Articles and News
BRAND AND INDUSTRY NEWS: RAHAMINOV ANNIVERSARY, DONNA BAKER TO BE HONORED, MORE August 22, 2012 (0 comments)
Rahaminov Celebrates 70 Years of Style
Los Angeles, CA—Rahaminov Diamonds is celebrating its 70th year in business this year. The company traces its roots to Moshe Rahaminov, who at age 13 was asked by his father to leave school and begin working to help support the family. Young Moshe became a diamond cutter. Today, designer Tamara Rahaminov Goldfiner carries on the family tradition with designs that are both modern and timeless. At left, an 11.11-ct. cushion is the center of this three stone ring set in 18k white gold with half-moon sides and white melee on the bezel and shank.
Watch a video of the company’s jewelry being made here.
24K Club of SoCal To Honor Donna Baker; Installs New Officers
Long Beach, CA—The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California and its board of directors have chosen Donna M. Baker, president and CEO of GIA (Gemological Institute of America) to be honored with the Club’s prestigious “Excellence in Service Award” during its 68th Annual Dinner Dance and Gala, Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the Montage Resort in Beverly Hills.
The award has been presented annually to deserving jewelers since 1998, and is bestowed upon those whom exemplify the values of the 24 Karat Club: social responsibility, integrity, and honor, as well as someone who has made a significant contribution to the industry.
“We are thrilled to honor Donna with our 'Excellence in Service Award' for her exceptional leadership and the contributions she has made throughout the fine jewelry industry," said Frank Proctor, club president. “She exemplifies the character, quality and tradition upon which our industry is founded and is a true inspiration to all of us.”
Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, will be honored at the fall dinner of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California.
Separately, the club recently celebrated the installation of its new officers and board of directors. Installed were new president Frank Proctor, president and CEO, Luxury Brand Group; vice president Rossana Aguilar, executive director and CEO of CJA; treasurer Jeroen Sparreboom, vice president of Parcel Pro, and secretary Judith Shechter, GIA senior manager of Sales.
The board of directors includes:
- L. Bart Boydston, national sales & training rep, Q Report
- Erica Courtney, owner, Erica Courtney, Inc.
- David Friedman, president, Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers, Inc
- Vatche Fronjian, president, True Knots/My Way Jewelry Co., Inc.
- Carey Hobson, regional vice president, West Coast, Citizen Watch Company
- Robin Lutin, regional manager, JCK Publishing Group
- Niveet Nagpal, vice president, Omi Gems Inc.
- David Peters, director of member services, Jewelers of America
- Karen Signorino, regional sales director, JMI Insurance Services, LLC
- Steve Weiss, president, Kirk Jewelers of America
- Jimmy West, executive director, Leading Jewelers Guild
Belle Étoile Hires Southeast Sales Director
New York, NY–Belle Étoile announces the addition of Debra Tilden King to its sales department, as the new southeast sales director. She brings 20 years of experience in the luxury sector, including as regional sales manager for Montblanc, and previously with Omega and Seiko.
Debra Tilden King
Says Belle Étoile’s executive vice president Carolyn Thamkul, “Debra’s energetic personality, extensive knowledge, and experience in the industry are certainly a welcomed addition to our team. We are certain Debra will expand upon our reach in the Southeastern US and continue to nurture our existing relationships.”
Fruchtman Marketing Adds Three, Promotes Two
Toledo, OH--Fruchtman Marketing, a full-service marketing firm specializing in the fine jewelry industry, announces the addition of three new employees and the promotion of two existing staff members.
Angela Ash, has been promoted to executive vice president, with responsibility for seeking out and implementing innovative promotions, products, and services for both the agency and its clients. Jarett Walen has been promoted to senior web engineer, charged with developing progressive web elements that enhance client image and increase online sales effectiveness.
Tom Marciw, most recently of Starcom Worldwide, Detroit, MI, has been hired as media director. At Starcom, he planned media for a number of General Motors divisions, Whirlpool, and Harley Davidson. Prior to Starcom, Marciw worked as senior media planner for FCB (Bozell) in Southfield, Michigan.
Nate Khoury, former regional manager of marketing, graphic arts and print production at Mercy Health Partners/Catholic Health Partners, has been named director of creative and production services. At Mercy, he managed daily print and graphic arts operations, and reduced the firm’s operational budget through process improvement.
Jill Nissen joins the team as account coordinator. A graduate of the University of Toledo, Nissen served most recently as an account executive for Electronic Merchant Systems in Independence, OH.
DEF Good Awards Set for January 2013
New York, NY—Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural 2012 GOOD Awards, the Diamond Empowerment Fund has announced its 2013 event will be held on Thursday night, January 10, in New York. The event kicks off the busy weekend filled with annual industry meetings and dinners and the annual banquet of the 24 Karat Club of the City of New York.
The GOOD Awards were established to recognize individuals and corporations for outstanding leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, promoting opportunity in Africa, and helping to communicate the diamond industry’s commitment to helping individuals through education in African diamond-producing nations. Honorees reflect outstanding achievement and global leadership.
AJDC Announces Winner Of 2012 New Talent Contest
New York, NY—The American Jewelry Design Council announced the winners of its annual New Talent Award Contest July 30, during a ceremony at the Jewelers of America show. This year’s winner was Leon Mege, who was awarded a booth in the New Designer Gallery at the show. Finalists were Jenny Reeves, Wendy Brandes, and Nancy Garland.
The AJDC competition has helped launch the careers of past winners. The winner receives professional support from members of the AJDC on making the step to larger markets.
The Council is a group of more than 30 prominent designers whose mission is to promote the art of jewelry. The competition is held annually in coordination with Jewelers of America. Applicants must be a designer/owner of a jewelry manufacturing business, produce in the United States, and have never exhibited at a JA Show. Applications for the 2013 New Talent competition will be available this fall on the AJDC website. For more information, click here.