Articles and News
Industry News: New Designer Book, Rap Conference, WJA Honorees, Preferred Jewelers’ Diamond, More May 22, 2013 (0 comments)
New Coffee Table Book Celebrates Artisan Jewelry Designers
New York, NY—Author Beth Bernstein will preview her new book, Jewelry’s Shining Stars (Fine Points Publishing, Sept 2013) at the 2013 Couture Show at the Wynn in Las Vegas next week. A special preview party will be held Friday, May 31, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at booth #315 in the Lafite Ballroom of the Wynn Hotel.
Jewelry’s Shining Stars is a celebration of the generation of independent jewelry designers who learned the rules in order to bend them, creating a unique and distinctive imprint on contemporary jewelry. Bernstein points to these 38 designers as the new influencers who have made an indelible mark on jewelry design.
The full-color coffee table book features designs, quotes, personal anecdotes, and inspirations as told by each designer. It tells how their talents have crossed the boundaries of art, function, and wearability, and inspired a new era of women self-purchasing jewelry collectors who think of jewelry as an extension of personal style, rather than statements of status.
Jewelry’s Shining Stars presents an informative, vivid, and lively peek into this groundbreaking group. From Todd Reed's rough and raw diamonds to K. Brunini’s organic forms and introduction of non-precious materials into precious jewelry to Arman Sarkisyan’s intricate award-winning museum quality pieces, these designers have earned their place in the rich history of jewelry as an art form, says the author.
In alphabetical order, designers profiled in the book include: Adel Chefridi, Alishan, Allia, Amali, Annie Fensterstock, Arman, Boaz Kashi, Borgionis, Collette, Coomi, Donna Distefano, Ileana Makri, Jamie Joseph, Jamie Wolf, Jemma Wynne, Joseph Murray, K. Brunini, Katherine Jetter, Lauren Harper, Lauren Wolf, Megan Thorne, Melissa Joy Manning, Michael John Jewelry, Mizuki, Moritz Glik, Nam Cho, Naomi Blumenthal, Pamela Huizenga, Polly Wales, Ray Griffiths, Rebecca Overmann, Shaill, Kamofie, Sorellina, Todd Reed, Vibes, Wendy Yue, and Yael Sonia.
For information, contact sandefinkel@gmail.com or Jen Cullen, jen@luxbrandgroup.com.
Cannes Do: Thieves Heist Jewels During Film Festival
Cannes, France—French jeweler Chopard isn’t so “happy” these days following the theft last week of close to $1 million worth of its jewels from a hotel safe during the Cannes Film Festival.
According to reports, the jewelry was stolen from the in-room safe of an American Chopard employee staying at the Hotel Novotel Cannes. The thief, or thieves, allegedly ripped the safe out of the wall. But the company claims the jewelry was not part of the collection slated to be worn by various actresses on the red carpet, and that the value of the theft is far less than initial reports stated.
An inside job is suspected and hotel employees are being questioned. Most ironically, the heist happened during the screening of Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring.
Rapaport Fair Trade Conference at JCK to Address Source Certification
Las Vegas, NV—This year’s Rapaport Fair Trade Conference at JCK Las Vegas is slated for Sunday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. in the Banyan Ballroom at Mandalay Bay. It will provide a robust discussion of what the jewelry industry can and should do to ensure the legitimacy of the jewelry supply chain. Panelists include Eric Braunwart, president of Columbia Gem House, Inc.; David Bonaparte, president and CEO of Jewelers of America (JA); Benjamin Hackman, president of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA); Larry Drummond, president of Metalor U.S.A. Refining Corp.; Michael Rae, CEO of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC); Ronnie VanderLinden, president of Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association (DMIA); and moderator Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group.
Free registration is available at www.diamonds.net/JCK2013, via email, conference@diamonds.net, or call (702) 893-9400.
DEF Launches Empowerment Collection From Donna Distefano, Royal Asscher, and Banneker Watches
New York, NY—Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) has launched a new line of Empowerment Jewelry, collaborating with leading jewelry designers who support DEF’s mission of empowering Africans through education.
Donna Distefano’s stylish and sustainable collection of bracelets titled ‘Illumination’ was created to be symbolic, accessible, and versatile. Each bracelet, co-designed by Elizabeth Hamrick, bears a silver emblem representing some of the values of DEF: transformation, tranquility, and strength. Set with diamonds, the silver symbols slide on leather-look ultra-suede straps, making them suitable for men and women as well as being animal friendly.
Royal Asscher has created a tsavorite and diamond pendant for DEF as part of the Stars of Africa collection. This unique pendant is comprised of green tsavorite and diamonds encased in a fluid-filled natural sapphire dome, allowing jewels to fall freely like snowflakes in a snow globe. The design won ‘best in show’ at JCK and is an example of the Asscher family’s long-standing commitment to integrity, quality and giving back.
Banneker Watches is introducing a line of watches for DEF which incorporate its signature design of luxury woods combined with diamonds and green crystals.
Russell Simmons, global business mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist and co-founder of DEF, shares these designers’ vision of transformation, as it is the cornerstone to DEF’s mission.
“It is important to support and encourage the youth of Africa to make a positive change in the world. DEF Empowerment Jewelry will contribute to this vision,” says Simmons. Each designer has also joined DEF’s Diamonds for Good Membership program to contribute to scholarships for these young people.
All Empowerment Jewelry, including the iconic green malachite and diamond bracelet can be seen on DEF’s website: www.diamondempowerment.org and at the upcoming JCK Show at DEF’s booth, L-11.
London Jewelers' Candy Udell, Jewelers Mutual's Darwin Copeman To Be Honored by WJA
New York, NY—The Women’s Jewelry Association named its Hall of Fame honorees for the association’s annual Awards of Excellence gala, set for Monday, July 29, 2013, at Pier 60 restaurant on the Chelsea Piers in New York City.
Candy Udell, president of Manhasset, NY-based London Jewelers will receive the organization’s Hall of Fame Award. Darwin Copeman of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. will receive the organization’s Ben Kaiser Award. Standard Chartered Bank will receive the Corporate Award.
Udell began her career at London Jewelers in 1973, the same year she married Mark Udell, son of Fran and Mayer Udell and grandson of Charles London, founder of the family business in 1926. Through the years, Udell has been the recipient of numerous awards, including WJA’s Award for Excellence in Retail, Jeweler of the Year by the New York State Jewelers Association, and the AGS Triple Zero Award.
Darwin Copeman is the president and CEO of Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. He will receive the Ben Kaiser Award, given by WJA to men in the jewelry industry who have helped advance the careers of women in the industry. Copeman joined Jewelers Mutual in May 2009, bringing more than 30 years of insurance experience to the company. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Copeman has continued his education, earning the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.
Standard Chartered PLC, which will receive the Corporate Award, is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Despite its UK base, around 90% of its profits come from Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and it is a major player in the diamond financing sector.
“WJA is honored to have the opportunity to recognize three deserving recipients,” says Tryna Kochanek, president of WJA. “These individuals and organizations have made substantial contributions to the jewelry industry, and they also embody WJA’s mission as an organization to empower women to reach their greatest potential.”
At the event, WJA also will present its annual awards for excellence in retail, design, manufacturing, sales, marketing and communications, editorial/reporting/publishing, and special services. For a full list of nominees in all categories, click here.
Preferred Jewelers International To Be Exclusive Distributor for Phantom 105 Diamond
New York, NY—Preferred Jewelers International has been named the exclusive distributors of the Phantom 105 Diamond, following a four month pilot program during which 40 Preferred Jewelers sold Phantom 105 Diamonds.
Nehal Modi, chairman and CEO of Phantom Luxury Group, said, “The Phantom 105 is a combination of the most advanced cutting technology, artistry, and potent rough sourcing to create a diamond that is not only beautiful but affordable. All Phantom Diamond proprietary cuts have a DNA that achieves the best standards in light return performance.”
Andie Weinman, co-founder of Preferred Jewelers International, said, “My passion is the independent jewelry retailer. I feel they are the backbone of our industry. The combination of the exclusive Phantom 105 Diamond with the Preferred Jewelers nationwide warranty and education program is a way independents can compete with national chains and Internet sites.”
The launch event will be at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
NAJA Announces ACE It (Appraisers Continuing Education) Conference
New York, NY—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers announces its 40th Annual Mid-Year Conference to be held August 10-13 in Pittsburgh, PA, at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel.
The overall themes of the four-day conference are workshops, antique jewelry, and jewelry and appraisals.
To receive a conference brochure or for further information and conference reservations, click here or contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, executive director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, (718) 896-1536. Email: naja.appraisers@netzero.net