Articles and News
Industry News: Silver Jewelry Hits High; New JFC Donor; GIA Hires Former State Dept. Official; More May 26, 2014 (0 comments)
Global Silver Jewelry Fabrication Hits All-Time High
New York, NY--Global silver jewelry fabrication rose 10% over the prior year to a record level of 198.8 Moz (6,184t), according to figures from the Silver Institute’s 2014 World Silver Survey. The increase, the first in three years, was largely the result of an improving economic environment in the industrialized world, lifting consumer sentiment and retail sales. Silver manufacturers in North America saw an increase of 11%.
Michael Barlerin, director of the Silver Institute and Silver Promotion Service, said, “The World Silver Survey is an invaluable source of information for any entity involved in the silver jewelry sector. While the focus of the SPS is on enhancing the image of silver jewelry and stimulating demand in key international markets, the depth of information available on fabrication will be important for planning future initiatives.”
Image, left: Sterling silver ring from Eli Jewels.
Retail Pricing System Company Partners With Jewelers for Children
Paramus, NJ—Lansa Americas, a subsidiary of Pac Team Group, has introduced a new program to support Jewelers for Children. The company will donate $5 for every standard package that is sold from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2014.
Lansa is an international leader in the production of retail pricing systems for various industries, including jewelry, watches, and luxury goods. These recognizable pricing systems are made up of individual units that can be assembled easily at the store level to create various prices. Many are visible in window and in-case displays worldwide.
“We are excited about this program, as it allows companies in the industry one more way of contributing while purchasing products they use every day,” said David Rocha, JFC executive director. Jewelers for Children has raised more than $43 million for its charity partners since its inception.
To learn more, visit either the JFC booth (B2411) at JCK Las Vegas or log onto www.lansa-americas.com.
GIA Appoints Brad Brooks-Rubin as Global Director of Development and Beneficiation
Carlsbad, CA--GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has appointed Brad Brooks-Rubin to the newly-created position of global director of development and beneficiation, beginning May 27. Brooks-Rubin, the former Special Advisor for Conflict Diamonds in the U.S. Department of State, has extensive international experience working with industry, government and civil society on matters relating to conflict minerals and gems. He joins GIA’s development team and will work with nongovernmental organizations, trade groups and government agencies to further GIA’s beneficiation initiatives in gem producing regions.
“Brad’s extensive experience in international law, government and compliance combined with his commitment to promoting transparency in the gem and jewelry industry will contribute significantly to GIA’s beneficiation and economic development efforts in the nations and communities that are so important to the global trade. I’m very pleased to welcome Brad to GIA,” said Susan Jacques, the Institute’s president and CEO.
“As an independent, global public-benefit organization, GIA is in a unique position to foster sustainable development of local economic value in gem producing regions. I look forward to working with GIA’s stakeholders for the benefit of the ultimate consumer, and the people and communities who are such an important part of this industry,” said Brooks-Rubin.
Brooks-Rubin joins GIA from Holland & Hart LLP, where he counseled international clients on trade sanctions, export controls, and international trade laws and regulations after his government stints in the U.S. Department of State and as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He is a recipient of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee’s Stanley Schechter Award and is a published author. He holds a JD from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
NAJA Announces Conference Lineup
Rego Park, NY—The National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) announces its 42nd annual winter “ACE It” education conference to be held September 22-23 in Rosemont, IL. New this year will be the opportunity to attend the World of Gems IV Conference preceding NAJA in the same location.
NAJA, the appraisal organization dedicated exclusively to gems and jewelry, presents the program to assist the professional appraiser’s continuing education and offer an unparalleled networking experience.
Programs and rotating workshops for Monday, September 22 are:
- The Evolution of Fire, Facet & Form: The Evolution of Crown of Light, with Tammy Cohen
- Emeralds of the Atocha: The Value of History, with Carl A. Schütze
- The New Arrival in a Changing Opal Market Workshop, with Paul B. Downing, PhD
- Getting the Secret Identity out of Jewelry Metals with Compassionate Interrogation; AKA Identifying Common and Alternative Jewelry Metals with Nondestructive Tests...Mostly. Workshop with Arthur Skuratowicz, GG
Tuesday, September 23:
- Charitable Contributions of Jewelry: What are the IRS Appraisal Rules? With Karin Gross, Attorney at Law
- Conch Pearl: The Queen of Seduction, with Manuel Marcial de Gomar
- 50 Amazing Ways To Energize Your Appraisal Business and Maximize Your Time While Enjoying Life, with Jeff Averbook, GG
- The Price of Rarity—Appraising Natural Gems, with Cigdem Lule, GG & Stuart Robertson, GG
Click here to retrieve a conference brochure or contact Gail Brett Levine, GG, executive director, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers, (718) 896-1536, naja.appraisers@netzero.net.