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INDUSTRY NEWS: BIG DROPS FOR GOLD, SILVER; JBT LAUNCHES APP; JEWELERS FOR VETERANS IN VEGAS, MORE May 09, 2012 (0 comments)
Gold, Silver Hit Four-Month Low
Merrick, NY—Gold hit a four-month low this week, hampered by concerns that the economic turmoil in Greece will strengthen the U.S. dollar and lower demand for gold as an alternative investment, according to this report on Bloomberg.com. Traditionally, the dollar has an inversely proportional relationship to gold. The drop has brought the yearly gain for gold down to 1.3%, after 11 straight years of solid growth.
The Greek elections last weekend left opposing parties unable to form a coalition government. This has spooked most financial markets, including gold, as investors worry that the country could be coming closer to defaulting on its debt obligations, says a report on Kitco.com.
Silver also dropped sharply, hitting $28.67 an ounce, the lowest price since January 9, said Bloomberg.
JBT Offers Red Book Mobile App for Android Phones and Tablets
Warwick, RI—The Jewelers Board of Trade has developed an Android mobile app for its Sectional Red Books, delivering member access to valuable information 24/7, on Android smartphones and tablets. The app calls up company names, addresses, and credit ratings for specified geographic territories. A company's location can be pinpointed on Google Maps and a "dial now" feature allows for an instant phone link. Each app can be customized by territory, including the 50 U.S. states, Canada, Washington, D.C., New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Sectional Red Books remain available in printed form, but JBT president Dione Kenyon says, "Our members need easy, instant access, especially when traveling, to identify and reach potential customers. This product is the first in a multi-phased plan to better deliver our products via the mobile channel." Meanwhile, members using other mobile platforms, such as Apple, can access JBT services on the "Members Only" website, using the web browser on their smartphones and tablets.
Jewelers For Veterans Aim To Train, Place Vets in Industry; Launch Event Set For June 1 at JCK Show
New York, NY--Jewelers for Veterans Foundation, the jewelry industry's newest charitable organization, will celebrate its official launch with a cocktail reception in Las Vegas during the JCK Show. The event, sponsored by Absolute Brilliance, and IGI, will be held Friday, June 1, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm E room in Mandalay Bay.
Jewelers For Veterans (J4V), was founded as a vehicle to train and place U.S. veterans in the jewelry industry. Nearly one million military veterans face unemployment, and the jewelry industry has a long history of helping returning war veterans.
Founding members include Todd Wollemann, John Politi, Ralph Destino, Michael Toback, Ron Van der Linden, Jeff Singer, and Richard Greenwood. In this video below, Destino talks about the importance of jewelers helping veterans. Click here or on the image to watch.
For more information or to support the organization financially, log onto www.jewelersforveterans.org, and to RSVP for the Las Vegas cocktail, email John Politi, john@jewelersforveterans.org.
PGI Adds Four to Staff
New York, NY—Platinum Guild International (PGI-USA) has added four new staff members: Sandra Berry, marketing coordinator; Amanda Tropila, public relations coordinator; Steven M. Prisamt, financial manager; and Jill Moynihan, marketing administrative assistant.
Berry comes to PGI from marketing positions at both ABC and CBS, where she worked on custom television content and syndicated programming for both networks. At PGI-USA, she will spearhead all marketing programs, including advertising and creative development, strategic partnerships, social media and product photography.
Tropila joins PGI-USA with more than 10 years of PR experience in entertainment, beauty, and fashion. In her new role, she will plan, develop, and execute all trade and consumer PR programs to support PGI’s key objectives, and communicate key platinum messaging to consumer and trade press.
Bringing more than 30 years of public accounting experience to PGI, Prisamt will be responsible for leading both financial and human resource operations and overseeing legal and corporate compliance. He replaces Roger Quigley, who is retiring after serving as financial manager for 12 years.
A recent marketing graduate of Villanova University, Moynihan will help coordinate marketing and communications efforts, retail and manufacturer programs, and provide general office support.