Articles and News

MJSA Names Technology Award Winners

Providence, RI—Two products—a nanoceramic e-coating that adds vibrant color to metals, and a system that digitizes the wax injection process—were honored recently with MJSA's annual Thinking Ahead Awards. Now in its eighth year, the awards recognize recent innovations making a difference in the way jewelry is made and sold.

The e-coating, Kliar, enables jewelry makers and designers to easily add up to 17 different hues of color to both precious and base alloys, offering an inexpensive way to add value to metals. It also can serve as a tarnish inhibitor (a key attribute, given silver's current popularity). It was developed by the Legor Group of Bressanvido, Italy, an international supplier of alloys, tools, equipment, and plating technology.

The Etype automated wax injection system, developed by Castel Technologies in Hod Hasharon, Israel, features a motorized conveyor belt that brings bar-coded molds to an injection station, where they are automatically filled with wax based on computerized parameters. It not only speeds the injection process, but also enables one person to do the work of several--a major benefit for small shops.

Future of Design Contest Deadline Near

Pelham, NY--Entries are due December 1 for the first Future of Design Business Incubator Contest. The winner will receive a prize package of business consultation and services worth $250,000. The competition is co-sponsored by Cindy Edelstein, founder of the Jewelers Resource Bureau and Andrea Hill, owner of StrategyWerx. To read more about the competition, click here; to go straight to the contest website and download an application, click here.

AGS Labs Promises Turnaround in Three to Five Days

Las Vegas, NV—The American Gem Society Laboratories, LLC (AGS Labs) has expanded its grading capacity over the past year to maintain its commitment to a diamond grading turnaround of five days or less.  According to Dennis Mette, director of operations, says part of the lab’s values is understanding that it is a part of its clients’ order fulfillment process.

The lab says it has maintained turnaround times of fewer than five working days throughout 2011, and anticipates this continued service in 2012. Executive director Peter Yantzer adds that the lab offers specialized reports for proprietary cuts. Known for pioneering the Ideal Cut grade for round brilliant cut diamonds—often referred to as the “AGS Ideal” or the “Triple Zero” cut grade—the lab also grades cut for princess, emerald, and oval shapes. 

For more information on AGS Laboratories, go to www.agslab.com        

IsDMA Elects Traub President

Ramat Gan, Israel—The Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association (IsDMA) has elected Abraham (Bumi) Traub as its new president, succeeding Moti Ganz who served in the position for seven years.

Traub joined the diamond industry in 1973, and has been involved in IsDMA for many years. Named “honorary president” of IsDMA in 2007 for his role in fostering cooperation, has headed various IsDMA committees and has also been an active director of the Israel Diamond Exchange and the Israel Diamond Institute.

IsDMA was founded in 1940 and represents all of the diamond manufacturers in Israel.