Articles and News
INDUSTRY NEWS: AGTA’S CELEBRITY FASHION SHOOT, SILVER PROMOTION SERVICE NEW AGENCY, MORE September 15, 2011 (0 comments)
AGTA Announces Directors, Plans Celebrity Shoot
Dallas, TX—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced plans to do a celebrity fashion photo shoot featuring the winning designs from the Spectrum Awards, such as this cuff bracelet at left by Todd Reed, that was one of the 2011 Spectrum Award winners.
Actresses Julie Benz, best known for her role in Showtime’s Dexter and ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and Regina King, currently starring on the TNT police drama Southland, will model winning pieces from this year’s competition. The shoot, taking place this fall, will be styled by renowned celebrity stylist Tod Hallman, and shot by noted fashion photographer Ben Cope.
Separately, AGTA has announced its newly elected board of directors. Newly elected to a three-year term are John Bachman, Jeffrey Bilgore, Ruben Bindra, Burce Bridges, Sampat Poddar, Kambiz Sabouri, and Bear Williams. Continuing in office through 2012 are Benjamin Hackman, Robert Bentley, Peter Bazar, Sushil Goyal, Betty Sue King, Bill Larson, Glenn Lehrer, Gerry Manning, Niveet Nagpal, Joe Orlando, Lois Wacholtz, and Cynthia Renee Zava.
Silver Promotion Service Appoints Ad Agency
New York, NY—The Silver Institute’s Silver Promotion Service (SPS) announces the appointment of Della Femina Rothschild Jeary & Partners as its new advertising agency. One portion of the multi-tiered assignment will be to brand anything having to do with the number 25 as a “silver event,” whether it’s a 25th anniversary, a 25th birthday, a 25th class reunion, or more.
Michael C. Barlerin, SPS director, said that when it was decided SPS would be one of the sponsors of the 25th anniversary of the Miracle on Madison event slated for December 4, it was obvious there was an opportunity to develop a special communications program in conjunction with it. He said, “In these exceptional times for silver, I feel we have a unique opportunity and we want to maximize it.”
The Savor Silver logo.
Separately, SPS recently chaired a panel at the International Jewellery London (IJL) show, held earlier this month. Participants in the seminar, titled “Silver’s Sales Surge: The Reasons and Implications,” include Barlerin, Raymond Hak, president of Raymond Hak Couture, and Andrew Marshall, CEO of Links of London. Both companies are part of SPS’s Savor Silver program. The panel discussed the multiple reasons for the recent surge in silver sales and its long-term implications for the jewelry industry, from the viewpoints of design, manufacturing, retailing, and marketing. Barlerin said he was struck by the number of silver manufacturers exhibiting at IJL, and that the rise in silver sales is “not just about the price of gold.”
New Online Tool Provides Neutral Price Verification
Newark, DE—Max’s Diamond Price Guide, The Independent Authority on Diamond Pricing, announces a new tool to help jewelers to help close retail sales: an online price comparison for suggested retail market values for diamonds sold at brick-and-mortar stores vs. online. It is available through Max's Price Guides website, www.DiamondPriceInfo.com.
Samuel Nicolas, founder and CEO of Max’s Price Guides, says, “Luxury product consumers have evolved into discerning buyers seeking value. We recognize there is a significant difference in the price a consumer should expect to pay when buying a diamond from their local jeweler as compared to an online retailer. Max's Diamond Price Guide recognizes this and gives consumers an online, easy-to-use, diamond price calculator tool providing a ‘Suggested Retail – In Store’ price, and a ‘Suggested Retail – Internet’ price.”
The site also offers price information for private party transactions and for consumers wishing to sell their diamonds to a jeweler.
Values are provided free by simply logging onto www.DiamondPriceInfo.com and clicking the 'Get a RealMarket Value' link and entering information about a diamond.
Here are a few tips and tools from Max's Diamond Price Guide to reassure customers they’re getting a fair price and closing the sale:
- For price sensitive buyers, break down the price of diamond jewelry into the price of the setting and the price of each of the diamonds. Most consumers are able to get separate diamond pricing information from the major reputable online retailers.
- Use an independent online price guide (such as Max's) to show your customers you are offering a fair price, or for a neutral reference for appraisals. Allow consumers to access the site on a laptop or terminal display in-store or make the site available on a tablet such as iPad.
- With your inventory online, display your website in-store on a computer display. Include your in-store retail price for loose diamonds, and use Max’s Guide to allow consumers to verify your pricing is appropriate. You also can use the guide to give buyers confidence you’re making a fair offer for their stone when they want to trade up.
The site provides an opportunity for retail jewelers to advertise on it. For advertising information, click here.
IDI to Honor Varda Shine at September Hong Kong Fair
Ramat Gan, Israel—Varda Shine, CEO of the Diamond Trading Company, will be honored by the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) at the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. She will be inducted into the IDI League of Honor by chairman Moti Ganz, at an invitation-only reception September 19.
Newly-elected Israel Diamond Exchange president Yair Sahar also will speak at the reception.
The IDI League of Honor was established to honor the contribution of heads of state and government ministers to the global diamond industry. But the IDI says Shine’s contribution, especially in bringing social change to communities around the world, makes her worthy of recognition.
Separately, on September 19 the Israeli Consul General in Hong Kong, Amikam Levy, will attend the opening ceremony of the fair and visit the Israeli Diamond Pavilions, located in AWE Halls seven and nine, and in Hall 10. IDI has 105 exhibitors in two separate pavilions, and additionally there will be 20 Israeli companies showing in separate booths throughout the show. The Israeli pavilions can be accessed virtually by clicking here.