Christie's New York Jewels Sale: Four Blue Diamonds for Auction in One Night from Firstwater News
To have one blue diamond come up for auction is an occasion. But to have four blue diamonds in the same sale? "This is very rare," remarks Rahul Kadakia, head of jewelry for Christie’s New York. “In the 7,000 to 8,000 lots that we see worldwide in a year, we may only have two or three blue diamonds.” Kadakia believes that serendipity, more than current economic conditions, is the reason the four stones have come to market at one time. Nevertheless, blue diamonds have been bringing exceptional prices of late. More
New AGTA Holiday Cards from AGTA
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has released a new, customizable card with an image of a unique inclusion resembling a Christmas tree from a 21.02 ct. Burmese sapphire. The photo was taken at the AGTA’s Gemological Testing Center. "This image was something we knew would be of interest to many companies in the industry, especially those with clients who appreciate colored gemstones," said Adam Graham, AGTA Marketing Manager. More
Japan's Pearls in Peril Amid Recession, Competition from Reuters Japan's akoya pearl industry, which began in the 1890s when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world's first cultured pearls, is facing collapse due to plunging sales and stiff competition from China. In the small fishing town of Wagu on central Japan's Ago bay, about half of the 45 growers are about to close down their pearl beds after prices halved this year, sending them even deeper into the red. More
In the Bag: How Hermes Beats the Recession from ABC News While many of its competitors are suffering under the strain of the global recession, Hermes, an iconic brand famous for its silk scarves and handbags, had a remarkably good first quarter. As some luxury brands like Gianni Versace shutter their stores, Hermes plans to open several new shops this year. It is obsessive demand - combined with an intentionally limited supply - that has allowed Hermes to prosper in an economic environment that has decimated its competition. More
Steelers Show Off Their Super Bowl XLIII Rings from WTAE-TV Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Steelers became the first team to collect an NFL record six Lombardi Trophies when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, and on Tuesday, they received the jewelry to show it. The team received its Super Bowl XLIII rings during a private at Heinz Field. The secret design was unveiled on Steelers.com. More
Pallinghurst May Take Gemfields from Business Day Johannesburg Pallinghurst Resources and its subsidiary Rox Conduit’s potential buy-out offer for AIM-listed Gemfields could be the "logical next step" in Pallinghurst’s strategy of investing in colored gemstones, Pallinghurst CEO Arne Frandsen said. Gemfields said on Friday the companies were in discussions about a potential offer to Gemfields minorities, but it said the discussions were preliminary and might not lead to an offer. More
Report: Luxury Industry Poised for 2011 Recovery from Forbes Conspicuous consumption isn't dead, it's just on hiatus. That's according to global consulting firm Bain & Company's Luxury Market Update: 2012, which will be released tomorrow. The report, authored by Claudia D'Arpizio, a partner based in the firm's Milan office, is a study of 220 luxury brands, which includes leather goods, fashion, jewelry, alcohol and cosmetics companies that serve high net worth customers, or those with assets of $1 million or above. More
Gemstones of Africa Signs Options Agreement for Two Gemstone Licenses in Tanzania from Small Cap News U.K. Gemstones of Africa, the AIM quoted mineral explorer focused on Tanzania, has signed an option agreement with Javan Investments Company Ltd (JICL), a private Tanzania registered company for two prospecting licences in Tanzania. The two prospecting licences have been granted for gemstones and occur in south-eastern Tanzania. The area is known to host sapphires, green and red garnets, and rubies, with a number of artisanal workings nearby. More
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