Steve Forbes, Rick Harrison, Red Envelope Founder to Speak at GIA Symposium

The Gemological Institute of America Symposium 2011 will include keynotes and lectures from those in business, the jewelry trade and of course, scientists and gemologists, as it tries to tackle the most pressing issues that impact the global gem and jewelry industry.

The trade only international conference of gem industry business leaders and research scientists, being held May 29-30 at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad, will include Steve Forbes, Rick Harrison and Scott Galloway.

Steve Forbes

Forbes, chairman of Forbes Media and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, will deliver the keynote address for Symposium 2011: “Advancing the Science and Business of Gems.”

Forbes has launched a variety of new publications and businesses, including: ForbesLife, the dedicated luxury lifestyle and culture magazine; ForbesWoman, providing Forbes’ community of executive women with luxury lifestyle content; Forbes Asia; and Forbes licensee editions published in China, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Korea, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia and Turkey. The company also publishes a number of investment newsletters. Another division of the company is Forbes Investors Advisory Institute. Forbes.com attracts 18 million unique visitors a month and has become the leading destination site for senior business decision-makers and investors.

A widely respected economic prognosticator, Forbes is the only writer to have won the highly prestigious Crystal Owl Award for accurate economic forecasting four times. In addition, he has authored multiple books on leadership, economics and capitalism.

Forbes campaigned for the American presidency in 1996 and 2000. President Ronald Reagan named him chairman of the bi-partisan Board for International Broadcasting, where Forbes served from 1985 until 1993.

GIA Symposium’s Business Track Sessions are divided into two categories: “Advancing the Business of Gems” and “Advances in Gemological Research.”

Rick Harrison

Harrison of History’s reality television series Pawn Stars, will participate on the “Everything Old is New Again – The Appeal of Auctions, Estate & Vintage Markets” panel.

Pawn Stars chronicles the daily activities at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop located on the Las Vegas strip, a third-generation family business operated by Harrison, and his father and son. Harrison, trained in the pawn business from the age of 13, has showed signs of being a hustler from birth and is known as the “The Spotter” on the show because he easily picks out fake or stolen pieces—especially big-ticket items. Interesting items featured on the show included a 15th-century samurai sword, a Super Bowl ring, a Picasso painting, and a 17th-century stay of execution.

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop was awarded the “Pawnbroker of the Year” award by the National Pawnbroker’s Association for bringing the industry greater recognition and a better image through the TV show.

Other panel and lecture topics include consumer behavior, luxury marketing, design trends, social media, advances in gemstone treatments and technology, new gem localities and the social, political and ethical issues of the production and distribution of gems and jewelry.

Scott Galloway

Galloway, founder of Red Envelope, the online gift giving company, and clinical associate professor for New York University’s Stern School of Business, will present, “The New Rules of Engagement – Finding and Keeping Customers in the Digital Age.” Other speakers include:

* Dilip Mehta, CEO of the Rosy Blue Group,
* Douglas Hucker, CEO of the American Gem Trade Association,
* Wallace Chan, world-renowned jewelry designer,
* Stuart Robertson, a leading gemstone research and pricing expert,
* Ken Royal, senior client service manager of Gallup,
* Gary Schuler, senior vice president for Sotheby’s and head of the company’s Jewelry Department since 2002.

“Symposium 2011 brings together an impressive and inspiring combination of thought leaders from the world of business,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief marketing officer, who is co-chair of the business track for Symposium. “These experts will explore important topics from a wide range of perspectives, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insight into the most important business advancements shaping the gem and jewelry industry.”

GIA Symposium 2011 will commemorate the 80th anniversary of GIA with events that celebrate the Institute’s commitment to serving the public and trade through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development.

For more information or to register, visit the Symposium website or e-mail symposium2011@gia.edu.

Michael Kors Signs Jewelry License with Fossil

Michael Kors

American fashion designer Michael Kors, Inc. is partnering with Fossil, Inc. to create the Michael Kors Fall 2011 jewelry collection, offering women's earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Michael Kors first partnered with Fossil in 2004 to launch the Michael Kors watch line. With the support of Fossil's global watch business, the jewelry collection will draw upon the iconic details that represent the designer, according to a joint statement. Through the use of chain detail, mixed materials and iconic hardware, the pieces will offer a new product category but will also maintain the metal finishes and leather detailing that coincide with the brand’s current accessories lines.

Price points for pieces within the collection will range from $100 to $500. The jewelry will be available in select Michael Kors retail stores worldwide and sold through limited domestic and European wholesale partners beginning in Fall 2011.

“I've always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman's outfit,” Kors said. "Now … I can deliver the full spectrum of the Michael Kors vision for a truly fabulous look.”

"We believe there is a strong demand for luxury fashion jewelry,” added John D. Idol, Michael Kors, Inc. CEO. “This category represents a natural extension of the Michael Kors brand as an essential component in completing the jet-set lifestyle.”

Fossil Inc. is known for its Fossil branded business and for its multi-brand watch and jewelry business. The Fossil brand consists of watches and accessories as well as clothing and is distributed globally through retail partners and through its 364 Fossil stores. The multi-brand watch and jewelry business consists of a portfolio of owned and licensed brands.

Photo credit: Ed Kavishe for Fashion Wire Press from Wikipedia

The Rebellious, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Right-Hand Watch from MB&F

The HM3 ReBel timepiece from MB&F.

The creators of groundbreaking Horological Machine (HM) wristwatch, MB&F, poke the establishment firmly in its “conservatively focused eye” with its newest version of the technically advanced timepiece, the HM3 ReBel.

With this release, all set for Baselworld next week, the boutique Swiss watch firm is passing itself off “as the wild child of haute horlogerie; the lone biker in a black leather jacket when everyone else is wearing grey suits and driving Volvos.”

The “R” in ReBel stands for right (as in hand) and the uppercase “B” means Black (for the case color). The black-coated ReBel is a “rock ‘n’ roll mirror-image” of the HM3 (the third generation of the time machine) designed to be worn on the right wrist—unlike all those fuddy-duddy left-wrist watch wearers.

Like a true rebel, the HM3 ReBel isn’t quite as it first appears, the company said in a statement. Under the ReBel's black PVD-treated white gold case, are charcoal-colored movement plates and bridges that form a darkened backdrop to the 22k rotor.

The HM3 ReBel is also a highly technical wristwatch as well as a statement of attitude. The ReBel's twin cones ergonomically indicate the hours and minutes, with the hour cone capped by a day/night indicator. The top caps of the truncated cones are brazed (not glued) to ensure maximum water-resistance and the red “hands” of the hour and minute indicators are cut by laser to obtain the high precision/minimum mass ratio.

White gold clover-head screws on top of the black case resemble rivets in an upmarket biker's leather jacket, while the large, legible numbers of the over-sized date wheel around the rotor enable the date to be read off easily against an engraved triangle on the case.

The rotor and oscillating balance on top provide a clue that the ReBel's movement, featuring no less than 36 functional jewels and 304 components, is actually inverted. Turning the “Machine” over reveals the technical secret behind the powerful and superbly hand-finished engine: Two large-diameter, high-tech ceramic bearings inside bright blue cages efficiently transmitting power up to the time indication cones and date wheel.

HM3 ReBel is available in limited edition of 18 pieces in black PVD-treated white gold, blackened movement and 22k gold rotor.

Picciotto and Busser

The founder of MB&F, Maximilian Busser, made quite a rebellious choice for the new timepiece’s brand ambassador: Laurent Picciotto. He isn’t a rock star or a movie actor, he is owner of Chronopassion, the world famous Parisian luxury watch store. He is also the flamboyant, eccentric and charismatic promoter of luxury watches. In addition to his haute horlogerie credentials, he’s an accomplished musician and fanatical fan of American rock ‘n’ roll. And he was an early support of Busser when he started MB&F in 2005.

Picciotto is the centerpiece of the company’s advertising campaign for the watch. In the black-and-white ads he slings a black 1972 Les Paul Custom by Gibson, wearing a Lucien Pellat Finet black jacket, black Gérard Sené shoes and Marlboro cigarette. In one photo he and Busser hold the Gibson guitar up high and upside down (pictured above). Of course they are both wearing the HM3 ReBel timepiece on their rebellious right hands.

Watch Review: Equipe Caters to Gearheads

No one would ever accuse the watch brand, Equipe, of not knowing its market. The company’s new line of watches are made to appeal to people who like to spend their afternoons under the hood of muscle car and their evenings showing off their polished high-performance vehicles to women who are as attractive as the bikini models on the company’s pinup calendar. For a little extra fun on a hot summer night, they might turn to street racing.

A company that caters to such a specific set of American-car fanatics could only be headquartered in the Motor City. Detroit seems to be in the midst of revival as commercials and television shows are showcasing the city’s grittiness and survival instinct. So maybe the timing is right for such a watch company to appear from the belly of automotive beast. But while the city and American cars may be experiencing a revival, this is a company that is also trying to jump on the nostalgia bandwagon—taking people back to a place when cars with large engines built for straight speed and power were the symbol of status and cool for many America males.

The folks at Equipe sent four watches to me for review. Pushing the car theme to extreme limits, all their watches are named after car parts. The ones they loaned to me were named: Balljoint, Paddle, Dash XXL and Hemi. In addition, each watch has its own VIN number and they come with a “presentation case” that the company says resembles a tool box, but to me looks more like an elaborate portable safe with its own combination lock. The four watches retail from $399 to $899, which makes them quite accessible compared to watches from European manufacturers that cater to car buffs.

All the watches made of surgical stainless steel with screw-down crowns and screw-in casebacks. They use Miyota automatic movements made by Citizen. The company says the watch hands are luminous but I did not notice this. They all include date indication, chronographs and dual time zones functions. Watch straps are either made of leather, silicone or surgical stainless steel.

Setting all the watches and using the chronograph features was fairly easy with the exception of one glaring, vitally important issue: With the exception of the Dash, the crown on each watch was extremely difficult to pull into the third position for setting the time. It was nearly impossible to move the crown to the second position for setting the date. 

Ballpoint
This was my favorite of the four watches. It is also the most expensive at $899. The price is because it has four flexible lugs that move 360 degrees, adjusting to the movement of the wrist. The design is nice as well, with a round yellow dial, chronograph dials designed to look like a timing chain and silicon wristband fitted my wrist the best of all models. 

Paddle
My second favorite of the four gets its name from the lever-shaped bars above and beneath the crown that emulate paddle shifters, which control the chronograph hands. The round white dial is attractive and the uni-directional rotating bezel is interesting and the leather strap is nice. It’s a watch that felt good on my wrist. It retails for $399.

 Dash XXL
The most car-authentic watch in the group has an elongated watch face that is designed to look like the dashboard of a vintage auto, such as the Chrysler Imperial and Lincoln Continental, the company says. It’s certainly something to look at while driving. It was also the easiest to set and use. The drawback for me was the feel. The watch spreads across the wrist and the silicone strap had a lot of stretch to it. I found myself adjusting the watch often. It retails for $499.

Hemi
Guess what this watch is named after? The design of the oversized round black watch is interesting. Like the Balljoint, the subdials of the chronograph are designed to look like a timing chain. The crowns and pushers are made to resemble the contours of the piston of the famous Chrysler engine. The metal bracelet fully closed was too large for my wrist. It has a magnified crystal cover that makes the watch appear even larger. It’s a large watch for a large person who likes large things. It retails for $599.

Conference to Examine Substance, Significance and Symbol of Gold

Mary Lee Hu, Choker, 1991, 18 Karat and 22 Karat Gold. Photo courtesy: Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery, Seattle.

An upcoming conference will take an all-embracing look at gold will be April 8 and 9 at the Graduate Center City University of New York. The conference, Gold Substance, Significance, and Symbol, will consider the precious metal it in all its physical manifestations—from mineral, to ingot, to coinage, to jewelry—and at all stages of its production and use.

The conference will explore contemporary approaches to mining, with close attention paid to sustainable and socially and environmentally conscious extraction and the related subjects of the increasing use of reclaimed metal and corporate social responsibility. It will look at gold throughout history, and collectors and collections of gold. In addition, it will extend beyond gold’s role as a repository of value, and consider its symbolism and how that has evolved over time. Finally, the event will examine contemporary work in gold, by large firms or individual artisans who continue to shape this intensely coveted metal into objects of beauty and utility.

The event will include an evening reception at Aaron Faber Gallery and a screening of the award-winning film, Red Gold complement formal sessions. Speakers will include: Juan Carlos Artigas, Investment Research Manager, World Gold Council; Marilyn F. Cooperman, jewelry designer; Bonnie Gestring, Northwest Circuit Director, EARTHWORKS; Mary Lee Hu, goldsmith and educator; and Géza von Habsburg, art historian, exhibition curator.

Registration is $350 and $150 for students. To register online, follow this link.

Retail Sales Continue to Show Improvement

Improvements in the U.S. economy bolstered retailer’s February sales, reflecting improved consumer sentiment as it relates to spending, according to the National Retail Federation.

Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) for February 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from January and 4.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year, NRF said.

“Retailers have done a commendable job keeping their inventory levels where they need to be, while still offering attractive promotions for those who are eager to spend,” said Matthew Shay NRF president and CEO. “The big challenge retailers will face in the coming months, however, will be going head to head with high cotton, food and energy prices.”

“February retail sales are in sync with evidence of the expanding economy,” added Jack Kleinhenz NRF chief economist. “While February is typically a slow month for retailers, consumers showed their spending power, though it’s too soon to tell what type of impact the spike in gasoline prices will have on consumers this spring.”

February retail sales released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 9.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year.  

Clothing and clothing accessory stores sales increased 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and improved 4.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Department stores showed strength with a gain of 1 percent over January but saw a decline of 1.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Sales at building material, garden equipment and supplies dealers, a sector hit hard by the collapsed housing market, rose 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from January and 9.6 percent unadjusted over last year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales increased 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 5.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Sales at health and personal care stores slowed from the previous month, decreasing 0.3 percent adjusted from January, but grew 5.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year. The opposite is true for electronics and appliance stores whose sales increased 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted from the previous month but decreased 1.7 percent unadjusted over last year.

Lady Gaga Designs Bracelet to Benefit Japanese Relief Efforts, Updated

Photo credit: Lady Gaga Official Store website.

Pop icon Lady Gaga has created a prayer bracelet to benefit the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The simple white bracelet has the words “We Pray for Japan” in red letters in English and Japanese. It is available for $5 on her official store website. However, Gaga encourages people to spend extra for the bracelet. All proceeds will go toward Japan relief efforts, according to the website.

“Little Monsters, show your support for Japan with this ‘We Pray For Japan’ wristband!,” the website reads. “Choose your price to add an additional donation with your wristband. All proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.”

The bracelet can be purchased now for pre-order and will ship on or around March 25, the website reads.

The death toll from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami is expected to rise to the tens of thousands, according to official Japanese sources. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese residents have lost their homes and other belongings. The deaths and damages affect more than a quarter of Japan's 47 prefectures (counties). In addition, nuclear power plants in the region are in a precarious situation.

Update 4:48 p.m.: Lady Gaga tweeted: "Monsters: in just 48 hrs you've raised a quarter of a million dollars for Japan Relief."