Pop Princess, Aguilera, Inspires Jewelry Line

London—Jewelry designer Stephen Webster will mark his foray into the women's silver jewelry market with Christina Aguilera at the helm.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will appear in Webster's spring 2008 ad campaign wearing silver earrings, necklaces, cuffs and rings that she inspired.

The campaign, which will break in the April issue of W magazine, is based on legendary Alfred Hitchcock films with Aguilera looking like a classic Hitchcock heroine.

Webster said he is excited to launch the new advertising campaign since Aguilera is a close friend of his as well as the main source of inspiration behind the collection.

"I have always loved Hitchcock's films and to be able to transport Christina and my jewelry into that classic setting was an amazing experience for me," Webster said in a media release.

The campaign was photographed by Vincent Peters and styled by Victoria Adcock, with hair and make-up by Peter Savic and Kristofer Buckle.

Stephen Webster entered the fine-jewelry market in 1976, and has won many awards including "Luxury Jeweler of the Year" in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005, as well as "Jewelry Designer of the Year" in 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2006.

Stephen Webster operates worldwide with independent boutiques in Kiev, Ukraine; Moscow; Seoul, South Korea; and St. Petersburg, Russia; and in more than 50 concessions in the United States as well as in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For more information about the designer, visit Stephenwebster.com.

Red carpet ripped out from jewelry designers

February 05, 2007

By Beth Braverman

Hollywood, Calif.—George Clooney and Julia Roberts were not the only losers at the 65th Golden Globe Awards. Also among the disappointed were fashion houses, makeup artists, hotels and—of course—jewelry designers.

The Globes appeared a lot less golden this year, as organizers did away with the red carpet and the traditional black-tie trappings. The annual ceremony, which kicks off Hollywood's awards season, has served in the past as a harbinger of jewelry and fashion trends for the Academy Awards and the rest of the year.

"The Golden Globes give such exposure to jewelry designers," says Helena Krodel, associate director of media for the Jewelry Information Center. "A good picture of a celebrity wearing a designer's jewelry will appear not only in coverage of the event but also throughout the year in trend reports and in dos and don'ts lists.

Without the Globes, jewelry companies are
placing product at smaller events. Sarah Michelle Gellar
wore 18-karat yellow gold rose-cut diamond earrings
and bangles by Amrapali of Jaipur to a movie premiere on Jan. 15.

"Savvy to this significance, Platinum Guild International (PGI) has, for the past five years, hosted a suite to outfit celebrities with millions of dollars in borrowed jewels for the bash.

In early January, PGI decided to cancel the suite because many actors had said they would not cross picket lines to attend the Golden Globes. A few days later, NBC and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced plans to downsize the Golden Globes from a three-hour, glitz-filled TV event that draws more than a thousand celebrities and media moguls to a Golden Globe Awards Winners Special hosted by Billy Bush and Nancy O'Dell.

In the absence of the red carpet, celebrity presenters, audience members and the actual handing out of awards, Bush and O'Dell were reduced to delivering the names of the winners as if they were a couple of news anchors. Normally fantastic fodder for the juggernaut of celebrity media, this year's event received little coverage.

"From the [perspective of the] jewelry industry, it is really a shame," says Michael O'Connor, PGI's senior vice president of marketing communication and public relations. "We had 42 designers [who would have shown in the suite] who literally had the red carpet pulled out from under them. They have lost the consumer brand awareness and celebrity placement that they normally get."

Besides garnering press play for stars and for platinum, the PGI awards suite provides stylists and their famous clients access to lesser-known jewelry designers.The writers' strike began on Nov. 5 when scribes walked off the job after failing to arrive at an agreement with studios regarding, among other things, their right to digital distribution profits.

"Even the big houses rely so heavily on public relations and the red carpet at these events," Krodel says. "This is one of the only chances for the really big pieces to get exposure.

These sapphire and diamond earrings

in platinum by Oscar Heyman

exemplify the type of blockbuster-level

jewelry Hollywood stars might have

worn on the red carpet at the Golden Globes.

"The People's Choice Awards, typically less important for jewelry designers, also cancelled its red carpet and traditional format when it aired on Jan. 16. The Screen Actors Guild Awards proceeded as planned on Jan. 27, thanks to its union ties and included a red carpet. But it was barely a blip on the ratings radar, with just 6.1 million viewers compared with the nearly 40 million who watched last year's Academy Awards.

At press time, writers had not yet announced whether or not they would picket the more influential Academy Awards, set for Feb. 24, which could lead to a similar scaling down of the ceremony.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed, because the Golden Globes are important, but the monster is the Oscars," says Chris Aire, a jewelry designer and red-carpet regular. "If the Oscars still happen, I think we'll be OK."

At press time, writers had agreed not to picket the Grammy Awards, scheduled for Feb. 10.However, Aire and other designers have also begun looking at other opportunities for product placement to make up for the lost Globes red carpet. Aire has jewelry appearing in three upcoming movies and plans to bulk up his advertising this year.


These rose-cut diamond earrings by
Amrapali of Jaipur would likely
have made the red carpet at the Globes.

Bochic, the New York-based designer-jewelry firm, saw its star soar last year after Angelina Jolie wore its vintage-style necklace and earrings to the Golden Globes, and that alone seems to have prevented a case of red-carpet withdrawal this year.

"Red-carpet events are a fixture right through the year in Hollywood, and because we have the Bochic collection in our public relations showroom year-round, we are known to celebrities and their stylists as a source for red-carpet jewelry," says Ginnina D'Orazio of D'Orazio and Associates, which handles publicity for Bochic as well as for other red-carpet brands such as Le Vian and Hellmuth. "In addition, we provide jewelry for many editorial shoots with celebrities throughout the year, so in many ways, it's simply business as usual."




Globe trends that struck out

If the Golden Globes had aired, you would have seen these trends, experts say:

Shorter earrings: Shoulder dusters get brushed aside this year for shorter drop earrings and larger cluster-style earrings that lie on the lobe.

Brooches: Pins have popped back into fashion's forefront, especially flower- and starburst-themed brooches.

Colors: Large, smooth gemstones—particularly in pink, blue and green hues—accent colorful gowns that stars are choosing lately. Cocktail rings remain a red-carpet favorite.

Yellow gold: While platinum remains a hands-down favorite at Hollywood's most dressed-up events, risk-taking, fashion-forward celebrities have made the move to rich, yellow gold designs.
Bold pendants: Shorter earrings put the emphasis on the neck, where big, vintage-feeling medallions look just right this season.


Editor's note: This story first appeared in the February 2008 issue of National Jeweler.

RARE PURPLE PEARL served up in plate of clams

Leslie and George Brock pose with a rare purple pearl found while eating a plate of steamed clams at Dave's Last Resort in Lake Worth, Fla. Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. At least one expert said the find could be worth thousands of dollars. (AP Photo/The Post, Bruce R. Bennett)




LAKE WORTH, Fla. - A Florida man was about halfway through a plate of steamed clams when he chomped down on something hard — a rare, iridescent purple pearl.

George Brock and his wife, Leslie, had been spending a day at the beach Friday in South Florida and stopped at Dave's Last Resort & Raw Bar for a bite. Their find could be worth thousands.

"Few are round and few are a lovely color, so this is rare," said gemologist Antoinette Matlins. "I think they have found something precious and lovely and valuable."

The gems occur most frequently in large New England quahogs, clams known for violet coloring on the inside of their shells. The clams in the $10 plate came from Apalachicola in the Florida Panhandle, said restaurant manager Tom Gerry.

The Brocks, of Royal Palm Beach, plan to have the pearl appraised and said they may sell it if it is valuable.


Now, how cool is this? The odds of finding a pearl in your calms are astronomical!

Did you know that we have natural freshwater pearls right here in Texas? They are formed in freshwater mussels around the San Angelo area. The pearls range in color from pink to purple. Local jewelers offer variety of unique settings for these rare pearls from lakes and rivers. And if you wish to try your hand at "pearl diving" pearl seekers must have annual permit from Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

ACTRESS, EVA GREEN "SPARKLES" IN WHITE GOLD

11:44:38 GMT, 31 December, 2007
World Gold Council

Actress Eva Green sparkled in unique gold jewellery items at a recent film premiere, BusinessIntelligence Middle East has reported.

The star, who previously played a James Bond heroine opposite Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and is currently starring in The Golden Compass, sported the Montblanc Dentelle white gold jewellery set at a London premiere in Leicester Square.

Ms. Green's white gold and diamond necklace was the result of eight years of painstaking research and has an estimated value of $2.1 million (£1.04 million).

Her earrings, also a combination of white gold and Montblanc diamonds, had an estimated value of $750,000.

Ms Green has chosen to wear jewellery crafted by Montblanc on a number of occasions since she first presented at the Acadamy Awards last February, the firm said.

Born in Paris, France, Eva Green has also starred in The Dreamers and Kingdom of Heaven and is the fifth French-born actress to play a Bond girl, according to the Internet Movie Database.



The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

"Auld Lang Syne" lyrics

"Auld Lang Syne"
by Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne and other New Year's customs

by Borgna Brunner

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year's eve, "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland.

It is often remarked that "Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to. "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, "For auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet."

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to "run about the braes,/ And pou'd the gowans fine" (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and "paidl'd in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine" (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—"seas between us braid hae roar'd" (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and "tak a right guid-willie waught" (a good-will drink).

But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo, and not Robert Burns, who popularized the song and turned it into a New Year's tradition. Lombardo first heard "Auld Lang Syne" in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was sung by Scottish immigrants. When he and his brothers formed the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year's eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929, and a tradition was born. After that, Lombardo's version of the song was played every New Year's eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. In the first years it was broadcast on radio, and then on television. The song became such a New Year's tradition that "Life magazine wrote that if Lombardo failed to play 'Auld Lang Syne,' the American public would not believe that the new year had really arrived."

Hogmanay (Scotland)

The birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is also the home of Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), the rousing Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure). One of the traditions is "first-footing." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes. Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party (visit their Hagmanay website here).

Oshogatsu (Japan)

The new year is the most important holiday in Japan, and is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed. At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside. Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.

Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

United States

Probably the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight. The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

A traditional southern New Year's dish is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."
Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions

Resolutions: It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year's celebrations.

For more New Year's features see the History of New Year and Saying “Happy New Year!” Around the World.

GLOBAL GOLD-JEWELRY DEMAND BREAKS RECORDS IN 2Q

August 16, 2007

London—Dollar demand for gold in the jewelry, retail investment and industrial sectors reached new financial heights in the second quarter of 2007, according to research by precious-metals consultancy firm GFMS Ltd. for the World Gold Council (WGC).

Reaching a record $14.5 billion, global gold-jewelry demand for the period was 37 percent higher compared with the second quarter of 2006, according to GFMS.

World Gold Council Chief Executive Officer James Burton said the WGC is pleased with the surge.

"A reduction in price volatility in 2007 has resulted in increased consumer confidence and, coupled with greater industry marketing activity, led to record levels of gold-jewelry purchases globally in dollar terms," Burton said in a statement.

India remains at the top of the global pack as the world's largest gold market and broke both jewelry and retail investment records. Burton said he is happy with India's results.

"The figures from India this quarter are particularly pleasing, and we will continue to encourage India's ongoing love affair with gold."

In total, India's demand for gold in the second quarter equaled half the global mine output for the period, GFMS finds. Other important areas with strong gold markets include Greater China, the Middle East and Turkey.

Eddie Murphy engaged!

July 30, 2007
Source: OK! Magazine

Questions about a ring worn by Tracey Edmonds prompted Shrek star Eddie Murphy to respond, "If I were gonna do an engagement ring, it would be much bigger." Two days later the actor/comedian proposed to his girlfriend of 10 months, slipping an estimated eight-carat yellow diamond Cartier engagement ring on her finger.

The couple is planning to have a romantic, low-key wedding before the end of the year. This will be the second trip down the aisle for both Murphy and Edmonds, who was previously married to singer Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds for 13 years. Murphy and his first wife Nicole Mitchell were married for 12 years.

His previous relationship and recent paternity battle with Melanie Brown of the Spice Girls have been an ongoing topic in celebrity news.

Brit’s cover sit-down not okay!

August 1, 2007

Source: E!Online

After last week’s cover shoot for OK! Magazine, Britney Spears helped herself to a $6,387 Kaviar and Kind diamond ring and other high-end fashion items totaling $21,267. OK! Magazine published the details of the debacle in an issue that hit newsstands last Friday.

Ironically, it was Spears’ handlers who first contacted OK! The subsequent interview was supposed to give the pop star a chance to “set the record straight,” addressing the ongoing rumors surrounding her personal life. Unfortunately, her behavior at the cover session left OK! confirming that the fallen star is in need of help.

For the complete story see E!Online article:

Brit's Cover Sit-Down Not OK!

by Gina Serpe

Berk brooch donated to Boston museum

August 1, 2007

Foster City, Calif.—The "S-Curve Brooch" designed by Barbara Berk has been donated to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by Elyse Zorn Karlin, the editor and publisher of Adornment, the Magazine of Jewelry and Related Arts.

Karlin, who is also the author of Jewelry and Metalwork in the Arts and Crafts Tradition and past president of the American Society of Jewelry Historians, said she wanted a piece of Berk's jewelry to be part of the important collection that the museum is building.

"I admire Barbara Berk's jewelry both for its aesthetic quality—the undulating lines and feeling of movement—and for its excellence in technique. Each piece is perfectly formed and executed," Karlin said in a statement. "It is an exciting time when jewelry is finally getting the recognition it deserves in the museum world."

Berk created the brooch by weaving 18-karat gold sheet and wire by hand, flat, off loom, in an "over 1, under 1" plain weave pattern, and then shaping the "fabric" into a 3-dimensional form. A separate stickpin that features a 14.2-carat citrine carved by Sherris Cottier Shank, enables the woven gold to be worn as a brooch.

"I'm delighted by Elyse Zorn Karlin's admiration of my handwoven jewels and very much appreciate the generosity of her donation," Berk said. "I am deeply honored to have my work represented in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston."

Berk added that she shares the honor with Arline Fisch and Mary Lee Hu, who taught her to weave with metal, and with family, friends, vendors, customers and others who encouraged her.

Berk's previous honors include a 2004 American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Award, the 2002 Award for Excellence in Design from the Women's Jewelry Association and a 2001 Saul Bell Design Award for jewelry design.

Her designs have been exhibited in museums and shows across the country. In addition, numerous publications and books have featured her jewels, and her writing on subjects such as textile techniques in metal has been published.

Berk also teaches her craft in weaving with metal at the University of California Extension, Santa Cruz, and offers workshops at art centers and schools across the country.

Her designs are available at select retailers and shows across the country. For more information, visit Berk's Web site, Barbaraberkdesigns.com.

Study: Time greatest luxury, jewelry not far behind

July 24, 2007

New York—Luxury consumers across the globe share many characteristics, including an emphasis on experiences over possessions, a new study finds.

In the online survey conducted by the Consumer Research Center of The Conference Board, jewelry represented an important status luxury, with 24 percent of consumers surveyed owning fine jewelry and watch collections.

Chinese luxury consumers ranked first in ownership of fine jewelry and watches.

Of those surveyed, 35 percent believe that time represents the most highly valued luxury, 25 percent chose life experiences and 18 percent chose having things in life that surround them with comfort, beauty and quality.Among those surveyed, 26 percent believe luxury is more about experiencing life and having a sense of happiness and satisfaction than about material things. A quarter of those surveyed feel luxury is about being comfortably well off and not having to worry about tomorrow.

The online survey polled 1,800 affluent consumers in the United States, China France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. All respondents were over the age of 18 and in the top 25 percent income brackets.Survey sponsors included Conde Nast Publications, Gucci Group, Gibson USA, The Ritz Carlton and Tru Vue.

Houston museum to highlight Verdura

July 20, 2007



Houston—The Houston Museum of Natural Science will offer the first-ever exhibit of Verdura-designed jewelry this fall.

Verdura's "Wrapped Heart" brooch will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science this fall.

"Verdura: The Life and Work of a Master Jeweler" will appear in The Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault at the museum from Nov. 16-Feb. 17.

Duke Fulco di Verdura (1898-1978) created intensely colored jewelry inspired by natural forms and classical patterns. He began his career in 1927 as a textile designer for Coco Chanel.

Chanel named Verdura head designer for her private and boutique jewelry collection, a title he maintained for eight years. In 1935, he created the iconic Maltese Cross Cuffs that Chanel wore throughout her life.

The cuffs will go on display at the exhibit, along with a curb-link bracelet watch created for Greta Garbo and brooches created for Clare Luce Boothe.

Admission to the exhibit is free with general admission to the museum.

Jewelry designers to support Simmons gala

July 20, 2007



Rachel Roy's "Stacey Twist" cocktail dress is one of the yellow-themed items being donated to the Simmons' "Art for Life" charity event.

New York—Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' "Art for Life" gala, an East Hampton, N.Y., fete slated for the end of this month, continues to draw jewelry designers to its cause—support for art programs and organizations for underprivileged youth in New York City.

Newly announced participants to the event's "Yellow Wardrobe"-themed silent auction include jewelry designers Jeri Cohen and Ana Reign, as well as Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons' own brand, the Simmons Jewelry Co.

Cohen, whose jewelry has been donned by such stars as Jennifer Lopez and Sharon Osbourne, will donate an 18-karat yellow-gold diamond-flower necklace, which retails for $7,500.

Reign will donate a tiered necklace with yellow jade and silver, retailing at $1,600. Celebrities Heather Locklear and Nicole Richie are among the designer's loyal followers.

As for the event's hosts, Kimora Lee Simmons will donate a Hello Kitty diamond pavé watch with a yellow lizard strap from her "KLS for Hello Kitty" collection, and Russell Simmons will donate matching his-and-hers diamond, green rubber and stainless steel bracelets from the "Green Initiative" collection. Both collections are under the Simmons Jewelry Co. brand.

Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz had earlier been announced as a participant in the event. Schwartz will donate her gold "Evil Eye" bracelet, which retails for $8,300.

The "Art for Life" gala will take place on July 28, with all proceeds from the silent auction benefiting the more than 70 New York City art programs and organizations supported by the Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation.

TIMEPIECES FOR MD CHARITY AUCTION

Watchmakers create timepieces for charity auction

July 19, 2007

Monte Carlo, Monaco—The world's top watchmakers will create new watches for an Antiquorum auction that will benefit muscular dystrophy research.

As part of the "Only Watch 2007" event, 35 of the world's top timepiece brands will donate a unique watch or a first in a series for an auction that will take place on Sept. 20 at the Monaco Yacht Show.The auction will benefit research for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The first such auction, held in September 2005, raised $2.6 million.

Watches by Girard-Perregaux (above) and

De Bethune (below) will be part of

"Only Watch 2007," an auction to benefit

Muscular Dystrophy research.

Among the one-of-a-kind pieces that will be available at the auction are watches by Blancpain, Daniel Roth, De Bethune, delaCour, DeWitt and Jean-Michel Wimotte, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Gerald Charles, Girard-Perregaux, Glashutte, Hublot, Instrument et Mesures de Temps, IWC, Jacquet Dorz, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Louis Vuitton, Officine Panerai, Omega, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Pierre Kunz, Richard Mille and Philippe Starck, Rodolphe, Swatch, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef and Arpels and Zenith.

JEWELRY DESIGNER SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

MJSA awards emerging jewelry designers

July 19, 2007

Providence, R.I.—The Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) Education Foundation has awarded more than $7,000 in scholarships to seven student designers.

The following students have received a 2007 MJSA Education Foundation scholarship:

Cheryl E. Acosta of Mesilla, N.M., will pursue an M.F.A. in metals and jewelry at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Jedediah A. Braun of Orangeburg, S.C., currently enrolled at Paris Junior College, in Paris, Texas, is pursuing a Jewelers of America Level Two Bench Jeweler certification.
Jane-Marie W. Ovanin of Amherst, Wis., is pursuing an M.F.A. in jewelry and metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design.
Lucia A. Perluck of Barrington, R.I., is pursuing a B.F.A. in metals and jewelry from Temple University in Philadelphia
Davina R. Romansky of Akron, Ohio, is pursung a B.F.A. in metals and jewelry at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y.
Carol A. Salisbury of Portland, Ore., is pursuing a B.F.A. in jewelry making and design from the Oregon College of Art and Craft
Erica A. Waldron of Leonard, Texas, is pursuing an associate degree in jewelry technology from Paris Junior College.

The MJSA Education Foundation, a non-profit branch of the MJSA, awards scholarships annually and distributes them through a partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation, whose mission it is to connect private philanthropy to the public good.

The scholarships are made possible through many individual donors, as well as endowment funds, including the Karl Augenstein Memorial Fund, the George R. Frankovich Scholarship Fund, the Michael Marcogliese Scholarship Fund, the Andrew and Frances Salvadore Scholarship Fund, and the Walter Oppenheim Fund.

For more information about the MJSA Education Foundation, visit the MJSA's Web site, MJSA.org, or contact MJSA Academy Director Teresa Shannon at (800) 444-6572 ext. 3103 or teresa.shannon@mjsa.org.

Gold Prices Rise As Dollar Falls

By LAUREN VILLAGRAN
The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Gold prices jumped Thursday as the euro climbed to a fresh peak against the U.S. dollar amid concerns about the strength of the U.S. economy.

Elsewhere, commodities prices finished mixed.

"The dollar and oil took turns propelling bullion values throughout the day," said Jon Nadler, an analyst with Kitco Bullion Dealers, in a client note.

August gold rose as high as $671 an ounce in intraday trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, then ended the session up $6.20 at $668.30 an ounce.
Gold found support in a declining U.S. dollar, as investors sought a so-called safer haven for their funds. The euro bought $1.379 in late trading.

September silver picked up 20.5 cents to close at $13.18 an ounce.

Energy prices shed some weight as several refineries restarted operations, raising expectations for increased gasoline output. Inventories of gasoline showed larger-than-expected growth last week, according to a Wednesday report from the Energy Information Administration.

Light, sweet crude oil initially leaped more than $1, then eased to close down 6 cents at $72.50 a barrel. Gasoline prices shed 4 cents to settle at $2.2663 a gallon.

At the Chicago Board of Trade, traders of wheat, corn and soybeans responded to dry weather patterns in parts of the Midwest and a report on world supply and demand from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Forecasts for dry conditions in the western Corn Belt bolstered corn prices as the crop enters its crucial pollination stage. December corn added 9.6 cents to close at $3.65 a bushel.

The USDA on Thursday cut its production estimate for hard, red winter wheat , the wheat used in cereals and bakery goods , by 7 percent and raised its forecast for price to farmers to an all-time record of $5.10 a bushel. The agency also boosted its estimates for corn production 22 percent to 12.84 billion bushels, up from 10.54 billion a year ago.

"The reality of these numbers was already incorporated into the market," said DTN analyst Gary Wilhelmi.

Wheat prices edged 0.4 cent lower to close at $6.214 a bushel. Soybeans gained 18.6 cents to finish at $9.414 a bushel.

Overseas, industrial metals ended the session mostly lower, with declines in copper, aluminum and tin on the London Metal Exchange. Lead finished flat while zinc notched a 2 percent gain. September copper slipped 4.05 cents to close at $3.581 a pound on the Nymex.

July 12, 2007 5:35 PM

West Coast Diamond Thief

Watch out for West Coast switch artist
July 13, 2007

New York—The Jewelers Security Alliance (JSA) is warning jewelers on the West Coast to be on the lookout for a man who is allegedly asking jewelers to view diamonds and then swapping the stones with cubic zirconia.

According to the warning, the man enters retail jewelry stores and asks to see the largest set of diamond earrings that the jeweler has on hand. After examining the goods, he leaves the store and then returns shortly thereafter to view the pieces again and switch the diamonds for cubic zirconia. The thief tends to focus on high-end department stores, and has hit in Santa Monica, Calif., and Portland, Ore., among other locations, according to the JSA.

Authorities believe the man has contacts in Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington. The San Diego Police Department has connected the man to at least six pending diamond-switch cases on the West Coast, the JSA says.

The suspect is a white male who is described to be about 34 years old, approximately 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, police say.

Jewelers with information on the suspect may contact Detective Timothy Johnson at the San Diego Police Department at (619) 744-9515.

And the Bride Wore Bling; Parker, Longoria Wed

MODERN JEWELRY TRENDS

by Cheryl Kremkow

You’ve heard of trophy wives, of course. A newer phenomenon is trophy couples: celebrities who wed in the spotlight, prompting a mad race to see whose jewelry, dresses, and other bridal booty will benefit from the reflected starlight. Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria and NBA star Tony Parker married at at Saint Germain L’Auxerrois Church in Paris in what is the celebrity wedding of the year so far, one of the couples tying the knot on lucky 7-7-07.

So who won the bridal placement sweepstakes? If you follow these things, you have no doubt heard that the five-carat emerald cut engagement ring was designed by Jean Dousset, a jeweler from Paris who has now also opened a studio in Los Angeles, no doubt to capitalize on the publicity. (Dousset also designed the pendant with Parker’s number 9 that Longoria wears to Spurs games.)

The wedding bands are Piaget, two turning Possession bands in 18K white gold. Hers has two rows of 80 brilliant-cut diamonds separated by a row of 27 square-cut diamonds. His is plain 18k white gold. At the couple’s request, an inscription was engraved inside both rings in French.

The bride’ wore H.Stern’s half-a-million dollar Hebe Earrings in 18K Noble Gold with 17 carats of marquise, cushion, oval & round cut diamonds. The earrings were designed in collaboration between Eva’s longtime stylist and friend Robert Verdi and H.Stern Creative Director Roberto Stern. She also wore a $100,000 diamond bracelet from the H.Stern 2007 Red Carpet Collection to accent her Angel Sanchez gown. Hair Stylist Ken Paves added sparkle to Eva’s hair with H.Stern Zephyr and Geometric hair clips with with more than 15 carats of cognac diamonds.

The gifts for the 13 bridesmaids were also H.Stern: Giardino earrings, each pair $1,000. The bride gave her husband a Piaget watch customized with a large pave diamond number nine on its face.

Some of the gifts to the couple were also occasions for industry publicity. The happy couple received engraved his and her Oceanaut Pacha Cobra watches, set with 1.25 total carats of VS1, G-color diamonds, conflict-free, of course.

Parker/Longoria Engagement photo courtesy of White Lace Wedding

With this bling, Parker, Longoria wed

July 09, 2007

Paris—Tony Parker and Eva Longoria weren't the only lucky ones on July 7. At least three jewelry companies are celebrating after their product was featured at the celebrity wedding this past weekend.

Desperate Housewives star Longoria donned one-of-a-kind H. Stern jewelry as she wed San Antonio Spurs point guard Parker at Saint Germain l'Auxerrois Church in Paris on Saturday, followed by an elaborate reception at the 17th-century Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte.

Longoria wore H. Stern's "Hebe" earrings (left) and "Zephyr" and "Geometric" hair clips for the ceremony and the company's "Isis" earrings for the reception. She also gave H. Stern "Giardino" earrings to each of her 13 bridesmaids.

Each female guest at the wedding, including Longoria's co-stars Nicolette Sheridan, Terri Hatcher and Felicity Huffman, received a Van Cleef and Arpels "Sweet Alhambra" bracelet (right). Based on Van Cleef and Arpels iconic Alhambra design, the 18-karat yellow-gold bracelets feature a miniature mother-of-pearl clover charm. The Sweet Alhambra collection will reach U.S. stores in October.

In addition, a movie producer in attendance gifted the couple with matching his-and-her Oceanaut "Pacha Cobra" watches (left). The Swiss timepieces feature an ETA three-phase chronograph movement, a curved sapphire crystal and a diamond bezel.

Tiffany & Co. on Track for New Closing High

RTT News report:

Tiffany On Track For New Closing High [TIF] 7/5/2007 10:30:54 AM

Tiffany and Co. (TIF) is up $1.50 and rising, currently trading at $55.10. The sudden increase was accompanied by a spike in volume. This rise in price has the stock poised to break through resistance. Tiffany is on track for a new closing high.