Articles and News

Pianegonda Opens First U.S. Boutique 

Aventura, FL—Franco Pianegonda, the popular Italian designer jewelry company, has opened its first retail store in the United States, in the Aventura Mall. An opening party is planned for December 7. Contact info is: Raffaele Capoferro, president, Pianegonda, 1556 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139. (305) 458-0781, fax (305) 672-6676.

Pianegonda's first American store, in Aventura, FL

Jim Grohn Appointed President Of Belle Etoile Jewelry 

San Francisco, CA—Belle Etoile has named Jim Grohn as president. The line, featured in leading independent upscale jewelers throughout the United States, is crafted of sterling silver with hand-rubbed enamels, Italian rubber, colored stones, pearls, and unique resins.

“Jim brings us the perfect combination of sales and management experience along with a deep understanding of brand building,” says Penny Thamkul, Belle Etoile CFO and co-owner. 

“It’s the right product, at the right price point, at the right time,” says Grohn. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help build what I’m confident will be one of the next big brands in the jewelry industry.”

Back to School! GIA 2011 Education Catalog Now Available

Carlsbad, CA—The 2011 Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Education Catalog is now available, both printed or online. It features in-depth descriptions of the Institute’s interactive online gemology curriculum, hands-on lab classes and full-time on-campus programs, and information on domestic and international schedules for gemology, design and jewelry manufacturing. It also includes application and registration forms, updated 2011 tuition and fees, and details about scholarships and financial assistance. 

The catalog is available immediately online. To request a printed copy, contact GIA Admissions at (800) 421-7250, ext. 4001, (760) 603-4001, or e-mail admissions@gia.edu.

For enrollment and GIA campus location information, please visit: http://www.gia.edu/nav/toolbar/find-locations/index.html.