FRIEDMAN GROUP PLANS 1996 SEMINARS

A 1996 schedule of store management seminars is available from The Freidman Group.

Developed by retail authority Harry J. Friedman, the seminars offer owners, supervisors and managers a chance to learn the newest on-the-floor management techniques for keeping their staffs producing at record levels.

Highlights of the seminars include how to develop a motivated staff, how to end the frustration of searching for qualified salespeople, how to set and meet objective sales goals, how to track sales and spot trends, how to get employees to play by your rules, how to avoid employee turnover, how to create your own policy manual, how to develop a great salesperson, what to do when your staff’s sales drop and how to get control over day-to-day operations.

For a brochure of seminar dates and locations and a free copy of the On the Floor sales and management newsletter, contact The Friedman Group, 441 Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 101, Lakewood, CO 80226; (800) 351-8040.

COMPANIES CONTRIBUTE TO GIA DIAMOND RESEARCH

Four companies recently pledged $100,000 each to the Gemological Institute of America’s Vision 2000 program in support of research, development and education programs.

Codiam Inc., a diamond manufacturer and importer in New York, N.Y., made its donation to fund diamond research. There isn’t another organization that does as much for the diamond industry or does as much research for the trade and the general public, says Stephen D. Cohen, president of Codiam. They are always there for you. GIA genuinely supports the industry, and it deserves to be supported by the industry.

Chatham Created Gems of San Francisco, Cal., made its donation to fund research on synthetic diamonds. The science of gemology has reached a high state of sophistication, says President Tom Chatham. It is no longer simply a matter of a couple of guys looking through a microscope. It’s a problem the industry has to address, and we don’t want to be part of the problem; we want to be a benefit.

Sotheby’s donation will help to underwrite the GIA Colored Stones program. We believe that jewelers must be able to confront new technologies in gemstone synthesis and treatment which, if not properly understood, can create problems for manufacturers and retailers alike, says John Block, executive vice president of the auction house.

Christie’s donation will be used to help sponsor GIA’s diamond grading course. The understanding of diamond quality, grading and overall appreciation is crucial to the future of our business in the context of today’s complex environment, says Simon Teakle, head of the auction house’s jewelry department in New York City. Today, no important stone can be offered without considering a GIA certificate, and it is of great importance that as many people as possible be able to interpret these certificates.

Information on Vision 2000 is available from Jim Littman, GIA’s director of development at P.O. Box 2110, Santa Monica, CA 90404-4088; (800) 421-7250 or (310) 829-2991, fax (310) 453-7674.

In search of gems: In other news, GIA announced it has launched a program to encourage the donation of gemstones for use in its education and research programs.

GIA is distributing envelopes that donors may use to mail back donated stones, complete with a description and estimate of fair market value. It’s a great program because our students can learn from stones in a range of qualities, which allows for the donation of something a benefactor may not be able to use, says Anna Lisa Johnston, manager of GIA’s Treasured Gifts Council.

The council was established to help GIA meet its needs by encouraging individual and corporate gifts-in-kind of stones, materials and other non-cash assets.

Every student benefits from the opportunity to examine a wide variety of stones representative of today’s industry, says Jeanne Larson, who chairs the council. With the increased sophistication of synthetics and treatments, GIA must provide more gemstones to its research laboratory for study to keep up with the ever-changing needs of the industry.

For envelopes or more information, contact the Gemological Institute of America, P.O. Box 2110, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2110; (800) 421-7250 or (310) 829-2991, ext. 274; fax (310) 829-2269.

MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OFFERS SEMINAR CATALOG

The American Management Association offers a new catalog of seminars it will hold in various cities in the U.S. and Canada through October.

General topics include accounting, assertiveness training, communication skills, financial management, human resources and training, information systems, insurance, leadership skills, management skills, marketing management, office management, purchasing, sales and quality management.

The free catalog is available from the American Management Association, 135 W. 50 St., New York, NY 10020-1201; (800) 262-9699.

GREAT LAKES INSTITUTE OFFERS JEWELRY TRAINING

Great Lakes Jewelers Institute has opened to serve the educational needs of Midwest jewelers. The school is located just outside of Chicago in Merrillville, Ind.

There is such a need in our industry for everything from basic education to custom design courses, and we fill that niche, says Nina Gutteirez, owner and one of the instructors at the school. We are thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our programs.

The institute offers five hours of training per day in addition to independent studies. Instructors are all professional jewelers.

Great Lakes Jewelers Institute, 630 W. U.S. Hwy. 30, Merrillville, IN 46410; (800) JEWEL-77 or (219) 769-6103.

ASA ANNOUNCES CLASSES IN LAS VEGAS

The American Society of Appraisers will present two classes May 31-June 3 at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. The classes coincide with the JCK International Jewelry Show, scheduled for May 31 to June 4 in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

Introduction to Personal Property Valuation (PP201) will cost $375 for ASA members, $475 for non-members. Master Gemologist Appraiser (GJ206) will cost $450 for members, $550 for non-members.

American Society of Appraisers, P.O. Box 17265, Washington, DC 20041; (800) ASA-VALU or (703) 733-2126, fax (703) 742-8471.

ACCESSORIES DESIGNER ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP

Designer Judith Leiber and her husband, Gerson, have donated $100,000 to establish a scholarship fund at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, N.Y.

The scholarship will be aimed at students majoring in accessories design. F.I.T. has the nation’s only such program and has been preparing students to design and manufacture millinery, belts, gloves, handbags, small leather goods and other accessories since 1982.

Leiber has been a leading designer and manufacturer of handbags for more than 30 years. Best known for her jeweled minaudières, she creates more than 100 pieces yearly.

COURSE TO FOCUS ON WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION

The 1996 Wholesale Distribution Executive Management Course will be held June 2-7 at the Ohio State University.

Sponsored by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, the course will teach innovative business strategies in five key disciplines: sales and marketing, human resources, financial management, teamwork and logistics.

For a free course brochure, contact the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, 1725 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 872-0885, fax (202) 785-0586.

RUSSIAN GEMOLOGISTS COMPLETE STUDY AT GIA

The first group of Graduate Gemologists from the former Soviet Union have completed studies at the Gemological Institute of America and have received their diplomas.

The class was led by Dr. Julia Solodova, chief of the gemological faculty at the Moscow National Gemmological Institute. The accelerated program began in August 1995 when 22 NGI students came to GIA for an expanded Colored Stone Grading class and advanced gemology seminars. They returned to Moscow and completed Gemology program assignments. In January, the students returned to GIA to take Diamond Grading and Gem Identification classes, complete their practical work and take exams.

We’d like to find ways to make our education programs more accessible in Russia, says Brook Ellis, GIA’s vice president of operations. We are exploring the possibility of working with NGI on providing GIA courses in Russian translations.

ISA SCHEDULES CORE COURSES

The International Society of Appraisers will present its core courses June 15-23 in the Harley Hotel, Hartford, Conn. The courses form a core curriculum that leads to the designations ISA Accredited Appraiser and ISA Certified Appraiser of Personal Property.

The courses are geared toward appraisers and dealers of antiques, fine arts, jewelry, machinery and other personal property. They cover the professional standards of methodology and report writing for insurance, divorce, estate taxes, damage claims and charitable contributions.

Increased liability to appraisers makes it imperative for anyone who gives an opinion of value to know and practice the highest standards of the appraisal professional, says Chris Coleman, executive director of ISA. These core courses also provide an excellent entry into the appraisal profession.

Enrollment is open to ISA members and non-members. Previous appraisal experience is not required. International Society of Appraisers, 16040 Christensen, Suite 320, Seattle, WA 98188-2929; (206) 241-0359, fax (206) 241-0436.

JEWELERS LEARN ABOUT PLATINUM

Jewelry professionals learned how to work more efficiently with platinum during Platinum Day, presented in New York City in March by the Platinum Guild International USA and the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America.

Manufacturers, retailers, designers, wholesalers and trade-casters attended the full day of manufacturing and casting seminars. Topics were The Supply of Platinum in Semifabricated Products to the Jewelry Industry, presented by Carl P. Denney Jr. of Johnson Matthey, New York City; An Overview of the Platinum Casting Process, Igor Shersher of Platina Casting Services, New York City; Bonding Platinum and Gold for Finished Jewelry, Steven Kretchmer of Steven Kretchmer Design, Los Angeles, Cal.; Platinum Fabrication Processes and Annealing Schedules for Currently Used Alloyed-Platinum Products, Greg Normandeau of Imperial Smelting and Refining Co., Vancouver, Canada; and Recent Developments in Platinum Manufacturing, Christopher J. Cart of the Platinum Guild International USA, Newport Beach, Cal.

The event included a lunch during which models wore apparel by Louis Feraud and platinum jewelry by Scott Kay, Steven Kretchmer, Alishan Designer Jewelry, OE Design and Abel & Zimmerman.

Platinum Guild International USA, 620 Newport Center Dr., Suite 800, Newport Beach, CA 92660; (714) 760-8279, fax (714) 760-8780.

SYMPOSIUM TO FOCuS ON METALSMITHING

The second New England Metalsmithing Symposium will be held in Sept. 13-14 in Bridgton, Me.

The symposium is designed to foster communication and professional support in a rustic environment and to provide valuable information for workers at all levels.

Presenters and topics include: Stuff, Alan Burton Thompson; Decisionmaking, Karen Good; Art by Accident, J. Fred Woell; The Importance of Process, Jamie Johnston; Repetitive Stress Injuries, Dr. Jim Findlay; and Using Gold and Copper Leaf, Jeff Kellar.

New England Metalsmithing Symposium, 33 Woodland Rd., Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107; (207) 767-6059.

MJSA ESTABLISHES SCHOLARSHIP AT GIA

The Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America has established a scholarship program at the Gemological Institute of America in honor of Matthew A. Runci.

Runci was president of MJSA for seven years before becoming executive director of Jewelers of America last year. Matt served MJSA for more than 16 years in all, says MJSA Chairman Alan J. Kiltzner. He looks at education in our industry as one of the most important steps we can take to ensure our future. We hope this money can be used to achieve that goal for some students in Matt’s name.

The $5,000 donation that established the scholarship will be used to help students in the Graduate Jeweler program. This scholarship fund will be used to launch the careers of those who would not otherwise have the funds to realize their goals, says GIA President William E. Boyajian.

Separately, GIA announced that 27 people received 1996 scholarships based on merit and need. The winners:

Stephanie Hardy of Waynesburg, Pa., Henry Dunay Scholarship to study jewelry design.

Melanie Kirk of Isleta, N.M., Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America Scholarship to study in the Graduate Jeweler program.

Juliet Mayeri of San Francisco, Cal., MJSA Scholarship for jewelry design.

John Zahn of Bergenfield, N.J., Trillion Diamond Co. Endowed Scholarship to study in the Gemology program.

Arlene Stromberger of Greenacres, Wash., Ray Glynn Scholarship to study in the Gemology program.

Barbara Erkkila of Gloucester, Mass., Morris Hanauer Scholarship to study in the Gemology program.

Helen Clemente of Springhill, Fla., Frank Petrlik Scholarship to study in the Gemology program.

Janis Fitzgerald of Santa Monica, Cal., Eunice Miles Scholarship to study in the Graduate Gemology program.

Helen Demis of Los Angeles, Cal., and Michelle Duron of Colton, Cal., Irene Mack Scholarships to study in the Gemology program.

Jill Hedgespeth of Louisville, Ky., John Hunt of Wayzata, Minn., and Michael Bone of West Hills, Cal., Suberi Bros. Scholarships to study in the Graduate Jeweler program.

Joseph Koester of Villa Hills, Ky., and Amrita Bholanat of Ozone Park, N.Y., Richard Kern Scholarships to study in the Graduate Gemology program.

Kyle Bartholomew of Santa Cruz, Cal., and Tracy Bredemus of Plymouth, Minn., William Argo Scholarships to study in the Graduate Gemology and Gemology programs.

Mindy Ferris of Fayetteville, N.C., Jodi Maga of Fond du Lac, Wis., Melanie Israel of Stephenville, Tex., Melissa Wedig of San Antonio, Tex., Misa Gardner of Sherman Oaks, Cal., Daisy Wolman of Lancaster, Pa., and Angie Rodriguez of Olympia, Wash., Daniel Swarovski Scholarships to study in the Graduate Gemology program.

Tricia Simon of Brussels, Wis., Priscilla Johnson of Riverdale, Utah, and Heather Harkins of Owings, Md., IJO William F. Roberts Jr. Scholarships to study in the Gemology program.

Applications for 1997 scholarships will be available in November from GIA Financial Aid, P.O. Box 2110, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2110; (310) 829-2991, ext. 355, fax (310) 828-6589.

ŒGOLD DAY’ PRESENTS TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

Manufacturers had a chance to learn about the latest technological developments during Gold Day, which was held in March before the start of the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths of America Expo New York.

The full-day of educational programs covered a range of technical topics. It was a great opportunity for manufacturers to learn more about the technical side of their business and remain current on technological innovations, says Christine Yorke, merchandise director for the World Gold Council, which sponsored the event.

Speakers included Yorke; Chris Corti, manager of technical information and development for the World Gold Council; Greg Normandeau, product manager for Imperial Smelting and Refining Co.; Eddie Bell, director of technology at NEUTEC-USA; Richard Carrano, director of technical services at Stern-Leach; Erich W. Salomon, a consultant; Guy Desthomas, an expert in jewelry electroforming; Jacques Biau, European director of jewelry and decorative applications at Enthone-OMI; Greg Rayhtsaum, senior metallurgist at Leach & Garner; and Dennis Ledbetter, vice president of manufacturing at Vargas Mfg.

WATCH PROGRAM HOLDS OPEN HOUSE

North Seattle Community College in Seattle, Wash., recently held an open house to acquaint national and local retailers, manufacturers and community leaders with its Watch and Clock Technology Program.

The program has trained hundreds of students who have gone on to work with major jewelry chains and independent jewelers or to open their own trade shops.

In 1994, the program became affiliated with WOSTEP, the Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program. As a result, students take nearly 3,000 hours of training in Swiss watchmaking during NSCC’s two-year program. The program emphasizes hands-on lab work on a variety of timepieces, from antique clocks and pocket watches to the latest in quartz technology.

Watch and Clock Technology Program, North Seattle Community College, 9600 College Way N., Seattle, WA 98103-3599; (206) 527-3664.

CHAIN JEWELERS DISCUSS SECURITY

More than 35 jewelers representing 4,000 stores attended the Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s 18th annual Security Seminar for Multiple Location Retail Jewelry Chains, held in February in Orlando, Fla.

Richard A. Sylvest, supervising special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and new director of the FBI’s Jewelry and Gem Program, was the keynote speaker. Sylvest said the FBI will continue to work closely with the jewelry industry in the fight against South American gangs and other criminals who target the jewelry industry.

Participants included vice presidents, managers and directors of loss prevention, security, internal audit, asset protection and operations from large chains and major retailers. Participating companies included Zale Corp., Sterling Inc., Service Merchandise, Jan Bell, Helzberg, Elangy Corp., Marks Bros., Best, Kings, Fink’s, Silverman’s, Camco, Cash America, North American Watch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Thompson and Tiffany & Co.

Presentations were made by JSA President John Kennedy, JSA Vice President Robert W. Frank and Ronald R. Harder, president and chief executive of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.

Kennedy led a free-wheeling discussion on topics such as the security implications of high employee turnover and hiring, the protection of security tapes during robberies and the changing profile of distraction thieves.

Frank discussed trends in jewelry crime in 1995. He said reported dollar losses from burglaries, robberies and thefts all increased in 1995. The most active months for robberies were December and November; the most active days were Tuesday, Monday and Wednesday; and the most active time was 10 a.m. to noon. California, New York, Florida and Pennsylvania suffered the most losses; 11 retail jewelers, a jeweler’s wife and a jeweler’s son were killed in robberies last year.

Harder showed JMI’s new 30-minute training video on retail jewelry robbery.

TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM TO MARK ANNIVERSARY

The Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology will be held May 19-22 in Albuquerque, N.M. This marks the symposium’s 10th anniversary.

Topics to be discussed this year are:

Precious Metals Sampling Techniques and Test Results, to be presented by Gary Burandt, plant manager for Jostens Inc.
Improved Wear Resistance with Electroplated Gold/Diamond Dispersion Layers, Dr. Al Zielonka of the Forschungsinstitut für Edelmetalle und Metallchemie in Germany.
Recent Innovations in Platinum Manufacturing, Christopher Cart, manager of technical education for the Platinum Guild International USA.
Overview of White Metal Casting and Finishing, Norm Lamontagne, director of engineering for L.G. Balfour Co.
Assay of Platinum Samples by Solid Sampling Atomic Spectrometry, Valentina V. Kogan and Michael W. Hinds, assay chemists with the Royal Canadian Mint.
Take No Shortcuts, Albert Schaler, consultant.
Alloying Precious Metals in the Small Workshop, A.P. Eccles, chairman of APECS Investment Castings of Australia.
Gems Made by Man, Roland Loewen, author and refiner.
Analysis of the Manufacturability of Gold Jewelry Related to Alloy Composition and Properties, Dr. John C. Wright, consultant for Wilson-Wright Associates, and Dr. Christopher W. Corti of the World Gold Council.
The Weakest Link, Timo J. Santala, president of Touchstone Metals Inc., and Laura L. Santala, a consultant with Timo Consulting Inc.
18-Karat Yellow Gold Casting Alloy Additives, Greg Normandeau, plant manager for Imperial Smelting & Refining Co. of Canada.
Jewelry Manufacturing in the Developing Gold Markets of the World, Mark Grimwade, consultant to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London.
Chip Carving Hard Wax, Chuck Hunner, wax carver with Golden Spirit International.
Troubleshooting Platinum Casting Defects and Difficulties, Richard Atkin, president of Lou Atkin Castings Inc.
Casting Gemstones in Place, Ajit Menon, manager of manufacturing development, and Julie Martin, stone setter, Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold Creations.
Integrity for Safes and Vaults, Erich W. Solomon, consultant with Technic Inc.
Development of Platinum Alloys to Overcome Production Problems, James Huckle, jewelry product manager for Johnson Matthey.
Performance Data for the Application of Ion Exchange and Electrowinning Technologies to the Jewelry Metal Finisher, J.E. Thibault Jr., president and chief engineer of Environmental Control Systems Inc., and George Kellum, plant industrial engineer with Herff-Jones Inc.
Chaos in Casting, Dieter Ott, department of chemistry and metallurgy at the Precious Metals Institute of Germany.
Manufacturing of Lightweight Platinum Jewelry and Findings, Dr. D.P. Agerwal and G. Raykhtsaum of Leach & Garner Technology.
Physical Vapor Deposition of Decorative Coatings for Jewelry, David Goodrich, senior engineer for Jostens Inc.

Santa Fe Symposium, 3820 Academy Pky. N/NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109; (800) 952-6222 or (505) 344-3357, fax (505) 345-0097.

CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON ANTIQUE JEWELRY

A full-day conference on antique and estate jewelry has been scheduled July 23 during the JA International Jewelry Show in New York City. The conference is planned in conjunction with the show’s Estate & Antique Jewelry & Watch Pavilion.

The conference, titled Estate Jewelry 101 and Beyond consists of workshops and lectures and is designed to give retailers practical and comprehensive information about buying and selling antique and estate jewelry. Speakers include Tom Tivol of Tivol’s, Kansas City, Mo.; Camilla Dietz Bergeron of Camilla Dietz Bergeron Ltd., a fine antique and jewelry dealer in New York City; Edward Faber, founder of the Aaron Faber Gallery in New York City; Gloria Lieberman, vice president and director of the jewelry department at Skinner’s in Boston, Mass.; Diana Singer of D&L Singer, an estate jeweler in New York City; and Stephen Singer of Stephen L. Singer, an estate jewelry dealer in New York City.

The course will be organized and moderated by Joyce Jonas, president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians and director of the Antique and Period Jewelry & Gemstones course held annually in Orono, Me.

The conference is part of the Jewelers of America Center for Business Studies continuing education program. It will be worth 12 Jewelers Continuing Education Units toward the JA CBS Accredited Jeweler designation. Jewelers may sign up for the entire day or selected lectures and workshops.

Jewelers of America, 1185 Ave. of the Americas, 30 Fl., New York, NY 10036; (800) 223-0673 or (212) 768-8777, fax (212) 768-8087.