Merchandising aids
Engelhart Diamonds offers a new diamond sales planning tool called DIA-Score. The paper-and-pencil instrument is designed to help you evaluate your diamond inventory in terms of past sales, current strengths and future plans. Engelhart Diamonds, 8 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603; (800) 621-2004, fax (312) 332-4088, e-mail engelhrt@mcs.com.
A countertop card with photos designed to help you sell family rings is available from M.B. Mumma Inc., P.O. Box 819, Reading, PA 19603; (800) 521-2356, fax (610) 372-3817.
A new merchandising program from Goebel features a display case, lighting, risers, tent cards and props designed to boost the visibility of M.I. Hummel figurines. The company also offers a series of handcrafted wooden display props from Germany, including chairs, easels, music stands, wood benches, beer tables, cradles, school benches and desks available for $9 to $37. Retailers also can enter their best in-store scenarios into one of two M.I. Hummel “Merchandising Mania” contests to be eligible for cash prizes and a grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Germany. Entries are due by July 31 for the first contest and Nov. 15 for the second contest. Goebel USA, Goebel Plaza, Box 10, Pennington, NJ 08534-0010; (800) 366-4632 or (609) 737-8700.
Sarin Technologies Ltd. introduces two products designed as sales tools for higher-end jewelry stores. Brilliant-Eye is a 3-D vision system that demonstrates a stone’s proportions and generates comprehensive reports while the customer waits.
Suggested retail, $6,000. An add-on to Sarin’s Diamension system enables retailers and appraisers to measure stones mounted in settings. In less than a minute, you can get the basic proportions and calculated weight of the stone. Sarin Technologies Ltd., Seven Habonim St., Ramat Gan 52462, Israel; (972-3) 751-5490, fax (972-3-) 751-5485.
Computers & Internet
Computer system catalogs jewelry
Kamelyen Software, a subsidiary of Gunderson’s Jewelers in Sioux City, Iowa, has created the VideoCataloguer™ system for retail jewelers. The system is an interactive computer catalog allowing retailers to reduce inventory and custom-design jewelry for their customers.
The system can hold 50,000 graphic images, which can be scanned from manufacturers’ catalogs or filmed with the Flex Cam video camera that accompanies the system. Retailers can exhibit goods they don’t actually have in stock.
VideoCataloguer™ is set up in a jewelry store as a touchable screen system that customers can use to scroll through categories of jewelry. There are 10 main categories (such as rings, watches and chains) and 10 subcategories in each category. Kamelyen customizes the system for each retailer and sends representatives to the store for a three-day training session.
The system also can be used to custom-design jewelry, giving jewelers the capability to capture an image of a piece of jewelry, change the jewelry to fit a customer’s needs and print a color image for the designer to use.
The system includes a Power Macintosh with keyboard and mouse, touch-screen monitor, VideoCataloguer™ software applications, flatbed color scanner, Flex Cam video camera, color printer, 28.8 bps fax/modem, training video, light stage and three-day training session for $9,450. Retailers also can buy portions of the system as needed.
Kamelyen Software, 600 Fourth St., Sioux City, IA 51101; (888) 526-3593 or (712) 255-5332, fax (712) 255-3316, chris@kamelyen.com.
OTHER COMPUTER NEWS
DataTran™, an integrated payment interface allowing retail systems to communicate with payment processors for card and check verification, now supports SPS Payment Systems’ host capture interface. The new release will allow credit, debit, check and proprietary card processing. Datacap Systems, 100 New Britain Blvd., Chalfont, PA 18914-1832; (215) 997-8989, fax (215) 997-3919, e-mail datacap@dcap.com.
NEBS introduces Form Magic software for Windows, a way for small businesses to automate the routine tasks of generating proposals, invoices, checks, purchase orders and other everyday forms. Form Magic runs on Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 and is available for $39.95 from NEBS, 500 Main St., Groton, MA 01471; (800) FOR-NEBS or (508) 448-6111, extension 20771; fax (508) 448-9463.
Cougar Mountain combines point-of-sale and accounting software into one package for Windows. The point-of-sale, general ledger, accounts receivable and inventory modules update automatically. Cougar Mountain, 7180 Potomac Drive, Suite D, Boise, ID 83704; (800) 388-3038.
Catalogs
Mercury Ring Corp.’s new Bridal Classics catalog comprises 28 pages of 14k, 18k and platinum bridal jewelry in a color-coded format. The price list is separate so the catalog can be used as a countertop selling tool. This is Mercury Ring’s first full-color publication. Mercury Ring Corp., 280 Grand Ave., Englewood, NJ 07631; (800) 223-0930 or (201) 569-1070, fax (201) 569-1538.
Atasay Gold Inc. presents a new 32-page catalog featuring the Stampato collection of “Ultra Light” fancy hollow chain and stampato jewelry in under-10 gram weight. There are over 2,000 styles, all available in 10k or 14k gold, many enhanced with cubic zirconia and colored gemstones. Atasay Gold Inc., 2 W. 46th St., #1010, New York, NY 10036-4502; (212) 768-0048, fax (212) 768-9120.
Naythons Display Fixture Co. offers a catalog featuring lower prices for wall systems, ready-to-ship counters, storage systems, mannequin alternatives and more. Naythons Display Fixture Co., 919 Wallace St., Philadelphia, PA 19123; (800) 422-1270, fax (215) 235-8882.
Universal Fine Jewelry announces a brochure featuring its new Platinum Collection “Bianca.” The collection, which debuts at the JCK International Jewelry Show in Las Vegas (booths I 21-23 and J 20-22), “has a classic look combined with a sleek design that captures the expression of diamond elegance,” says the company. Universal Fine Jewelry, 631 S. Olive St., Suite 510, Los Angeles, CA 90014; (800) 255-6069 or (213) 622-7234.
A new flier showing wedding bands, engagement rings and earrings is available from Carl Messler Ltd., 17 E. 48th St., New York, NY 10017; (800) 4-MESLER or (212) 319-4564.
Kurt S. Adler offers a 196-page full-color catalog featuring thousands of new holiday gifts, collectibles, themes and decorative accessories. Kurt S. Adler, 1107 Broadway, New York, NY 10010; (800) 243-XMAS or (212) 924-0900, fax (212) 807-0575.
Tech Lighting offers a 64-page catalog of low-voltage lighting systems in four lines: Kable Lite (linear point-to-point system of tensioned parallel cables), RadiusWire (slim, bendable wires to create swoops and curves), TwinRail (assembled like an erector set for a structural look) and MonoRail (bendable with a sophisticated line). Tech Lighting, 1718 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60614; (773) 883-6110, fax (773) 883-6130.
B&N Jewelry Inc. offers a new catalog called Reflections. This catalog offers anything from 18k gold and platinum wedding bands to historical pieces and museum reproductions. B&N Jewelry Inc., P.O. Box 71236, Marietta, GA 30007; (800) 358-6223 or (770) 578-8745, fax (770) 578-8744.
Bench & lab
Alpha Guss Metalle & Legierungen of Germany, introduces a new silver alloy to use in casting without oxidation. The “Magic” alloy allows smoother surfaces, less porosity and less scrap, says the company. The alloy is suitable for vacuum and centrifugal casting and for continuous casting applications. All AGS master alloys are free of nickel and meet all European standards. Alpha Guss Metalle & Legierungen GmbH, Bleichstrasse 92 D-75173, Pforzheim, Germany; (49-7231) 927166, fax (49-7231) 927168.
Precious Metals West/Fine Gold offers a new 14k and 18k white gold alloy called #41. The color has been improved to resemble platinum, says the company, and rhodium plating is unnecessary. Precious Metals West/Fine Gold, 608 S Hill St., #407, Los Angeles, CA 90014; (800) 999-7528 or (213) 689-4872, fax (213) 689-1654.
Gesswein adds two new benchtop magnetic polishers to its line. MagnetOClean is a production model with a capacity of 50-100 women’s rings. It measures 121/2 by 151/4 by 13 inches without the bowl and has metal housing and a variable speed control with independently programmable reverse rotation. Maximum speed is 2,800 rpm. Meanwhile, the Mini Magnetic II is a small benchtop unit from the manufacturer of the original Mini. Maximum speed is 2,300 rpm with a DC motor. The Mini has a capacity of 20-30 women’s rings and measures 10 by 10 by 191/2 inches including the supplied bowl. Gesswein, 255 Hancock Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06605; (800) 544-2043 or (203) 366-5400, fax (203) 335-0300.
Ohaus expands its modular line with larger-capacity Voyager and Explorer balances. The top-loading balances are available in a choice of three capacities up to 32,000 grams and 0.1 gram readability. Ohaus Corp., P.O. Box 900, Florham Park, NJ 07932-0900; (201) 377-9000, fax (201) 593-0359.
Vibrograf U.S.A. Corp. introduces an automatic computerized inside ring engraver. The computer requires no special operator skills and is designed to give perfect engraving results in seven type styles. The engraving width, height and depth can be adjusted. Vibrograf U.S.A. Corp., 504 Cherry lane, Floral Park, NY 11001-1696; (516) 437-8700, fax (516) 437-8708.
A new Internet site representing the diamond, colored gemstone and jewelry community in Israel has debuted at http:// www.idj.net. The site is designed to operate as a gateway to the world for trade with Israeli companies. It is the brainchild of International Diamond Publications, a member of the JCK International Publishing Group.
John Frei custom jewelers’ workbenches are solid wood and are available from stock or customized to your specifications. Prices start at $900. Otto Frei & Jules Borel Co., P.O. Box 796, Oakland, CA 94604; (800) 772-3456 or (510) 832-0355, fax (800) 900-3734 or (510) 834-6217. Photo by Ken Rice.
R.S. Mizar adds the Steam Geyser to its expanding product line. This 1500-watt atmospheric steam cleaner stores heat without a large high-pressure tank. The Steam Geyser
measures 9 by 9 by 12 inches and weighs 20 pounds with a steam control panel switch and a foot pedal. R.S. Mizar, 2512 NE Fourth Ave., Pompano Beach, FL; (954) 781-0179, fax (954) 781-0184.
Franklin Enterprises introduces a findings filer designed as a sales tool for jewelers. Each jeweler can customize the system as to the number and sizes of findings to include in the filer. The type of metal, style number, vendor and price are all at your finger tips. Introductory price, $99.50; one to five additional pages are $15.50 each, up to 20 additional pages are $12.50 each. Cappiello Jewelers, 301 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810; (800) 248-7217, fax (203) 743-9784.
Business services
Great American Insurance Cos. announces kidnap and extortion coverage for jewelers. This new optional coverage is available to jewelers insured under the SAFEPAK Jewelers program. The coverage is designed to cover ransom in the unfortunate event of an insured person being kidnapped in the U.S. or Canada. Limits from $100,000 to $250,000 are available. Great American Insurance Cos., P.O. Box 2575, Cincinnati, OH 45201; (800) 278-2160.
McGraw-Hill/London House introduces the 1997 SRA catalog of business and industry assessments. Teamwork and customer service assessments, assessments-based training programs and 360-degree feedback systems are just some of the new products featured in this catalog. More than 60 assessments are available, including instruments for measuring reading and math aptitude, office and computer knowledge, and industrial, mechanical, leadership, sales and mental abilities. McGraw-Hill/London House, 9701 West Higgins Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018-4720; (800) 221-8378, fax (847) 292-3400.
HReasy Inc., a human resources consulting company, introduces a new service to help retailers manage telephone requests seeking verification of employment for past or current workers. You tell HReasy how many years back you want to go in a person’s employment records and provide that person’s Social Security numbers and last job title. The information is then recorded so you can refer any inquiries to the automated system rather than look up the records yourself. The service is designed for companies that have large seasonal hiring needs and part-time staffs because they usually are the ones that get the most calls, says HReasy President Ken Kunda. HReasy Inc., 6407 Idlewild Rd., Building One, Charlotte NC 28212; (800) 798-2536.
Capital Solutions offers jewelry manufacturers and wholesalers a chance to expand their operations, working capital and bottom line by purchasing their receivables and providing essential support in the collection process. Capital Solutions will buy the receivables by making an advance (usually 70%-92%). Once the receivables are collected, Capital Solutions pays the manufacturer the balance minus a fee. Capital Solutions tracks every invoice by computer, offering the client pertinent information about the aging of different customers’ accounts. Capital Solutions, 8280 College Pkwy., #201, Ft. Myers, FL 33919; (800) 499-6179 or (941) 481-2982, fax (941) 481-6223, e-mail capsolu@ibm.net.
Display
Yehuda Diamond Co. introduces a new in-case display to show off its mounted solitaires, earrings and tennis bracelets. Yehuda guarantees a three-time inventory turn on its merchandise or it will refund 100% of your investment in Yehuda goods. All display materials and signs about the Yehuda fracture-filling treatment are provided at no cost. Yehuda Diamond Co./Diascience, 580 Fifth Ave., #521, New York, NY 10036-4701; (800) 934-8328 or (212) 221-5985.
Avery Dennison offers the high-speed TTX-450 tag and label printer, recommended for manufacturers and retailers with large volume ticketing requirements. The TTX-450 handles tags and pressure-sensitive labels measuring from 1 to 4.5 inches and up to 12 mils thick. For free data sheets on the printer, contact Avery Dennison, 7722 Dungan Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19111; (800) 233-4177, fax (215) 728-8921.
Showcase Sales Gallery offers a new diamond-shaped show case. The overall height is 64 inches; the glass cube measures 30 by 30 by 15 inches and the base is 121/8 by 24 by 22 inches. The base comes in 13 laminate colors, and hardware is black, chrome or brass. Showcase Sales Gallery, P.O. Box 312, Otego, NY 13825; (800) 246-2940, fax (607) 988-9173.
Magic Glass offers the Glass Legged Table in various lengths. This table display is handcrafted from clear 1/4-in. thick glass case and 3/4-in. polished glass legs accented with brass. Magic Glass; (800) 222-1070, Internet www.3000 .com/magic or e-mail magic@ worldnet.att.com.
Tecno offers the GL 100 showcase in black or African walnut finish. The showcase comes with a 50-watt halogen light, measures 181/2 by 181/2 by 73 inches, is dust-resistant and is made with tempered glass. The shelves are fully adjustable, and hidden casters increase versatility. Tecno, 150 Park Lane, Brisbane, CA 94005, (800) 255-3536 or (415) 468-6766, fax (415) 468-2554.
Skanda Lights II introduces “SL” Jack Lites, which provide spotlight and accent lighting with MR16 low-voltage lamps. The miniature fixtures are designed to highlight surfaces and objects without overpowering them. The lights are stem-mounted for flexibility and allow clustering for lighting counters, displays, racks and niches. They come in a choice of 3-, 8-, 12-, 20- and 28-in. pendants. Skanda Lights II, 2730 Greenleaf Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; (800) 748-1832, fax (847) 364-5127, Internet http://www.skandalights.com.
Jewelry Box Corp. of America presents a ring box disguised as a miniature flower basket topped with multicolored wildflowers in a bed of green leaves. The handle of this woven plastic wicker basket flips back to reveal the soft white ring bed inside. The basket measures 11/2 by 11/2 by 23/4 inches. Jewelry Box Corp. of America, 232-262 Taaffe Place, Brooklyn, NY 11205; (800) 522-9378 or (718) 622-6310.
Jewel Case offers an assortment of in-stock boxes covered in a variety of pastels or black velvet. Jewel Case, 300 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907; (800) 441-4447.
Packaging
Rocket Jewelry Box Inc. introduces a line of exclusively designed dome shaped patented packaging. Rocket Jewelry Box Inc., P.O. Box 597, Bronx, NY 10451; (718) 292-5370.
Jewelry carriers from Connoisseurs Products Corp. come in four sizes – portfolio, clutch, wallet and hard-sided case – with custom printing available in gold or blind embossing for orders of 50+ pieces. Connoisseurs Products Corp., 20 Commerce Way, Woburn, MA 01801; (800) 851-5333 or (617) 932-3949, fax (617) 932-4755.
Nationwide advertising in upscale fashion journals such as Town and Country magazine and cooperative local advertising are part of a new marketing program Carelle developed for its 20th Anniversary “Hoot” Couture Collection. The collection features 18k gold and sterling silver owl-face pendants and bracelets set with diamonds and gemstones. Carelle, W. 46th St., Suite 709, New York, NY 10036; (800) 225-7782 or (212) 997-1156.
Cordova, Inc. launched a nationwide multimedia campaign featuring its new collection of platinum and 18 karat gold wedding jewelry designed by Alfred Levitt. Cordova Inc., P.O. Box 521831, Flushing, NY 11352; (800) 221-0744 or (718) 961-1020, fax (718) 353-5753, Internet http://www.jod.com/cordova.
Lugosch Designs offers ad slicks for stars and crosses in sterling silver ($36 suggested retail) and 14 karat gold ($170). Lugosch Designs, P.O. Box 299, Round Pond, ME 04564; (800) 299-7734, fax (207) 529-7000.
Gifts & tableware
Goebel illustrates children’s natural curiosity with “What’s That,” an M.I. Hummel figurine that is a companion piece to last year’s “One, Two, Three” figurine. The new figurine bears a Club Exclusive backstamp and is $150 suggested retail. Goebel USA, Goebel Plaza, Box 10, Pennington, NJ 08534-0010; (800) 366-4632 or (609) 737-8700, fax (609) 737-8685.
Reco International Corp. introduces Sandra Kuck’s new collection of Victorian-style figurines. “Emma” is 61/2 by 83/4 oval with a 4mm gold band. Suggested retail, $20-$25. RECO International Corp., 138-150 Haven Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; (800) 221-5356.
Carriage Trade offers .925 sterling silver ballpoint pens representing tennis and golf. The golf pens are available in three styles: 5-iron plain, with a silver golf ball or with a 14k golf ball. Carriage Trade, 34 Extension St., Attleboro, MA 02703; (800) 256-3865.
Colibri introduces the Prime Minister lighter, made specifically for use on the golf course. Eight independent gas jets produce an extra-broad circular flame that automatically reignites if the wind blows it out. This design features a golf ball ignition switch and a cigar band. It’s available in gold or matte green and gold finish. Suggested retail, $125. Colibri, 100 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907; (800) 556-7354.
Lawrence Churchill London launches a new collection of handcrafted Art Nouveau reproductions of lead-free pewter mirrors, trays, clocks, candleholders and other decorative objects. The designs were selected over the past 10 years from originals made at the turn of this century. Lawrence Churchill London Ltd., 10A Cambrian Rd., Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6JQ, England; (44-181) 332-7774, fax (44-181) 940-9517,
Gillette brings its gel technology to the Parker Pen brand with the introduction of the Parker Gel Ink roller ball refill. Gel Ink caters to a variety of writing tastes and styles by combining the best of a liquid roller ball or fountain pen ink and a thicker ball pen ink, says Parker Pens. It fits all Parker roller ball pens and comes in a choice of colors and point grades, including black medium, black fine, blue medium and blue fine. To coincide with the launch of the GEL Ink roller ball refill, Parker created a special Vector roller ball pen that comes with the Gel Ink refill in iridescent maroon, iridescent blue and iridescent gray. The suggested retail price for the Gel Ink refill is $3.50 and for the Parker Vector pen with refill, $7.95. Parker Pen, Gillette Co., Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston, Boston, MA 02199; (617) 421-7000.
Durand International offers two platinum ring patterns of Cristal J.G. Durand stemware: Capella platinum and Orion platinum. Both are made of 24% lead crystal featuring a cut design at the base of the bowl and a thin platinum ring at the top. The line is designed and created in France. Durand International, Wade Blvd., Millville, NJ 08332; (609) 825-5620.
Sir Rondo leather watch and pen cases from The Reminiscence Collections Inc. feature zippered cases or lockable boxes with lined interiors. Watches can be secured by a protective band to lie flat or wrapped around a wrist-sized pillow to help maintain the band shape. Two leather finishes are available: the “Padano” collection (calf skin that is tanned and treated to produce a soft, smooth texture) and the “Madison” collection (full-grain cowhide with a soft texture at a lower price). The company also offers watch and pen boxes in the “Briarwood” collection of poplar-tree root assembled without nails and lined with leather. The Sir Rondo boxes are $65 to $500 suggested retail. The Reminiscence Collections Inc., 923 S. Maple Ave., Glen Rock, NJ 07452; (201) 612-0151.