Jewelry, Jewellery

Charles & Colvard, Ltd., the global source of moissanite, a created jewel available for use in fine jewelry, reported Thursday that net sales in the fourth quarter decreased 35 percent to $7.9 million year-over-year. Gross profit fell 42 percent to $5.4 million year-over-year.

Gross profit margins decreased 830 basis points to 68.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007 from 76.9 percent in the comparable quarter of 2006 primarily, as a result of higher production costs during the period being relieved from inventory, the Morrisville, N.C.-based company said.

Its domestic sales for the period, ended Dec.

(Full post Charles & Colvard Sales Down 35%…)

Jewelry Designer

There's so much jewelry available online, and most of it is so similar. As I've said before, anyone can hang a bead on a chain. So I spend hours and hours looking for unique jewelry to write about for my blogs. I look for unique designs, clever use of materials, and innovative color combinations.

I think I've found all three in Ann Curciol's jewelry. She uses lots of brass and copper in her designs, and earthy natural gemstones, which I love.
(Full post Ann Curciol…)

M&G Jewelers, which services most major national retail outlets in America, is celebrating 15 years of jewelry repair with a move to a 10,000-square-foot jewelry repair center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

The Grand opening will be held March 8, at 6:30 p.m., under the auspices of the Consul General of Colombia.

M&G owners are Juan Guevara and Michael Insalago.

(Full post M&G Celebrates 15 Years with New Facility…)

All 16 lots sold during the diamond industry’s first online auction of rough, held yesterday. Diamdel, a De Beers Group supplier of rough diamonds with offices in Antwerp, Hong Kong and Tel Aviv, Israel, ran the auction.

Prior to the event, Diamdel made all lots available for viewing to potential buyers.
(Full post First online rough-diamond auction sells out…)

Online diamond and jewelry retailer Blue Nile, Inc. said Monday it will offer international shipping service to 12 new countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan will be added to the growing roster of countries that the Seattle-based company is serving.

In 2007, Blue Nile’s international sales grew over more than 100 percent to $17.2 million, the company said.

"We are very excited to announce the next step in the company’s expansion into new markets," said Mark Vadon, chief executive officer.

(Full post Blue Nile Adds 12 International Markets…)

Superocean Héritage Chronograph by BREITLING

TT3 GrandPrix Limited Edition by ORIS

The Breitling Superocean Héritage Chronograph and Oris TT3 GrandPrix Limited Edition watches will both debut at Baselworld 2008.

(Full post Baselword Preview: BREITLING and ORIS…)

If the diamond ring you were lusting after didn’t show up in your Christmas stocking, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. In another indication of the slowing consumer economy, jewelry retailers reported disappointing sales for November and December, suggesting that shoppers resisted the temptation to load up on pricey gemstones.

Tiffany & Co. and Zale Corp. reported 2 and 9 percent declines, respectively, in comparable-store sales for November and December from the same period in 2006.

(Full post Luxury Jewelry Market Feels Shoppers’ Pain - JB News Feed…)

Tissot has announced the launching of its new collection of daily watches inspired by the aesthetics of the professional car racing.

For men and women who prefer active style of life and look for the shortest way to the sporty style Tissot has produced T-TRACX that is a new revolutionary chronograph. T-TRACX collection reflects the spirit of elegance of the racing highest speeds.

(Full post New Tissot T-TRACX…)

The Board of Directors of Diamond Development Initiative International has named Dorothée Gizenga as its first executive director. The appointment will take effect on March 17.
 
Gizenga, a native the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a Canadian who holds degrees in chemistry and economics. She has worked with the provincial government of Ontario and the Canadian Federal Government, and has worked extensively with community organizations in Canada and Africa.

(Full post DDI International Names Executive Director…)

The Eterna Soleure collection was named after the little town Solothurn (Soleure in French) that is situated at the south side of the Jura mountains in Switzerland, where the Eterna watch brand was started. The Soleure Moonphase Chronograph Monopusher is a very classy looking chrono. Moon-phase indicator, time in the second time zone and chronograph are all included in this 42mm wristwatch.