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Industry News: PGI Partners With Bridal Legend Lhuillier; Leading Brands Are Top DEF Sponsors; More April 16, 2014 (0 comments)
PGI Partners With Renowned Fashion And Bridal Designer Monique Lhuillier
New York, NY—Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA) announces a new partnership with premier bridal, fashion, and jewelry designer Monique Lhuillier, to support and promote platinum jewelry. Lhuillier is revered internationally for her bridal and ready-to-wear collections that capture the essence of sophisticated luxury. She has dressed such celebrities as Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, and first lady Michelle Obama. Her recent foray into jewelry began with a collection of platinum engagement rings and wedding bands (sold exclusively at Blue Nile), and has since expanded into a full fine jewelry line.
Her platinum engagement rings nod to the individuality of the Millennial bride by offering four collections appealing to different styles: Romantic, Modern, Antiquity and Tradition. Throughout the partnership program, Lhuillier will speak via both social and traditional media, about to the qualities of platinum and why it is her metal of choice for these special pieces.
“Our partnership with Monique Lhuillier is one of our most exciting initiatives to date,” says PGI-USA’s president Huw Daniel. “Monique made a conscious decision to have her debut bridal jewelry line available exclusively in platinum. She has a natural affinity with platinum for its premium look, feel and durability, and her presence in the bridal space naturally complements platinum's leadership role.”
"I am very excited about the PGI partnership,” says Lhuillier. “It truly is the most natural fit as I feel strongly that every wedding ring I design is made with premium quality platinum. I encourage my brides to invest in platinum; its long-lasting, natural white beauty and durability make it the most precious of metals as well as an eternal symbol of an enduring relationship."
DEF Announces Major Supporters Of Las Vegas Celebration Gala
New York, NY—Major leaders of the diamond and jewelry industry have signed on as sponsors of the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (D.E.F’s) Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas gala.
Premier Presenting Sponsors include Rio Tinto, Signet Jewelers Ltd., and The De Beers Group of Companies. The Premier Partner Sponsor is Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited of Hong Kong, and Premier Patron Sponsors are KGK Group, Le Vian Corp., and Tiffany & Co.
Anna Martin of Standard Chartered Bank and D.E.F board member said, “The immediate embrace by these global leaders of the ‘Diamonds in the Sky Las Vegas’ gala signifies a momentous coming together of the industry in support of D.E.F’s Diamonds Do Good mission.”
Philippe Mellier, CEO, The De Beers Group of Companies, added, “We are a founding partner and proud supporter of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. In our 45th year of partnership with the people of Botswana, we are delighted to be part of this special occasion honoring the country’s unique record of success in transforming its natural resource into sustainable, broad-based development.”
The event honors both H.E. President Khama, the Government of Botswana. The elegant affair will bring together a unique mix of the international diamond jewelry industry, government officials from diamond producing nations, and celebrities from fashion and entertainment. The proceeds will benefit D.E.F.’s recently expanded mission that supports diamond communities around the world.
Jean-Marc Lieberherr, managing director of Rio Tinto Diamonds, says, “With this expanded mission D.E.F has become the industry organization that is taking the role to communicate to the consumer all the good things that diamonds do today and will continue to do tomorrow. We are honored to support this endeavor.”
Additional Benefactor Sponsors include: Arjav Diamonds, Blue Star Diamonds, Dali Diamond Co., Diacore, Diarough, Eurostar Diamond Traders, Julius Klein Group, M. Suresh Company, Pluzcenik, Rosy Blue, Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Sustainer Sponsors; American Gem Society Laboratories, Christopher Designs, Crossworks Manufacturing, Dalumi Group, Dominion Diamonds, GIA, Interjewel, JCK, Leo Schachter, Niru Group, Rapaport Group, Taché, Y.Dvash, and Empowerment Circle Partners Forevermark, Dalumi Group, Malca-Amit, Brilliant Earth, Exelco, Leo Schachter, Sarine Technologies, and Tiffany & Co.
CIBJO Addresses Synthetic Diamonds; Social Responsibility
New York, NY—A new report by the CIBJO Diamond Commission focuses on challenges posed by the recent influx of synthetic diamonds into the supply pipeline. The first afternoon of the upcoming CIBJO congress in Moscow will feature a special conference to examine the issue.
"To successfully position the industry so that gem-quality synthetic diamonds can be absorbed into the product mix without threatening the integrity and status of natural diamonds, we need a panoramic strategy," writes Udi Sheintal, head of the Diamond Commission and author of its report. This includes research into the methods used to create synthetic diamonds and the instruments and systems required to detect them, legal and ethical questions raised—including possible sanctions against those who do not disclose synthetic diamonds—and marketing that allows consumers to differentiate between natural and synthetic stones.
Separately, jewelry and gem industry representatives joined senior United Nations officials and UN-affiliated organizations for a special conference to discuss the industry’s commitment to sustainable development around the world. The conference, organized by CIBJO, was held at UN headquarters last week.
"Today's gathering is meant to emphasize that, as a responsible business community, we must focus not only on protecting the chain of distribution and consumer confidence, but also on fulfilling our social and economic commitment to our stakeholders and the communities in which they live," said CIBJO president Gaetano Cavalieri.
A topic of discussion was a shift in the UN’s attitude toward the business sector, from suspicion to appreciation that it has the resources to initiate and implement sustainable development programs that the public sector sometimes cannot.
Melissa Powell, head of strategy and partnerships at the UN Global Compact Office said, "While we cannot ignore the fact that the private sector may at times have a negative impact upon the society, it also has a capacity to bring about significant positive change. We are not only talking about opportunities created through investments of financial capital, but also of skills and experience." Powell highlighted Global Compact's Business for Peace program, which assists companies in implementing responsible business practices in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.
Hayley Henning, executive director of the Tanzanite Foundation, offered grass roots testimony of industry investment in sustainable development. She described the various programs initiated by the Foundation in Tanzania, including schools, an orphanage, and economic empowerment programs for Masai women living in the gem-mining areas.
An online system, developed in cooperation with CIBJO, was introduced to help jewelry businesses incorporate social responsibility management without expensive outside advisors. The system, which includes supply chain monitoring and evaluates a company's investment in social and sustainable development according to the U.N.’s Millennium Development Goals, will be made available to in the coming year.
Dr. Hanifa Mezoui, a senior UN advisor on civil society, addressing the CIBJO conference at UN headquarters in New York.
OROAREZZO Exhibition Features The Worldwide Relaunch Of “Made In Italy”
Arezzo, Italy —The 35th edition of OROAREZZO saw an 8.5% increase in the number of visitors this year vs. 2013. The show ran April 5-8, with an emphasis on “Made In Italy.” Wholesalers at the fair increased by 13.5%, but retailers dropped by 4%, a figure that fair organizers say confirms difficulties in the Italian domestic market.
"We must begin a re-launch of the gold jewelry sector, leveraging quality, manufacturing excellence and originality of Made in Italy” said Andrea Boldi, the new president of Arezzo Fiere e Congressi. "We have seen increases in foreign operators, with particular interest from Gulf and Maghreb countries, and an important return of operators from the United States.”
During the fair, the Italian minister for constitutional reforms and relations with Parliament, Maria Elena Boschi, discussed an attempt to review customs duty agreements with the United States and Japan.
The fall edition of the fair will be held in late October. Click here for information.