RAPAPORT...
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will now include a four-color insert about fluorescence in every GIA Diamond Grading Report and Diamond Dossier® for diamonds with fluorescence described as medium or stronger. GIA has additional information on fluorescence at its website,
www.gia.edu.
The board of Diamond Trading Company (DTC) Botswana named Shrenuj Botswana (Pty) Limited a DTC Botswana sightholder. A statement from DTC explained that the decision was intended to support the sustainability of diamond manufacturing capacity within Botswana. Shrenuj Botswana is part of the Shrenuj India Group, which has been a DTC sightholder since 1982.
Gitanjali USA, Gitanjali’s wholly owned subsidiary, acquired a 51 percent stake in New York-based diamond jewelry maker Diamlink Inc., Gitanjali reported in a notice to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Gitanjali did not disclose the financial details of this acquisition.
The Iberjoya Trade Show, to be held from September 9 to 13 in Madrid, Spain, will feature the first World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) Interbourse Pavilion, which will function as a diamond trading floor. The pavilion is available to all members of diamond exchanges affiliated with the WFDB on a first-come, first-served basis for a charge of $7,960 (EUR 5,700) per table. For more information or to preregister, email
trade-promotion@wfdb.com.
At the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, scheduled from September 21 to 27, 2009, JewelleryNetAsia representatives will create personalized show guides at Product Locator kiosks to help buyers navigate the trade show’s 3,000 exhibitors. The kiosks will be set up at the entrances of both of the show’s venues, Asia World Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
HRD Antwerp agreed to provide Ciribelli with customized diamond certificates, HRD Antwerp announced in a statement. In return, the Monte Carlo, Monaco-based jewelry chain will promote the certificates in its boutiques. Ciribelli operates the top five luxury jewelry and watch stores in Monaco.
Deljanin & Simic Gemological Service announced its launch. The New York City-based company serves the diamond industry through its D&S Gemological Service, focusing on seven areas: gemological identification, diamond grading, research services, two-hour and same-day services, a traveling lab, custom-made instruments and education.
Through the “Together Works” strategic marketing program, the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) is guiding Israeli diamantaires through all stages of website development free of charge. For more information, visit
www.israelidiamond.co.il.
The four U.K. Assay Offices now distinguish palladium with a legally recognized hallmark, applied under an amendment to the Hallmarking Act 1973, according to a statement by the Birmingham Assay Office. The hallmarking of palladium will become a legal requirement for items that weigh more than one gram beginning in 2010. The recognized fineness standards will be 500 parts per thousand, 950 parts per thousand and 999 parts per thousand.
David Peters, director of member services for Jewelers of America (JA), was elected as director of the board for the Diamond Council of America (DCA). The DCA is a nonprofit forum designed to educate jewelry sales professionals about diamonds and gems.
The Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) announced that a new diamond-trading center has been created in the region with the establishment of a state-of-the-art diamond boiling facility (DBF) in the Almas Tower. DDE explained that boiling removes dirt and trace materials from diamonds.
Anglo American appointed Sir John Parker as chairman to replace Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, who is retiring from the board after seven years. Parker is chairman of National Grid and joint chairman of the Mondi Group.
J.C. Penney appointed Pam Mortenson senior vice president and general merchandise manager of fine jewelry. Mortensen previously served as vice president and divisional merchandise manager of Wal-Mart’s fine jewelry and watch division.
Christie Brinkley debuted a new 100-piece line of jewelry called CeleBrate in select Ross-Simons catalogs, fourteen Ross-Simons retail stores and online at www.christiebrinkleyjewelry.com. The collection includes gold and diamond peace signs, floral motifs and southwestern-style turquoise.
A. Jaffe appointed Kimberly Jokic and Mellanie McElearney regional vice presidents. Jokic previously held positions at Hearts on Fire, Porsche Design and Gucci Group watches. McElearney’s experience includes stints at Hearts on Fire and David Yurman Designs.
Gary Flyer, president of bridal manufacturer Martin Flyer for the past 43 years, announced his retirement and named Joshua Kaufman, his son-in-law, the new head of the business. Kaufman has been chief executive officer (CEO) of the firm since 2001. As part of a new company structure, Martin Flyer entered into a strategic alliance with KGK Group, an international diamond trading company and Diamond Trading Company (DTC) sightholder.
The Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland reportedly has ordered Congressional Hotel Corporation (CHC) to pay Mervis Diamond Importers $4.3 million, according to a statement from Mervis. In 2004, Mervis contracted with CHC for a retail lease of 3,000-plus square feet; however, Mervis’ suit claimed that CHC failed to build according to the terms of the lease.
Article from the Rapaport Magazine - August 2009. To subscribe click here.