JCK Las Vegas: Fiebig Says It’s a Good Time to Sell Color
from JCK Online
Retailer turned color gemstone consultant Jim Fiebig, of SellMoreColor.com, encouraged jewelers to explore more color in their inventory. He said the current shakeup in the economy is the perfect time to explore new materials. Once retailers have decided to sell more color, it's time to promote it. The American Gem Trade Association has images of finished jewelry set with colored stones. More

Congress Asked to Revisit Burmese Ruby Ban
from National Jeweler
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) and several other jewelry organizations worldwide have united to urge Congress to consider lifting the U.S. ban on rubies imported from Myanmar. "We're asking Congress to re-address this issue," AGTA President Doug Hucker said during an educational seminar at the JCK Las Vegas show. "We feel that this [embargo] is not going to achieve the expected goals." More

Ladies Go Bright on the MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet
from Popsugar
There was a lot of color on the red carpet lat the MTV Movie Awards in LA. Audrina Patridge led the sparkly parade in her sequined gown, while Paris Hilton and Vanessa Hudgens opted for similarly bright tones. Vanessa's breezy dress matched the sunshine, though she looked a little chilly as the night started to set in. Kristen Stewart showed her tomboy side by accessorizing with Chuck Taylors, and Megan Fox slicked her hair back and sported a LBD. More

Whiskey Colored Sapphires Ornament Nubeo Black Mamba
from SF Men’s Luxury Style Examiner
The outer face and bezel of new Nubeo Black Mamba are covered in whiskey colored sapphire crystals, making for a stellar look on the large 48mm wide cased timepiece that is as much a piece of art as it is a solid time telling instrument. This is an amazing watch to behold. More

Tiffany's First Quarter Profit Tumbles, But Meets View
from The Associated Press
Jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. said Friday that its first-quarter profit plunged 62 percent as sales tumbled, particularly in the U.S., as consumers continued to shy away from luxury purchases. Still, the earnings matched Wall Street's expectations and the company maintained its profit outlook for the full year. Tiffany said it cut spending in the first quarter to offset weak sales by cutting 10 percent of staff - or 900 people - and lowering marketing spending. More

Luxury Market Perspective: Affluent Customers Plan Less Spending
from American Chronicle
Record low levels of spending by affluent consumers for both entertainment and recreational activities are suggested by the most recent survey in a series of twice-yearly studies that began in Spring 2002. Negative attitudes about the current economy and the economic outlook for the next 12 months are contributing to plans for reducing entertainment and recreation expenditures by affluent consumers during the next year, according to the Spring 2009 Affluent Market Tracking Study #15 conducted by The American Affluence Research Center. More

NY Tax Crackdown Targets Jewelers
from WTEN Albany
New York law enforcers are cracking down on jewelry stores that offer cash discounts to avoid sales tax. Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said Tuesday three stores and their presidents have been indicted for tax violations. It's part of an ongoing investigation that resulted in three convictions last year. More