 01845-5995; (508) 682-9844.

The new APAC leverback has been modified to accept extra-large snap settings in keeping with the industry’s demand for large stones. In addition to the new plain leverback for soldering, APAC added a 10mm round, 12 by 8 pear, 9 by 9 triangle, 10 by 8 oval, 14 by 7 marquis and 10 by 8 octagon. The new leverbacks are available in sterling silver, gold filled and brass. APAC Tool Inc., 49 Hurdis St., North Providence, R.I. 02904; (401) 724-6090, fax (401) 738-8038.

Gold International Machinery in Pawtucket, R.I., is now the exclusive North and South American distributor of JewelCad®, jewelry design and manufacturing software for retailers and manufacturers. The software allows customers and retail jewelers to design the product at the point of sale and electronically transfer the data to a CNC or rapid prototyping manufacturing machine for production. The software is a licensed product of Jewellery Cad/Cam Ltd. in Hong Kong. Gold International Machinery Corp., P.O. Box 998, Pawtucket, RI 02862; (800) 619-GOLD or (401) 724-3200, fax (401) 728-5770; goldmach@ids.net.

ProphetLine Inc. offers a retail management system that can be customized for each store’s functions. Working closely with Microsoft, the company recently introduced a package for Windows 5.0 that includes features for purchasing and maintaining seasonal inventories. The System Manager includes all cash register and organizational functions and can be customized with a variety of modules: manufacturing (for retailers who design and manufacture goods), accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, communications (for multi-store retailers) and card verification. ProphetLine, 2120 So. Waldron #128B, Ft. Smith, AR 72902; (800) 875-6592.

TargetSmart! is a database marketing software package designed for small businesses. The software allows owners and managers to target customers with appropriate promotions and personalized communications, then measures the results of each communication effort. The software is designed to be used as a complement to point-of-sale systems, account programs and management software.

TargetSmart! runs on the Windows® 95 operating system and is available for $495. TargetSmart Inc., 1860 Blake St., Suite 640, Denver, CO 80202; (303) 298-8470; dwillis@brwpr.com.

Model 4600 is a dedicated printer that issues documents such as gift certificates, checks or money orders at a retail point-of-sale counter or customer service station. Documents are stored inside the printer’s locking vault to ensure security. The printer integrates with any system via Serial RS-232 interface. Westrex International, 25 Denby Rd., Boston, MA 02134-1694; (617) 254-1200, fax (617) 254-6848.

Merchandising

The Jeweler’s Resource Bureau announced the release of the 1998 edition of the JRB Designer’s Planning Guide, the calendar/workbook that jewelry designers can use to optimize their business plans for the coming year. The guide is filled with detailed information on when, where and how to take advantage of business opportunities at trade shows, in industry publications, with professional organizations, in jewelry contests and other venues. Jeweler’s Resource Bureau, 129 Secor Lane, Pelham Manor, NY 10803; (914) 738-8485 or fax (914) 738-0096.

The Platinum Guild International USA and Stuller Settings have combined their marketing skills to create a Platinum Jewelry Retail Starter Kit. The kit is designed to help retailers maximize their selling potential with platinum jewelry. Retailers buy one or more collections of the most-in-demand platinum pieces at value prices. Platinum Guild International USA Jewelry Inc., 620 Newport Center Drive, Suite 800, Newport Beach, CA 92660; (714) 760-8279, fax (714) 760-8780.

Custom prepaid calling cards range in cost from 28 cents (one-color, minimum quantity 10,000) to 96 cents (four-color, minimum quantity 1,000) and are available in 5-, 20-, 30- and 100-minute denominations. Options include bar-coding and a scratch-off panel that conceals personal identification numbers for extra security. You can provide camera-ready artwork (up to four colors) or a copy of your company logo; cards are delivered within 10 days after artwork approval. Set-up fees are $40 per color per side. Specialty Store Services Inc. 6115 Monroe Court, Morton Grove, IL 60053; (800) 998-9129.

Business Services

American Express, Datacap Systems and NXT Corporation are pleased to announce DataTran certification for direct AmEx card authorization and settlement. The NXT network allows merchants using Datacap products to process AmEx cards directly to AmEx, eliminating transaction fees associated with other AmEx card processing methods. The DataTran interface is the first payment system to utilize NXT’s AmEx interface solely for AmEx transactions. Datacap Systems Inc., 100 New Britian Blvd., Chalfont, PA 18914-1832; (215) 997-8989 or fax (215) 997-3919.

NEBS is now offering a full line of employment-related products designed to give business owners an efficient, cost-effective, consistent and legally current set of products for hiring, evaluating and managing their employees. NEBS, 500 Main St., Groton, Mass. 01471; (888) 228-6327, (508) 448-6111 or fax (508) 448-9463.

ATX Forms, Inc. is introducing TaxSolver software which includes virtually every type of business tax return needed for small business. Some tax forms included are the 1040, 1120 corporate, 1120S corporate, 1065 partnership, 990 nonprofit, 1041 trust, 5500 benefit plan and much more. Suggested retail: $49 (before tax season) and $59 (after tax season), plus $4.95 for shipping and handling. TaxSolver, PO Box 1040, Washburn, Me. 04736; (800) 638-8291 or fax (207) 455-0963.

Lousig-Nont & Associates introduces the Sales Success profile, a pencil-and-paper test designed to assess sales ability. It isolates and measures the 13 specific skill areas critical to sales success. The salesperson is ranked by percentile, via software, in their tangible sales skills compared to a random sampling of 350,000 other salespeople. Lousig-Nont & Associates, 3740 South Royal Crest St., Las Vegas, NV 89119-7010; (800) 477-3211, (702) 732-8000 or fax (702) 732-1572.