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.

TOP FALL JEWELRY TRENDS REVEALED

July 30, 2007

New York—Bold cuffs, organic forms and personalized pieces are some of the hottest trends for fall jewelry, according to a Jewelry Information Center (JIC) seminar held at the JA New York Summer Show on Sunday.

Bracelets will remain the "it" fashion accessory for fall in cuff styles that feature freeform precious metal, nature themes, enamel detailing and bright faceted or cabochon gemstones. Bangles will also be on trend in hand-hammered high-karatage metals with rose-cut diamonds. Thin "personal" bracelets, created from cord, rubber, plastic or woven gold and colored fabric, are also expected to be popular, especially when paired with symbols of sentimentality.

Gem-laden cocktail rings will share the spotlight this season with wide bands highlighting intricate carving or hand-hammered metals. Stacking rings are also sure to be a hit.

Non-traditional hearts, lock and keys, crowns and other girlie motifs will emerge as top pendant trends, along with monograms, emblems, coins and crests.

Medallions will still be in vogue, typically in round shapes with double-sided designs. Carved or openwork designs make the style more affordable, and many will be hung low on rubber cord or string for a more organic feel.

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.