June 2007 Archives
The New Altiplano Double Jeu Watch By Piaget
One of the most breathtaking new watches to come out of Basel this year, is the new "Aliplano Double Jeu" luxury watch by the legendary swiss watch company, Piaget.
Just looking at this beautiful watch is enough to put a person into cardiac arrest!!!....(even if you are not a watch afficianado!).
Such a gorgeous watch, they 'ought to put a Surgeon General's warning on the back of the case!!!
Here are the formidable specifications of this watch:
XL model
Two superimposed cases in 18-carat pink gold
Upper case:
silver-color dial,
black baton hour-markers,
baton hands
Case-back fitted with sapphire crystal revealing the movement
Functions: hour, minute, small seconds at 10 o’clock
Manufacture Piaget 838P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement
Movement thickness: 2.5 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Cadence: 21,600 vph
Approximately 72-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, stippled plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
Second case:
blue dial
pink gold-color baton hour-markers
Baton hands
Functions: hour, minute
Manufacture Piaget 830P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement
Movement thickness: 2.5 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Cadence: 21,600 vph
Approximately 72-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained main plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
Case-back engraved with the Piaget coat-of-arms
Brown alligator leather strap
18k pink gold folding clasp
Ref. G0A32153
Viva Las Vegas! The Diamond & Jewelry Show!
The annual diamond and jewelry show is officially underway in Las Vegas!
Jewelers, Diamond dealers, and all major players from across the diamond and jewelry industry have gathered in Vegas for this major bling fest!!
For pictures, reviews, updates exhibit info., dates, etc. please visit the official website.
Remember Ashford.com? It is Being Resurrected.
Luxi group, a private holding company in New York focused on the luxury goods market, has acquired certain assets related to Ashford.com from Odimo for $400,000.
Luxi group said in a statement that it will re-launch Ashford.com with a large selection of designer and brand name watches and other luxury products.
About Ashford.com
Ashford.com was launched in 1998 and in 2001 it led the online luxury market with revenues exceeding $65 million.
Consumers: Diamond Prices Are Going Up!
So what else is new?
DeBeers, the Diamond Cartel Syndicate has this fine tuned down to a science.
The Diamond Trading Company (DTC-DeBeers) informed its sightholders of an increase coming for its June 2007 sight.
"The DTC constantly reviews its pricing policy and has realigned some areas of its rough diamond pricing," said DTC spokesperson Lynette Gould.
Gould added that the overall effect of the price rebalance will be a low single digit percent.
Despite the expected increase, sightholders said they expect the increase to be accompanied by an adjustment in goods presented at the sight.
Sightholders were not surprised by the increase given the strong premiums in the market and the high demand for rough diamonds. "There's been strong demand especially for the larger stones of 2 carats and up," said one diamond trader and sightholder.
The DTC June sight, the fifth of the year, is scheduled for June 4-8, 2007, as the JCK Vegas show wraps up.
Guys: Shop carefully.
What is the the Most Prestigious Retail Brand?
What's in a name?
If you said Tiffany's...You're wrong!
If you said Harry Winston... You're wrong!
If you said Neiman-Marcus...You're wrong!
If you said Cartier...You're wrong!
If you said Van Cleef and Arpels...You're wrong!
If you said Bulgari...You're wrong!
If you said Vuitton...You're wrong!
Give up?
Try Bergdorf-Goodman.
Yes, Bergdorf-Goodman!
A survey of the wealthiest consumers in the United States ranked Bergdorf Goodman as the country's “most prestigious traditional luxury retail brand.”
The 2007 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey, conducted by the New York City-based Luxury Institute, asked 1,500 wealthy consumers in the US to rate eight traditional luxury brands including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Those surveyed have an average income of $319,000 and an average net worth of $3 million, the institute stated.
The results showed that Bergdorf Goodman ranked as the favorite, while its parent company Neiman Marcus came in second and Nordstrom a close third. Although not on the list, Internet retailer Vivre scored extremely high marks across the board, earning it an unofficial honorable mention.
"This category's rankings are generally stable, although the addition this year of ratings for the growing luxury e-tailer category changes the overall ratings dynamics significantly," said Milton Pedraza, chief executive officer of the Luxury Institute. "Wealthy consumers tell us that highly exclusive e-tailer Vivre outscores all traditional luxury retailers when the sub-categories are combined. No other e-tailer comes close."
"While smaller, and not as well known, Vivre has managed to become a highly exclusive e-tailer at a transitional time in the history of luxury when wealthy consumers tell us that a trusted brand, exclusive product relevance, convenience, and security are the hallmarks of a great luxury retailing website, and that offline presence matters far less than executives believe," Pedraza added.
Diamond Studded Skull Getting Big Press!
A short while ago I blogged on Diamond Vues regarding Damien Hirst's new creation; an incredible diamond encrusted skull.
Well, since that time, this diamond skull has garnered tremendous attention in the press and on the Internet.
Heres are a few links to a web forum discussion and article regarding the diamond coated skull.
It seems people are really intrigued by a diamond skull worth a whopping $98 million dollars!!!
All The Jewelry In The World At Your Fingertips! The Perfect Husband!
My Sister In-Law sent me this really funny link this morning, which I embedded on You Tube (I subsequently found it plastered all over You Tube...).
For all of you diamond and jewelry lovers out there and all you gals who have specific ( and usually substantial..;-)) diamond engagement rings on your dream "wish list", this guy would make the Perfect Husband!
Garry Holloway Talks In Vegas
Garry Holloway, who owns the diamond Ideal Scope technology used by many diamond dealers and sells diamond jewelry in Australia, was a featured speaker at this years Vegas show.
His topic; "Harnessing the Latest Technologies to Break Through.”
His discussion focused on the need for jewelers to embrace the Internet diamond revolution, or be sucked under by it.
His speech, although not entirely original and pretty much recycled stuff, was well received nonetheless.
Amongst the things he said is that “Younger consumers are going to visit a Web site before they visit anything else. That’s just the way young people are these days.”
He said retailers who embrace the young generations thirst for knowledge, will turn to the Internet to help supplement their in-store sales.
He encouraged websites to "engage" the consumer in "chat" and to find out exactly what their needs and desires are.
He further advised retailers to participate in Web forums and discussion groups, which let people learn “hip new design and diamond terms” as well as to get a comprehensive diamond education. “You need to know more about diamonds than the best-educated consumer to keep the children of your best clients as customers,” he said.
Build Your Diamond Engagement Ring. | How It Works.
There are many diamond and jewelry websites advertising a "build your own engagement ring" feature.
Exactly what does this mean?
Usually, this is nothing more than allowing the customer the ability to select their loose diamond and match an engagement ring setting to it, without being forced to choose a completed, or pre-fabricated engagement ring.
Although this glorified way of "building your ring" is obviously better than having to choose a pre-made engagement ring (where you need to be satisfied with all of the variables and specs. on both the stone and ring), it is nonetheless not the perfect way to actually build your very own custom engagement ring.
To find out more, watch my latest video!
Fabrikant Assets Being Sold off In Chapter 11
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York has approved the sale of assets of diamond wholesale giant M. Fabrikant and Sons Inc.
According to The Associated Press, Wilmington Trust Co. and Surya Capital LLC won the right to purchase inventory and other assets from the diamond wholesaler, which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last fall.
The AP reported that Wilmington Trust is a corporate lender based in Wilmington, Del. According to court papers, the company paid $41.5 million for the assets. Records did not indicate how much Surya Capital, a distressed hedge fund, would pay.
Closing date for the sale is June 8, according to court documents.
Fabrikant gained court approval to auction assets in April. Assets cited in court papers included inventory from both M. Fabrikant and Sons and Fabrikant-Leer International, accounts receivable from both companies and the 27 percent interest that Fabrikant holds in Fabrikant-Tara International.
The minimum reserve prices that Fabrikant, in consultation with retained professionals, had set for its assets totaled $48.5 million, court papers said.
At the time of its Chapter 11 filing, Fabrikant cited annual sales of $370 million and said it owed lenders about $161.9 million.
It is unclear what the impact of the asset sale will be on the 112-year-old company. Fabrikant Chief Executive Officer Matthew Fortgang, representing both M. Fabrikant and Sons and Fabrikant-Tara International at the JCK Las Vegas show, would not comment on the assets sale.
The Wedding Must Go On!
Today's Tidbits:
Cartier "Love Day" is June 8, 2007
Cartier has launched a new promotional campaign called "Love Day", which is being celebrated on June 8, 2007.
For more information, visit Cartier
"Iced out" Jewels For $5.95!
This product brings new meaning to "putting your jewelry on ice".
This is a really cool idea for those summer time BBQ's and get togethers...especially if you are a diamond or jewelry lover (who isn't?)!
Add a splash of flash and sparkle to your drinks with some icy gems. This flexible plastic ice tray makes six gemstone-shaped ice cubes. Add some food coloring and you'll have some faux precious stones to keep your drinks nice and cold.
Product Features
• Gemstone shapes
• Reusable
• Recyclable, flexible TPE plastic
• Dishwasher-safe
Buy it here for $5.95
Buy A Diamond Tiara From A Princess!
An Italian princess is putting her valuable and rare diamond tiara on auction to help her with some of her tax payments!! (No this is not a joke!)
Christies Auction house will be selling this gorgeous diamond tiara to the highest bidder!
Could be you!
Here is the history of this diamond tiara, as well as its formidable specifications:
Queen Maria José inherited the tiara from her brother Prince Charles Theodore (1903 -1983)
In his will, this exceptional jewel is referred to as 'The Empress Josephine Tiara' on account of the fact that the briolette-cut diamonds in the tiara were a gift from Tsar Alexander I of Russia to the Empress Josephine. The Tsar used to bring presents for Josephine when he visited her at La Malmaison, following her divorce from Napoleon
It was purchased after the First World War in Switzerland by the King of Belgium from the collection of the Dukes of Leuchtenberg, a title first granted to Eugene de Beauharnais, son of the Empress Josephine, and adopted son of Napoleon, on the occasion of his marriage to Princess Augusta Amalia, daughter of King Maximilian of Bavaria. Their youngest child, Prince Maximilian Joseph married in 1839 Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia, eldest daughter of Tsar Nicholas I.
Have you got any spare cash sitting around?
You might consider snatching this masterpiece...then you could really say you own the "crown jewels"!!!
Read this extremely interesting story on why exactly these jewels are being put up for auction at this time. Really cool stuff.
Roberto Coin Jewelry Teams With Supermodel Christy Turlington
Model Christy Turlington has teamed up with jewelry designer Roberto Coin to be their new Ambassador.
Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin chose supermodel Christy Turlington Burns as the fresh face of the company's new advertising and promotions.
Turlington has graced the covers of more than 1,000 top fashion magazines and has also been involved in a variety of charitable causes, including (PRODUCT) RED, which raises funds to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and CARE, which combats global poverty.
Five percent of the net profits from jewelry pieces featured in the campaign will be donated to Youth AIDS, a program that spreads the message of HIV/AIDS awareness to the world's youth population.
Diamond & Jewelry Advertisements Need To Get Better!!
The recent diamond and jewelry show in Las Vegas, as well as my obsessive perusal of diamond and jewelry industry magazines, has helped solidify a thought I have had for some time now...............
Advertisements for the diamond and jewelry industry absolutely stink!!
That's right...you heard me say it!
It amazes me that my industry, which ought to be at the very top of the field when it comes to effective advertising (since by definition, we are selling beautiful diamonds and jewelry), is actually so far behind many other industries selling far less glamorous products!
You would think we would showcase gorgeous and unique diamond jewelry in a tasteful and compelling way.
Instead, you open up any jewelry magazine, bridal magazine or diamond industry magazine, and you will find pictures of scantily clad women.
The fact that they are wearing diamonds on their bodies, is not simply secondary to the crass promotion of their bodies. On many ads, you have to actually look with a magnified jewelers loupe before you can see the tiny diamond studs on the models ears....;-)
While it is common knowledge in today's decadent society that "sex sells", the question the diamond industry needs to ask itself, is how much of it??
At what point does it become a liability to the core objective of promoting and selling diamonds and jewelry??
I asked this very question on this blog some time ago and still do not understand what motivates some jewelry companies to promote their products with a racy photo that could just as well be an ad for a very different type of company.
I'm not saying that it is not glamorous and effective to showcase diamonds and jewelry on a beautiful model. What I am questioning, is the effectiveness of showcasing a scantily clad model...PERIOD....(with some tiny text on the bottom of the ad to indicate that the people responsible for this ad..err...happen to own or manufacture jewelry somewhere...)
The cheezy diamond ads by DeBeers are not much better either....
Indeed, there are far better ways to effectively and memorably create advertisements for diamonds and jewelry (even if it incorporates the use of a model) over some of the crass and vulgar "offerings" I have seen lately.
Take a look at this ad for a Weight Watchers office in France:
Positively brilliant!!
The marketing guru who thought up this clever ad, ought to win a major award!!
I certainly don't have the answers....but to recognize a problem is hopefully a step in the right direction.
My two cents.
The $1 Million Dollar Diamond Ice Cream Cone
One of the coolest "blinged out" items to be featured at this year's diamond and jewelry show in Las Vegas, is the $1 million dollar diamond ice cream cone created by ideal cut diamond manufacturer, Lazare Kaplan for the Bruster's ice cream company.
Th diamond cone was created as a replica to the original ice cream cone by this company.
I literally flipped out when I saw it!
We don't sell ice cream cones, but we do sell beautiful loose diamonds and gorgeous diamond engagement rings.. Of course you cannot eat them like an ice cream cone. However, a beautiful diamond engagement ring sure lasts a heck of a lot longer!
The diamond cone consists of nearly 20 troy ounces of 18k white and yellow gold, 548 round Lazare Diamonds, 87 Lazare square emerald cut diamonds, and one breathtaking 5.63 carat Fancy Intense Yellow radiant cut diamond. The 152.16 carat total weight one-of-a-kind piece has a retail value of $1 million and is for sale!
"At Bruster's we're dedicated to providing a superior ice cream product in a fun, social environment," said Jim Sahene, CEO, Bruster's Real Ice Cream. "Bruster's creation of a $1 Million Cone symbolizes the outstanding quality of our ice cream, and its sale provides the platform to speak about the positive impact of one-on-one mentoring relationships like those cultivated by Big Brothers Big Sisters."
Read the full press release and watch the video here.
Jewelry Treasures From Ancient Shipwrecks!
This company manufactures jewelry from ancient shipwrecks, including original coins from sunken Spanish Galleons!
This themed jewelry is perfect for today,s trendy "pirates" climate!
You will actually look stylish wearing a pendant with an actual coin recovered from the 1681 wreck of the Galleon, Consolacio'n.
A 14kt. white and yellow gold frame shaped like a skull and crossbones holding an actual coin has a suggested retail price of $1000.
Not too bad for a pirate!
True 'Kryptonite' Found In Serbia!
Holy Batman!!....er....Superman!!
A new mineral found in Serbia shares virtually the same chemical composition as the fictional "Kryptonite" from the Superman series!
Real Kryptonite is white and powdery
The fictional Kryptonite is green and glows.....giving Superman a tough time.
Scientists discovered the match after Googling its chemical formula-sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide.
The problem is that the Jadarite (its current nomenclature) is not green and does not glow. Rather, it is white and powdery instead.
Luxury Goods and Poor Service
A recent Luxury Institute survey found that more than half of shoppers are unhappy with their experience at luxury-goods stores.
In a survey of 17 brands, Hermes was best and Fendi worst.
Luxury Institute boss, Milton Pedraza indicated that the ideal barometer for a luxury goods company is an 80% rate of satisfied customers.
Seems that some of these companies are getting a failing grade.................
Remember The Slinky? Get One In Gold.
Guys,
Remember the slinky craze?
This company just brought it back in 14kt. gold plate with a special presentation case for just $69 bucks!
Via: Luxury Launches
Best Way To Clean Your Diamond Engagement Ring? Here's How.
Diamonds are sparkly, beautiful, and shiny when you first present them to your Gal in the diamond engagement ring but have the annoying habit of quickly attracting lint, dirt, body oils from normal everyday wear, food particles, etc.
Many consumers have spent lots of money to buy ultrasonic cleaners. There are some good ones on the market, but they're expensive and demand tender loving care. The solution needs to be clean and changed on a regular basis and depending on the kind of setting you have, the violent motion of the ultrasonic can dislodge and loosen the very small pave, channel, and bead set diamonds. More money spent to replace them.
Ultrasonic Cleaner
We have found and recommend a very high tech (tongue-in-cheek) but simple and cheap way to clean your diamond engagement ring. Here are the ingredients:
1. 16 oz. Bottle of isopropyl alchohol: $1.29 at your neighborhood drug store,
2. Bristle brush with medium hard bristles: $.89 each at your local drug or convenience store,
3. box of generic kleenex: $.66-.99 cents.
Here's what you do:
Put the ring into a small dish filled with alchohol that is just enough to cover the top of the ring. Soak for 2-3 minutes, remove ring and use the bristle brush to brush the top, sides, between the prongs, and the underside of the setting. Return to the dish and soak for another 2-3 minutes, then pat dry on the generic kleenex.
Your diamond engagement ring will look brand new! Repeat every 48 hours for best results.
Try it and let us know what you think.
Raymond Weil Sues Charlize Theron
Luxury watchmaker, Raymond Weil has brought a whopping $20 million dollar lawsuit against its former ambassador, Hollywood actress Charlize Theron.
What exactly did Theron do?
Well, The South African model signed on as the face of a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in October of 2005, allegedly agreeing to wear only Raymond Weil watches whenever she went out in public.
In her capacity as an “international ambassador” for the company, Theron was responsible for showcasing and promoting the limited edition line of diamond-covered Shine watches, which sell for $7,000 and have straps made of gold or alligator skin.
Not a bad deal for a cool $20 million, right? Especially for an actress who hasn't seen too many blockbuster hits recently in the movie department.
At the time Theron was hired by Weil, she was also hired by Christian Dior to a 3 year contract for a fraction of the $20 million thrown at her by Raymond Weil. In fact, it is reported that she is only getting $6 million from Dior.
So what does she do....
She ticks off her sponsors by turning up in a Tourneau catalogue wearing a diamond-encrusted watch over the words, “Charlize Theron wears Dior.” She was also photographed at a Texas film festival last March allegedly wearing a Dior watch.
Now Raymond Weil is suing Theron for two timing them and making them look stupid after all this money they gave her. They claim a clear breach of contract with respect to the alleged clause that she could not wear/promote another designers watch during the time she was contractually obligated to Weil.
Says David Jaraslowicz, the attorney for Raymond Weil..
"“If you’re the model for Ralph Lauren, you can’t show up wearing Gucci at the Academy Awards." “She undercut our entire ad campaign.”
“We spent a fortune on an ad campaign centered around her,” Jaroslawicz said. “Then she goes off and makes us look silly in the industry by wearing Dior.”
Hey Charlize!
You shouldn't spit in the well that provides you with your $$$$$$!
....unbelievable!!
'Kiss Me' Mens Cufflinks by Geri Designer Jewelry
Still looking for the perfect Father's Day gift?
Here is a really funky pair of cufflinks I found from jewelry designer; Geri.
These cuff-links are fashioned in 18kt. white gold with your choice of gray mother of pearl, onyx, turquoise, or tigers eye face. The cuff-links are capped by two round brilliant diamonds in a bezel setting.
More unique jewelry by Geri.
Flying Hublot Tourbillon “Solo T”. Watch The Video!
I just got a link from Terence to a gorgeous and rare watch by Hublot
For this watch, Hublot employed state-of-the-art technologies through an interpretation of the top side of the bottom plate, which recaptures the aesthetics of ultimate cutting-edge techniques inspired by the printed circuit.
Hublot selected a stunning opaline dial with Clou de Paris decoration in order to enhance this remarkable flying Tourbillon.
This luxury watch by Hublot is one of 3 ever made and is delivered with was delivered with a hand written note from the president of Hublot!
Finally, for the small price of ...............er...$80,000, you can own one of your very own!
Pure Gold Shoes On Display
I'm not quite sure how comfortable these shoes are...but they certainly do make a statement!!
The shoes are said to be made of up-to-680g pure gold by an Italian designer in Wuhu, Anhui Province under the invitation from World Gold Council. There is no information available on its price.
Via: Born Rich
The Pony Goes Precious
Ralph Lauren, creator of the Polo pony is unveiling a fine-jewelry line with Richemont, the luxury goods group that own Cartier.
The new venture is being dubbed the Polo Ralph Lauren Watch & Jewelry Co.
This venture represents a first for both companies: a joint venture with a fashion designer for Richemont and a push into fine jewelry for Lauren.
Mystery Video For New TX Watch From Timex Surfaces On You Tube
Timex recently spent millions of dollars promoting its TX watch in the U.S.
At the same time, a mystery video surfaced on You Tube featuring a low budget, black and white film called "Timex TX Launch Video" which Timex says they did not produce.
The video depicts a secret agent who escapes harm by using his TX in clever ways.
TX officials are completely baffled about the videos source. In fact, TX was barely launched in Europe, and wasn't even in America or Asia when this video was posted to You Tube in June of 06.
Still, the manager for the TX brand, Herb Doscher, says that he is delighted with the video and appreciates how the new generation of watch enthusiasts choose to express themselves on a medium like You Tube.
They have no idea how this video was made or who created it.....but they are loving the free press and publicity!
GO YOU TUBE!
Watch the video here:
Is Tacori Designer Jewelry Prostituting Its Brand?
Tacori is the Los Angeles-based jeweler known for intricate designer baubles and jewelry, including engagement rings with platinum and diamonds. They are also recognized for their relationships with many Hollywood celebrities and fashionistas.
Jewelry and engagement rings by Tacori, have always been associated with consumers who had the ability to spend a small fortune on a unique and beautiful diamond engagement ring.
Not anymore.
Some of you may recall the recent alliance that brought Tacori's designer jewelry together with QVC's "Platinum Clad" (sterling silver) and "Diamonique" (simulated gemstones) jewelry.
This initiative was done with the idea of making Tacori Jewelry more affordable to the masses and the result was a resounding success. Paul Tacorian of Tacori appeared on the program with its host and all Tacori merchandise created for this event sold out in about 18 minutes.
After the sale, there was some debate in the diamond industry as to whether or not Tacori made a tactical mistake with its decision to sell their jewelry on the QVC channel.
For those of you who do not understand how a jewelry sellout in 18 minutes can be construed as a "mistake" for Tacori designer jewelry; let me explain:
Here you have a company who has spent probably a few million dollars just to promote their designer brand and to create a brand identity for manufacturing some of the finest and most unique designer jewelry. Tacori advertises monthly in some of the most popular bridal and jewelry magazines and their jewelry has always carried a premium.
Many upscale jewelry chain stores and independents, bought into the Tacori jewelry brand for many thousands of dollars as a result of their unique designs, uber marketing, retailer support, and hefty profit margins. These jewelers spend good money on joint advertising with Tacori in some of these publications. They also buy inventory for stock and invest tremendous time and effort in promoting and selling jewelry designs by Tacori.
There are women all over the country who own Tacori jewelry and engagement rings which cost them a small fortune and netted a HUGE profit to the jewelry store where they bought it from...and you know what???.............
The customer was always happy with a unique and beautiful product ("value" being determined by every individual) and the salesperson was always thrilled with the amazing profit margin.
Then, Tacori comes along and decides they are gonna have their cake and eat it too.
They figure, why not get into a new market and sell Tacori jewelry to the masses for a few dollars on QVC?? Sure, there is less profit per item, but the difference can be made up with volume sales and quick turnaround!!
Sure enough, the initial undertaking is a huge success and they sell out the entire inventory in 18 minutes!!
Problem is, Tacori has just royally ticked off two major market segments and indeed his two biggest supporters to this point.
The independent jewelry stores who have invested so much effort into selling and promoting the Tacori brand are upset about the way Tacori has chosen to make an about face and promote and sell jewelry with their designer name for far less than their usual (astronomical) premiums and to a whole different market.
These jewelers are asking; what happened to exclusivity? What happened to the unique selling point? What happened to the brand name? What about all of our efforts and loyalty? How do we continue to push and promote this brand and justify the premiums to our customers, when Tacori jewelry can be bought for far less over the QVC channel?? What will happen to our profit margins?
Additionally, those customers who represent the loyal and faithful Tacori consumers and who invested a fortune and "bought into the brand" by purchasing a Tacori engagement ring from an upscale jewelry store for many thousands of dollars, are none to happy about the women standing next to them in line at the grocery store who recently purchased Tacori jewelry off the QVC channel for a mere fraction of the cost!
Bottom line; is Tacori prostituting his designer jewelry brand and did he make a tactical business mistake over the long term and in the final analysis?
Will his independents and faithful jewelry store owners forgive him and continue to push his merchandise? How about his original and loyal customer base? Will they continue to buy expensive jewelry and engagement rings by Tacori, considering the dilution of the brand? Or, will they turn to some of the other jewelry and engagement ring designers like Vatche, Verragio and Ritani?
I guess only time will tell.
A Pearl Necklace You Could Fly Away With!
Ordinarily, I try to refrain from personal commentary, views and opinions when showcasing a piece of jewelry (certainly when it is not one of our own manufacture..;-).
I simply show the piece and leave it to you faithful readers to make your own judgements.
This time, I simply cannot help myself!
What in the world was this jewelry designer thinking when he/she created this pearl necklace, called "Splendid Night" for a recent exhibit of pearl jewelry in Jinan City, China!!!
This necklace is beyond ostentatious.....
I mean, it almost looks like a set of wings!!
Perfect for a peacock, not a woman, IMO.
Notice any similarities??
Courtesy of Spluch.
First Robot To MC A Wedding
Hanool Robotics said Tiro the robot was the first ever to assist at the civil wedding ceremony for Seok Gyeong-Jae, one of the engineers who designed it, and his bride on Sunday at Daejeon, 130 kilometers (78 miles) south of Seoul.
The firm claims it is the first time a robot has been used as master of ceremonies for a wedding.
After its marital duties are completed, "Tiro will be upgraded so that it can be used for various purposes," Hanool official Kim Dae-Hyun told AFP.
Via: Physorg
Excel Diamonds New Loose Diamond Guarantee {Video}
We are still working out some new cool software for video editing and production.
Here is a new prototype for our loose diamond video tutorial, where we outline the added value provided by our company for every loose diamond we bring in house to evaluate on behalf of our customers.
To the best of our knowledge, there is no other website selling diamonds that provides a similar level of comprehensive and actual data and information on every loose diamond, up-front and certainly not free of charge the way we do.
This has always been our motto for selling diamonds on-line; full disclosure of every product.
Indeed, this is the only way to buy diamonds on-line, in our opinion.
Enjoy the video!
Stunning Mechanical Watch Cuff Links
This set of Mechanical Watch Movement Cufflinks set in 18K gold is designed for enthusiasts and collectors of fine jewelry and complicated timepieces! They are created from gears, levers, and jewels taken from watches of the early to mid twentieth century. A mix of antique and modern appeal, each authentic vintage cuff link will have slight variations in shape and size. Gift boxed complete with authenticity certificate, set shown here in gold available for $1404.
Via: Luxist
Diamond Jewelry By Ramon
Diamond jewelry by Ramon is some of the most unique and exciting I have seen in recent memory.
Some of his Panther jewelry designs remind me of the Cartier motif for their own similar designer series.
Really beautiful stuff.
Most Popular Mother's Day Jewelry Gift?
Of those who purchased jewelry as a Mother's Day gift this year, one-third selected yellow-gold items, according to the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC).
The JCOC found yellow gold the most popular metal choice for jewelry, followed by sterling silver (selected by 25 percent) and white gold (selected by 21 percent).
Just under half of survey respondents (45 percent) purchased a Mother's Day gift this year, and 13 percent of those respondents bought fine jewelry or a watch. Among those who bought fine jewelry, 24 percent bought earrings or necklaces, 15 percent selected fashion rings, 15 percent chose pendants and 13 percent opted for bracelets.
By material, 26 percent bought diamond jewelry, 18 percent selected gemstone jewelry and 18 percent chose precious-metal jewelry without gemstones.
Of those who did not give fine jewelry or watches as a Mother's Day gift this year, 40 percent cited budgetary reasons, and 26 percent said their mother did not want jewelry or watches.
Good Old Gold
With the pricing for precious platinum jewelry skyrocketing, a sure and rock solid value has been the relative stability of precious gold.
We have seen a spike in sales for gold jewelry and engagement rings as a result of the increase in platinum costs.
With the price increases for precious platinum showing so signs of slowing down anytime soon, it seems that gold jewelry sales are going to surge in the coming months.
Not Insuring Your Diamond Engagement Ring Is A Stupid and Dumb Mistake!
There, did I get your attention now?
It amazes me that people do not purchase insurance on their engagement rings right after they buy them.
Insurance for your loose diamond, or diamond engagement ring, should be part of your budget for the ring in the first place; that is how important it is.
You wouldn't think twice about driving your car without insurance, right?
Well, some of you will say, driving a car without insurance can get you into hot water, whereas wearing a diamond ring without insurance won't...right?
Wrong, bonehead!!
I'm not talking about getting pulled over by a cop...I'm talking about protecting your investment!!
In many cases, your car doesn't even cost as much as as your diamond engagement ring and is not nearly as easy to lose, or have stolen from you!
Your engagement ring is not only sentimental, it is also quite valuable.
Engagement rings get lost and stolen every single day.
An engagement ring can get lost or stolen just as easily when you are wearing it, as when you are not.
Unfortunately, people get mugged all of the time. People also lose their rings. Consider, you are at a fancy restaurant and you go to the sink to wash your hands. Many times you will take off the ring while you are washing up. If you would only know how many phone calls we have received over the years from devastated gals who had inadvertently left their rings behind on the sink counter after washing in a public place, only to return and find the ring lost/stolen.
A car might get lost/stolen when it is left parked in a garage or on the street. However, it is hardly a likely scenario when you are actually driving it.
Not so with an engagement ring, where it is possible for your diamond to pop out of the prongs (given the right knock on a hard surface..etc.) and be lost forever, even as you are wearing it.
An engagement ring is one of the most expensive, sentimental, valuable and memorable items you will ever own.
If you lose it, misplace it, or have it stolen, you and your spouse would be devastated.
In fact, I have (unfortunately) actually seen marriages suffer as a result of such an episode...and especially when there was no insurance coverage on the engagement ring.
This is one of the first things I instruct our clients to do after they purchase a diamond engagement ring from our company.
GET INSURANCE!
It is really not that difficult today to secure insurance on a diamond engagement ring.
Many people choose to add the coverage of the ring to their existing home owners insurance policy, as a rider or "addendum" to the plan. Others, choose to purchase a separate and entirely exclusive insurance plan for their jewelry and engagement rings.
Either way, insurance rates today on diamonds and jewelry are very competitive and there are many really good insurance companies offering comprehensive insurance policies to protect your diamond ring investment.
Speak to your insurance broker or agent to find out which policy is right for you. The insurance policy will take into account the purchase or appraised value of your diamond engagement ring and ensure that you have adequate coverage in the event of loss or theft.
To all of you who have already purchased your diamond engagement rings and have procrastinated on getting the ring insured; I implore you to do this immediately.
Believe me, I know the feeling of euphoria when you first put that beautiful diamond engagement ring on your finger. You are elated and all you wish to do is stare at that beauty all day long.......
The "mundane" task of securing insurance for the engagement ring, suddenly becomes the last thing on your mind and you push it to the recesses of your consciousness as just another item on your "to do list".
This is a HUGE MISTAKE.
G-d forbid your ring gets lost or stolen...(and it only has o happen once), you would be completely devastated.
Please take my advice and make this (insurance coverage) your second highest priority after securing your diamond engagement ring.
........Your first priority is to fall in love with the ring and express appreciation to each other for this token of your love..;-)
Is Paris Hilton Asset Or Liability For Online Diamond Retailer?
Online diamond retailer Abazias.com recently introduced millionaire Paris Hilton's designer watch brand on their e-commerce site and indicated:
"Paris Hilton has made a name for herself on the fashion scene with her newly launched watch collections that tie together her exceptional sense of fashion with classic and wearable pieces. Available only at exclusive retailers, Abazias Diamonds is proud to carry exclusive pieces from Paris Hilton's newest watch collection."
Paris Hilton with Oscar Rodriguez, CEO of Abazias.com
The "Paris Hilton Watch"
Typically, a company selling a luxury product will associate themselves with a high profile, celebrity "ambassador," to help promote a stable, consistent, refined, upscale, classy, etc. brand image...
For obvious and well known/well documented reasons, Paris Hilton's name doesn't exactly conjure up any of the aforementioned attributes and characteristics......
In my linked article above, brand expert Ramesh Thomas, mentions the following guidelines for companies looking for a celebrity to help endorse their own brand image:
a. "Articulate with clarity on the brand promise (What am I?) and the brand personality (Who am I?).
b. Create consensus among the brand team on what the communication objectives for the campaign are.
c. Focus on the characteristics the chosen celebrity should possess, in order to provide synergy with the brand to be advertised.
d. Overtly establish what the celebrity is going to communicate.
Once these criteria are met, endorsements can work as a force multiplier. On the flip side, the greatest danger is that because celebrities already carry a strong brand character, a mismatch could be counterproductive to the brand. It is very tempting to be carried away by the short-term exposure and interest that an endorsement could generate. "
If you subscribe to the aforementioned approach, then showcasing Paris Hilton as a quasi "Ambassador" of sorts and in tandem with the sale of any luxury item; be it watches, diamonds, engagement rings, etc... might not be such a great idea.
Indeed, Paris Hilton has just been released from her 45 day stint serving time in prison for yet another infraction. It seems even by her standards, she has hit a new low in her imploding life and is the fodder for every tabloid this side of the continent.
To be sure, she is getting some amazing press...none of it good.
However, the flip side of this equation is the age old expression "no publicity is bad publicity".
The fact of the matter is, Paris Hilton is a fashionista and celebrity with huge appeal and a significant fan club to rival her many detractors.
An endorsement by Paris, or a market driven focus or initiative, using her as a springboard might have an even greater impact given her newfound...err....social status as an ex con.
So while Abazias continues to feature Paris Hilton prominently on its website, I am left wondering again, is it really true, the expression; "there is no such thing as bad publicity"????
Hmm....food for thought.....I guess.
Palladium Jewelry Starting To Surge
Due to the rise in prices of precious platinum, many customers are now turning to palladium as an alternative to platinum and white gold.
Unlike white gold, palladium is a naturally white, precious metal that does not yellow or tarnish over time and requires no rhodium plating.
It is less dense and heavy than platinum, but entirely comparable to white gold.
The price point makes it less expensive than platinum and comparable to 18kt. white gold.
We will be featuring palladium jewelry on our website, very shortly.
The Disingenuous Attack Against Diamond Engagement Rings
These articles are a bit like the herpes virus; every so often they crop up again and die down, but not before they nag the reader with a "a sour grape" and dour attitude regarding the accepted practice of giving a woman a diamond engagement ring as a symbolic token of love and one's hand in marriage.
A recent write up by Meghan O'Rourke in Slate, re-hashes the argument that giving an engagement ring is somehow sexist, patronizing and downright stupid.
"Why should an engagement ring be symbolic of a union/marriage any more than a bouquet of flowers, or something far less expensive?"
"Why should some poor guy subsiding on a "hand to mouth" salary, have to dole out 3 months of his paycheck for a diamond engagement ring as a prerequisite for his girlfriends hand in marriage??"
What does the poor shlub (the guy) get, anyway??
Why shouldn't the same "fallacy" of the engagement ring apply to him as well...and why is he left holding the proverbial bag, with 3k (or more) out of his pocket??
The real gutsy bloggers and writers who (invariably) put these disingenuous postings up for some targeted spider-food for the major search engines, will push the envelope a step further.
They will rally against the purchase of a diamond engagement ring by claiming that diamonds are "all from conflict sources" (see conflict diamonds) and that "little kids in Africa are getting their limbs cut off" so that women could enjoy the shiny diamonds they wear on their fingers.
In these predictable scenarios, polished loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings and the people who have the nerve to sell them, are all made out to be reincarnations of the devil himself.................and to what end?
Usually, to promote an entirely different agenda; not the least of which in many instances revolves around the promotion of their own blogs or website on the search engines.
Now to be completely transparent here, (just in case this wasn't already obvious to all of you readers) I also have a vested interest on this subject, being that our company is engaged in the retail sale of our loose diamonds and engagement rings.
Still, I'd like to go on record as saying that this whole approach and entire argument against buying diamond engagement rings, is of itself a crock of nonsense and one of the biggest scams going.
I will preface by saying that nobody should feel obligated to purchase a diamond engagement ring if they cannot afford one. Additionally, I think it is self understood that nobody is implying that one needs to purchase a diamond ring in order to get engaged...
First off; the argument that kids in Africa are being mutilated for these diamonds, by today's standards is a bunch of hooey. Yes, there were real problems with conflict diamonds until very recently. However, these issues have been brought to the forefront of the diamond industry by both tradespeople and consumers alike. Initiatives like the Kimberly Process and others, have ensured that diamonds are mined with the highest standards and can be guaranteed to be free from illegitimate sources and dubious origins.
Indeed, most companies selling diamonds and jewelry today, will have a clearly stated policy regarding their position on Conflict Diamonds and will usually have the ability to guarantee their diamonds against illegitimate procurement.
An excellent video tutorial on Conflict Diamonds (and what initiatives are being taken to deal with these issues) was created by Brian Gavin of Whiteflash and 'A Cut Above Diamonds'. Watch this informative video here.
The issue of Conflict diamonds has thankfully become the exception to the rule in today's marketplace.
Therefore, the scare tactics perpetrated by some of these writers, is unfortunate, misguided and incorrect.
Let's address the other angle used by some of these writers; namely, the idea that De Beers actually created a romance surrounding the gift of diamond engagement rings, which until that point had no greater social, emotional, or intrinsic value over any other functional or practical gift.
They will use this argument to support the idea that the gift of a diamond engagement ring is a market that has been "created and promoted" with all of the people who buy into it, nothing more than blind sheep drinking from the "cool aid".
This entire argument is not only an insult to the millions of consumers who have purchased diamond engagement rings as a token of their love all throughout the centuries, it is also patently untrue.
Certainly, De Beers may have had a hand in "building the engagement ring brand," so to speak. It is probably also true, that they have helped support, shape, and increase a consumer awareness in the magic and romance of proposing with a diamond engagement ring.
However, De Beers most certainly did not "create" the concept of a diamond engagement ring as the ultimate token of love and for the marriage proposal.
This "trend" if you will, predates De Beers by many centuries.
A recent blog entry on this topic by Issac at Janus thinking makes a few excellent and cogent points.
Issac says:
"The question is not whether or not whether De Beers created this market, but whether it is a ‘good’ market for those that choose to participate......
"Whether diamond engagement rings fulfill a human need - to commit, and to feel a moment of transcendence beyond our own lives…....
In short. It is. And they do.
But the luxury in these cases is not the ‘What’ of the diamond, but in the ‘Why’ of engagement. The gift is a symbol is in choosing make a personally costly commitment by giving something eternal, pure, and natural and individual…
If you can find a better symbol which is more