International Gemstones April 2013 Newsletter
Hello to you all, finally spring is in the air and if I’m not mistaken is that a warm breeze I am feeling, is that a blue sky? Long may it last, well for a full week at least! April along with its normal showers has brought us the eagerly awaited Basel fair and the estimate smashing sale of some of the world’s biggest coloured diamonds. So grab yourself a glass of wine in the – hopefully not too short lived sunshine – and enjoy the April edition of the Gembank newsletter!
In this month’s newsletter;
74-Carat Diamond Sells For A Record $14.1 Million
Princie Pink Diamond Is Most Expensive Jewel Ever Sold at Christie’s Enormous 25.5 Carat Blue Diamond Found in South Africa! Has gold lost its shine?
Gold price plunge: is it time to buy?
Getting ready for Basel – the barometer of the industry
The latest jewellery trends
Company News
74-Carat Diamond Sells For A Record $14.1 Million
More big diamonds went under the hammer at Sotheby’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale on April 17th. A 74.79 ct. D-colour, pear-shaped diamond earned more than $14 million. This potentially internally flawless diamond set the record for any white diamond sold in the Americas. But the estimate smashing auctions didn’t stop there. Jay Gould sold six pieces which more than doubled their combined estimate of $3 million, selling for a total of $7,905,250. And it wasn’t just white diamonds that were on sale, a stunning Cartier “Tutti-Frutti” bracelet closed the sale, selling for $1.4 million! All in all it was a pretty successful sale, as the entire auction brought in more than $53 million, a record for Sotheby’s spring sale.
Read more: Sotheby’s Sells 74.79 Carat D-Color Diamond for $14 Million
Princie Pink Diamond Is Most Expensive Jewel Ever Sold at Christie’s
One of the largest pink diamonds in the world has been sold at auction for more than $39.3m (£25m). The Princie Diamond was purchased by an anonymous collector bidding by phone. The 34.65 carat diamond’s origin can be traced back to the ancient diamond mines of Golconda in southern India. It once belonged to the royal family of Hyderabad, rulers of one of the wealthiest provinces of Mughal India. A defining characteristic of the Princie diamond is its bright orange fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, Christie’s said, adding that it is the largest pink stone to display this characteristic. Rahul Kadakia, head of jewellery for Christie’s Americas and Switzerland, said “Aside from Christie’s sale of the legendary collection of Elizabeth Taylor, this was the most successful jewellery auction ever held in the United States.”
Read more: Princie Diamond Is Most Expensive Jewel Ever Sold at Christie’s
Enormous 25.5 Carat Blue Diamond Found in South Africa!
A rare 25.5 carat blue diamond worth a possible £6 million has been discovered at the South African mine which also produced the Cullinan, the world’s largest gem diamond on record! “It’s very unusual for a diamond of this quality and size to come to market,” said Cathy Malins of Petra Diamonds, the London-listed company that found the stone. Petra, which acquired the Cullinan mine in 2008 has a track record for making ex-De Beers mines profitable. Experts say the diamond could be worth more than $10m (£6m), and the find gave a boost to Petra’s share price. This company makes unearthing these blue stones seem easy. In 2009, it found a 26.6 ct. rough that would become the 7 ct. Star of Josephine diamond that sold for more than $9 million at Sotheby’s. Petra Diamonds also set a record in December 2011 when it sold a 4.8 ct. piece of blue rough from the same mine for $1.45 million-more than $300,000 per carat.
Read more: 25.5 Carat Blue Diamond Found in South Africa
Has gold lost its shine?
Gold Sinks below $1,500, Its Lowest Level in Nearly Two Years. Have investors really fallen out of love with the shiny yellow metal, or is gold’s price decline due to growing confidence in the economy and decreasing fears about inflation? Whatever the reason is, gold is losing its value and fast. In the last six months, gold has lost 11% of its worth; and in the last year, 5.71 %. On April 10th, Goldman Sachs reportedly trimmed its 2013 gold price prediction. The investment bank now sees gold sinking to $1,450 by the end of the year-significantly lower than its original target of $1,600. It also sees gold falling to $1,270 by the end of 2014.
Read more: Gold Sinks Below $1,500, Its Lowest Level in Nearly Two Years
Gold price plunge: is it time to buy?
Gold is considered a currency that cannot be manipulated, investors turn to it in times of financial woe to give them a safer bet for their investments. However, now the tide is turning once again and investors – due to a more buoyant stock market and the growing confidence of both private and institutional investors – are starting to leave the safety of gold behind them and go in search of more risky investments with much higher yields. So while the price has dipped is it time to invest again? Angelos Damaskos, certainly thinks so – but he’s a little biased, as he runs the Junior Gold fund. Damaskos believes that a dip in production may send the gold price on a fresh rally. He said miners have responded to the recent price falls by concentrating only on the highest-quality deposits, on which they earn the biggest margins.
Read more: Gold price plunge: is it time to buy?
Getting ready for Basel – the barometer of the industry
Big Anniversaries to ‘Watch’ For at Baselworld this year, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Swatch, Seiko, and Casio G-Shock are some of the big names in horology celebrating important “birthdays” at Baselworld this year, the world’s biggest watch fair, which began on 25th April. Rolex celebrates 50 years of the Daytona at the 2013 edition of Baselworld; unconfirmed rumours say that they will be launching a new stainless steel model of the Daytona. Meanwhile TAG Heuer is celebrating 50 years of their Carrera model. Designed by Jack Heuer himself in 1963 and named for the Carrera Pan Americana Mexico race. 2013 also marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Swatch, which is justifiably hailed to be the product that saved the Swiss watch industry back in the 1980’s. It became a worldwide success, and a much loved icon of the 80’s. They were colourful, cheap by Swiss standards, and easy to manufacture, and most importantly they created a whole new generation of modern watch enthusiasts. And finally, Casio celebrates 30 years since the G-Shock hit the market, a limited edition 30th anniversary collection in a rich red comprising several models ranging in function and price from $170 to $1,700 will also be unveiled at the fair.
Read more: Big Anniversaries to ‘Watch’ For At Baselworld: Rolex, TAG Heuer, Swatch, Seiko
The latest jewellery trends
I know it doesn’t seem possible, but jewellery has gotten even bigger over the last few months. The bigger, bolder, with as many bright coloured gems as possible – now with a few tribal touches – the better! We’re fast approaching music festival season – which possibly explains the resurgence of the tribal touch. But the fact that jewellery is getting bigger and bigger belies all reason! Emerald green is everywhere, and silver – especially eco silver is on the rise.
Company News
As customers get ready for Basel, we have been helping where we can and it’s a very interesting process. Because it’s such a high profile event, the pressure is always through the roof when it comes to getting everything right. The devil is very much in the detail…
Coloured stones are still white hot and prices are only set to rise. There are 2 things to do in this situation. The first is to complain, the second is to tell your customers and increase prices to them gradually. Doing nothing will leave you out of the loupe.
We are getting ready to hit the road in May and June, so let us know if you need anything and we can service you while we’re at it. Just email orders@thegembank.com
I hope you all enjoy the May bank holiday break. And remember, if you have a news story you would like us to feature here and on the website, please let me know.
International Gemstones March 2013 Newsletter
Welcome to the March issue of the International Gemstones Newsletter
Hello to you all, well as you can see spring has definitely not sprung! Infact most of the country is under a thick blanket of snow! So rather than grabbing a shovel and digging your way out, make yourself a cuppa instead, grab a woolly blanket, and enjoy the March edition of the Gembank newsletter!
In this month’s newsletter;
Dealing with competition from the Internet.
Is the Gold Rush about to go bust?
Prices of coloured stones are still rising.
Tiffany earnings are down!
Watches still command record prices!
Graff presents the priciest plumage you ever did see!
The most valuable necklace in the world!
A little round up from Rapaport.
The latest jewellery trends
Company News
Dealing with competition from the Internet.
I was reading this article recently and it reminded me of an article I wrote a couple of years ago. I have refeatured the blog again. It deals with the issues many businesses are dealing with today, with customers coming in off the street to check out a product and then going and buying it online. Well worth a read and well worth a comment.
Death of the Family Jeweller and Other Nonsense
Is the Gold Rush about to go bust?
According to the Australian Government, yes the price of gold in 2013 is going to drop. Forecasters are suggesting that the cost will decrease by 4% in 2013 to roughly $1,638 an ounce. From 2014 to 2018, the report stated that it expects gold to continue to decline and to eventually hit $1,315 in 2018. The price of “the King of metals” has been rising for the past 11 years, but investor’s interest in buying bullion began to wane in 2012 as they lost confidence that yellow gold was going to continue to be the cash cow that it has been for the past decade.
Gold Will Sink to $1,300, Says Australian Government
Prices of coloured stones are still rising.
It’s the basic principles of supply and demand that’s going on here. The supply of coloured gemstones is shrinking, and the demand for coloured gemstones, mostly from emerging economies – namely China – is rising. But demand isn’t the same for all gemstones. Some colours are proving to be more desirable than others, epically blue Sri Lankan sapphires, their price has seen phenomenal price hikes. But the pink and yellow sapphires aren’t as desirable among Asian buyers, meaning their price hasn’t increased as dramatically. Jay Boyle, a graduate gemmologist and the senior buyer for multimedia retailer Jewellery Television has noted that coloured opals are an interesting area as they haven’t yet become so expensive that people are being priced out of their area of the market.
Prices for certain colored stones keep climbing
Tiffany up until now hasn’t been touched by the recession. Infact their income has held up very nicely indeed! But with slowdowns in growth around the world, is the company finally vulnerable? Is the famous “blue box” struggling to deliver on its financial promise? Sales are up, their quarterly forecast has shown. However its bottom line was hurt by rising gold and diamond prices, leading to a 10% drop in net earnings. Back in January, the jewellery retailer announced that global sales were up just 4%, with U.S. revenue rising even slower at 3% projecting that their earnings would come in on the low end of its previously projected range. The main reason being that expenses have increased to $54 million in 2012 compared with $43 million in 2011. Earnings are projected to increase 6-9% during 2013, however in the first quarter Tiffany expects them to decline approximately 15 -20% due to gross margin pressure and higher marketing-related costs.
Tiffany Earnings Fall Despite Better Sales
Watches still command record prices!
At the Antiquorum’s “Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces” auction in Geneva, held on March 17th, a version of A. Lange & Söhne’s Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite,” featuring a very rare combination of a white gold case and a blue dial, was sold for 275,710 euros. It came as no surprise that the watch not only exceeded the maximum estimate of 225,000 euros, but it also sold for more than four times the original retail price as watch collectors all over the world expressed their interest in this opus. The auction’s result is the highest ever recorded for a white-gold Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite” by A. Lange & Söhne.
A. LANGE & SÖHNE – Record price for a rare watch
Graff presents the priciest plumage you ever did see!
London based Graff Diamonds unveiled a unique diamond peacock brooch at the TEFAF luxury art and antiques fair. Standing at barely 10 centimetres tall this proud peacock holds 1,305 diamonds that weigh a total of 12.081 carats. At the heart of the brooch is a stunning 20.02 carat fancy deep blue pear – shaped diamond. In order to prevent the wearer from getting bored, the piece can be worn in two different ways. As the additional clasp to the rear allows you to remove the centre piece and wear separately. The price for this stunning piece? Ahhh, that would be a cool $100!
Graff Debuts $100M Peacock Brooch at TEFAF
Most valuable necklace World Record for Mouawad
Yes it’s official, the 637 carat Mouawad L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace is the most valuable necklace in the world, as certified by the Guinness World Records. This rather impressive diamond necklace embraces the Incomparable Diamond-the world’s largest internally flawless diamond. It features the 407.48 carats modified shield step-cut yellow diamond suspended beneath 229.52 carats of cascading, strikingly white diamonds that have been beautifully interlaced in 18K rose gold branchlets. It’s value? $55 million. Which is good news for those who can’t afford the peacock brooch!
Most valuable necklace World Record for Mouawad
A little round up from Rapaport
The positivity from the Hong Kong show has reverberated across the world!
United States: The polished market is stable. Jewellery sales have increased and retail margins have improved so far this year; large jewellery brands have expressed more caution than the independent and small jewellery chains. Bridal remains the mainstay of the industry with round centre stones being the most popular choice.
Belgium: Polished trading is steady. Profit margins have improved with buyers willing to pay slightly higher prices.
Israel: Anticipation rose for the U.S. / International Diamond Week and suppliers are focusing more on their goods that are more suitable for the US market.
India: The rough market is stable. There are shortages in the polished market, particularly for certified VS and SI- stones for which there has been strong demand in recent months, while overall manufacturing remains below capacity.
China: Wholesale trading is strong but the retail market is relatively slow. This is a traditionally quiet period of the year, but it is still below previous year levels. There is a supply shortage of 0.30-carat to 0.40-carat, and Triple Ex goods is driving demand.
Hong Kong: Diamond trading has remained firm since the show with steady demand for 0.30-carat to 1.99-carat, VS-SI goods and some improvement in demand for VVS stones. Retail sales are steady as overall market sentiment has improved since the start of the Chinese New Year.
Think big, think colossal, and you have the hottest jewellery trend for this spring. Super-sized chokers, over-the-top earrings and knuckle duster sized cocktail rings all make statement pieces THE thing for this season. Just wear one piece at a time though, as less is defiantly more with this trend. The Gemstones are appearing in all colours but especially in coral and emerald green. Pearls are also in favour, in every shade of pastel you can think of!
We have started to introduce more stock to the website. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DISCOUNT IS FROM OUR WEBSITE PRICE? If not you’ll need to get in touch with us at info@thegembank.com to find out.
I hope you all enjoying the Easter break. And remember, if you have a news story you would like us to feature here and on the website, please let me know.
International Gemstones (Nearly) February 2013 Newsletter
Welcome to the February issue of the International Gemstones Newsletter
Hello to you all, I hope the start of 2013 is bringing you early success. As it is awards season this newsletter is full of all the news from the red carpet, who wore what bling and how much it cost! The stars always sport some serious diamonds when they step out on the red carpet and this year has been dubbed as the best year for jewels since Liz Taylor won an Oscar in 1961 for Butterfield 8!
In this month’s newsletter;
Company news
Oscar season, what the stars wore
What did the Oscar jewels cost
Florence Welch introduces her boho chic fashion sense to Jewellery
Bvlgari hosts a party in celebration of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor collection of Bvlgari jewellery
Can British manufacturing compete with overseas prices?
The latest jewellery trends
We kick off the month with big news that Gaëtane Manlhiot has now moved to Geneva and is working out of our Swiss office. How will this help you? Well apart from supporting the fantastic efforts of Françoise, we now have someone dedicated to the supporting our Swiss clients both in the Watch Industry (with precision cut cabochons, taper baguettes and diamond cuts) and in Fine Jewellery (with vast collection Rubies and Sapphires in all sizes, both heated and not). Good Luck Gaëtane!!
Gaëtane can be reached Via the office on +41 22 798 4336, or on email orders@thegembank.com . For anyone who worked with Gaëtane in London, you can also email orders@thegembank.com and we will get back to you.
We have also taken the early bird special to Bangkok before all the shows and picked up a few new very special stones. Some of these will appear shortly on the website. Feel free to contact me to find out more details.
Remember, if you have a news story you would like us to feature here and on the website, please let me know.
It’s Oscar season, congratulations to all the winners. Bigger congratulations to those who got the jewellery wear!
Hollywood is always at its fashionable best at the Oscars, and 2013 was no exception. This year however, no matter the gown, it was the jewels that stole the show on the red carpet, with many of the female celebrities indulging in some jaw-dropping gems. This year when the paps shouted “what are you wearing?” it was the jewels that they were referring to and not the frock! As with past years, the Oscars are a great reflection of the jewellery that we will be seeing up and down the high street for the next few seasons at least, so it’s best to take a close look at who wore what.
Jennifer Lawrence wore the latest must have trend, a gorgeous Chupardy necklace that was dripping all the way down her back. Not to be out done Anne Hathaway also wore her necklace backwards, a diamond-studded Tiffany corsage necklace. It wasn’t as long as Jennifer’s, but no less beautiful. Many of the stars sported the current and continuing fashion for yellow gold. Jennifer Chastain wore a Harry Winston vintage 1967 diamond and yellow gold bracelet and Olivia Munn wore yellow gold flower stud earrings. Nicole Kidman looked fantastic in her Fred Leighton 19th Century gold and black enamel earrings with matching cuff bracelet. Salma Hayek wore yellow gold in her hair in the form of a delicate Cindy Chao yellow gold and diamonds choker. Catherine Zeta-Jones covered three of spring seasons must have trends by wearing very large, yellow gold, drop earrings!
To read and see more about who wore what jewellery please visit
Jewelry on the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet
Who Wore What: Jewellery at the Oscars 2013
Oscars 2013: Best Jewelry Moments
Here’s what you really want to know, not who wore what but….. how much did it cost!
It’s the question that everybody wants to ask but social etiquette prevents us, the good news is that Luxpresso has dug up the price on the beautiful jewellery donned by some of Hollywood’s finest on the red carpet this year for us. The prize for the most expensive celebrity and this year’s show stopper jewellery went to….. Jennifer Garner. She dazzled with a stunning $2.5 million diamond studded Neil Lane necklace. Not too far behind in the expensive jewel stakes was Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron. Naomi wore a cool $1.5 million 20-carat platinum and diamond drop earrings and a platinum and diamond bracelet and Charlize Theron’s vintage Harry Winston platinum and diamond bracelets totalled more than 100 carats! Ahh but it doesn’t stop there. Cameron Diaz kept it chic and simple, the only jewellery she wore was a $1 million Tiffany & Co diamond necklace. Gwyneth Paltrow also kept it simple – but expensive – with a “Hearts of Winter” cuff bracelet studded with 2,368 diamonds by Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, worth $1 million.
The Most Expensive Jewellery Worn to the Oscars
Florence and the Machine front woman Florence Welch launched a very unusual and hugely popular jewellery line in early February
The stunning and statuesque Florence and the Machine front woman, Florence Welch, is as well-known for her eccentric bohemian chic style and love of fashion as her haunting voice. Early this February, inspired by her album Ceremonials she launched her debut jewellery collection. The art-deco influenced, capsule jewellery collection for Flotique Jewellery is available on her e-commerce site. Prices are ranging from £30-£50 which features rings, cuffs and rustic earrings all reflecting her festival chic style. Florence who always wins “best dressed” accolades at awards ceremonies proves that she wins in jewellery design too as only one month in, and her range is proving so popular that Florence took to twitter last week promising to add to the range soon as she is able.
Florence Welch Debuts Jewellery Collection
Bvlgari got a chance to recognise one of its best customers with an elegant 1960’s style event – and did a decent PR job at the same time!
No expense was spared when Bvlgari hosted a party at its store in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, in celebration of the late actress Elizabeth Taylor collection of Bvlgari jewellery. Lots of stars were wined and dined in a 1960’s Roman style event, while being surrounded by eight of the actress’ most treasured Bvlgari pieces. Some lucky stars including Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, and Drew Barrymore had the enviable task of wearing some of Elizabeth Taylor’s finest pieces of jewellery for the evening to celebrate the late actress’s famed accessory collection.
Bulgari celebrates Elizabeth Taylor
Can British manufacturing compete with overseas prices?
I am sure you feel as strongly as I do about this story. British jewellery manufacture has arrived at a crossroads. It is getting more and more difficult to compete with the arrival of cheaper production costs from places like China, India and Thailand. There are hard choices for us to make, do we hit competitive price points and order our products to be manufactured overseas and risk lowering the quality of what we sell? Or do we keep all manufacturing within the U.K, keep the quality at a premium, but sell at a less competitive price?
Of course it isn’t as simple as a choice of either/or. For example Birmingham-based Chinese-born designer Fei Liu is combining the best of both worlds. Liu has his brand partly manufactured in the UK and partly in China. He says “I think that as long as we keep doing what we are good at and persevere, that is how we can best compete with China and India and succeed as a very unique part of the world’s jewellery industry.” However on the other side of the coin, Nathan Morse the co-director at Hannah Martin is encouraging more designers to manufacture in Britain, rather than overseas, as he believes if everybody does this, costs will eventually fall. More and more jewellers agree that more should be done to encourage all jewellery manufacturing to stay within the U.K. The future for this is showing promise as it is simply more fashionable these days to buy British and support British companies. Hopefully with the growth in consumer interest in British goods it will help to bring manufacture back in house.
Can British manufacturing compete with overseas?
For further discussion on this topic please see a Gembank article written a few years ago
www.thegembank.com/resources/blog/moving-designer-jewellery-from-the-fringes-to-spotlight
If you see $50 million of diamonds knocking around, remember to tell the police!
A Brazen Jewel Robbery at Brussels Airport Nets $50 Million in Diamonds – and police suspect, due to the fact that it was so well timed and executed, that it was an inside job! 8 armed gangsters dressed in police uniforms raced towards Flight LX789, which had just been loaded with diamonds from a Brink’s armoured van from Antwerp. They approached the cargo hold of the plane waving guns and they calmly ordered ground staff workers and the pilot, who was outside the plane making a final inspection, to back off and began unloading scores of gem-filled packets from the cargo hold. Without firing a single shot, they then sped away into the night with a booty that the Antwerp Diamond Centre said was worth around $50 million.
The latest jewellery trends
As we say good bye to winter blues and “Hello Sailor” to super stripes and primary colours, the Nautical theme is still very strong for this spring. Yellow gold anchors and navy, red green and blue coloured gems are everywhere. Designers are looking towards the warmer days of spring/ summer season and with it comes more colour. Still very much on trend are black coloured gems but now they are popped with warm yellow, pink, blue and green pastel gems. Multi layered yellow gold chains and fringes dominated the runways in London Fashion week and don’t forget the backwards chain which is spring/summer must have accessory seen at the Oscars worn by Jennifer Lawrence.
International Gemstones January 2013 Newsletter
Welcome to the January issue of the International Gemstones Newsletter
Hello and Happy New Year to you all. I hope 2013 is happy, healthy and successful for us all. Another year over and it has really gone fast. 2012 proved to be a very exciting year for everybody working within the Jewellery and Watch Industry. We have watched estimates at Jewellery auctions being smashed, especially for coloured diamonds. Pink diamonds just get hotter and hotter! Not forgetting Emeralds, which have seen their price rise at staggering rates with no levelling off in sight. We have also seen the continuing marrying of luxury watch and jewellery brands, which has been confirmed by Baselworld 2013 not separating the brands next year into different buildings. In the latter half of this year De Beer’s has achieved RJC Certification, which means most diamonds in the future will be responsibly sourced. So it has been good news all round!
“Talk to me Harry Winston, tell me all about it!” The biggest jewellery news this year so far – Harry Winston sells to Swatch!
Harry Winston Corp jewels have been the staple of the Hollywood glitterati and the red carpet for decades. And now pending regulatory approval of the deal – Harry Winston Diamond Corp will sell its namesake retail jewellery and watch division in a deal valued at $1 billion US in cash and assumed debt to Swatch the biggest watch maker in the world. The sale leaves the Canadian group to concentrate on its diamond mines. Harry Winston, which has been considering the sale of the luxury arm for months, bought the Ekati mine from BHP Billiton last year. Rumour has it that they are also expected to buy Rio’s diamond mines, including the stake in Diavik.
The market for Gems is growing – but buyers beware!
The second week in February will see the Tuscon Gem and Mineral show. The show is the largest of its kind in the States and has set the standard for other gem shows around the world. With those heading to the show this year their general feeling is that 2013 should see some improvement in sales. Which is of course great news, however long term consumer confidence is a bit of a worry. Some of the newer gemstone brands are offering mediocre quality in high price brackets where the established names have always traded on fair trade principles and quality assurances.
Gem Pricing Report: Call It a Comeback
Graff Pays $8.3 million to own 50 carat diamond for the third time!
Someone is going to have a great Christmas with record prices being paid for some very special diamonds. Early December the London diamond magnet Laurence Graff bought, for the third time, the finest example in the world of a D-colour diamond. It’s a 50-carat, rectangular-cut, potentially flawless diamond ring that Graff himself designed sold for $8.37 million at Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels auction a few weeks ago. According to the auction house He paid $8.37 million, or $167,400 per carat. Which is almost double than the last time he bought it is 2005.
Graff Pays $8.3 Million to Own 50 Carat Diamond for Third Time
6 Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $8.6 Million at Lauder Auction
Bidding fever has made coloured diamonds break records yet again making this year’s magnificent jewels auction the highest-ever total for a day of jewellery sales at Sotheby’s New York. Evelyn Lauders 6.54 carat pink diamond ring was the main attraction which sold for a whopping $8.59 million, almost doubling the $5 million estimate. And just in case you were wondering this works out to $1.3 million a carat. But not to be outdone Estee’s diamond pendant necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels, highlighted by a heart-shaped fancy intense 47.14 ct. diamond, achieved $2.5 million, which again doubled the estimate.
6 Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $8.6 Million at Lauder Auction
Baselworld 2013 Changes in Place
It’s been two years in the making but Baselworld 2013 is ready to go. On April 25, 2013 the new concept show will open with the motto “Brilliance Meets” The biggest change is the newly configured show layout, which permits the biggest concentration of key brands anywhere in the world. The allocation of watch and jewellery brands to different buildings has now also been revised, which recognises that the two brands have increasingly grown together over the past few years.
Baselworld 2013 Changes in Place
Chopard expands its Classic Racing collection and welcomes a new “superfast” ambassador
Chopard have just unveiled three new super car inspired watches at the privately owned and very exclusive Ascari racetrack in Marbella. All three watches are currently available in 18-carat rose gold, but they will also be launched in all-steel at Baselworld in April 2013. And who better to help promote the racy timepieces than the man of speed, six-time Le Mans winner and Formula 1 legend Jacky Ickx and the Olympic gold medallist Ryan Lochte. In fact Ickx isn’t new to the brand at all, he has been a “friend of the house,” since 1988 when he met Scheufele. However Olympic gold medallist in swimming Ryan Lochte, is a fresh face to the brand which should gain many new supporters as Olympic fever is still running high.
CHOPARD – New Watches and a New Face
Keep in Touch After the Engagement Ring Sale
Retailers take note, it seems obvious to keep in touch with those you have sold an engagement ring to, but according to The Knot’s, their most recent Market Intelligence Report since their major purchase, only 48% of brides had heard from the retailer who sold them their ring. And since you can’t have a wedding without the ring and with 90% of men now opting to wear a wedding ring themselves this seems like a giant opportunity missed.
Keep in Touch After the Engagement Ring Sale
The British jewellery trade finally marks the Diamond Jubilee
To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, stunning platinum, gold and diamond brooch created by Ivonna Poplanska titled “Eternal Dove” was presented to the Queen on December 5th by The British Jewellers’ Association. The design was chosen by a panel of industry experts following a national competition. The “Eternal Dove” is loosely based upon the “Scepter with Dove”, an item in the Crown Jewels that was made for the Coronation of King Charles 2nd in 1661. The dove, which is in flight, encompasses four flowers; the shamrock, the daffodil, the thistle and the rose; each chosen to represent the countries of the U.K. and are enhanced with coloured diamonds. Entwined holly leaves symbolize unity, while the dove stands for peace. The brooch is so delicate that hallmarking proved a problem so laser marking was used so that the craftsmanship was uncompromised.
Assay Office, BJA Present Commemorative Diamond Brooch to The Queen
Pantone Reveals Colour of the Year for 2013
Every year, Pantone polls designers and brands about colours they have been using to help in its decision for what hue will tinge our lives for the next 12 months. For 2013, the company has bestowed the distinction of “Colour of the Year” as 17-564, or as you might know it better, Emerald Green. This particular shade of green last had its heyday in the late 80’s but it’s now come back with a vengeance. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute explains that emerald is most often associated with precious gemstones. The perception of the colour emerald is sophisticated and luxurious, and represents growth, healing, and new life in cultures worldwide. It’s also the colour of renewal and prosperity, and enhances a sense of well-being and promotes balance and harmony. Quite a convoluted explanation I’m sure you will agree. But what has been made clear is that green is really really on trend right now and it looks set to stay that way, for a while at least.
Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2013
Jewellery Trends
A sneak preview for the year ahead in jewellery starts with Paris.
Think big and your jewellery will grow! So it’s not just statement earrings that you need scaffolding for that will be on trend this coming year. Super-sized chokers and colossal cuffs are also on the cat walks. It’s not all going to be sparkle and shine however; Alexander McQueen has gone minimalist with bee-studded chokers.
Spring/Summer 2013 Trend: Showpiece Jewellery
Golden globes red carpet jewellery
We’ve been saying it for months – and if the 2013 Golden Globes are any indication of what’s going to be in fashion this year then, brightly coloured chandelier earrings are the must have “it” jewellery. This season’s hottest accessory was worn by Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Megan Fox and Alyssa Milano.
A few stars broke with trend, Jessica Alba being one of them, as she wore a stunning $5.8-million Harry Winston necklace, making her the most guarded starlet there.
RED CARPET: Golden Globes 2013
Is black the new black again? Fashionistas say yes!
Bold contrasting colours have been very on trend the last few seasons. So now we are seeing the predicted backlash to that with the emergence of black stones on dark sterling silver and blackened gold. Stars of the big and small screens have embraced this new trend. Halle Berry donned an Irit Designs’ sterling silver and diamond cuff to her latest premier last month. House star Jennifer Morrison wore very large smoky jagged stone earrings to the LACMA Art and Gala in LA in October. Of course what won’t have escaped your notice is that all the earrings worn on the various red carpets and charity dos lately are of the very large chandelier type. This trend which has already been around for the past two seasons is set to continue well into 2013.
The fashionistas are into black
Company News
Here at International Gemstones and TheGemBank.com we are making every effort to improve the way we do business with you. This includes getting even more gemstones online, with more information and images. We’re even working to have videos online to bring all our gems to life.
Our support role grows too with the development of the year planner and business support literature online. I really felt the pain of a small business working in isolation, and am happy to share the lessons I’ve learned. Have a look at the year planner and new white papers I’ll be adding to that section.
Send Me Your News!!!
Remember, if you have a news story you would like us to feature here and on the website, please let me know.
May I once again take this opportunity to wish you every success in 2013!
International Gemstones November 2012 Newsletter
Welcome to the November issue of the International Gemstones Newsletter
This month’s news – all about us!
This month has been a bit of a slog at International Gemstones, a sentiment shared by many of my friends in the trade. However, it is important to remember that there still is business out there and money to be made. What customers seem to be responding to, is very keen pricing and good choice of merchandise and above all fantastic service!
I have also noticed that fine quality stones are getting more and more expensive. So keep an eye on your own stock prices, it might be time to reprice – unless you’re cashing out – as replacement values will be significantly higher.
In the News – Top Stories!
Graff pays $10M for blue diamond at Sotheby’s
The bar has been raised once again for coloured diamonds. This time it was Geneva Sotheby’s that witnessed another record breaking sale. The famed diamantaire, Laurence Graff bought the 10.48-carat fancy deep blue briolette-shaped diamond for $10.9 million at Sotheby’s on Wednesday, shattering the $4.5 million estimate.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5894
Sotheby’s Selling Coloured Diamonds from Legendary Lauders
If you want to know how much your pink diamond is worth, watch this space! On December 5th this year, Sotheby’s will be holding their Magnificent Jewels Auction. The auction will include a cornucopia of white and coloured diamonds and precious gemstones, period designs and jewels signed by esteemed jewellers from both sides of the pond past and present. This year’s show stopper is jewellery from the collections of Estée Lauder and Evelyn Lauder, expected to exceed a cool $13 million. Evelyn’s 6.54 ct. fancy intense pink diamond ring, is the largest ticket item, estimated to be worth more than $4 million. Rather fortuitous that it is pink as all proceeds are going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which was founded by Evelyn in 1993.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5887
Rare Burmese Ruby Pieces Lead Christie’s Hong Kong Auction
Check out the ruby prices too! Christie’s Hong Kong will present this year’s autumn sale of Magnificent Jewels on Tuesday, November 27th. Leading the sale is a stunning strand of Burmese no heat pigeon’s blood ruby and diamond earrings estimated at $5.5 million. The necklace titled “Red Scarlet” was designed by James W. Currens for Faidee. The necklace was designed as 26 oval shaped rubies weighing between 5.38 and 1.27 carats, each ruby is accented by a cluster of marquise and pear shaped diamonds, mounted in platinum and 18k yellow gold. And if you are going to buy the necklace you really should buy earrings to match right? Well you’re in luck, the matching earrings titled “Red Butterflies” – for their shape. Features a pair of Burmese rubies over 7 carats each!
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5890
Investcorp Buys Georg Jensen
There is still an appetite for European brands in the Middle East, as proven recently by the Bahraini investment house Investcorp. They previously owned Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co and now they have added Georg Jenson – the Danish upmarket jeweller to their portfolio. Georg Jensen was purchased for $140m (£87m) and they plan to expand it globally from the US to Asia.
Investcorp have brought the best on board with this transaction to ensure the ventures success. David Chu the founder of Nautica will join the company as chief creative director and Guy Leymarie, former CEO of De Beers Diamond Jewellers, Cartier International, and Dunhill will be joining the board.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5892
Blue Nile’s Sales Up, Income Down
Sales are up by nearly 20% for the online diamond and jewellery retailer, Blue Nile. But it’s not all rosy news, because of soaring costs profits are down by nearly 7%. Despite this the company say that their strategy is on track as they are building momentum behind the strength of our diamond engagement products. They expect the next quarter to be stronger with exciting product offerings for the holiday season. They strongly believe that they are well positioned to achieve their goals for 2012.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5896
Natural Sapphire Company releases $700,000 iPad mini case – the ultimate Christmas present!
What do you get the girl who has everything? Well if you can find a mere $700,000 down the back of the couch then the Sapphire Company new mini iPad case might just be for you! The mini iPad isn’t actually out yet but the cases are already in the shops. The main reason behind its rather eye watering price tag is the 18K high-polished white gold body that is wrapped in 3,328 natural Ceylon blue sapphires. At the back, the famous bitten Apple logo consists of 500 round diamonds that carry total weight of 5 carats. But don’t panic if the price tag is a little high for you. The Sapphire Company promises that you can buy it over three easy instalments of just $233,333.33 a month!
Most of your diamonds will now be responsibly sourced
The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) announced on November 6th that De Beers Group of Companies, the leading diamond company and a Founder Member of the Council, has achieved certification by meeting the highest ethical, social and environmental standards established by the RJC’s Member Certification system. De Beers is the largest diamond mining group to achieve RJC Certification, so we can now look to a future with a very real possibility that most of the diamonds we use will be responsibly sourced.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5898
Love for all things Pandora still hasn’t waned; in fact it seems to be gathering momentum!
The extremely popular jewellery store Pandora reported third quarter revenue rose 14% year on year to $308 million (DKK 1.79 billion) for the three months that ended on September 30. Pandora’s chief executive, Björn Gulden, explained that its “18 months turn-around plan” remains on track following better than expected third quarter results. Based upon positive currency developments, Pandora increased guidance slightly for 2012.
Iconic London Jeweller David Morris draped all of the Bond Girls in stunning diamonds for the London premier of Skyfall.
David Morris has had a long standing relationship with Bond for the last 50 years, as the film makers have featured the exquisite jewellery in several films, and Skyfall was no different. David Morris injected plenty of glamour and sparkle to the Bond Girls on the Red Carpet for the premier of Skyfall. The most diamonds were worn by our national treasure Dame Judi Dench. She wore a beautiful fine white oval and pear-shape diamond David Morris necklace with marquise-cut surrounds and round white diamonds, totalling 34.33cts. Wrapped around her wrist was a diamond tennis bracelet totalling 12cts and brilliant-cut diamond studs with diamond micro-surround setting totalling 3.40ct graced her ears.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5900
Green with envy, emeralds are soon to take on diamonds’ star status!
Is white the only colour for diamonds? Not for much longer! Ian Harebottle is currently searching for a global celebrity to do for emeralds what Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn did for diamonds. The chief executive of Gemfields, the world’s biggest producer of the green stones, said he wants ”to bring in an A-lister to be the face of emeralds”. Emeralds are rarer than diamonds yet cheaper, and the call for these beautiful green gems is gathering pace. According to the trade group the International Diamond Manufacturers Association, over the next 20 years they predict that emeralds will take 20% of diamonds market share.
http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5904
Jewellery Trends
The party season is almost upon us, so what jewellery trends will be gracing the shelves for Christmas 2012? There will be plenty of sparkle, shimmer and shine, but that is always part of the course for this time of year. Big is still beautiful with statement pieces are still very much sought after; with elaborate chandler earrings, very large cocktail rings and chokers coming top of the trend list. Victorian gothic is still very much on trend for costume and luxury jewellery with tribal trends gracing mostly the costume jewellery market. The colour of the gems is still black but now burgundy and vivid green has crept in to make black statement pieces pop. If you read last month’s newsletter you will have read my prediction of Peter Pan chokers. Well, they now grace every fashion store and even a few luxury jewellers have offered up their own version of this classic post Edwardian style. This 1920’s trend – thanks mostly to Downton Abby – is set to get bigger over the next few months and is set to be the hottest trend for spring 1213!
Company News
We are proud to launch our new look website. It is much more focused on selling stones, as well as a Pandoras Box of support information free and available to you.
Remember, if you have a news story you would like us to feature here and on the website, please let me know.
Good luck to you all this month.
The Gembank newsletter – October 2012
Welcome to the October issue of The International Gemstones Newsletter
Hello and welcome to our bumper edition newsletter. We hope you like it, please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think!
This Month’s News – all about us!
Gosh we’ve had a busy, but successful month. We packed our bags for a busman’s holiday and travelled to the Far East for The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair to show off our new collection of coloured Gemstones. This highly influential fair attracted thousands of exhibitors and buyers from around the globe, so we were very pleased to have taken part! We were also at IJL this year – International Jewellery London – the industry’s largest trade show in the UK. This is a vast show providing representation of all aspects of the jewellery industry from gem suppliers to tool makers and of course, the best of progressive British design! Thank you for taking the time to say hello if we met you.
In the News – Top Stories!
Thomas Mercer partners with the yacht designer Andrew Winch
This September we saw the arrival of a stunning new marine chronometer timepiece specifically designed for Thomas Mercer by the world-renowned super yacht designer, Andrew Winch. These two famous British names announced their working relationship earlier this year. Andrew Winch Designs, founded in 1986, are recognised for creating some of the most beautiful and unique yachts in the world. They have promised to help create the most stunning and individual of timepieces in the hope that they will grace many a yachtsmen’s study in the future! http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5850
Tiffany Watch Heist!
They managed to keep this robbery under wraps for just over nine weeks! But in early September a spokeswoman for Tiffany’s revealed that a consignment of watches, thought to be worth many thousands of pounds was stolen on route to Tiffany & Co’s flagship store in London.
It is understood that some of the stolen items had been sent away for repair by their owners and were taken as they were being returned for collection at the shop in Old Bond Street, central London. And unfortunately they seem to have vanished without a trace! http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5853
Hublot go the extra mile, with a courtesy watch!
This is a brilliant maketing lesson for the watch industry that the car industry has been doing it for years. Now the concept of the courtesy car is moving into the watch world as the luxury timepiece manufacturer Hublot launches its Atelier Watch. Apparently it’s a bid to keep a physical and emotional contact with its customers! The Atelier watch is basically a timepiece loaned to customers who leave their watches at one of the 49 Hublot boutiques worldwide. Brilliant if you think about it! http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5857
De Beers Says Goodbye to DTC!
A recent corporate realignment from De Beers sees the “DTC Sightholders” being renamed “De Beers Sightholders.” It’s a subtle change, but it sends a strong message that every arm of the De Beers empire is important, and run with a singular focus. I point to this story in particular, as we have also linked the two arms of our company “International Gemstones” the offline element and “The Gem Bank” the on line arm, by reverting to the name “International Gemstones.” http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5860
Online Spend is Set to Rise This Holiday Season and most of this spend will take place via Mobile Devices!
Laptops and desktops are soooo yesterday, now all the cool people are shopping on the train either on their way to work or on their way home! A recent survey done by MarketLive, shows that overall spend will be the same as last year, but much of that spending will take place online. In fact 16% of consumers plan to do all or most of their shopping via a smartphone or tablet. So to cash in on the act, get your websites updated and most importantly make sure it’s compatable with smart phones and tablets! http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5863
Luxury Brand Shoppers are getting savvy!
According to MVI Marketing Ltd.’s research for 2012 Holiday Shopping, It seems that particular luxury jewellery brands such as Tiffany & Co., Swarovski, Pandora, Versace and De Beers, are at the top of many a Christmas list this year! With over half of the people questioned saying that they plan on shopping both online and in store. AND half of the people said that discounts on those brands will be very important to them this season!
Think Pink this October – Chamilia supports breast cancer awareness charity
Chamilia has launched the pink leather wrap bracelet, complete with a ‘Fuchsia Dreams’ Murano glass bead, to complement the charity’s iconic pink ribbon logo. Along with the new bracelet, Chamilia has updated its Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Bead with a new design that incorporates five graduating pink Swarovski crystals into the ribbon shape. http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5868
In other news – It’s all about the Gems!
More big stones going under the hammer!
If you have cavernous pockets you may want to pop over to the States this month. Christie’s, New York will be holding a sale of Magnificent Jewels worth an auction estimate of $35 million. 130 signed jewels from Bulgari, Cartier, Graff, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co. and Marina B., among others, will go under the hammer. The main draw of the show will be a stunning pair of diamond ear pendants, with two pear-shaped diamonds weighing 52.78 and 50.31 carats mounted in 18-karat yellow and white gold (below). The earrings have a pre-sale high estimate of $6.5 million! And if that doesn’t take your fancy, a diamond pendant necklace boasting a 50.52-carat pear-shaped D-color flawless diamond mounted in platinum will also be included in the auction, price on request. http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5871
If you like pink this is the palace to be…..
The Aussie mining giant Rio Tinto, opened a diamond market for just 24 hours in the grounds of Kensington Palace this month to showcase its rare Argyle pink diamonds worth over $65 million. An exhibition entitled “Out of the Vault: Pink Diamonds and Royalty” will also be unveiled at the Palace. To tell the tales of the Argyle pink diamonds and their experiences with Royalty, Sultans and the Maharajas. The inspiration for the pink diamond jewelley exhibition comes from Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. She had a solitaire pink diamond, – the Williamson Pink – created and gifted to her by Cartier in the year of her coronation. http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5873
Archduke Joseph of Austria’s 76-Carat Diamond Heads to Christie’s Geneva
Billed as one of the rarest and most famous diamonds in the world, surely this is going to be one of the most-watched lots at the jewellery auctions this autumn?! The stunning 76.02-carat diamond that apparently belonged to the Archduke Joseph August of Austria is hitting the block at Christie’s Geneva on November 13. It is expected to achieve “well in excess” of $15 million! This spectacular gem is the product of the legendary Golconda mine in India which shares its lineage with some of the largest diamonds ever discovered, including the 105.6-carat Koh-i-noor which has been part of the Crown Jewels for 150 years. http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5876
Coloured Diamonds are a celeb’s best friend
Ever looking for ways to show off their bling, the celebrities at this year’s Emmys held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. worked the red carpet in long drop earrings adorned with bold coloured diamonds. Proving that coloured diamonds are firmly back in fashion and here to stay! http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5878
A good mix of old and new
Finally we’d like to congratulate cutting edge designer Shaun Leane for the release of his new collection designed for Asprey London. Form a marketing perspective it really is a great move by both houses. For Asprey’s it brings in some young blood to make themselves relevant to a new generation of jewellery buyers. For Shaun, it exposes his work to a whole new crowd. Well done to both businesses.
Jewellery Trends
It’s getting cold outside and we are starting to look towards Christmas, but we need to get this very important season of autumn over with first. Mid – September the fashion weeks took place, so over the next few months we will see all the latest trends trickle down on to the high street and beyond. Oversized statement pieces have now become firmly entrenched within the British psyche. Bigger is now definitely better. Pat Butcher style chandelier earrings are no longer a fashion faux pas, but very much sought after. Ridiculously large cocktail rings and necklaces with fist size pendants are very much on trend. For style and colour the trend is heavy gothic as seen in the Dolce and Gabbana autumn/winter 2012 fashion show, their jewellery was big, bold and black, with jet-coloured stones interspersed with pearls and set in gold. As for the sparkle,dark coloured gems especially black diamonds – real or paste – adorn chunky crosses and crucifixes mix this with shiny silver and chrome skulls and you won’t go far collar necklaces seem to be creeping in – remember you read it here first!
The Gembank newsletter – August 2012
Welcome to the August issue of the GemBank Newsletter
I hope you all enjoyed the Olympics, we certainly did! Once again Omega was the official time keeper for the events, marking its 25th occasion as the Olympic timekeeper. This year Omega took their technology innovations to new heights. Their new Quantum Timer boasts a resolution of one millionth of a second, which is 100 times greater than previous devices. Swimming saw the biggest leap in technology with the introduction of Omega’s “Swimming Show,” an innovative light system that allows spectators to more clearly recognise the race winners. The lights, mounted on the starting blocks, indicate first, second, and third place winners. This all but eliminates timekeeping disputes, which is very important when you remember the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney; where two American swimmers claimed gold medals with no silver being awarded because they simply came in too close to distinguish between them.
Industry News
On line growth is still rising, even if you don’t think this is relevant to you and your business it most definitely is. Take Wal-Mart for a prime example. Wal-Mart is known across the U.S as one of their biggest retailers. You can find a Wal-Mart in almost every single town, if not three! So why will they be usurped by the online retail behemoth Amazon by 2020? Simple, Amazon does not have to pay for sales staff or maintain vast, warehouse-like stores. Amazon’s “shop front” will never suffer from a rise in monthly rental, they never have to keep to Sunday hours, they are even open at 3pm on Christmas Day! But it’s more than that, because of the lack of overheads they can cost cut without looking cheap. And perhaps most importantly people are starting to trust virtual shopping much more than they used to. Gone are the days when people are only comfortable buying face to face. So for our industry to thrive we must embrace not the future but what is definitely now. Online selling and promotion is imperative for businesses to survive. Look at our year planner for July to learn how you can make the most of your online presence!
Manufacturing News
The sun may at last be cracking the flags outside but it’s time to look towards what we will be selling this Christmas. Bling is very on trend, diamonds are everywhere, and they are not only a girl’s best friend anymore. People want to bedazzle everything these days from babies’ dummies, contact lenses to the handles of guns. Whatever next – American footballers gum shields? Oh no that’s been done too!
Speaking of Christmas, what do you get the girl who has everything? Diamond nail varnish that’s what! Azature now has the most expensive nail varnish in the world, this one off bottle of varnish is currently retailing at a cool quarter of a million! But don’t panic a “budget” version is coming out at $25!
Design News
Meanwhile back in the real world, where people are still trying to following a budget, “bridge jewellery” is being embraced by many jewelers. So called because it bridges the gap between fashion jewellery and fine jewellery. Many new designs are now available in silver and stainless steel, thus making the production and price tag much cheaper. So customers are once again more willing to enter their local jewelers so they can treat their loved ones to thoughtful gifts.
Company News
We’re supposed to be slowing down, it is summer after all, but long lazy days drinking Pimm’s in the sunshine is not on the cards for us. We’re currently working – reasonably hard – at overhauling and constructing our new website. So watch this space, I’ll keep you updated.
Show Time
As September approaches, we also find ourselves getting ready for the exhibition season. We will be exhibiting at 2 exhibitions, the first is International Jewellery London. IJL 2012 is at Earls Court, London 2-5 September, we’ll be at STAND J18. We will also be at Hong Kong for the gem show. We’ll be in the ICA pavilion, I wouldn’t say it’s off the beaten track, but you will have to seek it out. Don’t worry, it’s worth it. Show Name: Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair Sept 2012, Show Date: 19-23, Sept 2012, ICA Pavilion Location: Hall 8, Asia World Expo, Hong Kong, – Booth No 8G-36
Please visit us at either location, it would mean a lot to us to meet our community.
Good luck to you all this month and enjoy the Bank Holiday, long may the sunshine continue!
If you are interested in reading more about any of the stories mentioned above please follow the links below
How Accurate Olympic Timekeeping
Amazon Predicted To Overtake Walmart
Why Social Media Driving Shoppers To Shop Locally
The Gembank newsletter – July 2012
Welcome to the July issue of the Gem Bank Newsletter
Christie’s of New York, have been in the news again this month after holding its Luxury Week with auctions featuring jewellery, watches, fine wine and art. Once again cut stones, in particular diamonds are showing to be the smart place to put your money, as each lot sold for far above its estimate. The total sale took in $14.5 million, with items sold 89 percent by lot and 92 percent by value. David Webb’s diamond ring stole the show, the rectangular-cut E color 22.46ct sold for $1.87million, 600k above its estimated worth! Read more about this story http://bit.ly/LuFMWz
Industry News
It’s definitely a sellers market for coloured gemstones at the moment. Top-quality vivid blue tanzanite has risen by 40 percent, while rutilated quartz from Brazil has doubled or in some cases tripled in price. Due to the demand from the worlds emerging economies prices are still increasing for colored gemstones; in particular sapphires, emeralds and tourmaline. Jay Boyle, a graduate gemologist and senior gemstone buyer for multimedia retailer Jewellery Television said “Whatever gemstone Chinese buyers put their attention on–that causes the people who are trading in those gemstones to raise the prices.” To read more about Jay Boyle’s observations visit http://bit.ly/N8ktwq
Design News
It is also worth noting that the world’s largest purchaser of luxury goods – China – has recently changed its taste in jewellery. Gone is the old designs of very large diamonds set in yellow gold, in are the smaller lower priced diamonds in a move towards every day wear affordable luxury. Read more about this at http://bit.ly/NhQXCz
Meanwhile in Europe and the States; drop earrings are still a very strong trend as we approach the high summer season. And it seems to be unanimous. Bigger is better. While some of these “chandeliers” are still made out of white gold which is still popular, there’s a growing demand for yellow gold. Designers are looking at nature for their inspiration in order to keep these creations light weight with leaves, feathers, wings and fine lace dominating the designs. Cocktail rings and bangles providing pops of colour have also been showing favour on the red carpet over the last few months. Julianne Hough wore Le Vian’s beautiful 14-Karat white gold cocktail ring with vanilla and blackberry diamonds to the screening of Rock or Ages and Carman Electra wore bangles by Matthew Campbell Laurenza when she hit the red carpet last month.
Manufacturing News
Swiss watches are bucking the economic trend by posting amazing first quarter results. Latest figures from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry show that exports of finished watches increased by 17% over the first quarter of 2012. Fine watches or as they are also known “Timepieces” is the particular sector that is pushing this growth forward. Asia including Japan is still the foremost destination for Switzerland’s fine watch brands. It accounted for close to half the first quarter exports in value terms. However North America posted a much stronger year-on-year growth for the period, well in excess of 30%. Sales in Europe also grew but far less spectacularly, with one exception, Germany – seemingly the only economy in Europe that still has money!
As far as materials go, gold is still very much the primary material, however platinum, palladium and titanium is also on the increase. It’s also worth keeping an eye on ceramic being used as a material which has made major inroads over the past few years due to its technical and aesthetic qualities. For more information visit http://bit.ly/KY5QfP
Company News
Phew it’s been a busy old month for us here at the Gem bank. We took part in the annual EPHJ – the tradeshow designed by and for professional watch and jewellery makers – where we exhibited our range of cut stones for the watch industry. This year’s trade fair was held in Geneva. It brought together people from the watch and jewellery industries along with professionals from medical and micro technologies, which just goes to show what a dynamic cutting edge sector we are all involved in!
To leave you all on a high note with a bit of good news for us all. A new study by Barclays revealed that millionaires across the world are currently looking for save-havens to keep their cash safe and high value luxury goods seem to come top of their list! Yes they are buying classic cars left right and centre but a close second is fine jewellery and precious metals.
So happy hunting those millionaires, after all we will be doing them a service!
The Gembank newsletter – March 2012
Quarterly review.
The first quarter of 2012 has concluded with the basel show. The last of what has been for some exhibitors a ground hog day like experience that started in January with Japan? Moving on to Tuscon, Bangkok, Hong Kong and now Basel (other shows are available). On the whole the experience has been positive. The year has started well and sales have been consistently sporadic. It seems that colour is staring to dominate. In loose goods yellows and brown are very strong.
Jewellery Sector
In the jewellery sector, the trend for coloured jewellery is also strong with many of the brands filling their windows with Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald suites. Something else I noticed was the way some brands were overcoming the problem of high priced gemstones by using lower quality stones in more creative ways.
Watch News
The watch sector has also shown an increasing tendency towards colour, with many taking Hublot’s lead and adding coloured dials to their collections. Hublot marched on though by creating what is thought to be the world’s most expensive watch. Priced at $5 million it is set with 1282 diamonds. They have received a few offers. All again thanks to the Chinese and other Asian markets. This corner of the world (Europe that is) is benefiting greatly from Asia’s nouveau super rich.
Gemstones
Asia continues to fuel the upward surge in rare (not easily defined) rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and anything that’s big and sparkly for that matter. The gap is closing between what has been seen as the precious and the semi precious and now there are Tourmalines and Spinels that are fetching eye watering prices.
I’m sure the pink diamond recently found at the Argyle mine, weighing 12.76 carats, will also end up in Asia. It might not fetch the same as a similar coloured 24ct pink, that sold for £29 million in 2010, I’m sure it will be more than the £7 million valuation it currently has.
The Creative Year Planner
The Creative Year Planner has 3 chapters up on the website. Information on what i believe to be the pillars of and business small and large are now on line. Information on finding your Focus, Goal Setting and Defining what you offer your customers are now online to help you move your business forward. Even if you get one idea from this information that helps you move forward, it has been worthwhile for you to look and me to write.
At TheGemBank.com
The beginning part of the year has seen many stones come in and out of The Gem Bank. To see some of our newest offerings please click here. We have been overwhelmed with the number of people calling having seen stones on the site. Many people tell us that if nothing else having this large a collection of coloured stones on the internet provides them with a resource that helps them service their customers better.
I hope you take the chance to take a break as Easter approaches.
The Gembank newsletter – February 2012
Welcome to the February issue of the Gem Bank Newsletter.
Kung Hei Fat Choi, welcome to the Chinese year of the Dragon! This is considered to be the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac, so it should be a good year for all us entrepreneurs and business owners!
In the last few days the gossip mill has been running rife over the failed sale of what was dubbed the world’s largest emerald. The 57,500 ct. emerald, which was described as the size of a watermelon failed to attract a single bidder a few days ago at the Western Star Auctions in Kelowna Canada. Reagan Reaney, the dealer who put the stone up for auction stated that it was worth at least $1.15 million. However within days of the huge emerald appearing to the public, the stone was shrouded with controversy. Firstly Mr Reaney was arrested on charges of fraud, although the charges are not related to the emerald. Secondly a gemmologist who appraised the stone questioned the emeralds authenticity. So far, Western Star Auctions are still declining to comment! For the full story http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5306
Design News
Olympic fever has started to claim a grip on the nation. Jewellery designs are starting to take on a decidedly patriotic feel with coloured gems of red white and blue. The popularity of all things Nautical has continued to rise throughout January using stark coloured gems of blood red, navy blue and sea green which are being set against the increasingly popular yellow gold.
Industry News
According to a survey done recently by LIM College and the National Retail Federation Student Association 68% of 18-25 year olds are showing a preference for shopping in store. It seems that the search for the goods may initially start on line, but the point of sale is conducted in store after the jewellery has been tried on. This shows the importance of continued presence on the high street as well as on line in order to catch as many buyers as possible! For further information on this survey click here http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5313
Another positive story within industry news was the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Chinese consumers once again went against the grain of customer hold back on spend and celebrated the Year of the Dragon festival in style by driving up sales this year by 16.2%. Gold bars, gold ingots and other dragon-themed jewelry ranking among the favourite items bought. For the full story click here http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5330
Manufacturing News
After 20 years of hard work, Scotland’s first commercial Gold mine finally won approval last October. It will be dug near the banks of Lock Lomond and Trossachs National Park. It has been given permission to operate for 10 years and is thought to very lucrative containing about £50 million of gold and silver, it should be fully operational by summer 2013. This could prove very positive, not just for the local community in creating jobs but for the U.K jewellery industry as a whole as “source” awareness is becoming more and more prevalent with jewellery buyers. In other manufacturing news the BJA have unveiled its new logo for 2012 in celebration of its 125th anniversary. The logo has been designed to encapsulate the British Jewellery Industry both old and new. To view the logo click here http://www.thegembank.com/resources/industry-news#5332
Company News
Our Creative Year Planner is starting to gain momentum, with lots of you already signed on. January was about having a vision for your business. This month is about achieving goals. If you haven’t already signed on I urge you to do so. It is absolutely free and the benefits are well worth any effort you may feel is required. Feed back is already very positive and I don’t want anybody to miss out, you can register at the following address www.thegembank.com/yearplanner
Finally, we have updated our featured stones on the site to include a couple of my favourites. I love the 9ct natural cushion sapphire and the 5ct radiant brown diamond. Take a look and feel inspired http://www.thegembank.com/our-stones
Good luck to you all this month
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