Articles and News
Industry News: AGS’s Batson On National TV; GIA Launches Design Program In New York; More January 20, 2016 (0 comments)
Ruth Batson To Discuss Diamond Industry Standards On National Television
Los Angeles, CA—Ruth Batson (left), CEO of American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories, will appear on Worldwide Business with kathy ireland this weekend. In the interview, Batson explains the advantages to consumers of buying their diamonds through AGS retailers, and the importance of asking for an AGS Laboratories diamond grading report.
"Anytime you make a major purchase, you want to be sure that you're getting your money's worth," added JL Haber, vice president of programming for Worldwide Business with kathy ireland. “That is especially true when you're purchasing something that you may have little personal knowledge about, such as a diamond. It's good to know that AGS is there to help protect consumers, and we're proud to feature them on our show."
Batson’s interview with Ireland will run on Fox Business Network as sponsored programming Sunday, January 24, at 5:30 p.m. EST, and on Bloomberg International as sponsored programming at 7:00 a.m. GMT.
GIA Debuts Jewelry Design & Technology Program in New York
New York, NY—GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has launched its Jewelry Design & Technology (JDT) diploma program in New York. The 26-week program is taught in a classroom outfitted with the latest technology at the International Gem Tower, home of GIA’s New York campus.
GIA’s JDT program teaches jewelry design and product development using computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology with 3D printer rapid protoyping. Classrooms house the latest manufacturing technology for jewelry design, jewelry engineering, product development, custom orders, jewelry manufacturing, jewelry repair and quality assurance. Instruction methods leverage this technology and engage today’s students through interactive learning.
The inaugural class began Jan. 14 and runs through July 22, 2016. The second class starts Sept. 29, 2016, and ends April 28, 2017. Prospective students should visit http://www.gia.edu/gem-education for information on how to enroll.
Applications Are Open For Carelle-WJA Member Grant Honoring Brooke Tivol McGrath
New York, NY—The Women’s Jewelry Association is calling for applications for its Carelle-WJA member grant in honor of Brooke Tivol McGrath. The $5,000 merit-based grant assists WJA members in their first five (5) years of business to get off the ground and create growth.
The grant was created to honor McGrath, who grew up in a family retail jewelry business. She moved to New York in 2007 to work at Carelle under the guidance of co-founder and designer Chana Regev. McGrath, who tragically died in 2011 of a rare blood infection, played an integral role in developing Carelle’s brand identity, and was active in WJA.
Eligible candidates must be current members of the WJA and in their first five years of business. Applicants are required to submit an essay explaining why she deserves this award. Emphasis is placed on personal dedication and determination as well as a positive attitude toward the industry. Images are encouraged but not required. Click here to fill out the application, and email any additional materials with your name and date of application to WJAScholarshipsGrants@gmail.com.
JSA Names Rolex Chief To Head Board
New York, NY—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance board has elected Stewart E. B. Wicht, CEO of Rolex Watch USA, to a three-year term as chairperson, following Adam Heyman’s successful three-year tenure in that position.
During the annual JSA luncheon January 9, JSA president John Kennedy praised the efforts of Wicht during the five years he has served on the JSA board and explained that because of the desirability of the Rolex brand, stores that carry it are a favorite target for thieves.
“Stewart has been incredibly generous of his time, interest and support of JSA. He has a hands-on concern for the safety and security of the industry, and especially for the firms that are Official Rolex Jewelers. Rolex is arguably the most well-known and important brand in the diamond, jewelry and watch industry, and JSA is honored to have Stewart serve as chairperson,” said Kennedy.
Newly elected to the JSA Board was Kevin Valentine, senior vice president of audit, loss prevention and risk management at Signet Jewelers and a leading expert on loss prevention for jewelers who has worked cooperatively with JSA for nearly 30 years during his service at Signet. Re-elected to new three-year terms were Patti J. Geolat of Geolat Companies; Steven P. Kaiser of Kaiser Time; Mark Smelzer of JCK; and David Tearle of GIA. Continuing in their terms are: David J. Bonaparte of Jewelers of America; Marc Green of Lux, Bond and Green; Mark Udell of London Jewelers; David Cornstein of Circa; Adam Heyman of Oscar Heyman & Brothers; Alan Kleinberg of Eloquence; Sheldon Kwiat of Kwiat; and David Sexton of Jewelers Mutual.
Rapaport Releases 2015 Diamond Price Statistics Report
New York, NY—The Rapaport Group released its annual Diamond Price Statistics Report for 2015. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the trends in polished diamond prices during the past year and it compares the price changes of specific diamond categories.
Diamond prices fell in 2015. Profitability came under pressure due to sluggish consumer demand and high rough prices relative to the resulting polished. Inventory levels were high due to excessive rough buying in previous years while polished demand slowed and too many diamonds became available for too few buyers.
The report charts polished diamond prices in various sizes for 2015 and across a period of up to 37 years. It also evaluates how various investment diamond categories have performed over 10 and 20 years relative to other common investments. The report will be released in the January 2016 issue to subscribers of Rapaport magazine or it may be purchased online for $250 here.
Israel Diamond Exchange appoints Eli Avidar as Managing Director
Ramat Gan, Israel—The Israel Diamond Exchange (IDE) has appointed Eli Avidar, the managing director of the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), as its new managing director, effective immediately. Avidar replaces Moti Besser who completed two terms as managing director.
Avidar, who has served as IDI's Managing Director since January 2007, has had a rich career in Israel's Foreign Service and government. He represented Israel as Consul-General for Hong Kong and Macau from 2001 to 2005. From 1999 to 2001 Avidar was Head of the Trade Representation Office of Israel in Doha, Qatar, and in 1999 served as Foreign Policy Advisor to then Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon.
Israel Diamond Exchange president Yoram Dvash said, "During my time on the board of IDI, I have come to know Eli Avidar as a man of many talents. His management style, experience in the international diamond business arena, diplomatic skills and ensuing capabilities, and his dedication to the well-being of the Israel diamond industry and trade, make him a perfect candidate for this position."
Separately, IDE is offering three free hotel nights to registered and approved buyers participating in the winter edition of The International Diamond Week in Israel, February 14-16. Rooms will be offered in one of the venue hotels of the event in the Diamond Exchange District of Ramat Gan. Click here to register.