Spring is Finally Here!

We all know that spring and vivid colors go hand in hand. So why not celebrate it by wearing bold and bright Colored Gemstones. They’re perfect to bring a pop of color to your outfit or even your showcase! Here are some gemstones that carry the spirit of spring.

Peridot

With a beautiful shade of green what other gemstone wouldn’t be better to represent spring? This gemstone is believed to be a gift from Mother Nature herself to celebrate the return of spring. It has also been said to be a sacred stone that brings wisdom, enlightenment and wards off negative energy (especially when worn as a pendant).

Justice Jewelers in Springfield, MO has a 14 Karat Yellow Gold Peridot & Diamonds Dangle Earrings Contain 2 Oval Peridot Stones 1.54

Aquamarine

Like bright blue seas and clear skies this gem will bring serenity to your life.  It is said to have fallen from the jewelry boxes of mermaids and washed up on beaches. Sailors wore the aquamarine gem as protection from dangers at sea. Symbolizing both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships, the Aquamarine gem is perfect for anniversary gifts. This gem has also been said to reawaken love in a tired marriage.

Hudson-Poole in Tuscaloosa, AL has this beautiful 18K White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring

Ruby

The boldness of rubies matches the boldness of spring. The ruby is one of the most highly prized gems throughout history. Hindus call it “Rajnapura” meaning King of gems. When worn on the left hand it is said to bring good fortune. The glow of this gemstone is said to be an internal flame that cannot be extinguished making a gift of this stone symbolic of everlasting love.

Lauray’s Jewelers in Hot Springs, AR will blow you away with with these beautiful earrings featuring 88 brilliant diamonds, 4 sliced Rubies and 2 moonstones. Total Ruby Weight 6.35 Carat, Total Moonstone Weight 10.96, Total Diamond Weight 1.32 Carat

Amethyst

The word Amethyst actually comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning sober. Ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone would protect them from intoxication. The amethyst strengthens the bond in a love relationship, making the amethyst gemstone ideal for unique engagement rings. It is also believed to protect people with their struggles and help them overcome difficulty.

This beautiful bracelet from Amidon Jewelers in Hanover, NH has 6 X 4 mm : 20 Oval Amethyst weighing approximately 8 1/2Cts. and 20 diamond weighing approximately 1/2cts set in 14K WG.

Citrine

The bright and warm sun will always be with you when you have citrine jewelry in your collection. Citrine derives from the old French word, “citrin”, meaning lemon.  This gemstone ranges in color from the lightest yellow to a dark amber. A Citrine gemstone jewelry is perfect for someone who is going thru tough times because it is symbolic for hope and strength.

Sachs Jewelers in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 14k Yellow Gold 14mm x 10.00mm Polished Genuine Citrine & Diamond ring

Craftsmanship is a serious business in their studio. Created by skilled art schooled graduates (not jewelers) this stunning collection is like no other.  To set themselves apart from other jewelers, each artist is trained with the techniques of Plevé. Instead of setting diamonds in traditional metal settings, they use a new patented technology that utilizes lightly cured dental ceramic to hold the diamonds securely in place. Every design made has its own unique mosaic pattern.

There are a few things that take place to give each piece its customized look. First, the ceramic is placed in silver or 18k gold fixtures. Then, by the hands of skilled artist the diamonds are placed into a one-of-a-kind mosaic design. Diamond colors vary from browns to grays and each piece has a silver or black border to enhance the look. An Instructional Video is also available on Rizzo’s website that explains the process.

They practice the best principles and only work with conflict free, natural diamonds. Stone sizes on smaller pieces range from .005 ct. t.w. to 0.25 ct. t.w. Some of the bigger pieces have 0.50 ct. t.w.–0.70 ct. t.w. stones.  Also, the ceramic is able to be stained to enhance each pieces effect.  Suggested Retail prices on silver pieces start off at $1,000 and the 18K gold pieces start off at $3,000.

The Plevé studio has a passionate attitude towards creating custom orders. Anything that your mind can imagine the studio can create. They have made the process to your creating custom order so comfortable that you are able to visualize the steps to the final product with them. If you think Plevé’s Diamond Mosaic Jewelry will add uniqueness  to your showcase than stop by Universal Pacific’s booth at the CBG show in Las Vegas to check it out.

Snow Leopard. A mix of White, Cognac, and Black Diamonds. Inspired by the beautiful patterns of asnow leopard. Platinum-Sterling.

Yellow & White. An abstract pattern of Yellow, Grey, and White Diamonds. Platinum-Sterling Silver

Cinnamon. A mix of Cognac, Yellow, Black, Red, and White Diamonds. All framed in 18 Karat Gold.

Known for its style, elegance, versatility and flexibility, sterling silver jewelry can put the finishing touches on any outfit. Whether you’re wearing a causal t-shirt and jeans, office attire, or that little black dress for a night out on the town, it will give you an allure that is hard to match. The beauty of sterling is that you can add a gem or a semi precious stone and take it from being something simple and causal, to something that is stunning and glamorous. It adapts effortlessly to all fashion trends without  sacrificing anyone’s personal sense of style. Its allure remains undiminished as it continues to evoke the thought of simple luxury.

Pure silver on its own is too soft and not practical for jewelry. Therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to make it hardy and tough while preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. There are a few things you can do to care for your sterling silver. The easiest would be to go out and purchase a polishing cloth.  These special soft cloths will never scratch or harm your finest silver jewelry. The cloth has an extremely fine polishing compound on one side and the other side is used to buff the silver. If you don’t have a cloth to prevent tarnishing, you should use water and a mild detergent to clean it after you have worn it. Since Sterling Silver is softer than other metals you should not use anything that could leave abrasions.

Check out some of our CBG silver manufacturer!

Nomination offers this gorgeous double necklace

On March 20th & 21st Andie and Joe were were the only retail organization invited and represented at the first annual Forevermark Partner Forum at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. About 150 U.S. retailers were invited and more than 80 percent attended.

At the forum, Forevermark unveiled a “beacon-type” program as the new focal point for their fourth quarter marketing campaign. The past beacon program intended to drive demand for diamond jewelry with designs that include three-stone jewelry, Journey Diamond Jewelry and the right hand ring.  Details on the new program are obviously exclusive to manufactures and retailers that have signed up with Forevermark.

Amongst the unveiling, retailers attended seminars on merchandising, digital marketing, public relations, grading and inscription, and supply. The company also launched its Forevermark Online Trading Network. This network will allow retailers to search online for loose diamonds available from Forevermark supply-side partners (similar to RapNet). Along with the network they announced an  e-learning online training program for Forevermark jewelers and had a small trade show where they displayed their new collection and inventory so that retailers could place orders.

Stephen Lussier, CEO of Forevermark had this to say,” Our goal is to offer U.S. consumers unbeatable assurances through Forevermark’s promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.” He also said, “The Forum has allowed for unique partnerships to be cultivated, leading to a stronger future and path to success for the brand and our partners.”

From March 1st -15th the creators of the Passion Cut Diamond, ADR Kropveld, organized a giveaway on their Facebook page in honor of women’s history month and to celebrate the achievements of women. “Social media is the perfect platform for product sample giveaways,” said Har, “and it is appropriate to our brand to honor women who live life with passion, such as the tenacious and courageous women throughout history.” Winners of the event received a passion cut, half-carat loose diamond with a personally inscription. Each valued at approximately $1,650.

The only thing participants had to do was like the Passion Cut Facebook page and enter the giveaway. One winner was selected from one of six exclusive Passion Cut Diamond retailers in six cities from FL, NC, IL, WI, WA, and CA. Bailey’s Fine Jewelry in Raleigh, NC is one of those retailers and also a proud member of PJI. On March 21st they announced the six lucky winners that were randomly drawn: Linda Ziegler, Wausau, WI; Gina Matthews, San Mateo, CA; Aaron English, Seattle, WA; Blake Lancaster, Ocean Isle, NC; Velder Dixon, Gary, IN; and Chelsea Wimsatt, Gainesville, FL.

Passion Cut patent-holder and ADR Kropveld partner Yariv Har said, “There are a lot of happy new owners of Passion Cut diamonds today. I’ll be hand-selecting the rough stones myself, which will then be cut especially for each winner, complete with their personalized inscriptions. I will be personally overseeing the whole process.”

To learn more about Passion Cut, please visit www.facebook.com/PassionCut.

About The Passion Cut Diamond

The Passion Cut’s innovative design creates a more brilliant diamond for approximately one-third the cost of a traditional, Ideal cut stone. For decades, the 57-facet Ideal cut was the standard adopted worldwide. Today, the Passion Cut has modernized that standard with an additional 24 facets to bring the number of cuts to 81, enabling a better light return through the center of the stone and, by extension, a brilliance that far outshines more expensive Ideal cuts of the same size.

The Passion Cut Diamond has been developed by ADR Kropveld Diamonds Ltd. ADR Kropveld Diamonds Ltd. obtains rough diamonds from the finest mines in the world. All diamonds come from “conflict free” rough diamonds and are mined and sold to the company with full Kimberly certificates.

They have 5 collections to choose from:

The Signature Collection is full of timeless and elegantly designed pieces  that will never go out of style. Their hand crafted sterling silver earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets feature both precious and semi precious stones all that can be enjoyed for years to come.

The Panos Konidas Collection is inspired by European Architecture. It brings together old world class with modern sophistication to create this stunning line or jewelry. The hand crafted details create texture that links to the foundation of great cities and the elegant lines bring modern style into the collection.

The Earth’s Wind & Fire Collection derives its inspiration from the endless beauty of the natural environment. Elegantly framed in sterling silver the main focal point of each piece of art is a semi-precious stone.  Each stone has its own natural footprint making every creation dramatically unique.

The Marquise Collection is inspired by the world’s most legendary dynasties and features majestic designs in bold sizes. This luxurious collection includes earrings, necklaces, and rings that showcase impressive sized stones.  Gemstones such as rose quartz, black onyx, blue lace agate and moonstone are cut Cabochon and checkered patterns to make you feel like royaity.

The Ink Collection is pioneering the street finish look by deriving inspiration from the world’s most brilliant and edgy tattoos. The line includes sterling silver rings, necklaces and bracelets in bold designs for the confident man and woman.

Here some of our PJI Members that carry Metalsmiths Sterling.

Brodkey Brothers in Omaha, Nebraska

Blue Topaz Set

Justice Jewelers in Springfeild, Missouri

Sterling Silver Small Labrodorite Pendant

Lasker Jewelers in Claire, Wisconsin

Hand crafted Sterling Sliver antique angel wings pendant

Founder of Northeastern Fine Jewelry in Schenectady, NY, and Parliamentarian of the CBG board of directors, Ray Blesser, has just been appointed chair of the board of directors of the Chamber of Schenectady County! His 2 year term began in January 2012.

In his newly appointed position, Ray will strive to influence economic growth for the members of over 1,000 local and regional businesses and the community. His goal is to increase membership by 15% and coordinate spectacular events for the members of the Chamber of Schenectady County.

During an interview with the Chamber of Schenectady Blesser said, “I believe in Schenectady County and think the future for this region is incredibly bright, largely in part due to the dedication of its residents and the commitment of those who contribute to the success of the local business community,”. He also said, “I am honored to help play a role in our city’s ongoing revitalization efforts and look forward to my new leadership position with The Chamber of Schenectady County.”

Blesser first opened his business back in 1980. He named it Northeastern Coin Gallery. Five years later he decided to concentrate on fine jewelry, thus changing his name businesses name to Northeastern Fine Jewelry. He is now a successful owner of 3 stores in Schenectady, Albany, NY, and Manchester, VT. This Makes him the largest family owned business in the Capital Region. Recently, his store was voted Top Jewelry Store in Metroland’s latest reader’s poll!

We are very proud to have such an outstanding and devoted person on our CBG board. Once again, Congratulations Ray Blesser! We wish you luck on all of your accomplishments and on all your future endeavors!

For more than 45 years Patone Color Institute® has had global authority on color. Last year they choose Honeysuckle to encourage us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. This year they have selected Tangerine Tango to symbolize the energy boost we all need to recharge our spirits and move forward from the past trials that we have had. Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Patone Color Institute® has this to say about the hot new color, “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Here are some of our PJI members who can help you get your “Tangerine Tango” on!

Lusia Graff Jewelers in Colorado Springs, Colorado has a beautiful  Tangerine Tango  Spessartite Necklace. This is a 22 karat  yellow gold necklace, set with 26 oval cut Spessartites medium orange in color with a total weight of approximately 35 carats.  Bezel set between and below the spessartites are 153 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.34 carats.

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If this tantalizing 14 Karat Rose Gold Citrine & Diamond Pendant is more your style. Just tango over to Justice Jewelers in Springfield, Missouri.

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Corbo Jewelers in Rutherford, New Jersey has a round brilliant cut Deep Orange Citrine , with twenty-four sparkling, round brilliant cut diamond accents, intricately arranged to create a fiery halo around the center citrine, and to add even further brilliance to the highly polished, finely crafted 14K White Gold setting

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Do you need some extra luck? This Lucky Orange Frog Pendant from Bremer Jewelers in St. Peoria, Illinois will not only bring you luck, it will also satisfy your need for some Tangerine Tango.  Designed by Belle Etoile these playful frogs feature fine hand-painted enameling in vibrant greens yellows reds and blues to bring you luck and prosperity.

With Valentine’s Day being right around the corner, finding the perfect gift for your love one can be nerve racking. Should you go for something more traditional like a heart shaped box of chocolates with a dozen red roses? Or should you do something more memorable like a weekend getaway to a romantic destination? Any of these suggestions will work but, why not go for something more memorable? Something they can always look back at and cherish forever? Make this Valentine’s Day the one to remember by getting your sweetheart a stunning piece of jewelry. What woman wouldn’t like a heart shaped pendant, diamond stud earrings, a charm bracelet, or anything that sparkles? Men are even wearing jewelry more now than in the past generations. Bracelets, watches, cuff links, rings and even money clips are excellent gift choices for your stud muffin.

For the Ladies

Show her how much you love her with a precious diamond heart pendant. It’s perfect for your wife, girlfriend, mom, sister or any lucky lady that has a special place in your heart. One of our PJI members, Alter’s Gem Jewelry in Beamont, TX, has a gorgeous Diamond Heart Pendant for you.

Let your girlfriend know that you will be true and faithful to her with a heart shaped promise ring. At Brownlee Jewelers in Charlotte, NC you can purchase a beautiful 14Kt White Gold Heart Shaped Ring. It will definitely take her breath away.

Heart shaped earrings will also put a sparkle in that lucky lady’s eye. The Source in Rochester, NY has a beautiful pair of dangling 14kt yellow gold and sterling silver heart earrings to offer you.

For the Men

Men appreciate getting diamond jewelry on Valentine’s Day as well. G.M Pollack in Scarboro, ME offers a masculine Titanium Dual Finish Diamond Bracelet. It has just enough bling to show him your appreciation.

Men’s watches are one of the most important accessories a man can own. Today they come in many different styles, colors, and sizes. Justice Jewelers in Springfield, MO offers a very nice variety of watches to choose from. This one here is a Stainless Steel Gents Bulova Accutron Kirkwood Quartz Chrono Watch.

Does your man wear a lot of suites? Than cuff links will be the perfect accessory for him. Cuff Links are fancy, yet subtle but, claim authority all at the same time. They also show an eye for detail. Corbo Jewelers in Rutherford, NJ has a 14K White Gold Cuff Link with beautiful mother of pearl inlays.

So make this Valentine’s day a memorable one and give your local PJI Jeweler a visit today.

To find a PJI jewelers by you check out our Membership List!

President of DEF and CEO of Mercury Ring Corp, Phyllis Bergman, kicked off the event with a short video. The video explained the purpose of D.E.F. and honored the award winners. Honorees of the event included Varda Shine the Managing Director of Diamond Trading Co., Ivanka Trump of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, Rio Tinto and Rebecca Foerster the manager of its U.S. representative office, and Sterling Jewelers and its Senior Vice President of Merchandising Ed Hrabak.

From Left to Right: Ed Hrabak , Rebecca Foerster, Ivanka Trump, Phyllis Bergman, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry CEO Andrea Hansen and Dr. Ben Chavis, DEF’s senior strategic advisor

D.E.F.’s Mission

Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™  is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Established by individuals and businesses in the diamond and jewelry industries and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa, we believe education is one of the most critical elements that powers society and empowers individuals to realize their full human potential. D.E.F. endeavors to partner with African education organizations that have a proven methodology for helping young people achieve success through self-determination, focus, and opportunity.

Their Vision – Helping Africans Help Africa

The Diamond Empowerment Fund envisions a future when poverty in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource is dramatically reduced through successful fund raising initiatives by the diamond jewelry industry to support projects that educate and empower Africans locally. D.E.F. envisions an effort involving the following:

• Diamond jewelry industry supporting D.E.F. through the sale of their products with donations to the Fund;
• People donating to the Fund and also choosing to purchase diamond jewelry products that support D.E.F’s mission;
• African individuals, educational and service organizations, and government entities addressing poverty and education in keeping with D.E.F’s mission.

The “Green Bracelet”

D.E.F.’s offers a few ways to donate and support their mission.  One way to help their cause would be to purchase the “Green Bracelet”. A percentage of the profit supports D.E.F.

The “Green Bracelet” is the symbol of the Diamond Empowerment Fund. The rough diamond and malachite Green Bracelet was created by Simmons Jewelry Co. to help support educational initiatives that develop and empower people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Green has long been associated with the continent of Africa and its rich natural resources. For example, Green is one of the three colors of Pan- Africanism represented in the flags of several countries.

For Simmons Jewelry Company, Green provides inspiration and reminds everyone of Africa’s most important natural resource, the human being.

You can find out how to  purchase the ” Green Bracelet” and support D.E.F’s mission by clicking on this link: http://www.diamondempowerment.org/green-bracelet/

To learn more on how you can help DEF and support the economically disadvantaged people of Africa please go to  http://www.diamondempowerment.org/category/how-you-can-help/

Source: Diamond Empowerment Funds “Mission and Vision Statement” January 11,2012  http://www.diamondempowerment.org/mission/

Source: Diamond Empowerment Funds “Green Bracelet” January 11,2012 http://www.diamondempowerment.org/green-bracelet/