Articles and News
BRAND AND INDUSTRY NEWS: PGI’S NEW PROMISE, ERICA COURTNEY IN BELLO, NICKY O. TO BE HONORED, MORE April 11, 2012 (0 comments)
PGI Launches “Platinum Promise” Facebook Application
New York, NY—Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) announces the launch of the “Platinum Promise” Facebook application on the Platinum Jewelry Facebook page. Open to Facebook members globally, the application invites fans to make a promise, whether to family, friends, significant others or even themselves, and virtually inscribe it onto a platinum design from the PGI Facebook gallery.
A contest to promote the application is also being launched. Users enter the contest by choosing a platinum ring from the PGI Facebook Gallery, inscribing a promise message, and sharing it on the Facebook page. Entry for the contest is open to residents of the USA, the UK, India, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Japan. Entries will be logged on a global promise map. Four entrants selected at random will win their very own engraved ring to make their promise in person. The contest opens today, April 12, 2012, and will run until May 9. A promotion for the contest is shown at left.
“Having recently re-launched the Platinum Jewelry Facebook page, Platinum Guild International is excited to take part in innovative social media initiatives that make the experience that much more interactive,” says PGI-USA president Huw Daniel. “In an age where communication is widely conducted via email and social media, the Platinum Promise application adds a personalized element. By capturing their pledge in a metal that will stand the test of time, Facebook users are capturing an everlasting sentiment that they can choose to share globally. “
Louise Roe in Erica Courtney
Los Angeles, CA—Television presenter and fashion journalist Louise Roe, left, was featured in Bello magazine's spring issue. She was wearing an 18k gold and diamond mandarin garnet ring by Erica Courtney.
Louise Roe on the cover of Bello magazine, left, and inside where she wears an Erica Courtney ring for a fashion spread.
Georg Jensen In Growth Mode
London, United Kingdom—Georg Jensen, the Danish luxury jeweler and home accessories brand, is beefing up its high-end offerings, says an article in Women’s Wear Daily. Riding a revenue gain of 8% last year, and a retail expansion of 25 new stores, the brand is focusing on increasing its jewelry footprint, a category that already accounts for 50% of sales. While only 6% of its sales come from North America, Georg Jensen silver jewelry has long been a collector favorite, and new offerings include yellow, rose, and white gold and diamond pieces that go up to $135,000 retail.
Indian Jewelers' Strike Ends--For Now
New Delhi, India--Jewelers have ended a three-week strike in protest of a government decision to increase import duties on gold and impose and excise tax on jewelry, reports Women's Wear Daily. Jewelers returned to work Monday following a meeting last week with Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who told the jewelers he will look into the issue. But the jewelers have only promised not to strike until May 11, by which time they "expect some favorable announcement by the finance minister in Parliament," the paper reported.
Sector Taps Humprhies For Ads
New York, NY—Sector watches announces the launch of its advertising campaign featuring NBA basketball player Kris Humphries. The "sports-meets-fashion" campaign, to be unveiled this summer, is Sector’s first since re-entering the U.S. accessories market last year. Humphries was named the brand’s spokesperson in November 2011.
Phil Schwetz, president of Sector USA, said, “Kris embodies the sports-meets-fashion style that Sector represents, and his competitiveness and attitude clearly reflect our brand positioning of ‘No Limits.’”
NBA player Kris Humphries wears a Sector watch in this photo from the brand's new ad campaign.
DDI To Present Diamond Seminar At AGS Conclave
Miami, FL--The Diamond Development Initiative International (DDI International) will present “Artisanal Diamond Mining: Concerns, Information, and Answers,” on Wednesday, April 25 during the 2012 American Gem Society Conclave in Miami.
The session will provide participants with important information on DDI’s efforts to address challenges in the artisanal diamond mining sector, and how it enhances corporate social responsibility efforts by all segments of the jewelry trade.
“We appreciate AGS’s support in sharing our message,” says Dorothée Gizenga, executive director of DDI. “Currently, artisanal mining supplies 15% of all gem diamond production in the marketplace. That percentage is expected to grow as supplies change and large‐scale producers re‐evaluate their position in the pipeline.”
DDI will also introduce its Friends of DDI fundraising program to AGS Conclave attendees.
WDC To Honor Nicky Oppenheimer
New York, NY—Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of the De Beers Group, will be honored by the World Diamond Council on May 14, 2012, during its Eighth Annual Meeting in Vicenza, Italy. Oppenheimer will be honored in recognition of his considerable contribution to the industry's effort to eradicate the trade in conflict diamonds.
"It is difficult to imagine where we would be today were it not for the role played by Nicky Oppenheimer and De Beers right from the very birth of our organization," said Eli Izhakoff, president of the World Diamond Council. "Not only was he among the first industry leaders who understood and appreciated the implications of the conflict diamond trade, but he was a staunch advocate of the Kimberley Process from the beginning."