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Brand And Industry News: G&G Features Inclusions; AGS Launches Game App; Blue Nile Sales Up; More August 19, 2015 (0 comments)
AGS Launches Gamification Applications To Website
Las Vegas, NV—The American Gem Society (AGS) has launched its first gamification application. Gamification is the process of applying game mechanics (e.g., levels, timing etc.) to non-game contexts, such as a website.
The feature includes five quizzes, compiled of timed multiple choice questions that are fun yet challenging, and include jewelry facts, celebrity jewelry, jewelry in music and movies, as well as royal jewelry. Each quiz tests the user’s knowledge and awards various levels, from bronze to platinum.
"The American Gem Society is always looking for new ways to engage and inform the consumer," said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. “Creating an enjoyable environment while promoting jewelry and gemstone interest assists in our effort to raise consumer awareness of the AGS and its credentialed jewelers.”
Two sample questions from the AGS games include:
- Jewelry Facts: Diamonds aren’t the only stones that can cut glass. This unique stone, also the birthstone for October, is said to bring good fortune to those who wear it. Answer choices: Topaz, Alexandrite, Opal and Amethyst.
- Jewelry in Pop Culture: This movie's classic opera scene featured a $250,000 ruby necklace that required an armed security guard on set. Answer choices: The Great Gatsby, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pretty Woman, and Cleopatra.
Ready to take the rest of these quizzes and more? Click here.
Blue Nile Sales Jump 7% in Q2
Seattle, WA—Fallng diamond prices that helped boost engagement sales 8% helped to drive a 7% Q2 increase year-on-year at e-tailer Blue Nile. According to a report in National Jeweler, net sales in the second quarter ended July 5 totaled $113.7 million compared with $106.6 million in the second quarter 2014. This included a 15 percent increase (on a constant exchange rate basis) in international sales.
Gross profit rose from $20.2 million, or 18.9 percent of net sales, to $22.1 million, or 19.4 percent of net sales.
Summer Issue Of Gems & Gemology Focuses On Gem Inclusions
Carlsbad, CA—The Summer 2015 issue of Gems & Gemology (G&G), GIA’s quarterly professional journal (image at top of page), examines the topic of gem inclusions, including how they are documented using modern digital photography and image-processing software, how some interact with light inside a fashioned gem to produce a rare form of asterism, and the value that might be gained by studying them. The issue, which also debuts a new quarterly column on gem inclusions called “Micro-World” and features an examination of corundum from Tajikstan, is now available in print and online.
G&G’s cover story “Digital Photomicrography for Gemologists” offers basic image-capture techniques and tips to get the most out of gem photomicrographs by applying digital processing. The article by Nathan Renfro, analytical manager of GIA’s gem identification department, builds on the landmark 2003 paper by his longtime mentor and master of inclusion photography John Koivula, GIA’s analytical microscopist, to offer a highly practical and relevant guide for the gemologist.
Next, a team led by independent researcher Dr. Karl Schmetzer offers a comprehensive description of the dual-color “double stars” observed in some natural sapphire, ruby and quartz, as well as synthetic corundum, including diffusion-treated examples. The issue’s third article, by Dr. Elena Sorokina of the Fedorovsky All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Resources and her coauthors, provides an update on the geology, mining and internal and external features of ruby and sapphire from Snezhnoe, Tajikistan.
In the inaugural “Micro-World” column, Renfro, Koivula, and Elise Skalwold provide concise reports and photomicrographs of inclusions in specially chosen specimens.
G&G’s free archive containing every issue from 1934 to present, more in-depth coverage, hundreds of additional photos, and exclusive video footage can be accessed here.
Indian Company Launches “.diamonds” Domain
Mumbai, India—M. Suresh Company Private Limited, announces the launch of its newly designed B2B diamond trading web portal, www.msureshco.diamonds. The new web portal has substantive inventory of diamonds, as well as the new “.diamonds” domain name. The launch marks the first time that a B2B trading web portal carries the domain name of “.diamonds.”
M. Suresh’s new web portal is designed to assist diamond buyers with an enhanced navigational experience. Designed in a three-click online experience, users simply register, find their diamonds and add to cart. The company contacts the buyer immediately after the goods are added to the cart and payment can be done through various payment options.
The web portal inventory is manned and updated 24/7. The new trading portal is faster, easier to navigate and more user friendly than other versions and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Features that make navigation easier and better include multiple stone comparison feature and the ability for regular buyers to save their specific criteria and specs under ‘Saved Model’, to make their next search easier.
Deborah Finleon Named As Associate Director Of NAJA
Rego Park, NY--The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) has named Deborah J. Finleon, GIA GG, Certified Master Appraiser, as associate director and chair of education.
Deborah Finleon
Finleon was lead editor of the newly revised NAJA Home Study Appraisal Course that was unveiled to the membership at the 44th ACE© It Mid-Year Conference, held August 8 – 11 in Washington, DC. Her primary responsibility will be to update and keep current the Home Study Course and oversee the development of the online appraisal course. Secondary responsibilities will be to assist executive director Gail Brett Levine in course development, conference proceedings and other administrative functions.
Finleon has more than 14 years’ experience in the jewelry industry, ranging from design to retail to appraising. Her work in the appraisal field spans countless assignments for both retail and private clients, as well as attorneys, estates and consulting. Her company, DJF Appraisal Services, was founded in 2010. Finleon is one of four Certified Master Appraisers (C.M.A) in NAJA; the highest designation within the organization.
The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers is the largest membership association specializing exclusively in gem and jewelry appraising and related appraisal issues. It offers education and networking opportunities with knowledgeable appraisal professionals. For further information, contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, executive director, (718) 896-1536, naja.appraisers@netzero.net.
World Diamond Mark and IDEX Will Promote Diamonds And IDEX products
Hong Kong—The World Diamond Mark Foundation (WDM) and IDEX (International Diamond Exchange), an online diamond-trading platform for professional traders, signed a memo of understanding, agreeing they "share common goals in seeking to sustain and improve consumer desirability and confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry." The two organizations intend to "undertake joint projects to promote the WDM marketing campaign and IDEX products." The document was signed at the India International Jewellery Show in Mumbai.
IDEX chairman Ehud (Udi) Cohen said, "IDEX is pleased to support an initiative that works to bring increased transparency to the industry. IDEX fully backs the WDM's objectives of promoting desirability and confidence in diamonds in core consumer markets."
"Our cooperation with IDEX constitutes a win-win scenario. IDEX recognizes and will make its best endeavor to support the 'WDM Authorised Diamond Dealer' programs and their proliferation in the jewelry retail markets," WDM chairman Alex Popov said. "WDM on its part will offer its full support to the global promotion of IDEX." He added that while WDM has its own communications system, the cooperation with IDEX will enhance awareness of its work.