AGTA publishes Retailers' Reference Guide
AGTA
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) announced that they have finished production of the CIBJO Retailers' Reference Guide, a comprehensive reference book designed to assist sales associates in the retail store in providing correct information to clients. The book is the result of a collaborative effort by CIBJO members around the globe and covers colored gemstones, diamonds, pearls and precious metals.More

AGTA GemFair reveals leading buyer trends
Diamond World
The American Gem Trade Association GemFair show is considered a reliable barometer for the hottest gemstone trends. According to an AGTA press release, several types of gems have proven themselves buyers' favorites this year, including tourmaline, spinel, quartz and garnet; as well as several lesser-known gems, some of which were previously considered collector's gemstones. Other show favorites were the more unusual cherry topaz and Paraiba tourmaline, as well as combinations of unusual cuts and shapes in all gem types.More

Pantone releases Fashion Color Report Fall 2010
Dexigner
Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2010 features the top 10 colors for women's fashion for fall 2010, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots. The release of the Pantone Fashion Color Report coincides with the beginning of New York Fashion Week. "Mindful of consumers' need for practicality, plus their desire for newness, designers offer many options for women to extend and embellish their wardrobes this fall," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Building on the color palette from spring, this season's offerings include innovative takes on fundamental basics, as well as transporting, lively colors that conjure images of travel and adventure, whether real or aspirational."More

Kenya arrests main suspect in Bridges murder
The Washington Post
Kenyan police have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of a world-renowned Scottish gemstones expert who was killed by a mob last August in an apparent mining rights dispute, police sources said. Campbell Bridges, a 71-year-old geologist and gemologist owned several mines in the area. He was attacked there by a mob on Aug. 11.More

U.S. retail sales rise brightens recovery picture
Reuters
Sales at U.S. retailers were unexpectedly strong last month, suggesting consumers were feeling a little more comfortable to spend and improving prospects for first-quarter economic growth. Retail sales rose 0.5 percent as consumers stepped up spending not only on essential goods but luxury items as well, the Commerce Department said.More

Zultanite: A cut above
Color N Ice Blog
Gem cutters must learn the tendencies of each stone they cut in order to successfully shape the gem into the desired pattern. Imagine the task of cutters attempting to polish the gem quality diaspore, or Zultanite. They must master the stone in order not to shatter the crystal. Diamonds may lose between 40 to 60 percent of their original size when being polished. But Zultanite will lose up to a whopping 98 percent of its crystal before the cutting process is complete.More

Industry leaders, GIA discuss consumer confidence
Rapaport
Industry leaders representing global diamond exchanges announced earlier this month that they met with the Gemological Institute of America on Jan. 27 in New York to discuss ways to continue to build consumer confidence in the diamond industry.More

CIBJO issues diamond, pearl reports
National Jeweler
CIBJO's diamond commission has revealed that its annual report calls for a renewed effort on coming up with industrywide nomenclature that accurately distinguishes between natural and lab-grown diamonds. This report and another addressing issues dealing with pearls were released prior to the 2010 CIBJO Congress, set to kick off Feb. 19 in Munich, Germany.More

Lady Gaga wears hundreds of pearls glued to her body to perform new song 'Future Love' at amfAR gala
New York Daily News
Lady Gaga took classy pearls to an extreme at the Feb. 10 amfAR charity gala in New York. The over-the-top performer attended the event wearing hundreds of white pearls glued to her face, stomach and legs, reports the Daily Mail.More

Peiro's jewelry takes stage at New York Fashion Week
IDEX
It's fashion week in New York. The catwalks are built and the bulbs are flashing. Jewelry usually takes a backseat to the clothes and ends up somewhere in the accessories closet. This year, however, renowned jewelry designer Didier Peiro paired his collection with Andres-Aquinos couture line at Feb. 13's Couture show in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria.More