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Industry News: NCDIA Hosts Seminar; AGS Names More Conclave Speakers; 24K Club Honors Yantzer; More September 22, 2015 (0 comments)
NCDIA To Host “The Pink Event” Symposium October 2 In New York
New York, NY—The Natural Color Diamond Association (NCDIA) will host “The Pink Event: An Exclusive Symposium Celebrating Natural Pink Diamonds,” Friday, October 2 in New York City. The event, sponsored by Argyle Pink Diamonds, will begin at noon at the W Hotel New York. The event features two special educational seminars: “Rarity and Value of Natural Pink Diamonds,” and “Retailing Natural Pink Diamonds.” In addition to education, attendees—including top retailers—will have a chance to view a selection of loose natural pink diamonds and jewelry from NCDIA’s global membership.
“NCDIA is honored to host such a prestigious panel and celebrate the most exciting color in the market today,” said Gino Di Geso, NCDIA director. The agenda is as follows:
- 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Pink Diamonds: Rarity and Value, moderated by Gary Roskin of The Roskin Gem Report. Panelists include Thomas Gelb, NCDIA; Alan Bronstein, Aurora Gems; Josephine Johnson, Argyle Pink Diamonds; and Wuyi Wang, Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
- 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Retailing Natural Pink Diamonds, moderated by Rob Bates of JCK. Panelists include Josephine Johnson, Jordan Fine, J. Fine Inc.; Rohan Milne, Rohan Jewellery; Scott West, LJ West Diamonds; and Breanne Wittrock, Gundersons.
The Pink Event coincides with the New York viewings of the annual Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender, at a time when retailers and auction houses have seen unprecedented success with natural pink diamonds. “Argyle is honored to participate and share our appreciation for these rare and coveted gems, said Johnson.
Limited space is available. For more information or to register, please contact Gino Di Geso, NCDIA director, (212) 644-9747; or email gino@ncdia.com
AGS Adds Two Keynotes To 2016 Conclave; Expands Lab Service To India
Las Vegas, NV—The American Gem Society has announced two more keynote speakers for the 2016 Conclave, which will be held April 13-16, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City near Washington, D.C..
Former United States Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, whose story inspired the 2013 Oscar-nominated movie, “Lone Survivor,” will speak during breakfast on April 15. Luttrell received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005, facing Taliban fighters, and was a Hospital Corpsman First Class by the end of his eight-year career in the United States Navy. He now co-hosts After Action, a TV show where former special operations veterans talk about issues in the United States. In 2010, Luttrell established the Lone Survivor Foundation, whose mission is to assist wounded warriors and their families through health, wellness, and therapeutic support.
Marcus Luttrell
Another keynote speaker will be Joel Zeff, who is doing double-duty as the Conclave emcee this year, as well. Zeff, known for his interactive exercises using audience participation to illustrate his central message: “We should celebrate everyday success to increase collaboration, productivity, passion and innovation,” will close Conclave at lunch April 16.
Aside from being a national speaker and humorist, Zeff has been entertaining professionally for more than 10 years, and has performed with Ad-Libs, one of the country's premier improvisational comedy troupes, and also studied with the famed Second City Conservatory in Chicago.
Joel Zeff
“With the addition of these two gentlemen, it further affirms that Conclave 2016 is going to be our best event yet,” says Ruth Batson, CEO of AGS and AGS Laboratories. “Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero, with an incredible story to share. Joel Zeff was a featured speaker last year and the demand for him to return was so great that we knew we wanted to have him back right away, with an expanded role.”
The AGS will also be making more announcements in the near future regarding additional speakers, registration information, breakout sessions, and more.
Separately, AGS Laboratories has launched a new service for its India-based clients and jewelry community. The lab now offers free shipping and insurance for diamonds to and from India (via the G4S facilities in Mumbai and Surat) for up to $1.5 million. There are no import or export duties, but a minimum of 50 stones per package is required. Approximate turnaround (door-to-door) is two weeks total. The new service includes:
- Local pickup and delivery at your facility by G4S International armored personnel.
- Grading reports that offer consistency and accuracy based on science, along with the brand power of the American Gem Society.
- AGS’s Light Performance Cut Grade, not only for round brilliants, but also for fancy shapes: rounds, ovals, princesses, cushions, and emeralds.
- Customized services: the AGS team of experts can recommend the optimum report for each diamond based on client needs and the diamond’s specifics.
For information contact AGS Labs. (702) 233-6120 or email support@agslab.com.
JA Names GEM Award Nominees In Jewelry Design
New York, NY—Jewelers of America (JA) has announced the GEM Award nominees in the category of jewelry design, the first of four categories that will comprise the 2016 GEM Awards. There are three nominees in the category and the winners will be announced live during the GEM Awards ceremony on Friday, January 8, 2016, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
The nominees are:
- Caroline Scheufele, co-president and artistic director of Chopard, who in 1985 introduced the brand’s signature “Happy Diamonds” jewelry collection, its first jewelry line. Since then, Scheufele has succeeded in propelling the 150+-year-old house to the forefront of the haute joaillerie category.
- Sevan Bicakci, who credits his homeland Turkey as well as Mother Nature as his greatest muses. Unveiling his first collection in March 2002, Bicakci turns out one-of-a-kind jewels crafted from high-karat gold, sterling silver, rose or antique-cut diamonds, and uniquely cut gemstones. The techniques he has pioneered include metal-based painting, engraving, calligraphy, intaglio carving (reverse gemstone carving) and micro-mosaic setting.
- Temple St. Clair, who founded her eponymous company in Florence, Italy, more than 30 years ago. Barneys New York inaugurated its fine jewelry department with St. Clair’s first collection in 1986. Her fine jewelry collection is recognized for the signature brand elements of iconic rock crystal amulets, signature triple granulation and “archer’s” granule.
Temple St. Clair, left, and Sevan Bicakci, right.
The GEM Awards annual gala honors individuals and brands whose work raises the visibility and status of fine jewelry and watches.
Southern California 24 Karat Club To Honor Peter Yantzer
Marina Del Rey, CA—The Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will honor Peter Yantzer, executive director of AGS Laboratories, with its Lifetime Service Award during the Club’s 71st Annual Dinner Dance and Gala, October 10 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Ritz Carlton hotel here.
This is the first time the club will honor an individual with this award. The Lifetime Service Award was created to recognize an individual that has made significant contributions to the jewelry industry throughout his or her career.
“Peter has been a tremendous contributor to our industry, helping pioneer many achievements in diamond grading, and exemplifying a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and a commitment to excellence,” said Niveet Nagpal, club president.
Additionally, the 24K Club is honoring both Mark Schneider of Mark Schneider Designs and Steve Weiss of Kirk Jewelers with the Excellence in Service Award, presented annually to deserving jewelers since 1998. It is given to those who 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.
“Mark and Steve are very deserving of this honor,” said Nagpal “Through their leadership and contributions to the fine jewelry industry, they have both served our industry well.”
For tickets, sponsorship and more information, contact Marlowe Sutton at info@jewelers24karatclub.com or call (310) 375-6300.
2016 Spectrum Entry Deadline Extended
Dallas, TX—The deadline to enter the 2016 AGTA Spectrum Award has been extended to Friday, September 25th. Both completed entry forms and payment for Dallas entries and New York drop-off entries are due that day; New York drop-off is Tuesday, October 6. For more information, please contact AGTA, (800) 972-1162, spectrum@agta.org or www.agta.org/awards.
VICENZAORO Boosts Its Leadership Role In The World Gold And Jewelry Trade
Vicenza, Italy—More than 20,000 global visitors attended VICENZAORO September 2015, which concluded September 9. This represents a 14% increase over the 2014 fair.
The show featured the second edition of VICENZAORO The Boutique Show, an innovative format introduced by show organizers Fiera di Vicenza for the first time in January 2015, groups exhibitors into one of six communities, each of which gathers together companies that are the same or similar, based on their reference values, positioning, organizational systems, types of production and overall image. The newly developed layout was credited for having increased the number of business opportunities at the show and improving exhibitors’ visibility.
Separately, The Jewellery Museum, the first museum in Italy and one of the very few in the world to be exclusively dedicated to jewelry, has been visited by over 28,000 people since its opening last December. The permanent, 410-square-meter museum in the Basilica Palladiana includes nine theme rooms exhibiting 400 jewels and is a project by Fiera di Vicenza in partnership with Vicenza City Council.
Registration For Israel Diamond Week In New York Is Open
Ramat Gan, Israel—Registration for the fourth edition of the Israel Diamond Week in New York is now open. The event will be held October 19-22 on the trading floor of the Diamond Dealers Club of New York, 580 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan..
Diamond buyers interested in attending can register here.