ICA MEMBERS TO VOTE ON ENHANCEMENT CODE

Members of the International Colored Gemstone Association will vote on a proposed international enhancement information system at this year’s ICA Congress. The event will be held June 18-23 in the Asakusa View Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.

The vote will be the culmination of ICA’s effort to establish a mandatory system of codes for all members to use in informing customers about gemstone enhancement on invoices and other commercial documents.

Members will hear presentations for and against the proposed system and then participate in debate and comment before voting. “It is very important that ICA make a decision now to establish one worldwide system to make sure that all our customers, in every country around the world, are provided with all the information they need in a clear, easy-to-understand way,” ICA President Sadaharu Fujita says in the February issue of the ICA Gazette newsletter. “We must take this step to protect consumers and to protect our industry.”

Also planned are the ICAIntertrade Auction and discussions on gemstone supplies, marketing and ICA programs.

The fee to attend is $950 for ICA members and $850 for their accompanying family members, $1,100 for non-members and $1,000 for their accompanying family members. International Colored Gemstone Association, 22643 Strathern St., West Hills, Cal. 91304; (818) 716-0489, fax (818) 340-5936. ICA Gembureau, 609 Fifth Ave., #905, New York, N.Y. 10017; (212) 688-8452, fax (212) 371-1964.

WINSTON TO PLEAD INDUSTRY ROLE TO D.C.

It’s time the jewelry industry stood up to be counted in the U.S. economy, says Ronald Winston, president of Harry Winston Inc. and new chairman of the American Jewelry Council.

The council, whose members represent most of the major industry organizations, was formed to develop a unified response to industry issues and problems, says Winston. His first priority is to mount an assault on Washington, D.C. “We plan to spend a day in Washington this fall to acquaint Congress with our industry to help protect it against unfair taxation,” he says. “We have a $25 billion industry with $2.5 billion in exports – about half of the exports of the U.S. auto industry. But we’re largely unrecognized.”

One key problem, says Winston, is that many lawmakers look at the jewelry industry as luxury when it’s actually a necessity. “Who gets married without a diamond engagement ring?” he asks. “Jewelry is an essential part of today’s fashion. The council will try to make them understand the contribution the industry makes to our economy and lifestyle.

ORT JEWELRY CHAPTER NAMES JOSE HESS PRESIDENT

Jose Hess of Jose Hess Inc., New York, N.Y., has been elected president of the Jewelry Industry Chapter of the American ORT.

Hess, an award-winning jewelry designer, immigrated to New York from Colombia as a young man and went on to reach the top of his trade.

ORT, which stands for Organization for Rehabilitation Through Training, provides vocational and technical education to students in 35 countries.

AGS MEMBERS PREPARE FOR `SPRING TRAINING’

“Spring Training” is the theme of the American Gem Society Conclave, scheduled for April 4-10 at the Pointe Hilton Resort at Tapatio Cliffs, Phoenix, Ariz.

The keynote speaker is Stanley Marcus, chairman emeritus of Neiman-Marcus. Jay Johnstone, a former Major League baseball player and now a sports show personality, author and humanitarian, will be the guest speaker at the Shipley Awards Luncheon. Pat Haden, a former football standout with the Los Angeles Rams, former Rhodes Scholar and now a general partner in a venture capital firm, will be the closing speaker. John C. Nash, a Canadian jeweler and member of the AGSBoard of Trustees, will serve as Conclave emcee.

In all, more than 70 classes will be presented in all areas of gemology, business and marketing. For example, attendees will get a broad view of the industry through several speakers from other countries, including Sergio Diaz Guerrero, Mexico’s NAFTA negotiation coordinator, and James Biss of the Canadian Jewellers Association, both of whom will participate in a seminar titled “Update on NAFTA”; Junko Shida of Japan, who will present “Laser Tomography and Corundums”; Dr. Christopher Jennings of SouthernEra Resources Ltd., who will speak about diamond finds in Canada; and Kenneth Scarratt of the AsianInstitute of Gemological Sciences of Thailand, who will present “Ruby, Sapphire – Locality, Treatment andSynthesis Update.”

New classes include “Recent Gemstone Production in Burma,” “Train Diamond Sales Associates the Easy Way,” “Gemstone Mining in America,” “Diamond Pricing” and “Effective Selling Skills:Turn On Customers! Turn Up Sales!”

This year’s AGSTown Meeting will provide a forum to discuss advertising concerns and solutions. Panelists will be Georgie Gleim, AGS president; Paul Cohen, chairman of the AGS Ethics Committee; John Michaels, chairman of the AGSGrievance and Review Committee; and ClaytonBromberg, AGSpresident-elect.

A silent auction will raise money to help fund various AGSprograms.

To reserve hotel rooms, call (800) 528-0428. For travel arrangements, call (800) 631-1606 or (800) 526-0395. American Gem Society, 8881 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nev. 89117; (702) 255-6500, fax (702) 255-7420.

TABLETOP ASSOCIATION APPROVES NEW NAME

The National Tabletop Association has changed its name to the National Tabletop & Giftware Association. Executives say the change better reflects the scope of the association’s membership. “Giftware has been a large part of our members’ business for some time,” says William Simpson, president of Pfaltzgraff and president of NTGA. “[The name change] was long overdue.”

The association will continue to provide a forum for education and communication for members. NTGA’s next executive conference will be held Sept. 6-8 in New York, N.Y.

National Tabletop & Giftware Association, 355 Lexington Ave., 17 Fl., New York, N.Y. 10017-6603; (212) 661-4261; fax (212) 370-9047.

CHICAGO WJA PRESENTS AWARDS

The Chicago Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association has honored the winners of its first jewelry design competition.

Terry Crowe Pooler of Therese Crowe Designs won first prize for an 18k yellow gold bezel-set cabochon colored gem bracelet. She received a Tiffany diamond paperweight.

Margie Regan won second prize for an 18k yellow gold matte finish cabochon colored gem ring. Her prize was a book on jewelry design.

Susan Goldstein of Designs by Susan G. won third prize for a flexible colored gem bracelet. She received a year’s subscription to JCK.

The judges were designer Paul Klecka of Chicago, Diana Hall of Cartier in Chicago and JCK Fashion Editor Hedda T. Schupak.

ASA, ISA CHOOSE NEW OFFICES

Two appraisal organizations have announced new headquarters.

The American Society of Appraisers was scheduled to move into new headquarters in mid-March. The new location, next door to the old one, will provide more space at a lower cost per square foot and will feature a conference room for committees wishing to meet there.

The new address is American Society of Appraisers International Headquarters, P.O. Box 17265, Washington, D.C. 20041; (800) ASA-VALU.

The International Society of Appraisers has moved its headquarters from Maryland to Washington. The new address, effective in February, is 16040 Christensen Rd., Suite 320, Seattle, Wash. 98188; (206) 241-0359, fax (206) 241-0436. The executive director is Chris Coleman.

ISA has a membership of 1,100+ and anticipates further growth this year as it presents Certified Appraiser of Personal Property courses on appraisal theory, principles and practice across the country.

JA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN, HONORS LONGTIME JEWELERS

Jewelers of America has developed a new image campaign and established a club honoring members who have been in business 100 years or more.

The image campaign is called “The Mark of a Professional Jeweler” and is designed to teach the public about the professionalism of JA members through a four-part program:

• Ad slicks, brochures and point-of-purchase materials.

• A video news release on how to select a jeweler.

• Radio and TV talk show placements.

• Use of its existing national spokesperson network to counteract uncomplimentary stories that may appear during jewelry gift-giving seasons.

The JA 100 Club, meanwhile, will honor member stores that have been in business 100 years or more. Club members will receive a certificate to display in their store and will be the subject of news releases JA sends to hometown newspapers about their long-standing reputation and service to the community.

The 1995 inductees are Anger’s Jewelry & Gift Shop, Rockford, Ill.; B.C. Clark Jewelers, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Bixler’s, Easton, Pa.; Corwin’s, Southampton, N.Y.; Cowardin’s, Richmond, Va.; Crosman’s Jewelers, Auburn, N.Y.; E.W. Parker, Madison, Wis.; Hawthorne Jewelry, Kearny, Neb.; Joe Koen & Son Jewelers, Austin, Tex.; Merkley Kendrick Jewelers, Louisville, Ky.; Michaels Inc., Waterbury, Conn.; Mines Jewelers, Wayne, Neb.; Morgan’s Jewelers, Winona, Minn.; Nielsen’s Jewelers, Portland, Ore.; Pendleton’s Jewelry Co., Bristol, Va.; R. Matteucci & Co., San Francisco, Cal.; Randolph Jewelers, Placerville, Cal.; Reid & Todd Inc., Stratford, Conn.; Trein’s Jewelry, Dixon, Ill.; William Barthman Jewelers, New York, N.Y.; and Zimmer Bros., Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Jewelers of America, 1185 Ave. of the Americas, 30 Fl., New York, N.Y. 10036; (212) 768-8777.

JEF REACHES RECORD NUMBER OF JEWELERS

The Jewelers Education Foundation of the American Gem Society reached more jewelers than ever in 1994 – 1,948, up 47% from 1993.

JEF provides business and management training nationwide in seminars at the JCK International Jewelry Show, the American Gem Society Conclave and state jewelers association and AGS guild meetings.

The seminars are conducted by JEF Foundation Fellows, who are actively involved in the jewelry industry and who receive training in effective oral presentation skills. Each Foundation Fellow participates in two training sessions on how to prepare and deliver a well-organized, interesting presentation using effective communication techniques.

Jewelers Education Foundation, 2697 E. County Rd. E., #524, White Bear Lake, Minn. 55110; (612) 653-3919, fax (612) 653-3920.

CUFF LINK SOCIETY OFFERS COLLECTOR’S KITS

The National Cuff Link Society offers free collector’s kits that you may give to customers. The kits contain information about where to find cuff links, ideas for specializing, a reference table, price guide and photographs of interesting cuff links.

“We receive so many requests for information about the hobby of collecting cuff links that it made sense to create a kit and make it available to everybody,” says Eugene R. Klompus, society president.

National Cuff Link Society, P.O. Box 346, Prospect Heights, Ill. 60070; (708) 632-0561.

NORTHWEST JEWELERS ANNOUNCE CONFERENCE

The Northwest Jewelry Industry Conference will be held April 29-30 in the Seattle Marriott Sea-Tac Airport Hotel, Seattle, Wash.

The conference will present speakers on such topics as product knowledge, store and road security, customer service and business forecasts. It is organized and sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association, the Pacific Northwest Guild of the American Gem Society, the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association and the Northwest Chapter of the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association.

Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association, 27013 Pacific Hwy. S., #295, Kent, Wash. 98032; (206) 859-3607, fax (206) 854-7203.

JA NEWSLETTER RECEIVES AWARD

JReport, the monthly newsletter of Jewelers of America, received an honorable mention in the American Society of Association Executives’ 1994 Gold Circle Awards competition.

ASAE awards honorable mentions to entries that have “meritorious qualities.” More than 80 newsletters competed for four awards.

EMAGOLD: DEVOTED TO CONSISTENT QUALITY

You’ll undoubtedly see much more of this logo in the coming years, especially if you buy overseas or specialize in European jewelry designs. This is the logo of Emagold, the European Gold Manufacturers Association, a group of gold manufacturers dedicated to consumer protection and consistency of quality standards.

Emagold’s purpose is to reassure customers of a product’s quality and to boost the image and influence of European jewelry. The trademark is internationally registered and is already being promoted in various advertising campaigns. Additionally, Emagold members have displayed a collection of their jewelry at the World Gold Council stands at major European trade fairs.

Emagold originated from concern among jewelry manufacturers and retailers about the different minimum karatage requirements and deviation tolerances among European countries. The manufacturers and retailers felt the need for some harmonizing force as Europe becomes a unified market under the new European Union. Member companies of Emagold have pledged to meet certain standards, and their compliance is monitored at test facilities.

ASA SCHEDULES 1995 CONFERENCE

The International Appraisal Conference of the American Society of Appraisers will be held June 19-21 in the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, Colo.

The conference will feature seminars and other presentations aimed at appraisers of all types of property, including jewelry. Included will be ASA chapter award presentations, guest speakers and a trade show.

For information on the trade show, call Maureen Boyer at the Exhibits Convention Service Center, (800) 525-6338. To register or more information on the conference, contact American Society of Appraisers, P.O. Box 17265, Washington, D.C. 20041; (800) ASA-VALU. If you have a computer with modem, learn more about the conference by going online with the Appraisal Profession Online network; set your modem to dial 1-703-478-5502.

AGS TO TIE IN WITH DIAMOND CAMPAIGN

The American Gem Society announced it will be working with N.W. Ayer in its 1995 women’s diamond jewelry print advertising program. The national campaign targets men and is designed to provide information they need to make knowledgeable diamond buying decisions.

The program includes two ads. One features a diamond heart pendant; the other, three diamond bracelets. All pieces are provided by AGS Supplier firms.

The campaign starts this spring and will continue through Christmas. It will be supported with $3 million in national ad funding.

AGS HOLDS PROMOTION, RECEIVES NEVADA AWARD

The American Gem Society has announced that 60% of its members participated in the AGS Week promotion, held Nov. 16-23. The promotion is designed to help AGS members inform consumers about their gemological knowledge, credibility and fine quality jewelry.

AGS supplied members with a media kit that included newspaper ad slicks, press releases, radio scripts and sample mayoral and gubernatorial letters.

The society also received an Industry Appreciation Award from Nevada Gov. Bob Miller. The award recognizes AGS’s contribution to the Silver State’s business community. It was presented to Herb Bridge, chairman of the AGS Board of Trustees.

American Gem Society, 8881 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nev. 89117; (702) 255-6500, fax (702) 255-7420.

LOUISIANA EVENT FEATURES SEMINARS, SOCIAL EVENTS

A seminar program and social events highlighted the 49th convention of Jewelers of Louisiana Inc., held recently in Alexandria.

Keynote speaker was Ginger Dick, an industry author, speaker and marketing expert. Her topic was “Promotions for the Off Season.” Jennifer Johnson of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office spoke about going-out-of-business sales, truth in pricing and local trade shows. Ulla Raus and Shannon Calloway of the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology offered a review of advances in bench technology. Chari Bierlien, G.G., spoke about fracture-filled diamonds.

The association named Joan Thompson of ArtCarved Wedding Rings as Salesperson of the Year and Richard Melancon of Melancon Jewelers in Abbeville as Jeweler of the Year. Johnny Tate of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry in Baton Rouge won the association’s custom design contest with an 18k yellow gold ruby and diamond collar clip.

Social events included a welcoming-night barbecue and the association’s annual banquet and casino/auction.

The association’s 50th anniversary convention will be held July 15-16 in Baton Rouge. All past presidents will be honored, so the association is seeking pictures, articles and information from the past, including anything relating to the Louisiana Retail Jewelers Association and the Louisiana Horological Association.

Jewelers of Louisiana Inc., 11413 Sullivan Rd., Baton Rouge, La. 70818; (504) 261-6763.

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION TO ENHANCE SERVICES

The Canadian Jewellers Association has chosen Karen Bassels to fill the new position of associate general manager.

Bassels formerly ran the association’s annual trade show and developed its credit information portfolio. She now will create an “association within the association” to focus on the needs of jewelry manufacturers, importers, distributors and traveling sales representatives. She also will build relationships with similar organizations in other countries to help boost Canadian jewelry exports.

BOSTON JEWELERS CLUB ANNOUNCES 1995 OFFICERS

Anthony D. Ostrom is the new president of the Boston Jewelers Club. Ostrom, vice president of Tiffany & Co., Boston, was elected at the club’s recent 106th annual meeting.

Other officers are D. Colby Lunt III of Lunt Silversmiths, Greenfield, Mass., vice president, and Robert W. Paul of Warwick, R.I., secretary-treasurer.

Fredric J. Hammerle of Stern Metals Inc., Attleboro Mass., was elected to join the board of directors. Reelected to the board were Robert F. Wilson of Cheshire, Conn.; Curtis A. Ley of Howard Sweet & Son, Attleboro; Richard LeStage of LeStage Manufacturing Co., North Attleboro, Mass.; Adam C. Heyman of Oscar Heyman & Bros. Inc., New York, N.Y.; and Robert E. Mahar of Mahar & Engstrom, Braintree, Mass.

The club also invited Thomas N. Breese Jr. of Attleboro and Joseph H. Samuel Jr. of J.&S.S. DeYoung Inc., Boston, to continue as honorary directors.

Welcomed into membership in the 150-member club were Richard Calk of Swarovski Jewelry U.S. Ltd., Cranston, R.I.; William C. Conant II of J.&S.S. DeYoung; Steven H. Duvarney II of Duvarney Jewelers, Fitchburg, Mass.; Hugh D. Mason of Mason Box Co., North Attleboro; Stephen S. Mercer of Sandberg & Sikorski Diamond Corp., New York, N.Y.; and E. Paul Mooney Jr. of George H. Fuller & Son Co., Pawtucket, R.I.

The club also announced its three annual social events for 1995: banquet, Feb. 11; outing, June 5; and meeting and beefsteak dinner, Nov. 3.

Boston Jewelers Club, 15 Nightingale Ave., Warwick, R.I. 02889; (401) 737-5757.

TEXAS JEWELERS PLAN MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN

The Texas Jewelers Association has launched a campaign to increase membership and participation in the organization. In a recent TJA newsletter, President Troy Vinson told members they should be better able to recruit new members because of the improving economy.

TJA also announced that its 1995 convention will be held April 23-25 in Salado, Tex.

Texas Jewelers Association, 504 W. 12 St., Austin, Tex. 78701; (800) 299-4872 or (512) 472-7342, fax (512) 474-5011.

GIA PRESIDENT SPEAKS AT CHICAGO WJA EVENT

The Chicago Chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association held its annual membership breakfast and a Mardi Gras party in August.

Guest speaker for the membership breakfast was William Boyajian, president of the Gemological Institute of America, Santa Monica, Cal. He spoke about the advances women have made in the jewelry industry and the challenges that lie ahead.

The Mardi Gras, held in the Metropolitan Club atop the Sears Tower, raised $1,000 for a women’s shelter.

N. CAROLINA WATCHMAKERS PRESENT SEMINAR PROGRAM

The North Carolina Watchmakers Association held its 1994 convention in October in Raleigh.

The education program included a lecture on repairing porcelain dials, a demonstration of a crystal cutting machine, an exhibit of long-case clocks, tips on watch band and jewelry repair, a discussion of Swiss watches and a discussion on definitions of treated, filled, cultured and drilled gems.