Diamonds.net News - Conflict Diamond Struggle Continues Despite Congo Joining KP
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Polished Diamond Prices Rise Significantly in November
IDEX Online Research: Polished Diamond Prices Rise Significantly in November
Monday, December 3, 2007
World’s most expensive perfume comes in a bottle set with a 5 carat, brilliant cut white diamond in an 18k solid gold collar
The Guinness World Records Book has officially recognised ‘No।1 Perfume’ created by Clive Christian, as the world’s most expensive perfume. The perfume range for men and women starts at $2,600 per ounce. A larger version called ‘No.1 Imperial Majesty’ is valued at $215,000 (£104,043) and contains 16.9 oz of perfume and comes in a bottle set with a 5 carat, brilliant cut white diamond in an 18k solid gold collar. Only 10 were made. According to reports, the perfume is driven to the buyer’s door-step in a Bentley.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
China: Time to Take Diamond Industry to New Level
China: Time to Take Diamond Industry to New Level
China Daily, SHANGHAI: A senior official yesterday called for intensified efforts to further develop the diamond industry in China, the world's fifth largest consumer of the precious stone.
"Under the current favorable tax policy, it is time to take the diamond industry to a new level," Ma Xiuhong, vice minister of commerce, said at the 2007 China International Diamond Conference held in Shanghai.
In July 2006 the tariff on diamonds was reduced to 10 percent from 15.3 percent. Since the new tax policy on diamond industry took effect, diamond trade has grown at a much faster pace.
According to latest figures compiled by the Shanghai-based Diamond Administration of China (DAC) total imports and exports of diamond plus turnover of the precious stone on the Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) amounted to $610 million in 2006, up 44 percent from 2005. The total trading volume in 2007 is expected to increase by a further 50 percent to $900 million, seven times that of 2001 when the SDE was first established.
Tang Dengjie, vice mayor of Shanghai, said more work was needed establish Shanghai into an international diamond trading center in China.
DAC yesterday signed a cooperation memorandum with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in a bid to broaden the scope of cooperation in the future. Antwerp center is one of the largest diamond-trading hubs in the world.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Diamond Market Report 11/23/2007
Diamond Market Report 11/23/2007
*Important U.S. Thanksgiving weekend opens holiday season.
*High-end jewelry and inexpensive promotional goods expected to do well.
*Mid quality price points, may be problematic.
*Scarcity driving premiums for better quality 3ct+.
*India: trading picks up as business resumes post-Diwali.Gitanjali Group acquires U.S. retailer
Rogers Jewelers for $20 mil.
*Nordstrom 3Q profits +22% to $166 mil., revenues +5% to $2 mil. with same stores sales
+2%.Saks sales +14% to $796 mil., same store sales +11%., 3Q profits +249% to $22 mil. Zale
1Q loss at $28 mil. sales -1% to $377 mil.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Most Expensive Red Diamond in the World
GENEVA (Reuters) - A ring with a rare red purple diamond was sold for 2.6 million dollars, setting a world record for a red diamond. The English jeweler Laurence Graff bought the ring with the octagonal red shaped diamond. The diamond weighs 2.26 carats and is the largest diamond of its kind to be sold at auction.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Today's News Links
Monday, July 2, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Today's News Links
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Today's Market Report and News Links
After a strong start of the week, prices weakened during latter part, pulling the weekly index lower in relatively quiet trading volumes.
| Level Daily | Change |
Monday | 126.3 | -0.1% |
Tuesday | 127.4 | +0.8% |
Wednesday | 128.2 | +0.7% |
Thursday | 128.2 | -0.0% |
Friday | 126.9 | -1.1% |
Monday | 126.1 | -0.6% |
The main PolishedPrices index opened at 126.1 points on Monday, down 0.2% over the week and just above the opening level for the year. However, the index is still 3.6% above the level it was trading a year ago.
Commercial one carat diamonds were the weakest performers of the benchmark sizes over the past week, falling 6.1% to reach their lowest level since mid March.
Smaller sizes fared well this week, with high end 0.3 carat diamonds recording a 6.0% gain. Commercial 0.3 carats rose 1.3% and Mixed opened 1.5% higher.
The definitions of our groupings are: Fine: goods better than I color and VS2 and above.Commercial: K SI3 and above, excluding the Fine category, and Mixed: the rest down to M I3
Today's News Links
Diamond Derivatives - the Newest Trend
Monday, June 25, 2007
Today's News & Links
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Today's News & links
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Tivol president resigns
Today's News & Links
Trading activity mixed. India seasonally weak with sluggish demand for melee through halves. Shortages of 0.70-0.90 collection goods driving demand. 1.00ct-1.50ct,H+,SI+ improving. Two carats weak. U.S. April polished imports +8% to $1.2b Exports +32% to $813m. Belgium May polished exports +7% to $966m, rough imports +3% to $937. De Beers Diamdel will close operations in S. Africa, Namibia, and Shanghai and focus activity on India.
Fancies: Overall fancy shape demand is sluggish with a few very good to excellent areas. In general, the bigger the better. Well made big stones are booming with excellent demand and very tight supply. Lower quality smaller sizes are especially weak reflecting a general weakness in U.S. retail demand. Mid qualities and sizes are fair to good. Far East demand is much better than the U.S. and supporting the market.
Princess Cuts: Prices are weakening as square shape demand shifts to Cushions and Asschers. In general demand is moving from straight fancies (square shapes) to curved fancies (MQ, OV, PS etc.). Princess discounts are higher than Pears.
Emerald Cuts, Asschers and Radiants: Doing well in large sizes with discounts from Pears coming down. Layouts bringing better prices.
Marquises: Demand improving for medium to smaller sizes with shortages of well made better quality caraters.
Ovals: Steady with prices approaching Pears.
Hearts: Relatively weak but larger well shaped made better quality stones selling well in Hong Kong. The shape and life of the Heart is most important.
Notice: Oversizes bringing 5% to 10% premiums over similar quality straight size.
Oversizes are (0.60-0.69), (0.80-0.89), (0.96-0.99), (1.30-1.49), (1.75-1.99), (2.50+), (3.50+), (4.50+) and (5.50+)
Tivol president resigns
Yellow diamonds are top lot at Christie's New York sale
Retailer Hall of Fame winners announced
Are you 'jewelry savvy?'
China: Jewelry Sales +37% in May
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
News Room - Full Article
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
News Room - Full Article
Today's News Links
IDEX Online Research: Americans Love Gold Jewelry
U.S. Polished Imports $1.212 billion in April
NEW SITE IN TOWN
FAIR TRADE JEWELRY
http://www.fairjewelry.org/
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
CHINA-GUANGDONG-$420M IMPORTS IN 1Q
$420M IMPORTS IN 1Q
Guangdong Province sparkles as China’s diamond capital
With $420 million in diamond imports during the first quarter, China’s Guangdong Province is emerging as formidable competitor to India as the world’s top diamond cutting and polishing center. Author: Dorothy Kosich
Posted: Friday , 20 Apr 2007
RENO, NV -
China's Guangdong Province imported more than $420 million in diamonds during the first quarter of this year for an 11.4% increase.
During the same period South Africa sold more than $100 million in diamonds to the province, up 21.8% from the same quarter of last year. The European Union diamond exports to Guangdong increased 7.4% for $180 million, China Daily reported Friday.
Approximately 6.1 million carats of rough diamonds are processed annually in China, which has more than 100 diamond-cutting factories. Guangdong and Shandong provinces are China's major diamond polishing centers because of their low labor costs and skilled workforce. The nation's total number of diamond cutters was estimated about 60,000, according to Diamond Vues.
More than 90% of Guangdong's diamond processors are in Guangzhou's Panya District and the City of Conghua, according to the New Express Daily. The City of Panyua, located just across the border from Hong Kong is considered China's "gems and jewelry capital," accounting for more than one fifth of China's gold and inland jewelry exports.
Guangdong's diamond processing companies include state-owned firms, joint ventures, foreign corporation, processing firms and privately run companies, according to China Daily.
Daily News & Analysis India reports that diamond manufacturing centre India--where 80% of the world's diamonds are cut and polished--currently has the edge in diamond cutting and polishing, but is considering establishing factories in China.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Today's news
Platinum and Gold Engagement Rings: Are Prices Going Up?
Certainly a very distinct possibility with both precious metals surging over the past two months.
Gold is at $690/oz and Platinum has really taken off closing today at $1296, an increase of $24.00.
The spot price of gold has risen 8.4 percent this year, while the euro gained 2.9 percent against the dollar. The U.S. currency today touched the lowest against the euro since December 2004. Gold generally moves counter to the dollar.
``The long position in gold is hedging against weakness in the dollar,'' said Nick Ruggiero, a trader at Eagle Futures Inc. in New York. ``Any time there's a sell-off in gold, the buying has come in.''
Gold for immediate delivery rose $3.70, or 0.5 percent, to $690.25 an ounce at 4:03 p.m. New York time bringing this year's gain to 8.7 percent.
``The undercurrent support for gold is weakness in the dollar,'' said Carlos Perez-Santalla, a
gold trader at Hudson River Futures in New York.
The euro has gained 1 percent against the dollar in the past four sessions on speculation that growth in the European economy will outpace the U.S. The euro traded today as high as $1.3616.
Platinum rose to the highest price in almost 11 months on speculation an exchange-traded fund for the metal will help fuel demand.
Zuercher Kantonalbank of Switzerland's will introduce ETFs for silver, platinum and palladium on May 10, the bank said on April 13. ETFs already exist for silver and gold.
JCOC: 16 percent plan to give jewelry for Mother's Day
Paso Robles, Calif.-Among consumers who know what they plan to buy for Mother's Day, 16 percent intend to give jewelry, with earrings, necklaces and fashion rings topping the list of styles, according to the Jewelry Consumer Opinion Council (JCOC).
The March 2007 Omnibus study was conducted between March 29 and April 5, and was completed by 2,806 JCOC panelists.
Overall, 42 percent of consumers said they weren't sure what they would buy for Mother's Day this year, with 21 percent likely to opt for flowers.
Among those who don't plan to purchase fine jewelry for the holiday, about a third said that jewelry and watches aren't in the budget, 21 percent said their mom doesn't want these items and 17 percent said they wouldn't know what to choose among the category.
For those who plan to purchase jewelry or watches, 62 percent reported they'd do so within one to two weeks of Mother's Day.
Respondents listed yellow gold (40 percent) as their first choice in terms of the type of metal they plan to purchase for their fine jewelry or watch gift. Diamond jewelry, at 22 percent, led in terms of type of fine jewelry, and birthstones were also popular.
Half of those surveyed who plan to give jewelry said they would spend between $100 to $300 on the holiday. More than a quarter indicated they'd shop at a national or regional jewelry chain store for the purchase, and 14 percent cited independent retailers.
Among mother's surveyed, 23 percent said they'd like to receive fine jewelry and watches, with 24 percent making fashion rings the top choice, followed by necklaces (20 percent) and earrings (18 percent).
Most said they'd prefer white gold, and watches were desired by nearly half of all mothers surveyed.
For more information on the report, visit the JCOC Web site, JCOC.info.
NRF: Consumers to spend $2.1 billion on jewelry for Mother's Day
Washington, D.C.-Consumers are expected to spend $15.73 billion this Mother's Day on jewelry, flowers, clothing and even trips to the spa, according to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2007 Mother's Day Consumer Actions and Intentions survey.
According to the survey, conducted by Big Research, consumers are expected to spend an average of $139.14 on the holiday, compared to $122.16 in 2006.
The study found that the majority of consumers (84.5 percent) plan to celebrate this year, and will spend nearly $1.6 billion on clothes and accessories (37 percent), $2.1 billion on jewelry (32.8 percent), $2.3 billion on flowers (72.4 percent) and $3.1 billion on a special dinner or brunch at mom’s favorite restaurant (61 percent).
"For mom, it's the thought that counts," NRF president and chief executive officer Tracy Mullin said in a statement. "As people find more creative ways to treat the women in their lives to something special, retailers of all types and sizes stand to benefit from Mother's Day."
Other popular gifts for the holiday include greeting cards (86.8 percent), gift certificates (39.3 percent), books or CDs (29.3 percent), housewares or gardening tools (18.5 percent), and consumer electronics or computer-related accessories (11.3 percent). In recent years, pampering mom with a personal-service gift such as a trip to the spa or beauty salon has become a favorite gift choice, with 19.7 percent of consumers planning on spending $1.3 billion on these gifts. Last year, only 14.5 percent of consumers purchased this type of service for mom.
A large majority (37.5 percent) of gifts will be purchased at a specialty store such as a florist, jeweler or electronics store. About a quarter of consumers will shop at a discount store, 29 percent will head to a department store and 2.9 percent will buy from a catalog. As online shopping continues to become a favorite way to shop, 20 percent of consumers will shop for mom online, compared to only 16.9 percent who did so last year.
"Although it's hard to measure our love for mom, consumers continue to spend on special, one-of-a-kind gifts for her," Big Research Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. "Luxury gifts such as jewelry and special services such a gift card to a spa allow mom to indulge on something she normally does not spend her own money on."
Men plan to spend the most this Mother's Day, with the average male consumer planning to spend $172.91, compared to women's estimated $107.18. Shoppers ages 25-34 will spend the most this year ($151.42), followed by 35-44 year olds ($147.30), 55-64 year olds ($138.14) and 18-24 year olds ($137.73).
The NRF 2007 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey polled 7,859 consumers from April 4-11. The consumer poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percent.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
the global diamond portal is world's leading diamond information and referral resource
Diamond Shapes List with Disc.
the global diamond portal is world's leading diamond information and referral resource
Diamond Shapes List with Disc.
the global diamond portal is world's leading diamond information and referral resource
Diamond Shapes List with Disc.
News Articles by National Jeweler
Friday, April 6, 2007
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Monday, April 2, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Diamond Vues: Is There Such A Thing As An 'Ideal Diamond Setting' or Perfect Engagement Ring?
News from Idex
Diamond News from Idex-Online
Tiffany posts strong growth
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27277
How does graining lines effects grading?
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27275
Some price hikes at DTC sight
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27270
News from Idex
Diamond News from Idex-Online
Tiffany posts strong growth
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27277
How does graining lines effects grading?
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27275
Some price hikes at DTC sight
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27270
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Rss-jewelry.com Trade Jewelry, diamond rss news and Fair show channels
Rss-jewelry.com Technology : The Interaction of Jewellery Design and Technology
White Gold Quality Index
New Guidelines to define Colour of White Gold
The White Gold Task Force, an initiative of the MJSA and the World Gold Council have launched a set of Guidelines to define the colour of White Gold at the MJSA’s EXPO New York show on Monday, 7th March 2005. This are voluntary USA Industry Guidelines that are expected to be widely adopted internationally (and which may lead to an ISO standard at a future date).
The lack of an industry-accepted definition of white as applied to white gold has been a problem
in the industry, where rhodium plating of white gold has become common, thus hiding the real colour of the white gold from the consumer at the time of purchase. Rhodium plating of white gold is legal in most countries. For good technical and economic reasons, the term ‘white’ has been used elastically to encompass a wide range of colour and this has led to consumer dissatisfaction.The technical issues surrounding white gold were discussed at a Round Table meeting at EXPO NY in March 2003 and this resulted in a consensus for action by the US industry participants.
A pair of earrings with the rhodium plating partially removed
to reveal the poor white colour of the white gold
The MJSA and World Gold Council took the initiative to set up the White Gold Task Force, with the main objective to define white as a colour in white golds. An issue has been to find a user-friendly procedure for the industry to determine the degree of whiteness of a particular piece of white gold jewellery.
The technical issues surrounding white gold were discussed at a Round Table meeting at EXPO NY in March 2003 and this resulted in a consensus for action by the US industry participants. The MJSA and World Gold Council took the initiative to set up the White Gold Task Force, with the main objective to define white as a colour in white golds. An issue has been to find a user-friendly procedure for the industry to determine the degree of whiteness of a particular piece of white gold jewellery.
Colour, of course, can be measured quantitatively in a reproducible way. The conditions of measurement, especially the incident lighting, are important. Generally a ‘Northern Daylight’ illumination is preferred. The degree of whiteness of a white gold can be described in terms of a numerical parameter called the ASTM Yellowness Index: 1925 and is calculated from the basic tri-stimulus values, X, Y & Z, measured with a colour spectrophotometer. The lower the value, the whiter is the gold. [For more information on this parameter, see the scientific article by Manchandra and Henderson in Gold Bulletin, volume 38 (2) which will be published in June 2005 on the website, www.goldbulletin.org]
The Guidelines: [1] Definition of White Gold
White gold has been defined as having a Yellowness Index value of 32.0 or less.
This is additionally limited in terms of CIELab co-ordinates as having an L value of at least 75, and an a* value between +3.0 and –3.5
Measurement conditions are:
Illuminant C (D65 is a close approximation), observer angle 2°, specular and ultraviolet components included. Samples polished to 6 micron finish.
Such measurements should be carried out in a light box with the correct lamp or at least under a lamp with a D65 illuminant. These are available through the MJSA or directly through Gretag MacBeth.
The Guidelines: [2] The Grades of White Gold
Within the definition of the colour of white gold , it is proposed that 3 grades of white gold are defined:
• GRADE 1 (Premium white grade) – these alloys have a good white colour and do not need rhodium plating.• GRADE 2 (Standard grade) – reasonable white colour; rhodium plating is optional for these alloys• GRADE 3 (Off-white colour) – such alloys need to be rhodium plated
Any alloys falling outside of these three grades are classed as non-white. In terms of the Yellowness Index, these grades can be defined as follows,
Table 2 Grades of white in white golds
Grade
Yellowness Index value
Grade 1 (Premium)
The technical issues surrounding white gold were discussed at a Round Table meeting at EXPO NY in March 2003 and this resulted in a consensus for action by the US industry participants. The MJSA and World Gold Council took the initiative to set up the White Gold Task Force, with the main objective to define white as a colour in white golds. An issue has been to find a user-friendly procedure for the industry to determine the degree of whiteness of a particular piece of white gold jewellery.
Colour, of course, can be measured quantitatively in a reproducible way. The conditions of measurement, especially the incident lighting, are important. Generally a ‘Northern Daylight’ illumination is preferred. The degree of whiteness of a white gold can be described in terms of a numerical parameter called the ASTM Yellowness Index: 1925 and is calculated from the basic tri-stimulus values, X, Y & Z, measured with a colour spectrophotometer. The lower the value, the whiter is the gold. [For more information on this parameter, see the scientific article by Manchandra and Henderson in Gold Bulletin, volume 38 (2) which will be published in June 2005 on the website, www.goldbulletin.org]
The Guidelines: [1] Definition of White Gold
White gold has been defined as having a Yellowness Index value of 32.0 or less.
This is additionally limited in terms of CIELab co-ordinates as having an L value of at least 75, and an a* value between +3.0 and –3.5
Measurement conditions are:
Illuminant C (D65 is a close approximation), observer angle 2°, specular and ultraviolet components included. Samples polished to 6 micron finish.
Such measurements should be carried out in a light box with the correct lamp or at least under a lamp with a D65 illuminant. These are available through the MJSA or directly through Gretag MacBeth.
The Guidelines: [2] The Grades of White Gold
Within the definition of the colour of white gold , it is proposed that 3 grades of white gold are defined:
• GRADE 1 (Premium white grade) – these alloys have a good white colour and do not need rhodium plating.• GRADE 2 (Standard grade) – reasonable white colour; rhodium plating is optional for these alloys• GRADE 3 (Off-white colour) – such alloys need to be rhodium plated
Any alloys falling outside of these three grades are classed as non-white. In terms of the Yellowness Index, these grades can be defined as follows,
Table 2 Grades of white in white golds
Grade
Yellowness Index value
Grade 1 (Premium)
<>32.0
Application of the Guidelines: The Whiteness Index
For many retailers and manufacturers, quantitative measurement of white golds for whiteness, using a colour spectrophotometer instrument is not practical or ecomomical. This problem has been overcome by the development of The Whiteness Index, a colour chart, by the Munsell laboratories of Gretag-McBeth Inc. This colour chart comprises 7 metal foil based samples spanning the range of Yellowness Index values covered by the 3 grades within the overall definition. Using the correct lighting conditions, the Whiteness Index enables a speedy and easy comparison of the whiteness of a piece of white gold against the samples and thus facilitating an estimate of which grade it is and its Yellowness Index value.
Application of the Guidelines: Implications for the trade1. It is envisaged that jewellery retailers and manufacturers will increasingly specify the grade of white when placing orders with their suppliers. At the top end of the market, there will be a preference to specify Grade 1 or possibly Grade 2 alloys in the appropriate caratage.At the lower, mass end of the market, where price is important, many will prefer to specify the off-white Grade 3 and to rhodium plate the jewellery. It is notable that many carat gold alloy suppliers are already defining their range of white golds in terms of the 3 grades (and the grade selected will be reflected in the price; the Grade 1 alloys will include high palladium alloys and so tend to be more expensive).
2. It should be noted that the Grades of white gold are based solely on colour (whiteness) and not on alloy composition. Thus, any of the grades can include nickel-containing alloys that may not comply with the European Directive on nickel.
3. In the case of customer complaints concerning the underlying poor colour of white golds, when the rhodium plating wears through, it should be easy, using the Whiteness Index, to establish if the jewellery alloy complies with the industry definition of white gold or lies outside. If outside of the definition, the retailer is vulnerable in cases of litigation. A good reason to specify the Grade when ordering jewellery from their supplier!
The Whiteness Index
4. It is not envisaged that the grade of white gold used in a piece of jewellery will be disclosed to the customer. The grades are intended solely for use within the trade. However, it is an option for retailers (and manufacturers) to disclose to their customers whether the white gold jewellery is rhodium plated. This is a commercial decision! However, there is a body of opinion that failure to disclose rhodium plating could be in breach of national trade laws in many countries where there is a requirement on descriptions of products to be full and accurate.
5. For information about purchasing the Whiteness Index and/or lightboxes or lamps, contact the MJSA: e-mail: mjsa@mjsainc.com or http://www.mjsainc.com/ ; tel: +1 401 274 3840; fax: +1 401 274 0265
Read a paper on white gold from the Santa Fe Symposium. (1,698 kb) Click hereSource: WGC
For many retailers and manufacturers, quantitative measurement of white golds for whiteness, using a colour spectrophotometer instrument is not practical or ecomomical. This problem has been overcome by the development of The Whiteness Index, a colour chart, by the Munsell laboratories of Gretag-McBeth Inc. This colour chart comprises 7 metal foil based samples spanning the range of Yellowness Index values covered by the 3 grades within the overall definition. Using the correct lighting conditions, the Whiteness Index enables a speedy and easy comparison of the whiteness of a piece of white gold against the samples and thus facilitating an estimate of which grade it is and its Yellowness Index value.
Application of the Guidelines: Implications for the trade1. It is envisaged that jewellery retailers and manufacturers will increasingly specify the grade of white when placing orders with their suppliers. At the top end of the market, there will be a preference to specify Grade 1 or possibly Grade 2 alloys in the appropriate caratage.At the lower, mass end of the market, where price is important, many will prefer to specify the off-white Grade 3 and to rhodium plate the jewellery. It is notable that many carat gold alloy suppliers are already defining their range of white golds in terms of the 3 grades (and the grade selected will be reflected in the price; the Grade 1 alloys will include high palladium alloys and so tend to be more expensive).
2. It should be noted that the Grades of white gold are based solely on colour (whiteness) and not on alloy composition. Thus, any of the grades can include nickel-containing alloys that may not comply with the European Directive on nickel.
3. In the case of customer complaints concerning the underlying poor colour of white golds, when the rhodium plating wears through, it should be easy, using the Whiteness Index, to establish if the jewellery alloy complies with the industry definition of white gold or lies outside. If outside of the definition, the retailer is vulnerable in cases of litigation. A good reason to specify the Grade when ordering jewellery from their supplier!
The Whiteness Index
4. It is not envisaged that the grade of white gold used in a piece of jewellery will be disclosed to the customer. The grades are intended solely for use within the trade. However, it is an option for retailers (and manufacturers) to disclose to their customers whether the white gold jewellery is rhodium plated. This is a commercial decision! However, there is a body of opinion that failure to disclose rhodium plating could be in breach of national trade laws in many countries where there is a requirement on descriptions of products to be full and accurate.
5. For information about purchasing the Whiteness Index and/or lightboxes or lamps, contact the MJSA: e-mail: mjsa@mjsainc.com or http://www.mjsainc.com/ ; tel: +1 401 274 3840; fax: +1 401 274 0265
Read a paper on white gold from the Santa Fe Symposium. (1,698 kb) Click hereSource: WGC
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Gold expected at an average record high of $645/OZ in '07: CPM, CPM Group, gold, Jeffrey Christian, precious metals,, Gold expected at an average record high of $645/OZ in '07: CPM, Gold jewellery fabrication demand to rise 9
Diamond World: Gold expected at an average record high of $645/OZ in 2007
US Market grows for 5th year
U.S. Retail Diamond Jewelry Market Grows for 5th Consecutive Year
News Room - Full Article
The New International Diamond Portal
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
U.S. Jewelry Sales Forecast: +4.1% in 2007
U.S. Jewelry Sales Forecast: +4.1% in 2007
News Room - Full Article
Diamonds News (Mar.20th.2007)
Hello Everyone!
Diamond prices remain firm but no major changes occurred since March 9th.
Have you ever visited cibjo.org? It's the official site of World Jewellery Confederation which has a great downloadable jewelry & marketing guide. Most of the site is still under construction. visit http://www.cibjo.org
Here is some of this month's news highlights, mainly regarding diamond security. Watch yourself....
Have a nice and productive week.
$28 Million in Diamonds Stolen from ABN Amro Vault
(March 13, '07, 3:22 Edahn Golan)
120,000 carats of diamonds worth $28 million were stolen from an ABN Amro bank vault in Antwerp last Monday. The goods, belonging to eight local diamond companies, were reportedly stolen by a middle-aged client that used a false identity.
A €2 million ($2.64 million) reward is being offered for help leading to the capture and arrest of the thief.
According to Antwerp World Diamond Center spokesman Philip Claes, “The stolen diamonds were owned by eight Antwerp-based diamond trading companies and given as a pledge to bank loans.”
“Among the diamonds stolen was a 133 carat uncut diamond, which would be very difficult to sell in the market,” Claes told Bloomberg, adding that information identifying the gems would be sent to all diamond trading centers in the world.
Among the stolen goods are 41 blue brilliants diamonds and two pear-shaped green diamonds, according to Claes.
According to prosecutors, the suspect was identified as Carlos Hector Flomenbaum, about 55-60 years old. Although Flomenbaum used an Argentine passport, stolen in Israel a few years ago, he speaks with an American accent. He has gray hair, stands 1.90 meters (6”3’) tall and often wears a baseball cap.
He was the last person to visit the vault room on March 2, and the first to enter on March 5, according to the prosecutor's statement. Police are investigating whether he had inside help.
ABN Amro, with its branch on Pelikaanstraat in the heart Antwerp’s diamond district, is the largest financier of the global diamond industry. The bank has declined to comment on the theft.
In February 2003, 123 of the 160 safes in the Grunberger building vault were broken into. Thieves made off with diamonds and other valuables worth $100 million. A week later, four Italians were arrested. In May 2005, they were sentenced to five to ten years in jail and heavy fines.
The stolen goods were never recovered. At the time it was estimated that many of the diamonds were not insured.
Jewelry Worth $1 Million Robbed from Courier in Indiana
http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/English/News.aspx?boneId=918&objid=1899
Another Jewelry Salesman Robbed in Utah
http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/English/NEWS.aspx?boneID=918&objID=1885&SearchS=utah
Benelux's Trade Booth Hit by Thieves Overnight in Poland
http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=17138
IDEX Online - International Diamond and Jewelry EXchange
U.S. Online Jewelry Sales Up 20% in 2006
IDEX Online - International Diamond and Jewelry EXchange
Monday, March 19, 2007
Diamond news
Diamond News
Mar.19th.2007
Good News & Bad News for Euro-Zone Economy
http://idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=27211
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