AGTA Stock Photography Program Adds New Images
from The AGTA
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) added approximately 30 new images to its gemstone and jewelry stock photography program. The program provides inexpensive professionally-shot images for use in advertising and marketing. "We addressed many requests for classic jewelry styles and fine gemstones," stated Adam Graham, AGTA Marketing Manager. "This program is an incredible resource for jewelry stores who want to upgrade the look of their websites and marketing materials while creating excitement with their clients for colored gemstones and cultured pearls." More

"King of Bling" Tomb Sheds Light on Ancient Peru
from National Geographic
Packed with treasure in the styles of two ancient orders, the 1,500-year-old tomb of the Moche Indian "king of bling" is like no other, according to archaeologist Steve Bourget. Discovered in Peru at the base of an eroded mud-brick pyramid, the tomb gradually yielded its contents last summer. Among the finds: 19 golden headdresses, various pieces of jewelry, and two funerary masks. More

Freebies, Perks Luring Customers
from The Clarion Ledger
In these tough economic times, what's a store to do to make sure it's still in business a year from now? "Get a tarot card reader," said Emese Boone, owner of Box Turtle in Little Rock, Ark. And she's not kidding - Boone hired a local tarot card reader to give free readings during a recent jewelry trunk show in her clothing, jewelry and housewares shop. "The place is like a party," says Tanya Fitzgerald, a customer who discovered the shop through its special events. "It's more fun and personal." More

Jewelry Retailer Ultra Stores Files for Bankruptcy Protection
from Chicago Business
Retail jeweler Ultra Stores Inc., which has been backed by William Blair & Co., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday, citing weak economic conditions and loss of operating liquidity, court documents showed. The company, which is the parent of Ultra Diamonds, listed assets and liabilities in the range of $10 million to $50 million in its bankruptcy filing. Ultra has 181 locations nationwide and also leases and operates jewelry counters at the discount chain’s Filene's Basement, Burlington Coat Factory and Daffy's. More

Despite Decline, Hope for Retail Sales
from Globe Street
Sometimes numbers can be deceiving - though March 2009 comparable-store store sales declined by 2.1 percent from the same month of 2008, retailers’ moods seem to have lightened, and some shoppers may be emerging from hibernation as the weather turns warmer. More

Featured Article:   Pearls Shine Bright in Tucson The Tucson gem show held each February is more than a colored gemstone event. One of the absolute highlights of the show each year is to examine the latest developments in the always-fascinating world of pearls. This year was no exception. The author came prepared to see little change from last year’s inventory given the recession’s impact in key markets. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find several interesting products and trends. More Info

Jewelers to Boycott Pebble Mine
from KTUU-TV
Jewelers in the United Kingdom say they will not buy gold from the proposed Pebble Mine. Six jewelry designers representing 260 stores in the U.K. join eight U.S. retailers -- including Tiffany & Co., Helzberg Diamonds and Ben Bridge Jeweler -- in boycotting the proposed mine. More

Fashion’s Yellow Fever
from The Los Angeles Times
Sunflower, goldenrod, dandelion, canary. Accessories, outerwear and even cocktail dresses are beaming shades of yellow, which was all over the runways of New York and Europe and has taken hold as the color of the season. More