The JA Report: News, Tips & Trends from Jewelers of America

Alert: Undisclosed Synthetic Diamonds Reported at Labs

By Susan Thea Posnock, Assc. Director of Public Affairs

Jewelers of America is closely following news reports that hundreds of undisclosed synthetic diamonds were recently submitted to gem labs in Antwerp, Mumbai and China. The synthetic diamonds in question were mostly .30 to .70 cts, very good to excellent makes, F to J color and VVS to VS clarity. Internal characteristics of the stones were feathers, pinpoints, and small dark crystals.

Given their similarity to natural inclusions, the labs surmise that the stones were intentionally made to simulate natural diamonds. Synthetic stones may not be distinguished from natural diamonds through standard tools such as microscopes.

In order to protect the reputation of your business -- and consumer confidence in the diamond and jewelry supply chain, Jewelers of America urges members to take the following due diligence steps:

Jewelry Trend Fall 2012: Bow Jewelry

Looking ahead to fall trends, one of the top jewelry trends jewelry retailers should snatch up for their showcases is bow jewelry! Feminine and whimsical, bow-tie jewelry will be everywhere this fall, but it's not just for the super sweet. Seen in a variety of styles -- from sterling silver to diamonds, and traditional to free-form designs -- bow jewelry appeals to a range of customers, from young girls and to mature women. 

Get more details on the styles pictured below at our Jewelry Trend Report.

JA to Present Fall Jewelry Trends during June Media Tour

Catch Jewelers of America's Director of Communications, Amanda Gizzi, as she talks fall trends on Morning Shows across the country on June 1st.

As the spokesperson for Jewelry Information Center, Jewelers of America's consumer education arm, Gizzi will be showcasing JA Supplier Member jewelry that represents some of the hottest fall jewelry trends for 2012, including statement earrings and necklaces, royal purple jewelry, bow jewelry, hand-hammered metal, one-of-a-kind gemstones and more.

Video: Top Jewelry Trends to Stock for Fall 2012
In "Shop the Show," Gizzi gives a quick overview of the top jewelry trends to stocking up on at trade shows, like JCK Las Vegas, Couture or the JA New York Show. The short video features JA Supplier Member jewelry and can be viewed at Jewelers of America's eLearning Center at www.jewelers.org.

JA Supplier Members can have their jewelry featured in Jewelry Information Center's media promotions and trend spotlights. For more information, visit www.jewelers.org.

 

JA Seminars & Events @ JCK Las Vegas

We're revving up for Jewelry Week in Las Vegas, May 31-June 4. Jewelers of America will be at the JCK Show at Booth #L110, located in the Lobby of the Mandalay Bay Resort Convention Center. Stop by to learn about our new member discounts and programs -- or find us at these other exciting events:

Six Steps to Prevent Smash, Grab & Run Crime at Your Store

When your jewelry business is closed, it is still a target to criminals. Losses from smash-grab-and-run crimes account for a large portion of claims submitted to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company and seem to be on the rise. Jewelers Mutual recommends the following key precautions to decrease your risks.

Alarms are Not Enough
When you have a properly installed, working alarm system, you can decrease your risk of burglaries. Unfortunately, your alarm system will not deter a smash-grab-and-run burglar. Even inexperienced criminals can smash windows and take merchandise displayed in showcases in just a couple of minutes, long before police can respond to an alarm.

The best way to prevent a smash-grab-and-run crime is to store as much merchandise as possible in safes or vaults and protect glass doors and windows with physical barriers.

Follow these six key steps to avoid smash-grab-and-run crime: