Category: Jewelry

Small Loans, Significant Impact
Washington Post, United States 

After Success in Poor Nations, Grameen Bank Tries New York
By Robin Shulman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, March 10, 2008; Page A03

NEW YORK — “Señoras!” calls the banker, summoning her borrowers to attention at their first loan-repayment meeting.

The small-business borrowers — day-care providers, clothing sellers, jewelry makers — crowd into the living room where their children are napping, eating cereal and watching TV. Read more about Small Loans, Significant Impact …

Costco Profits Hold Up But Jewelry Sales Diminish
Diamonds.net, NY

RAPAPORT… Warehouse retailer Costco reported a 31 percent increase in profits to $328 million during its second quarter ending February 17. But the company took a $53 million charge one year ago, helping to boost net income this quarter by 23 percentage points. Sales rose 12 percent to $16.6 billion and same-store sales rose 7 percent. Read more about Costco Profits Hold Up But Jewelry Sales Diminish …

A Spate of Jewelry Trade Shows in Asia
Israel Diamond Portal, Israel 

The international jewelry trade show, which took place for four days in Shenzhen China, ended on March 2.

This is the sixth year running that this trade show has taken place, with the number of participants rising steadily. Over 350 exhibitors from 12 countries displayed their wares at the show, which is considered “the most international show in China during the first half of the year.” Although the show was deemed “international,” most of the participants and exhibitors were from China and Hong Kong. Read more about A Spate of Jewelry Trade Shows in Asia …

New State Law Illegalizes Lead Jewelry
KPBS, CA

A new state law is changing the kind of jewelry you can buy in California. As of Saturday, it was illegal to sell jewelry for a body piercing that has any lead in it. It’s also now illegal to sell adult plated metal jewelry that’s more than ten percent lead, or non-plated metal jewelry that’s more than one-and-a-half percent lead. Read more about New State Law Illegalizes Lead Jewelry …

Book Focuses on Making Jewelry
TriCities.com, TN

“Creative Metal Clay Jewelry: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration” by CeCe Wire, photographs by Sandra Stambaugh, illustrated by Olivier Rollin, 2007, Lark Books, $14.95, hardbound, 144 pages

 The author begins by explaining how as a jeweler metal clay virtually changed her life, then goes on to clarify what metal clay is and the myriad of possibilities it offers. Metal clay is composed of water, an organic binder and pure particles of either silver or gold. Metal clay is soft and malleable like other clays, until fired either with a torch or a kiln. The water and organic binder evaporate and burn away, and the resulting product is either fine silver or 24K gold. Read more about Book Focuses on Making Jewelry …

Burglars take $26k in jewelry from Dubuque pawn shop
Associated Press – March 2, 2008 3:54 PM ET
WOI, IA

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) – Burglars got away with more than $26,000 in jewelry from a Dubuque pawn shop.

Police said the theft occurred between Friday night and Saturday morning. The jewelry was taken from the shop’s display cases.

The shop’s owner, Michael Vandermillen, says he has no insurance. Read more about Burglars take $26k in jewelry from Dubuque pawn shop …

Rising gold prices lead to hunt for old jewelry
Press of Atlantic City, NJ 

By AMY KUPERINSKY Staff Writer, 609-272-7251
Published: Sunday, March 02, 2008

“We buy gold.” So reads the twin signs that greet customers as they approach Frank’s Jewelers at the Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township. And what a time to sell it, with the value of gold skyrocketing this year. The increase has sent people to their jewelry boxes to ferret out single earrings and little-worn novelties, along with the bigger stuff: pieces whose sentimental value just isn’t enough to trump their actual value.

One man took his chain to be appraised.

“Weigh it with the box,” he said, handing the small green square to Frank Devlin, owner of the mall jewelry counter. Read more about Rising gold prices lead to hunt for old jewelry …

Jewelry Chain Zales Looks to Cut More Costs
Wall Street Journal
By VERONICA DAGHER
February 27, 2008 12:08 p.m.

Zale Corp. will cut about 20% of its headquarters work force and close 23 more stores as the company continues its restructuring amid a weakened economic environment.

The news sent shares higher, rising $1.87, or 10%, to $19.76 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The jewelry retailer is seeking to generate more than $65 million in annual cost savings beginning in its fiscal fourth quarter, which starts in May. Read more about Jewelry Chain Zales Looks to Cut More Costs …

Local jewelry designer calls Oscar trip a success
Canada.com, Canada
Trevor Newell, Leader-Post
Published: Monday, February 25, 2008

At least one Canadian walked away from the Academy Awards a winner.

Rachel Mielke, founder of the Regina company Hillberg & Berk, spent several days in Los Angeles, where she showed her jewelry designs to Hollywood celebrities prior to Sunday’s ceremony. In a phone interview on Monday, she said the trip was well worth it.

“It was even better than I had hoped for,” she said. “I didn’t get to check out much of the Oscar party scene, but I was down here to accomplish a goal.”

Mielke was able to generate a lot of interest in Read more about Local jewelry designer calls Oscar trip a success …

Newstar offers fine jewelry and service
Joliet Herald News, IL
February 24, 2008

From submitted reports

Newstar Jewelers, one of the area’s largest and most successful jewelers, continues to remain in the forefront with outstanding quality and knowledgeable and professional service.

Newstar was founded on the concept of selling only the best fine jewelry and backing sales with service to match. Whether it’s purchasing that important piece, or having a well-loved piece repaired, the experts at Newstar stand ready to help. Read more about Newstar offers fine jewelry and service …