Jewelry News
Platinum Jewelry Demand to Rise in Asia, Johnson Matthey Says
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 03:37:33 AM EST
Nov. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Platinum demand for jewelry in China and Japan, the two largest consumers, will probably rise next year regardless of a global recession after prices fell from a record and as metal recycling declines, Johnson Matthey Plc said.
``We are beginning to see people come back to the market because of a lower price,'' Rainaldo O'Meara, market research manager at the London-based company, said today in an interview in Tokyo. ``This may well continue into next year.''
Platinum jewelry demand in China will drop 22 percent to 610,000 ounces this year, the lowest in a decade, Johnson Matthey said in a report. Demand in Japan will shrink 78 percent to 40,000 ounces this year, the lowest in at least 10 years, after soaring prices discouraged buying from consumers and spurred them to sell the metal, Johnson Matthey said.
(321 words in story) Full Story
 |
How to Shop For Fine Quality Jewelry
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Sun Aug 31, 2008 at 01:38:55 AM EST
Dallas, Texas (WiredPRNews.com) -- Shopping for fine jewelry made of precious metals and genuine gemstones requires a basic knowledge of industry terms and specifications to ensure a satisfying purchase.
Buying jewelry can be fun and exciting, like a treasure hunt; but it can also be a bit confusing, like hunting for treasure without a map! Here's a 3-part guide.
Shopping for fine quality jewelry truly is a hunt for treasure; you will be looking at precious, gleaming metals, scintillating diamonds, and an amazing array of glittering, colorful gemstones and lustrous pearls.
It can all be pretty dazzling and blinding.
To help avoid confusion and "bling overload," it's good to familiarize yourself with some of the terms and definitions used in the industry, plus some common sense shopper's tips before heading out on your treasure hunting adventure.
Like every other high-ticket purchase, fine quality jewelry requires some research and inquiry before purchase. The admonition "shop around" applies.
Compare quality, price, and service. Prices for similar items can vary greatly from one store to the next, and with Internet sales on the rise, checking online stores is always wise. Online stores do not have the overhead costs of maintaining a "brick and mortar" store in an expensive location such as a mall, plus the salaries and commissions of salespeople, and the "prestige" of a recognizable name.
Many online stores offer high-quality jewelry at 30 to 60 percent off retail price.
(663 words in story) Full Story
|
Bring the bling back to your rings
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Thu Aug 28, 2008 at 02:14:44 AM EST
Does your ring lack bling? Or does your gold no longer glisten? Dirt and grime can often leave our jewels in a bad setting, so it may be time for a cleaning.
Christina Peterson at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute has left no stone unturned in searching for the perfect at home cleaning solutions.
"Jewelry is composed of various metals and gemstones, so there isn't one specific method for cleaning," said Peterson. "Many of those gemstones can be porous or nonporous, so you have to be careful and take care when cleaning them."
For silver, tarnish is the enemy. For things that are lightly tarnished, just dip a soft cloth in a mixture of dish soap and water. Rub it until the tarnish comes off and then buff dry.
"For heavily tarnished, we've made a paste of three parts baking soda one part water," said Peterson. "Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth and work it into the tarnished silver. Once the silver is removed rinse, and buff dry."
(449 words in story) Full Story
|
The Jeweler's Star Clients Told To Pay Up
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 09:16:17 PM EST
Jewellery-loving musicians Wyclef Jean, Scott Storch and Juvenile are being asked to pay up money they owe for gems bought from jailed bling merchant to the stars, Jacob 'The Jeweler' Arabov.
Arabov is calling in $1.2 million in debts in a bid to keep his company Jacob & Co afloat while he serves a 30-month prison sentence for lying to federal investigators.
According to the New York Post, those who owe the jeweller money include Jean, producer Storch, Juvenile, and basketball player Eddy Curry.
(160 words in story) Full Story
|
Survey: Elite Consumers Cut Jewelry Spending
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Wed Aug 13, 2008 at 04:09:33 AM EST
Eighty percent of America's richest households say they are looking closely at every spending category to see where they can save-an increase of 12 points since April, Moreover, the number of affluent and wealthy households cutting consumption has increased by 33 percent in the past three months.
Where these households are cutting the most is what is termed in the survey as "optional" luxuries, with jewelry being one of the areas where these wealthy consumers are targeting, according to the research conducted by American Express Publishing and Harrison Group.
"The loss of even part of these well-heeled shoppers, who account for nearly half of America's consumer spending, could put even more pressure on the U.S. economy," said Jim Taylor, vice chairman of Harrison Group, a Waterbury, Conn.-based marketing and research consulting firm. "Contrary to reports on wealthy families' inoculation against the effects of recession, many at the top of the wealth spectrum are cutting back as well: 88 percent of the survey respondents believe we are in for a `long ride ahead,' up 15 points since April."
(1345 words in story) Full Story
|
Reactions mixed on U.S. Burmese ruby ban
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 11:31:46 PM EST
Mumbai, India--The recent U.S. ban on rubies and jadeite from Myanmar (formerly Burma), including stones that were processed in third-party countries, will impact ruby exporters in Thailand, but the extent of the impact is debatable given the perilous state of the U.S. economy.
On Friday in the Thai Pavilion at the India International Jewellery Show, Somchai Phornchindarak, chief executive officer of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair and vice president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, said the U.S. ban on the importation of Burmese rubies is a "big problem."
He said the bulk of the rubies imported into Thailand for cutting, polishing and exporting to markets around the world are of Burmese origin, and that their biggest market is the United States.
He said his organization has already had meetings on the subject to find a way to mitigate the situation, but to no avail.
(521 words in story) Full Story
|
Aananta India Fine Jewelers Have Forayed Into Internet Sales
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Fri Aug 08, 2008 at 01:28:37 AM EST
(PR.com)-- Says Vijay "Diamond" as he is affectionatley named by all those close to him, personally and professionally.. "I have a dream.. to can create happiness in my clients life, by means of beautiful and meaningful spiritual jewelry. in today's trying times, not only will our products bring luck and protection to our customers, but will also cause peace of mind and bring a smile their faces on account of their sheer beauty."
Aananta (India) have chosen FaceBook (as "Vijay Diamond") and Ebay (user id vj.diamond) as their initial platform and will be expanding their internet presence , with several strategic internet partnerships.
Aananta have also launched a 24x7 live messaging service for their customers No. : 91 98206 19206.
(191 words in story) Full Story
|
Thai traders to make splash in India
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Thu Aug 07, 2008 at 07:38:31 AM EST
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) has innovative plans for its pavilion at the upcoming India International Jewellery Show, scheduled for Aug. 7-11 in Mumbai.
The TGJTA pavilion will be decorated in traditional Thai style, housing 35 booths and 28 different companies exhibiting loose colored gemstones, colored-gemstone jewelry, diamond jewelry and high-end designer pieces.
Pavilion visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of attractions and promotional activities, including a rest at the Thai Foot Massage Center.
(233 words in story) Full Story
|
Whitehall to Liquidate, Hopes to Sell Stores
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Tue Aug 05, 2008 at 02:15:20 AM EST
Whitehall Jewelers, currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is shutting down after a liquidator won its auction last week--but in an email obtained by JCK, the company's president indicated that as many as half its stores could be sold.
An email by Michael Don, president and chief executive officer of the company that opened 103 years ago, said that, after last week's auction, "it became evident that our chances of continuing as a going concern ended."
"Despite many assurances and actions taken by our going concern prospect through the beginning of last week, this potential buyer failed to take the necessary steps to be successful at the auction," Don wrote. "To say that we were surprised and disappointed would be a gross understatement ... With this gone, we are not able to keep our Company operating as a stand-alone entity."
(393 words in story) Full Story
|
Thai Pavilion to Make a Splash at IIJS 2008
By Rajesh Kumar, Section Jewelry News
Posted on Mon Aug 04, 2008 at 11:16:26 PM EST
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) announced it will have an impressive Thai Pavilion at the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) decorated in traditional Thai style and housing 35 booths.
Twenty-eight Thai companies will be exhibiting goods ranging from loose colored gemstones in qualities and quantities that can only be found in Thailand to a rich choice of diamond and colored gemstone jewelry and high-end designer jewelry. (Click here for a comprehensive list of the participating Thai firms.) The IIJS takes place August 7-11 at the NSE Complex, Goregaon, Mumbai, India.
(335 words in story) Full Story
|
